Are guns now part of our worship at church?

[Creative]

There will NEVER be an incident where the gun nuts cannot insist with some plausibility that the answer is "more guns." "Armed churches" strikes me as perhaps the ultimate example of Christians conforming to the world.

Jesus made a whip and he used it. At the temple, I might add.

One morning I woke up to go to work at 330AM and while I was taking a shower someone broke into the house and stabbed my roommate 17 times while he was sleeping. The police are not going to help you. You help yourself. Yes, I keep a loaded pistol within arms reach.

 

[King Dan of Great the 1st]

Its just the damage is usually already done by the time they get there.

 

[Creative]

Its just the damage is usually already done by the time they get there.

Which is why I own a firearm. Luckily, I live in a state that has laws that state I have zero duty to retreat in my own home and can shoot an intruder without issuing warning. The law in Nevada states the police cannot arrest you for shooting an intruder in your own home. You get to go back to sleep, not jail.

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

Good morning!
Lots of activity throughout the evening after I left.
Everyone expressing themselves very well.
I'm glad people take the time to express themselves on this issue.
Since we at this forum represent a wide array of people around the world, I think it is a good measure of how Christians believe about this topic.
I haven't said too much about it all, mostly just getting things started.
I see no reason to continue as I would only end up arguing with most of you.

I would only like to say that I do depend on God all day and all night.
I depend on him to provide my needs, to keep me healthy and safe.
In the past I have struggled with my needs, I have had a lot of health problems, but have always felt safe.
But regardless of my situation, I kept going back to God to provide for me and He always has.

I feel this thread is about a group of Christians that worship together and they for the most part are fine with guns in the house.
I think I am more uncomfortable with their attitude than I am with the guns in the house.
All these guns in church.
What if one of them goes crazy and starts killing everyone, and kills the other gun holders first?
Then we'll have some new headlines to talk about.

 

[brujaq]

Good morning!
Lots of activity throughout the evening after I left.
Everyone expressing themselves very well.
I'm glad people take the time to express themselves on this issue.
Since we at this forum represent a wide array of people around the world, I think it is a good measure of how Christians believe about this topic.
I haven't said too much about it all, mostly just getting things started.
I see no reason to continue as I would only end up arguing with most of you.

I would only like to say that I do depend on God all day and all night.
I depend on him to provide my needs, to keep me healthy and safe.
In the past I have struggled with my needs, I have had a lot of health problems, but have always felt safe.
But regardless of my situation, I kept going back to God to provide for me and He always has.

I feel this thread is about a group of Christians that worship together and they for the most part are fine with guns in the house.
I think I am more uncomfortable with their attitude than I am with the guns in the house.
All these guns in church.
What if one of them goes crazy and starts killing everyone, and kills the other gun holders first?
Then we'll have some new headlines to talk about.

The thing is, how many of those cowards who prey on the innocent would face a church who had a sign posted ''Give your heart to Jesus before you come in hear to cause harm, we are armed with security individuals and will defend those in this house'' .. Is not that a way God provides ?

 

[GodsGrace]

Jesus made a whip and he used it. At the temple, I might add.

One morning I woke up to go to work at 330AM and while I was taking a shower someone broke into the house and stabbed my roommate 17 times while he was sleeping. The police are not going to help you. You help yourself. Yes, I keep a loaded pistol within arms reach.

What a terrible experience Creative. I'm so sorry for you --- that you had to live through this.
I'm sure it affects your whole life.

Unfortunately these things happen. Where I used to live in NY, a nice neighborhood too, a woman was shot and killed during a daytime robbery.

I just cannot, however, imagine that we will come to need guns to go to church.
I'd just rather that the end come. Then again, what about all those Christians after Jesus ascended that gave their lives for their beliefs. I wonder if I would be so brave. I kind of doubt it.

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

The thing is, how many of those cowards who prey on the innocent would face a church who had a sign posted ''Give your heart to Jesus before you come in hear to cause harm, we are armed with security individuals and will defend those in this house'' .. Is not that a way God provides ?

I think you have to ask yourself, "What teaches are there in the New Testament that back this up"?

 

[brujaq]

I think you have to ask yourself, "What teaches are there in the New Testament that back this up"?

No I don't .. Ecclesiastes 3

 

[Roro1972]

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.
Is this Jesus himself speaking to his chosen to protect themselves.

 

[Runner]

It seems to me the issue comes down to one of fear. Do we walk with trust and confidence in God, or do we walk in fear of the world? Do we let the world define our Christian walk? If the world has guns, we need guns - is that the proper Christian perspective? is that what God wants and expects? is that the message God wants believers to communicate? Is a church with armed deacons, metal detectors and stern warnings out front really what God wants?

As a Christian, I have to believe that what occurred in the Texas church was God's plan for the victims on that day. How that incident fit into God's larger plan, no one knows. I wouldn't demean the victims by even suggesting how it might have fit. But if I didn't believe the incident was in some way God's plan for the victims, it seems to me the entire framework of my belief would collapse. I have to believe that if the church had had armed deacons, metal detectors and stern warnings out front, the incident would have unfolded pretty much as it did - because it was God's plan.

Is there an inconsistency in using the locks on our homes and cars? Probably - I know people who don't. If there is an inconsistency, it is not one that would point in the direction of armed deacons and metal detectors in churches. It would point in the direction of asking ourselves, "Why do I do that, if I am walking with trust and confidence in God? For all my Christian prattle, do I perhaps not have the faith of a mustard seed?"

