February 2013
June 2012
Guns, Gays, Government & the Gospel What’s the connection?
By Seth Halpern Editor
T
here is a tremendous amount of discussion recently about Gun control. In the wake of the horrible Sandy Hook school tragedy, people are once again concerned about gun violence. The people who are against video game violence join in the fight at this point. No doubt, gun violence is a problem. It is too easy to kill with a gun. Are stricter laws the answer? Is taking away our guns or changing the second amendment the answer? Would this be a safer nation if law-abiding citizens were not allowed firearms? There has also been a lot of talk about the gay agenda since the inauguration of President Obama’s second term. He referred to the gay movement’s victories in the same breath as the achievement of women’s rights and the black civil rights movement. Is it government’s responsibility to secure “equal rights” for this group of Americans? Should DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) be a focal point for the current administration? Yes, there are many discussions taking place with regard to these issues. The conversations that previously took place at the water-coolers in our workplace have now moved to an online pres-
ence in the form of Facebook, Twitter and other social networks in exponential proportions. So, how should the follower of Christ enter this discussion? Certainly, we know that the authoritative scripture informs us that homosexuality is con-
“We are now at the
brink of a culture fighting to keep our first two amendments to the constitution” demned throughout scripture (Rom 1:2627, 1 Cor 6). The question, though is not so much does God tolerate it, but is it a governmental issue. Should the government be involved with the sexual preference of its citizens? Is it a constitutional issue? Firearms, on the other hand, are clearly addressed in the second amendment of our constitution. We have the right to “bear arms” Why was it necessary to put in. In fact, so important that it was placed second only to freedom of speech, religion, and other freedoms. The govern-
ment (which was of the people, by the people and for the people) had to allow citizens to protect themselves from other people AND from the Government itself. What does the Bible say about the second amendment? We are Americans of course, but are we not first citizens of Heaven? Does God will that we have assault weapons? Perhaps, in reading thus far, you have concluded that this writer is pro-gay rights and would rally for the removal of the second amendment. You would be VERY wrong! As a follower of Christ and thoroughly Bible-believing American, I stand for the truth of the Gospel. The government is not my savior or protector. I do not rely on it for my sustenance, nor trust in it for my life. I do, however, respect its authority in my life, as the Word of God call me to do in Romans 13. I very much believe in our right to bear arms because the founders of this nation who were predominantly Bible-believing citizens saw fit to insert that right into our constitution. I also believe that marriage is and should remain between
Meth Addict Sees “God at Work” p. 5 Are You Now Or Have You Ever Been...? p. 9
Free
Dancing Tomato Breakfast! p. 10
Cont. on page 7
The Ambassador
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