Featured Terrorists: WWJD?

I can see no Scriptural issue with defense of innocents or one's self.

 

He hardwired fight or flight response into our brains. We have a right to defend ourselves. But if it truly came down to it, then he says the death of his saints is precious in his sight. But since they're so bent on violence and destruction, all we can really do is pray in the meantime.

 

Biblically, we should treat them as followers of any false prophet or idolaters and have nothing to do with them, receive them not into our homes or our nation. Nowhere does Jesus teach that we should just let them kill us without defending ourselves.

 

I often ask, what about the case of Christ when people say this?

I think His death pointed to a new way of doing things for His followers. He exampled again and again that if you live by the sword then you die by the sword.

I don't think that means that He intends for us to not fight to protect ourselves and our loved ones our those who are innocently caught in the crossfire. But rather each individual make the decision to be willing to give our lives if it's just us.

He told Peter to put down his knife.

He, Himself, chose again and again to not fight when faced with certain death at the hands of those who hated him.

Perhaps the way of the Christian when faced with such a dilemma isn't exactly what our flesh thinks it is.

When dealing with the innocent, perhaps we are to intercede to save lives the way that He did with the woman about to be stoned.

Just some different thoughts.

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Well in the Gospels he welcomed one to become a follower and mentored him for 3 years.

 

A good biblical discussion of Christian "martyrdom":

http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-martyrdom.html


Clearly, the biblical evidence points to the fact that those who are persecuted and suffer for their witness to Christ (up to and including death) are pleasing in God’s sight. Given that, two additional questions arise. First, what if I’m not asked to make the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of Christ? God doesn’t call everyone to make the ultimate sacrifice, but the Bible calls all Christians to be prepared to give a defense of the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15). The key to this passage lies in preparedness. Consider this analogy: those enlisting in the armed services should do so with the understanding that they may be called into battle and may be called upon to die in the service of their country. This is (or should be) the mindset of everyone who joins the military. Clearly, not all enlisted men and women die in the service of their country, and not all are even called into battle. Despite this, they are trained daily to be prepared for battle. The same goes for the Christian. We are in a state of “warfare” (Ephesians 6:12-20), and our Lord may call upon any of us to witness and even be martyred for our faith. Thus, we must be prepared!

The second question that can be asked is, given martyrdom’s “special” status in God’s eyes, should we actually seek martyrdom? Biblically, we can’t make a case for seeking to be martyrs for the cause of Christ. Martyrdom is a great privilege if it is inevitable, but it is not to be sought. Jesus said, “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next” (Matthew 10:23). Furthermore, reading through the book of Acts, we see that the early church continually fled from intense persecution (Acts 8:1; 9:25, 30; 14:6; 17:10, 14). In each of these biblical examples, we see the early Christians fleeing persecution and taking all necessary precautions for survival. When Jesus says, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39), He is not calling for people to make an attempt to lose their lives. Rather, He is calling us to be willing to lose our lives for His sake. Those who actively seek the path of martyrdom are not seeking it for the glory of God, but for their own glory. As the old saying goes, the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. God’s purpose in martyrdom is the glorification of His name and the building up of His church.

 

He would tell us to buy a sword.

 

Zaac: "-------He exampled again and again that if you live by the sword then you die by the sword. ---------"

Self defense is not "living by the sword"!

 

Then why did Christ say that to Peter?Was he not attempting to defend Christ and himself?

 

Are Christians not supposed be fighting a spiritual war?

 

Simple. I'm surprised you don't know the answer.

Christ knew God's plan and knew it was futile for Peter to resist. In obedience to his Father, Jesus was going to put on the cross to save all mankind and would not resist, nor would he allow others to do so in his behalf.

 

Yes.

But martyrdom is not demanded nor required.

 

I partially agree. Yes Peter was essentially interfering again trying to prevent the Inevitable. But Jesus had also shown them how His followers should treat their enemies even in the face of self-persecution. He appeared to be saying to Peter what He had said to them all before: don't repay evil for evil. Love your enemies. Peter was ready to kill to protect himself and Christ . Jesus already knew Peter couldn't stop Him from going to the Cross. This instead was Jesus AGAIN reiterating what He had already shown them repeatedly about the type of fight they were to fight.

 

No, it isn't. But we are to be willing to lose our lives for the cause of Christ.

 

And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

 

In the spiritual realm God made all men. In the flesh Sam Colt made all men equal.

Some might want to roll over and play dead but as for me I will utilize every bit of Fire Power available to protect myself and my family from harm. Even if it's in Church. Yes, I carry concealed in Church.

The Lord tells us if we don't work we don't eat. He also tells us that a man who does not provide for his family is worse than an infidel. I would really hate to take another's life but if it's him or me...

Have any of you ever seen the original movie of Sgt York? WW 1? He started out as a Conscience Objector ending up being the highest decorated man of the war.

 

He also called Peter "Satan", and we can presume that the Devil wanted to prevent the crucifixion.

 

Matthew 24:8-10 “All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.”​

What WILL Jesus do? Justice and judgement.

They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" Revelation 6:10​

Rob