Armed and Dangerous

Weekly Blog

Monday, 12 October 2009

Bro. E asked: "Should a Christian defend himself his property and family with his hands or even with guns against any intrusion or goverment order that clearly runs contrary to the word of God?"

This hotly debated subject in Christendom is well worthy of our consideration. Many "Christian" news and commentary outlets encourage and suggest the need for weapons in the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Average Christian, in addition to a good supply of food and maybe some gold.

While Jesus never suggested storing up either food, gold and silver for troubled days, you may be surprised at some of the things the scriptures do say in regard to how we should "defend" ourselves against the world or even our own government.

One pastor wrote:
As a Christian, I will defend my family and the family of God to the death.
I will trust God BUT if someone comes into my house to do harm to us, THERE WILL BE A BATTLE. I went to ******* to defend this country and I will fight if I have to here.
Get ready to defend yourself and your family. Do not let the enemy defeat you.
PRAISE THE LORD.
The scripture says there is a time for everything in Ecc. 3.
WAR IS COMING TO AMERICA.

We suppose this pastor has many like-minded cohorts and what is remarkable is that he is also a well-known minister of healing and casting out demons. With only a casual reference to scripture, there is a vow to fight. If we are talking about defending our family against a threat, I agree we are to defend them. If he is talking about armed resistance to government persecution, there are many scriptures regarding a Christian response.

We can assure you he will "die by the sword" according to scripture if he is put in a position and chooses to use weapons and fight against "the beast".
It is also a contradiction to on one hand, bring healing and life to people in one's ministry coupled with the potential to wound and kill. The patriotic Christians who take up armed resistance to the government will no doubt, be used as the perfect excuse for the "Beast" kingdom of the Great Eagle in the USA, to begin a violent persecution of all that call themself Christian.

One of the troubling signs of our times is when men can preach and minister in the name of the Lord, yet be terribly wrong in something that will lead people astray from faith in God's Word concerning violence. This happened when Jeremiah the prophet of God faced similar times as we now are facing:

Jer. 27:
12 And I spake to Zedekiah king of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live.
13 Why will ye die, thou and thy people, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, as the Lord hath spoken concerning the nation that will not serve the king of Babylon?
14 And hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon; for they prophesy a lie unto you.

When the disciples of Jesus thought to destroy others He said "Ye know not what spirit ye are of"
in Luke 9:54
And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.

Did you ever read where Christ resisted evil with a weapon?
When Peter tried to defend Jesus in Gethsemene against a government intrusion, Jesus rebuked him in Luke 22.
(49 And when they that were about him saw what would follow, (they saw it coming)
they said, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? (shall we fight?)
He answered: “All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”

Note with care the words "ALL", and "SHALL PERISH" before buying that M16 and ammo.
In fact when Peter cut off the ear of one of the arresting agents, Jesus did not tell the men with him to "FIGHT!", instead He HEALED Malchus the wounded servant of the persecutors.
The warning is repeated in Revelation 13:10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

The faith of the saints is, as it is in other passages; i.e. to suffer captivity and death.
This is the faith of the saints.
"Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only (captivity), but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Now read what John the Baptist told the soldiers who asked him about righeousness:
Luke 3:14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages

What did that Baptist (John) mean when he said "do violence to NO man" ? -he was talking to professional soldiers who were trained to fight!

What else did Jesus say and do in regard to evil and enemies?

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
He did not say 'kill them".

Did He EVER say something like "prepare to fight them when they persecute you?
Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also -"resist not", as in "fight" not?
David knew this when he wrote Psalms 44:6 For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.

Jesus did tell them, the disciples, that they would be persecuted and killed.
He also gave them permission to take one action in response.
Matthew 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another:...
and again in Mat. 24:
9 Then shall they deliver you up unto tribulation, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all the nations for my name`s sake.
10 And then shall many stumble, and shall deliver up one another, and shall hate one another
16 then let them that are in Judaea flee unto the mountains:
20 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on a sabbath

The church in Acts: did they fight for their homes and families?

Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad:
Acts 8:4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

The truth here is the church had already been prepared by God to flee, by selling and giving away their property and possessions. There is no verses where the church in persecution stayed to fight it out with the authorities. This was true all through the book of Acts.

