By Stefan J. Bos with reports from the United States and Afghanistan
WASHINGTON/KABUL (BosNewsLife)– The president of a US-based group helping Christians persecuted for their faith has expressed outrage that United States military personnel have burned confiscated Bibles in Afghanistan.
“It really should shake the core of every Christian to realize that Bibles are being burned,” said Carl Moeller President of Open Doors USA in an interview with Mission Network News monitored Friday, May 22, by BosNewsLife.
The Bibles, printed in the two most common Afghan languages, were burned amid concern they
would be used to try to convert Afghans, the Cable News Network (CNN) quoted a a Defense Department spokesman as saying.
The unsolicited Bibles sent by a church in the United States were confiscated about a year ago
at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan because military rules forbid troops of “any religion” from proselytizing while deployed there, Lt. Col. Mark Wright said.
Such religious outreach can endanger American troops and civilians in the devoutly Muslim nation, Wright added.
“FORCE PROTECTION”
“The decision was made that it was a ‘force protection’ measure to throw them away, because,
if they did get out, it could be perceived by Afghans that the U.S. government or the U.S. military was trying to convert Muslims,” Wright said.
The military said a soldier at Bagram received the Bibles and didn’t realize he wasn’t allowed
to hand them out. The Al Jazeera network has shown footage of the Bibles at a prayer service
where an unnamed soldier says members of his church raised money for them.
The chaplain later “corrected” the soldier and confiscated the Bibles, Wright said.
However military analyst and Pentagon adviser, Lt. Col. Robert Maginnis, criticized the move. “There is no need to burn the Bibles. They could have been shipped back,” he said. “Just imagine if we, the same the United States military, were to take a bunch of Korans and burn them. I can imagine the ramifications across the world.”
MILITARY OFFICERS
In a statement, the Pentagon said military officers considered sending the Bibles back to the church, but they worried the church would turn around and send them to another organization in Afghanistan — giving the impression that they had been distributed by the U.S. government.
There is reportedly a tiny Christian minority in Afghanistan, however especially former converts can faith death because of their faith, several rights investigators have confirmed.
The row over the Bible burning comes shortly after the Pentagon announced this week that it
no longer includes a Bible quote on the cover page of daily intelligence briefings it sends to the White House as was practice during the George W. Bush administration.
Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said he did not know how long the Worldwide Intelligence Update cover sheets quoted from the Bible. Air Force Maj. Gen. Glen Shaffer, who was responsible for including them, retired in August 2003, according to his biography.
PSALMS QUOTED
On Thursday, April 10, 2003, for example, the report quoted the book of Psalms — “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him. … To deliver their soul from death.” — and featured pictures of the statue of Saddam Hussein being pulled down and celebrating crowds in Baghdad, reported the Associated Press news agency.
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand,” read the cover quote two weeks earlier, on March 31, above a picture of a U.S. tank driving through the desert, according to the magazine, which obtained copies of the documents.
The Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, has said U.S. soldiers “are not Christian crusaders, and they ought not be depicted as such.”
“Depicting the Iraq conflict as some sort of holy war is completely outrageous,” Lynn said in
a statement. “It’s contrary to the constitutional separation of religion and government, and it’s tremendously damaging to America’s reputation in the world.”
While the policy was controversial, supporters said it was aimed at relieving some of the stress faced by President Bush, as the death toll of American troops continued rising in Iraq and Afghanistan.
When where the Bibles burned?
Dear BosNewsLife,
U. S. soldiers should enjoy freedom of speech. Sharing the Word of God is an act of love and therefore protected by God as an inalienable right. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. (Psalm 33:18-19)
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13)
Soldiers will do well to stand with the Authorized Version of the Word of God, and its equivalent in other languages (translations from the received text). Trying to use “modern versions” to minister to human needs is problematic at best, and is certain to contribute to apostasy.
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Revelation 22:18-19
I pray that God will continue to inspire and help his soldiers to share their faith, even in difficult circumstances, and to win souls in Iraq, Afghanistan and in all the world. God bless you.
With love in Jesus Christ,
Jerry
This writing was the truth when the church began about two thousand years ago. For those that believed, and showed their faith by their love and good deeds, there were many miracles, no fear of man or life or death, and a joyful anticipation of the world to come, world without end. If you read this, every word, believe it with all your heart, nothing doubting, do it as much as lies within you, and share it with those able to receive it, and who want to hear what you have to say, then, for you, the best is yet to come!
