"What if...."

We have discussed a list of potential scenarios that might occur and some "what if'' questions, that might seem reasonable cause for a Christian to trust in self-defense devices.

The new world order, roving gangsters, thieves, robbers, invasion by the Russians, invasion by others, nuclear missles from North Korea, drug gangs, neighborhood "hoods", juvenile vandals, "bank holidays" "bird flu", food shortages, no gasoline available, criminal police, economic collapse, government going broke, inflation, Swine Flu, chemicals in the water, air, and food, chemtrails, the Illuminati, The Black Pope, the Masons, the Bilderbergers, CFR, Trilateralists, FEMA, DHS, the AMA, flouride, and there are a host of others on the "what if" or "OH NO!" list. Right?

Most of us are well read enough to know at least something about some of these potential or perceived threats.

The pastor who said "...Get ready to defend yourself and your family. Do not let the enemy defeat you. ", may want to take a deeper look at some scriptures with us.  This man of God (and he is a man of God), who has a wonderful and blessed healing ministry, would probably never tell anyone who has an affliction or disease, to go see a doctor to get healed and take medicinal drugs.  

Should we to put our faith in self-defense and arms, or even store up food and water too, for 7 years?
It seems that when people bring up "WHAT IF..."  a  worldly fear response is raised and self-preservation kicks in.
Let's consider where the best place to be defended is, and where we are safest.

I was reading in John 10 yesterday where Jesus was "encircled by the Jews" (vs 24) where "The Jews took up stones again to stone him."
Jesus told His disciples He was going up to Jerusalem again (where they had tried to kill him once before).
"JESUS WHAT IF THEY SHOW UP TO KILL YOU AGAIN? Do you have a sword to defend yourself Jesus?" -the disciples may have asked.

Do you know that it happened, and they never touched Him. Without a flicker of fear, he walked out of the circle of stone throwers in calm safety. vs. 39 
"They sought again to take him: and he went forth out of their hand."

Do you suppose Father God delivered Him?
Do you suppose Father can deliver us?
No one can come against unless it is permitted by the Father.
No one can attack our family, wife, or daughter unless God permits.  

Are we going to put our belief and faith in "WHAT IF"...happening" or what thus saith the Lord? 
The same ones who have faith to trust god for deliverance from sickness, pain, and infirmity have just as many, if not MORE scriptures telling us not to fear, and that GOD is our SOZO. (the greek word for saved, healed, preserved,  made whole, and delivered).

Psalms 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

I found 46 verses say God is our refuge: as in: Psalms 59:16 
But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.

Here is a good one: Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. 
What brings a "snare"?
Is that a "what if someone........." ?

A promise to those who "abide"
Job 21:9 Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them.
and
Psalms 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Is that a promise from God? Does God have the power to ennforce His Word on our behalf?
How are "they" going to come against us with God watching over us?
Do you want to know who it is that protects my wife, daughter, and family?
When Jesus was encircled by those who had already picked up stones to kill him, this Word was His defense:  
Ps 17:4 As for the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the ways of the violent.
          9  From the wicked that oppress me, My deadly enemies, that compass (circle) me about.

We cannot possibly do everything needed to overcome all of the "what if's" of life which are all part of the curse that God sends against the disobedient as he said in Deut. 28.  

But we can walk in repentence and holiness in order to have the BLESSINGS of His protection and deliverance from the evil "WHAT IF...". 
Where do we find this blessedness?
God's answer to those "what if's"  is greater, for our God says  "IF we abide in Him...
That is where we are saved, healed, and delivered from evil.

 John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.   But, "what if they...",   

The world says "What if",
but the WORD says  "IF YE ABIDE IN ME...", 
Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Ps. 91
1    He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the A mighty. 
      There is a "secret place" ....
2    I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust.
     Do you want to live in a fortress? 
3    He will deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence.
4   He will cover thee with his wings, And under his wings shalt thou take refuge: His truth is a shield and a buckler.

5  Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, Nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
    Not even a nuclear arrow or one from the barrell of a 44 magnum.
6   For the pestilence that walketh in darkness, Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
    Chemtrails, flouride, and Swine Flu too....
7  A thousand shall fall at thy side, And ten thousand at thy right hand; But it shall not come nigh thee. A remnant shall be saved.

