Pastor Takes Out Shooter, Then Treats Wounded

You need a good guy with a gun to take out a bad guy with a gun. That's the message from this story in National Review sent to me by my barber. The link below will take you to the story.

Pastor Takes Out Shooter and Treats Wounded After Sunday Sermon

Here's the essence of the story as presented in the article:

"The shooter, a convicted felon, had already wounded several as he made his way Sunday to a Walmart in Tumwater, Wash., where he began shooting at customers and anyone who tried to stop him. As customers fled in fear, David George, pastor of the Assembly of God Church in Oakville, Wash., stepped in.

"George first made sure his family was safe, then drew his concealed weapon and told the gunman to “drop the gun and show me his hands,” he told reporters later. He then fired, shooting and killing the gunman before rushing to administer first aid to a driver who had been shot in the store parking lot." (click link above for full article)

King Alfred's War Song

Alfred, King of Wessex, A.D. 871-899, used the Bible as a basis for some of his codification of English law. Tradition ascribes the war song below to him.

When the enemy comes in a’roarin’ like a flood,
Coveting the kingdom and hungering for blood,
The Lord will raise a standard up and lead His people on, 
The Lord of Hosts will go before defeating every foe;
Defeating every foe.

For the Lord is our defense, Jesus defend us,
For the Lord is our defense, Jesu defend.

Some men trust in chariots, some trust in the horse,
But we will depend upon the Name of Christ our Lord,
The Lord has made my hands to war and my fingers to fight.
The Lord lays low our enemies, but He raises us upright;
He raises us upright.

For the Lord is our defense, Jesus defend us,
For the Lord is our defense, Jesu defend.

A thousand fall on my left hand, ten thousand to the right,
But He will defend us from the arrow in the night.
Protect us from the terrors of the teeth of the devourer,
Embue us with Your Spirit, Lord, emcompass us with power;
Encompass us with power.

For the Lord is our defense, Jesus defend us,
For the Lord is our defense, Jesu defend

Free Burma Rangers in the Middle East

Two years ago today, I published a post about the Free Burma Rangers, a group dedicated to the security and safety of the persecuted ethnic minority groups in Miyanmar (Burma). David Eubank, their leader has expanded their work beyond the borders of Burma into Africa and the Middle East.

The video below details their activity in Mosul, earlier this year. An incredible sheepdog ministry.

Cossack Christian Warrior Culture

This post on the Cossacks as representatives of a Christian warrior culture appeared on another blog of mine in 2011. I think it's worth republishing here.

Although I find various aspects of Eastern Orthodox belief & practice foreign to my understanding of Scripture, I do recognize Orthodox culture as one expression of Trinitarian faith in a social context. As a Christian Martialist, I find the Cossack warrior culture of particular interest.

Wikipedia's article on the Cossacks says that they Orthodox, and of the Old Believer persuasion in terms of liturgy and dogma. The way they organized their society appeals to my Christian Martialist leanings.

Wikipedia says,

In early times, Cossack bands were commanded by an ataman (later called hetman). He was elected by the tribe members at a Cossack rada, as were the other important band officials: the judge, the scribe, the lesser officials, and even the clergy. The ataman's symbol of power was a ceremonial mace, a bulava.
. . . . The ataman had executive powers and at time of war he was the supreme commander in the field. Legislative power was given to the Band Assembly (Rada). The senior officers were called starshyna. In the absence of written laws, the Cossacks were governed by the "Cossack Traditions," the common, unwritten law.
Cossack society and government were heavily militarized. The nation was called a host (vois’ko, translated as 'army'), and subdivided into regimental and company districts, and village posts (polky, sotni, and stanytsi).
Each Cossack settlement, alone or in conjunction with neighboring settlements, formed military units and regiments of light cavalry (or mounted infantry, for Siberian Cossacks) ready to respond to a threat on very short notice.


In my fantasies, I see a society of believers tied together by something like the Scottish Confession of 1560, who live in a martialist community as described in the book of Numbers and Deuteronomy and incorporates the best from various Christian Martialist communities of the past (Scottish Covenanters, Cossacks, Paladins, etc.).

Sadly,I believe the only thing that would force us together into such a community is a great upheaval of our civilization.

Oh well . . . a guy can dream, can't he?

The Devil Whispers

I have in mind, here, Jesus Christ, the Warrior King and Lion of the tribe of Judah.

