Pictured to the left is a copy of the NEW KING JAMES VERSION ( NKJV ) of the Holy Bible. The following quotation is taken from this version:
"In harmony with the purpose of the King James scholars, the translators and editors of the present work have not pursued a goal of innovation. They have perceived the Holy Bible, New King James Version, as a continuation of the labors of the earlier translators, thus unlocking for today's readers the spiritual treasures found especially in the Authorized Version of the Holy Scriptures." [ See HOLY BIBLE, NEW KING JAMES VERSION, THOMAS NELSON PUBLISHERS, Nashville, Copyright 1988 Thomas Nelson, Inc., p. iii. ]
The apostle Peter ( see 1 Peter 1:1 ), in writing to Christians ( see Acts 9:1-22 ( especially verse 20, for example ); 11:19-26 ( especially verse 26, for example ), Galatians 3:27, Ephesians 1:22, 23, Hebrews 10:22, and 1 Peter 1:1, 2, for example ), referred to the church as a chosen generation. Therefore, veterans of the second world war are not members of the greatest generation ( unless they are members of the New Testament church ). The greatest generation is the New Testament church ( the church of Christ - see Matthew 16:18 and Romans 16:16, for example ). Thus, Christians ( members of the church - see Acts 2:41, 47 and Romans 12:5, and recall Acts 11:26, Galatians 3:27, and Ephesians 1:22, 23, for example ) are the greatest generation.
Nevertheless, I do not want to be unthankful for the sacrifices that members of the United States military have made for this country in the past. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reads as follows: "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" ( emphasis mine, R.E.W. ). Therefore, as a Christian, I am commanded by God ( see Ecclesiastes 12:13 and 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, for example ) to give thanks in everything, and that I will do; being most thankful for the sacrifice of Christ on the cross of Calvary for the sins of everyone ( see Luke 23:26-49 ( especially verse 33, for example ), Romans 6:10, and Hebrews 9:23-28 ( especially verse 26, for example ), for example ), since no human sacrifice compares to His.
However, there are things that this country represents that I, as a Christian, do not represent. The United States of America represents freedom of religion ( or, more accurately, "religion" ). Freedom of religion is not authorized in the Holy Bible. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This statement that Jesus made rules out Buddha, Confucius, Mohammed, and everyone else. Jesus is the only way to come to the Father.
Moreover, freedom of speech is not authorized in the Holy Bible. The apostle Paul ( see Ephesians 1:1 ) recorded the following in Ephesians 4:29: "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Thus, Christians are not to: use profanity nor euphemisms for profane words ( see also Colossians 3:8, for example ), gossip ( recall Colossians 3:8, for example ), listen to gossip ( see Proverbs 26:22 and Ephesians 5:11, for example ), nor lie ( see Ephesians 4:25, for example ), for example.
There are other "freedoms" set forth in the United States Constitution, which are condemned in the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-72, 142, 151, John 1:1, 14; 7:16; 8:26; 10:30; 14:6; 17:17, Romans 1:20, Colossians 2:8, 9, 1 John 5:6, 7, and recall 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, for example ). Whatever the case may be, whoever is baptized, by immersion in water, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of his or her sins ( see Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 41, 47; 8:26-40 ( especially verses 36-39, for example ), and Romans 6:1-4 ( especially verses 3 and 4, for example ), for example ), will become a member of the greatest generation - the New Testament church.
If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:
<rewillis1_1@juno.com>
<Russell E. Willis>
NOTE: It is a sin to fight for freedom of religion ( see Ephesians 4:5, 1 Timothy 6:12, and 1 John 3:4 ( KJV, for example ), and recall John 14:6, for example ), for example.
NOTE: It is a sin to fight for freedom of religion ( see Ephesians 4:5, 1 Timothy 6:12, and 1 John 3:4 ( KJV, for example ), and recall John 14:6, for example ), for example.