8   Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold, And see the reward of the wicked.
9    For thou, O Jehovah, art my refuge! Thou hast made the Most High thy habitation;
10  There shall no evil befall thee, Neither shall any plague come nigh thy tent.
What does "NO EVIL" include? 

11   For he will give his angels charge over thee, To keep thee in all thy ways.
12   They shall bear thee up in their hands, Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13   Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: The young lion and the serpent shalt thou trample under foot.
14   Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15   He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble: I will deliver him, and honor him.
16   With long life will I satisfy him, And show him my salvation.

We find some amazing and wonderful promises of God's healing, deliverance, salvation, protection, hiding, defense, refuge, health, provision, and all of the other "what if's'.

 What if we purpose and live to "strive to enter in at the straight gate"...? -will God ever fail His Word?
The SAME Word that saves our souls and heals our bodies delivers us  says in
 Romans 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 

Part 3 to Armed and dangerous.

This happened to me.

Years ago we owned a car dealership and unfortunately, we had to take back some of the vehicles from clients that would not pay the payments.  We always tried very hard to accomodate people when they lost their job or had an emergency.  But in most cases, a non-payer forced us to re-posess the car.

• On one memorable occasion, as a young Christian, we had picked a car up from a non-payer. As usual, we notified the local police and that Saturday night, I was at the office when the reposessed vehicle, the police, and the VERY angry client all arrived within minutes of each other.

The "client", who had been drinking, erupted from his friends car as the police tried to restrain him. He was swearing loudly and obviously the demons in him wanted to harm me.  The two officers struggled to hold him as we were about 50 feet apart.

A brother from our church (circa 1985) was with me, and fear tried to intimidate me. However, the brother and I bowed our heads in prayer for protection and for the angry man who was fighting with the officers to get to me. When we looked up, our eyes saw the man was in tears and all the fight gone out of him.
We praised the King.

• Working at that car lot put me in several situations that were similar, where I was physically threatened. The Lord delivered me from every one of them. -both the direct physical threats and also the verbal threats.
• One guy barged right into my office with his Doberman.
• Another BIG man I caught stealing wanted to hit me and if I had made any physical move, he would have "clocked" me good.  
• Two car thieves I caught just about got physical with me. 
• Another man threatened me by phone and letter. 
  However, I was never touched, the Lord delivered me from all of them.  

Of course, every one of those situations caused me to pray for deliverance.

Psalms 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower

Today we received a different point of view regarding "Armed and Dangerous",  
and also see this audio A 92 year woman responds to an armed intruder (2 minutes)
After writing this, we came upon the book "How Shall We Die"  and we HIGHLY recommend it (only 105 pages).  It answers every question you will have in regard to theis subject.

With some minor editing and giving anonymity to the writer, whom we respect, we are posting this in answer to some of the contrary views. Some might ask if I protect my family, wife, and daughter if thre was a threat to them?
My answer is  Absoutely. I would lay down my life for them.

Another reader who asked about Luke 22:36
And he said unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet; and he that hath none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword. is also addressed in the PS, near the end.

In this exchange, the email writers words are in black, mine in blue,  scriptures in red.

From:  Writer X

To: rory

Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 8:03 AM

Paul wrote in one of His epistles that certain individuals literally have the authority from God to apply justice and that they "do not carry the sword in vain" and something like they are God's instruments of justice (judgement, wrath) on the evil doers.  

that is correct. 
The governmental authorities have been given that power from God against "evil doers". 
The "beast" applies the sword against those who rebel.
Romans 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister (servant) of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 
 -so we see this is not an instruction for the Christian to apply the sword (a weapon), it is a reminder to Christians to obey the law and not do evil.

In my opinion I believe the Bible suggests there is a difference between murder (UNJUST KILLING) and justified killing. 
Let me present to you some examples and scenarios, but I must first clarify that a person in each situation must be led by the Spirit of God.  There is a time and a season for everthing and the situation may call for us to be a "lamb to the slaughter" or execute justice within the perameters of the righteousness of God. 
I also agree with you that many Christians have almost created "another gospel" with their excessively political, patriotic laced belief systems. 
 
