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=<FONT color="#oooaaa" size="">'''Welcome'''</font>=
 
=<FONT color="#oooaaa" size="">'''Welcome'''</font>=
=<FONT color="#aaooo" size="">'''''GOD BLESS lSRAEL'''''</font>=
 
 
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=<FONT color="#aaooo" size="">'''Meirpanim'''''</font>=
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=<FONT color="#aaooo" size="">'''GOD BLESS ISRAEL AND THE IDF'''</font>=
===='''YOU CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE'''====
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===='''MAKE A DONATION'''====
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===='''https://meirpanim.org/'''====
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=<FONT color="#aa0000"  size="6">'''Please Watch'''</font>=
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=<FONT color="#aaooo" size="">'''BREAKING: Massive Fires RAGE Near Jerusalem; Evacuations Underway | TBN Israel'''</font>=
=<FONT color="#aaooo" size="">'''WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SPIRIT LEAVES A PERSON'S BODY?'''''</font>=
+
====https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NOFf2i2T1Q====
===='''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1jKfsoi2JY'''====
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===='''TBN Israel's Yair Pinto reports on the Israel-Hamas War.'''====
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=<FONT color="#aaooo" size="">''' [[Israel News 8]]'''</font>=
===='''FOLLOW US:'''====
+
===='''TBN Israel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbnisrael/​'''====
+
===='''TBN Israel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tbnisrael/'''====
+
 
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===='''She Mocks God on Live TV Then THIS Happens'''====
+
===='''THE DARK TRUTH about tithing that your church never tells you'''====
===='''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqOyq2_gmJM'''====
+
===='''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWzP8ejgf5I'''====
 
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'''24/04/2024'''
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===='''CAN YOU ANSWER THESE TOUGH QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LIFE OF JESUS? YOU ARE AMAZING!'''====
===='''BREAKING: IDF TRACKING Hezbollah Chief Nasrallah; Antisemitism EXPLODING In Colleges | TBN Israel'''====
+
===='''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv1lNFs3JLU'''====
===='''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHTT1HrmMsA'''====
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'''20/04/2024'''
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=<FONT color="#aaooo" size="5">''' Netanyahu ➤ THEY DID IT AGAIN  (THE END HAS REALLY BEGUN) Prophetic Message for Humanity'''</font>=
===='''BREAKING: Israel ATTACKS Iran Military Base; U.S. DENIES Involvement | TBN Israel'''====
+
===='''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0qyZ7gYocU'''====
===='''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hswXYD8lZxM'''====
+
----
 +
=<FONT color="#aaooo" size="5">URGENT!'''</font>=
 +
===='''See What The Bible Says About Cremation Of The Dead | Jonathan Cahn Sermon'''====
 +
===='''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_rX9gbDRb8'''====
 +
----
 +
=<FONT color="#aa0000"  size="5">'''Please Watch'''</font>=
 +
=<FONT color="#aaooo" size="4">'''WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SPIRIT LEAVES A PERSON'S BODY?'''''</font>=
 +
===='''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1jKfsoi2JY'''====
 
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'''19/04/2024'''
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=<FONT color="#aaooo" size="5">'''Please Watch'''</font>=
===='''BREAKING: IDF Solider Killed By Hezbollah Drone; Hamas ACCUSED Of Stalling Hostage Deal | TBN Israel'''====
+
===='''Urgent! See The Bible's Harsh Truths About Cremating the Dead'''====
===='''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-2yYmWX6CU'''====
+
===='''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0dgQhbOQw4'''====
 
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===='''Signs of the End Times are 'Intensifying' as Anti-Semitism Soars'''====
 
===='''Signs of the End Times are 'Intensifying' as Anti-Semitism Soars'''====
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<iframe framespacing="0" frameborder="no" src="https://www.biblegateway.com/votd/get?format=html&version=KJV">View Verse of the Day</iframe> </noscript></html></div>
 
