Posted on 10/29/2017 8:51:29 AM PDT by Kaslin
Turn the other Cheek...
If I turn the other cheek
You will get
“A Look that could Kill!”
Hit me once,
Shame on You.
Hit me Twice,
Shame on Me!
As far as Guns...
I carry three nites a week,
You guess which.
Americans Always Will have Guns
in one hand and a Bible in the other,
ask Barack Hussein Odumbo.
Given that there were a number of Church-approved translations in local vernacular prior to the time of Martin Luther, you might want to revisit that claim.
But the disciples were carrying swords and Christ had allowed it!
No. Jesus is talking to the whole group (you -- plural). Then, he addresses them selectively. (1) Those with money (purse, scrip) can go out and buy a sword. (This is phrased using an imperative which we translate as "Let him..."). (2) Those who don't have money, Jesus advises them to sell their outer garment (cloak -- himation) in order to acquire the funds needed to make the sword purchase.
Prior (see Matthew 10:10ff) Jesus had sent them out WITHOUT any preparations -- no purse, bag or sandals. But knowing that he would no longer be with them, he instructs them here in Luke 22 to provide not only these, but also that each should have a weapon -- a sword, the close quarter weapon of its day.
Swords are not cooking utensils. They are weapons. And, since Jesus is not encouraging them to pillage and plunder, the only reasonable alternative is for defensive purposes, to keep any potential aggressor at bay.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22%3A36-38&version=AKJV
Luke 22:36-38 Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
Scholars should seek the truth in scripture, not dig for support backing their preferred answers. I find the Bible most useful when its guidance goes against my instincts. It’s reassuring when God’s word tells me I’m okay, but it’s far more important when scripture sets me back on the right track. I read for truth, not for an echo chamber.
I checked a lot of translations in several languages, including old versions and scholarly commentaries, before purchasing my first gun. I just reread many versions to refresh my memory. None of them struck me as irony or sarcasm. None sounded like a call to arm ourselves like monks in a Chinese monastery. All sounded like the words of a scholar who understood a much older passage about balance:
Ecclesiastes 3 King James Version (KJV)
3 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
My personal opinion is that Jesus commanded us to take responsibility for defending ourselves and our faith against thugs and criminals. Defense against Rome (government)? No, at least not when it was hopeless.
He knew two of his disciples had swords, but He brought that topic up for the purpose of guiding us. He did not want us to exclusively and blindly follow the “turn the other cheek” passage. This was a case of “To every thing there is a season . . . .” He gave permission for us to arm ourselves, and He modified that with a caution that arms should not take center stage in our lives or in our faith. Swords? Yes . . . but in moderation, as with so much else in our lives.
Our responsibility to feed the poor and care for the sick includes (as just one facet) a responsibility to defend the weak against predators, and that may require a sword. It also requires that we not spend all of our time, money, and energy on weapons, but actually get out there and help those in need.
Good take of this
Rings true.
That’s why it makes sense that it would be a figure of speech.
My self-defense rights are not contained within the section of Scripture under discussion and don’t require bolstering by checking the Gospels or the words of Jesus. Self-defense rights are superior to any creed, statement of faith, or convocation of human religious leaders, no matter the letters behind their names. Allowing such religious charlatans to embroil clear-thinking and liberty-minded patriots in such discussions is contrary to the larger goals which must become a priority rather than angels dancing on pins. Dr. Brown may continue to amuse himself in the annals of Townhall.com but I’ll not participate.
Hmm, interesting
Also with gun ownership comes the duty to be diligent in practice & training, and when the crises arise to be bold to rise to meet the challenge to protect our loved ones. Without the latter then all the former is useless and you were just a gun collector.
If I see you raise a torch against my church, I’ll drop you where you stand before you can throw it.
Peter took Jesus’ words literally as he used his sword to cut off the slave’s ear, which Jesus then healed.
He that has a purse, let him take it, for he may need it. They must now expect that their enemies would be more fierce than they had been, and they would need weapons. At the time the apostles understood Christ to mean real weapons, but he spake only of the weapons of the spiritual warfare. The sword of the Spirit is the sword with which the disciples of Christ must furnish themselves.
Prayer and the Holy Spirit is more powerful than any weapon, including nuclear bombs. There is a reason that satan fears “Love.” as he feels it will kill him.
We are having global warming, but not as most think. It is due to the increased presence of the Holy Spirit on earth. We truly are in wonderful times.
If it were not for the increased presence of the Holy Spirit, no one on earth would survive. Pray and Trust God.
I believe Christians have a choice, especially in the end times. Revelation 13:9 & 10 NASV
“If anyone has an ear, let him hear.
“If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.”
The letters to the churches are very important.
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