But being gunned down, knifed, or otherwise killed by others due to them being demon possessed, drugged/drunk/ etc is not death by Martyrdom
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Self defense and security teams?
- Thread starter John of Japan
- Start date
God still dispatched an angel to slay 185000 of the enemies of God in one night, not too much there "turning other cheeck"
Not actually relevant to the discussion at hand. We have to distinguish between the differing ministrations of God throughout Scripture. He also told Israel to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan, not something He would require of Christians under New Covenant doctrine.
It gets a little iffy in a discussion like this, and I think both sides can make great points as to why they decide one way or the other. However, if we consider the principle's that work their way through every Age we can make some conclusions as to what the mind of God would be. Since one of the first principles we learn about God is that murderers (and that is what everyone who takes a gun into public and willfully takes the lives of others is) are not to be tolerated, and this is a common view God maintains throughout every Age, I think it reasonable to conclude that the murderer has forfeited his own life by acting contrary to God's will. It doesn't matter that he doesn't know it, that knowledge should have been taught him by his parents and society. And I think it also reasonable to say—he does know it.
Romans 13:3-4
King James Version
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
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 of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Every deacon or member of a fellowship that has duly appointed to the task of dealing with intruders has, in my personal opinion, as much authority within our culture as a policeman, and if putting the intruder to death becomes necessary, so be it. To stand by and let someone murder others and not do something about violates numerous principles God has maintained since the very beginning of the Revelation of His will. It is not ordaining men for a "crusade," because they don't go out looking for people to put to death in God's Name. They perform a function that, sadly, has become almost necessary in some parts of our country.
Again, I view them as having a God-appointed position and serve as revengers of God's wrath.
I think it also possible that some of these guys probably "case" their intended targets, and if so, knowing there are armed members is probably a great deterrent.
I'll leave you with a question: if a fellowship hired an off-duty, unbelieving policeman for this cause, would that be okay?
God bless.
I agree...but I view the application differently (protecting against powers in tge "spiritual realm").
The important thing is that there is a prayer and fasting routine in place, specifically for protection, make it part of community prayer, home prayer.
Whether people are home or far away, in Church or at work or at study.
Build a storehouse of Grace by prayer and fasting.
At Grace pray also for times of famine for your food to multiplied in your need and medication.
