Proverbs: Wealth, Defense, and Justice

Community Peace and Personal Responsibility

Transcript: AI Transcript

Professor: John Weaver

Subject: Old Testament Studies

Genre: Sermon

Dictation Name:

Date: 2012-12-03

Synopsis: Pastor John Weaver argues that true biblical community has died in America and must be resurrected on God's terms by rebuilding according to His law. He emphasizes personal responsibility, self-government, and avoiding unnecessary conflicts with the state. Using Scripture and historical quotes, he teaches that individuals and families must learn to live righteously, control their tongues, resolve disputes biblically, and be prepared to defend themselves and their communities. The message calls for a return to God's law as the foundation for free government and peaceful, resilient communities.

[John Weaver] Psalm 127 verse 1, the title of the message is Community, Peace, and Personal Responsibility. Notice verse 1, except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it, except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. I want you to go ahead and turn in your Bibles to the book of Jeremiah chapter 12. As I give you an introductory statement or two, I've been asked to deal with a multifaceted subject one that's almost impossible to cover just in one session and that there are so many areas to cover and so many implications and applications that should be made. I've been told all my life that there is no house large enough for two families and you understand that because I don't care how related you are one to the other, once you begin living together inevitably As we used to say, somebody's going to rub the cat's hair the wrong way and there's going to be problems.

[John Weaver] The question is, if we cannot get along with each other now while times are relatively good and peaceful, what will we do when we're forced to live together in very difficult times? How can we survive without looking to outside help? Well, the Bible mentions this truth in Jeremiah chapter 12, and I want you to look, if you would please, at verse 5. Jeremiah 12, verse 5. The question is asked, if thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustest, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of the Jordan? So if you can't run with the footman, God says, what are you going to do when the horsemen come along? And if you can't get along in the time of peace and prosperity, what in the world are you going to do when the Jordan swells and there's difficulty on every hand? How can we exist without resorting to outside help? How can we exist without using an unbiblical judicial system or depending upon a militarized, federalized law enforcement?

[John Weaver] may I suggest at the very beginning that it is best to avoid all contact with them whatsoever and whensoever it is possible. Now there's a theme that has been given and that theme is this, bringing communities back to life. When you hear that phrase, the theme very clearly indicates that our communities have died. And let me tell you something, the truth of the matter is There has not been a real, genuine community that I know of probably in 50, 60 years.

[John Weaver] Now you just stop and think, and some of us are old enough to remember when neighbors would come down and visit. And any problem in the community, the neighbors would come together to help resolve that problem. Someone got sick, the neighbors would bring in food ever how long was needed and necessary. The same thing when there was a death in the family. I remember even as a boy when we had a rabid fox in our community. Guess what? All the men came together and were trying to kill that fox.

[John Weaver] In other words, everybody participated. Everybody came together. The truth of the matter is, we have not had a real, genuine community for so long, most people have absolutely no idea how a real biblical community is to function. It's not only the fact that our communities have died, our society has died, and our governmental structure has died as well. I don't like to quote Anne Ryan because she was basically an atheist, but she did say something that is worth quoting.

[John Weaver] Listen to what she said. When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing. When you see that money is flowing to those that deal not in goods, but in favors. When you see that men get rich more easily by graft than work, and your laws no longer protect you against them, but protect them against you, you may know that society is doomed. And that's a fact. Our communities do indeed need to be resurrected.

[John Weaver] But however, you've got to remember that resurrection is always on God's terms. I've often asked this question, in fact, I've asked it here. If society collapsed tomorrow, and you were able to rebuild the day after tomorrow, what law structure would you use? Would you build upon God's law structure, or would you build upon man's law structure? And may I say, those are the only two law structures available. And if you answer, well I would try to build on the best of man's law structure, then you might as well not rebuild at all, you might as well let Jericho stay buried, for the curse of God is upon it. You remember when Jericho was destroyed, in Joshua chapter 6 and verse 26, let me just quote it. And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the Lord that riseth up and builteth this city Jericho.

[John Weaver] He shall lay the foundations thereof in his firstborn, and his youngest son shall he set up the gates thereof. In other words, he would end up sacrificing his sons in the rebuilding of the cursed city Jericho. If our communities are to be resurrected and live, We must rebuild according to God's law and learn to live according to God's law by applying it and obeying it in every area of our life. You have to remember that communities are built first and foremost upon individuals and then secondly upon families. It is individuals that constitute families. It is families that constitute communities. It is impossible to have a resurrected community if that community is filled with unresurrected individuals and families.

[John Weaver] Let me state it more bluntly. You cannot have a spiritual community with unspiritual people. You cannot have a community that functions the way it should unless you have individuals and families willing to function the way they should. You cannot have the blessings of God upon a community that is filled with rebellious individuals. One of my favorite quotes is from Robert Winthrop. He was a congressman, former Speaker of the House.

[John Weaver] He died in 1894 and he said this as he was speaking to the Massachusetts Bible Society. He said, all societies of men must be governed in some way or the other. The less they may have of stringent state government, the more they must have of individual self-government. The less they rely upon public law or physical force, the more they must rely on private moral restraint. Men in a word must necessarily be controlled either by a power within them or by a power without them, either by the word of God or the strong arm of man, either by the Bible or the bayonet.

[John Weaver] Now, Robert Winthrop also was speaking against a law or a bill at that time that would allow atheists to testify in court. And I want you to listen to what he said concerning our country. And Robert Winthrop was born in 1809. He died in 1894. And remember he's speaking against allowing atheists to testify. He says this, I confess, sir, I'm at a loss to conceive how any man who has ever read our Constitution as originally framed, or as it now exists, can listen a moment to such an argument.

[John Weaver] If anything be clearer than another on its face, it is that it was intended to constitute a Christian state. I deny totally the gentleman's position that the religious expression it contains were intended only to show forth the pious sentiments of those who framed it. They were intended to incorporate into our system the principles of Christianity. Principles which belong not only to those who framed, but to the whole people who adopted it. Sir, the people of that day were a Christian people. They adopted a Christian constitution.

[John Weaver] They no more contemplated the existence of infidelity than the Athenian laws provided against the perpetuation of parasites. They established a Christian commonwealth. They wrote upon its walls, salvation, and upon its gates, praise. And Christianity is as clearly now its cornerstone as if the initial letter of every page of our statute book, like that of some monkish manuscript, were illuminated by the figure of the cross." So here he is saying that no, atheists were not to be allowed to testify because this was indeed a Christian nation.

[John Weaver] John Adams who happened to be the second president of the United States said this, our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. Charles Carroll who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence said this, without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time. They therefore who are decrying the Christian religion whose morality is so sublime and pure, are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments. What is the best security for free governments? Christianity. That's what Charles Carroll said.

[John Weaver] Noah Webster said it like this, the duties of men are summarily comprised in the Ten Commandments, consisting of two tables. One comprehending the duties which we owe immediately to God, the other the duties we owe to our fellow men. And then he goes on to say this, in my view, the Christian religion is the most important and one of the first things in which all children under free government ought to be instructed. No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free people. Now I hope you understand why in order to seduce and enslave a people, they must be drawn away from the Bible and the Christian religion. And when we turn from that, we cease to be a free government and a free people. John Quincy Adams, who was the sixth president of the United States said this, the law given from Sinai, the Ten Commandments, was a civil and municipal as well as a moral and religious code.

[John Weaver] What did he say? It is for our civil institutions as well as for individual morality as well. James Madison, the fourth president of the United States said it like this, we've staked our future on the ability to follow the Ten Commandments with all of our hearts. We have staked the whole future of American civilization not upon the power of government, far from it. We've staked the future of all of our political institutions upon our capacity to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God. Wow.

[John Weaver] So with this basic historic overview in mind, let me ask you a question. What has happened to our country? What has happened to our state? What has happened to our communities? And here's the answer. We've left. We've deserted. We've forsaken the Law of God and our God as well. We've disobeyed His Law. We've despised His Son. We've trampled His Law under our feet. And as Scripture says, we've done despise into the Spirit of Grace. Therefore, we've lost His blessing, we've lost His protection, and we must repent and turn to Him.

[John Weaver] Now, if you and I wish to avoid encounters and conflict with our government the way it is today, as well as with our federalized and militarized law enforcement, we must learn to live right, to do right, to control our emotions, listen carefully and assume personal responsibility for all of our actions, period. We must not only not need outsiders, we must be able to avoid them as well. So let me ask the question, what does that mean? How in the world can we avoid the powers of government? Well, The answer is we must learn to look for and to apply biblical alternatives.

[John Weaver] Now I'm going to give you some illustrations in just a moment. But let me give you a very simple one. You know, if I do not wish to avoid, if I wish to avoid a fight, the wisest thing for me to do is to stay away from places where fights most likely occur. Wouldn't that be wise? If I do not want to be involved in a fight, why should I even visit a bar or casino or nightclub? In other words, here's the premise I'm laying down. We need to avoid all unnecessary conflicts. We have enough of our own conflicts that we can't avoid And so we need to stay away from anything that's unnecessary. We have enough trouble as it is. Why in the world do we want to start any trouble? So let me just put it to you very plainly.

[John Weaver] In any young person, you ought to understand this. Here it is. Don't go to stupid places with stupid people and do stupid things. That's plain enough. Just don't do it. You know, I tell people, I've told my grandkids this. I've never smoked in my life, and I'm thankful. But you know, if you don't start, you don't have to quit. Have you ever thought about that? I'm just saying, there are a lot of things that you can avoid if you just don't get involved with them to begin with. Just don't do it. Here's something else.

[John Weaver] We must be aware of our surroundings and we must be aware of our mouths. I read a long time ago there are three rules dealing with any governmental area. Here they are. Shut up, shut up, and shut up. Or keep your mouth shut, keep your mouth shut, keep your mouth shut. Those rules are pretty simple. But do you realize those rules are also pretty simple when it comes to just about anything that you can imagine.

[John Weaver] For instance, I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to Psalm 39. I want to show you several verses real quickly. Psalm 39, verse 1, and then we're going to Proverbs 21. But notice Psalm 39 and verse 1, if you would please. Here's what David said. Psalm 39, look at it in verse 1. David said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue, I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me. What did he say? I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me. Watch your tongue, watch your mouth, especially when you're in the presence of the wicked.

[John Weaver] If you are around friends and relatives with whom you disagree, You must learn to control not only your temper but your tongue. Let me say it plainly. You do not have to say everything that comes into your mind. You don't. Look in your Bibles to the book of Proverbs chapter 21 and verse 23. This is one of my favorite verses. Proverbs 21 verse 23. Look what the Scripture says. Proverbs 21 verse 23. Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. I don't have to ask you this. Please don't raise your hand.

[John Weaver] But how many of you have ever said things you wish you had never said? Yeah, everybody. And you know, the problem is, once you say something, you can't recall those words. Whosoever keepeth his... What? His mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from trouble. If you'll look in 1 Peter chapter 3 and verse 10. 1 Peter chapter 3 and verse 10. 1 Peter 3 and verse 10. Look what Peter tells us. 1 Peter 3, verse 10. The Scripture says, 1 Peter 3 and verse 10, For he that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that speak no guile. If, God says, you want to love life, And if you want to see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips that they speak no guile." Now I want you to turn to 1 Corinthians 6, but I'm going to quote another scripture as you go there. I'm going to quote from Psalm 37 verse 8 where God says,"...cease from anger and forsake wrath, fret not thyself in any wise to do evil."

[John Weaver] So God says, just don't do it, just stay away from it. It is best to avoid a dispute. It's best to avoid a conflict. If one cannot be avoided, and if we are involved in a dispute or a conflict, then we must resolve it in a biblical manner.