<iframe framespacing="0" frameborder="no" src="https://www.biblegateway.com/votd/get?format=html&version=KJV">View Verse of the Day</iframe> </noscript></html></div>
 
<html><div><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Holy-Bible-King-James-Version/dp/000725976X/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=king+james+bible&amp;qid=1706001332&amp;s=books&amp;sr=1-2&_encoding=UTF8&tag=lani9loo-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=fad5721f4a5a269868d5ca08eb22c3bc&camp=1634&creative=6738">'''Our recommended bible!'''</a></div></html>
 
<html><div><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Holy-Bible-King-James-Version/dp/000725976X/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=king+james+bible&amp;qid=1706001332&amp;s=books&amp;sr=1-2&_encoding=UTF8&tag=lani9loo-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=fad5721f4a5a269868d5ca08eb22c3bc&camp=1634&creative=6738">'''Our recommended bible!'''</a></div></html>
<blockquote><p>WiCWiki has been in existence in various forms for over 24yrs when our very first early site launched in 2000.  Since then as with our beliefs we have been on a extraordinary journey and have been able to build a website that is so vast with a staggering <FONT color="#oooaaa" size=>'''{{NUMBEROFPAGES}}''' </font>articles, you could be here for days.... well we hope. </p>   
+
<blockquote><p>WiCWiki has been in existence in various forms for over 25yrs when our very first early site launched in 2000.  Since then as with our beliefs we have been on a extraordinary journey and have been able to build a website that is so vast with a staggering <FONT color="#oooaaa" size=>'''{{NUMBEROFPAGES}}''' </font>articles, you could be here for days.... well we hope. </p>   
 
<p>Our biggest aim is to share the <FONT color="#ooooaa" size="">'''Word of God'''</font> through a medium that is accessible to everyone who has access to a PC, Tablet or even mobile device.  We have searched through every nook and cranny of the Wibbly  Wobbly Web to find the best and most accurate articles according to the bible, all into to one place...'''www.wicwiki.org.uk'''. *formerly known as<FONT color="#oooaaf" size=""> '''What is Christianity'''</font></p>   
 
<p>Our biggest aim is to share the <FONT color="#ooooaa" size="">'''Word of God'''</font> through a medium that is accessible to everyone who has access to a PC, Tablet or even mobile device.  We have searched through every nook and cranny of the Wibbly  Wobbly Web to find the best and most accurate articles according to the bible, all into to one place...'''www.wicwiki.org.uk'''. *formerly known as<FONT color="#oooaaf" size=""> '''What is Christianity'''</font></p>   
 
<p>We hope we become your source for information relating to the Christian religion and pray that these articles help you in every way possible.</p>
 
<p>We hope we become your source for information relating to the Christian religion and pray that these articles help you in every way possible.</p>
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<br>
 
<br>
 
'''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40DclW84HkM'''
 
'''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40DclW84HkM'''
----
 
<FONT color="#oooffo" size="4">'''IDF Releases Video REVEALING Hamas Hiding Hostages In Al-Shifa Hospital''' </font><br>
 
'''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EIijSXkYTk'''
 
----
 
<FONT color="#oooffo" size="4">'''Jerusalem LIVE view </font><br>https://www.tv7israelnews.com/jerusalem-live-feed/'''
 
 
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<FONT color="#oooffo" size="4">'''When Demons Are Real!'''</font><br><br>
 
<FONT color="#oooffo" size="4">'''When Demons Are Real!'''</font><br><br>
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<FONT color="#oooffo" size="4">'''CRAZY "CHURCHES" and "PREACHERS" vs A TRUE CHURCH of GOD'''</font><br><br>
 
<FONT color="#oooffo" size="4">'''CRAZY "CHURCHES" and "PREACHERS" vs A TRUE CHURCH of GOD'''</font><br><br>
 
'''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1DQTDepL7A'''
 
'''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1DQTDepL7A'''
 