(1) A police officer may need to use deadly force to save lives.  For example a person has a gun to a woman's head as a hostage and all negotiations have failed, deadly force may be necessary to save the woman's life. Yes, Romans 13:4   
 
(2) A person's daughter may have someone try to abduct, kidnap, rape etc. her and if all other means fail, deadly force may be necessary to stop the evil person.
Psalms 127:1 ...  except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
Have you read in Job that the Lord protectively hedged Job about and it was only when God allowed satan to attack his family, that his children perished? 

For us, it is a faith matter. We can put our faith in weapons to protect us, doctors to heal us, lawyers to deliver us, insurance to comfort us, government to provide for us. 
A Godly king said: 2 Chronicles 32:8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. 

and again,  Jeremiah 17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

You see, trusting in man's devices cause us to depart from God.
 
(3) WWII and the reign of Hitler was stopped by deadly force of many courageous men who laid down their lives to stop him and his slaughter of the jews (which we know was part of God's judgement, but we are still called to stand in the gap)
I am not sure I understand, are you saying with weapons? 
Where in the Christian scripture are we called to a violent defense?
-as a teacher, I really need to know?  

How might these apply?
2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world

 

Many Christians were killed by professing Christians in WW2.
Many Japanese Christians perished in the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 
Those two cities were centers of "Christian" communites in pagan Japan.
We nuked both of them.

The way I discovered this was from a Japanese student who lived with us. We were shocked to hear from her those two cities were know for being Christian enclaves in pagan Japan. 

I also read a fascinating book about a German soldier who was a dedicated Christian and threw away his gun.
He never killed anyone and God miraculously preserved his life for years through terrible battles as he walked in faith for God's protection. 
There were many USA Christians who participated in WW2 without killing. Many became medics in order to help save lives and not to destroy them.  

What did John mean when he told the soldiers   "do violence to no man"?

What did Jesus mean when He said :  Matthew 26:52 ... Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

 

Brother, there is a vast difference between the kingdoms of this world and the kingdom of God. Jesus said so. Have you considered His Words:
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.
Whose kingdoms were those armies fighting for in WW2?  Christ's kingdom or kingdoms of this world?
 
(4) The Bible puts a high premium on courage, and part of courage for a man is protecting his family, and if someone broke into my home then I have the obligation by God to protect my family even if it meant deadly force (after exhausting all other means)

In studying the subject from the scriptures, when the Christians were persecuted in their homes, there is no record given for them.  
What is the difference between a criminal and uniformed criminals that commit crimes?  Paul was a religious criminal that committed the very crime of violent persecution.
There is no verse where the church in persecution stayed to fight it out with the authorities:
Acts 8:3   But Saul laid waste the church, entering into every house, and dragging men and women committed them to prison.
the above examples (1-4) would be that of JUSTIFIED KILLING not MURDER.  Any killing that is selfish by nature is evil, but justified killing is authorized under certain circumstances. 

where in the scripture is  "justified killing"  for a Christian? 
What does "do violence to NO man" mean?  Did he make any exceptions?
Please explain and give scripture in order for me to understand:
Please post the verses:  _________

 
Why didn't the men "defend" their wives and children if that is what Christians should do?
Saul was not the government, he was a religious zealot and a transgressor.
Could it be the disciples followed 1 Peter 3:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
Would I protect my family, wife, and daughter if thre was a threat?
-Absoutely. I would lay down my life for them.

The death penalty was in place in the time of Christ by the Roman empire and Paul even said to an authority in Acts "if I have done something worthy of the death penalty then let me die" (paraphrased) even the thief on the cross said he and his partner deserved to die but Jesus was just and was unjustly condenmed.
Were Christian disciples enforcing the death penalty?
 
The entire Old testament is full of righteous warriors who killed according to the will of God, and although we are under a New covenant , i do not believe that some of the principles are completely out of line.  to sum up I believe there is righteous and unrighteous killing. 

Were they fighting for a physical kingdom or a spiritual kingdom?
Is our Kingdom a physical kingdom or a spiritual kingdom?
Why did Jesus say "my kingdom is not of this world"
What did He mean when He said "if my kingdom was of this world, THEN would my servants fight"

With this being said there are times when God may call someone to be a lamb to the slaughter and not resist. 
It is written: Romans 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
 
In my opinion I believe the wisdom of God (written Word and Holy Spirit) allows for justified killing.  

I did request readers to give those verses:
Please give the scriptures where the Spirit-filled believers said or did so, maybe I missed them.

