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Bible Baptist Church

Neillsville, WI

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What Does the Bible Say About Self-Defense?

Bible Baptist Church Posted on March 2, 2021 by Pastor JoeMarch 2, 2021

As some know, I have a pretty colorful background before being called into the ministry. Besides currently serving as a pastor, I currently or previously have served as a soldier, police officer, security officer, small arms instructor, Emergency Medical Technician and Law Enforcement Chaplain among other things. The idea of self-defense can take on many forms and there are innumerable “rabbit trails” to follow. Even so, I believe it’s impossible to develop all the “what if?” scenarios. I’ve heard, read, discussed or seen several different takes on the idea of self-defense. Included in this topic, I believe, must be discussed not only self-defense, but also defense of others who cannot (not necessarily will not) defend themselves. My plan is to develop a series of articles, perhaps as the precursor to an eventual book on the topic.

With some recent discussion with friends, as well as current and recent news articles, I want to take a look at the concept. Again, it will be impossible to develop every scenario, so I do want to try to primarily focus on some principles of the idea. As there are extremes relating to the idea, I believe the Bible addresses this and, as with any practice, we need to rely on the clear reading of scripture, as well as the leading of the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, words and actions. Many claim there is an aspect of the government’s responsibility, but biblically speaking, that is (should be) focused on punishment for crime, not so much prevention and that is not nearly as relevant to the topic from a biblical perspective.

Unfortunately, there are some who take an extreme view of what Jesus said about turning the other cheek in Matthew 5:38-42. 

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. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. ~ Matthew 5:38-42

Often, this is coupled with what John the Baptist had to say in Luke 3:14

And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. ~ Luke 3:14

The typical answer, using these and a few other passages are that we are NEVER to resist violence done to us or anyone else. Unfortunately, this view contradicts other clear passages of scripture that teach that it is not only okay, but sometimes necessary to defend yourself or others. We’ll look at some (probably most) of these passages.

The first consideration is that YOU are personally responsible for your own well-being to the extent that you are able. As we grow up from young children, through our youth and into adult years, we learn valuable lessons that should be remembered. The easiest way to avoid the necessity for self-defense is to not get into a situation where it may be necessary. Usually, this is simply making good, godly choices as to our actions and associations. If you, as a believer, are involved in anything clearly identified in scripture that you shouldn’t be involved in, that calls into question your godly testimony or troubles your conscience, STOP, turn around and get out of that situation.

For the purpose of discussion, I’m going to lump together defense of self and property. The principle of self-defense is absolutely found in both the Old and New Testaments. Let’s look at some scriptures. While there are many, I’ll list the more well-known ones.

If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. ~ Exodus 22:2

This may be seen as defense of self or property. The principle of personal responsibility is also seen here on behalf of BOTH parties regarding self-defense, the offender AND the defender. Both are responsible for their actions. If the offender is attempting to force compliance or steal by use of force, their limb or life may be justly sacrificed. In essence, they forfeit up to and including their right to life because they intended harm on the person or property doing the defending.

Another primary passage that explains the biblical doctrine of self-defense is found in Nehemiah. 

Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses. ~ Nehemiah 4:13-14

For the sake of context and WHY this was necessary, read from the beginning of the chapter. Here we see that self-defense was not only for individuals, but for families and neighbors as well. There are other scriptures that bear this out that we will look at eventually as well.

Some will claim that Jesus changed the idea of self-defense with the institution of the New Covenant. They claim that self-defense was only an Old Testament idea. In fact, Jesus did address the idea directly with his disciples in the Gospel of Luke.

And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. ~ Luke 22:35-38

Is this statement by Jesus a contradiction of what he said in Matthew’s Gospel?

Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. ~ Matthew 26:52

The most common rendering of this passage is “Those who live by the sword will die by the sword.” Of course the probability of this is true. One who lives by violence will likely die a violent death, perhaps in the nature of Exodus 22:2, which we saw earlier. This does not in any way condemn self-defense.