 
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<FONT color="#aa0000" size=""><li><i class="fa fa-arrow-circle-right"></i></font>'''[[Abortion]]'''</li>
 
<FONT color="#aa0000" size=""><li><i class="fa fa-arrow-circle-right"></i></font>'''[[Abortion]]'''</li>
 
<FONT color="#aa0000" size=""><li><i class="fa fa-arrow-circle-right"></i></font>[[:Category: Family Prayers.|'''Family Prayers.''']]</li>
 
<FONT color="#aa0000" size=""><li><i class="fa fa-arrow-circle-right"></i></font>[[:Category: Family Prayers.|'''Family Prayers.''']]</li>
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<FONT color="#aa0000" size=""><li><i class="fa fa-arrow-circle-right"></i></font>[[:Categories:Israel]]</li>
 
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     <h3 class="panel-title">[[File:Page.png]] '''April''' featured article</h3>
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     <h3 class="panel-title">[[File:Page.png]] '''May''' featured article</h3>
 
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=<FONT color="#aaooo" size="">'''A Man-directed or Christ-directed Kingdom?'''</font>=
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=<FONT color="#aaooo" size="">'''Did Jesus advocate the use of a sword for self-defence purposes''</font>=
 +
 
 +
==== (Luke 22:36-38)====
 +
 
 +
Jesus is well known for His continued emphasis on love, forgiveness, and "turning the other cheek." It is therefore surprising to find Jesus advising the disciples to buy a sword in Luke 22:36: "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." Did Jesus in this verse advocate the use of a sword for self-defence purposes?
 +
 
 +
This is an issue over which Christians have vehemently disagreed for many centuries. Following is a summary of the two basic views of how Christians have interpreted Jesus on this issue.
 +
 
 +
====THE PATH OF NON-RESISTANCE.====
 +
Christian pacifists believe it is always wrong to injure other humans, no matter what the circumstances. And the same principles supporting pacifism carry over to non-resistance--the belief that any form of self-defence is wrong. This view is usually based on the exemplary life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
 +
 
 +
According to Christian pacifist John Yoder, Jesus rejected the existing political state of affairs and taught a form of radical nonviolence. Central to Christ's teaching, Yoder says, is His biblical mandate to "turn the other cheek" when encountering violence (Matthew 5:38-48).
 +
 
 +
In Yoder's view, the way to victorious living is to refrain from the game of socio-political control. Jesus exposed the futility of the violence engrafted in the present world system by resisting its inclinations even to the point of death. Hence, Christians are to refuse the world's violent methods and follow their Saviour to the cross (Matthew 26:47-52). When Jesus told the disciples to buy a sword (Luke 22:36), pacifists suggest He was only speaking figuratively.
 +
 
 +
===="TURN THE OTHER CHEEK" ALWAYS?====
 +
It is true that Jesus said to turn the other cheek in Matthew 5:38-42. However, many scholars do not believe pacifism (or non-resistance) is the essential point of His teaching in this passage. These scholars do not believe Jesus was teaching to "turn the other cheek" in virtually all circumstances. Even Christ did not literally turn the other cheek when smitten by a member of the Sanhedrin (see John 18:22-23).
 +
 
 +
The backdrop to this teaching is that the Jews considered it an insult to be hit in the face, much in the same way that we would interpret someone spitting in our face. Bible scholar R. C. Sproul comments: "What's interesting in the expression is that Jesus specifically mentions the right side of the face [Matthew 5:39]....If I hit you on your right cheek, the most normal way would be if I did it with the back of my right hand....To the best of our knowledge of the Hebrew language, that expression is a Jewish idiom that describes an insult, similar to the way challenges to duels in the days of King Arthur were made by a backhand slap to the right cheek of your opponent."
 +
 
 +
The principle taught in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:38-42 would thus seem to be that Christians should not retaliate when insulted or slandered (see also Romans 12:17-21). Such insults do not threaten a Christian's personal safety. The question of rendering insult for insult, however, is a far cry from defending oneself against a mugger or a rapist.
 +
 
