Can Christians Kill in Self-Defense?

Our persecuted Christians allowed to kill in self-defense.

Best is one of the questions will be answering on today's addition of core Christianity hi this is Bill Meyer along with pastor Gabriel Sanchez and this is the radio program where we answer your questions about the Bible and the Christian life every day.

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The core our phone lines of the open for the next 25 minutes or so. What good that's 1-833-843-2673 also post a question on her Facebook, Instagram or twitter accounts. You can watch us right now live on YouTube and messages that way course you can always email us at questions at core, Christianity.com. Well, our hearts are really heavy with all that is happening in Afghanistan. If you have been watching the news for the last couple of hours there been a couple of suicide bombings.

There many people killed others injured including several US Marines and I thought Pedro may we should just start off today by by praying for that whole situation.

Yeah, Bill. I think that that we should, and so would you please brothers and sisters join us and in praying for those in Afghanistan right now. Dear heavenly father, we come before you as the God of creation, the sovereign Lord of all the God who loves mankind, who sent his son into the world so that we might be saved through Jesus and got our hearts are heavy because of the suffering of so many in the world, and in particular, we think of those in Afghanistan right now and and just as the news that keeps coming out of Afghanistan with these suicide bombings in and people who have died God.

We pray that you would pour your spirit out on that region that you would draw people to yourself.

We ask God that you would providentially powerfully intervene in a Mighty Way, Lord protecting, especially your church in that area. But all those Lord who are suffering. Would you please be there and guide it. Stop these these attacks that are happening. Lord, would you strengthen the church and would you give leaders wisdom as they think about how to address these issues as well. So when we look to you and we pray these things in Jesus name, amen, amen man, what a difficult situation those images coming out of couple are are so difficult to please continue to pray for that situation and as a rule set for our brothers and sisters in Christ. There is, well, let's go to one of our listeners.

This is Tim and Lincoln Nebraska. Tim what your question for pastor.

Israel will we stand before the Lord on Judgment Day will all our iniquities be shown on throughout the week committed throughout life and the Lord will step forward and so you're not guilty because you believe in me.

Yeah, thanks for that question will one we think about the divine judgment. The fact that all of us are going to stand before that judgment seat. One of the one of the ways in which Scripture describes that that event is it is can it be detailed accounting if you will, of everything that we've ever done.

I think about what Jesus said in Matthew chapter 12 in verse 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned and so the books are to be opened and II think we are going to see and have to give an account for how it was that we live for the sins that we committed those kinds of those kinds of things, but for believers and I said this yesterday on the broadcast because we got a couple of questions about that the judgment seat we can have confidence not because were not because were sin lists, but because our sins have been forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ.

We've been covered we've been washed. We been sanctified and so you can have great confidence on on the day of judgment through the love of God do the work of Jesus Christ, and of course Jesus said in John chapter 5 verse 24. If you believe in me you don't enter into the judgment you've Artie passed from death to life, and so that's the hope that we have. I do think that this does detailed accounting that that all of mankind is and have to give those is in a make it so that no one on the day of judgment is to say, God, oh, you know, this just isn't fair. This is not what I deserve your ear here.

You're not a just God note God is going to deal out justice on that day and no one is gonna argue with him because everyone is good to see things clearly in the light of his countenance, but he's also going to be merciful and merciful to those who are in Christ. And so that's that's I think the way in which the Bible speaks about this Tim appreciate your question what one other thing that all I'll just add here is you know sometimes people think of that day is God sort of parading our our sinful deeds around for everyone to see that can think of is this is not I think of the Lord is is not it's not about shaming people. It's about just judgment. And so God is not get a shame you on that day, if that's what you're concerned about.

May the Lord bless you Tim so there's no video like a Parsons or anything.

Gosh I hope not yet know know know Bill that I that's not the purpose right. The purpose is again executing this just judgment. It's not to put you know every bad thing we've done on display so that the world can can look and laugh that kind of a thing know God is is good and merciful and just so we are good have to give an account but as as I said, we lean on and rest in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ for our confidence. On that day I meant this is core Christianity with pastor Gabriel Sanchez.

