Some years ago I was led to take a stand on non resistance by the Holy Spirit. Being saved for 9 years and then getting baptized in the Holy Spirit really changed a lot of doctrinal mindsets I had picked up during those 9 years.
Defending myself, war, killing etc. was a topic the Holy Spirit was dealing with ME on. As I began to share with other Christians what the Lord was sharing, I met with a lot of resistance. I was asked what would I do if someone broke into my home and was going to harm my wife in some way.
Very valid question. As I pondered that thought my response was that I am not believing or fearing that someone coming into my home was ever going to be a possibility. I pray for divine protection and believe it is promised in Gods word for me and my family. This is my belief and confession daily.
Job said that, that which he greatly feared had come upon him.I would tell people that I do not live day to day wondering, fearing, or believing someone is going to break into my home and try and kill or harm me or my wife. If that sounds foolish to some, and I am sure it does, I am totally ok with that because if your belief is otherwise it does not change how I would feel about you one iota.
Every man has to be fully persuaded in his own mind. For several years I attended a church that believed in self defense, politics, war, carrying concealed weapons. It's a long story how I ended up there for 5 years but it was by Gods leading. Many men in this church carried weapons in church which at the time I had no idea. I left the church in 2009 and went back for a visit a couple years later.
What a change I saw in the environment of this church. They had security cameras all around and the men/ushers look just like and dress like the men who protect the president of the USA. They have the earbuds and walkie talkies the whole thing. The Pastor has said if anyone ever comes in there with any idea of a gun fight they are going to have one.
While I pray nothing would ever happen, I believe one day I might see this church in the news headlines. I remember a sermon this Pastor was teaching on a Sunday. He had told about how he and his family were living in a very small building 800 sq ft, on the church property. One night there was a banging on the door that was very loud and persistent.
He asked who it was several times with no answer,just persistent banging. He finally told this person through the door that he had his family inside and that he had a gun and that if they came in he was going to KILL him, with emphasis added. He was stressing the point of self defense.
Later in the same sermon he shared a story of a family who were in the mission field in a very dangerous area. There van broke down and the husband had to go for help. He left his wife and children in the van and told the wife to lock the doors and let no one in under any circumstance.
After he left, a man approached the van and walked right up and tried to open the door, the wife and kids were terrified. As he tried doors on both sides he could not get in, he then went toward the back door which the wife realized they did not lock.
As she jumped over the seats and her children to lock the back door he opened it before she got there and he had pulled out a knife and had a crazed murderous look in his eyes and he raised the knife as if to stab her.
Now for the Pastor who in a similar situation earlier in the sermon who had a gun would have shot the man dead. But this woman did not have a gun, she had something more powerful.
As this man had the knife raised she said, In the name of JESUS I rebuke you, he looked at her with a strange look. She said a second time, In the name of JESUS I rebuke you, he looked at her and then he looked at the knife in his hand. He was paralyzed. She said a third time, In the name of JESUS I rebuke you, he then looked at the knife but could not bring it down, then he just dropped it and ran away.
This sermon was not given to differentiate between whether one would use a carnal weapon or a spiritual weapon. This was not the Pastors point, however for me it was a huge lesson that there is power in the name of Jesus Christ when wielded in faith.
I realize that there are a lot of caveats and scenarios people will raise. The "What If's" if you will.I cannot answer to those nor is it in my heart to debate, argue, or convince a man against his own will.
While I do not agree with the stance of the old church I attended when it comes to weapons, war, and non resistance. I still love these people and count them as my brothers in Christ. I will not judge their hearts or their position in Christ. They are Gods workmanship, His clay, He is the Potter, not me. His arm is not shortened that it cannot save.
God has raised up and He has ordained the various military's in the world, ours, and Israels, etc. I thank God for our military, I pray for these men, women, and families. To many it sounds hypocritical, however this is not my intent or rationale.
I can say that I am thankful for the freedoms I enjoy for now and for those who gave their lives for this freedom. I am thankful that Hitler was stopped, and that the Iron Dome is protecting Israel. But ultimately, All the Glory goes to the God we serve.
These are my two cents on the subject. I will not debate my position but will answer and sincere questions on the matter. I refuse to get into the ring and fight, if people choose to do so, I let them get into the squared circle and wrestle with God on the matter.
I have had many matches in this same ring with God, He always comes out on top by Gods grace.
God Bless,
Brother Dave