[John Weaver] Now, no matter how hard we try unhappily, we're never ever going to be able to avoid every conflict. We're never ever going to be able to foresee every problem and stay out of its way. There will be conflicts. So I'm just saying if we are involved, then we have to determine that we're going to resolve it biblically and scripturally. I don't know if you remember this or not, but some time back, and Roy has them I'm sure, but I've got five messages on biblical problem solving. There is indeed a biblical way to solve problems. There are a lot of unbiblical ways as well, but they're never resolved when you use unbiblical ways. But if you look in 1 Corinthians 6, I just want you to note that the Bible actually forbids a Christian going to law, a court of law, with another Christian. Look at it in 1 Corinthians 6, beginning there in verse 1. Look what the Apostle Paul says. Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust and not before the saints?

[John Weaver] Now, in other words, there can be an ecclesiastical court. There does not have to be just the heathenistic judicial courts. He says, Do you not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know you not that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life? If then you have judgments of things pertaining this life, set them to judge who are the least esteemed in the church."

[John Weaver] Now here's what he's saying there. He's saying, if you have something to settle, you need to take even the saints that are the most least esteemed and go before them before you'd go before a heathenistic judge. Now watch this. He goes on to say, Verse 5, I speak to your shame. Is it so that there's not a wise man among you? In other words, surely there's someone who can settle the issues among the saints. Surely there's a wise man who can resolve these things. Watch. Is there not one wise man among you? No, not one that shall be able to judge between his brother. But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before unbelievers. Now therefore, there's utterly a fault among you Because you go to law one with another, why do you not rather take wrong? Why do you not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, you do wrong and defraud, and that's your brethren.

[John Weaver] Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived, neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor feminine, nor abusers of themselves with mankind." And then he goes on. So the problem is simply this. God says we do not need to go to law before unbelievers. If we have a conflict, let's resolve it biblically. There is only one way to resolve something for sure, and that is to do it biblically.

[John Weaver] We ought to be able to settle our differences among ourselves. If we're not able to do so, then there are wise men in the church, there should be wise men in the Christian community, And we should be willing to submit to their counsel and their judgment. And by the way, without me getting into it, in the Old Testament, if you refuse to abide by the decision of a biblical court of law, the penalty was death. So God is saying, look, there's a way to resolve this.

[John Weaver] We need to stay away from the system and control of the heathen as much as possible. And you've got to understand something, folks. Once you enter into their realm, once you enter into their jurisdiction, you are under their control. And you will be forced to abide by their judgment, whether it's right or wrong, biblical or unbiblical, and what your concern is and what your conscience says does not matter one bit to them. Let me give you one court case. This is Hollis v. Edmonds.

[John Weaver] This involved the State Street Baptist Church in Kentucky. The State Street Baptist Church existed as a church for 140 years. And then it chose to incorporate. And it incorporated under the statutes of Kentucky. Well, there was a little spat in the church as to how some money was being spent. And so those who were dissatisfied went to the courts. And the church's position was this. You have no jurisdiction over us. This is a church matter. It is not a governmental matter.

[John Weaver] Here is what the court said. I'm quoting. Once the church, that is the State Street Baptist Church, determined to enter the realm of Caesar by forming a corporation, it is required to abide by the rules of Caesar, or in this case, the statutes of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Wow. In other words, if you had incorporated, we'd have nothing to say in this. So the point I'm trying to make is once you submit to their jurisdiction, you're in their power.

[John Weaver] Whether you agree or whether you disagree, whether they're right or wrong, biblical or unbiblical, it doesn't matter. So the wise thing to do is to stay out from their system. William Penn said it like this, men must be governed by God or they were ruled by tyrants. And the truth of the matter is this, when we refuse to be governed by God, we will be ruled by tyrants.

[John Weaver] And all you have to do is read 1 Samuel chapter 8 to confirm all of that. So, what happens then when society collapses? What happens when people, godly people, are forced to come together and live together in a very complex and a very difficult time. Well, here's what happens if it is a real, genuine, biblical community. In a grid-down situation, the answer is that real, genuine, biblical community not only helps each other, but they defend each other and that community will come together and defend their lives and their families and the lives and the families of their friends. In other words, in a societal collapse, you've got to understand something folks, we either learn to stand together or we will indeed fall separately.

[John Weaver] That is no time for our little pet peeves and idiosyncrasies and likes and dislikes to get in the way. That's why all of these things have to be worked out. Let me tell you something. There are no perfect people. There just aren't. And you could say, well, pastor, I love you. I've been listening to you for 30 years. Well, I'm thankful and that's wonderful. But I tell you what, if we live side by side and work day in and day out every day, after about six months you might get ticked off at me. Probably a little before that. And I might really get ticked off at you.

[John Weaver] And the next thing we're knowing, he's getting on my nerves. She's bothering me. Why can't he do this? Why can't she do that? You see what I'm saying? There just are no perfect people. And you have to make sure that you understand that you have a lot of things to work out. If we're going to defend ourselves, if we're going to defend anyone else, then obviously we must be trained in defensive techniques. as well as in the defensive use of firearms.

[John Weaver] Now let me tell you something that may shock some of you. It won't shock those of us who are older. But do you realize that at one time, riflery was taught in every public school? Did you know that? I remember as a boy taking my weapons to school. To go hunting afterwards, have them in the truck, had no problem. Ron did the same thing. Had no problem. Did you know that the federal government today still promotes civilian markmanship programs?

[John Weaver] I want you to listen to this. I got this title from Ron and then I looked it up. Here it is. I'm going to read it to you. Two paragraphs. The Office of the Director of Civilian Markmanship, DCM, was created by the United States Congress as part of the 1903 War Department Appropriations Act. The original purpose was to provide civilians an opportunity to learn and practice marksmanship skills so they would be skilled marksmen if later called to serve in the United States military.

[John Weaver] Formation was precipitated by the adoption of the M1903 Springfield Rifle as the national service civilians experienced with popular contemporary lever-action rifles were unable to sustain an equivalent rate of fire from the unfamiliar bolt-action M1903 rifle. Over the years, the emphasis of the program shifted to focus on youth development through marksmanship. From 1916 until 1996, the CMP was administered by the United States Army. Title 16 of the National Defense Authorization Act for the fiscal year of 1996 created the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearm Safety to take over administration and promotion of the civilian marksmanship program. Did you know that there are still numerous civilian marksmanship programs and did you know that you can still acquire what was an M1 Garand from the federal government? Yeah? Today. I'm just simply saying, here's all these federal programs that are promoting this.

[John Weaver] Now, we've got to understand something. And it's very simple, and I know most of you do. Self-defense is biblical. Defending others is biblical. Knowing how to fight is biblical. What did David say in Psalm 144 and verse 1? He said, Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teaches my hands to war and my fingers to fight. Do you know what Nehemiah did when his community was going to be attacked? Let me show you. I want you to turn in your Bibles to the book of Nehemiah chapter 4. Nehemiah chapter 4. Watch this. Nehemiah chapter 4. And we're going to begin reading at verse 11. Nehemiah 4 and verse 11. Ezra, Nehemiah. Nehemiah chapter 4. And let's begin reading there with verse 11. Here it is.

[John Weaver] And our adversary said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease. So they were planning a surprise attack. upon this group of people who were working on the walls, trying to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. And it came to pass that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, from all places which you shall return unto us, they will be upon you."

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to watch this. This is so common. The Jews who dwelt by them, what were they trying to do? They were trying to discourage the ones who were doing the work, saying, you can't fight them, you can't win. There are too many of them. They've got too much weaponry. They're too powerful. They were trying to discourage the ones who were working. Watch what Nehemiah did, verse 13,"...therefore said I unto the Lord, places behind the wall, and on the higher places I even set the people after their families with their swords and 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 you afraid of them. Remember the Lord who is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, and your sons, and your daughters, and your wives, and your houses.

[John Weaver] And it came to pass when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to naught, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work. And it came to pass from that time forth that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears and the shields and the bows and the habergons, and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. They which builded on the wall and they that bear burdens, with those that laid it, every one with one of his hands rolled in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded, and he that sounded the trumpet was by me."

[John Weaver] So what did Nehemiah do? Well, he just got the people together and organized and said, we're going to defend ourselves. That's all there is to it. We're going to take care of the problem. Obviously, clearly, that's exactly what the scripture says.

[John Weaver] Now, you say, wait a minute, Brother Weaver. I'm not a member of a militia. I don't know how to fight. Well, let me tell you, you may not know how to fight, but if you are between the ages of 17 and 45, you are the member of a militia by law. Did you know that? In fact, my birth certificate has on it that I was born in the third militia district. The third militia district. Do you realize the law says every male between 17 and 45 is a member of the unorganized militia.

[John Weaver] Let me read it to you. Here's the United States Code, Title 10, Subtitle A, General Military Law, Chapter 13, The Militia. Listen carefully. The militia of the United States consists of all able-bodied males at least 17 years of age and except as provided in section 313 of title 32 under 45 years of age who are or who have made a declaration of intention to become citizens of the United States and a female citizen of the United States who are members of the National Guard. Now listen, the classes of the militia are the organized militia which consists of the National Guard and the naval militia and the unorganized militia which consists of the members of the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the naval militia. So you're in the militia if you're between 17 and 45. You can be in the organized militia or you can be in the unorganized militia but you are still in the militia.

[John Weaver] Trench Cox said this, one of the founding fathers. He asked, who are the militia? Are they not ourselves? Is it feared then that we shall turn our arms each man against his own bosom? Congress shall have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords and every other terrible implement of the soldier or the birthright of every American. The unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state governments, but where I trust in God, it will remain forever in the hands of the people." Trenchcock, 1788. George Mason said it like this, when the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great Britain, The British Parliament was advised by an artful man who was the Royal Governor of Pennsylvania to disarm the people that it was the best and most effectual way to enslave them that they should not do it

[John Weaver] openly but weaken them and let them sink gradually by totally disguising and neglecting the militia. Wow. Representative Elbridge Gerry who was also a signer of the Declaration of Independence said this, What, sir, is the use of a militia? It is to prevent the establishment of a standing army, the bane of liberty. Whenever governments mean to invade the rights and liberties of the people, they always attempt to destroy the militia in order to raise an army upon their ruins.

[John Weaver] George Washington, whom everyone knows, said this, firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the American people's liberty teeth and keystone under independence. From the hour the Pilgrims landed to the present day, events, occurrences, and tendencies prove that to ensure peace, security, and happiness, the rifle and pistol are equally indispensable. The very atmosphere of firearms everywhere restrains evil interference. They deserve a place of honor with all that is good.

[John Weaver] Thomas Jefferson said the strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is at last, as a last resort, to protect themselves against the tyranny in government. The right to keep and bear arms according to the Second Amendment is not about duck hunting or deer hunting. It's about preserving our liberty, our liberties from a tyrannical government. Again, Thomas Jefferson said, laws that forbid the carrying of arms disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes. Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants.

[John Weaver] They serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man. And that's the truth. The truth of the matter is, an armed society is a polite society. I want to read something to you that some of you know, some of you do not. But there is a creed that is quoted by, or used to be, by every Marine. The creed is just entitled, My Rifle. I had to learn some of this, although I was not a Marine. I did not know all of it until recently. But I want you to listen to the Marines creed concerning his rifle. Here it is. This is my rifle.

[John Weaver] There are many like it, but this one is mine. It is my life. I must master it. as I must master my life. Without me, my rifle is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than the enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will. My rifle and I know what counts in war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, or the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. we will hit. My rifle is human even as I am human because it is my life.

[John Weaver] Thus I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strengths, its parts, its accessories, its sights, and its barrel. I will keep my rifle clean and ready even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other. Before God, I swear this creed. My rival and I are the defenders of my country. We are masters of our enemy. We are saviors of my life. So be it, until victory is America's, and there is no enemy but peace." We must learn to fight, dear friend, in every area. Not just physically, but we must learn to fight mentally, economically, physically, and spiritually. And we must learn to do so together. We must learn to help each other, to encourage each other, to work with each other.

[John Weaver] One man alone is easy prey. One man alone, no matter how much confidence he has, no matter how much firepower he has, no matter how many supplies he possesses, one man alone will not last very long. That's why we need communities. That's why we have to come together, especially in a time of societal collapse, and learn to work with each other, and help each other, and defend each other. If you and I are to have happy and loving and living and safe communities.