Our phone lines are open right now. If you have a question about the Bible or the Christian life. Give us a call. You can call for the next 20 minutes or so, so hop on the phone and call us at 833, the court, 833 the court. You can also email us your question at questions at core, Christianity.com personal email received from one of our listeners named Brian he says we hear the currently in Afghanistan.

Christians could possibly be killed. Question is in such a situation.

What is the biblical view of attempting to defend oneself is it a sin to kill people who were trying to kill you you well. Thank you for that question nine and it is sort of a complex question if were talking about Christians who are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ were never called to take up arms as the persecuted church to fight back images. Think about our Lord Jesus himself.

He went to the cross, suffered and died for his people to atone for our sins and we follow Christ as as his children as those were in him we take up the cross and follow him and the church is not called to take up arms when she's persecuted.

Remember what the Lord Jesus said in Matthew chapter 5 verse 43 you have heard that it was said, you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have do not even the tax collectors do that do the same if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others do not even the Gentiles do the same.

You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect there.

Jesus makes it absolutely clear. Does any how do we respond to those who persecute us as believers, as followers of Jesus we pray for them and in fact that's the way in which we wage war if you will in this world you think about what the apostle Paul said in the book of second Corinthians in second second Corinthians chapter 10 beginning in verse three for though we walk in the flesh.

We are not waging war. According to the flesh for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ being ready to punish every disobedience when your obedience is complete. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, and so look at brothers and sisters, the weapons of our warfare are not guns and and swords and its prayer we pray. We take up the sword of the spirit as the apostle Paul said in Ephesians chapter 6 the holy Gospel is proclaimed now that doesn't mean that there aren't good reasons for governments to intervene and to to fight back into seek to pursue the safety of people of the innocent.

But if were talking about Christians being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ never did you see the disciples who were oftentimes persecuted in the book of acts you note taking up swords and clubs and fighting back. Many of them lost their lives for their faith in Jesus Christ. And yet the gospel continued to spread and advance in the spirit of God work in and through even their suffering and so we pray, and you need to be praying for the people of Afghanistan for the church in Afghanistan is the author of the Hebrew said in Hebrews chapter 13 we remember those who are suffering and those who are mistreated because they're part of the body where where where one body with them and so pray for the church there. In particular, that God would uphold them proud his spirit on our brothers and sisters there and keep them safe, protect them in the midst of this very difficult time and help them to hold fast to the pure gospel. Thanks for that.

It really was thinking about the situation where Peter cuts off the servant of the high priest cuts off his ear and what is Jesus say to them, put away your sword right yeah Matthew chapter 26 and in verse 53 there. It's interesting because Jesus is. Don't you know Pete I got 12 legions of angels on standby right now and I can call them at any moment. I don't need you. I don't need your sword and so again it's really important for us to to realize that she is in my kingdom is not of this world and and so right there. I think you're a great example in the Gospels of why that's the wrong approach as they were being persecuted. Let's let's take up arms and fight back. Note Jesus says don't do that Peter. This is core Christianity with pastor Gabriel Sanchez.

If you have kids or grandkids. We want to tell you about a wonderful book we have available and it's one that will help answer some of the tough questions that your kids may have about Christianity that's called, how do we know that Christianity is really true and it was written for free. A younger audience. You think in ages 9 to 12 or 13, and it's a really helpful resource something that you can get for your children or for your grandchildren, even as they go back to school and as they seek to grow in their relationship with Jesus and an understanding why what we believe is really true and and how did we come to those conclusions. Get a hold of this resource. How do we know that Christianity is really true. Make the book available to you for a donation of any amounts just go to core Christianity.com/offers to learn more. Again, that's core Christianity.com/offers or you can call us for that offer or any one of our offers at 833. The core let's go to Davidson in David in Robinson, Illinois.

David welcomed the program what your question for pastor Gabriel hey David, are you there yeah yeah my wife both attend church regularly, and they were all looking forward to the return book to hear about your being in the last days and know what's happening. Is there something else impacted it in likeness with through the I can share here going on.