The Bible says "prove all things" and again "search the scriptures to see whether these things be so". This I would like to observe and when the scriptures are given, I promise to study them.

Brother, I percieve you need to get in touch with God over this and spend time in prayer and His Word in order to know the Will of God concerning this.  In that, I can only point you toward the scriptures and the Lord, for to HIM must we stand to give an answer.

grace and peace to you

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

While looking for some commentary on Luke 22 this morning, i came across this for the first time, not having seen it before:

Here is what David Eells wrote from "How Shall We Die?"

...What did He command in the Sermon on the Mount?
Resist not him that's evil.
That's at the beginning of His ministry.
If any man slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other.
If he takes away your goods, ask them not again. Love your enemies.
Forgive so that you'll be forgiven. That's what He preached there.

You can't forgive somebody and shoot and kill them at the same time, can you?

That's not forgiving or loving, is it?
See, we're a peculiar people. The problem is, God's people don't know what kingdom they belong to.
They think that God's Kingdom is a natural nation like Israel was in the Old Testament.

 

But they were just a parable pointing to a spiritual nation in the New Covenant.
God's people are mixed up concerning what their Kingdom really looks like, what their Kingdom is all about.
They're confused. They think that America is God's Kingdom and that we should fight for America and kill our enemies; but, you see, Jesus forbade that.

 

What covenant are you in?
Do you not believe in obeying what Jesus commanded in our Covenant?
Why do you call yourself a Christian if you submit to your religion but you don't submit to your Lord?

 

That's what Babylon is.  We have to repent; we have to turn back to the Word of God.
When Jesus came, He taught this non-resistance all the way through His ministry to His
disciples.

He gave them a right to flee but He never gave them a right to fight.

He said, I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves (Luk.10:3).
No fighting; no killing.

The very people you are killing, you are sending into eternal damnation.
If you die, you go into eternal life. Is it better to die or is it better to kill?
If you kill, you're a murderer; if you die, you go into eternal life.

Is it better for them to kill you or for you to
kill them? Obviously, we're not supposed to take up the sword.

 

Some may say, “David, if we didn't defend this nation, who would defend it?” The
answer is lots and lots of people who don't believe the Word of God would. They would
defend it.

Lots of Christians who don't believe the Word of God and don't submit to their
covenant, they would defend it. Don't worry about that. But unless God defends it, it
can't be defended; and unless we're on God's side, it can't be defended. (Pro.16:7)
When a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at
peace with him. Our best defense is to be pleasing to the Lord. God is raising up a
beast kingdom because the ways of God's people are not pleasing unto Him. So if we
repent, that's the best defense we can have. Repent and serve the Lord

The Sword of Transgression

But people come back with, “Well, David, that part about taking the sword and perishing
– Jesus is the One Who told them to take the sword!” You know, it's strange that people
will look point blank at a verse like this: “Put up again thy sword into its place: for all
they that take the sword shall perish with the sword,” and they will deny it for another
verse. They don’t understand that we call ourselves Christians because we believe all of
the Bible. They would rather pick and choose.
They will pick something that permits them to continue in whatever they want to do.
The verse that they like to choose is in Luke 22. Let's see how that fits with Matthew 26: 

 

(Luk.22:35) And he said unto them, When I sent you forth without purse,
and wallet, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing.

 

We see immediately that Jesus is talking about the fact that, in their weakness, their provision is still sure and that in their inability to save themselves, to provide for themselves, God
was going to do it. We can see that very clearly in this verse.
He sent them out that way on purpose, so that they would learn to depend upon God as their Savior, Provider,
Healer, Deliverer, and so on.
He wanted His disciples to be people of faith; He wanted
His ministers to be ministers of faith.

If a person is not a minister of faith, they’re not qualified. Frankly, that disqualifies an
awful lot of people.
(36) And he said unto them, But now, he that hath a
purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet; and he that hath none, let him
sell his cloak, and buy a sword.

This is totally the opposite of everything He has taught all through the Gospels.

 

Why did He say this? Well, let's read on:
(37) For I say unto you, that this which is written must be fulfilled in me, And he was
reckoned with transgressors.
Who is the transgressor here?
Let's go back because He taught this total dependence upon Him all through the Gospels and here He tellsthem just the opposite.
The people with the swords are the transgressors!
The people who provide their own way are the transgressors; the people who depend upon their
own supply are the transgressors.