 

[jasonc]

It seems to me the issue comes down to one of fear. Do we walk with trust and confidence in God, or do we walk in fear of the world? Do we let the world define our Christian walk? If the world has guns, we need guns - is that the proper Christian perspective? is that what God wants and expects? is that the message God wants believers to communicate? Is a church with armed deacons, metal detectors and stern warnings out front really what God wants?

As a Christian, I have to believe that what occurred in the Texas church was God's plan for the victims on that day. How that incident fit into God's larger plan, no one knows. I wouldn't demean the victims by even suggesting how it might have fit. But if I didn't believe the incident was in some way God's plan for the victims, it seems to me the entire framework of my belief would collapse. I have to believe that if the church had had armed deacons, metal detectors and stern warnings out front, the incident would have unfolded pretty much as it did - because it was God's plan.

Is there an inconsistency in using the locks on our homes and cars? Probably - I know people who don't. If there is an inconsistency, it is not one that would point in the direction of armed deacons and metal detectors in churches. It would point in the direction of asking ourselves, "Why do I do that, if I am walking with trust and confidence in God? For all my Christian prattle, do I perhaps not have the faith of a mustard seed?"

State law requires that any teaCher in Sunday school has to have a background check to be covered by church insurance, realease forms for trips.it's all because of lawsuits.so it's a bit late.

 

[th1b.taylor]

Well. I lock my house when I leave and am in the habit of taking my valuables with me these past few months--because my home actually was a target for thieves multiple times this year. Am I not trusting God enough?

QD, you are doing the right thing, God calls us to seek after and it could be read to lust for Wisdom and you're actions are Wise, period. God did not called to be Floor Mats.

 

[th1b.taylor]

So we have guns and we have doctors and we have everything we need.
When do we depend on God?
And for what?

I cannot answer for you nor any other member but if I need to protect my wife, Gd will be there with me and insure His will is done.

 

[godsquadgeek]

Gun control: Let’s pass more laws that make violating the other laws illegal. But as far as guns in churches, no. Maybe in car trunk.

 

[godsquadgeek]

It seems to me the issue comes down to one of fear. Do we walk with trust and confidence in God, or do we walk in fear of the world? Do we let the world define our Christian walk? If the world has guns, we need guns - is that the proper Christian perspective? is that what God wants and expects? is that the message God wants believers to communicate? Is a church with armed deacons, metal detectors and stern warnings out front really what God wants?

As a Christian, I have to believe that what occurred in the Texas church was God's plan for the victims on that day. How that incident fit into God's larger plan, no one knows. I wouldn't demean the victims by even suggesting how it might have fit. But if I didn't believe the incident was in some way God's plan for the victims, it seems to me the entire framework of my belief would collapse. I have to believe that if the church had had armed deacons, metal detectors and stern warnings out front, the incident would have unfolded pretty much as it did - because it was God's plan.

Is there an inconsistency in using the locks on our homes and cars? Probably - I know people who don't. If there is an inconsistency, it is not one that would point in the direction of armed deacons and metal detectors in churches. It would point in the direction of asking ourselves, "Why do I do that, if I am walking with trust and confidence in God? For all my Christian prattle, do I perhaps not have the faith of a mustard seed?"

Jesus told his diciples to sell a coat and buy a sword, it was a short sword for battling thieves and animals in between towns. Just saying. Was Jesus afraid for their life?

 

[th1b.taylor]

The Bible is full of verses from cover to cover that tell us to trust in God instead of trusting in man.
When we arm our churches with gunners, are we trusting in God or trusting in man?

It is also full of verses commanding us not to go slack in our duties (actions) and that would and does include our welfare. I have found the balance. I understand, just as did King David, Abraham and others in the scriptures intended to teach us all things. In the tale of Gideon we find God preparing him to defend his property, food and existence. In the sending the Twelve out, who were eleven at that moment, He commande them to take their swords and considered it so important as to inform the that if they had no weapon of defense that they were to sell their cloak and to buy one. There is a great deal importance for disc n this matter of discretion and wisdom in these matters but jerking a verse out of it's context and using scripture in a frivolous manner to prove a point the the scriptures themselves rebuke the point is, maybe, not a saf3v thing to do? But at any point the far left, communists, are dead wrong!

 

[th1b.taylor]

I no longer go to Church.

I now "home church".

And how many non family members are in your congregation, or flock?

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

It is also full of verses commanding us not to go slack in our duties (actions) and that would and does include our welfare. I have found the balance. I understand, just as did King David, Abraham and others in the scriptures intended to teach us all things. In the tale of Gideon we find God preparing him to defend his property, food and existence. In the sending the Twelve out, who were eleven at that moment, He commande them to take their swords and considered it so important as to inform the that if they had no weapon of defense that they were to sell their cloak and to buy one. There is a great deal importance for disc n this matter of discretion and wisdom in these matters but jerking a verse out of it's context and using scripture in a frivolous manner to prove a point the the scriptures themselves rebuke the point is, maybe, not a saf3v thing to do? But at any point the far left, communists, are dead wrong!

So you are saying that you believe our churches should be armed with guns, is that right?
Or are you just spewing at me?

 

[reba]

Our Lord understood the sinful world we live in..

Luk 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.

 

[jasonc]

So you are saying that you believe our churches should be armed with guns, is that right?
Or are you just spewing at me?

so churches shouldn't have property insurance? which covers accidents on the church property and also when they go on trips. things happen and kids and people get hurt. I know this from when I worked with children. I see no difference, its just obvious with guns. I hate the game but we cant simply say only at church when banks, schools, jobs have these things. less vulnerable , less likely to occur. gun free zones in general announce easy victims here come and kill.