 +
In terms of following Christ's example, one must remember that His personal non-resistance at the cross was intertwined with His unique calling. He did not evade His arrest because it was God's will for Him to fulfil His prophetic role as the redemptive Lamb of God (Matthew 26:52-56). During His ministry, however, He refused to be arrested because God's timing for His death had not yet come (John 8:59). Thus, Christ's unique non-resistance during the Passion does not mandate against self-protection.
 +
 
 +
====THE BIBLICAL CASE FOR SELF-DEFENCE.====
 +
It is noteworthy that the Bible records many accounts of fighting and warfare. The providence of God in war is exemplified by His name YHWH Sabaoth ("The LORD of hosts"--Exodus 12:41). God is portrayed as the omnipotent Warrior-Leader of the Israelites. God, the LORD of hosts, raised up warriors among the Israelites called the shophetim (saviour-deliverers). Samson, Deborah, Gideon, and others were anointed by the Spirit of God to conduct war. The New Testament commends Old Testament warriors for their military acts of faith (Hebrews 11:30-40).
 +
 
 +
Moreover, it is significant that although given the opportunity to do so, none of the New Testament saints--nor even Jesus--are ever seen informing a military convert that he needed to resign from his line of work (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 3:14).
  
<p>Now we have come to the most important issue found in this booklet. The question is, are Christians to take their faith and their gifts and go forth to attempt to deliver the world, to set up the Kingdom of God? Or should the believers wait patiently on the Lord until He shows us what to do, and guides and empowers us in doing the necessary work of the Kingdom? Will the Lord Himself build His own Church on the Rock, or does He expect us to build the Church? Will all these wonderful aspects of redemption drop down from Heaven some day as a persecuted remnant waits patiently before the Lord, or are the Christians to use their faith and energy to produce a triumphant Church that will take its place as the head of the nations? </p>
+
Prior to His crucifixion, Jesus revealed to His disciples the future hostility they would face and encouraged them to sell their outer garments in order to buy a sword (Luke 22:36-38; cf. 2 Corinthians 11:26-27). Here the "sword" (Greek: maxairan) is a dagger or short sword that belonged to the Jewish traveller's equipment as protection against robbers and wild animals. A plain reading of the passage indicates that Jesus approved of self-defence.
<p>For two thousand years the Christian churches have attempted to use the things of God, in addition to numerous physical devices including human talents, energy, wisdom, and especially money, and by them set up the Kingdom of God on the earth. Such efforts have not endured and shall never endure. </p>
+
<p>For several centuries the Catholic Church used every ability of the flesh, including political intrigue, treachery, and the torture and murder of its adversaries, in its attempt to establish what it believes to be the Kingdom of God, the will of God, on the earth. It has stopped at nothing and will yet stop at nothing in order to accomplish its own ends. </p>
+
<p>Today there is a movement among Christians termed Reconstructionism. Reconstructionism is an attempt by Christian people to employ faith, the gifts of the spirit, politics, money, and whatever else can be brought to bear in order to establish the Kingdom of God on the earth. This effort is well-intentioned but, like the efforts of the Catholic Church, it is not in accordance with God's Word. </p>
+
<p>The moral depravity, the abortions, the sexual perversity, and all the other abominations that are filling the nations of the earth have irritated and disgusted Christian people until they are ready to take action. "Let us arise and put a stop to this corruption. Church of God, on your feet. Up from the pews. March forward in the name of the Lord Jesus." </p>
+
<p>Recently a major Pentecostal organization called for morality in the government of the United States of America. Perhaps it would be a better idea for the organization to stress moral behavior among its own people. The problems of the world will not be solved as secular governments repent and obey the laws of the Kingdom but as the Lord's people repent and obey the laws of the Kingdom (II Chronicles 7:14). </p>
+
<p>The church people are sinning because of the overemphasis on grace and the teaching of the any-moment pre-tribulation "rapture." The Christian churches are filled with immorality, rebellion, striving for preeminence, bitterness, covetousness, feminism, hatred, sorcery, and every other evil imagination, motive, word, and deed. And they are calling on the <em>worldly governments </em>to repent? </p>
