"For the wages of sin are death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Paul." Nope. Doesn't say that. "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and Paul has laid on him the iniquity of us all." Nope. Doesn't say that either. "For God so loved the world that he gave us Paul, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Fail.
You are deflecting, the facts are Christians may be persecuted but so is everyone, Muslims, Jews, Budhists.... Christians may suffer for their faith but American Christians, Russian Christians, Syrian Christian etc, they know how to shoot to kill. One bunch of Christians Jehovah Witness they will not entertain war involvement, other Christian sects are all too happy, which one is right? (Don't answer as it's another rabbit hole)
IMO: The people ultimately determine the meaning of words. And we can change that meaning, usually over time. Currently, the world--except you--understands the concept of having more than one favorite something after reaching a certain age (kids specialize in only have one favorite color, etc.) While I do some more research: What's your favorite song? Do you think the fair and impartial readers here would all say that they have one favorite song? One favorite movie? One favorite TV show?
Maybe start here, or google, if you're interested. We can't debate the issue now with your current understanding. You don't seem to understand that the message had to change after Jesus ascended; and because he ascended, he wasn't on Earth the spread the gospel of GRACE. https://www.gotquestions.org/Pauline-Christianity.html Some texts are to the Jews. Some texts are to the Gentiles. Some are for before Christ. Some during Christ. Some after Christ's ascension. Some during the tribulation. Some during the kingdom reign. _______________________________ Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
I was responding to @themickey: There have been a lot of killings done under the name of Christianity, mainly from the Catholic church against heretics. Neither Jesus nor any of His apostles instructed Christians to kill anyone. There is one verse where Jesus tells His disciples, Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. Luke 22:36 My understanding of this, based on context and other Scriptures, would be that Christians are permitted to defend themselves or their country.
I disagree. Asking people for their top (whatever number I come up with--or guess) may give, and likely will give a different answer than asking people for their favorite, and letting them choose the correct number. I will get more accurate and meaningful results. The whole world, except you, is onboard with this use of 'favorite.'
OK, Thanks. I agree that we can defend ourselves. I also believe that there are no categories that get an automatic green light for any killings they do. Like the police, or military, for example, as we mentioned. Anyone, under any occupation can kill someone, and it be deemed murder in the eyes of God.