SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1043

“The Armed Church”

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble; (Psalm 46:1)

A man came into my workplace this past week seeking assistance with security cameras. He introduced himself as the Pastor of a local Pentecostal church which has been receiving threats of violence. The threats stem from the fact that, as the Pastor worded it, ‘I preach that sin is still sin and hell is hot and that the Truth of the Word of God will not be compromised.’ As a Viet Nam Vet, a warrior, this Pentecostal Pastor shared the angst he was feeling as he wrestled with how to deal with the threat against the people of his church in balance with the Word of God.

We discussed the measures that some churches are taking to hire armed security guards or even to arm themselves. A church in Tampa Bay has posted a warning sign stating that they are heavily armed and that any attempt to harm them will be met with deadly force. Jerry Falwell, Jr. has encouraged the students of Liberty University to arm themselves and the movement continues in churches across our country.

This issue becomes muddied and clouded with arguments about second amendment rights to bear arms and the commandment not to kill. Some cite the fact that the early church passively accepted persecution, torture and death and that this same testimony of faith is necessary for the church today. At the risk of oversimplification, it appears to me that the root issue to understand is two-fold. First is the difference between vengeance and defense and the second is to be clear about where our faith and trust is placed: in God or in our weapon.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”(Romans 12:19)

Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; (Psalm 144:1)

…Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built… (Nehemiah 4:17-18)

…For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. (Hebrews 11:32-35)

The Word clearly admonishes us to leave vengeance to the Lord while allowing for us to defend ourselves through faith and trust in Him. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

This is not an easy issue for churches to resolve. May you prayerfully study the Scriptures and step out in faith and trust in God whichever path you decide.