+
<p>The attempt to force Christian moral values on local and national governments sounds like a Christian effort. In fact, the believer who does not get behind the Reconstruction movement is scorned as a pew-warmer, a do-nothing, a coward, as someone not fit to be a part of Christianity. </p>
+
<p>Christian reconstructionism will finally come to nothing. All it will accomplish is to bring persecution upon the churches as secular society rises up to defend its immoral, ungodly behavior. </p>
+
<p>So few people, it seems, so very few people understand the way of the Lord!—the way of the cross!—the way of the Lamb! </p>
+
<p>The way of the Lord is not for large bodies of believers to go on the march no matter how worthy their intentions. The way of the Lord is for the <em>individual </em>to wait on the Lord, patiently seeking His face year after year, being content with the mercies and signs of His love that are given to those who fear Him. </p>
+
<p>The believer is not to go to war, he is to go to the cross. We do not overcome the adversary by our proclamations of faith or our boastful attitude. We do not, as someone said, "put on our administrative hat" and command the works of God's hands. We can overcome the accuser only by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of our Spirit-enabled testimony, and by loving not our life to the death. </p>
+
<p>The natural man is pleased to move forward in a belligerent manner, calling on Jesus to help him as he seeks, in his own fleshly understanding and energy, to enforce the behaviors that he—the human being—judges to be important and valuable. All of this is of babylon—confusion—and comes to nothing. </p>
+
<p>It is the personal cross of the believer that slays the self-will, the self-centeredness, the enthusiasm, the personal ambition, and all the other motives that drive the religious crusader. </p>
+
<p>God has the greatest of all revivals prepared for the closing days of the present age. The Holy Spirit will be poured out as never before. This is the promised "latter rain." The Lord Jesus is looking for those few disciples who, in the midst of the spiritual uproar, will patiently, patiently, patiently wait upon Him until He gives clear directions. There will be a great and powerful wind that will tear the mountains apart and break the rocks in pieces, an earthquake, and then fire. But the Lord will speak to His elect in a gentle, quiet whisper. </p>
+
<p>Will you do this? Will you turn away from your religious planning and programs and wait until you hear the quiet whisper of the Lord Jesus? If you choose to meekly wait on the Lord you will be scorned by many. "Come down from the cross and do something. Climb down from the wall, Nehemiah, and listen to us. Do this! Do that! If you are a son of God, march forward in the power of the latter rain." </p>
+
<p>Indeed, the latter rain shall fall. But the saints who truly give the eternal witness will be those who patiently bear their cross after Jesus, thinking, speaking, moving only as they hear from the Lord. </p>
+
<p>These crucified ones are a small minority. But it is from them that the resurrection life shall flow, the eternal changes shall be made. Babylon (human-activated Christianity) will make a great noise, but the noise is confusion and will not affect the Kingdom of God. </p>
+
<p>It is time to take the head of man off the Body of Christ and to put the true Head on the Body. This is possible only as there are those who leave the babylonish planning of the church movements and turn to the Lord Jesus in quietness and self-denying patience. </p>
+
<p>Redemption always comes from above, from the Lord Jesus. Even today all that we need and desire comes from above. We are to lift up our heads. Those who look to man to bring to us the good things of the Kingdom of God are looking in the wrong direction. Man, whether or not he names the name of Jesus and does what he does in the Lord's name, is unclean, unholy, self-seeking—totally unable to give us the desires of our heart. The experienced saint learns that only in Jesus are our needs met. Only Jesus knows the true and profitable desires of our heart, and only Jesus can give them to us. </p>
+
<p>Let us lift up our heads. Our redemption always is drawing near, always is coming from above. Our strength, wisdom, guidance, health, and all other resources always are coming from Heaven; always are coming down from the Lord Jesus.  
+
  
 +
Self-defence may actually result in one of the greatest examples of human love. Christ Himself said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:14). When protecting one's family or neighbour, a Christian is unselfishly risking his or her life for the sake of others.
  
