Something I read brought a couple of things to mind.
1- The vast majority of people who scream about using guns to preserve freedom and values, only scream, they don't act.
2- Most people who scream about God, usually don't know Who He is and don't follow Him.
This helps explain why so many people who claim the name of Christ, speak the words of the world.
State and Church
It must be noted that the State and the Church are two separate entities, with distinct responsibilities to God. In the Old Testament the nation of Israel was a Theocratic State, and as such it was responsible for both the natural and spiritual needs of the people. Remember, there was never any other Theocratic nation in the world, nor is there one today.
Since the time of the New Testament, the rule of God is no longer centered in an earthly kingdom. God moved His kingdom rule from the nation of Israel to His people on earth, the Church.
In the Bible we see God relate to the human race through three separate entities: Israel, the Church (the body of Christ) and the State. There are common areas of responsibility among the three, but there are also unique responsibilities to each of them.
At this time, the protection of the righteous and punishment of the wicked is the job of the State, not the Church.
Sword of Steel
God has given the sword of steel to the State to protect the righteous and punish the wicked.
Romans 13:1-6
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
1 Peter 2:13-14
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
Sword of the Spirit (word of God)
God has given the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, to the Church to do spiritual battle with spiritual wickedness in the rescue mission of redemption.
Ephesians 6:17
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Saber Rattling
My problem is that most people who talk about preserving freedom and values only talk the talk, they do not walk the walk. The founders of this country walked the walk and understood their responsibility to govern under the rule of God. Though they were not perfect, they recognized the authority of the Bible. Those who claim to be responsible for human government must do the work God has given them.
This is not a call to arms, this is a call to honesty.
Peacemakers
As a Christian, I am a peacemaker. I don't claim to be violent. But if I claimed to believe that I have the right to physical, carnal force, I wouldn't just yak it up I would act it up. Just as representatives of the State are under obligation to obey God, so are the members of Christ's body obligated to obey Him. Our job is the ministry of reconciliation, which is not the job of the State. As a peacemaker I support the State when it follows God's directives, but my calling is to follow Christ in reconciliation.
This is not a call to arms, this is a call to honesty.
Peacemakers
As a Christian, I am a peacemaker. I don't claim to be violent. But if I claimed to believe that I have the right to physical, carnal force, I wouldn't just yak it up I would act it up. Just as representatives of the State are under obligation to obey God, so are the members of Christ's body obligated to obey Him. Our job is the ministry of reconciliation, which is not the job of the State. As a peacemaker I support the State when it follows God's directives, but my calling is to follow Christ in reconciliation.
Matthew 5:9
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Romans 13:1-7
(1) Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
(2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
(3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
(4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
(5) Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
(6) For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
(7) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
As a peacemaker, as an Ambassador for Christ I am committed to the task of reconciling lost men to God.
2 Corinthians 5:19-20
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:19-20
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
