daily Bible verse

[jcribb16]

You back up Jesus words more and more.

He said in this satanic world if you were gonna follow him to pick up your torture stake.The world hates him and his kingdom was no part of this world.So keep praising your dying world.

Im thankful that i never served in the service and never had to kill for the sake of this modern day Sodom and Gomorrhea.

And Alaric...dont question my bravery...if i had to die for my wife or son it would be an easy decision...i wouldnt worry about getting a coffee cup to show i love them.

I realize we are both believers.  Our stances on war, however, differ.  It appears we both, although live by and with God's Word, disagree on whether or not war/fighting is okay.  This comes from a website I use often.  I know it's probably a bit lengthy, but both the Old and New Testaments are supportive of soldiers, war, and fighting, within reasons of security, protection, and defense.  So I would like to share this - thanks for reading through it, if you so choose - but you are not obliged to have to read it.  Thank you...
Oh, and one other thing, the verses are included, however not written out.  If you click to the site, then the links are click-able which shows the verses in their entirety.  Again, thanks...

" The Bible contains plenty of information about serving in the military. While many of the Bible’s references to the military are only analogies, several verses directly relate to this question. The Bible does not specifically state whether or not someone should serve in the military. At the same time, Christians can rest assured that being a soldier is highly respected throughout the Scriptures and know that such service is consistent with a biblical worldview.

The first example of military service is found in the Old Testament (Genesis 14), when Abraham's nephew Lot was kidnapped by Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and his allies. Abraham rallied to Lot's aid by gathering 318 trained men of his household and defeating the Elamites. Here we see armed forces engaged in a noble task—rescuing and protecting the innocent.

Late in its history, the nation of Israel developed a standing army. The sense that God was the Divine Warrior and would protect His people regardless of their military strength may have been a reason why Israel was slow to develop an army. The development of a regular standing army in Israel came only after a strong, centralized political system had been developed by Saul, David, and Solomon. Saul was the first to form a permanent army (1 Samuel 13:2; 24:2; 26:2).

What Saul began, David continued. He increased the army, brought in hired troops from other regions who were loyal to him alone (2 Samuel 15:19-22) and turned over the direct leadership of his armies to a commander-in-chief, Joab. Under David, Israel also became more aggressive in its offensive military policies, absorbing neighboring states like Ammon (2 Samuel 11:1; 1 Chronicles 20:1-3). David established a system of rotating troops with twelve groups of 24,000 men serving one month of the year (1 Chronicles 27). Although Solomon's reign was peaceful, he further expanded the army, adding chariots and horsemen (1 Kings 10:26). The standing army continued (though divided along with the kingdom after the death of Solomon) until 586 B.C., when Israel (Judah) ceased to exist as a political entity.

In the New Testament, Jesus marveled when a Roman centurion (an officer in charge of one hundred soldiers) approached Him. The centurion’s response to Jesus indicated his clear understanding of authority, as well as his faith in Jesus (Matthew 8:5-13). Jesus did not denounce his career. Many centurions mentioned in the New Testament are praised as Christians, God-fearers, and men of good character (Matthew 8:5; 27:54; Mark 15:39-45; Luke 7:2; 23:47; Acts 10:1; 21:32; 28:16).

The places and the titles may have changed, but our armed forces should be just as valued as the centurions of the Bible. The position of soldier was highly respected. For example, Paul describes Epaphroditus, a fellow Christian, as a “fellow soldier” (Philippians 2:25). The Bible also uses military terms to describe being strong in the Lord by putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), including the tools of the soldier—helmet, shield, and sword.

Yes, the Bible does address serving in the military, directly and indirectly. The Christian men and women who serve their country with character, dignity, and honor can rest assured that the civic duty they perform is condoned and respected by our sovereign God. Those who honorably serve in the military deserve our respect and gratitude."

"God has allowed for just wars throughout the history of His people. From Abraham to Deborah to David, God’s people have fought as instruments of judgment from a righteous and holy God. Romans 13:1-4 tells us to submit ourselves to government authorities and that nations have the right to bear the sword against evildoers, both foreign and domestic.