Next time, we’ll take a look at the defense of others, especially those who CAN not defend themselves. Comments and questions for further discussion and clarification are always welcome.

Blessings ~

Pastor Joe

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a reply

The Most Important Thing(s)

Bible Baptist Church Posted on February 22, 2021 by Pastor JoeFebruary 22, 2021

As many associated with Bible Baptist Church knows, I’m a bi-vocational pastor. For those unfamiliar with the term, it simply means that in addition to serving as the pastor, I also work a full-time job to support myself and my family. Today at work in a brief discussion with a fellow co-worker, I mentioned that “the most important thing,” is to know where you will spend eternity when you die. He kind of agreed, then promptly changed the subject!

Whether newspaper, television, internet, radio or any other medium, the news seems to be all about COVID-19, the recent disputed national election and not much else. I don’t intend to get into my personal thoughts on either subject, but I would like to point out a couple, maybe a few things that I think the church as a whole, certainly including Bible Baptist Church, needs to focus on more and more as the day for our Lord’s return draws nearer.

Let me just put the bottom line up front, as I may use the phrase in the military, where I still use it. Everyone will die someday, it does not matter the mechanism of death, whether illness, injury, accident, violence or any other way. Death is absolutely certain. The bottom line is, “when you die, where will you spend eternity?” You can KNOW, not just “think” or “hope” that you will be in heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

"And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." ~ 1 John 5:11-13

Without a doubt, KNOWING where you will spend eternity, and more importantly, KNOWING that you will spend eternity in heaven with Jesus Christ is the most important decision anyone will ever make. If you do not truly know, or if you know that you won’t go to heaven when you die, please call, text, write, e-mail or contact me in some way. I would love to show you what you need to know about this most important decision.

There are other things that should be important to believers (who make up the church) that should be more important than COVID-19, job concerns, the uncertain outcome of any election, or other things we allow to take priority. One major issue I have seen, long before becoming a pastor is the sad state of biblical illiteracy among people who claim to be believers, whether they attend church or not. I challenge ALL believers of all denominations to READ YOUR BIBLE! Only by knowing what God says can you have any true hope or hope to overcome in the evil day when it will be necessary to take a stand or submit (potentially to some type of persecution).

Another thing that too many Christians (yes, even me) have been lacking for many years is the necessity to stand up and speak up when necessary. There are two very easy and very powerful ways to do this. The easiest is to share your personal testimony. YOUR story. If you are a believer, there was a time when you accepted the gift of salvation. Only you know YOUR story the way that YOU do! Ask your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, even strangers, “Can I share with you what Jesus Christ did for me?” Then tell your story. It’s really that easy. For some of us, there are parts of our past that we’re ashamed of, but we can and should praise God that we have been forgiven.

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such WERE some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." ~ 1 John 1:9

The other thing that believers can and SHOULD do is to proclaim God’s word, especially in countering the sin in our society today. All we have to do is to read, write or quote God’s word, because it is powerful. When people (institutions, etc.) balk at God’s word, we should understand that the opposition is to God and His Word, we’re simply the messengers.

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." ~ Hebrews 4:12

"So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." ~ Isaiah 55:11

I’m checking back in to realize that I never posted this to the website. I sincerely apologize for that. The discussion took place some time ago, but nothing really has changed. It is true that the most important thing is to KNOW where you will spend eternity. It’s also important for believers to KNOW their Bible and to stand up and speak up boldly when they know they should. Probably most of us (including me) need to work on our boldness. Too often our excuses are that we’re concerned about what people will think or say, trouble at school, on the job, in the neighborhood or family. Can I challenge you (please return the challenge to me) to speak up in love (Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 4:6) because that is what we are called to do.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, COVID, Eternity, Evangelism, life and death, Priorities | 1 Reply

Truly Thankful

Bible Baptist Church Posted on November 26, 2020 by Pastor JoeNovember 26, 2020

I am blessed to be able to sit in my living room with the busyness of my wife, children and extended family preparing dinner and visiting in the background. We’re living in the greatest country in the world, which is still the land of the free and home of the brave.

