My grandpa Miller lost his left arm in a farming accident. The earliest memories I have of him are of a man with one arm. He was quite industrious with that one arm. He would carry a vise grip in his pocket, clip it to the bottom of one side of his jacket and then use the weight of that tool to hold it down as he zipped it up.
-
One day he was helping build an addition on my uncles barn when a neighbor stopped over. The neighbor wasn’t as tactful as he probably should have been and asked how grandpa could be nailing up boards with only one hand. Grandpa said, “I put the nails between my teeth and hit the back of my head with the hammer.” Of course he had a way of using his right hand to get the nails started while holding the hammer at the same time and then driving the nails in just like anyone else would.
-
Today I have a friend who has only one leg. We have little boys who have a lot of questions. The other day one of our little boys innocently pointed at him and asked what happened to his leg. I was not sure how to respond and did not want to embarrass my friend, nor did I want to reprimand a child for an innocent question so I simply told him to ask my friend.
-
My friend really likes kids and I was so happy to see that he showed no signs at all of being offended. He just smiled as he answered the question. Throughout life we can all find things to be offended over even though people meant no offense by what they said. Still we should all be careful in what we say so that we don’t offend with our words. James chapter 3 warns about the careless use of the tongue.
-
What should our attitude be, however, when someone else says something to us without thinking- something that hurts our feelings. First of all, there are times that people are rude on purpose, but I believe that most of the time, people meant no harm by what they said. Often their statements are just as innocent as the question of a curious child.
-
The scriptures actually tell us how to deal with such situations. Ephesians 4:2 says, “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.” That word “forbearing” means “putting up with.” If we really love each other, we will patiently (longsuffering) put up with each other even when we hurt each others feelings. The more we love, the more we put the other person first and the less focused we are on ourselves. If we care so much about others that we love them enough to die for them, then we will not be so focused on our own hurt feelings but instead we will see that they really did not mean to hurt us. “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (I John 3:16)
-
Galatians 5:14-15 says, “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” Instead of getting angry and fighting with each other over something that was not even meant to be rude, we should take the advice of 1 Peter 4:8, “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” That word “charity” in Greek, is also translated “love.”
-
1 John 4:11 tells us, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” God does love us. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
Looking Forward to Christmas
Around Thanksgiving time, our boys started to ask us how many days it was until Christmas. With 3 of our 4 boys old enough to talk, we got tired of answering that question, so finally Crystal made a chain out of construction paper that we hung from the ceiling and we let the boys take turns taking a link off each day. Now when they want to know how long it is before Christmas, they can just look at the chain.
-
Today Christmas is looked upon with much anticipation- especially among children who expect to get gifts. Before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, instead of looking forward to Christmas, those who believed God were looking forward to the promised Messiah- the Christ. There was so much anticipation for His coming that when John the Baptist came, some wondered if he might be the Christ.
-
Today Christmas has become so commercialized that rather than anticipating Christ, many just anticipate the presents and the celebration. The word “advent” literally means the arrival of something important or awaited. The boys are awaiting the arrival of their presents and another chance to go to Grandma’s house, but as we consider Christmas, should we be anticipating the arrival of Christ?
-
Jesus Christ has already come and was born in Bethlehem so we are not looking forward to His birth this “advent” season. Instead we are looking back on what happened a couple of thousand years ago. The angel declared in Luke 2:11-12, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
-
So what should we be anticipating as we reflect on Christmas if Jesus has already come? When He was born, an angel announced His birth. Now consider the announcement that was made as Jesus ascended into heaven after His resurrection. “And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 10-11)
-
We do not know when Jesus will come back. As we look forward to Christmas, we know we are celebrating the fact that Jesus has already come and been born into this world, but we should also be anticipating His return. That anticipation should not just occur at Christmas though. Even the observance of the Lord’s Supper is a reminder that Jesus will come back. Consider what the Apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.”
-
For those who have believed on Jesus as Lord and Savior, the advent of His return is comforting. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:3) For those who have not believed, His return should be frightening. “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” (Revelation 1:7) Jesus is no longer a little baby in a manger. He is a resurrected savior who is preparing a place for those who believe on Him and who will punish those who will not believe. We all have reason to anticipate His return- believe on Him and His return will be worth looking forward to.
-
Today Christmas is looked upon with much anticipation- especially among children who expect to get gifts. Before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, instead of looking forward to Christmas, those who believed God were looking forward to the promised Messiah- the Christ. There was so much anticipation for His coming that when John the Baptist came, some wondered if he might be the Christ.
