Dear Paul,

Thank You for the links.

Music is a universal language and so much a part of
our lives. We all have our
favourites. I love to sing - but sadly - I'm tone-deaf
so I'm only allowed to do it in the shower. I envy
anyone who has a good voice. I have a strong voice -
but a flat one. I got kicked out of the school choir
because I kept leading everyone else astray. I was allowed
on the stage but our music teacher threatened me if I
allowed a sound to escape from my mouth. So I simply
mouthed the words. Still today, my grand-kids love my
singing - and we sing often.

Dear Is Mise,

I'm not a theologian and I certainly can't speak on
behalf of Paul Collins. I'm sure that he would give you
an eloquent answer to your question. The best that I can
do is reply with what is available on the web. There's
quite a few links there on the subject. Here is just one:

http://holyspiritactivism.com/2013/01/18/why-did-jesus-tell-the-disciples-to-buy-two-swords/

Foxy,

An interesting link, but a bit otherworldly.

Justified defence of oneself, family and the innocent is a Christian obligation.
If Christ were in Judea today, Peter would have a Desert Eagle.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMI_Desert_Eagle

Dear Is Mise,

This is taken from the link I gave earlier:

"Jesus rebuked Peter and rebuked the use of defensive
violence:

John 18:36:

"My kingdom is not of this world: If my kingdom were of
this world, then my servants would fight ..."

If Jesus' kingdom were of this world. his servants could use
defensive violence when attacked. However Jesus' kingdom is not
of this world. In contrast to the kingdoms of the world Jesus'
servants do not fight. His Kingdom is built around love and
the love of enemies. Jesus specifically forbade Peter from using
the sword, but his wording was universal:

Matthew 26:52: " Put your sword back in its place
for all who take the sword will die by the sword."

Yes we should accept them, but only as the first passengers on a one way trip to the moon or Mares, which ever becomes available first.

Pity there are no new continents to enable transportation.

Is Mise

." explain that Christ, , allowed Peter to carry a sword."

Luke explains at 22:37 " that this that is written must be accomplished in me , and he was reckoned with the transgressors" .
38 .. " Lord , here are 2 swords . He said it is enough ". Peter cut off the ear . 22:51 "And Jesus answered and said Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear and healed him ".

Knowing the size of the armed guard coming , would 2 swords make sense for his successful defence? And if Peter was off-target then who could defend against Jesus skill with the other sword? That's not a sword ..this is a sword.( flick flick outta here).

Foxy.

""My kingdom is not of this world: If my kingdom were of
this world, then my servants would fight ..."

If Jesus' kingdom were of this world. his servants could use
defensive violence when attacked. However, Jesus' kingdom is not
of this world."

That's alright for Christ's kingdom but we live in the Kingdom of the Commonwealth of Australia and defensive force is allowed.
Using a sword for self defence is not living by the sword, far from it.