God gave Joseph the same instruction when the government came to destroy his family:
Matthew 2:13 ...the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word

Those who walk by faith and are led of the Lord, hearing His voice, will never take up arms to resist. The "Beast" (government) will be given authority from God to destroy them that do:

Revelation 13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
Revelation 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

Note there is no pre-trib rapture for the saints there, and that it is GOD that gives the "beast" power and authority as scripture says. Take heed, for your soul will be in jeopardy for taking armed resistance, and the outcome has already been determined by God, just as it was for Jesus in John 18:

Remember Jesus' words to Pilate in John 18?

10 Pilate therefore saith unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I have power to release thee, and have power to crucify thee? (11 Jesus answered, thou wouldest have no power against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath greater sin.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Romans 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

If the patriotic Christians fight against the government, scripture says one is fighting against God who ordained the powers that rule in this world.
The word "damnation" means: judgment, condemnation of wrong, the decision (whether severe or mild) which one passes on the faults of others
What happens if you die fighting the government? According to Rom 13:2 you will die and receive "damnation". Isn't that a good reason to be SURE who you are believing?

(Also see Daniel 4:26 to read WHO puts who in power in earthly governments.)

But we ask again, should we fight for America as it once was? Notice carefully what Jesus said:
Jn 18:36 ... 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.

And remember that Barabbas was a murderer and a Jewish patriot who fought for his country. God did not call him righteous or commend him, imstead, he is called a murderer:
Mark 15:7 And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection. Barabbas means "son of the father". What "father" directed him to violence and insurrection (rebellion)? The Bible says "that NO murderer hath eternal life".

-Neither did God defend the Jews at Masada in 70 a.d. against the Romans, He did not defend the Jews against the Babylonians, He did not defend David Koresh at Waco and He will not defend you if you take up arms.

2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
Jn.19:11 Jesus answered him, Thou wouldest have no power against me, except it were given thee from above

Self defense by carnal weapons will not deliver Christians, and it may condemn them.
Psalms 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
Jesus taught us to trust in the Lord, and pray "deliver us from evil..." Are we to trust in weapons or God to deliver us from evil?
Psalm 91 is a Psalm of protection, and so is Psalms 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. Chariots and horses were weapons of war.
Isaiah 31:1 Woe to them that go down to Egypt (the ways of the world) for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Don't tell me you trust in the Lord and then gopick up weapons to hurt and kill with.

When a Christian dies He goes to be with the Lord. When a sinner dies he goes to hell.
When a Christian kills in the name of "defense" he is sending the lost to eternal destruction.
In the history of Christianity, the disciples were martyred willingly, so were the disciples in scripture, as there is not one single example of Christians physically fighting against anyone, which is 100% contrary to many verses. As it is written in Romans 8:36 For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

And again, He said "resist not evil".
Rom.12:17 Render to no man evil for evil.
18 If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men.
19   Avenge not yourselves, but give place unto the wrath [of God]: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.
20   But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.
21   Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Mat. 16: 24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it

But we ask again, should we fight for America as it once was?
What Jesus said:
Jn 18:36 ... 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. Did He say His servants would fight? If you fight, are you still His servant?

Be warned that patriotism to a kingdom of this world is an unclean spirit that will move Christians to kill and fight against those not only from another nation but also those in our own government that have been given power. Patriotism will even put Christians in the position of killing Christians from another country or even Christian soldiers or police they think they can justify resisting.

I love my country but I love God's kingdom a lot more. Should you disagree, I understand and ask for your prayers that we might be scripturally correct. If and when there is an uprising against our "king" and his government officials, the Christian patriots who fight will enable the persecutors to come against Christianity by their actions and words.

If you disagree, I understand. 5 years ago I disagreed, but after a careful and prayerful study of scripture, we changed our view. Feel free to email and include verses I have missed where Christians are spoken of as physically fighting.

MORE on this subject:

Part 2 A Reader disagreed
92 Year old Christian women robbed.   God defends an elderly woman of God
Part 3 My Defense and Testimony   God defended and delivered me.