-
Today Christmas has become so commercialized that rather than anticipating Christ, many just anticipate the presents and the celebration. The word “advent” literally means the arrival of something important or awaited. The boys are awaiting the arrival of their presents and another chance to go to Grandma’s house, but as we consider Christmas, should we be anticipating the arrival of Christ?
-
Jesus Christ has already come and was born in Bethlehem so we are not looking forward to His birth this “advent” season. Instead we are looking back on what happened a couple of thousand years ago. The angel declared in Luke 2:11-12, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
-
So what should we be anticipating as we reflect on Christmas if Jesus has already come? When He was born, an angel announced His birth. Now consider the announcement that was made as Jesus ascended into heaven after His resurrection. “And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 10-11)
-
We do not know when Jesus will come back. As we look forward to Christmas, we know we are celebrating the fact that Jesus has already come and been born into this world, but we should also be anticipating His return. That anticipation should not just occur at Christmas though. Even the observance of the Lord’s Supper is a reminder that Jesus will come back. Consider what the Apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.”
-
For those who have believed on Jesus as Lord and Savior, the advent of His return is comforting. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:3) For those who have not believed, His return should be frightening. “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” (Revelation 1:7) Jesus is no longer a little baby in a manger. He is a resurrected savior who is preparing a place for those who believe on Him and who will punish those who will not believe. We all have reason to anticipate His return- believe on Him and His return will be worth looking forward to.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Do Christians Have to Observe the Old Testament Law?
As we travel to visit family during the holiday season, I am thankful for the interstate highway system. We can pull onto the interstate, set the cruise control at 70mph and arrive at our destination much more quickly than if we had to drive 55 the whole way. I do, however, remember the days when the speed limit was only 55 mph, even on the interstate.
-
Times change and laws change but it is comforting to know that our Lord does not change. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Though our God does not change, do His expectations for us ever change? I think about my own little boys. I expect that my 1 year old not play with electrical cords as he crawls around. My expectation for my 4 year old is that he be completely quite when I tell him to. My 1 year old is not yet ready to understand that.
-
As my boys get older they will have more and more rules to both instruct them and to keep them safe, but there will come a time when many of those rules will no longer be needed. For example the rule for them now is that they not go on or near the road unless we are with them. This rule is given to both instruct them of the dangers of traffic and to keep them safe, but as they get older, there will come a day when they will be able to safely go out on the road by themselves.
-
Our Christian Bible is divided between the Old and New Testaments. As we look at the Old Testament we see expectations for God’s people that many of today’s Christians ignore. For example, the Hebrews were forbidden to eat unclean animals including pork, yet it is not uncommon to get served a ham sandwich at church.
-
Why don’t Christians observe the Old Testament law like the Jews did? The answer is that the Law of Moses was a lot like the rules I give to my little boys. The rules are there to teach so that the boys are prepared for what comes later. Galatians 3:24-25 says, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” The Old Testament law that Moses gave was a way to teach people about Christ so that they would come to Him, but now that He has come, that law is no longer needed.
-
Not only did Jesus die for our sins, but notice what else was accomplished on the cross. “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” (Colossians 2:14-17)
-
Notice that the ordinances of the Old Testament are nailed to the cross. Sadly some people still judge others for eating pork and not observing certain special days, but Colossians 2:16 tells us that we as Christians should not let anyone judge us for not observing the Mosaic law.
-
The law of Moses showed the reality of sin and the reality of sin shows the need for a savior. Jesus Christ is that savior. The Old Testament law was not worthless. It was good, but it’s purpose has been accomplished so we no longer need to observe it. Instead we should learn from it and let it direct us to Christ.
-
Times change and laws change but it is comforting to know that our Lord does not change. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Though our God does not change, do His expectations for us ever change? I think about my own little boys. I expect that my 1 year old not play with electrical cords as he crawls around. My expectation for my 4 year old is that he be completely quite when I tell him to. My 1 year old is not yet ready to understand that.
-
As my boys get older they will have more and more rules to both instruct them and to keep them safe, but there will come a time when many of those rules will no longer be needed. For example the rule for them now is that they not go on or near the road unless we are with them. This rule is given to both instruct them of the dangers of traffic and to keep them safe, but as they get older, there will come a day when they will be able to safely go out on the road by themselves.
-
Our Christian Bible is divided between the Old and New Testaments. As we look at the Old Testament we see expectations for God’s people that many of today’s Christians ignore. For example, the Hebrews were forbidden to eat unclean animals including pork, yet it is not uncommon to get served a ham sandwich at church.