Violence occurs, but we must recognize the difference between holy judgment on sin and our own personal vendettas against those we dislike, which is the inevitable outcome of pride (Psalm 73:6). While men are more prone to accept violence (especially as cultures depict real men as those who never cry, always have a plan, and carry a gun), the wisest man of all time wrote, “Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways” (Proverbs 3:31). Prayer and patience beats violence and anger on any day."

http://www.gotquestions.org/military-Christian.html
http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-violence.html

[falcon9]

To:  alaric99x and falcon9:

I, personally, want to thank you for your service to our country and to any other countries that either or both of you have helped to protect, as well. 

You're welcome.  The United States is the only country I took an oath to protect, as did all of my grandfather, great-grandfather, four uncles, my father, my younger brother and two cousins.  Not all returned to American soil alive but, the fallen were not forgotten either.

Whether Christian or other faith, or no faith, you two are part of a spectacular and brave group of other men and women, who have chosen to go into that field, no matter where sent, and risk your lives (or risked) to protect other people/s and country/ies.  Our nation, and others, wouldn't be as safe as they are, even now, if it weren't for those of you actively engaged in that.

My grandfather was in the Army, served under General Patton; my father was in the Army; my husband and father-in-law are both former Marines, and my oldest son is currently serving in the Navy in his 10th year.  I'm proud of them and what they accomplished and what our son is accomplishing, and like a typical mom, worry to death when he's on deployment in those countries currently at war.

Whenever we see a person in uniform, or if we know it's someone who is in the service, we also go to them and shake their hands and tell them thank you for what they do.  So again, thank you for your commitment and loyalty to America's freedoms and security, as well as to the other countries that need help.  And I'm relieved that you both are safely home on American soil.

"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
--Thomas Jefferson

[jcribb16]

To:  alaric99x and falcon9:

I, personally, want to thank you for your service to our country and to any other countries that either or both of you have helped to protect, as well. 

You're welcome.  The United States is the only country I took an oath to protect, as did all of my grandfather, great-grandfather, four uncles, my father, my younger brother and two cousins.  Not all returned to American soil alive but, the fallen were not forgotten either.

Whether Christian or other faith, or no faith, you two are part of a spectacular and brave group of other men and women, who have chosen to go into that field, no matter where sent, and risk your lives (or risked) to protect other people/s and country/ies.  Our nation, and others, wouldn't be as safe as they are, even now, if it weren't for those of you actively engaged in that.

My grandfather was in the Army, served under General Patton; my father was in the Army; my husband and father-in-law are both former Marines, and my oldest son is currently serving in the Navy in his 10th year.  I'm proud of them and what they accomplished and what our son is accomplishing, and like a typical mom, worry to death when he's on deployment in those countries currently at war.

Whenever we see a person in uniform, or if we know it's someone who is in the service, we also go to them and shake their hands and tell them thank you for what they do.  So again, thank you for your commitment and loyalty to America's freedoms and security, as well as to the other countries that need help.  And I'm relieved that you both are safely home on American soil.

"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
--Thomas Jefferson

Oh, I just noticed you changed the title slightly on your response post!!  "Inverse" - wonder why it's called that in math, but outside of that it's simply, "Reverse!"  Lol!

[falcon9]

Besides being the direct opposite, 'inverse' is a sardonic observation regarding the use of "verse".  It's considered to be 'dry' humor, (it's unclear what "wet" humor would be unless, more blunt).

Oh, I just noticed you changed the title slightly on your response post!!  "Inverse" - wonder why it's called that in math, but outside of that it's simply, "Reverse!"  Lol!

[jcribb16]

Besides being the direct opposite, 'inverse' is a sardonic observation regarding the use of "verse".  It's considered to be 'dry' humor, (it's unclear what "wet" humor would be unless, more blunt).

Oh, I just noticed you changed the title slightly on your response post!!  "Inverse" - wonder why it's called that in math, but outside of that it's simply, "Reverse!"  Lol!

Now that's a thought.