Free Burma Rangers: Mission in the Midst of War

In 2010, I wrote about the Christian tribal people of Burma fighting to survive a genocidal war waged by the central government of that country. (see Christian Freedom Fighters in Burma & the sequel)

The interview below reveals the testimony and ministry of former Army Ranger and Green Beret, David Eubank. It tells of his calling and present work among the beleaguered ethnic minorities of Burma.

The video will engage you, and you will count the half hour it takes as well spent.



To learn more, click here: Free Burma Rangers

Jan Zizka, Christian Warrior Extraordinaire

Jan Zizka (zhishka) followed the teachings of the pre-reformation leader, Jan Hus who predated Martin Luther by a century, and whose teachings influenced Luther's beliefs.

Jan Zizka gained prominence as a warrior who defended Czech believers during the anti-Hussite crusades. He pioneered the use of firearms in battle to the point that our words pistol and howitzer can be traced back to his troops' terminology.

Zizka merged the use of armored carts, artillery and handheld firearms into a plan that places him centuries ahead of his time as a tactician.

Žižka helped develop tactics of using wagon forts, called vozová hradba in Czech or Wagenburg by the Germans, as mobile fortifications. When the Hussite army faced a numerically superior opponent they prepared carts for the battle by forming them into squares or circles. The carts were joined wheel to wheel by chains and positioned aslant, with their corners attached to each other, so that horses could be harnessed to them quickly, if necessary. In front of this wall of carts a ditch was dug by camp followers. The crew of each cart consisted of 16-22 soldiers: 4-8 crossbowmen, 2handgunners, 6-8 soldiers equipped with pikes or flails (the flail was the Hussite "national weapon"), 2 shield carriers and 2 drivers.

The Hussites' battle consisted of two stages, the first defensive, the second an offensive counterattack. In the first stage the army placed the carts near the enemy army and by means of artillery fire provoked the enemy into battle. The artillery would usually inflict heavy casualties at close range.

In order to avoid more losses, the enemy knights finally attacked. Then the infantry hidden behind the carts used firearms and crossbows to ward off the attack, weakening the enemy. The shooters aimed first at the horses, depriving the cavalry of its main advantage. Many of the knights died as their horses were shot and they fell.

As soon as the enemy's morale was lowered, the second stage, an offensive counterattack, began. The infantry and the cavalry burst out from behind the carts striking violently at the enemy - mostly from the flanks. While fighting on the flanks and being shelled from the carts the enemy was not able to put up much resistance. They were forced to withdraw, leaving behind dismounted knights in heavy armor who were unable to escape the battlefield. The enemy armies suffered heavy losses and the Hussites soon had the reputation of not taking captives. (Wikipedia)

Known to many as "One-eyed Zizka," he actually lost sight in his one good eye in 1421. Remarkably, the totally blind Zizka continued to lead his troops to victory until he died of the plague in 1424. 

Let's lift a cup to salute a man who in his life and service embodied the very meaning of Christian Martialist: a defender of the faithful.

Weapon Check

Remember this old public service announcement? "It's eleven o'clock; do you know where your child is?" I might ask another relevant question: "If someone broke into your house right now, how close are you to your weapon?"

Over a week ago, I was trimming some branches from a tree that blew over in a storm. Unbeknownst to me, my wife decided to snap a couple of pictures of me on the ladder. 

That's my Ruger SR 1911 in the holster on my left hip. 

(I know the arguments against cross-draw, but the holster ended up there because of comfort and ease of carry. I do not use this holster or position when I'm carrying concealed.)

My point? If you own a handgun, you have no excuse not to be armed in your own home. 

You became a Christian Martialist to defend those whom you care about. This means not only vigilance, but also preparedness, 24/7. 

In case you're thinking of bringing up the shower as an exception (WARNING. ONE USE OF THE "H" WORD):

What the Christian Martialist Can Learn from Batman

I offer this Batman post an example of Providence.

This week I made a couple of posts to this blog that referred to comic books. Then, a couple of days ago, I received an email from Off the Grid News entitled "4 Survival Lessons from Batman".

The lessons listed in the email apply to a far broader group than preppers and survivalists. To see whatI mean, take a look at these excerpts from the letter. My comments are in brackets [-]

Here's a concept of critical importance: Batman actually worked himself "super." He did this not only by hard work, but by keen decision-making, incredible determination, commitment to his cause and the progressive development of his super-survival skills... all the same things you and I have access to right now.

