Troubled Times

There is a lot of talk these days about how turbulent the times are. Even conservative Christians are talking about our future here in America, saying we are heading for really bad times. Many think we are in the beginnings of the end times and if it isn’t that they think this is the beginning of the days spoken of in the Bible, many definitely think America is in trouble. Some say America either has or is about to lose the blessings God has put upon this country. I must admit that I have shared that opinion. Certainly as a nation we are turning away from God more and more. Our president appears to be more willing to embrace the Muslim culture and its agenda and is turning his back upon the Christian worldview.

All of this talk seems to have increased a viewpoint amongst Christians that it is time to store up food, water, and to prepare for the worst. Many are buying guns. Funny thing is I used to be a radical. I spent two weeks at a camp where I learned the rudiments of survival, how to exist in any environment with only a knife. Find food, water, and learn to make shelters was the core of the class. This survival was excellent in nature, because it was about survival in the utmost worse of conditions. While I never bought weapons, (having been one who struggled with depression I chose not to purchase weapons), I studied about them and military operations like ambushes. I read and tried to practice the secret ways of the ninjas, learning things about mind manipulation and intimidation. I looked at the world as if everyone except my closest family members were not to be trusted and I did not let myself get close to people. All this time I considered myself a Christian, yet I lived in isolation and mistrust.

But God has been watching over me for years. He has been calling me but I wasn’t listening. Little by little He began to break me. Without going into those stories, let me just say I have begun to listen a little more. About three years ago I decided that I should try and begin to look to God’s Word for how to live my life. He also led me to prayer. You know, I am still being taught by God. His Holy Spirit has become the only one I consider to be my counselor, as John 14:26 instructs me. "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” So now I search the scriptures and then I pray that I have the proper understanding of what God wants me to do. I also have made an effort to search out and become close to those in the Church who I can see are men and women of God who also counsel only through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word. Then I can also trust in their counsel as I compare it to what I believe God has already led me to. I believe this is Biblical and has allowed me to find so much more peace and joy even in the midst of life and trust me, my life like yours, has plenty of storms to weather. But God is good and His promises are true and I give ALL glory to Him.

So I say we look to the Word as we consider what to do if and when all this chaos and collapse comes to our country. Should we buy guns, store up ammo, water, and food? I am going to assume that you, the reader, are a disciple of Christ, Born again and under the grace and commandments of the New Testament. Actually I believe I could also make my point through the Old Testament, but since we are really under The New Covenant, I will stay mostly there.

Let us start at arming ourselves. I have no debate with anyone owning a gun, I really like guns and I may eventually buy one, maybe more. Most Christians will refer to Luke 22:36-38 (NASB) in which Jesus, himself, tells the disciples this, "But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one.”For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, 'and He was numbered with transgressors'; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment." They said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." And He said to them, "It is enough." Now I have enough Bible Commentaries to satisfy most who would like to discuss the meaning of this passage. There is an argument that Jesus was not really happy with them thinking they needed weapons when they were in the very presence of God Himself, and as Jesus would later say, He could call in legions of warring angels if He wanted. But let’s just accept that it is not a problem to have a weapon for personal protection. The problem lies in where you really put your trust. Except for cops and soldiers, I have probably been in as many dangerous situations and locations as anyone else. In my 32 years at the phone company I have been in neighborhoods and drug houses that most thought only exist in TV shows. I also have put myself in bad positions in my days of drinking and being stupid. Yet I have never needed a gun to get out of these situations. Not saying it can’t happen; just that God has always protected me.

Yet even in light of Luke 22:35-38, can anyone show me anywhere in the Bible, where Jesus, Paul, Peter, or any other author of the New Testament instructs us to use a weapon? Instead the scriptures offer a different viewpoint.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (NASB) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.

Ephesians 6:12 (NASB) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.


Hebrews 11:23-40 (NASB) By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace. And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.

As you can see, even the Old Testament people really didn’t fight by might, but by faith. This is not to say they didn’t have weapons, sometime God used the sword, but it was their faith in Him that brought the victory. So I think it is ok to have your sword, but do not ever forget where your real firepower comes from. God has given you a much more powerful weapon and it is called the Sword of the Spirit. That, guys, is the Word of God. Take your gun if you wish, but you better keep God’s Word even closer. Psalms 44:3 (NKJV) says this, “For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, Nor did their own arm save them; But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, Because You favored them.”


So what of storing up supplies? How would that fit in to God’s Word? Well, I have heard several people speak about Joseph and his part in the feeding of the Jews during the famine. Simply put I would respond that this was a predicted event by a prophet of God and was in response to God’s direct plan. If one of you out there is convinced you have received a message from God that is a true prophecy, then I guess I advise you to store up food. I personally am not convinced we have a direct prophet of God today predicting that and since we also have the written revelation of God, I don’t expect that to happen. Unless we are speaking of the Great Tribulation and even then is there a Biblical mandate to do so? And I have just finished reading about the Tribulation and even if I thought the Church would be here for it (I don’t) I see no instructions in a book titled The Revelation to so and based on the description of this tribulation, I doubt it would help.

What I see and read more of in the New Testament is Jesus and the Apostles instructing us not to fear and instead trust in God to provide. I won’t continue to overwhelm you with scripture, but I think Jesus is clear on the principles of faith in Matthew 6:25-34 (NASB) that says this, “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? "And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?”And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

I’m just going to let the part of scripture stand and suggest you go to God in prayer and ask Him what that means to you. I know this; God is sovereign. Although He allows Satan to be the prince of this world for now, God has not given up control. Trust me, He is still there and His promises are all true. Certainly it is proper to be prepared in case of a storm or emergency. There is no problem with defending your life, family, and property. But be careful how you let that process fit into your life. Read the Word and believe in the promises of God. Be careful of casting doubt upon what God has said and given you who have chosen to put your faith in Him. Be strong in the Lord, not in self. Look at the victories in the Old Testament and see how they were won. Read about Joshua and the Battle of Jericho. Do you not believe that story? Do you not believe God can still provide in that way? Read the Psalms regularly. Learn about the attributes of God and His mighty power. Pray Ephesians 6 each morning and “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might”, as Ephesians 6:10 instructs us.

As I often do I leave you with one last scripture. Please meditate on it and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you what it means to you. Search the entire breadth of the Word of God and then after going to God find out what God wants you to do.

Hebrews 10:32-39 (NASB) But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. But my righteous one shall live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

May God richly bless you!