These are the words of God:
To live forever = everlasting life in the kingdom of God and Christ = with Christ in his throne as Christ is with the Father in His throne = heaven = paradise in a new and glorious body with everlasting joy, and to have the love and joy and peace and mercy and grace of God Almighty, our heavenly Father, that is in His only begotten and beloved Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, while in this present world = this present time = this present body = this present life, you must be truly “born again” = truly “saved”. In other words, read all of this, believe every word with all your heart, and do it diligently:
Repent of your sins . Apologize sincerely, in all humility, with a broken spirit and a contrite heart, to those you sinned against (even sins done in secret) and to God and Lord Jesus for sins against others, against yourself, and against all of heaven. Pray for strength so as not to do it again, and to always be pleasing to God. In other words, have a perfect heart – try your best, and say you’re sorry and really mean it when you don’t. If you don’t come to God with a clean and pure heart, He will not hear your prayers, will withhold blessings, and may even curse you with a curse.
Believe with all your heart, and confess with your mouth, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (He is not God. He is not both the Father and the Son. Actually, the Word of God is the Son of God. God spoke everything into existence by, through, and for His Son, but not “spoke” as man understands. His Word was put into a body and called Jesus. Jesus Christ is the living Word of God, and we should be living the word of God as is contained in the written word of God, the Holy Bible. The only English-language Holy Bible wholly inspired of God and correctly translated from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts is the King James Version = KJV = Authorized Version. All other versions, including the New King James Version = NKJV, are from the devil, who tempted man to write them. The devil changed the English language, and continues to do so, and now claims that the KJV is outdated and hard to understand, and that other versions have their good points.), born of the virgin Mary (we were made of a man and a woman, but Jesus was begotten of God, and not made), never sinned, nor was there any deceit in his mouth (If he were of a man and a woman, then he would have the sin of the flesh, but he was not. When Jesus said, “Before Abraham, I am”, he was not saying that he was God: all he was saying was that he was from heaven. When God referred to Himself as “I AM”, He used all capital letters.), suffered, shed his pure and precious blood and died on the cross to conquer death and destroy him that had power over death (that is, the devil), and so that our sins be forgiven, we be reconciled to God, redeemed and puchased back by the precious blood of the Lamb, that after three days and three nights, God the Father raised him from the dead, that after forty days, he ascended up to heaven in a cloud to be seated at the right hand of the Father, all angels, authorities, and powers being made subject unto him, that he will return in like manner to judge the dead and the living (no man knows of that time, neither the angels which are in heaven, not even the Son, but only the Father), and deliver those that are his at his coming up to God the Father, that he must reign until he makes his enemies his footstool, and then the Son also himself will be subject to Him that put all things under him that God may be all in all.
Be baptized exactly once, completely under the water (that is to say, exactly one immersion, and it must be water) in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (not the “Holy Spirit”) when you are old enough to understand, old enough to know to refuse the evil and choose the good, and old enough to know that this is absolutely necessary for eternal life, for the forgiveness of past sins (but, for future sins, we have an intercessor = a mediator in Jesus), to receive the Holy Ghost (The Holy Ghost is not God. God, Lord Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are a team, three of a kind, one in Spirit, will, and holiness, but each with a separate identity and a separate life. Do not use devil words, such as “trinity” or “triune”, which are not in the KJV. “Godhead” IS in the KJV: God (Father) is the head, and Lord Jesus and the Holy Ghost the other two) and gifts of the Holy Ghost to have spiritual understanding (that is to say, understanding of the things of the Spirit of God) and to resist the devil, baptized into one Spirit as one of many members of the body of Christ, called his church, of which Christ is the head, buried and resurrected with Christ, dead to (no longer justified by) the law given to Moses, and completely justified (and, by the way, it is God who justifies, and not any man) before God by your faith in Christ and in Christ’s righteousness (there is no righteousness in a man). Now, you are “born again” = “saved”.
Now that you are “born again” = “saved”, here is your duty in this present world = this present time = this present body = this present life:
Fear God and Lord Jesus (but, do not fear man), and do = keep His commandments.
His commandments were spoken by His Word = His Son, and are briefly comprehended by these two great commandments:
Love God (Father) and Lord Jesus (Son) first, most, and always, even more than your life in the flesh, and the life of your loved ones, and love your neighbor as yourself. Treat others the way you want others to treat you, and the way you want to be treated on judgment day = the day of Jesus Christ = the day of vengeance of the Lord. Your faith is shown by your love. If you have no love, no good works, no compassion, and show no mercy, then your faith is false, and was never written in your heart.
