God and war

Ethel,what is the point of giving free will, sending his son to teach us how god wants us to live our lives then step in . In the west we assume God is on our side, no, he isn't on sides

He knows the full picture we do not

Anniebach, that comment is so silly. I know you are directing it at American policy rather than the people. Anyway, we will speak French in heaven.

another reply to Anniebach, you are absolutely right about the candle in the darkness (good analogy): and there are Christians in Syria right now, who could have fled but are staying out of compassion for others who had no choice but to stay. (The elderly, infirm, or just too poor.) One church has become a refugee camp and some churches - of the few that are left - are helping everyone, both Christian and Muslim, with food, blankets, shelter. One charity I absolutely trust with my money is Open Doors, one of the few NGOs who were in Syria before the war and are still working there. www.opendoorsuk.org/churches/index.php?ref=story2

What is the difference between following Christ and following God. Can you follow Christ without following God? I don't understand. ?

IeurMami, it was just fun, well I am not going to Heaven, can't speak French,

Perhaps there is a Welsh quarter there

Jayh. No you cant follow Christ without following God.

You can however follow God without following Christ, as this is what the Jews do.

Anniebach. Post 18.29pm yesterday. Are you meaning they are trying to say sorry to God? Or to people?

I expected that the response would be that god does not take sides. However in a religiously-motivated war each side believes that god is on their side. No question about that.

I am sure that christians among the allies in the second world war did not believe that god was supporting the Nazis!

soon, I was speaking of what is called the final judgement . An arms dealer could tell me he is sorry he made his billions by selling arms which are made purely to kill or maim, I would have to choose if I thought it was true or not. But God knows , did he not say - before you were in your mothers womb I knew you. He knows not only what we did and why we did it but what made us what we are, from the cradle

Luckygirl, I am sure armies believe God is on their side, always have done , I don't believe it, I don't know but having discussed it, read views , given it thought I don' t believe it . Not sure if I have said before,if so then forgive me. I was brought up in the Manse, was so use to people of all faiths sharing meals with us. A lovely Rabbi told me a story , not scripture, when the Jews fled from Egypt and the Red Sea covered the Egyptians the angels rejoiced then saw God was crying , they asked why and God said - my children are drowning .

This is how I think of Gods love

Sorry, Soon, I thought on page 1 you were saying that someone was following Jesus but not following God, hence the confusion.

According to prophesy, there will be an end to wars after the 'return' of Christ (other major religions also believe this). Some thought this was going to happen in the middle of the 19th century and sold all their belongings to be ready for Him. In Haifa there are some houses where the German Templars settled to be ready for the return. Now you can either sit and wait for some sort of Messiah to float down on a cloud, wave a magic wand and create peace on earth overnight, (with lambs playing with lions etc) or we can try to stop wars by looking at the causes and doing something about them. We are no longer a tribe wandering in the dessert looking for a 'Promised Land', thanks to the Internet we are a global society, and we need to bring equality of opportunity for education, development, wealth etc to every corner of the earth, and get rid of the Obscene gap between the rich and the poor. I am sure this is what God is waiting for us to do.

Unfortunately, that is far from how the Messiah comes.

soontobe. None of us can really know until it happens. IS think that what they are doing in Syria will hasten the advent of the Messiah. There are so many interpretations of scripture which is why there are lots of different churches. I seem to remember a verse about Jesus returning like a 'Thief in the Night'. Other verses refer to a new name, and a new Jerusalem, and that 'every eye will see Him'. Well most of the Jews saw or at least were aware of Jesus when he came the first time but seeing is not the same as recognition. This is why we must also 'watch and pray'. I think a humble attitude is needed, and it is better not to have too many preconceptions. 'Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth'. Peace to all.