. . . So let's look at 4 ways you can use Batman's hard-core survival skills . . .:

1. Decision Making: You'll need to start thinking right now about making the hard decisions that are coming your way fast. This will be necessary in order to actually stay alive in an increasingly hostile world. Hey, for the most part we are way too soft in our decision making skills. Sharpen your skills by [scenario based practice, which you can do in the real world or by mental imaging.]

2. Determination: Think about the determination it will take to live and thrive in a major melt-down.[Or in a life-or-death confrontation.] It's important to stop and contemplate about how easy life is for us by historical standards.  Consider the early days of our country's existence. Think about the life and death decision making skills the Pioneers possessed that kept them alive.

3. Commitment: Are you sincerely committed to "making it" when things get bad? Are you committed to your God? Your Family? Your Community? Your Church? Your Friends? It's easy to be committed when things are going well. It's much harder when conflict arises and struggles come along. True commitment requires digging deep and staying focused on the most important things in life... commitment to relationships.

4. Skill Development: Start to progressively develop your core survival skills over time. Go camping, hiking, fishing and hunting. Have weekend drills for the whole family. Practice, practice and more practice. There is simply no way to shortcut this part. You have to pay a price. It worked for Batman, it will work for you.

The most important part of this is to understand that you've got the exact same "powers" that Batman had. You have the amazing power of choosing to take action.  Don't pass it up. If all you do is "think" about survival, you'll never be a hero... let alone a super-hero. The one thing that makes a hero a hero is that he or she acts in a heroic manner when their time comes. Your time is coming. Be ready.

One more thing. It's important. Batman may not have had super powers in the sense that other super-heroes had... but he did have a nifty utility belt and a Bat Cave loaded with incredible tools that made Batman much more effective in crunch time. [You must choose your gear carefully, train to use it properly, maintain it, and make sure you will have it where and when you need it.]

Re: Christ's Alternative to Armed Revolt

Continued from "The Christian Warrior: Mission & Strategy"

Since I write this  blog for and about Christian Martialist warriors . . .  AND since I also post articles highly critical of our nation's slide into totalitarian tyranny, some may conclude that I support some kind of armed revolt against the corrupt power brokers. . . . 


To continue reading this article as I posted it over at Christian Warrior Online, CLICK HERE.


Regular readers, please note that Christian Warrior Online is my new blog. It contains the same Biblical philosophy and practical application that you have come to expect from WARSKYL, but in an expanded form that's easier to use and locate specific information. If you are a follower of WARSKYL, please become a follower of Christian Warrior Online in order to maintain continuity of communication.

Christian Warrior Culture in the Old Testament

At first blush, some readers may consider my title a huge gaffe. How can I make any reference to "Old Testament Christian Warrior Culture"? After all . . . .


To continue reading this post at Christian Warrior Online, click here.


If you haven't yet become a follower of Christian Warrior Online, you should do so today. Just click the link in the "Followers" box in the right sidebar.

The Christian Warrior: Mission & Strategy

Re: The Christian warrior must understand the King's broader mission and strategy in order to contribute to ultimate victory.

Before you look to the future, sometimes it helps you gain perspective if you look back. Thus, to better understand and apply the mission and strategy set down in Scripture to the world situation today, perhaps it would help to look at a monumental failure to accomplish that mission as seen in world history.

The early North African Church of the fifth century (Period of Augustine) had become a bastion of the faith. Seminaries flourished – the greatest teachers and apologists coming from there. The whole society had become generally Christian, but had adopted dualistic theology in its last century. The problem was that Manichaean (dualistic) philosophy had infected the church. This form of mysticism taught that the world is evil. Anything physical only hampers the Christian life. Thus, spirituality is determined by what one does not have. Furthermore, premillennialism, familiar bedfellow with mysticism, had convinced the Christian world that Christ would remove them from carnal encumbrances. He did, but not the way their theology anticipated. 

A false prophet, Mohammed, came down from the mountain with a monistic world view and totally eradicated Christianity in that area. The pacifistic, pietistic church was no match. Did God bless this view of spirituality No. The church has never regained that area of the world. Today, it is still the toughest mission field. Perhaps that is because missions generally have the same theology as the early North African Church. (James Jordan, "The Church as a Shadow Government" in The Tactics of Christian Resistance, Christianity & Civilization #3)

The Church in North Africa had neglected the implications of Christ's command to disciple the nations and to teach them to obey His every command. (Matthew 28:19-20) Moreover, they had neglected the strategy He had laid down in His teaching.