[John Weaver] We have to know God's law. We have to know how to apply that law. We have to learn to live by that law. And we must be ready to defend that law. And we must be ready to defend our lives, our families and our neighbors lives as well. And we have to do it all with a special regard for God's honor and God's glory. One last quote. William J.

[John Weaver] Bennett, A lecture to the United States Naval Academy on November 24, 1997 said this, honor never grows old and honor rejoices the heart of age. It does so because honor is finally about defending those noble and worthy things that deserve defending, even if it comes at a high cost. In our time, That may mean social disapproval, public scorn, hardship, persecution, or as always, even death itself. The question remains, what is worth defending? What is worth dying for? What is worth living for? And I submit to you, the Lord Jesus Christ and His law is worth fighting, dying, and living for. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we bow to Thee. We thank You for Your mercy and Your grace, and we do pray, Lord, that You would help us to learn to live together as a community, to worship together, to function together, to be what we should be to each other, that you may be glorified in every life and in every activity. In the name of Jesus Christ, we ask and pray.

[John Weaver] Amen.

Community Peace and Personal Responsibility

John Weaver | YouTube

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	YouTube
Media ID	hZB_GGsk8FU
Subject	Old Testament Studies
Course	Proverbs: Wealth, Defense, and Justice
Genre	Sermon
Date	2012-12-03
Dictation Name
Book	Book 083: Proverbs: Wealth, Defense, and Justice — Chapter 4
Source Timed Segments	58

Formatted Transcript

Introduction: The Need for Biblical Community

Weaver introduces the theme of resurrecting communities, noting that true biblical community has been absent for decades. He recalls a time when neighbors helped each other spontaneously.

Psalm 127 verse 1, the title of the message is Community, Peace, and Personal Responsibility. Notice verse 1,

Scripture Reading — Psalm 127:1

"Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."

I want you to go ahead and turn in your Bibles to the book of Jeremiah chapter 12. As I give you an introductory statement or two, I've been asked to deal with a multifaceted subject, one that's almost impossible to cover just in one session, and that there are so many areas to cover and so many implications and applications that should be made. I've been told all my life that there is no house large enough for two families, and you understand that because I don't care how related you are one to the other, once you begin living together, inevitably, as we used to say, somebody's going to rub the cat's hair the wrong way and there's going to be problems.

The question is, if we cannot get along with each other now while times are relatively good and peaceful, what will we do when we're forced to live together in very difficult times? How can we survive without looking to outside help? Well, the Bible mentions this truth in Jeremiah chapter 12, and I want you to look, if you would please, at verse 5. Jeremiah 12, verse 5. The question is asked,

Scripture Reading — Jeremiah 12:5

"If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustest, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of the Jordan?"

So if you can't run with the footmen, God says, what are you going to do when the horsemen come along? And if you can't get along in the time of peace and prosperity, what in the world are you going to do when the Jordan swells and there's difficulty on every hand? How can we exist without resorting to outside help? How can we exist without using an unbiblical judicial system or depending upon a militarized, federalized law enforcement?

May I suggest at the very beginning that it is best to avoid all contact with them whatsoever and whensoever it is possible. Now there's a theme that has been given and that theme is this, bringing communities back to life. When you hear that phrase, the theme very clearly indicates that our communities have died. And let me tell you something, the truth of the matter is there has not been a real, genuine community that I know of probably in 50, 60 years.

Now you just stop and think, and some of us are old enough to remember when neighbors would come down and visit. And any problem in the community, the neighbors would come together to help resolve that problem. Someone got sick, the neighbors would bring in food however long was needed and necessary. The same thing when there was a death in the family. I remember even as a boy when we had a rabid fox in our community. Guess what? All the men came together and were trying to kill that fox.

In other words, everybody participated. Everybody came together. The truth of the matter is, we have not had a real, genuine community for so long, most people have absolutely no idea how a real biblical community is to function. It's not only the fact that our communities have died, our society has died, and our governmental structure has died as well. I don't like to quote Ayn Rand because she was basically an atheist, but she did say something that is worth quoting.

Rebuilding on God's Law, Not Man's

Using the curse on Jericho, Weaver insists that any community resurrection must be based on God's law structure, not man's, or it will fail.

But however, you've got to remember that resurrection is always on God's terms. I've often asked this question, in fact, I've asked it here. If society collapsed tomorrow, and you were able to rebuild the day after tomorrow, what law structure would you use? Would you build upon God's law structure, or would you build upon man's law structure? And may I say, those are the only two law structures available. And if you answer, "Well I would try to build on the best of man's law structure," then you might as well not rebuild at all, you might as well let Jericho stay buried, for the curse of God is upon it. You remember when Jericho was destroyed, in Joshua chapter 6 and verse 26, let me just quote it. "And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the Lord that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho."

"He shall lay the foundations thereof in his firstborn, and his youngest son shall he set up the gates thereof." In other words, he would end up sacrificing his sons in the rebuilding of the cursed city Jericho. If our communities are to be resurrected and live, we must rebuild according to God's law and learn to live according to God's law by applying it and obeying it in every area of our life. You have to remember that communities are built first and foremost upon individuals and then secondly upon families. It is individuals that constitute families. It is families that constitute communities. It is impossible to have a resurrected community if that community is filled with unresurrected individuals and families.

The Foundation: Individuals and Families

Communities are built from individuals and families; a spiritual community requires spiritual, self-governed people. Quotes Robert Winthrop on the necessity of internal moral restraint.

Let me state it more bluntly. You cannot have a spiritual community with unspiritual people. You cannot have a community that functions the way it should unless you have individuals and families willing to function the way they should. You cannot have the blessings of God upon a community that is filled with rebellious individuals. One of my favorite quotes is from Robert Winthrop. He was a congressman, former Speaker of the House. He died in 1894 and he said this as he was speaking to the Massachusetts Bible Society. He said, "All societies of men must be governed in some way or the other. The less they may have of stringent state government, the more they must have of individual self-government. The less they rely upon public law or physical force, the more they must rely on private moral restraint. Men, in a word, must necessarily be controlled either by a power within them or by a power without them, either by the word of God or the strong arm of man, either by the Bible or the bayonet."

Now, Robert Winthrop also was speaking against a law or a bill at that time that would allow atheists to testify in court. And I want you to listen to what he said concerning our country. And Robert Winthrop was born in 1809. He died in 1894. And remember he's speaking against allowing atheists to testify. He says this, "I confess, sir, I'm at a loss to conceive how any man who has ever read our Constitution as originally framed, or as it now exists, can listen a moment to such an argument."

America's Christian Heritage and Departure

Cites founders like John Adams, Charles Carroll, Noah Webster, and James Madison to show America was founded as a Christian nation dependent on the Ten Commandments. The nation's decline is due to forsaking God's law.

"They no more contemplated the existence of infidelity than the Athenian laws provided against the perpetuation of parasites. They established a Christian commonwealth. They wrote upon its walls, salvation, and upon its gates, praise. And Christianity is as clearly now its cornerstone as if the initial letter of every page of our statute book, like that of some monkish manuscript, were illuminated by the figure of the cross." So here he is saying that no, atheists were not to be allowed to testify because this was indeed a Christian nation. John Adams, who happened to be the second president of the United States, said this, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." Charles Carroll, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, said this, "Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time. They therefore who are decrying the Christian religion whose morality is so sublime and pure, are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments." What is the best security for free governments? Christianity. That's what Charles Carroll said.

Noah Webster said it like this, "The duties of men are summarily comprised in the Ten Commandments, consisting of two tables. One comprehending the duties which we owe immediately to God, the other the duties we owe to our fellow men." And then he goes on to say this, "In my view, the Christian religion is the most important and one of the first things in which all children under free government ought to be instructed. No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free people." Now I hope you understand why in order to seduce and enslave a people, they must be drawn away from the Bible and the Christian religion. And when we turn from that, we cease to be a free government and a free people. John Quincy Adams, who was the sixth president of the United States, said this, "The law given from Sinai, the Ten Commandments, was a civil and municipal as well as a moral and religious code."

What did he say? It is for our civil institutions as well as for individual morality as well. James Madison, the fourth president of the United States, said it like this, "We've staked our future on the ability to follow the Ten Commandments with all of our hearts. We have staked the whole future of American civilization not upon the power of government, far from it. We've staked the future of all of our political institutions upon our capacity to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God." Wow.

So with this basic historic overview in mind, let me ask you a question. What has happened to our country? What has happened to our state? What has happened to our communities? And here's the answer. We've left. We've deserted. We've forsaken the Law of God and our God as well. We've disobeyed His Law. We've despised His Son. We've trampled His Law under our feet. And as Scripture says, we've done despite unto the Spirit of Grace. Therefore, we've lost His blessing, we've lost His protection, and we must repent and turn to Him.

Personal Responsibility and Avoiding Conflict

To avoid government entanglement, believers must live righteously, control emotions, avoid foolish places and people, and guard their speech. Quotes Psalm 39:1, Proverbs 21:23, and 1 Peter 3:10.

Now, if you and I wish to avoid encounters and conflict with our government the way it is today, as well as with our federalized and militarized law enforcement, we must learn to live right, to do right, to control our emotions, listen carefully and assume personal responsibility for all of our actions, period. We must not only not need outsiders, we must be able to avoid them as well. So let me ask the question, what does that mean? How in the world can we avoid the powers of government? Well, the answer is we must learn to look for and to apply biblical alternatives.

Now I'm going to give you some illustrations in just a moment. But let me give you a very simple one. You know, if I do not wish to avoid, if I wish to avoid a fight, the wisest thing for me to do is to stay away from places where fights most likely occur. Wouldn't that be wise? If I do not want to be involved in a fight, why should I even visit a bar or casino or nightclub? In other words, here's the premise I'm laying down. We need to avoid all unnecessary conflicts. We have enough of our own conflicts that we can't avoid, and so we need to stay away from anything that's unnecessary. We have enough trouble as it is. Why in the world do we want to start any trouble? So let me just put it to you very plainly.

In any young person, you ought to understand this. Here it is. Don't go to stupid places with stupid people and do stupid things. That's plain enough. Just don't do it. You know, I tell people, I've told my grandkids this. I've never smoked in my life, and I'm thankful. But you know, if you don't start, you don't have to quit. Have you ever thought about that? I'm just saying, there are a lot of things that you can avoid if you just don't get involved with them to begin with. Just don't do it. Here's something else.

We must be aware of our surroundings and we must be aware of our mouths. I read a long time ago there are three rules dealing with any governmental area. Here they are. Shut up, shut up, and shut up. Or keep your mouth shut, keep your mouth shut, keep your mouth shut. Those rules are pretty simple. But do you realize those rules are also pretty simple when it comes to just about anything that you can imagine.

For instance, I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to Psalm 39. I want to show you several verses real quickly. Psalm 39, verse 1, and then we're going to Proverbs 21. But notice Psalm 39 and verse 1, if you would please. Here's what David said. Psalm 39, look at it in verse 1. David said, "I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me." What did he say? I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me. Watch your tongue, watch your mouth, especially when you're in the presence of the wicked.

If you are around friends and relatives with whom you disagree, you must learn to control not only your temper but your tongue. Let me say it plainly. You do not have to say everything that comes into your mind. You don't. Look in your Bibles to the book of Proverbs chapter 21 and verse 23. This is one of my favorite verses. Proverbs 21 verse 23. Look what the Scripture says. Proverbs 21 verse 23. "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles." Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. I don't have to ask you this. Please don't raise your hand.

But how many of you have ever said things you wish you had never said? Yeah, everybody. And you know, the problem is, once you say something, you can't recall those words. Whosoever keepeth his... What? His mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from trouble. If you'll look in 1 Peter chapter 3 and verse 10. 1 Peter chapter 3 and verse 10. 1 Peter 3 and verse 10. Look what Peter tells us. 1 Peter 3, verse 10. The Scripture says, 1 Peter 3 and verse 10, "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile." If, God says, you want to love life, and if you want to see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips that they speak no guile. Now I want you to turn to 1 Corinthians 6, but I'm going to quote another scripture as you go there. I'm going to quote from Psalm 37 verse 8 where God says, "Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil."