"How Shall We Die"  answers every question. An awesome 105 page book by David Eells. A MUST read.

POSTED BY: rory AT 12:28 pm | Permalink | 10 Comments | E-mail this

Comments:

THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU, FOR RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD. I PRAY MANY, MANY OF YAHWHES CHILDREN, WHO ARE PLANNING TO FIGHT AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT TAKE HEED AND REPENT.

Posted by RUTH on 10/13/2009 10:21:24

Man, the timing of this article really hit home. My 19 y.o son joined the National Guard this week. He wants to go to college to become a police officer. I asked him if he was prepared to kill if threatened. He didn't answer, but stated "what is the worse thing that can happen to me, mom? I get shot and go to heaven." Needless to say, this was not very comforting for me, yet it reasured me to know that he believed so strongly in his salvation. continued on next comment...

Posted by Isabel on 10/13/2009 12:11:33

cont... We need stong men and women of faith to defend us and support us onto death, both spiritually and in time of crisis and threat to our national security. We cannot allow the enemy to take possession of what is God's. Many of God's people fought battles and God gave the victory in some cases, and allowed martyrs in others. The Israeli people and army have fought for their possessions for centuries, but it won't be until the Prince of Peace intervenes that this will finally come to pass. http://inalley.wordpress.com/2009/10/12/jesus-the-prince-of-peace/ Isabel

Posted by Isabel on 10/13/2009 12:14:27

Excellent article Dad. My Philosophy would give you an A in our course, haha! :) Everything is backed up with Scripture, you defined key terms (i.e. did research). I'm studying for my class right now! Thanks! :)

Posted by Savanah Moore on 10/13/2009 12:24:35

Timely article. This has been a topic of discussion for me and some close friends recently. This is the same conclusion we have drawn. It is funny though (not really) how we blindly follow things we have been taught in error thinking it is right. The Word clearly points this out. What finally brought it to light for me was a certainly, shall we say, organizational handbook spoke of this same matter including the taking of arms in military. They spoke against it, yet I have not only seen those who pursue this path praised for it, but also seen this path encouraged and taught from pulpits. Thanks for a great and MUCH needed article! Your dead on!!

Posted by Sid Grimes on 10/13/2009 13:33:58

I agree with you whole heartedly, but these verses have always puzzled me: Luke 22:35-38. Would you kindly expound on this. Thank You

Posted by Donna Hicks on 10/14/2009 13:22:03

as expected, this generated questions and even some "heat". 'scuse the pun. Sister Donna, if you email me at heydadd@pacbell.net I can give a response. They allow only a few words in these comment boxes.

Posted by rory on 10/14/2009 13:57:13

Let us who are called by Christ's name consider this: We are members of Christ's body taken out of every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. Is Christ suicidal? Are the hands of Christ to be portayed as hands that aim missiles against the feet of Christ? Get this: If we do not defend ourselves, God has reverved "a thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands" of angels who stand around the body of Christ, ready to enforce the promises of the Word of God which we confess with our mouth and believe in our heart. But if you lay down the sword of the spirit to take up the sword of the flesh, get this: You cannot serve two masters, for you will be loyal to one and despise the other - you cannot serve Christ and the old sinner.

Posted by Chris Bland on 10/16/2009 23:53:15

(continued) With the sword of the spirit in hand, your battle is first against the old sinner that lives in your body - that one must die so that Christ in you may enter the lion's den without being devoured, bringing the kings of the world to the knowledge that Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and has all authority in heaven and on earth! In this manner, Christ's words are fulfilled that we be brought before kings and governors to testify of Him. But, if the old sinner still lives in you and refuses to die and make way for Christ alone to live, there will be some "flesh" for the lions to tear to pieces. Instead of tearing other sinners to pieces, let the old sinner that lives in you be put to death as quickly as possible!

Posted by Chris Bland on 10/17/2009 00:07:46

True word brother Rory-sweet to the mouth, bitter in the belly. We all may have to support each other in this in prayer; turning the other cheek and dying to self at the hands of wicked men is a hard thing to do-we need the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

Posted by Eliyahu on 10/17/2009 16:36:45