Yeah there is a lot of fear right now isn't there and there are number of passages that I I think I could go to one that I would encourage you to look at is what Peter said in first Peter chapter 4 and this is not a text that we we oftentimes go to when having discussions about the last days, but I think he highlights really the the heart that we should have as Christians in the midst of these very difficult times. First Peter chapter 4 verse seven the end of all things is at hand. Now the disciples lately. They were under an extreme amount of persecution. Peter was under my butt extreme on proceeding he would be martyred for his faith means talking about the, the, the coming of the Lord right the end of all things is at hand. Therefore, as we encourage each other with David.

Be self-controlled and sober minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling as each is received a gift use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace is so, I just love this year because he says look the end of all things that hand and you certificate one would expect come after that. You don't let's move to the mountains you stockpile ammunition. You know create these secret communities where we can get a hideout that everything no that's not what Peter says even though there in the midst of a situation that was dire, even though the church was being persecuted at that time. He says be self-controlled put to death the sin that still lives inside of you, by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly right continue going to church show hospitality without grumbling that that my friend is what we need to be committed to right now as Christians not giving way to fear.

And you know, freaking out.

Don't know we love and we set our eyes on Jesus, and we know that he is the sovereign King of all who is in control and we rest in him. We remember what he told us in John chapter 16 in this world you will have tribulation. Yeah there is tribulation in this world there is suffering, there, there is difficulty, but he said don't be afraid.

I have overcome this world, so I would encourage you and and your wife and your friends to continually set your eyes on Jesus, and to pursue love for the church and for all people and that steadfastness in prayer during this time. God bless you your listing to core Christianity with pastor Israel Sanchez would love to hear from you. If you have a question about the Bible or the Christian life. By the way our phone lines are open 24 hours a day. You can leave us a voicemail at 833 the core.

So if you're listening this radio program later in the day, some stations to air it on a tape delayed basis, you can still call in and you can leave your voicemail at 833. The core let's go to Mark in Hannibal, Missouri market what your question for pastor. Israel hey Mark, I can hear you what your question rather great. My question is, there are a lot of different religions in the world today there situation say Jehovah witness Hinduism none of them put Jesus Christ as the center of law out there believe that they don't recognize that he is gotten so through the Bible. I read where in order to get to heaven.

We have to go through the Songhai Jesus Christ are these other religions that don't recognize Jesus as God will day or will they not go to heaven you for that question. You know were talking right now about the exclusivity of the gospel. The exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ. And this is one of the more controversial subjects in our day. Today we we really so many people today want to have the sort of pluralistic view of religion and salvation so long as your sincere no matter what you believe is fine as long as as long as you believe in your sincere. To that practice that faith, whatever it is you choose Buddhism I choose Christianity that kind of it than we almost treat religion like we treat our our favorite foods.

You know you like pizza I like Chinese food or Mexican food that kind of thing and and Jesus didn't teach that as you as you know Mark, he said in John chapter 14 verse six I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me in acts chapter 4, while the disciples were preaching that listen to what it says in verse 11. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, he's preaching to a Jewish audience here and it has become the cornerstone and there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Another reason Jesus is the only way is because he is the God man who paid for our sins. With his very own blood. It's God's mercy, he sent his son into the world so that we might be forgiven and so those who reject the gospel, who repudiate Christ and trample him would deny him.

They cannot get to heaven.

There, they're not going to be in heaven but we do know that there are many people also who are who are deceived and you know Paul talks about this in the need of various false gods that are out in the world.

He talks about this in first Corinthians chapter 8 and I think people are going to be judged. Mark a little bit different than what I mean by that is outside of Christ. There is no salvation but I think it's good to be more dire it in on the day of judgment for people like the Jews who knew Christ knew the gospel were there while he was preaching nothing like the scribes and the Pharisees and yet rejected him, turned away from him. There can experience a greater judgment that Jesus himself even said that about the scribes and the Pharisees and be worse for for them then you know thinking of of others may be gorgeous deceived who didn't ever hear the gospel and yet they're still accountable based on the the light of nature and and what they see in creation new creation.