So God says, just don't do it, just stay away from it. It is best to avoid a dispute. It's best to avoid a conflict. If one cannot be avoided, and if we are involved in a dispute or a conflict, then we must resolve it in a biblical manner.

Biblical Dispute Resolution

Christians are forbidden to sue one another in secular courts (1 Corinthians 6). Disputes should be settled within the church, submitting to wise counsel. The Hollis v. Edmonds case illustrates the danger of incorporating and submitting to state jurisdiction.

Now, no matter how hard we try unhappily, we're never ever going to be able to avoid every conflict. We're never ever going to be able to foresee every problem and stay out of its way. There will be conflicts. So I'm just saying if we are involved, then we have to determine that we're going to resolve it biblically and scripturally. I don't know if you remember this or not, but some time back, and Roy has them I'm sure, but I've got five messages on biblical problem solving. There is indeed a biblical way to solve problems. There are a lot of unbiblical ways as well, but they're never resolved when you use unbiblical ways. But if you look in 1 Corinthians 6, I just want you to note that the Bible actually forbids a Christian going to law, a court of law, with another Christian. Look at it in 1 Corinthians 6, beginning there in verse 1. Look what the Apostle Paul says.

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 6:1-9

"Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?"

Now, in other words, there can be an ecclesiastical court. There does not have to be just the heathenistic judicial courts. He says, "Do you not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know you not that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life? If then you have judgments of things pertaining this life, set them to judge who are the least esteemed in the church."

Now here's what he's saying there. He's saying, if you have something to settle, you need to take even the saints that are the most least esteemed and go before them before you'd go before a heathenistic judge. Now watch this. He goes on to say, verse 5, "I speak to your shame. Is it so that there's not a wise man among you?" In other words, surely there's someone who can settle the issues among the saints. Surely there's a wise man who can resolve these things. Watch. "Is there not one wise man among you? No, not one that shall be able to judge between his brother. But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before unbelievers. Now therefore, there's utterly a fault among you, because you go to law one with another. Why do you not rather take wrong? Why do you not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, you do wrong and defraud, and that's your brethren."

"Know you 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." And then he goes on. So the problem is simply this. God says we do not need to go to law before unbelievers. If we have a conflict, let's resolve it biblically. There is only one way to resolve something for sure, and that is to do it biblically. We ought to be able to settle our differences among ourselves. If we're not able to do so, then there are wise men in the church, there should be wise men in the Christian community, and we should be willing to submit to their counsel and their judgment. And by the way, without me getting into it, in the Old Testament, if you refuse to abide by the decision of a biblical court of law, the penalty was death. So God is saying, look, there's a way to resolve this.

We need to stay away from the system and control of the heathen as much as possible. And you've got to understand something, folks. Once you enter into their realm, once you enter into their jurisdiction, you are under their control. And you will be forced to abide by their judgment, whether it's right or wrong, biblical or unbiblical, and what your concern is and what your conscience says does not matter one bit to them. Let me give you one court case. This is Hollis v. Edmonds.

This involved the State Street Baptist Church in Kentucky. The State Street Baptist Church existed as a church for 140 years. And then it chose to incorporate. And it incorporated under the statutes of Kentucky. Well, there was a little spat in the church as to how some money was being spent. And so those who were dissatisfied went to the courts. And the church's position was this. You have no jurisdiction over us. This is a church matter. It is not a governmental matter.

Here is what the court said. I'm quoting. "Once the church, that is the State Street Baptist Church, determined to enter the realm of Caesar by forming a corporation, it is required to abide by the rules of Caesar, or in this case, the statutes of the Commonwealth of Kentucky." Wow. In other words, if you had incorporated, we'd have nothing to say in this. So the point I'm trying to make is once you submit to their jurisdiction, you're in their power. Whether you agree or whether you disagree, whether they're right or wrong, biblical or unbiblical, it doesn't matter. So the wise thing to do is to stay out from their system. William Penn said it like this, "Men must be governed by God or they were ruled by tyrants." And the truth of the matter is this, when we refuse to be governed by God, we will be ruled by tyrants.

Community Defense and the Militia

In societal collapse, communities must stand together and defend themselves. Self-defense is biblical (Psalm 144:1; Nehemiah 4). Weaver explains the legal definition of the militia and quotes founders on the right to keep and bear arms.

And all you have to do is read 1 Samuel chapter 8 to confirm all of that. So, what happens then when society collapses? What happens when people, godly people, are forced to come together and live together in a very complex and a very difficult time. Well, here's what happens if it is a real, genuine, biblical community. In a grid-down situation, the answer is that real, genuine, biblical community not only helps each other, but they defend each other and that community will come together and defend their lives and their families and the lives and the families of their friends. In other words, in a societal collapse, you've got to understand something folks, we either learn to stand together or we will indeed fall separately.

That is no time for our little pet peeves and idiosyncrasies and likes and dislikes to get in the way. That's why all of these things have to be worked out. Let me tell you something. There are no perfect people. There just aren't. And you could say, well, pastor, I love you. I've been listening to you for 30 years. Well, I'm thankful and that's wonderful. But I tell you what, if we live side by side and work day in and day out every day, after about six months you might get ticked off at me. Probably a little before that. And I might really get ticked off at you.

And the next thing we're knowing, he's getting on my nerves. She's bothering me. Why can't he do this? Why can't she do that? You see what I'm saying? There just are no perfect people. And you have to make sure that you understand that you have a lot of things to work out. If we're going to defend ourselves, if we're going to defend anyone else, then obviously we must be trained in defensive techniques, as well as in the defensive use of firearms.

Now let me tell you something that may shock some of you. It won't shock those of us who are older. But do you realize that at one time, riflery was taught in every public school? Did you know that? I remember as a boy taking my weapons to school. To go hunting afterwards, have them in the truck, had no problem. Ron did the same thing. Had no problem. Did you know that the federal government today still promotes civilian marksmanship programs?

I want you to listen to this. I got this title from Ron and then I looked it up. Here it is. I'm going to read it to you. Two paragraphs. "The Office of the Director of Civilian Marksmanship, DCM, was created by the United States Congress as part of the 1903 War Department Appropriations Act. The original purpose was to provide civilians an opportunity to learn and practice marksmanship skills so they would be skilled marksmen if later called to serve in the United States military."

"Formation was precipitated by the adoption of the M1903 Springfield Rifle as the national service rifle; civilians experienced with popular contemporary lever-action rifles were unable to sustain an equivalent rate of fire from the unfamiliar bolt-action M1903 rifle. Over the years, the emphasis of the program shifted to focus on youth development through marksmanship. From 1916 until 1996, the CMP was administered by the United States Army. Title 16 of the National Defense Authorization Act for the fiscal year of 1996 created the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearm Safety to take over administration and promotion of the civilian marksmanship program." Did you know that there are still numerous civilian marksmanship programs and did you know that you can still acquire what was an M1 Garand from the federal government? Yeah? Today. I'm just simply saying, here's all these federal programs that are promoting this.

Now, we've got to understand something. And it's very simple, and I know most of you do. Self-defense is biblical. Defending others is biblical. Knowing how to fight is biblical. What did David say in Psalm 144 and verse 1? He said,

Scripture Reading — Psalm 144:1

"Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight."

Do you know what Nehemiah did when his community was going to be attacked? Let me show you. I want you to turn in your Bibles to the book of Nehemiah chapter 4. Nehemiah chapter 4. Watch this. Nehemiah chapter 4. And we're going to begin reading at verse 11. Nehemiah 4 and verse 11. Ezra, Nehemiah. Nehemiah chapter 4. And let's begin reading there with verse 11. Here it is.

Scripture Reading — Nehemiah 4:11-18

"And our adversary said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease."

So they were planning a surprise attack upon this group of people who were working on the walls, trying to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem.

Scripture Reading — Nehemiah 4:11-18

"And it came to pass that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places which you shall return unto us, they will be upon you."

Now, I want you to watch this. This is so common. The Jews who dwelt by them, what were they trying to do? They were trying to discourage the ones who were doing the work, saying, you can't fight them, you can't win. There are too many of them. They've got too much weaponry. They're too powerful. They were trying to discourage the ones who were working. Watch what Nehemiah did, verse 13,

Scripture Reading — Nehemiah 4:11-18

"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,

Scripture Reading — Nehemiah 4:11-18

"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."

"And it came to pass when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work. And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me."

So what did Nehemiah do? Well, he just got the people together and organized and said, we're going to defend ourselves. That's all there is to it. We're going to take care of the problem. Obviously, clearly, that's exactly what the scripture says.

Now, you say, wait a minute, Brother Weaver. I'm not a member of a militia. I don't know how to fight. Well, let me tell you, you may not know how to fight, but if you are between the ages of 17 and 45, you are the member of a militia by law. Did you know that? In fact, my birth certificate has on it that I was born in the third militia district. The third militia district. Do you realize the law says every male between 17 and 45 is a member of the unorganized militia.

Let me read it to you. Here's the United States Code, Title 10, Subtitle A, General Military Law, Chapter 13, The Militia. Listen carefully. "The militia of the United States consists of all able-bodied males at least 17 years of age and, except as provided in section 313 of title 32, under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a declaration of intention to become, citizens of the United States and of female citizens of the United States who are members of the National Guard." Now listen, "The classes of the militia are the organized militia, which consists of the National Guard and the naval militia, and the unorganized militia, which consists of the members of the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the naval militia." So you're in the militia if you're between 17 and 45. You can be in the organized militia or you can be in the unorganized militia but you are still in the militia.

Tench Coxe said this, one of the founding fathers. He asked, "Who are the militia? Are they not ourselves? Is it feared then that we shall turn our arms each man against his own bosom? Congress shall have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords and every other terrible implement of the soldier are the birthright of every American. The unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state governments, but where I trust in God, it will remain forever in the hands of the people." Tench Coxe, 1788. George Mason said it like this, "When the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great Britain, the British Parliament was advised by an artful man, who was the Royal Governor of Pennsylvania, to disarm the people; that it was the best and most effectual way to enslave them; that they should not do it openly but weaken them and let them sink gradually by totally disusing and neglecting the militia." Wow. Representative Elbridge Gerry, who was also a signer of the Declaration of Independence, said this, "What, sir, is the use of a militia? It is to prevent the establishment of a standing army, the bane of liberty. Whenever governments mean to invade the rights and liberties of the people, they always attempt to destroy the militia in order to raise an army upon their ruins."

George Washington, whom everyone knows, said this, "Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the American people's liberty teeth and keystone under independence. From the hour the Pilgrims landed to the present day, events, occurrences, and tendencies prove that to ensure peace, security, and happiness, the rifle and pistol are equally indispensable. The very atmosphere of firearms everywhere restrains evil interference. They deserve a place of honor with all that is good." Thomas Jefferson said the strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against the tyranny in government. The right to keep and bear arms according to the Second Amendment is not about duck hunting or deer hunting. It's about preserving our liberty, our liberties from a tyrannical government. Again, Thomas Jefferson said, "Laws that forbid the carrying of arms disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes. Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants."

"They serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man." And that's the truth. The truth of the matter is, an armed society is a polite society. I want to read something to you that some of you know, some of you do not. But there is a creed that is quoted by, or used to be, by every Marine. The creed is just entitled, My Rifle. I had to learn some of this, although I was not a Marine. I did not know all of it until recently. But I want you to listen to the Marines' creed concerning his rifle. Here it is. "This is my rifle."

Conclusion: Living for God's Honor

We must know, apply, and defend God's law, ready to sacrifice for it. Closes with a quote from William J. Bennett on honor and a prayer for community unity.