-
Why don’t Christians observe the Old Testament law like the Jews did? The answer is that the Law of Moses was a lot like the rules I give to my little boys. The rules are there to teach so that the boys are prepared for what comes later. Galatians 3:24-25 says, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” The Old Testament law that Moses gave was a way to teach people about Christ so that they would come to Him, but now that He has come, that law is no longer needed.
-
Not only did Jesus die for our sins, but notice what else was accomplished on the cross. “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” (Colossians 2:14-17)
-
Notice that the ordinances of the Old Testament are nailed to the cross. Sadly some people still judge others for eating pork and not observing certain special days, but Colossians 2:16 tells us that we as Christians should not let anyone judge us for not observing the Mosaic law.
-
The law of Moses showed the reality of sin and the reality of sin shows the need for a savior. Jesus Christ is that savior. The Old Testament law was not worthless. It was good, but it’s purpose has been accomplished so we no longer need to observe it. Instead we should learn from it and let it direct us to Christ.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
The Deity of Christ
I do not link up every sermon to this site, but this one has such a core doctrine of Christianity that I felt compelled to link it in.
Is Jesus really God? Today's sermon will answer that question. Jehovah Witnesses do not believe that Jesus is God, but the passages that are shared in today's sermon will show that Jesus is creator (Colossians 1:16) and that Jehovah is the creator who created things Himself (Isaiah 44:24) therefore Jesus is God. Other proofs of Deity are given as well. The title of the message from Colossians 1:15-20 is "Who is Jesus." You can find the message at bancroftbaptist.com then click sermons
Is Jesus really God? Today's sermon will answer that question. Jehovah Witnesses do not believe that Jesus is God, but the passages that are shared in today's sermon will show that Jesus is creator (Colossians 1:16) and that Jehovah is the creator who created things Himself (Isaiah 44:24) therefore Jesus is God. Other proofs of Deity are given as well. The title of the message from Colossians 1:15-20 is "Who is Jesus." You can find the message at bancroftbaptist.com then click sermons
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Trust God Not Politicians
Another election cycle has passed. Some Americans are celebrating, others are disappointed, and some do not even care. I must admit that I am relieved that the political calls have stopped. I am also celebrating that a personal friend was actually elected to the Iowa Senate, but even as I celebrate his election, my ultimate trust is not in him.
-
Elections like other actions definitely have consequences. People on both sides of the political isle recognize that that there is reason for concern for the future of this country but they obviously have different ideas concerning the solution. As I become discouraged over some results and celebrate others, I must remind myself that my hope for the future must not be placed in a politician or a ballot measure, but in my God. “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” (Psalms 118:8-9)
-
I am not writing these things to suggest that we as Christians should have no concern for the political process. When I plant the garden, I trust God to make the seeds grow, but I must actually put the seed in the ground first. In other words, I believe Christians should be involved in the voting process and should be informed as they vote. At the same time we must keep things in proper perspective and realize that even when we have proud elected officials who lie, we can still trust God. “Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” (Psalms 40:4)
-
As we realize how corrupt many of our politicians are, and as we see that few of them even care about what God has to say, it may be tempting to become afraid. I am not suggesting that there is no reason for concern. I actually believe that Christians may face more and more persecution in the days ahead; however, I do not want us to fear, I want us to have confidence in the power of our God even if we do suffer. “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” (Psalms 56:11)
-
If we allow our faith to be shaken by mere election results, then the enemy wins more than just a political campaign. “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:5) As Christians, our job is the same regardless of who is in office. Our job is to remain faithful as we serve the Lord and bring glory to Him through our lives. We may face further challenges as we do that, but as we remain faithful we are able to be used for God’s glory.
-
We must also remember that God is the ultimate judge who will hold wicked men accountable in the end. The Thessalonians faced persecution for their faith and they were given these encouraging words by the Apostle Paul. “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:” (2 Thessalonians 1:4-8).
-
Remember that God is in control and that in the end He wins. We can trust Him no matter what happens.