[[Category:Main Pages|Main_Pages]]
+
Theologians J. P. Moreland and Norman Geisler say that "to permit murder when one could have prevented it is morally wrong. To allow a rape when one could have hindered it is an evil. To watch an act of cruelty to children without trying to intervene is morally inexcusable. In brief, not resisting evil is an evil of omission, and an evil of omission can be just as evil as an evil of commission. Any man who refuses to protect his wife and children against a violent intruder fails them morally."

Latest revision as of 18:26, 30 April 2025

Welcome


GOD BLESS ISRAEL AND THE IDF


BREAKING: Massive Fires RAGE Near Jerusalem; Evacuations Underway | TBN Israel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NOFf2i2T1Q


Israel News 8


THE DARK TRUTH about tithing that your church never tells you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWzP8ejgf5I


CAN YOU ANSWER THESE TOUGH QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LIFE OF JESUS? YOU ARE AMAZING!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv1lNFs3JLU


Netanyahu ➤ THEY DID IT AGAIN (THE END HAS REALLY BEGUN) Prophetic Message for Humanity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0qyZ7gYocU


URGENT!

See What The Bible Says About Cremation Of The Dead | Jonathan Cahn Sermon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_rX9gbDRb8


Please Watch

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SPIRIT LEAVES A PERSON'S BODY?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1jKfsoi2JY


Please Watch

Urgent! See The Bible's Harsh Truths About Cremating the Dead

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0dgQhbOQw4


Signs of the End Times are 'Intensifying' as Anti-Semitism Soars

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iksrmK0I9MQ


Verse of the Day

'''Our recommended bible!'''

WiCWiki has been in existence in various forms for over 25yrs when our very first early site launched in 2000. Since then as with our beliefs we have been on a extraordinary journey and have been able to build a website that is so vast with a staggering 86,428 articles, you could be here for days.... well we hope.

Our biggest aim is to share the Word of God through a medium that is accessible to everyone who has access to a PC, Tablet or even mobile device. We have searched through every nook and cranny of the Wibbly Wobbly Web to find the best and most accurate articles according to the bible, all into to one place...www.wicwiki.org.uk. *formerly known as What is Christianity

We hope we become your source for information relating to the Christian religion and pray that these articles help you in every way possible.

Wow! we have been vistied 42,574,622 times, which is a great blessing!

Investigating Islam with Dr. Jay Smith (2 Corinthians 10:5)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40DclW84HkM


When Demons Are Real!

https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-television-program/when-demons-are-real


CRAZY "CHURCHES" and "PREACHERS" vs A TRUE CHURCH of GOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1DQTDepL7A


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Page.png May featured article


'Did Jesus advocate the use of a sword for self-defence purposes

(Luke 22:36-38)

Jesus is well known for His continued emphasis on love, forgiveness, and "turning the other cheek." It is therefore surprising to find Jesus advising the disciples to buy a sword in Luke 22:36: "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." Did Jesus in this verse advocate the use of a sword for self-defence purposes?

This is an issue over which Christians have vehemently disagreed for many centuries. Following is a summary of the two basic views of how Christians have interpreted Jesus on this issue.

THE PATH OF NON-RESISTANCE.

Christian pacifists believe it is always wrong to injure other humans, no matter what the circumstances. And the same principles supporting pacifism carry over to non-resistance--the belief that any form of self-defence is wrong. This view is usually based on the exemplary life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

According to Christian pacifist John Yoder, Jesus rejected the existing political state of affairs and taught a form of radical nonviolence. Central to Christ's teaching, Yoder says, is His biblical mandate to "turn the other cheek" when encountering violence (Matthew 5:38-48).