One man alone is easy prey. One man alone, no matter how much confidence he has, no matter how much firepower he has, no matter how many supplies he possesses, one man alone will not last very long. That's why we need communities. That's why we have to come together, especially in a time of societal collapse, and learn to work with each other, and help each other, and defend each other. If you and I are to have happy and loving and living and safe communities. We have to know God's law. We have to know how to apply that law. We have to learn to live by that law. And we must be ready to defend that law. And we must be ready to defend our lives, our families and our neighbors' lives as well. And we have to do it all with a special regard for God's honor and God's glory. One last quote. William J.

Bennett, a lecture to the United States Naval Academy on November 24, 1997, said this, "Honor never grows old and honor rejoices the heart of age. It does so because honor is finally about defending those noble and worthy things that deserve defending, even if it comes at a high cost. In our time, that may mean social disapproval, public scorn, hardship, persecution, or as always, even death itself. The question remains, what is worth defending? What is worth dying for? What is worth living for?" And I submit to you, the Lord Jesus Christ and His law is worth fighting, dying, and living for. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we bow to Thee. We thank You for Your mercy and Your grace, and we do pray, Lord, that You would help us to learn to live together as a community, to worship together, to function together, to be what we should be to each other, that You may be glorified in every life and in every activity. In the name of Jesus Christ, we ask and pray.

Amen.

Study Guide

Major Themes

Resurrection of Biblical Community

Summary: True community has died and must be resurrected on God's terms by rebuilding according to His law.

Evidence: Weaver states, 'bringing communities back to life... the truth of the matter is there has not been a real, genuine community that I know of probably in 50, 60 years.' He later says, 'If our communities are to be resurrected and live, we must rebuild according to God's law.'

Personal Responsibility and Self-Government

Summary: Individuals must govern themselves by God's word to avoid external control and conflict.

Evidence: Quoting Robert Winthrop: 'The less they may have of stringent state government, the more they must have of individual self-government.' Weaver adds, 'We must learn to live right, to do right, to control our emotions... assume personal responsibility for all of our actions.'

Avoidance of Unnecessary Conflict

Summary: Believers should avoid places, people, and speech that lead to trouble, especially with the state.

Evidence: Weaver advises, 'Don't go to stupid places with stupid people and do stupid things.' He cites Proverbs 21:23: 'Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.'

Biblical Dispute Resolution

Summary: Christians must settle disputes within the church rather than in secular courts.

Evidence: From 1 Corinthians 6: 'Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?' Weaver says, 'God says we do not need to go to law before unbelievers.'

Self-Defense and Community Protection

Summary: Defending oneself and one's community is biblical and necessary, especially in societal collapse.

Evidence: Weaver cites Nehemiah 4, where the people worked with a weapon in one hand, and Psalm 144:1: 'Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war.' He says, 'Self-defense is biblical. Defending others is biblical.'

The Right to Keep and Bear Arms

Summary: The Second Amendment is about preserving liberty against tyranny, and an armed society is a polite society.

Evidence: Quoting Thomas Jefferson: 'The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against the tyranny in government.' Weaver adds, 'An armed society is a polite society.'

Key Arguments

Communities must be rebuilt on God's law alone.

Summary: Any attempt to rebuild society on man's law is cursed, as illustrated by the curse on Jericho.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'If you answer, "Well I would try to build on the best of man's law structure," then you might as well not rebuild at all... for the curse of God is upon it.' He quotes Joshua 6:26.

Spiritual community requires spiritual individuals.

Summary: You cannot have a functioning, blessed community without individuals and families willing to obey God.

Evidence: Weaver states, 'You cannot have a spiritual community with unspiritual people. You cannot have a community that functions the way it should unless you have individuals and families willing to function the way they should.'

America's founding was explicitly Christian and dependent on the Ten Commandments.

Summary: Founders like John Adams, Noah Webster, and James Madison affirmed that the Constitution was made for a moral and religious people and that the Ten Commandments are the basis of free government.

Evidence: Weaver quotes John Adams: 'Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.' He quotes James Madison: 'We've staked the whole future of American civilization... upon our capacity to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.'

Forsaking God's law leads to national decline and tyranny.

Summary: When a people turn from the Bible, they lose freedom and become enslaved.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'When we turn from that, we cease to be a free government and a free people.' He later states, 'We've left. We've deserted. We've forsaken the Law of God... Therefore, we've lost His blessing, we've lost His protection.'

Christians must avoid secular courts and resolve disputes biblically.

Summary: 1 Corinthians 6 forbids lawsuits between believers in secular courts; the church has authority to judge such matters.

Evidence: Weaver reads 1 Corinthians 6:1-7 and says, 'God says we do not need to go to law before unbelievers. If we have a conflict, let's resolve it biblically.'

Submitting to state jurisdiction through incorporation or other means places believers under unbiblical control.

Summary: The Hollis v. Edmonds case shows that once a church incorporates, it must abide by state rules, losing its autonomy.

Evidence: Weaver quotes the court: 'Once the church... determined to enter the realm of Caesar by forming a corporation, it is required to abide by the rules of Caesar.'

Community defense is a biblical mandate, not optional.

Summary: Nehemiah organized armed defense of the community; believers must be trained and ready to protect their families and neighbors.

Evidence: Weaver recounts Nehemiah 4:13-18 and says, 'We're going to defend ourselves. That's all there is to it.'

The right to bear arms is a safeguard against tyranny.

Summary: Founding fathers explicitly connected the militia and the right to arms with preventing standing armies and government oppression.

Evidence: Weaver quotes Elbridge Gerry: 'What, sir, is the use of a militia? It is to prevent the establishment of a standing army, the bane of liberty.'

Scripture References

Psalm 127:1

Context: Opening verse: 'Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.'

Jeremiah 12:5

Context: If you can't run with footmen or in a time of peace, how will you contend with horses or in the swelling of Jordan?

Joshua 6:26

Context: Cursed be the man who rebuilds Jericho; he will lay its foundation at the cost of his firstborn.

Psalm 39:1

Context: David vows to guard his ways and keep his mouth with a bridle while the wicked are present.

Proverbs 21:23

Context: Whoever keeps his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

1 Peter 3:10

Context: Whoever desires to love life and see good days must refrain his tongue from evil and his lips from guile.

Psalm 37:8

Context: Cease from anger, forsake wrath, and do not fret—it leads only to evil.

1 Corinthians 6:1-9

Context: Christians are forbidden to sue one another in secular courts; they should settle disputes within the church.

1 Samuel 8

Context: Referenced as confirmation that refusing God's government leads to rule by tyrants.

Psalm 144:1

Context: Blessed be the Lord who teaches my hands to war and my fingers to fight.

Nehemiah 4:11-18

Context: Nehemiah arms the people to defend against attack while rebuilding the wall.

Historical References

Robert Winthrop (1809-1894)

Context: Former Speaker of the House; quoted on individual self-government vs. state control and on America as a Christian nation.

John Adams

Context: Second U.S. President; said the Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.

Charles Carroll

Context: Signer of the Declaration of Independence; said without morals a republic cannot subsist, and Christianity is the best security for free governments.

Noah Webster

Context: Stated that the Ten Commandments summarize men's duties and that Christian religion must be the basis of free government.

John Quincy Adams

Context: Sixth U.S. President; said the Ten Commandments were a civil and municipal as well as moral and religious code.

James Madison

Context: Fourth U.S. President; said America's future is staked on following the Ten Commandments with all our hearts.

Hollis v. Edmonds (State Street Baptist Church case)

Context: A Kentucky church incorporated and then was told by the court it must abide by state statutes, losing ecclesiastical autonomy.

William Penn

Context: Quoted: 'Men must be governed by God or they were ruled by tyrants.'

Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP)

Context: Federal program started in 1903 to train civilians in marksmanship; still exists today.

Tench Coxe (1788)

Context: Founding father; said the militia's swords are the birthright of every American and Congress cannot disarm them.

Important Quotes

Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Significance: Foundational Scripture for the message, emphasizing dependence on God for building and protecting community.

If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustest, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of the Jordan?

Significance: Key challenge: if we can't handle small conflicts now, how will we survive major crises?

All societies of men must be governed in some way or the other. The less they may have of stringent state government, the more they must have of individual self-government.

Significance: Robert Winthrop's principle that internal moral restraint reduces the need for external force.

Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

Significance: John Adams' assertion that the American system depends on a virtuous citizenry.

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Significance: Proverbs 21:23 cited as practical wisdom for avoiding conflict.

Once the church, that is the State Street Baptist Church, determined to enter the realm of Caesar by forming a corporation, it is required to abide by the rules of Caesar.

Significance: Warning from a court case that incorporation subjects the church to state control.

Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the American people's liberty teeth and keystone under independence.

Significance: George Washington's strong endorsement of the right to keep arms for liberty.

Discussion Questions

What does it mean for a community to be 'resurrected' on God's terms, and how does that differ from simply improving social conditions?

Context: Weaver insists that resurrection is always on God's terms and that rebuilding on man's law is cursed.

How can we cultivate 'individual self-government' in our own lives and families to reduce reliance on external controls?

Context: Robert Winthrop's quote about the need for internal moral restraint.

In what practical ways can we avoid unnecessary conflicts with the government and with others, as Weaver advises?

Context: Weaver's advice to avoid stupid places, people, and things, and to control our speech.

Why does 1 Corinthians 6 forbid Christians from suing one another in secular courts, and how should disputes be resolved instead?

Context: Weaver's exposition of 1 Corinthians 6 and the call for ecclesiastical resolution.

What are the dangers of a church incorporating or otherwise submitting to state jurisdiction, based on the Hollis v. Edmonds case?

Context: The court ruling that incorporation brings a church under Caesar's rules.

How does Nehemiah 4 provide a biblical model for community defense, and what principles can we apply today?

Context: Nehemiah's organization of armed defense while rebuilding the wall.

What is the biblical and historical basis for the right to keep and bear arms as a safeguard against tyranny?

Context: Quotes from Jefferson, Washington, Gerry, and others on the militia and arms.

What does it look like to 'fight mentally, economically, physically, and spiritually' as a community?

Context: Weaver's call to learn to fight together in every area.

Applications

Commit to rebuilding community on God's law.

Summary: Evaluate whether your family and community life is founded on biblical principles or man's ideas, and make changes to align with Scripture.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'If our communities are to be resurrected and live, we must rebuild according to God's law and learn to live according to God's law by applying it and obeying it in every area of our life.'

Practice self-government and personal responsibility.

Summary: Take responsibility for your actions, control your emotions, and govern your behavior by God's word rather than waiting for external enforcement.

Evidence: Weaver states, 'We must learn to live right, to do right, to control our emotions... assume personal responsibility for all of our actions.'

Guard your tongue to avoid trouble.

Summary: Be intentional about refraining from evil speech, especially around those who oppose your values, to keep your soul from troubles.

Evidence: Proverbs 21:23 and Psalm 39:1 are cited; Weaver says, 'You do not have to say everything that comes into your mind.'

Resolve disputes within the church.

Summary: When conflicts arise with other believers, seek resolution through wise counsel in the church rather than turning to secular courts.

Evidence: 1 Corinthians 6 is read, and Weaver says, 'If we have a conflict, let's resolve it biblically.'

Avoid unnecessary submission to secular jurisdiction.

Summary: Be cautious about incorporating churches or entering contracts that place you under unbiblical authority.

Evidence: The Hollis v. Edmonds case illustrates the loss of autonomy; Weaver says, 'Once you submit to their jurisdiction, you're in their power.'

Be prepared to defend your community.

Summary: Acquire defensive skills and be ready to protect your family and neighbors, following the example of Nehemiah.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'If we're going to defend ourselves, if we're going to defend anyone else, then obviously we must be trained in defensive techniques, as well as in the defensive use of firearms.'

Stand together in times of crisis.

Summary: Work through personal differences now so that in a societal collapse, the community can unite rather than fall separately.

Evidence: Weaver warns, 'We either learn to stand together or we will indeed fall separately.'

Live for God's honor, even at great cost.

Summary: Be willing to defend noble things—God's law, family, and liberty—even if it brings hardship or persecution.

Evidence: Weaver quotes William J. Bennett on honor and says, 'The Lord Jesus Christ and His law is worth fighting, dying, and living for.'