Some other needful things:
Meditate on the word of God. Submit to God. Be humble. Thank your heavenly Father and your Lord, and pray to them, for everything, always. Grow in Christ. Endure to the end. Preach THIS gospel !!! Walk after the Spirit, and not after the flesh. Walk and talk with God and Lord Jesus : they are alive !! and they ARE your faith !!
DO post my email address so anyone can write to me and write anything that is in their heart to write to me. I will do my best to respond to all inquiries ro comments unconditionally!!!
My email address is
d m i t r i s t e f a n o p o u l o s a t y a h o o d o t c o m
I am a true prophet of God (KJV, Numbers 12: 6-8) and a true witness of God’s Son Lord Jesus, resurrected and ascended (KJV, Acts 22: 14-15)
Dear Dmitri Stefanopoulos,
Thanks very much for your comment. While we may have different opinions on prophets in this era, as God’s Word is already completed, I think we can agree on one of the most important Bible verses John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” You also seem to suggest that baptism is crucial to be saved. I would argue, based on the Bible, that baptism is a logical and Biblical follow up of accepting faith in Christ. However it is NOT needed for salvation. Someone who accepts Christ just before he or she dies, is also saved, even without being baptized. For instance take Luke 23:39-43 (New International Version) where Jesus clearly speaks about how a murderer received eternal life because he accepted Him as his personal Savior. The convicted murderer was hanging next to Jesus at a cross, and was obviously not able to be baptized.
“39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
40But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[a]”
43Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Jesus also says “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6, KJV). So I think based on the Bible, a personal relation ship with Christ is key.
God bless you,
Stefan J. Bos, BosNewsLife
Have you heard about the American Bible Society’s Bible challenge for kids? It’s perfect for a Sunday school class project with the goal of raising money for the U.S. military to have Bibles. Check out this website: http://www.truthfortroops.americanbible.org/ for project ideas!
Как обычно просто супер обьёмная статья и как всегда дочитал до конца 🙂
In English: As Usual I read the article till the end!
Love, joy, peace, mercy, and grace, from God Almighty, our heavenly Father, and from His only begotten and beloved Son Lord Jesus, be with you and with all your loved ones.
My dear friend, the following is the central message for my work in this present and temporary world, and is all truth and no lie, to make your way more perfect:
These are the words of God:
To live forever = everlasting life = neverending life in paradise = heaven = the kingdom of God and Christ = with Christ in his throne as Christ is with the Father in His throne in a new and glorious body like that of an angel with everlasting peace and joy, you must be truly “born again” = truly “saved”. In other words, read all of the following, believe every word with all your heart, nothing doubting, do it as best as you are able, as much as lies within you, and share it with those able to receive it and who want to hear what you have to say. If you do, then, for you, THE BEST IS YET TO COME ! ! ! ! ! ! !
This is the original and one and only correct doctrine of repentance, Christ, the Godhead, baptism, and the commandments of God. It was the truth when the church (those in the body of Christ, of which Christ is the head. It is not a denomination or a congregation.) began about 2,000 years ago. For those that believed, and showed their faith by their love, there were many miracles, no fear of living or of man or of dying, and a joyful anticipation of the world to come, world without end.
Repent of your sins. Apologize sincerely, with a broken spirit and a contrite heart, to others for sins against them (even sins done in secret, such as adultery, fornication, or cheating on your income tax), and to God Almighty, our heavenly Father, in the name of and through His only begotten and beloved Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for sins against others, against yourself, and against all of heaven. If you do not come to God with a clean and pure heart, He will not hear your prayers, will withhold blessings, and may even curse you with a curse. If you are pleasing to God, and not ashamed to confess Lord Jesus as the Son of God before man, then He will answer your prayers, but in His time, and in His place, and in His manner, and usually when you are not expecting it, to know that He is God. Our heavenly Father knows that we are not perfect. Just have a perfect heart: try your best, and say you are sorry and really mean it when you do not.
