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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>=
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====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:'''====
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===='''TBN Israel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbnisrael/​'''====
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===='''TBN Israel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tbnisrael/'''====
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===='''She Mocks God on Live TV Then THIS Happens'''====
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===='''THE DARK TRUTH about tithing that your church never tells you'''====
===='''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqOyq2_gmJM'''====
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===='''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWzP8ejgf5I'''====
 
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'''29/05/2024'''
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===='''CAN YOU ANSWER THESE TOUGH QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LIFE OF JESUS? YOU ARE AMAZING!'''====
===='''BREAKING: IDF Uncovers MASSIVE Rafah Weapons Cache; Gaza Aid Pier DISMANTLED | TBN Israel'''====
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===='''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv1lNFs3JLU'''====
===='''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOZmBVxfFv0'''====
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 +
=<FONT color="#aaooo" size="5">''' Netanyahu ➤ THEY DID IT AGAIN  (THE END HAS REALLY BEGUN) Prophetic Message for Humanity'''</font>=
 +
===='''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0qyZ7gYocU'''====
 +
----
 +
=<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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'''22/05/2024'''
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=<FONT color="#aaooo" size="5">'''Please Watch'''</font>=
===='''BREAKING: IDF STRIKES Hezbollah Convoy In Syria; Rafah Incursion HEATS UP | TBN Israel'''====
+
===='''Urgent! See The Bible's Harsh Truths About Cremating the Dead'''====
===='''https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4K25tuVYX4'''====
+
===='''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>
 
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<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>   
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<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'''
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<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'''
 
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<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]] '''June''' 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="">'''When will the rapture  occur?'''</font>=
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=<FONT color="#aaooo" size="">'''Did Jesus advocate the use of a sword for self-defence purposes''</font>=
 
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===='''When will the '''rapture''' occur? '''====
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When will the '''rapture''' occur? Will it be before, during or after the great tribulation? Five Scriptures are very clear regarding the exact timing of the rapture. If you drop all preconceived ideas and just go by the Scriptures themselves you will see the clarity of it all. Let’s look at the evidence to support the post trib rapture doctrine:
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1.  And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, '''from''' the ends of the '''earth to the ends of the heavens''' (Mark 13:27).
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NOTE: This event is the rapture. The elect will be gathered from earth to heaven and it occurs after '''the tribulation''' (or that distress depending on the translation referred to), according to Mark 13:24-27:
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But in those days, '''following that distress,''' the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.
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The second passage is very well-known, but apparently little understood:
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2.  Listen, I tell you '''a mystery:''' We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, '''at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed''' (1 Cor. 15:51,52).
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NOTE: The rapture is when our bodies will be changed and will occur when '''the last trumpet''' is sounded. This event is a also called a “mystery.”
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3.  Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and '''our being gathered to him,''' we ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for '''that day will not come until''' the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction (2 Thess. 2:1-3).
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NOTE: This teaching is clearly about the rapture for it is described here as “our being gathered to him.” The two major events cited by Paul, which must precede it, have not happened and cannot happen until sometime after the temple is rebuilt and the '''antichrist''' is then revealed. Hence, '''the antichrist will be revealed before the rapture and the saints will face him.'''
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4a. The '''seventh''' angel sounded his '''trumpet,''' and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: '''“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ,''' and he will reign for ever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. The nations were angry; and '''your wrath has come.''' The time has come for judging the dead, and '''for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great'''—and for destroying those who destroy the earth” (Rev. 11:15-18).
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NOTE: '''The seventh trumpet is the''' ''last trumpet.'' This is also when '''God’s wrath begins''' and '''the saints are''' ''rewarded.'' Lk. 14:14 says the rewards will be given out at the resurrection of the '''righteous''' (or rapture).
+
  
Immediately before the seventh trumpet sounds, we read this about the seventh trumpet:
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==== (Luke 22:36-38)====
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4b. But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, '''the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets''' (Rev. 10:7).
+
  
NOTE: The rapture event is a “mystery” in 1 Cor. 15:51,52 and here in Rev. 10:7 (at the last trumpet—the seventh one). This means all that is described during the first six trumpets will be experienced by the last generation of Christians.
+
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?
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5.  I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been '''beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands.''' They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) '''This is the first resurrection.''' Blessed and holy are those who have part in '''the first resurrection.''' The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years (Rev. 20:4-6).
+
  
NOTE: '''The first resurrection (or rapture) will occur after Christians are beheaded for remaining faithful during the time of the antichrist, which includes not taking the mark of the beast.''' Compare to 2 Thess. 2:1-3. Just like the pieces of a puzzle that fit together and form a clear picture, when these '''Scriptures''' are compared it becomes crystal clear that '''the rapture will occur after the tribulation period and we face the antichrist.'''
+
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.
  
Also related to Rev. 20:4-6 is this passage:
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====THE PATH OF NON-RESISTANCE.====
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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.
If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. '''If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.''' (Rev 13:10)
+
  
Again, this is more evidence that the saints will face the antichrist and this will be before the first resurrection (or rapture).
+
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).
  
Yes, there will be a rapture (a catching up), as the Bible teaches:
+
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.
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For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the '''trumpet call''' of '''God,''' and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be '''caught up''' together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever (1 Thess. 4:16,17).
+
  
But before that event the Book of Revelation teaches an all-out nuclear exchange with massive devastation and death. Again, such will occur before the rapture, unlike what the any-moment rapture people think and have been told. Certainly, Tim LaHaye’s “Left Behind” series and many other such videos, books, etc. have done much harm regarding instilling false hopes in God’s children regarding the rapture escape.
+
===="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).
  
'''One can only wonder how many will have their faith destroyed, if they survive the all-out nuclear exchange with billions dying. Will their faith in the Bible and Jesus be destroyed because they were taught they would be taken away before such happens? If so, then perhaps, their''' ''falling away'' '''will be part of the great apostasy mentioned in''' 2 Thess. 2:3.
+
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."
  
Dear saint, in the past the children of God have been burned at the stake, ripped apart by wild animals for amusement, beaten to death, etc. Please don’t think you won’t go through similar rough times yourself because you are his child. Don’t be deceived.
+
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.
  
As the age comes to the close, with wickedness increasing and love growing cold (Mt. 24:12), please remember these two Scriptures:
+
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.
+
'''Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.''' Rather, '''be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell''' (Matt. 10:28).
+
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They overcame him by the '''blood of the Lamb''' and by '''the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death''' (Rev. 12:11).
+
  
Remember also that the tribulation is not the wrath of God, as you might have been taught. Furthermore, the tribulation is not seven years in length.
+
====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).  
  
It is amazing how some pre-tribe rapture people are so adamant about their belief in the timing of the rapture as to state that one is a ''heretic'' and/or ''unsaved'' if he rejects the pre-tribe rapture teaching, but this has actually been taught and some have believed this very thing. May God help them to see the truth.
+
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).
  
Remember this: A wonderful paradise kingdom is awaiting the ''overcomer'' who remains faithful to God, even if he has the privilege to die for Jesus before getting there. Ponder Rev. 21:4 and 1 Cor. 2:9 for details.
+
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.
  
[[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 42,520,285 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."