"Wise as serpents and harmless as doves" is an interesting notion to reconcile with present day global mayhem. Also: "Vengeance is mine saith The Lord, I will repay."
In the garden, Peter awakened long enough to fillet a temple soldier's ear with a sword. Jesus used this as an opportunity to witness--the ear was re-attached. Peter forsook, fled and denied Jesus three times before the sun came up on the next day--when Jesus was crucified.
Jesus told His followers to be witnesses of Him where ever they went--to the uttermost parts of the earth. The word translated witness could also be translated martyr. We have no idea of what that word means.
Most of the apostles, including Peter, did not die in nursing homes. Paul is a martyr too. The true witnesses of The Lord have been persecuted to the death in every generation even through today. There is little evidence of much physical resistance. There is evidence of Christians killing Christians.
That is an interesting chapter in world history--before we were enlightened of course.
Not sure packing a firearm would be very helpful unless one has a quickdraw holster and armor piercing bullets. There are probably more chances to be hit by lightning than by getting hit by gunfire in a church meeting.
Smith and Wesson still makes us feel good--been there, done that.
I am still convinced The Lord will not call us one second before it is time to go.
If one lives in an armed camp, that may be extenuating circumstances. The weapon still has to be ready to fire in a couple of seconds--for a warning volley anyway.
Not everyone is called to preach to the head hunters.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Bro. James
