Abolishing guns reduces crime??

[Tyk]

Originally Posted by Rico

I threw that in there to poke a little fun at you Texans. lol I see you took the bait!

make fun of us will ya?

How that for peace!?


hehe jk

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by Tyk

make fun of us will ya?

How that for peace!?


hehe jk

[Rico]

Originally Posted by Tyk

make fun of us will ya?

How that for peace!?


hehe jk

Ya got me!

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Rico

There may very well be other options. Every situation is different, and I don't see anyone advocating shooting burglars on sight (except for maybe our friends from Texas).

LOL

That's why I love ya Rico.

He bro...I don't believe God works by "off chances". He knows exactly what it will take to accomplish what he had determined to do. God never worries about us making the right choices or hopes we can make it. God knows exactly who will, who won't, what it takes, and where it will lead...he knew it all before he said..."Let there be light."

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Tyk

I'm a Texan, and my father is definitely at Texan. I don't "fear" guns or think they are a bad thing. I practice what I know of tae kwon do, grappling(amature type stuff) and would love to learn more of the arts, and other styles as well. I work out and try to stay in shape. It's my newish "hobby" so to speak. -just some background.
Sadly what Aquila is saying is something I wrestle with.
On one hand I can completely understand with the desire to shoot, and even kill with even little remorse, feeling justified with my actions.
Just as he said though, I feel God is in ultimate control. So should I sit there and not react? Should I not flee if I can? Why flee if God is there to protect me?
I think not, I must do something! (unless I got a clear voice from God telling me not too!). Non-lethal force would always be an option to me. I would prefer to be able to flee, talk them down, via scripture/reasoning, prayer, and other options that have been discussed. It might be prossible that I might kill someone in a state of panic as a result of physical force. (not saying i'm some deadly ninja haha) I feel God would forgive me for that, and know that in my heart that wasn't my intentions. I would regret it, but feel forgiven.
I am not so worried for myself as to "fight" or repel an attacker with force - But when I am married, that will change somewhat. THIS is where the carnal side( as I see it ) comes out. I can have faith and trust that I would be willing to die rather than to Kill a sinner (even though that sounds... kinda nutty). But as to my wife? Were she to be in danger or being ready to be victimized, I would have a serious urge to stop the attacker, whatever the cost. I would hope and pray that I would be as non-lethal, anti kill as possible. - I totally feel this side of me is the fleshly side and is not spirit led.
I understand it is my duty as the man to "protect" in a sense. She will by my jewel and my love. I just know I have to do what is right in the eyes of God no matter the cost. And I pray in my life I never have a circumstance that requires any of the above.
I know in my heart I need more prayer and direction as to what God would want me to do in this situation.

I can respect this post. Bro…I was in the Army and I’m a married man with one child. I know the “instinct” to kill if I feel in danger. But I was taught that a Christian never looks to take life. A Christian will trust God to provide protection, escape, or opportunity to use non-lethal measures...unless it is indeed your time to go. I don’t believe we can add a day to our lives. We are going to go when it’s time to go. It’s appointed and set in God’s foreknowledge. God isn’t rooting for us hoping we’ll live another day. If you asked him today when you’re going to die and how…he could tell you every detail. In fact, God is transcendent of time, he exists not only “every where” by “every when”. God exists in a timelessness where there isn’t a past, present, or future. In God’s eternal perspective…it’s already happened. He’s already walked with you through that valley. If I face death at the hands of an attacker….I don’t see it as God failing to protect me, or leaving me on my own hoping I’d protect myself. It’s part of the tapestry of my life, woven in God’s eternal grace.
I wanted to buy a gun once. We got an apartment on a not so nice part of town. My wife was against it. I explained how I wanted it for protection. She acquiesced. So I started shopping. I found a hand gun I really liked and as I held it I began to feel that ol’ familiar feeling from my days in the military. I was a pretty good shot too. Not bragging, but I was. I couldn’t wait to get it and take it to the range. But as I was about to tell the sales person that I was going to purchase….the Holy Ghost checked me. God spoke clearly through an impression on my heart. He said that my protection and destiny was in his hands. The moment I bought the weapon….my safety and the safety of my family was entirely on me. Convicted and disappointed I left the shop and went home. When I got home my wife was shocked that I didn’t have the gun. I told her we were going to trust the Lord. We anointed the doors and windows and prayed for God’s protection and the assistance of angels (yes, I firmly believe in the ministry of angels).
I’ve learned to trust God. I trust that he will protect us or always provide a non-lethal resolution. Sure, I might have to take out a man’s knee caps or flee my home….but I trust God will make a way. If he doesn’t….that’s my story. Faithful unto death.
Hell is out to persecute the church. Hell might send some lost 19 year old drug addict into your home...will you kill him to protect a TV or stereo system? Will you take the time to prepare to kill him….or will you get your family out of the house? If things get ugly….will you die trying to save him, with his eternal soul in mind….or will you blow him away?
How real is Heaven to us? How real is Hell?
If Heaven and Hell are absolutely real to you….your will know what I mean when I say that our death is gain. If you die…you will be with Christ forever. If you kill your attacker you plunge him into eternal torments beyond human description. From an eternal perspective…I cannot see a Christian fearing death as much as fearing the eternal destiny of their attacker.
Did Stephen throw stones back at his attackers?
This kind of question asks us if we REALLY believe what we say we believe when it comes to eternity.

[DividedThigh]

shoot first, dont wait, the advice a sheriffs deputy gave me from a former church, lol

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by DividedThigh

shoot first, dont wait, the advice a sheriffs deputy gave me from a former church, lol

Well...when it comes to Jesus and Officer Bobson I think the majority of Americans will follow the advice of Officer Bobson. lol

[LadyRev]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Yes...and after they brought two swords to Jesus he said, "It is enough." Jesus didn't want all of them armed. It's most probable that Jesus was illustrating that they would face violent opposition, after seeing that they took him literally Jesus said, "It is enough."

Apparently Peter took one of these swords to the garden where the soldiers came to arrest Christ. When Peter used the sword Jesus rebuked him.

I once offered a good friend of mine who carries a gun $100 if he could find a place in Scripture where a New Testament saint of God used physical violence with God's blessing. He got VERY frustrated. lol

I see it as an expression of weak faith. If I can trust God to save my soul from Hell's fire I can trust him to protect me and my family from physical danger. And should we face physical danger...I pray we stay faithful to the glory of God.

What about insurance? Do you trust God to protect you and your family from other drivers, natural disasters, illness and injury, etc. ?

Just wondering...

[Cindy]

So christians shouldn't be soldier's, police officer's, fire fighter's, paramedic's, EMT's, or doctors, etc? Anyone that can save a life is just not neccessary?

[Tyk]

In I way I was already thinking about this before you posted LadyRev

Although sickness and the doctor are different than say "Taking" another's life. In my opinion it requires the same kind of faith and trust that Aquila was speaking of with the "non-violent" .