(May 12, 2021. 1st day of 2nd month. New Moon.)
These are only brief notes. Please listen to the actual sermon for full edification.
Of course, He didn't really want them to use the knives to prevent his arrest and death. But rather, verse 35 is key to the context. The knives were for their protection, not his protection. Verse 37 explains that He is Leaving. So He won't be protecting them any more.
In our day, our choice of weapon would be a gun if possible, (even if purchased on the underground black market if necessary). Otherwise, a knife or even just a large stick or tree limb. Pepper spray, wasp/bee spray. Cane/walking stick. (Some cane/sticks come with hidden sword inside.) Even a man's belt could become a weapon. Or even hard shoes.
With over 600+ commandments in the bible, it never says that we can't have or use swords (guns). Never!
Matt.5:38-39 - "Turn the other cheek" actually only teaches that we shouldn't take revenge for someone insulting us. Slapping someone in the face in the middle east is not considered as a physical assault, but rather just only an insult.
The verse has nothing to do with forbidding self-defense against real assaults or attempted murder and muggings and beatings, etc.
Matt. 5:44 - "Love your enemies" doesn't mean allow anyone to destroy you or abuse you.
Daniel 12:4 (AOB & Greek only) World become full of madness & violence.
The world is becoming more violent and dangerous.
We can see with your eyes that the world has become extremely dangerous.
In addition to carrying some kind of weapon or defense:
-If possible, move out of large urban cities, especially leftist controlled cities & states such as California, Oregon, Washington, NY, etc.
-Be careful about what type of clothes you wear. Should not wear fancy expensive clothing which makes a robber believe that we have money.
-Women should cover up in public to avoid rape.
-Be careful where you walk and travel. Avoid high risk neighborhoods/streets.
-If absolutely necessary to enter a high risk street/neighborhood, be prepared with hard shoes, no flip flops, no bare feet, so that you can kick the person and also be able to run faster.
-Stay in the public eye when traveling/walking. Avoid places where there are no people.
-Travel/walk only in daylight, not at night if possible.
-Try to travel with someone at all times when possible (especially women!). Avoid traveling/walking alone. Ask neighbor, friend or relative to go with you when possible. Make group trips to stores, etc.
-In addition to weapon of self defense, carry whistle or horn or alarm that makes loud sound which would be used to scare away attackers or to alert people that you need help. -Always watch and listen and observe your surroundings. Look around. Listen. Pay attention. Be alert. Expect the unexpected.
Full sermon audio: https://soundcloud.com/isawthelightministries/12-may-2021-use-caution