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WAR IS UNAVOIDABLE! Most of us, no matter who we are, become uneasy as we hear about a war starting, that is unavoidable. We begin to think about our men and women that are stationed over there, some of which are family members, perhaps members of the church. We think about the repercussions that will affect us where we presently live, as threats are being made by terrorists and other foreign countries, with ill feelings. Many people sit in front of their television or radio waiting intensely for more news and updates. People are and need to be concerned. Let us pray for peace in the world. Let us pray for rulers of every nation. Yet the war that we are going to be discussing in the article is a war that many people pay no attention to. It is a battle that is fought everyday and very few seem to care who is the victor and who was defeated. We are talking about a spiritual battle that is raging in the souls of men as they live in sin or serve the Lord. Are you aware that a battle is taking place in your life? Who’s side are you on? Consider the following points to find out. IF YOU ARE ON THE LORD’S SIDE, YOU WILL: DEFEND The Gospel As a part of the Lord’s church, Christians must remember that they are to uphold the truth at all times. The Bible calls the church the “pillar and ground (support NAS) of the truth” (I Tim. 3:15) No matter how many of Satan’s darts are hurled at us, we are to keep the faith and continue in righteousness. Jesus kingdom is not of this world, but as we are here, we must stand against the wickedness that is present. Jesus condemned the use of the doctrines of men and urged others to follow Him (Matthew 15:7-9). While using the terms “hypocrite”, “blind”, “fools” to mention a few, Jesus describes the error and sin in the lives of others as they were not doing God’s will (Matthew 23). Paul felt the responsibility to defend the gospel as he said, “…just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace” (Phil. 1:7). Paul also mentioned that he was, “not ashamed of the gospel of Christ” (Rom 1:16). This is certainly why Paul would also warn the Galatians about those who would pervert the gospel (Gal. 1:6-9). If the Lord hates evil (Heb. 1:9; John 8:46), we ought to do what we can to help other out of sin and into the light of the glorious gospel (II Cor. 4:1-14). So pick up your two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12) and allow it to prick hearts for the cause of Christ as you teach others the truth (Acts 2:36-38).
FIGHT As A Soldier In The Army Of The Lord Most people view fighting as a non-Christian quality, yet even when one decides to follow Jesus they enter even a greater fight than has ever been fought. While one is trying to serve God, all sorts of temptations are used to draw them away from God and back into sin. While we are not talking about a fist fight, we are talking about a faith fight. Paul said, in I Tim 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” Paul again addressing Timothy said, “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ”, and “This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare…” and then added, “having faith and a good conscience” (II Tim. 2:3; 1:18-19a).
Have you ever pictured yourself as a soldier of Jesus Christ, who is fighting for righteousness? You should. Paul exhorted the Ephesian brethren to put on the full armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18). We who are Christians are a people who are fighting a spiritual battle, who already know that we are going to be victorious in Jesus Christ (I Cor. 15:57). Have you enlisted in the Lord’s army. Once your in your in. Jesus said it well, “He who is not with Me is against Me…” (Matthew 12:30a; See also Matthew 6:24). Our weapons are more powerful than any others that we have to contend with. Paul said, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled” (II Cor. 10:4-6). CONTEND Earnestly For The Faith To contend with someone or something, is to strive with or maintain that which is being contended for. In a world of sin and unrighteousness, we are called to, “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3) While those around us try to destroy the faith or pay no allegiance to it, we must maintain and strive to keep that which has been entrusted to us. Paul while preaching from city to city, was said to have, “vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 18:28). Are you equipped to teach others that Jesus is the Christ, by going to the source of faith (Rom. 10:17)? Have you yourself trusted in Christ as the Son of God? A soldier in the Lord’s army is going to take a stand against all wrong that may create error in the cause of Christ. As all brethren are exhorted to put on the armor of God, we find that the reason is so that Christians can stand against the schemes of the devil (Eph 6:11). What was preached long ago, must be upheld and carefully obeyed. Paul penned, “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you-- unless you believed in vain” (I Cor. 15:1-2). We need to be prayerful for brethren that are “stationed” all over the world and are constantly under attack by the evil one. Every day the faith of an individual is challenged and it must be our goal to stand victorious when this life is over. If you are not sure you are a child of God, and would like to know more about salvation in Christ, please contact us and we would be happy to assist you. Don’t give up if you are a Christian, and be faithful even until death to receive a crown of life (Rev. 2:10). |
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