Believe with all your heart, and confess with your mouth, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (He is not God. He is not both the Father and the Son. Actually, the Word of God is the Son of God. God spoke everything into existence by, through, and for His Son, but not “spoke” as a man understands. His Word was put in a body in the virgin Mary and called Jesus: Jesus Christ is the living Word of God, and we should be living the word of God, as is contained in the written word of God. The King James Version = KJV of the Holy Bible is the only English-language Holy Bible completely inspired of God, and correctly translated in the spirit from the original Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek texts. All other English-language versions, including the New King James Version = NKJV, are of the devil, who tempted man to write them. The devil changed the English language, and continues to do so, and now claims that the KJV is outdated and hard to understand, and that other versions have their good points.), born of the virgin Mary, never sinned, nor was there any guile in his mouth (If he descended from the first married couple, Adam and Eve, then he would have the sin of the flesh which passed down through many generations to us, but he did not, so his pure and precious blood cleanses us from all sin.), suffered horribly, shed his blood, and died on the cross for our sins, so that our sins be forgiven, that after 3 days and 3 nights, God raised him from the dead, that after 40 days, he ascended up to heaven in a cloud to be seated at the right hand of God, all angels, authorities, and powers being made subject unto him, that God will send him again in like manner to judge the dead and those that are alive at his coming, that he will deliver those that are his at his coming up to God (our heavenly Father), and then the Son also himself will be subject to Him that put all things under Him that God may be all in all.
Be baptized completely under the water (it must be water) by exactly one immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (not Holy Spirit) when you are old enough to understand all this, to know to refuse the evil and choose the good, and to know that this is absolutely necessary for eternal (everlasting) (neverending) life, for forgiveness of past sins (but, for future sins, we have an intercessor = a mediator with God in Christ), and to receive the Holy Ghost (The Holy Ghost is also known as the Comforter. The Holy Ghost is not God. God (the Father), Lord Jesus (the Son), and the Holy Ghost (the Comforter) are a team, three of a kind: one in Spirit, one in will, and one in holiness, but each with a separate identity and a separate life.) and gifts of the Holy Ghost to have understanding of spiritual things (things of the Spirit of God), and to resist the devil, buried and resurrected with Christ, and baptized into the body of Christ, called his church, of which Christ is the head, dead to (no longer justified by) the laws given to Moses, and completely justified (and, by the way, it is God who justifies, and not any man) by your faith in Christ and in his righteousness (there is no righteousness in a man).
Now that you are “born again” = “saved”, here is your duty in this present time, world, body and life:
Fear God and Lord Jesus (but, do not fear any man), and keep (do) the commandments of God, spoken by His Word = His Son. and contained in the KJV New Testament. His commandments are briefly comprehended by these two great commandments:
Love God and Lord Jesus first, most, and always, even more than your life in the flesh, and the life of your loved ones, and love your neighbor as you love yourself. Treat others the way you want others to treat you, and the way you want to be treated on judgment day = the day of Jesus Christ = the day of vengeance of the Lord. Your faith is shown by your love. If you have no good works (deeds), if you have no good words, if you see someone suffering or in need and have no compassion and show them no mercy, if you gossip about them or accuse them to others, if they get into trouble and you do not try to help them, if you think you are better than they are, or think they are worse than you are, then your faith is false, and was never written in your heart.
Now, this is just the beginning. There is so much more.
Here are some other needful things:
Meditate on the word of God night and day.
Submit to God.
Be humble.
Thank God and Lord Jesus, and pray to them, for everything, always.
Grow in Christ.
Endure to the end.
Walk after the Spirit, and not after the flesh.
Preach THIS gospel.
Walk and talk with your Father and with your Lord: they are alive!! And, THEY ARE our faith ! ! ! ! ! ! !
There are writings referred to in the KJV Holy Bible, such as the book of Iddo, that God has not made available to us, to know that our knowledge comes from the one true living God, in the name of His Son Lord Jesus, and by way of the Holy Ghost, and not just from a few writings of God. There are many other writings of God that were written and words of God that were spoken by His prophets and that will be written and that will be spoken by His prophets, there are many other visions and dreams of God that His prophets had and will have, there are many other revelations of God that were revealed to His prophets and that will be revealed to His prophets, there are many other miracles of God that have occurred and that will occur to His prophets, and there are many things spoken by the angels of heaven to His prophets and that will be spoken by the angels of heaven to His prophets. Do not worship a book rather than the one true living God and His only begotten and beloved Son Lord Jesus.
These have been the words of God.
With the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, with brotherly love, with love from above,
Sincerely and respectfully yours,
Fred
My dear friend, we may not agree on everything, but we are more likely to come closer one to another if we abide in brotherly love. No one is right before God. We just need to get our love right.
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