It’s time for us to resume our “Re-Examined” series by considering Luke 22:36, in which Jesus says, “Let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” Many Christians use this passage as a proof-text for the use of deadly force in self-defense.
Brother you are wrong If you think our lord did not want us to defend our families.sounds like you have a loose translation of how real what our savior endured.
It is all about context, if you only want the Word to say what you want it to say then you will be lead to your own hearts desires and struggle to fulfill the desires that The Lord has for your life. Careful study of the Bible will led to conviction that you may not enjoy, but the Word of God will not come back void. Thanks Brother Wes, keep on keeping on!
While many versions, like the KJV and those derived from it use the word "take" - I believe the more accurate interpretation is to draw, live by or use. It's not the possession of a weapon that is the issue, but the attitude and human action surrounding it. In today's context we could say that those who brandish or threaten others are "living by the sword." But those that merely own a weapon for self-defense are not.
Self-Defense is most definitely approved of in the scriptures, and those who refer to Jesus' command to "turn the other cheek" equally read that out of context. In ancient Israel, one of the most humiliating, demeaning, and belittling things to do was to strike someone across the face with the back of the hand. For a man to do it to another man in public, added to the gravity of the insult. Whilst physical violence is an element of this action, the purpose/intention is NOT violence, but insult. As most people are right-handed, to strike the right cheek of another means using your right hand. When Jesus said "turn your left cheek", he most definitely is NOT prohibiting the use of self-defence in an emergency situation. His command is to not become embroiled in the tit-for-tat trading of insults. I am yet to meet any honest person who, when asked "What would you do if a man burst through your front door and started attacking your wife"? replies "I would stand idly by and watch because I must turn the other cheek".
Wrong, the passage is about self defense, and its also about using violence to promote christianity. Its a general lecture on the use of weapons. Jesus knew the sword would be used, and it was a defensive move, but Jesus stopped it since he was supposed to die for our sins regardless.
There are persuasive scriptures for both arguments. As a former professional cage fighter of 20 years I have prayed and asked the Lord for direction on this topic for years. I'm not claiming to know it all here, but feel it is a case by case basis and we need to be lead by the spirit in every situation. In all our ways submit to GOD and he will make our paths straight. "love thy neighbor and do good to those who hurt you. We are to be like Jesus, and when Jesus hung on a cross to die for us what did he say? "Forgive them father, for they know not what they do." When evil comes, and lawlessness abounds or when people don't accept our message what are we to do? Wipe the dust from our feet and leave. For the end times what are we to do when the abomination of desecration mocks God in the Holy place... Run to the mountains. If we fight for this life we will lose it but if we give up this life for his namesake we will keep it." We are also commanded to defend the widows and the orphans. James 1:27 NIV Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Why widows and orphans??? Because widows and orphans do not have a man in their lives to defend them, protect them, feed them, etc.
And in Luke 11:21-22 Jesus makes it seem obvious here that any man would defend his home if invaded when he says "When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe, but when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder.
Jist let the spirit guide you always. Pray for discernment and wisdom. There is no clear answer other than we follow the spirit. Logic says to me, Will defending our lives, our home, ourselvrs. or an innocent person bring glory to our father in heaven? This life is about saving others and glorofying God. Not Living. This life is a breath. There is no greater love than to lay down ones own life for his friends. If I have to sacrifice myself so my wife isn't raped or my kids aren't killed you can bet on it I will. Isn't that what Jesus did on the cross? Died for his children? If our world goes full on corrupt like Jesus said it would and I have to fight to save my own hide when there is a chance I could be like Paul and Silas converting prison guards I think God would want me to save those children of his & not fight. When we do things in our own strength and wisdom we get it wrong.
Lame, lame, lame rationalization. “No more of this” was because he was sent to die in a manner chosen by His Father in heaven. He knew that was the time & place & NOTHING, including violence, was going to change that. Had His followers persisted, they’d have been slain along with him. That would have been the end of His teachings on earth. “Buy a sword” was because they were going to be having to deal with the world without his protection. A dead prophet doesn’t get to preach the gospel.