[hitch0403]

Jcribb....I have brought this up many times.Now you answer.What did Jesus tell Peter after he cut the ear off the soldier?What does God say?Vengeance is mine.

In this satanic world of course the military is allowed to exist and is needed to prevent complete chaos.In Gods kingdom there will be no army etc.

JWs are hard working honest people that live by the bible.They pay their taxes.They know and wait for Gods kingdom to clean this earth and then there will be no need for an army.

Their stand is neutrality on all this BS in this world.

God used armies in the world when he had to.He used Cyrus to overthrow Babylon.Look it up in OT.He allowed Rome to destroy Jerusalem in 70 ce.

Are you a god bless america guy?Bible says he isnt partial.Bible also says you cant serve 2 masters.

[falcon9]

Such religious fundamentalism and self-delusion as the "allowed to exist" remark depicts apparently knows no bounds in faith blindness.

In this satanic world of course the military is allowed to exist and is needed to prevent complete chaos.In Gods kingdom there will be no army etc.
They know and wait for Gods kingdom to clean this earth and then there will be no need for an army.

[hitch0403]

The cross was a pagan origin that was worshipped in Egypt years before Jesus was born.

Today it serves as a good luck charm for many.It is considered an idol that is worshipped and is against Gods law.

Consider this,if a loved one of yours got killed by a gun would you wear a replica of it around your neck?

[falcon9]

The cross was a pagan origin that was worshipped in Egypt years before Jesus was born.

No, that was an "ankh" and it wasn't "worshipped"; it was the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic character that read "life", a triliteral sign for the consonants, (though translated a meaning "handled cross", it wan't the xtian cross in form).

Since the Romans who carried out the promotion of sedition sentence against those convicted of it were nominally "pagan", once could make the generalization that the "x" or "cross" was a 'pagan symbol'.  So was the swastika; a chinese 'sun wheel' symbol, thousands of year before being adopted/co-opted by the nazis to have a different meaning.  That' how it goe with symbols; they may start out meaning one thing and end up representing another later on.

[healthfreedom]

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. It is the power of God unto salvation... Romans 1:16

[falcon9]

Shameless blind faith-based irrationality is nothing to take pride in.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. It is the power of God unto salvation... Romans 1:16

“He that is slow to believe anything and everything is of great understanding, for belief in one false principle is the beginning of all unwisdom.”
-- anonymous

[jcribb16]

Jcribb....I have brought this up many times.Now you answer.What did Jesus tell Peter after he cut the ear off the soldier?What does God say?Vengeance is mine.

In this satanic world of course the military is allowed to exist and is needed to prevent complete chaos.In Gods kingdom there will be no army etc.

JWs are hard working honest people that live by the bible.They pay their taxes.They know and wait for Gods kingdom to clean this earth and then there will be no need for an army.

Their stand is neutrality on all this BS in this world.

God used armies in the world when he had to.He used Cyrus to overthrow Babylon.Look it up in OT.He allowed Rome to destroy Jerusalem in 70 ce.

Are you a god bless america guy?Bible says he isnt partial.Bible also says you cant serve 2 masters.

I'm sorry but I disagree with that reasoning.  God has always had and used armies to help protect the innocent, whether one innocent or many.  You cannot just enjoy living here thinking that no involvement from Americans in those wars in other countries will mean it will be peaceful here for you to enjoy your living here.  Do you not know how much hatred some of those countries have of America and other nations?  And why?  Because we do have freedoms - whereas people under some of their leadership do not, period.  Another reason?  They believe that their Allah wants them to destroy and murder all people who will not denounce God and instead, cling to their religion.  If no soldiers, then you might as well give it up and face the fact that you will be under extreme dictatorship, forced religion of theirs, beatings, stonings, and I could go on.  

Our people don't go over there starting things.  They go to help keep them at bay, hold them back, and protect people from here and all over the world, or they will take over - in fact, their goal is to take over the world.  And you want to just sit back and condemn those who are fighting to keep your freedoms and liberties intact?  

