I'm assuming by "we" in the title, you mean "we".

But a question MM asked, and another question Green had about David, what happens when the people say they will do their own fighting in their own way? What's best as the nation rather than individuals, after the nation has chosen the inferior approach?

If I did consider it, I would need to discount the truth as it is in Jesus. 1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

The Bible is not being deceitful, kland. The Bible tells us there was war, and I believe it. I'm sorry you don't.

No, I do not believe there were guns involved. War happens in many forms. Sometimes, war involves mere words. It is not my duty to manufacture explanations for mysteries which God has not revealed. It is, however, my duty to accept what He has revealed.

The Bible says Christ fought in that war. APL argues that Christians should never fight. Christ is the leader of Christians--and Christ is their example. Should they not also fight as He did and at His command? Christ is the Christian's Commander-in-Chief--a military title. Until sin is vanquished, the war is on. Get your armor on!

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

In the New Testament - give one example of Christians using force of arms sanctioned by God. There is not one. In fact, when the suggestion was made to call fire down and destroy their enemies, what did Christ tell His disciples? "You know not what manner of spirit you are of." In answer to Pilate, Jesus said, John 18:36 My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. In the sermon on the mount, Jesus tells us to pray for our enemies, to do good to them. Do we love our enemies when we kill them?

What has God revealed? He has revealed Jesus. He is our message. Christ never fought with carnal weapons. He never once used force of arms against His enemies. And we want to kill the ISIS soldier!!? Christ IS our example.

It is interesting that it is said we are not to investigate what the word war means, but we sure can interpret what kill means. There is no place for a Christian to take up weapons to kill. Is it in God we trust, or Smith and Wesson?

Oh, that men might open their minds to know God as he is revealed in his Son!

IT IS WRITTEN:



IT IS WRITTEN:



IT IS WRITTEN:



Jesus did not claim the world as His kingdom at that time. That eventuality was yet future. Were this world His kingdom at that time already, He said "...then would my servants fight." Really? He would have them fight?

If fighting were never required (after Old Testament times, of course), why does Jesus not say something like "My servants will never fight, because God is love"?

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

Jesus raised up the USA. He gives it power and authority to keep the peace and to punish criminals and combatants.

Green quotes: Luke 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

But Green - always read around the text.

When Christ sent out the disciples, they went out without purse, money, shoes, WEAPONS, and they lacked nothing. Look at Jesus's comment to Peter when Peter said they had 2 swords, Jesus said, "it is enough". What does Jesus mean? 2 Swords are enough for all the disciples? Not against the Roman army or the temple guard! Or since His time was short, and dismisses the subject, Gethsemane is about to happen, "it is enough", talk no more on the subject... And for more evidence, just read a little further when Peter, who did not get it, uses his sword, what was Christ response? Well done though good and faithful servant? Nope.

Green quotes: Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

Are we to think that that Prince of Peace is also a prince of darkness? A prince of war? Is this another example of love Me, or I'll kill you? NO. Christ came to set sinners at peace with God. Those that refuse to believe the truth and come to God will be condemned as having heresy and false doctrine, and hated. This is not peace. Matthew 10:22 And you shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endures to the end shall be saved.

Green quotes: John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Earthly kingdoms are established by force of arms, but Jesus’ kingdom was not earthly.

Satan's representations against the government of God, and his defense of those who sided with him, were a constant accusation against God. His murmurings and complaints were groundless; and yet God allowed him to work out his theory. God could have destroyed Satan and all his sympathizers as easily as one can pick up a pebble and cast it to the earth. But by so doing he would have given a precedent for the exercise of force. All the compelling power is found only under Satan's government. The Lord's principles are not of this order. He would not work on this line. He would not give the slightest encouragement for any human being to set himself up as God over another human being, feeling at liberty to cause him physical or mental suffering. This principle is wholly of Satan's creation. {RH, September 7, 1897 par. 7}

Quoting Green: If fighting were never required (after Old Testament times, of course), why does Jesus not say something like "My servants will never fight, because God is love"?

WHERE does it say His servants will fight? What does Jesus say? Love your enemies. They may, and some will, hate you back. It is not peace at the compromise of the Gospel as Matthew 10:34 states. Jesus says, Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; NEVER does He say, fight those that hate you and kill them.

Oh, that men might open their minds to know God as he is revealed in his Son!

When Adventism abandon's it's historic pacifist position, it's a sign of the end. We confronted the question first in the American Civil War and again in WWI and WWII. In the last 40 years our historic position has gradually been abandoned and we've come to view war almost in the same light as the world - a necessary evil.

Two of the most inspiring books I've read are "The Unlikeliest Hero" about Desmond Doss and "A Thousand Shall Fall" about Franz Hassell in Hitler's army. Both were pacifists and God repeatedly honored their stand for truth.

Church and State are uniting.
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And Adventists are calling it necessary and good!