Category Archives: Christian

Ancient Israelites were commanded to carefully obey all the law their servant Moses charged them to keep! They were not to swerve to the right or to the left. Thus, they would be successful in everything they did. The laws revealed through Moses were to never leave their lips:

You must memorize it day and night so you can carefully obey all that is written in it. Then you will prosper and be successful. I repeat, be strong and brave! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic, for I, the Lord your God, am with you in all you do.”

Joshua 1:2-9 (NIV)

God gave a clear order for Joshua to take action to possess the land promised to the Israelites many years before. Action was required to receive the promise. The instruction then was to possess and defend what God had given.

Every step that Joshua took in obedience to the command opened up new windows of opportunity to perform what seemed to be an impossible undertaking. Joshua’s spies received assistance from Rahab, a harlot. Now, of course, harlot is a not too polite way of saying she was a whore. According to Joshua 2: 8 and 9, the spies lay down for the night and Rahab went up on the roof and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you.” Joshua 2:8-9 (NIV).

The Scripture repeatedly demonstrates that people that are oppressed, despised and exploited are on the heart of the Father when they are fighting for the Kingdom and not for the other side.

Rahab stated that the people’s hearts melted when they heard about the power of God after he parted the Red Sea and destroyed the Amorites. The reports of Israel’s exploits while they wandered in the wilderness created a general fear of YAHWEH, the God of Israel, in all the nations that surrounded the Israelite tribes. All that remained was for Joshua to take his people across the Jordan River and claim what God had already given them.

In a leader like Joshua there is a temptation to seek conquest. Consider, for example, men like Alexander and Napoleon. Self-aggrandizing militarism and conquest for the sake of ego gratification is not what Americans desire. Just look at the current polls regarding whether to launch a limited strikes in order to degrade Syria’s capacity to wage war against the rebels, many of whom are aligned with the same Al Qaeda affiliated terrorists our government is trying to detect.

The NSA sifts through our emails and spends billions to break into encrypted messages while the CIA prepares to arm and train the very same operatives the other side of our U.S. intelligence community is seeking to detect!

Even Americans that have no familiarity with the Bible have received a cultural understanding that abhors militarism. In fact, the idol worshipping nations and tribes that surrounded the ancient Hebrews worshipped conquest, sexual lust and militarism. It sounds like both of our major political parties and most of the public officials that live within eighteen or nineteen contiguous zip codes around the Washington, DC area.

Joshua had to remain connected to his Creator and continue receiving instruction every step of the way in order to prevail against the armies of the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites that stood between where Joshua’s army waited and the peace and security that had already been promised.

To be a successful warrior, God reminded Joshua, “…be strong and brave! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic, for I, the Lord your God, am with you in all you do.”

Thus, Yahweh instructed the ancient Israelites to remain grounded in the Books of the Law. A close relationship with God is necessary for a nation or an individual to succeed. He Trains My Hands For Battle Page 7.

Trusting in the promise of God’s protection was therefore linked to strong action. A similar mindset is necessary in modern times. God has given us a mandate to protect the heritage with which we are blessed and the means for doing so with bold action.

The reason Israel spent forty years in the wilderness is because of the reports of men that Moses had sent with Joshua to survey the promised land. The men came back and gave all the reasons that seeking God’s promises was futile. We see the same thing today in the “mainstream” media and academic elite. They deride the idea that sound principles for conducting public policy can be found in the Bible.

If a student in most university classes advances the idea that Scriptural principles may be a the basis for sound public policy, the professor will treat him or her like an unruly child that has interrupted a serious adult conversation in order to recommend that following the gingerbread crumb trail is the best way to find our way out of the forest.

David was already trained in warfare when he slew Goliath. 1 Samuel 16 demonstrates that he was skilled in warfare and prudent:

One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the LORD is with him.”

1 Samuel 16:15-18

There are others whom God called to lead in times of need – none of whom thought they were any more qualified than the average citizen of today for the task, young men like Jephthah:

Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, and he was the son of a harlot: and Gilead begot Jephthah. And Gilead’s wife bore him sons; and his wife’s sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our father’s house; for thou art the son of a strange woman. Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob: and there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him.

In other words, Jephtah was rejected because his mother was a whore and he joined up with some kind of gang. But the Ammonites made war against Israel. And when the Ammonites made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead turned to Jephthah who was in Tob.

The elders pleaded with Jephthah to be lead them, apparently because he was experienced in fighting. They wanted him to fight the Ammonites. And Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, “Didn’t you hate me, and run me out of my father’s house? and why are y’all coming to me now when ye are in distress?”