Paul says in Romans chapter 1 reveals to us that there is a God as a were all going to be justly accountable before that God but but peers you know up another thing that I want to say is for those who are seeking the Lord seeking God, wanting to know the truth you know and that's how the spirit of God works in the world and you hear about so many people coming from different religious backgrounds who have an encounter with the preaching of the gospel and they realize what this is the truth.

I think even of of Cornelius in the book of acts. You know he's he's a God fear he someone who gives all him to praise and the Lord send someone to him to to preach the gospel to him so that he might understand the truth and so the Lord is gracious and merciful. He's calling all people everywhere to repent and turn to Jesus so that they might experience his grace and his salvation for those who reject that there is no hope. But right now there is the hope as the gospel is proclaimed that they might come into the church and into the faith. So thank you for that question and may the Lord bless you Mark, thanks for being a regular listener to core Christianity. We appreciate that, by the way, want to mention that resource we have available to parents and grandparents today.

It's called it's called, how do we know Christianity is really true. It's a block that will help you discuss these issues with your kids and do it in an age-appropriate way and you will make the book available to you for a donation of any amount.

If you go to our website at core, Christianity.com/offers just look for how do we know Christianity is really true. Let's go to Gretchen in Overland Park, Kansas.

Gretchen what your question for pastor a drill I pastor my question is I have been a believer.

I love Jesus and loved them for 20+ years of my life and I want so much to be like him, and to live my whole life for him and I read Romans six and says in a were were dead them. Our old self was crucified with him, and I have some send that I've been struggling with for years but I just cannot seem to get past and so it feels like my old self is still very much alive in me and I wonder if I really am really in pain because I just I I've got these things I just I want to be rid of them, but just have not been able to buy the power of the Holy Spirit put those things to death. Bless you sister and I know that is as many listen right now their thinking yeah I am I'm in that same struggle. It's a struggle that I think Paul's and articulate in the next chapter in Romans chapter 7 that that battle that we experience and we want to do the right thing and then we fail to do it in and we just say all wretched man that I am who will deliver me from this body of death thanks be to God through Jesus Christ.

So you're not alone in this struggle, sister. One thing that comforts me as I think of the apostle Peter right. The apostle Peter denied the Lord denied in the Lord while he was being crucified it. You know the one point where Jesus needed his disciples, if you will, to be there and they flee and Peter denies that he even knows him well and then Pentecost happens you know the spirit of God is poured out, and Peter is restored by Jesus at the end of John's gospel, and it seems like he's doing great. He's preaching the word.

And yet later in his life, he is confronted by the apostle Paul as the book of Galatians records because he was not living in step with the gospel back when you deny Jesus in the Gospels at the other Gospels.

It was the fear of man. And then there in Galatians, Paul confronts him for still struggling with the fear of man because it out before certain Jews came from Jerusalem to work where he was used to eat with the Gentiles. Then he stopped because he was afraid of how these Jews would treat them.

It was the fear of man and yet there he was, all those years later still struggling with the same thing sister if Peter the apostle could struggle still. You will to. We will now that doesn't mean that it's okay to sin. Of course not.

Of course it is and and yet we know that were still going to have this battle. But here's the good news and this is what Romans six is getting at. You have a new identity in Jesus baptism and faith.

You are one who is a lie from the dead now. Yes, you will still struggle you still experience that Romans seven struggle, but the reality is for you. You are justified by your faith in Jesus Christ.

You belong to him. You have a new identity in soap sister.

Despite the struggle present yourself to God as one who is alive from the dead, and in your members, your whole body presented to God for his service and when you when you fail to confess and know that Jesus forgives you, and that he loves you. God bless you. Thanks for listening to core Christianity request your copy of today's special offer. Visit us at core, Christianity.com and click on offers in the menu bar or call us at 1-833-843-2673. That's 833 when you contact us.

Please let us know how you been encouraged by this program and be sure to join us next time. As we explore the truth of God's word together