How to totally impose your preconceived pacifistic dogma with a disclaimer at the end...
Brother you are wrong If you think our lord did not want us to defend our families.sounds like you have a loose translation of how real what our savior endured.
It is all about context, if you only want the Word to say what you want it to say then you will be lead to your own hearts desires and struggle to fulfill the desires that The Lord has for your life. Careful study of the Bible will led to conviction that you may not enjoy, but the Word of God will not come back void. Thanks Brother Wes, keep on keeping on!
While many versions, like the KJV and those derived from it use the word "take" - I believe the more accurate interpretation is to draw, live by or use. It's not the possession of a weapon that is the issue, but the attitude and human action surrounding it. In today's context we could say that those who brandish or threaten others are "living by the sword." But those that merely own a weapon for self-defense are not.
Self-Defense is most definitely approved of in the scriptures, and those who refer to Jesus' command to "turn the other cheek" equally read that out of context. In ancient Israel, one of the most humiliating, demeaning, and belittling things to do was to strike someone across the face with the back of the hand. For a man to do it to another man in public, added to the gravity of the insult. Whilst physical violence is an element of this action, the purpose/intention is NOT violence, but insult. As most people are right-handed, to strike the right cheek of another means using your right hand. When Jesus said "turn your left cheek", he most definitely is NOT prohibiting the use of self-defence in an emergency situation. His command is to not become embroiled in the tit-for-tat trading of insults. I am yet to meet any honest person who, when asked "What would you do if a man burst through your front door and started attacking your wife"? replies "I would stand idly by and watch because I must turn the other cheek".
Wrong, the passage is about self defense, and its also about using violence to promote christianity. Its a general lecture on the use of weapons. Jesus knew the sword would be used, and it was a defensive move, but Jesus stopped it since he was supposed to die for our sins regardless.
There are persuasive scriptures for both arguments. As a former professional cage fighter of 20 years I have prayed and asked the Lord for direction on this topic for years. I'm not claiming to know it all here, but feel it is a case by case basis and we need to be lead by the spirit in every situation. In all our ways submit to GOD and he will make our paths straight. "love thy neighbor and do good to those who hurt you. We are to be like Jesus, and when Jesus hung on a cross to die for us what did he say? "Forgive them father, for they know not what they do." When evil comes, and lawlessness abounds or when people don't accept our message what are we to do? Wipe the dust from our feet and leave. For the end times what are we to do when the abomination of desecration mocks God in the Holy place... Run to the mountains. If we fight for this life we will lose it but if we give up this life for his namesake we will keep it." We are also commanded to defend the widows and the orphans. James 1:27 NIV Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Why widows and orphans??? Because widows and orphans do not have a man in their lives to defend them, protect them, feed them, etc.
And in Luke 11:21-22 Jesus makes it seem obvious here that any man would defend his home if invaded when he says "When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe, but when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder.
Jist let the spirit guide you always. Pray for discernment and wisdom. There is no clear answer other than we follow the spirit. Logic says to me, Will defending our lives, our home, ourselvrs. or an innocent person bring glory to our father in heaven? This life is about saving others and glorofying God. Not Living. This life is a breath. There is no greater love than to lay down ones own life for his friends. If I have to sacrifice myself so my wife isn't raped or my kids aren't killed you can bet on it I will. Isn't that what Jesus did on the cross? Died for his children? If our world goes full on corrupt like Jesus said it would and I have to fight to save my own hide when there is a chance I could be like Paul and Silas converting prison guards I think God would want me to save those children of his & not fight. When we do things in our own strength and wisdom we get it wrong.
Lame, lame, lame rationalization. “No more of this” was because he was sent to die in a manner chosen by His Father in heaven. He knew that was the time & place & NOTHING, including violence, was going to change that. Had His followers persisted, they’d have been slain along with him. That would have been the end of His teachings on earth. “Buy a sword” was because they were going to be having to deal with the world without his protection. A dead prophet doesn’t get to preach the gospel.