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-04T15:38:12Z

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-05T19:19:31Z

Clean Transcript

Community Peace and Personal Responsibility

Clean readable transcript. This view follows the Commentary.net cleaned segment text while preserving timestamps for audio follow-along.

Psalm 127 verse 1, the title of the message is Community, Peace, and Personal Responsibility. Notice verse 1, "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." I want you to go ahead and turn in your Bibles to the book of Jeremiah chapter 12. As I give you an introductory statement or two, I've been asked to deal with a multifaceted subject, one that's almost impossible to cover just in one session, and that there are so many areas to cover and so many implications and applications that should be made. I've been told all my life that there is no house large enough for two families, and you understand that because I don't care how related you are one to the other, once you begin living together, inevitably, as we used to say, somebody's going to rub the cat's hair the wrong way and there's going to be problems.
#1 | 0:15 to 1:20 | cleaned
The question is, if we cannot get along with each other now while times are relatively good and peaceful, what will we do when we're forced to live together in very difficult times? How can we survive without looking to outside help? Well, the Bible mentions this truth in Jeremiah chapter 12, and I want you to look, if you would please, at verse 5. Jeremiah 12, verse 5. The question is asked, "If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustest, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of the Jordan?" So if you can't run with the footmen, God says, what are you going to do when the horsemen come along? And if you can't get along in the time of peace and prosperity, what in the world are you going to do when the Jordan swells and there's difficulty on every hand? How can we exist without resorting to outside help? How can we exist without using an unbiblical judicial system or depending upon a militarized, federalized law enforcement?
#2 | 1:22 to 2:40 | cleaned
May I suggest at the very beginning that it is best to avoid all contact with them whatsoever and whensoever it is possible. Now there's a theme that has been given and that theme is this, bringing communities back to life. When you hear that phrase, the theme very clearly indicates that our communities have died. And let me tell you something, the truth of the matter is there has not been a real, genuine community that I know of probably in 50, 60 years.
#3 | 2:41 to 3:17 | cleaned
Now you just stop and think, and some of us are old enough to remember when neighbors would come down and visit. And any problem in the community, the neighbors would come together to help resolve that problem. Someone got sick, the neighbors would bring in food however long was needed and necessary. The same thing when there was a death in the family. I remember even as a boy when we had a rabid fox in our community. Guess what? All the men came together and were trying to kill that fox.
#4 | 3:19 to 3:52 | cleaned
In other words, everybody participated. Everybody came together. The truth of the matter is, we have not had a real, genuine community for so long, most people have absolutely no idea how a real biblical community is to function. It's not only the fact that our communities have died, our society has died, and our governmental structure has died as well. I don't like to quote Ayn Rand because she was basically an atheist, but she did say something that is worth quoting.
#5 | 3:52 to 4:25 | cleaned
Listen to what she said. "When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing. When you see that money is flowing to those that deal not in goods, but in favors. When you see that men get rich more easily by graft than work, and your laws no longer protect you against them, but protect them against you, you may know that society is doomed." And that's a fact. Our communities do indeed need to be resurrected.
#6 | 4:26 to 4:58 | cleaned
But however, you've got to remember that resurrection is always on God's terms. I've often asked this question, in fact, I've asked it here. If society collapsed tomorrow, and you were able to rebuild the day after tomorrow, what law structure would you use? Would you build upon God's law structure, or would you build upon man's law structure? And may I say, those are the only two law structures available. And if you answer, "Well I would try to build on the best of man's law structure," then you might as well not rebuild at all, you might as well let Jericho stay buried, for the curse of God is upon it. You remember when Jericho was destroyed, in Joshua chapter 6 and verse 26, let me just quote it. "And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the Lord that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho."
#7 | 4:58 to 5:58 | cleaned
"He shall lay the foundations thereof in his firstborn, and his youngest son shall he set up the gates thereof." In other words, he would end up sacrificing his sons in the rebuilding of the cursed city Jericho. If our communities are to be resurrected and live, we must rebuild according to God's law and learn to live according to God's law by applying it and obeying it in every area of our life. You have to remember that communities are built first and foremost upon individuals and then secondly upon families. It is individuals that constitute families. It is families that constitute communities. It is impossible to have a resurrected community if that community is filled with unresurrected individuals and families.
#8 | 5:59 to 6:53 | cleaned
Let me state it more bluntly. You cannot have a spiritual community with unspiritual people. You cannot have a community that functions the way it should unless you have individuals and families willing to function the way they should. You cannot have the blessings of God upon a community that is filled with rebellious individuals. One of my favorite quotes is from Robert Winthrop. He was a congressman, former Speaker of the House.
#9 | 6:54 to 7:22 | cleaned
He died in 1894 and he said this as he was speaking to the Massachusetts Bible Society. He said, "All societies of men must be governed in some way or the other. The less they may have of stringent state government, the more they must have of individual self-government. The less they rely upon public law or physical force, the more they must rely on private moral restraint. Men, in a word, must necessarily be controlled either by a power within them or by a power without them, either by the word of God or the strong arm of man, either by the Bible or the bayonet."
#10 | 7:23 to 8:04 | cleaned
Now, Robert Winthrop also was speaking against a law or a bill at that time that would allow atheists to testify in court. And I want you to listen to what he said concerning our country. And Robert Winthrop was born in 1809. He died in 1894. And remember he's speaking against allowing atheists to testify. He says this, "I confess, sir, I'm at a loss to conceive how any man who has ever read our Constitution as originally framed, or as it now exists, can listen a moment to such an argument."
#11 | 8:06 to 8:51 | cleaned
"If anything be clearer than another on its face, it is that it was intended to constitute a Christian state. I deny totally the gentleman's position that the religious expressions it contains were intended only to show forth the pious sentiments of those who framed it. They were intended to incorporate into our system the principles of Christianity. Principles which belong not only to those who framed, but to the whole people who adopted it. Sir, the people of that day were a Christian people. They adopted a Christian constitution."
#12 | 8:51 to 9:29 | cleaned
"They no more contemplated the existence of infidelity than the Athenian laws provided against the perpetuation of parasites. They established a Christian commonwealth. They wrote upon its walls, salvation, and upon its gates, praise. And Christianity is as clearly now its cornerstone as if the initial letter of every page of our statute book, like that of some monkish manuscript, were illuminated by the figure of the cross." So here he is saying that no, atheists were not to be allowed to testify because this was indeed a Christian nation.
#13 | 9:29 to 10:10 | cleaned
John Adams, who happened to be the second president of the United States, said this, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." Charles Carroll, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, said this, "Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time. They therefore who are decrying the Christian religion whose morality is so sublime and pure, are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments." What is the best security for free governments? Christianity. That's what Charles Carroll said.
#14 | 10:11 to 10:56 | cleaned
Noah Webster said it like this, "The duties of men are summarily comprised in the Ten Commandments, consisting of two tables. One comprehending the duties which we owe immediately to God, the other the duties we owe to our fellow men." And then he goes on to say this, "In my view, the Christian religion is the most important and one of the first things in which all children under free government ought to be instructed. No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free people." Now I hope you understand why in order to seduce and enslave a people, they must be drawn away from the Bible and the Christian religion. And when we turn from that, we cease to be a free government and a free people. John Quincy Adams, who was the sixth president of the United States, said this, "The law given from Sinai, the Ten Commandments, was a civil and municipal as well as a moral and religious code."
#15 | 10:58 to 12:11 | cleaned
What did he say? It is for our civil institutions as well as for individual morality as well. James Madison, the fourth president of the United States, said it like this, "We've staked our future on the ability to follow the Ten Commandments with all of our hearts. We have staked the whole future of American civilization not upon the power of government, far from it. We've staked the future of all of our political institutions upon our capacity to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God." Wow.
#16 | 12:12 to 12:50 | cleaned
So with this basic historic overview in mind, let me ask you a question. What has happened to our country? What has happened to our state? What has happened to our communities? And here's the answer. We've left. We've deserted. We've forsaken the Law of God and our God as well. We've disobeyed His Law. We've despised His Son. We've trampled His Law under our feet. And as Scripture says, we've done despite unto the Spirit of Grace. Therefore, we've lost His blessing, we've lost His protection, and we must repent and turn to Him.
#17 | 12:53 to 13:29 | cleaned
Now, if you and I wish to avoid encounters and conflict with our government the way it is today, as well as with our federalized and militarized law enforcement, we must learn to live right, to do right, to control our emotions, listen carefully and assume personal responsibility for all of our actions, period. We must not only not need outsiders, we must be able to avoid them as well. So let me ask the question, what does that mean? How in the world can we avoid the powers of government? Well, the answer is we must learn to look for and to apply biblical alternatives.
#18 | 13:30 to 14:28 | cleaned
Now I'm going to give you some illustrations in just a moment. But let me give you a very simple one. You know, if I do not wish to avoid, if I wish to avoid a fight, the wisest thing for me to do is to stay away from places where fights most likely occur. Wouldn't that be wise? If I do not want to be involved in a fight, why should I even visit a bar or casino or nightclub? In other words, here's the premise I'm laying down. We need to avoid all unnecessary conflicts. We have enough of our own conflicts that we can't avoid, and so we need to stay away from anything that's unnecessary. We have enough trouble as it is. Why in the world do we want to start any trouble? So let me just put it to you very plainly.
#19 | 14:29 to 15:29 | cleaned
In any young person, you ought to understand this. Here it is. Don't go to stupid places with stupid people and do stupid things. That's plain enough. Just don't do it. You know, I tell people, I've told my grandkids this. I've never smoked in my life, and I'm thankful. But you know, if you don't start, you don't have to quit. Have you ever thought about that? I'm just saying, there are a lot of things that you can avoid if you just don't get involved with them to begin with. Just don't do it. Here's something else.
#20 | 15:29 to 16:25 | cleaned
We must be aware of our surroundings and we must be aware of our mouths. I read a long time ago there are three rules dealing with any governmental area. Here they are. Shut up, shut up, and shut up. Or keep your mouth shut, keep your mouth shut, keep your mouth shut. Those rules are pretty simple. But do you realize those rules are also pretty simple when it comes to just about anything that you can imagine.
#21 | 16:25 to 17:03 | cleaned
For instance, I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to Psalm 39. I want to show you several verses real quickly. Psalm 39, verse 1, and then we're going to Proverbs 21. But notice Psalm 39 and verse 1, if you would please. Here's what David said. Psalm 39, look at it in verse 1. David said, "I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me." What did he say? I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me. Watch your tongue, watch your mouth, especially when you're in the presence of the wicked.
#22 | 17:04 to 17:53 | cleaned
If you are around friends and relatives with whom you disagree, you must learn to control not only your temper but your tongue. Let me say it plainly. You do not have to say everything that comes into your mind. You don't. Look in your Bibles to the book of Proverbs chapter 21 and verse 23. This is one of my favorite verses. Proverbs 21 verse 23. Look what the Scripture says. Proverbs 21 verse 23. "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles." Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. I don't have to ask you this. Please don't raise your hand.
#23 | 17:56 to 18:56 | cleaned
But how many of you have ever said things you wish you had never said? Yeah, everybody. And you know, the problem is, once you say something, you can't recall those words. Whosoever keepeth his... What? His mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from trouble. If you'll look in 1 Peter chapter 3 and verse 10. 1 Peter chapter 3 and verse 10. 1 Peter 3 and verse 10. Look what Peter tells us. 1 Peter 3, verse 10. The Scripture says, 1 Peter 3 and verse 10, "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile." If, God says, you want to love life, and if you want to see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips that they speak no guile. Now I want you to turn to 1 Corinthians 6, but I'm going to quote another scripture as you go there. I'm going to quote from Psalm 37 verse 8 where God says, "Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil."
#24 | 18:58 to 20:25 | cleaned
So God says, just don't do it, just stay away from it. It is best to avoid a dispute. It's best to avoid a conflict. If one cannot be avoided, and if we are involved in a dispute or a conflict, then we must resolve it in a biblical manner.
#25 | 20:26 to 20:49 | cleaned
Now, no matter how hard we try unhappily, we're never ever going to be able to avoid every conflict. We're never ever going to be able to foresee every problem and stay out of its way. There will be conflicts. So I'm just saying if we are involved, then we have to determine that we're going to resolve it biblically and scripturally. I don't know if you remember this or not, but some time back, and Roy has them I'm sure, but I've got five messages on biblical problem solving. There is indeed a biblical way to solve problems. There are a lot of unbiblical ways as well, but they're never resolved when you use unbiblical ways. But if you look in 1 Corinthians 6, I just want you to note that the Bible actually forbids a Christian going to law, a court of law, with another Christian. Look at it in 1 Corinthians 6, beginning there in verse 1. Look what the Apostle Paul says. "Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?"
#26 | 20:50 to 22:07 | cleaned
Now, in other words, there can be an ecclesiastical court. There does not have to be just the heathenistic judicial courts. He says, "Do you not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know you not that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life? If then you have judgments of things pertaining this life, set them to judge who are the least esteemed in the church."
#27 | 22:07 to 22:36 | cleaned
Now here's what he's saying there. He's saying, if you have something to settle, you need to take even the saints that are the most least esteemed and go before them before you'd go before a heathenistic judge. Now watch this. He goes on to say, verse 5, "I speak to your shame. Is it so that there's not a wise man among you?" In other words, surely there's someone who can settle the issues among the saints. Surely there's a wise man who can resolve these things. Watch. "Is there not one wise man among you? No, not one that shall be able to judge between his brother. But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before unbelievers. Now therefore, there's utterly a fault among you, because you go to law one with another. Why do you not rather take wrong? Why do you not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, you do wrong and defraud, and that's your brethren."