-
Elections like other actions definitely have consequences. People on both sides of the political isle recognize that that there is reason for concern for the future of this country but they obviously have different ideas concerning the solution. As I become discouraged over some results and celebrate others, I must remind myself that my hope for the future must not be placed in a politician or a ballot measure, but in my God. “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” (Psalms 118:8-9)
-
I am not writing these things to suggest that we as Christians should have no concern for the political process. When I plant the garden, I trust God to make the seeds grow, but I must actually put the seed in the ground first. In other words, I believe Christians should be involved in the voting process and should be informed as they vote. At the same time we must keep things in proper perspective and realize that even when we have proud elected officials who lie, we can still trust God. “Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” (Psalms 40:4)
-
As we realize how corrupt many of our politicians are, and as we see that few of them even care about what God has to say, it may be tempting to become afraid. I am not suggesting that there is no reason for concern. I actually believe that Christians may face more and more persecution in the days ahead; however, I do not want us to fear, I want us to have confidence in the power of our God even if we do suffer. “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” (Psalms 56:11)
-
If we allow our faith to be shaken by mere election results, then the enemy wins more than just a political campaign. “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:5) As Christians, our job is the same regardless of who is in office. Our job is to remain faithful as we serve the Lord and bring glory to Him through our lives. We may face further challenges as we do that, but as we remain faithful we are able to be used for God’s glory.
-
We must also remember that God is the ultimate judge who will hold wicked men accountable in the end. The Thessalonians faced persecution for their faith and they were given these encouraging words by the Apostle Paul. “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:” (2 Thessalonians 1:4-8).
-
Remember that God is in control and that in the end He wins. We can trust Him no matter what happens.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Mooching vs. True Needs
Ephesians 4:28 says, “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” I want to work hard and have a little extra so that I can give to those who really have true needs. As a pastor we often get calls asking for gas or food. It is often difficult to know if the needs are real or if we are just being taken advantage. Because the calls come from strangers it is even more difficult especially as we consider Hebrews 13:2, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
-
At the same time I realize that many people are just mooching off the generosity of others. Churches are to be charitable, but there are actually clear guidelines in the scripture for showing charity. Imagine if the majority of the people who came to church refused to work and just tried to live off of the generosity of others. It would not take long before there were not enough resources to go around. A sad result would be the inevitable depletion of resources that should be available for those who really do have needs. Consider the faithful Christian widow with no resources who does not have enough to get by. Imagine if we were not able to help her, because others were constantly mooching.
-
Even as we think of the widow, the scripture shows that only certain widows are to be helped on a permanent basis. I Timothy chapter 5 explains that in order to get steady support from the church, a widow must have no children or nephews (it is their responsibility to care for her), she must not have other resources to live off of, she must be godly, she must be over 60 years old, and she must have been charitable herself. Not just any widow is allowed to mooch off the church. If she has true needs, she is not mooching, she is being blessed by the provision of God as she serves in prayer.
-
A similar issue was dealt with in the letter to the Thessalonians. Evidently some of them were not working and were mooching off of others so Paul wrote: “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12)
-
Paul had taught about this issue when he was in Thessalonica and he had written about it in his first letter to them as well, so this is at least the third time he has brought it up. Evidently, some people still were not listening, so he finally had to say in vs. 14, “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.”
-
In other words we are not to associate with those who are simply trying to mooch off the church. Verse 15, then makes it clear that we are not to consider them enemies, but we are to tell them to do what is right.
-
As I write these things, it may be tempting to become cynical about helping others. I pray we not do that. There are those who are not moochers, but who have genuine needs. It may be a medical need or a loss from some tragedy. We should be eager to help with such needs. Let us not forget about verse 13 of the II Thessalonian passage: “But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.”
-
At the same time I realize that many people are just mooching off the generosity of others. Churches are to be charitable, but there are actually clear guidelines in the scripture for showing charity. Imagine if the majority of the people who came to church refused to work and just tried to live off of the generosity of others. It would not take long before there were not enough resources to go around. A sad result would be the inevitable depletion of resources that should be available for those who really do have needs. Consider the faithful Christian widow with no resources who does not have enough to get by. Imagine if we were not able to help her, because others were constantly mooching.
-
Even as we think of the widow, the scripture shows that only certain widows are to be helped on a permanent basis. I Timothy chapter 5 explains that in order to get steady support from the church, a widow must have no children or nephews (it is their responsibility to care for her), she must not have other resources to live off of, she must be godly, she must be over 60 years old, and she must have been charitable herself. Not just any widow is allowed to mooch off the church. If she has true needs, she is not mooching, she is being blessed by the provision of God as she serves in prayer.
-
A similar issue was dealt with in the letter to the Thessalonians. Evidently some of them were not working and were mooching off of others so Paul wrote: “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12)
-
Paul had taught about this issue when he was in Thessalonica and he had written about it in his first letter to them as well, so this is at least the third time he has brought it up. Evidently, some people still were not listening, so he finally had to say in vs. 14, “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.”
