Jesus (and the counsel of Scripture) encourages using weapons to defend yourself.

Luke 11:21

“When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own mansion, his property is safe.”

Isaiah 49:25

“Who can snatch the plunder of war from the hands of a warrior? Who can demand that a tyrant let his captives go?”

Luke 22:35-37

“Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler’s bag, or an extra pair of sandals, did you need anything?” “No,” they replied. “But now,” he said, “take your money and a traveler’s bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one! For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled: ‘He was counted among the rebels. Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true.”

Luke 22:38-39

“Look, Lord,” they replied, “we have two swords among us.” “That’s enough,” he said…”

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Executing personal revenge as a vigilante is strictly condemned.

Matthew 5:38-39

“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.”

Romans 12:17

“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.”

1 Peter 3:9

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”

Proverbs 24:29

"Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.”

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We are anointed and commanded to use our weapons skillfully.

Psalm 144:1 

"Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle.”

Psalm 18:34

“He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.”

Matthew 12:29

“How can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.”

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As ‘The Gospel of Kenny Rodgers’ would say, “You gotta know when to hold em’…”

We need Godly discernment.
> When and how to engage…

Job 34:4

“Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.”

Psalm 119:125

“I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.”

Psalm 119:66

“Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.”

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You are entrusted by God to protect yourself and your family

Psalm 82:4

“Rescue weak and needy people. Help them escape the power of wicked people.”

Proverbs 24:11

“Rescue captives condemned to death, and spare those staggering toward their slaughter.”

1 Timothy 5:8

“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”

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Base your trust in The Lord – not your weapon.

Psalm 44:5-7

“Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies; you disgrace those who hate us.”

1 Samuel 17:47

“And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the LORD’s battle, and he will give you to us!”

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• Do not carry your firearm to church unless you have applied for and received written permission from the office.