Look, for example, at two of our Lord's parables:

The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. (Matthew 13:31-33)

The first parable expresses the breadth of the Kingdom of God. From a small and seemingly insignificant beginning, it grows to dominate the field -- the earth -- in which it stands.

The second parable teaches that the rule of the kingdom is not something imposed on society from outside. It involves a transformation of the social fabric from the inside out. This means not only winning souls, but also placing converts into Christian communities where they can function in a Biblically oriented alternative to the surrounding culture.

Now, I'm not referring to some schlock-y, evangelical, smile-Jesus-loves-you ghetto that apes the prevailing culture. I'm talking about a city set on a hill that shows new Christians (and the world) how God intends for His people to function in communion and community.

This strategy entails a commitment to display the glory of God through institutional and cultural expressions that conform to His Word. I believe that Christ's Great Commission requires that we thoughtfully structure our community of faith as laboratories of the Spirit such that any observer can see what Christianity looks like when applied to marriage and family, education, business, architecture, self defense (and you knew I would get there, didn't you?) or any other social expression that you can think of.

The Church in the U.S. has made some piecemeal efforts in some of these areas -- notably in Christian schools, home education and family nurture -- but it has lacked the vision of community life in a comprehensively Biblical context. To be faithful to the fullness of the Great Commission, churches must think of worship services, Bible classes and prayer meetings as the hub rather than the whole of Christian community.

When communities of believers accept the mission that the King has laid upon them, they will see that the answer to the ever growing tyranny of Washington lies neither in political action nor in armed revolt. It lies, rather, in a faithful demonstration of the way things ought to be done -- God's way (Deuteronomy 30:16).

James Jordan, in the essay quoted above, has referred to this function of the Church community as a shadow government.


When one sphere like the state collapses, the church is left to fill the gap. She cannot, however, take the place of the state and pick up the sword. Like a Christian wife married to a rebellious husband, the church must bring the civil sphere to obedience by proper activity in its own category. The best description of this role is shadow government. A shadow government is understood as representing the true government, acting and waiting in the shadows for the present system to fall. When it does, the shadow government becomes the ruling government, or appoints another to take proper rule.


Jordan makes it plain that he's not advocating that ecclesiocracy (political rule by church) displace civil authority. He simply means what Jesus said: that it's the Church's job to show nations how to govern themselves under the rule of Christ.

As the institutional structures of society -- including but not limited to civil government -- become moribund and begin to collapse under the weight of their humanistic presuppositions, the King intends for His people to be waiting in the wings with alternative solutions that follow His principles (i.e., that really work).

The Banyan Tree

Earlier I referred to the parables of the mustard seed and of the leaven in the dough. It occurs to me that had His listeners know of the banyan tree, Jesus might have combined the two parables into one.

The Kingdom of God is like a banyan tree.

The banyan tree, which grows in India, Southeast Asia and Indonesia, is a variety of fig with a distinctive growth pattern. Birds eat the figs of the banyan, and when they relieve themselves, some of the seeds lodge in crevices of other kinds of trees, which become the hosts.

The seeds germinate and send down roots towards the ground, and may envelop part of the host tree or building structure with their roots . . . .

Older banyan trees are characterized by their Aerial prop roots that grow into thick woody trunks which, with age, can become indistinguishable from the main trunk. Old trees can spread out laterally using these prop roots to cover a wide area. (Wikipedia)

You see, the banyan tree grows parallel, alternative structures to the host tree and eventually displaces it altogether. This precisely depicts God's kingdom as we see it portrayed in the teachings of Christ.

Christian Warrior: An Idea Whose Time Has Come

I want to tell you why I believe that the Christian Warrior concept is an idea whose time has come. The world continues toward a tipping point that will seal the fate of millions, if not billions, and the Church experiences ridicule in the West while it suffers outright persecution in backward nations.


To continue reading, click here.

Motivational Poster: Christian Warrior Culture

My barber sent me this motivational poster appropriate to Christian Warrior Culture.

The Scots' Christian Warrior Culture: For Christ's Crown & Covenant

In May, we attended the annual Greenville Highland Games. I love the atmosphere, the games and the all-pervasive music of the 'pipes. The only thing missing is a frank and forthright representation of Scotland's Christian warrior culture: for Christ's Crown and Covenant.

(Thanks to my daughter Merrianna for the link to this video.)



Here's a video that presents a nearly-forgotten aspect of Scottish culture. Preachers, soldiers, martyrs -- all of them warriors for the King.