-
In other words we are not to associate with those who are simply trying to mooch off the church. Verse 15, then makes it clear that we are not to consider them enemies, but we are to tell them to do what is right.
-
As I write these things, it may be tempting to become cynical about helping others. I pray we not do that. There are those who are not moochers, but who have genuine needs. It may be a medical need or a loss from some tragedy. We should be eager to help with such needs. Let us not forget about verse 13 of the II Thessalonian passage: “But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.”
Friday, October 19, 2012
Responsibility & Self Defense
This time of year reminds me of deer season. I haven’t hunted in years but I still have the old shotgun. I have never had to use that shotgun for self defense, but it is there if it is ever needed.
-
The issue of self defense is a serious issue, especially as we consider that it may lead to a life being taken. In Luke 22:35-38 Jesus tells his disciples to buy swords and then we find out that a couple of them were already carrying. I believe this implies Christ’s consent for the defensive carry of weapons. Having said that, I believe that there are also some important warnings that Christians must consider as we approach the responsibility for self defense and the defense of others.
-
Psalms 82:4 says, “Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.” I believe that this verse gives permission to use even deadly force to save the lives of others. This however does not mean that we have the right to avenge crime. We simply have a right to protect those who are victims as the crime is being committed. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) I am not a lawyer, but as I understand the laws of Iowa, they follow these same Biblical principles in this area. We can use self defense, but we are not allowed to hunt down and kill criminals after the fact.
-
What about a criminal who is simply stealing but not threatening life? Exodus 22:2-3 explains that he should make restitution, but if he cannot make restitution that he should be sold into slavery. Though slavery is not part of our culture, this passage shows the severity of the crime and that as strict as the law was, it did not involve death. At the same time this passage also makes provision for a situation where a home is broken into at night. In that situation the scripture allows for deadly force, because in the dark of night it would be difficult to know if the person was simply coming to steal or if they were coming to harm. The laws of Iowa are a bit more vague in this area, but both they and the scriptures remind us of the sanctity of the life of even a thief.
-
I am a strong advocate of self defense and of the defense of the innocent victims of criminals, but I cannot defend those who own or carry weapons with a hope that they will be able to use them for the thrill of violence. “The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.” (Psalms 11:5)
-
Still, there may be times when it is necessary to use force to stop the unjust violence of wicked people. Psalm 144:1 shows that it is good to know how to use weapons in case the need arises. “Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.” The Psalms also remind us that although God allows for the use of weapons, our ultimate trust must be in Him, not them. “For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.” (Psalm 44:6-7) I am thankful for my gun, but it might jamb. However, I can always trust my God no matter what he allows to happen.
-
The issue of self defense is a serious issue, especially as we consider that it may lead to a life being taken. In Luke 22:35-38 Jesus tells his disciples to buy swords and then we find out that a couple of them were already carrying. I believe this implies Christ’s consent for the defensive carry of weapons. Having said that, I believe that there are also some important warnings that Christians must consider as we approach the responsibility for self defense and the defense of others.
-
Psalms 82:4 says, “Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.” I believe that this verse gives permission to use even deadly force to save the lives of others. This however does not mean that we have the right to avenge crime. We simply have a right to protect those who are victims as the crime is being committed. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) I am not a lawyer, but as I understand the laws of Iowa, they follow these same Biblical principles in this area. We can use self defense, but we are not allowed to hunt down and kill criminals after the fact.
-
What about a criminal who is simply stealing but not threatening life? Exodus 22:2-3 explains that he should make restitution, but if he cannot make restitution that he should be sold into slavery. Though slavery is not part of our culture, this passage shows the severity of the crime and that as strict as the law was, it did not involve death. At the same time this passage also makes provision for a situation where a home is broken into at night. In that situation the scripture allows for deadly force, because in the dark of night it would be difficult to know if the person was simply coming to steal or if they were coming to harm. The laws of Iowa are a bit more vague in this area, but both they and the scriptures remind us of the sanctity of the life of even a thief.
-
I am a strong advocate of self defense and of the defense of the innocent victims of criminals, but I cannot defend those who own or carry weapons with a hope that they will be able to use them for the thrill of violence. “The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.” (Psalms 11:5)
-
Still, there may be times when it is necessary to use force to stop the unjust violence of wicked people. Psalm 144:1 shows that it is good to know how to use weapons in case the need arises. “Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.” The Psalms also remind us that although God allows for the use of weapons, our ultimate trust must be in Him, not them. “For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.” (Psalm 44:6-7) I am thankful for my gun, but it might jamb. However, I can always trust my God no matter what he allows to happen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