I’m blessed to serve my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in so many roles: Husband, Father, American Soldier, Pastor, Friend, Uncle, Brother-in-law, Co-worker and more.

I’m blessed to have more than one copy of God’s word that I’m able to read, study and proclaim to the best of my ability, on Sundays and any other day of the week.

I’m blessed that my beautiful wife, Julie has loved, supported, encouraged me and so much more over more than 24 years of marriage. As with any marriage, we’ve had our ups and downs, but she has been with me through it all. She’s my prayer partner, advisor, confidant, encourager, and so much more. I’m so thankful that the Lord not only brought us together, but has kept us together for all these years. I’m looking forward to many more blissful years with her. They just get better and better.

I’m blessed with seven beautiful children (four girls and three boys). Marquita, Rachel, Jonathan, Nathanael, Leslie, Elizabeth and Abigail are my pride and joy. They are all growing into wonderful, young ladies and gentlemen who love Jesus Christ and set fine examples for those who know them. I’m proud to be their Papa.

I’m blessed to have a wonderful, loving, supporting church family who supports me, prays for me, loves me and my family and is willing to question or correct me because they ARE like the Bereans of Acts 17, searching the scriptures to see if the things I teach are right, according to God’s Word.

I’m blessed to have served the greatest country on earth as an American Soldier and to be able to continue to serve. Through difficulty and triumph, ease and adversity, it has been and continues to be truly an honor to serve God and my country.

I’m blessed to have so many friends, quite honestly all over the world. I’ve learned from them, taught them, laughed with them, cried with them, helped them and been helped by them.

There are so many, many other things that I need to continue in thanksgiving for, throughout the year.

Most of all, I am blessed to KNOW that I have received the gift of salvation only available through faith in what my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ did for me in his death, burial and resurrection. I know that I will see him someday in heaven and am truly looking forward to that day. I hope that all my family, friends and all that I know have or will accept the gift of salvation from Jesus Christ as well.

So, from me and my family, from our home, from our church family at Bible Baptist Church, please accept our sincerest wishes for a MOST BLESSED THANKSGIVING. May God richly bless you all!

~ Pastor Joe

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Reply

God Meant it For Good!

Bible Baptist Church Posted on August 17, 2020 by Pastor JoeAugust 17, 2020

Well, it seems we’ve “been around the block and back again” and for some, it seems as if we’re headed off again. Here in the State of Wisconsin, there has been some discussion, agreement and disagreement over what kind of … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged church, COVID-19, Essential Church, Very Good, Worship | Leave a reply

The Essential Church

Bible Baptist Church Posted on June 15, 2020 by Pastor JoeJune 15, 2020

Here in the state of Wisconsin, as in most other states in America, we are on the down side of government-mandated closing of what were deemed “non-essential” businesses, meetings and more. At the beginning of what appeared to be a … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged church, COVID, Essential, Religious | Leave a reply

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Service Times

Sundays:
9:30 AM – Sunday School
10:30 AM – Morning Worship
3:00 PM – Afternoon Worship

Wednesday Evening:
7:00 PM – Bible Study and Prayer

Special Services

Every 3rd Sunday: Our Afternoon Worship service is held next door at the Neillsville Retirement Community, just south of the church at 1211 Lloyd Street, Neillsville.

The last Sunday of every month our monthly fellowship meal (potluck dinner) follows our Morning Worship service. There is no Afternoon Worship service on these Sundays.

Contact Pastor Joe

Church Phone – 715-743-4695
Pastor Joe’s Cell – 608-487-0186
Secondary Cell – 715-819-6785
Home Phone – 608-272-3022

josephlmatthews@gmail.com

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