Christian Martialist Fellowship

A couple of summers ago, we attended a Christian conference sponsored by the Federation of Reformed Churches in the finger lakes region of New York. One of my youngest daughter's online friends -- another home-educated gal -- lives in the area, which gave them an opportunity to get together.

First, however, her dad came by to check us out. As the father of four daughters, I understood and appreciated his mindset.

Within the last month or so, my daughter's friend gave her father the link to this blog and told him it might interest him. He liked what he read, perusing as many as 50 pages in a day. Then his daughter told him that her friend's father writes the blog.

Long story short, they arrived yesterday afternoon here in Possum Kingdom to visit for a few days. We had a great time of Christian Martialist fellowship yesterday.

You know how some people bring the hostess a bottle of wine when they visit? This guy brought a box of 12 gauge 00 shotgun shells.

Over the course of the evening, we talked about the Lord, martial arts, guns and our faith experiences, in a seamless conversation -- the kind that grows out of lives that express a Biblical mindset and philosophy.

Today, we will attend the Highland Games and Scottish festival together. I don't know how the bagpipes will play on his Italian ears -- actually the Romans had bagpipes before the Scots, but their mournful skirl fits the Scottish temperament so much better -- but I am looking forward to good time.

If I don't get my Memorial Day post up before tomorrow, let me wish you well and thank all of you who have, in good conscience, served our military.

Another Soldier Down

There is a young soldier in God's army who has been struggling for some time. He's on my daily prayer list.

I'm sure there are others like him, engaged in spiritual warfare, struggling, standing for the King, though wounded with failing strength. I dedicate this song to all Christian Martialists who share in those struggles, and to all of you who hold each other up.

My prayers are with you.

Thanks to my daughter Merrianna for the link to this video.

Committees of Safety

I was interested to see the following article by Amelia Foxwell in Guns & Patriots:

Americans Take Back Their Country with Committees of Safety

What interests me is that I wrote on the topic two-and-a-half years ago, with the idea of an order of Christian warriors who would each take a neighborhood under his wing. You can read my post here:

Christian Vigilance for the 21st Century

Christianity vs. Islam: A Strategic Assessment

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:4-5)

My pastor emailed me a copy of an essay by Jeff Myers entitled Fatherhood and the Implosion in the Middle East. It makes some insightful connections between a culture's worldview, the stability of families and the consequent effects on society. (Click the link above to read it -- highly recommended.)

One particular passage struck me.

Meanwhile, the demographic time bomb is ticking. Ironically, a faulty view of fatherhood doesn't seem to correlate with actual biological reproduction. Christians have stopped having babies. Muslims have not. Christianity is aging. Islam is youthful.

Whereas youth make up about 20% of the American population, more than 2/3 of the population of Iran is under 30, 25% under 15. Across the Middle East and North Africa, the average age is 20-25. In a matter of just a few years, the majority of Americans will be retired, and these other nations will be in their prime.

Demographics aren't necessarily destiny, but if they were, the future of the world will look a lot less like everyday life in America and a lot more like what is happening in the Middle East.

In the providence of God, some Christian parents cannot have children. But if the low birth rate in America indicates high levels of infertility, we must reckon with the fact that this is one more sign of God's judgment on a morally corrupt nation.

If, on the other hand, Christians choose not to have children or to severely limit the size of their families because they don't want to sacrifice their toys or their lifestyle, that's another matter entirely. They put themselves in the position of rejecting a blessing from God (Deuteronomy 28:11).

They also put all of us at a strategic disadvantage in terms of fulfilling the Great Commission. Within a generation, there will be so few of us, that Islam -- or any other ism -- could conceivably overrun us.

Although this WARSKYL blog tends to focus more on tactical considerations, I want to suggest that defending our families, churches and nation from militant Islam will require a lot more than weapons and tactics. It will require a host of believers with the faith and character of a Charles Martel or a Charlemagne.

If you, as a Christian Martialist, want to be part of the strategic solution rather than the problem, you need to carefully consider the size of your family. And please don't think in terms of numbers alone. You should have as many children as you can faithfully train as disciples of the King.

Your objective, in other words, is Rearing Faithful Children.

Coram Deo

The following message by R.C. Sproul talks about living Coram Deo (before the face of God). He could scarcely address the spiritual essentials of Christian Martialism any better, even if he were to speak at a WARSKYL convention.

Here's the link:

The Goal of Christian Living