By Jim Miller
Gray, Maine
Many are not going to agree with what I write here today but, I believe it needs to be said and taught more today and maybe more than ever before. This will not apply to all who read it and those it does apply to will take offense. Yet, it must be said and should be taught by everyone who calls themselves a Christian.
Denominational error, Islamic terrorism, false teachings of all kinds are so rampant today because those who put forth these doctrines act on their beliefs. They do not care what others think of them and are willing in some cases to die and to kill for what they believe even though it is wrong.
Christians often wonder how has all this trouble in the world come to pass? I believe it is because we are not following the words recorded by James….
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. (Jas 1:22-24)
Stop and think for just a moment, over the years we as Christians have forgotten how to fight the good fight. Too many have become spineless and weak because the marching orders of God have been set aside for soft teaching claiming a false humility as an excuse to not put forth all our effort into truly saving souls from hell. To be meek doesn't mean to be weak and to be humble doesn't mean to be submissive to error. God has always wanted his people to be strong and bold in His word. Do we really believe the words "if God is for us who can be against us" or have we just allowed that to become just another platitude?
Since the beginning there has been a raging battle between good and evil. Simply open your Bible look at the Old Testament to start with, when men of God went into battle for the lands God promised they were instructed to lay waste to the cities to destroy all leave nothing unspoiled. In the New Testament the very men Christ chose were willing to die to see that the truth was spread throughout the world. Stephen was stoned while Saul held the coats of those who killed him.
The battle today is no different in that we are to fight a spiritual battle for the hearts and souls of men and that can't be done sitting in a pew. It is also becoming a physical battle as there are still those who want to kill Christians int the name of a false god and religion.
Islamist are willing to die and murder for their false god anyone who will not comply with their religious belief is an infidel and not worthy of living. I am not saying we are to murder others because they will not comply with God's word but we can't sit by and not fight even if it means we must kill or be killed by these ungodly people. We as Christians must be truly united as God would have us be. We must be willing to inter the fray and truly fight for what is right.
Today we have to fight on two different fronts one the spiritual the other physical. When I read in the book of Luke how the Lord spoke to Peter before going to the mount of Olives to pray it seems clear to me that He wanted the apostles to understand that it is not just a spiritual battle, for why else would they take swords? Christ knew also knew that Peter would deny Him just as I think many today would do though we might not admit it.
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. 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. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. (Luk 22:31-38)
I doubt anyone reading this would allow their family to be murdered or or stand by and allow someone to kill them without putting up some kind of fight. It is the same with the spiritual battle but many, far too many are not fighting that battle for fear of being called names or bring attacked for their belief. Yet again all we must do is look at the example of the apostles.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. (Act 4:13-20)
Now turn to chapter 5 and read……. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. (Act 5:26-29)
What do we see these men do next? And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. Act 5:40-42
Friends we MUST pick up our swords and go boldly into the battle. I want you to think about how many more souls could be saved physically and spiritually if we put forth our full effort as those who preach and teach false doctrine. You have to ask yourself are you really willing to die for the cause of Christ? I ask this because today we face not just a battle for souls but for life itself.
Each and every Christian today has to choose whether they are going to cower in the corner or if they are going to follow the examples of the apostles. Are we going to give up and fall into apostasy or are we going to fight for God's truth?
As for me and my house we will serve the Lord…………