The leaders of the community turned to Jephtah and asked him to go with them to lead the fight against the Ammonites, and be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead. And Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, “If ye bring me home again to fight against the children of Ammon, and the LORD deliver them before me, shall I be your head?”

And the elders of Gilead agreed to Jephtah’s proposal. Then Jephthah went with the volunteers from among the people to fight their enemies. Something just like that seems to be happening in Detroit, Michigan where it takes almost an hour for law enforcement to arrive if you call 911. The people have been taking possession of their own communities and keeping watch on things, even cleaning up the garbage and demolishing abandoned houses.

We might be tempted to call them thugs today. Most of these young men probably had suffered rejection that was similar to Jephthah’s experience. What makes Jephthah worthy of special mention in Hebrews 11- a list of men and women that demonstrate mighty faith?.

But despite the fact that he seemed to be motivated by selfish ambition, Jephthah knew the heritage of Israel. He sent messengers to the opposing King of Ammon (the people that inhabited the territory comprising modern day Jordan). The message set forth a legal brief and Scriptural basis for Israel’s historical freedom.

Jephthah’s messengers asked the king of Ammon, “Why are you coming against us to fight in Israel? And the king of Ammon answered the messengers of Jephthah, “Because Israel took away my land, when they came up out of Egypt, from Arnon even to Jabbok, and to Jordan: now therefore restore those lands again peaceably.

And Jephthah sent messengers to the king of o Ammon again and said to him, “Jephthah told us to convey the message to you that Israel did not take the land of Moab or the land of Ammon: But when Israel came up from Egypt, and walked through the wilderness to the Red sea, and came to Kadesh.

Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, Let me please pass through your land: but the king of Edom would not listen. And in like manner they sent to the king of Moab: but he would not consent: and Israel stayed in Kadesh. Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not into the border of Moab: for Arnon was the border of Moab. Jephthah’s messengers knew their history and this is how Jephtah demonstrated great faith. He had good lawyers that represented matters in a way that was based on Constitutional rights!

The messengers went on to explain not so diplomatically that, back in Moses time (the times of the Founding Fathers, so to speak) , Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, the king of Heshbon; and Israel said unto him, Let us pass, please, through your land into the Canaan.

Sihon had then fought against Israel. And the LORD God of Israel delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and Israel smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites from Arnon even to Jabbok, and from the wilderness even to Jordan. The LORD God of Israel had taken away the land of the Amorites and given the land to Israel.

The messengers boldly asked the king of a the people that lived in and around modern day Jordan, “And should you possess it? Won’t you possess that which Chemosh your god gives you to possess? So who ever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess.”

Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin talked like that to a terrorist warlord in Somalia and the politicians marked him as not sufficiently diverse in his outlook, albeit one of the most respected leaders of the war on terrorism. From 1978-1993 he was assigned in various capacities to Delta Force. A Fort Bragg psychologist almost ended Boykin’s career, wanting to exclude him from Delta Force because he was “too religious”. However, he was finally accepted into the Delta Force. When the Bush Administration terminated him Lt. General Boykin was the preeminent leader of the warriors hunting, killing and bringing terrorists to justice.

The Bush administration terminated Lt. Ben. Boykin’s military career for wearing his uniform to church and saying things that were not nice about followers of the religion of peace. Gen. Boykin is still fighting the war against terrorism (but is no longer wearing the uniform) and has demonstrated how true believers will always be set outside the camp. The camp of our Lord;s enemies does not want to listen to truth.

Look at how the Obama Administration has waged a war against American gun owners even while giving firearms to the narco-terrorist cartels in Mexico. It is clear that the Obama Administration has been arming the Muslim Brotherhood, including the factions that tortured, raped and murdered the U.S. ambassador in Benghazi. And now the Adminstration is arming Al Qaeda affiliates in Syria.

And now art thou any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them, while Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns, and in Aroer and her towns, and in all the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, three hundred years? why therefore did ye not recover them within that time?

Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.

Judges 11:22-27

Jephthah is an example of young men that are motivated by a sense of adventure and understand their duty to uphold the heritage of their people. We need an understanding of Biblical history and our American Constitutional heritage in order to be prepared for the times in which we live! Jephthah was a warrior that declared the mighty works of Yahweh from one generation to another.

I am convinced that our Lord embodies all the attributes described in Scripture- Old and New Testaments. The modern sensibility sees a conflict between love and war but that is because most Americans are not able to even imagine our families being raped, tortured, mutilated and destroyed.

That is happening to Christians all over the world right now in places like Egypt.

I have not gotten much of any feedback from any pastor friends; most of the politically incorrect material in the Scripture is usually avoided by religious professionals. Scripture only keeps the lights on and food on the table when it makes folks feel good about themselves.