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"Know you 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." And then he goes on. So the problem is simply this. God says we do not need to go to law before unbelievers. If we have a conflict, let's resolve it biblically. There is only one way to resolve something for sure, and that is to do it biblically.
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We ought to be able to settle our differences among ourselves. If we're not able to do so, then there are wise men in the church, there should be wise men in the Christian community, and we should be willing to submit to their counsel and their judgment. And by the way, without me getting into it, in the Old Testament, if you refuse to abide by the decision of a biblical court of law, the penalty was death. So God is saying, look, there's a way to resolve this.
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We need to stay away from the system and control of the heathen as much as possible. And you've got to understand something, folks. Once you enter into their realm, once you enter into their jurisdiction, you are under their control. And you will be forced to abide by their judgment, whether it's right or wrong, biblical or unbiblical, and what your concern is and what your conscience says does not matter one bit to them. Let me give you one court case. This is Hollis v. Edmonds.
#31 | 24:45 to 25:24 | cleaned
This involved the State Street Baptist Church in Kentucky. The State Street Baptist Church existed as a church for 140 years. And then it chose to incorporate. And it incorporated under the statutes of Kentucky. Well, there was a little spat in the church as to how some money was being spent. And so those who were dissatisfied went to the courts. And the church's position was this. You have no jurisdiction over us. This is a church matter. It is not a governmental matter.
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Here is what the court said. I'm quoting. "Once the church, that is the State Street Baptist Church, determined to enter the realm of Caesar by forming a corporation, it is required to abide by the rules of Caesar, or in this case, the statutes of the Commonwealth of Kentucky." Wow. In other words, if you had incorporated, we'd have nothing to say in this. So the point I'm trying to make is once you submit to their jurisdiction, you're in their power.
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Whether you agree or whether you disagree, whether they're right or wrong, biblical or unbiblical, it doesn't matter. So the wise thing to do is to stay out from their system. William Penn said it like this, "Men must be governed by God or they were ruled by tyrants." And the truth of the matter is this, when we refuse to be governed by God, we will be ruled by tyrants.
#34 | 26:49 to 27:12 | cleaned
And all you have to do is read 1 Samuel chapter 8 to confirm all of that. So, what happens then when society collapses? What happens when people, godly people, are forced to come together and live together in a very complex and a very difficult time. Well, here's what happens if it is a real, genuine, biblical community. In a grid-down situation, the answer is that real, genuine, biblical community not only helps each other, but they defend each other and that community will come together and defend their lives and their families and the lives and the families of their friends. In other words, in a societal collapse, you've got to understand something folks, we either learn to stand together or we will indeed fall separately.
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That is no time for our little pet peeves and idiosyncrasies and likes and dislikes to get in the way. That's why all of these things have to be worked out. Let me tell you something. There are no perfect people. There just aren't. And you could say, well, pastor, I love you. I've been listening to you for 30 years. Well, I'm thankful and that's wonderful. But I tell you what, if we live side by side and work day in and day out every day, after about six months you might get ticked off at me. Probably a little before that. And I might really get ticked off at you.
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And the next thing we're knowing, he's getting on my nerves. She's bothering me. Why can't he do this? Why can't she do that? You see what I'm saying? There just are no perfect people. And you have to make sure that you understand that you have a lot of things to work out. If we're going to defend ourselves, if we're going to defend anyone else, then obviously we must be trained in defensive techniques, as well as in the defensive use of firearms.
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Now let me tell you something that may shock some of you. It won't shock those of us who are older. But do you realize that at one time, riflery was taught in every public school? Did you know that? I remember as a boy taking my weapons to school. To go hunting afterwards, have them in the truck, had no problem. Ron did the same thing. Had no problem. Did you know that the federal government today still promotes civilian marksmanship programs?
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I want you to listen to this. I got this title from Ron and then I looked it up. Here it is. I'm going to read it to you. Two paragraphs. "The Office of the Director of Civilian Marksmanship, DCM, was created by the United States Congress as part of the 1903 War Department Appropriations Act. The original purpose was to provide civilians an opportunity to learn and practice marksmanship skills so they would be skilled marksmen if later called to serve in the United States military."
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"Formation was precipitated by the adoption of the M1903 Springfield Rifle as the national service rifle; civilians experienced with popular contemporary lever-action rifles were unable to sustain an equivalent rate of fire from the unfamiliar bolt-action M1903 rifle. Over the years, the emphasis of the program shifted to focus on youth development through marksmanship. From 1916 until 1996, the CMP was administered by the United States Army. Title 16 of the National Defense Authorization Act for the fiscal year of 1996 created the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearm Safety to take over administration and promotion of the civilian marksmanship program." Did you know that there are still numerous civilian marksmanship programs and did you know that you can still acquire what was an M1 Garand from the federal government? Yeah? Today. I'm just simply saying, here's all these federal programs that are promoting this.
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Now, we've got to understand something. And it's very simple, and I know most of you do. Self-defense is biblical. Defending others is biblical. Knowing how to fight is biblical. What did David say in Psalm 144 and verse 1? He said, "Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight." Do you know what Nehemiah did when his community was going to be attacked? Let me show you. I want you to turn in your Bibles to the book of Nehemiah chapter 4. Nehemiah chapter 4. Watch this. Nehemiah chapter 4. And we're going to begin reading at verse 11. Nehemiah 4 and verse 11. Ezra, Nehemiah. Nehemiah chapter 4. And let's begin reading there with verse 11. Here it is.
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"And our adversary said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease." So they were planning a surprise attack upon this group of people who were working on the walls, trying to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. "And it came to pass that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places which you shall return unto us, they will be upon you."
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Now, I want you to watch this. This is so common. The Jews who dwelt by them, what were they trying to do? They were trying to discourage the ones who were doing the work, saying, you can't fight them, you can't win. There are too many of them. They've got too much weaponry. They're too powerful. They were trying to discourage the ones who were working. Watch what Nehemiah did, verse 13, "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."
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"And it came to pass when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work. And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me."
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So what did Nehemiah do? Well, he just got the people together and organized and said, we're going to defend ourselves. That's all there is to it. We're going to take care of the problem. Obviously, clearly, that's exactly what the scripture says.
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Now, you say, wait a minute, Brother Weaver. I'm not a member of a militia. I don't know how to fight. Well, let me tell you, you may not know how to fight, but if you are between the ages of 17 and 45, you are the member of a militia by law. Did you know that? In fact, my birth certificate has on it that I was born in the third militia district. The third militia district. Do you realize the law says every male between 17 and 45 is a member of the unorganized militia.
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Let me read it to you. Here's the United States Code, Title 10, Subtitle A, General Military Law, Chapter 13, The Militia. Listen carefully. "The militia of the United States consists of all able-bodied males at least 17 years of age and, except as provided in section 313 of title 32, under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a declaration of intention to become, citizens of the United States and of female citizens of the United States who are members of the National Guard." Now listen, "The classes of the militia are the organized militia, which consists of the National Guard and the naval militia, and the unorganized militia, which consists of the members of the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the naval militia." So you're in the militia if you're between 17 and 45. You can be in the organized militia or you can be in the unorganized militia but you are still in the militia.
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Tench Coxe said this, one of the founding fathers. He asked, "Who are the militia? Are they not ourselves? Is it feared then that we shall turn our arms each man against his own bosom? Congress shall have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords and every other terrible implement of the soldier are the birthright of every American. The unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state governments, but where I trust in God, it will remain forever in the hands of the people." Tench Coxe, 1788. George Mason said it like this, "When the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great Britain, the British Parliament was advised by an artful man, who was the Royal Governor of Pennsylvania, to disarm the people; that it was the best and most effectual way to enslave them; that they should not do it openly but weaken them and let them sink gradually by totally disusing and neglecting the militia." Wow. Representative Elbridge Gerry, who was also a signer of the Declaration of Independence, said this, "What, sir, is the use of a militia? It is to prevent the establishment of a standing army, the bane of liberty. Whenever governments mean to invade the rights and liberties of the people, they always attempt to destroy the militia in order to raise an army upon their ruins."
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George Washington, whom everyone knows, said this, "Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the American people's liberty teeth and keystone under independence. From the hour the Pilgrims landed to the present day, events, occurrences, and tendencies prove that to ensure peace, security, and happiness, the rifle and pistol are equally indispensable. The very atmosphere of firearms everywhere restrains evil interference. They deserve a place of honor with all that is good."
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Thomas Jefferson said the strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against the tyranny in government. The right to keep and bear arms according to the Second Amendment is not about duck hunting or deer hunting. It's about preserving our liberty, our liberties from a tyrannical government. Again, Thomas Jefferson said, "Laws that forbid the carrying of arms disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes. Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants."
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"They serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man." And that's the truth. The truth of the matter is, an armed society is a polite society. I want to read something to you that some of you know, some of you do not. But there is a creed that is quoted by, or used to be, by every Marine. The creed is just entitled, My Rifle. I had to learn some of this, although I was not a Marine. I did not know all of it until recently. But I want you to listen to the Marines' creed concerning his rifle. Here it is. "This is my rifle."
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"There are many like it, but this one is mine. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my rifle is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than the enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will. My rifle and I know what counts in war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, or the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit. My rifle is human, even as I am human, because it is my life."
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"Thus I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strengths, its parts, its accessories, its sights, and its barrel. I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other. Before God, I swear this creed. My rifle and I are the defenders of my country. We are masters of our enemy. We are saviors of my life. So be it, until victory is America's, and there is no enemy but peace." We must learn to fight, dear friend, in every area. Not just physically, but we must learn to fight mentally, economically, physically, and spiritually. And we must learn to do so together. We must learn to help each other, to encourage each other, to work with each other.
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One man alone is easy prey. One man alone, no matter how much confidence he has, no matter how much firepower he has, no matter how many supplies he possesses, one man alone will not last very long. That's why we need communities. That's why we have to come together, especially in a time of societal collapse, and learn to work with each other, and help each other, and defend each other. If you and I are to have happy and loving and living and safe communities.
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We have to know God's law. We have to know how to apply that law. We have to learn to live by that law. And we must be ready to defend that law. And we must be ready to defend our lives, our families and our neighbors' lives as well. And we have to do it all with a special regard for God's honor and God's glory. One last quote. William J.
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Bennett, a lecture to the United States Naval Academy on November 24, 1997, said this, "Honor never grows old and honor rejoices the heart of age. It does so because honor is finally about defending those noble and worthy things that deserve defending, even if it comes at a high cost. In our time, that may mean social disapproval, public scorn, hardship, persecution, or as always, even death itself. The question remains, what is worth defending? What is worth dying for? What is worth living for?" And I submit to you, the Lord Jesus Christ and His law is worth fighting, dying, and living for.
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Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we bow to Thee. We thank You for Your mercy and Your grace, and we do pray, Lord, that You would help us to learn to live together as a community, to worship together, to function together, to be what we should be to each other, that You may be glorified in every life and in every activity. In the name of Jesus Christ, we ask and pray.
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Amen.
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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-04T15:38:12Z

Community Peace and Personal Responsibility

John Weaver | Freedom Ministries

Pastor John Weaver argues that true biblical community has died in America and must be resurrected on God's terms by rebuilding according to His law. He emphasizes personal responsibility, self-government, and avoiding unnecessary conflicts with the state. Using Scripture and historical quotes, he teaches that individuals and families must learn to live righteously, control their tongues, resolve disputes biblically, and be prepared to defend themselves and their communities. The message calls for a return to God's law as the foundation for free government and peaceful, resilient communities.

