@bethany come on, you can't knock the crocks.

@sinbach thing is.... I can. This is genuine concern for your mental wellbeing. Cry for help?

@bethany @sinbach 😂

@sinbach By this kind of thing I mean. Rocket launchers and bombmaking and guns in church.

@Upwardcall2021 @sinbach Bru, The Bible is pretty clear on self defense. Though out the whole old testament you were allowed self defense and no where in the new testament does it say no self defense. All it says is to avoid a qaural. Do not provoke. And it says that in the old testament to in proverbs.

@Dronevidsandfreedom you are correct, in fact I would take it one step further in two instances:
1. the Jewish people celebrate self defense every year. Purim. In the book of Esther the King gave an order to slaughter all the Jews - an edict that he could NOT take back. So he issued a new edict for self defense. Esther 8:10-13 the King essentially gave the Jews the 2nd Amendment - the right to bear arms and protect themselves and their families from annihilation and it worked.
2. After following Jesus for 3 years, Peter carried a sword. why? Because Jesus told him to (Luke 22:36).
Those that do not like to carry weapons - please don't. But please excuse me while I show mine some TLC.

@Upwardcall2021 if you do not like this pic, be prepared for your disappointment in me to exponentially grow over time.

@sinbach I'm not disappointed, just trying to understand your viewpoint; I didn't know what to expect really. So does the BTJ movement and the Chinese church support a military component of their mission?

@Upwardcall2021 there is no military component to BTJ mission. My guns and ideas of self defense are purely mine. I travel to the mission field with only my bible in hand and like the Chinese am willing to give my life in service, but in private - if you bring harm to my family, be prepared to meet the Lord I serve a little early.

@sinbach Okay I think I understand that! I appreciate the God given instinct in people, men and mothers😊, to protect the defenseless. I am thankful for that...

@Upwardcall2021 we are not so far apart in theology. but just be prepared, as a former US Marine Scout sniper - I do love guns and when I am not at home in China, but back in the US, I love to enjoy them. shhhhh.....😎

@sinbach @Upwardcall2021 If you don't mind saying how you got that I would love to know. If not I understand.😂😂

@Dronevidsandfreedom lets just say it was a little present from my time in the persian gulf. 😂
i keep it in case God ever gives me a daughter that I might need to shelter from teenage boys.

@sinbach haha ok. Have fun

@Hobo do you wear a coat when it is cold? Is warm clothing a top necessity? so imagine being told to sell it for a sword. (Luke 22:36). Peter did and so have I - a modern day sword. "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel"
As a husband and father, I am to provide food, shelter, and protection for my family. feel free to live by your own convictions. I will live by mine.

@sinbach hi friend.
Infidel - one who is not a Christian or who opposes Christianity.

Short story about myself: God took my children away from me, and told me not to fight for them. Told me to trust in his plan.
My old friend quoted that same verse to me when I told him I was going to leave it into God's hand.
I had the option to fight for the custody of my children, and I probably would have won.. but rather than taking things into my own hands, I surrendered to Gods will and put all my trust in him.
Hardest thing I've ever had to do in my entire life. Still don't understand God's plan.
But I experienced a full washing of the holy spirit when I surrendered and said "I trust you Jesus"

We are creatures of free will and we either do the will of God, or our own will.
I just question the necessity for such a weapon.
Anyway, I'm not trying to argue with.
Sorry if I came across as rude or insulting.
God bless you brother🙏