I can tell by your response to me that you did not read those Bible verses, from the Bible, that you claim to follow so honorably, or you would see God's and the other leaders/centurions/soldiers, of God's, support of protecting the innocent when necessary.  That support doesn't mean sitting in your recliner watching tv and the news of casualties of wars of innocent people and at the same time the saving and protecting of innocent people, by those very soldiers that you mock ("cowboys and Indians.")  It means you get up and do what you need to do to protect ANY innocent, whether your family members, you, your friends, neighbors, people you don't know, and/or you get out there like our soldiers do, risking their lives, to save other lives and to help keep our nation freer from destruction and loss of freedoms.  God doesn't approve of chickens and selfish people who won't step up bravely to help others, either.

[JediJohnnie]

The cross was a pagan origin that was worshipped in Egypt years before Jesus was born.

Today it serves as a good luck charm for many.It is considered an idol that is worshipped and is against Gods law.

Consider this,if a loved one of yours got killed by a gun would you wear a replica of it around your neck?

Sorry,but I've got to jump in on this one.Jesus was indeed Crucified on a cross.Not only is that historically accurate for the Romans method of execution,but the Bible itself tells us in several places this is so:

John 19:16-17 So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).

John 20:25 (Thomas said) “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Matthew 27:37“And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

John 21:18 (Jesus told Peter)When you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.

Philippians 3:18-19“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction…”

And by the way,the cross is a sign of Victory,not defeat.For it was upon the cross that Christ won Salvation for all Mankind.

[falcon9]

Jesus was indeed Crucified on a cross.

It wasn't exactly 'cross-shaped' but more "T" shaped, (the Greek word "stauros", in its original sense literally an upright pale or stake but, can refer to many different things, do not indicate the precise shape of the structure), had no crossbar and later 'translations' simply selected the 'cross-shape' rather than an "X" or "T" shape used for such executions.

And by the way,the cross is a sign of Victory,not defeat.For it was upon the cross that Christ won Salvation for all Mankind.

"Arguably, under the Romans the cross represented imperial authority, since Rome used crucifixion to turn rebels into living, (or rather, dying), billboards for Roman power. In a bit of semantic jiu-jitsu, the early xtians turned the cross into a symbol of xrist’s sacrifice", (which was not much of a "sacrifice" if the victim is alleged to have "risen after death" ... also, the concept of 'soterology'/human sacrifice to appease the 'g-ds' is originally a pagan one which predates xtianity by thousands of years). In any case, the uperstitious religious concept of blood sacrifice in exchange for 'deital' favors is based upon irrational faith, (no evidentiary basis), and is therefore specious.

[alaric99x]

To:  alaric99x and falcon9:

I, personally, want to thank you for your service to our country and to any other countries that either or both of you have helped to protect, as well.  Whether Christian or other faith, or no faith, you two are part of a spectacular and brave group of other men and women, who have chosen to go into that field, no matter where sent, and risk your lives (or risked) to protect other people/s and country/ies.  Our nation, and others, wouldn't be as safe as they are, even now, if it weren't for those of you actively engaged in that.

My grandfather was in the Army, served under General Patton; my father was in the Army; my husband and father-in-law are both former Marines, and my oldest son is currently serving in the Navy in his 10th year.  I'm proud of them and what they accomplished and what our son is accomplishing, and like a typical mom, worry to death when he's on deployment in those countries currently at war.

Whenever we see a person in uniform, or if we know it's someone who is in the service, we also go to them and shake their hands and tell them thank you for what they do.  So again, thank you for your commitment and loyalty to America's freedoms and security, as well as to the other countries that need help.  And I'm relieved that you both are safely home on American soil.

Thank you for your laudatory comments.  As it happened during my career, I was never in any serious danger, but I always did my best to take care of my subordinates and, through comments, awards and decorations, was given to understand the appreciation of my superiors.

My salute to the members of your family who also served honorably.  My particular salute to your son, who is out there somewhere on these often ugly, lawless places around our planet.  I sincerely hope he returns to you safely, we're still losing too many of our young men and women, killed or maimed.