[editor-surveyor]

"...but also be prepared to defend ourselves, our families, and our liberties at arms if necessary from evil."

Without question:
Luke 22:36

"Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take [it], and likewise [his] scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one."

But that was not the end of the story:
Luke 22:38

"And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough."

[Gilbo_3]

and that passage, my FRiends, is the one that caught my attention and got me off the fence a few years back...

with His Power behind our willingness, we are 'enough' for the day...