On Friday evening, citizens were warned to stay home, and police closed several metro lines. French President, Francois Hollande, called an emergency cabinet meeting, declaring a state of emergency and closing the nation’s borders.
“At this moment, unprecedented terrorist attacks are underway across the city of Paris,” Hollande said before the meeting; adding that military personnel had been deployed across the city.
Please note, beloved, this was not just an attack against Christians! No, this was another attack against a national people in a further attempt to rule the world by an evil, religious, people group. (I am not denying that Christians and Jews have been main targets).
We have seen and experienced similar assaults throughout the world; lives being lost and survivors imprisoned by fear. We live today in this reality.
Meanwhile in America, Christians fight the battle of “Red Cups” and being able to express “Merry Christmas”! Now, these topics do have their degree of importance, I am not speaking against them, necessarily. However, what I do want to get across to the American citizen, and especially to the American Christian: Wake up, these actions are coming here, soon! With our open borders, accepting certain refugees, and over-the-top liberal government, these enemies are already in place!
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The question that comes to the minds of believers in perilous times: How is a Christian Suppose to React to Evil Actions?
Certain Scriptures seem to say that believers are not to protect themselves against evil doers. Out of their context and idioms of the day, this may be an understanding. For example:
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:38-39)
This, “turn the other cheek” is mostly in reference to insulting jabs. Do not return insult for insult, as this will escalate into violence. Jesus’ words are not prohibiting self-defense, or a right to get away from evil aggression.
“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
Acting in love towards an attacking enemy will often include taking steps to insure he will not be able to continue his aggression against you or others. To coin a phrase, sometimes love must be tough!
Yes, we are to love our enemies, but let us not lose sight of the total package in the command to love. We commanded to love God with greatest effort of, mind, and body, will, and spirit, all that we are. Then, we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Your neighbor is anyone who is not you; this will include enemies. We have to conclude we are to love God, everyone else, and ourselves. Can you not see that the right to defend from evil must be included in these aspects of loving?
Throughout the Bible, we have a clear argument for defense. It is implied in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that we are expected to care for our bodies as believers. We are His temple. God’s Word gives us a clear picture of His heart for innocent and defenseless people. He expects that an act of love is to defend and care for them.
In Luke 22:36, Jesus encouraged His disciples to prepare to defend by saying if they did not have a sword (common weapon of the day), to buy one.
Defending yourself and others does not lessen your trust in God. Taking proper precautions in life is in accordance with trusting God. I trust God to watch over me, but I obey speed limits, wear seat belts, carry insurance policies, lock my doors at night, and take certain medicines to aid health.
Defending self, family, neighbors, and nations, prevents and restrains evil.
Clearly one can see the Bible condones defense, and Christians do not just have freedom to do so, but have a responsibility to do so as well.
Now, as far as these acts of terrorism we see though out the world, we are not just talking about Christians targeted for persecution and martyrdom. We are talking about an invading Islamic army taking over another country, with Christians caught in the middle. Christians should defend themselves, their families, communities, and their nations, just as anyone else would fight against an invading army. “Watch and Pray” and act on Spirit led instructions. My prayer: God, wake America up, enlighten with Your wisdom, and LORD, Bless America again!