When JESUS sent HIS disciples out—in Luke 22—HE orders them to sell their cloaks and buy swords if they do not possess any. When JESUS sent them out the first time, HE told them to not take anything—but HE was still on earth. When HE sends them in Luke 22, this time, HE won't be physically there protecting them—therefore HE advocates for a strong self-defense.
The Bible not only advocates self-defense, but also National defense when being attacked.
JESUS’ instruction to “turn the other cheek” was a reference to a personal insult—not physical danger. In the ancient world, the ultimate insult was to slap someone open-handed with the right-hand, then back-hand them across the other cheek with the same hand. JESUS says to not retaliate in kind.
When HE said “Those who live by the sword shall die by the sword”... HE did not mean citizens who merely wish to protect their own. That refers to people who deliberately cause death and destruction—they will die violently (this can be seen in the War on Terror—the terrorists are those who live by the sword, the U.S. military are those that cause the terrorists to die by the sword—in the National defense of the USA.
Private citizens neither attack people, nor are they charged with legally upholding the law, like a police officer—the above reference to “those who live by the sword” is thus obviated.
JESUS also acted violently against the money changers in the Temple and he did not respect or become subservient the the Pharisees... to the contrary... he admonished them and attacked them as hypocrites and liars and instructed people to not follow their example... to not pray for public consumption but to pray for prayers sake and to honor GOD.
I could go on but I have a business to run and customers waiting for me. I suspect that you and I will never agree.
LLS
V 36 - "See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied." That's not a strong self defense. Two of 11 (excluding Judas) is not a strong defense.
Nobody...not even I have suggested you do not have a right to self defense. But what you do not have a right to do is slander the government God appointed.
I fear you are misunderstanding me. So let m lay it out one more time...and then we can agree to disagree as Christian Brothers.
I believe in self defense and defending one's family. I beleive that is biblical. I believe in a strong National Defense. I believe in fighting for one's country...so much so I am in the military and have been for 26 years. I've got 4 more years for my 30 and I hope I have a retirement when I get there. That is also biblical.
I believe the scripture teaches us that the government we have is ordained by God...just like Saul was ordained by God to be King of Israel. I believe when you "resist" (Romans 13:2) that power ...and resist means to set yourself against...withstand...oppose...you are resiting the ordinance of God (V 3). I believe we are to submit to the establishment (ordinance) of man (1 peter 2:13) to the point it violates God's law...then we are to submit to God in love...to the point of death. Those establishment includes governors and kings...and presidents (since they are an establishment). I believe the Bible teaches we are to be extremely respectful of those rulers...even when we disagree VEHEMENTLY with what they desire...and when their desires are contrary to the will of God. The Bible teaches we are not to slander them...call them names...or rejoice when they fail. But as I pointed out earlier...we don't throw ourself into the lion's den to play the martyr. Paul didn't in Acts 22-23...and neither should we. But if the government decides it wants to persecute us...then so be it. "All who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." 2 Tim 3:12 - And that doesn't mean personal persecution only...but also at the hands of the government (see Paul and ALL the Apostles).
And I think you, as a believer, would agree this nation deserves God's wrath. We've killed 50 million kids and normalized sodomy and adultery...and promote pornography at every turn. The church is weak and made up of people who take a little religion to make them feel good but reject the harder teachings of the Gospel. Therefore...I believe God has raised up Obama...even to the point of sending a hurricane (Sandy) to get him re-elected...to be an instrument of that judgment. Why? Because we deserve it. There is something BIGGER out there. Eternity.
Be blessed.