The wars of Canaan are rarely discussed over the pulpit except in a vein which makes the various “ites” (Hittites, Jebusites, Amalekites, etc.) symbolic of various personal sins; e.g., pride, envy, lust, etc. But alas! Even sin is out of vogue in many of our churches- the only sin is legalism (if you belong to many evangelical churches) or intolerance- in the so-called mainstream churches. Actually both terms connote very nearly the same thing- harsh judgementalism! If even the concept of law falls into disrepute how can we explain to folks that God’s law is an expression of his attributes and character of holiness- not simply legalism.

For example, we do not let people kill and rape and torture us or do such things to our families because we are all made in the image of our Creator. That is also why in modern nations we purport to provide due process via written Constitutions- to protect the dignity of individual rights. Mundane concepts like private property derive from the knowledge that Yahweh God is sovereign and owns the universe. And he can be angry and holy at the same time- something most of us are still trying to figure out how to do!

We should look at the BOOK OF JUDGES as a blueprint for political action. Such an assertion understandably makes one a candidate for increased scrutiny- via drone attack. American citizens are now subject to assassination without due process right here in the homeland if we come under scrutiny from someone in high places. But only if it is determined that we are a threat to national security.

I believe in the Bible. And I believe that abortion is murder so I am pro-life, pro-Second Amendment and happy to be a patriotic American male.

The most terrifying condition to be in is to be taken captive by an enemy. Ask the working poor Whites, Chicanos, Blacks and other minorities captured within the enclaves of inner-city Chicago ghettos- my hometown!

The leaders in Chicago and the academic-media-leftist political complex blame the white power structure- everyone except the Democrat plantation owners that control the blood soaked Windy City- those pesky Dems and their massive Chicago machine have brought urban plantation politics to the suburbs! Thus, nervous and sometimes vehement discussions about the origins of crime and poverty, violence and terrorism roil U.S. society and the world today.

It all starts in rebellion against lawful authority. We will talk about modern Progressives further in a future installment, however.

Just bring up the fact that much of the gun violence occurs largely- but not exclusively- in Eastern gun free cities and the sparks will fly.

The Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles list many examples of God commanding his people to defend what and who God had given them- including a Godly heritage. The irony here, of course, is that the Scriptural heritage brought great prosperity which inevitably lead to so much comfort and feelings of entitlement.

Israelites soon lapsed into apathy and became much like Americans are today. The Biblical word is apostate. It means the Israelites were traitors against their own Constitution. Before you tell me that Israel did not have a Constitution, please consider that the five books of the Mosaic Pentateuch were the basis of all law in the Commonwealth of Israel.

Though battlefields and causes change, and weapons and tactics are enhanced, the terms of engagement have not changed since long ago. Defend one’s nation, from inner corruption and the enemies at the gates, or see it fall.

We don’t actually perform ritualistic human sacrifice as a religious sacrament like the ancient inhabitants of Canaan. Medically deleting the unborn is considered to be very modern and civilized, on the other hand, because we never are to sacrifice the rights of the woman to own her own uterus.

The mostly white elitists that push gay marriage, abortion and other new customs are also promoting a culture that is alien to most Americans. The media mavens want you to think that your guns are alien to the ruling elite but the elite just don’t want you to own firearms. They often hire a few security professionals- usually at taxpayer expense.

Since Old Testament days, the formula for a strong nation has been the same, a Godly leader in the mold of King David, following instructions from the Lord. Such a leader must be able to defend the people and the land. Most of our recent leaders have been more focused on defending their elected offices.

Prosperity and stable institutions here in the United States provided safe and compassionate governance for our people and positively influenced other countries around the world. Our elite international ruling elite, like George Soros and his friends, have figured out how to invade the public purse and finance their aspirations to become Masters of the Universe, so respect for the American way of life has turned into resentment.

Where America has long exported resources and personnel to spread the Gospel, we now also export abortion, perversion and missiles wherever a buyer appears. Unfortunately, a promise to deliver Egypt tomorrow or Libya next week is usually sufficient and no other credit is required. At least no credit card is required for regimes such as those in Pakistan, Egypt and Libya.

You are not a regime but just a group like Ansar al-Sharia? That is alright. Your affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood that held the power in Egypt for a time is enough. Just promise to work with the CIA or help us to deliver the goods in Syria.

Great Britain and the United States share success stories that indicate how amazing prosperity and stability will follow upon a nation that trusts its ways to the Lord. Britain and the U.S. should be acknowledged as nations that sent missionaries all over the world. Freedom from fear, personal safety, national security- none of these come from a gun, an army or by government programs and spending. It starts with having right priorities.

