What are your thoughts on self defense , when evil is on the move

Well, we are told that if we do not provide for our relatives, especially our household, then we have denied the faith and are worse than the unbeliever (1 Tim 5:8).

If my family requires food, I'll get it, If they require clothing and warmth, I'll get it. If they require protection, I'll provide it.

The difference between that and the 'machine gun preacher' movie (I watched it a while back), is that he went from protection from those who came to do harm to them, to going out and killing people who "might" come to do them harm. There is a huge difference.

Faulty said:

Well, we are told that if we do not provide for our relatives, especially our household, then we have denied the faith and are worse than the unbeliever (1 Tim 5:8).

If my family requires food, I'll get it, If they require clothing and warmth, I'll get it. If they require protection, I'll provide it.

The difference between that and the 'machine gun preacher' movie (I watched it a while back), is that he went from protection from those who came to do harm to them, to going out and killing people who "might" come to do them harm. There is a huge difference.

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Good post .

Mr Pickles said:

BBC News - Borno attacks: Nigeria 'militants' kill Christians


What are your thoughts on self defense, and defending your loved ones,

when evil is on the move,

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I would protect myself from unenlightened, primal humans just as much as I would from a bear, alligator, viscious dog or natural disaster such as a tsunami. Isn't this rather self-evident? It has nothing to do with being a Christian.

What are your thoughts on self defense, and defending your loved ones,
when evil is on the move

Barring Miraculous intervention -

Unless you've taken the time to train yourself for appropriately violent action, and have armed your self with the appliances that would make the return of deadly force possible -

Then when they come to kill you and your family, all you'll be able to do is watch 'em die, unless they kill you first.

If you HAVE armed yourself, and know how to use it, then in the terrible hour you'll do whatever you can, as savagely, and decisively as you can for as long as you can.

Simple as that

Faulty said:

The difference between that and the 'machine gun preacher' movie (I watched it a while back), is that he went from protection from those who came to do harm to them, to going out and killing people who "might" come to do them harm. There is a huge difference.

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I think everyone he killed was either in self defense or they 'had done' harm at one time or another. Him going after them is a bit like a cop going after someone who murdered someone. The cop isn't justified 'only if' the killer comes after him, he's justified because the killer has killed.

ROM 13:4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword (AK 47) in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer.

I watched the movie...then read the book...then sent him money. He never took one gun to Africa, the government armed him, and gave him soldiers also. I think 'that' just might qualify him as being a 'sort of' non commissioned soldier. What do you think of the military guys who were with him...who killed? Do you think it was OK for them?

Mr Pickles said:

Machine Gun Preacher - Official Trailer [HD] - YouTube

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Based on true story. Last I know he was still fighting. Seen a interview with him I think on CBN News.

Barring Miraculous intervention -

Unless you've taken the time to train yourself for appropriately violent action, and have armed your self with the appliances that would make the return of deadly force possible -

Then when they come to kill you and your family, all you'll be able to do is watch 'em die, unless they kill you first.

If you HAVE armed yourself, and know how to use it, then in the terrible hour you'll do whatever you can, as savagely, and decisively as you can for as long as you can.

Simple as that

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This answer reminds me of a response I heard from someone who was asked if hording food and supplies was a good idea in these greatly uncertain economic times.

She basically said if you want to be your provider and your protector, go right ahead, but she was going to believe the Word of God and believe God to be her protector and provider. Sounds like a good idea doesn't it?

There's probably nothing wrong with having weapons. Some might actually be led to buy them. Ultimately though God has promised to protect us.

As a people we need to make sure we get into that prayer closet and be sensitive to His leadings. Make sure we're not walking carnally. The carnal man will point to his strengths (or fears). If someone barged into the front door in your house with you and your family, the first inclination would be to look toward God to "point out the matter to Him". Of course He knows. If we're walking with Him, He moves within us to guide and to meet all of our needs.

I do believe God has us use natural wisdom at times and expects us to use it unless we hear otherwise. (As a believer, I think there is a LOT of otherwise.) This includes locking your doors at night, etc. We're not to get into fear. If our weapons are powerful (not carnal), then between God's Word and the angels, there's got to be something in there to cover our needs.

Our replies to questions like these should not be carnal. They will point to whatever level of the Word we're walking in. If we're inclined toward the natural (and we all do at times), then it's time to enter into the closet and sow the Word in our hearts and have the Spirit of God minister the ways that He meets our needs and expect that miraculous intervention. The "if it be thy will" thing is not going to work. It is God's will for His families to be protected and it is His will for us to believe and have His Word in our hearts to rely on in time of need.

How can we cast our cares if He's only cover the middle of the road needs that we can believe Him for? He's supposed to cover our great needs too. We're supposed to be walking in fellowship, so this fellowship guides our actions. It would be in our best interests to nurture this in times of peace and make sure we're thinking and saying the same thing as God's Word and not be doubleminded.

I am being taught that, for several reasons, that God provides plenty of protection for when difficult times come. This depends one one's faith and some training.

Mr Pickles said:

Machine Gun Preacher - Official Trailer [HD] - YouTube

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That looks like an interesting movie.

CGL1023 said:

I am being taught that, for several reasons, that God provides plenty of protection for when difficult times come. This depends one one's faith and some training.

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I agree with this but it needs to be tested. Rom 12:2
To just say God will provide and not have an opportunity to express faith is deception. There is no living faith if there is no works.

For example since God protects, do you go into drug infested areas to share the Gospel? And if not, you need to ask the hard question, why not?

Hillsage said:

I think everyone he killed was either in self defense or they 'had done' harm at one time or another. Him going after them is a bit like a cop going after someone who murdered someone. The cop isn't justified 'only if' the killer comes after him, he's justified because the killer has killed.

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Seeking out those who had done him harm is in violation of the clear commands of scripture.

Mr Pickles said:

i believe more along the lines God helps those who help them selves , the story in the old testament where they rebuilt the city a trowel in one hand and a sword in the other.

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Very good scripture reference.

I would rather be in a telephone booth with a hungry mountain lion then to be in a living room with most Christians. At least the mountain lion will have a little Mercy

Faulty said:

Seeking out those who had done him harm is in violation of the clear commands of scripture.

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:17-21
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This should be considered carefully and prayerfully. Sargent York was a pacifist that did not go to war. He was given time by his commanding officer to seek God and changed his mind and became a great soldier. But most pacifists are firm in the belief to be non violent. I don't think one size fits all. Looking for an excuse to pop somebody is wrong, hating is wrong. For now I am armed. I was forced to decide this many years ago when I was drafted and sent to war. But I am considering pacifism in the face of threats. I dunno at this time.

Mr Pickles said:

BBC News - Borno attacks: Nigeria 'militants' kill Christians


What are your thoughts on self defense, and defending your loved ones,

when evil is on the move,

Click to expand...

We have a right to defend ourselves. Pacifism is a lie of the Devil. Owning a gun, taking a fighting art, wearing a heavy belt buckle, carrying a knife, wearing heavy shoes, having other protective devises are appropriate.

Pacifism is not of the Devil. It can be just as fighting can be. Not all are called to be the same.