 

It's very clear there had to be a fulfillment.
We see in Matthew 26:51 that Peter cut off the High Priest's servant's ear and Jesus restored it, rebuking the person who wielded the sword.
(Mat.26:52) Then saith Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into its place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

Why? He was a transgressor! Jesus rebuked him.
So now why would somebody use this Luke 22 verse to justify themselves, so that they
can take the sword, the wallet, etc.?

Because they want to do what they want to do.
However, a person who is trying to fit all these verses together, line upon line, here a
little and there a little, can now come to an understanding that's truthful.

.......

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. 

We have a new friend, Stephen Anderson, a recent visitor and now a new co-worker in God's kingdom. His site is Disciples of Jesus and it is a joy to find another pilgrim who left the apostate establishment church.
Here is an excerpt from his "About Me":

".......But most of what has happened here is my life has been turned inside out. I now know what it is like to be crushed, to come to the point where I just wanted to flee into the desert and understand Elijah and Jeremiah. I've seen too much of the underbelly of the Church. In fact, my entire understanding of church has been shattered. Nevertheless, even when we are faithless, He remains faithful, Amen. Having our theology severely shaken can be a good thing if it breaks down the false doctrines of men and drives us anew to the Word of God to find the real truth.

I believe there are others out there like me. You know the Lord has called you. You know He has a purpose for you. Yet you feel like a fish out of water, flopping here and there, trying to find the water you were created to swim in.

I'll tell you what I suspect: God has those He redeemed many years ago, those He saved for the depths of sin and darkness, kept in reserve as His last days witnesses to the power of the Gospel. There are still a remnant that can stand up and say, "I know the power of the Gospel, I know the depths of the love of God, I know what it means to be saved.

You can keep your theology, your purpose driven, self affirming, seeker friendly, sin loving Church. I've met the Lord, He lifted me up out of my own filth and vomit. He washed me and clothed me. He restored my mind and body. HE IS MY SAVIOR! I am His last days witness, the work of His hands."

And together we will stand as living and dying witnesses to His unbounded love and faithfulness, to the chief of sinners, in the midst of a God hating and sin loving world."

Praise the Lord Jesus.
On another note, we received a good revelation from Sherri and her healing:

I wanted to quickly share something with you regarding the time of emailing you regarding the blessing/curses. (Deut. 28)
I found it strange that the day you responded to my initial email that I had a rash on my right arm.  I had
been to my son's football practice sitting in the grass and assumed that the rash was a result of a sweat bee.

The following morning, the rash was gone.  The next night however, I awoke at around 2 am with an awful rash all over my legs.  This rash looked much like hives which I have never had any problems with.  The rash looked like huge welts that itched without relief. 

 After a tough night sleeping, I again awoke to find the rash was no longer there.  The next night, I again had the same experience and woke up my husband to show him what was going on.  The following morning, I had no sign of the rash. 

I do have a medical background and expecting this next baby in November. I did some basic research and  determined I was experiencing PUPP,  a common rash linked to many women during pregnancy.  I continued to experience this rash each night throughout my search regarding the blessing/curses

The day of your last email recommending David E.'s book, I felt that I had a much better understanding of the truth.  I went to bed that night to wake up once again to this.what was becoming an awful rash.  I woke my husband to show him again because both of my legs, my arms and a portion of my stomach was red, welted, and itching making it difficult for me to have a peaceful night of rest. 

 We went to bed then and I said to the Lord, this is crazy...I don't get rashes, I don't have sickness in my life and Lord, I don't have to because of what You did for me so I am not going to accept this because I live a blessed life and one of obedience in You. 

 He quickly asked me then, why I assumed the curse was not alive and real among the earth today if I wasn't going to accept the curse in my life. It just clicked. 

 I repented because I knew that I had allowed my "medical education" to interfere with my faith.  I have spent so many years labeling the curse with a diagnosis name overlooking that it all is a result of the curse.  He has shown me a great truth.  I repented and my eyes were open to the Word that is always true and just.  I woke up the following morning with no sign of this rash.  It has now been almost amonth and I have not ever had such a thing again.


Praise the Lord Sherri!
 We are loving our growing together in grace and knowledge of His Word
 

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