Introduction: The Need for Biblical Community

Weaver introduces the theme of resurrecting communities, noting that true biblical community has been absent for decades. He recalls a time when neighbors helped each other spontaneously.

Psalm 127 verse 1, the title of the message is Community, Peace, and Personal Responsibility. Notice verse 1,

Scripture Reading — Psalm 127:1

"Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."

Scripture Reading — Jeremiah 12:5

"If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustest, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of the Jordan?"

Rebuilding on God's Law, Not Man's

Using the curse on Jericho, Weaver insists that any community resurrection must be based on God's law structure, not man's, or it will fail.

The Foundation: Individuals and Families

Communities are built from individuals and families; a spiritual community requires spiritual, self-governed people. Quotes Robert Winthrop on the necessity of internal moral restraint.

America's Christian Heritage and Departure

Personal Responsibility and Avoiding Conflict

To avoid government entanglement, believers must live righteously, control emotions, avoid foolish places and people, and guard their speech. Quotes Psalm 39:1, Proverbs 21:23, and 1 Peter 3:10.

Biblical Dispute Resolution

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 6:1-9

"Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?"

Community Defense and the Militia

Scripture Reading — Psalm 144:1

"Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight."

Scripture Reading — Nehemiah 4:11-18

"And our adversary said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease."

So they were planning a surprise attack upon this group of people who were working on the walls, trying to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem.

Scripture Reading — Nehemiah 4:11-18

"And it came to pass that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places which you shall return unto us, they will be upon you."

Scripture Reading — Nehemiah 4:11-18

"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,

Scripture Reading — Nehemiah 4:11-18

"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."

Conclusion: Living for God's Honor

We must know, apply, and defend God's law, ready to sacrifice for it. Closes with a quote from William J. Bennett on honor and a prayer for community unity.

Amen.

Community Peace and Personal Responsibility

John Weaver | YouTube

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	YouTube
Media ID	hZB_GGsk8FU
Subject	Old Testament Studies
Course	Proverbs: Wealth, Defense, and Justice
Genre	Sermon
Date	2012-12-03
Dictation Name
Book	Book 083: Proverbs: Wealth, Defense, and Justice — Chapter 4
Source Timed Segments	58

Lecture Guide

Outline

Introduction: The Need for Biblical Community: Weaver introduces the theme of resurrecting communities, noting that true biblical community has been absent for decades. He recalls a time when neighbors helped each other spontaneously.
Rebuilding on God's Law, Not Man's: Using the curse on Jericho, Weaver insists that any community resurrection must be based on God's law structure, not man's, or it will fail.
The Foundation: Individuals and Families: Communities are built from individuals and families; a spiritual community requires spiritual, self-governed people. Quotes Robert Winthrop on the necessity of internal moral restraint.
America's Christian Heritage and Departure: Cites founders like John Adams, Charles Carroll, Noah Webster, and James Madison to show America was founded as a Christian nation dependent on the Ten Commandments. The nation's decline is due to forsaking God's law.
Personal Responsibility and Avoiding Conflict: To avoid government entanglement, believers must live righteously, control emotions, avoid foolish places and people, and guard their speech. Quotes Psalm 39:1, Proverbs 21:23, and 1 Peter 3:10.
Biblical Dispute Resolution: Christians are forbidden to sue one another in secular courts (1 Corinthians 6). Disputes should be settled within the church, submitting to wise counsel. The Hollis v. Edmonds case illustrates the danger of incorporating and submitting to state jurisdiction.
Community Defense and the Militia: In societal collapse, communities must stand together and defend themselves. Self-defense is biblical (Psalm 144:1; Nehemiah 4). Weaver explains the legal definition of the militia and quotes founders on the right to keep and bear arms.
Conclusion: Living for God's Honor: We must know, apply, and defend God's law, ready to sacrifice for it. Closes with a quote from William J. Bennett on honor and a prayer for community unity.

Major Themes

Key Arguments

Communities must be rebuilt on God's law alone.

Any attempt to rebuild society on man's law is cursed, as illustrated by the curse on Jericho.

Weaver says, 'If you answer, "Well I would try to build on the best of man's law structure," then you might as well not rebuild at all... for the curse of God is upon it.' He quotes Joshua 6:26.

Spiritual community requires spiritual individuals.

You cannot have a functioning, blessed community without individuals and families willing to obey God.

Weaver states, 'You cannot have a spiritual community with unspiritual people. You cannot have a community that functions the way it should unless you have individuals and families willing to function the way they should.'

America's founding was explicitly Christian and dependent on the Ten Commandments.

Founders like John Adams, Noah Webster, and James Madison affirmed that the Constitution was made for a moral and religious people and that the Ten Commandments are the basis of free government.

Weaver quotes John Adams: 'Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.' He quotes James Madison: 'We've staked the whole future of American civilization... upon our capacity to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.'

Forsaking God's law leads to national decline and tyranny.

When a people turn from the Bible, they lose freedom and become enslaved.

Weaver says, 'When we turn from that, we cease to be a free government and a free people.' He later states, 'We've left. We've deserted. We've forsaken the Law of God... Therefore, we've lost His blessing, we've lost His protection.'

Christians must avoid secular courts and resolve disputes biblically.

1 Corinthians 6 forbids lawsuits between believers in secular courts; the church has authority to judge such matters.

Weaver reads 1 Corinthians 6:1-7 and says, 'God says we do not need to go to law before unbelievers. If we have a conflict, let's resolve it biblically.'

Submitting to state jurisdiction through incorporation or other means places believers under unbiblical control.

The Hollis v. Edmonds case shows that once a church incorporates, it must abide by state rules, losing its autonomy.

Weaver quotes the court: 'Once the church... determined to enter the realm of Caesar by forming a corporation, it is required to abide by the rules of Caesar.'

Community defense is a biblical mandate, not optional.

Nehemiah organized armed defense of the community; believers must be trained and ready to protect their families and neighbors.

Weaver recounts Nehemiah 4:13-18 and says, 'We're going to defend ourselves. That's all there is to it.'

The right to bear arms is a safeguard against tyranny.

Founding fathers explicitly connected the militia and the right to arms with preventing standing armies and government oppression.

Weaver quotes Elbridge Gerry: 'What, sir, is the use of a militia? It is to prevent the establishment of a standing army, the bane of liberty.'

Scripture References

Psalm 127:1: Opening verse: 'Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.'
Jeremiah 12:5: If you can't run with footmen or in a time of peace, how will you contend with horses or in the swelling of Jordan?
Joshua 6:26: Cursed be the man who rebuilds Jericho; he will lay its foundation at the cost of his firstborn.
Psalm 39:1: David vows to guard his ways and keep his mouth with a bridle while the wicked are present.
Proverbs 21:23: Whoever keeps his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
1 Peter 3:10: Whoever desires to love life and see good days must refrain his tongue from evil and his lips from guile.
Psalm 37:8: Cease from anger, forsake wrath, and do not fret—it leads only to evil.
1 Corinthians 6:1-9: Christians are forbidden to sue one another in secular courts; they should settle disputes within the church.
1 Samuel 8: Referenced as confirmation that refusing God's government leads to rule by tyrants.
Psalm 144:1: Blessed be the Lord who teaches my hands to war and my fingers to fight.
Nehemiah 4:11-18: Nehemiah arms the people to defend against attack while rebuilding the wall.

Historical References

Robert Winthrop (1809-1894): Former Speaker of the House; quoted on individual self-government vs. state control and on America as a Christian nation.
John Adams: Second U.S. President; said the Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.
Charles Carroll: Signer of the Declaration of Independence; said without morals a republic cannot subsist, and Christianity is the best security for free governments.
Noah Webster: Stated that the Ten Commandments summarize men's duties and that Christian religion must be the basis of free government.
John Quincy Adams: Sixth U.S. President; said the Ten Commandments were a civil and municipal as well as moral and religious code.
James Madison: Fourth U.S. President; said America's future is staked on following the Ten Commandments with all our hearts.
Hollis v. Edmonds (State Street Baptist Church case): A Kentucky church incorporated and then was told by the court it must abide by state statutes, losing ecclesiastical autonomy.
William Penn: Quoted: 'Men must be governed by God or they were ruled by tyrants.'
Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP): Federal program started in 1903 to train civilians in marksmanship; still exists today.
Tench Coxe (1788): Founding father; said the militia's swords are the birthright of every American and Congress cannot disarm them.

Important Quotes

Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Foundational Scripture for the message, emphasizing dependence on God for building and protecting community.

If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustest, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of the Jordan?

Key challenge: if we can't handle small conflicts now, how will we survive major crises?

All societies of men must be governed in some way or the other. The less they may have of stringent state government, the more they must have of individual self-government.

Robert Winthrop's principle that internal moral restraint reduces the need for external force.

Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

John Adams' assertion that the American system depends on a virtuous citizenry.

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Proverbs 21:23 cited as practical wisdom for avoiding conflict.

Once the church, that is the State Street Baptist Church, determined to enter the realm of Caesar by forming a corporation, it is required to abide by the rules of Caesar.

Warning from a court case that incorporation subjects the church to state control.

Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the American people's liberty teeth and keystone under independence.

George Washington's strong endorsement of the right to keep arms for liberty.

Discussion Questions

[Question]

What does it mean for a community to be 'resurrected' on God's terms, and how does that differ from simply improving social conditions?

[Context]

Weaver insists that resurrection is always on God's terms and that rebuilding on man's law is cursed.

[Question]

How can we cultivate 'individual self-government' in our own lives and families to reduce reliance on external controls?

[Context]

Robert Winthrop's quote about the need for internal moral restraint.

[Question]

In what practical ways can we avoid unnecessary conflicts with the government and with others, as Weaver advises?

[Context]

Weaver's advice to avoid stupid places, people, and things, and to control our speech.

[Question]

Why does 1 Corinthians 6 forbid Christians from suing one another in secular courts, and how should disputes be resolved instead?

[Context]

Weaver's exposition of 1 Corinthians 6 and the call for ecclesiastical resolution.

[Question]

What are the dangers of a church incorporating or otherwise submitting to state jurisdiction, based on the Hollis v. Edmonds case?

[Context]

The court ruling that incorporation brings a church under Caesar's rules.

[Question]

How does Nehemiah 4 provide a biblical model for community defense, and what principles can we apply today?

[Context]

Nehemiah's organization of armed defense while rebuilding the wall.

[Question]

What is the biblical and historical basis for the right to keep and bear arms as a safeguard against tyranny?

[Context]

Quotes from Jefferson, Washington, Gerry, and others on the militia and arms.

[Question]

What does it look like to 'fight mentally, economically, physically, and spiritually' as a community?

[Context]

Weaver's call to learn to fight together in every area.

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Format deepseek deepseek-v4-pro structured study JSON | Source Commentary.net transcript enrichment

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-05T19:19:31Z