[Jesus] said to them [apostles], “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one…And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough. Luke 22:35–38)

Our society has become increasingly violent.  There have been numerous fatal attacks by Muslims, mass casualty shooting rampages at schools and theaters, and daily murders in large cities.  In one heinous story several weeks ago in Indiana, a pastor’s pregnant wife was murdered by a home invader.

All of this violence has led to citizens purchasing firearms for self-defense.  Citizens obtaining permits to carry a firearm have skyrocketed all over the country.  Even as President Obama orders stricter gun control measures, Americans are taking advantage of their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

But should Christians be joining in to obtain firearms for self-defense?  Is it right or wrong for a Christian to use lethal force to stop a criminal threat to his/her life (or a loved one’s life)?

Widely respected pastor John Piper writes in a recent column that Christians should not be arming themselves but rather be willing to endure suffering and even death like the apostles.  This weekend on The Christian Worldview, we’ll discuss Piper’s article and what Scripture says about using lethal force in self defense.