You can prepare the horse for the day of battle but the outcome of the battle belongs to the Lord.

Many modern Americans have chosen to trust in government planners rather than the plans outlined in the Bible and the U.S. Constitution. We shall hereinafter refer to such Americans as Progressives. Thus, America seems to be following the road that Britain and other European nations have traveled.

Our technological superiority and natural resources may allow us to remain a military superpower for the near term, but recent economic upheavals have shaken the most exceptional nation on Earth. America’s leadership has chosen for years to follow the path of militarism by depending on large standing armies for most of the Twentieth Century, particularly during and after the Cold War.

The Biblical section that best demonstrates everything above is in the first few chapters of the Book of Joshua. Starting in Chapter 1, Verse 2, the Lord says to Joshua:

“Lead these people into the land which I am ready to hand over to them. I am handing over to you every place you set foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the wilderness in the south to Lebanon in the north. It will extend all the way to the great River Euphrates in the east (including all of Syria) and all the way to the Mediterranean Sea in the west.”

Try talking like this to a Palestinian or to someone in the current Administration! In fact, any self-respecting Liberal-Progressive will tell you that what we are advocating here is Manifest Destiny; i.e., the same heretical notion that wiped out the American Indian and the buffalo herds. I am making very intolerant statements- and intolerable, too!

“No one will be able to resist you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not abandon you or leave you alone. Be strong and brave! You must lead these people in the conquest of this land that I solemnly promised their ancestors I would hand over to them. Make sure you are very strong and brave!”

http://www.firearmslawyer.net/index.htm

He Trains My Hands For Battle is the book Rick Cook and I have written about the Scripture and armed self-defense. I will send it to you by email upon request. The email address is at our website at http://www.firearmslawyer.net. Publishing the email address here creates too much spam. The introduction follows.

Mark Knapp is a practicing criminal defense and firearms attorney. He received Christ in 1972 and took up the study of law because of a conviction that the Bible deals with everything that pertains to life and God including government and administration of justice. Mr. Knapp has a passion for both military history and Constitutional law that grows out of a love of Bible history.

Rick Cook is a former U.S. Marine, whose father and son are also Marines. He has been a committed Christian since his first Sunday in USMC Boot Camp in 1977, and he has owned various firearms for most of his life, training his wife and three children in their safe use along the way. He is currently self-employed as an Independent Consultant, implementing enterprise-level Business Service Management software at clients throughout North America. He shares Mark’s love of military history.

Is there any god like God? Are we not at bedrock? Is not this the God who armed me well, then aimed me in the right direction?

Now I run like a deer; I’m king of the mountain.
He shows me how to fight; I can bend a bronze bow! You protect me with salvation-armor; you touch me and I feel ten feet tall.

You cleared the ground under me so my footing was firm. When I chased my enemies I caught them; I didn’t let go till they were dead men….

You rescued me from a squabbling people; you made me a leader of nations. People I’d never heard of served me; the moment they got wind of me they submitted. They gave up; they came trembling from their hideouts.

2 Samuel 22:32-46

Introduction: A Case for Armed Civilians

A wise man attacks the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.

Proverbs 21:22
Throughout recorded history, civilians have faced the brutal choice of defending loved ones or seeing them terrorized, tortured and brutalized by strangers or, at times, by their own government. Civilians, usually assisting soldiers and law enforcement, can defend themselves, their homes, and their families most effectively with firearms. Thus, each of us in a free society is faced with the same decision as Americans on the old frontiers; i.e., will we prepare to defend ourselves and others?

The job of protecting ourselves from violence is primarily in our own hands as individuals. Scripture has a great deal to teach about personal self-defense, provisions for local and national security and how to prevent violent crime. Thus, we present Biblical authority along with practical approaches to training in armed defense. In the event that armed civilians need to band together to oppose a common foe, the Biblical underpinnings in which our U.S. Constitution and common law are grounded may be all that separates modern Americans from lawless anarchy.

It is the responsibility of good citizens to recognize that taking up arms is not something to be done lightly or without thought. The moral and scriptural justification for protecting ourselves is that defense of self and others is fundamental to life and liberty. Of course, complying with federal, state, and local laws is not optional; you would not be reading a legal manual that is filled with Scriptural references but for the high regard you have for good citizenship.

We do not advocate vigilantism. We oppose those who misunderstand the information in the book or attempt in any way to rationalize taking the law into one’s own hands. You should always seek legal advice by consulting in confidence with an attorney. Every situation is different when analyzed from a legal perspective, and it is your responsibility to know and follow the laws in your area to the best of your ability.