In Yoder's view, the way to victorious living is to refrain from the game of socio-political control. Jesus exposed the futility of the violence engrafted in the present world system by resisting its inclinations even to the point of death. Hence, Christians are to refuse the world's violent methods and follow their Saviour to the cross (Matthew 26:47-52). When Jesus told the disciples to buy a sword (Luke 22:36), pacifists suggest He was only speaking figuratively.

"TURN THE OTHER CHEEK" ALWAYS?

It is true that Jesus said to turn the other cheek in Matthew 5:38-42. However, many scholars do not believe pacifism (or non-resistance) is the essential point of His teaching in this passage. These scholars do not believe Jesus was teaching to "turn the other cheek" in virtually all circumstances. Even Christ did not literally turn the other cheek when smitten by a member of the Sanhedrin (see John 18:22-23).

The backdrop to this teaching is that the Jews considered it an insult to be hit in the face, much in the same way that we would interpret someone spitting in our face. Bible scholar R. C. Sproul comments: "What's interesting in the expression is that Jesus specifically mentions the right side of the face [Matthew 5:39]....If I hit you on your right cheek, the most normal way would be if I did it with the back of my right hand....To the best of our knowledge of the Hebrew language, that expression is a Jewish idiom that describes an insult, similar to the way challenges to duels in the days of King Arthur were made by a backhand slap to the right cheek of your opponent."

The principle taught in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:38-42 would thus seem to be that Christians should not retaliate when insulted or slandered (see also Romans 12:17-21). Such insults do not threaten a Christian's personal safety. The question of rendering insult for insult, however, is a far cry from defending oneself against a mugger or a rapist.

In terms of following Christ's example, one must remember that His personal non-resistance at the cross was intertwined with His unique calling. He did not evade His arrest because it was God's will for Him to fulfil His prophetic role as the redemptive Lamb of God (Matthew 26:52-56). During His ministry, however, He refused to be arrested because God's timing for His death had not yet come (John 8:59). Thus, Christ's unique non-resistance during the Passion does not mandate against self-protection.

THE BIBLICAL CASE FOR SELF-DEFENCE.

It is noteworthy that the Bible records many accounts of fighting and warfare. The providence of God in war is exemplified by His name YHWH Sabaoth ("The LORD of hosts"--Exodus 12:41). God is portrayed as the omnipotent Warrior-Leader of the Israelites. God, the LORD of hosts, raised up warriors among the Israelites called the shophetim (saviour-deliverers). Samson, Deborah, Gideon, and others were anointed by the Spirit of God to conduct war. The New Testament commends Old Testament warriors for their military acts of faith (Hebrews 11:30-40).

Moreover, it is significant that although given the opportunity to do so, none of the New Testament saints--nor even Jesus--are ever seen informing a military convert that he needed to resign from his line of work (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 3:14).

Prior to His crucifixion, Jesus revealed to His disciples the future hostility they would face and encouraged them to sell their outer garments in order to buy a sword (Luke 22:36-38; cf. 2 Corinthians 11:26-27). Here the "sword" (Greek: maxairan) is a dagger or short sword that belonged to the Jewish traveller's equipment as protection against robbers and wild animals. A plain reading of the passage indicates that Jesus approved of self-defence.

Self-defence may actually result in one of the greatest examples of human love. Christ Himself said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:14). When protecting one's family or neighbour, a Christian is unselfishly risking his or her life for the sake of others.

Theologians J. P. Moreland and Norman Geisler say that "to permit murder when one could have prevented it is morally wrong. To allow a rape when one could have hindered it is an evil. To watch an act of cruelty to children without trying to intervene is morally inexcusable. In brief, not resisting evil is an evil of omission, and an evil of omission can be just as evil as an evil of commission. Any man who refuses to protect his wife and children against a violent intruder fails them morally."