Thoughts on about the War on Terrorism - Is It Right?

by David Shannon

Many of us listened as the President of America stood in the White House on Monday giving the wicked Saddam Hussein 48 hours to get out of Iraq. President Bush described the desired results in this way; "In a free Iraq, there will be no more wars of aggression against your neighbors, no more poison factories, no more executions of dissidents, no more torture chambers and rape rooms. The tyrant will soon be gone."
What does the Bible say about such actions?
God's plan for the Governing Authorities is found in Romans 13:1-7.
Citizens are to be "subject to the governing authorities." Romans 13:1
The governing authorities are to be "ministers of God" to make those who are evil afraid of them. Romans 13:4
The governing authorities are to "execute wrath" and "bear the sword" on those "who practice evil." Romans 13:4
We should "pay taxes" to support them. Romans 13:6
On the other Hand, The Lord's Kingdom isn't about Physical Wars. In John 18:36 "Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence." Notice, Jesus said if His Kingdom were physical his servants would have fought. The Lord's Kingdom fights spiritual wars against Satan and the powers of darkness. This battle has eternal casualties and victories. This doesn't dismiss the fact we live on a physical earth and the Lord gives guidelines such as mentioned above in Romans 13 to maintain order and civility on the earth.
Difference in Individuals and Nations: The way an individual and a nation deals with vengeance involves two separate methods. If you read Romans 12:14 - Romans 13:7 you will see the differences between individuals and governing authorities. Individuals are to rely on God and those in authority to seek their vengeance instead of seeking vengeance on their own. On the other hand, governing authorities become "ministers of God" as they punish evil and bring peace to the righteous. It appears Saddam will have to deal with a governing authority "bearing the sword" demanding the terrorist behavior to stop. I pray for him, his regiments and especially the Iraqis who are surrounded by an evil dictator and apparent war because the worst scenario hasn't yet come to pass. Saddam and his regiment hasn't stood before the Lord in the final judgement. All his raping, starvation tactics, murderous executions, etc. God promises "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord" ( Romans 12:19). Saddam, like us must "Repent or perish" ( Luke 13:3).

March 23, 2003



Thoughts on about the War on Terrorism - Is It Right? by David Shannon Many of us listened as the President of America stood in the White House on Monday giving the wicked Saddam Hussein 48 hours to get out of Iraq. President Bush described the desired results in this way; "In a free Iraq, there will be no more wars of aggression against your neighbors, no more poison factories, no more executions of dissidents, no more torture chambers and rape rooms. The tyrant will soon be gone." What does the Bible say about such actions? God's plan for the Governing Authorities is found in Romans 13:1-7. Citizens are to be "subject to the governing authorities." Romans 13:1 The governing authorities are to be "ministers of God" to make those who are evil afraid of them. Romans 13:4 The governing authorities are to "execute wrath" and "bear the sword" on those "who practice evil." Romans 13:4 We should "pay taxes" to support them. Romans 13:6 On the other Hand, The Lord's Kingdom isn't about Physical Wars. In John 18:36 "Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence." Notice, Jesus said if His Kingdom were physical his servants would have fought. The Lord's Kingdom fights spiritual wars against Satan and the powers of darkness. This battle has eternal casualties and victories. This doesn't dismiss the fact we live on a physical earth and the Lord gives guidelines such as mentioned above in Romans 13 to maintain order and civility on the earth. Difference in Individuals and Nations: The way an individual and a nation deals with vengeance involves two separate methods. If you read Romans 12:14 - Romans 13:7 you will see the differences between individuals and governing authorities. Individuals are to rely on God and those in authority to seek their vengeance instead of seeking vengeance on their own. On the other hand, governing authorities become "ministers of God" as they punish evil and bring peace to the righteous. It appears Saddam will have to deal with a governing authority "bearing the sword" demanding the terrorist behavior to stop. I pray for him, his regiments and especially the Iraqis who are surrounded by an evil dictator and apparent war because the worst scenario hasn't yet come to pass. Saddam and his regiment hasn't stood before the Lord in the final judgement. All his raping, starvation tactics, murderous executions, etc. God promises "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord" ( Romans 12:19). Saddam, like us must "Repent or perish" ( Luke 13:3). March 23, 2003	Mt. Juliet Church of Christ 1940 N. Mt. Juliet Road P.O.Box 248 Mt.Juliet, TN 37122-0248 (615)758-2274 Fax:615-754-2351 Email Worship Services: Sunday Early Worship: 8AM Sunday Bible Study: 9:15AM Sunday Late Worship: 10:15AM Night Worship: 6PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7PM