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As we are living in the last days and it is inevitable that all the nations will eventually go to war, what should be the Christian's position? We are all soldiers in God's Army, let us remember. Yet, some of you who may be reading this may also be soldiers in the physical army of a country as well. Whatever category you fit into, here is Wisdom from God's Word to help us all stand victoriously and in a manner well pleasing to our Heavenly Father in these evil days. Spiritual discipline is necessary to wage the spiritual warfare successfully. 2Timothy 2:4 says, No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. First, we must realize that we are spiritual soldiers, always engaged in an invisible but nonetheless real war against the Devil and his cohorts. Ours is really, first and foremost a spiritual battle . We are not called to cower in fear or confusion but are called to "active duty", if you will. Active duty in the spiritual realm, that is. Especially to seek God in prayer and intercession more than ever in times of crisis. 2 Cor 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (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 exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; The Lord teaches us in the book of Ephesians that, "... we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Our spiritual weaponry and armor must be employed at all times as spiritual vigilance must be kept up. Eph
6:10-18 states: Finally,
my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 1Ti
2:1 I exhort therefore,
that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and
giving of thanks, be made for all men; Where then is the Biblical balance to found? Can we have a truly united heart filled with peace and gratitude and optimism, while interceding even for our enemies and grieving with those who grieve? Can we be peaceable while hating and denouncing evil? * If we are ever uncertain or confused as to what stand we ought to take in any situation, whether we are to just pray about it or pray and be very vocal also about it at any given point in time etc., let us do like Queen Esther and her fellow Jews did under the terrible threat of extermination. Let us seek God's mind on the matter and seek His blessing. Let us first fast and pray when under great crisis and uncertainty and God will intervene and direct us and bless us as well as the counsel we give to others who are in great consternation. * The Holy Spirit will lead His own when they look to His guidance in all these things so that the most glory will be gained for our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ through our godly lives. We are called to be peacemakers.We are called to avoid conflict as much as possible. Matthew
5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be
called the children of God. We are called to consult God and not just men and women who claim to speak for God but don't hold to Biblical truth as their guide. Proverbs
20:18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with
good advice make war. When leaders are close with the Living God and wish to truly please him and not just satisfy their own agenda, then He will guide them into the right path and decisions that are pure in the eyes of the Most High. Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. The purpose of this article is not to pass judgment on the government of the United States or any other government, but to make Biblical Truth available so that those who are honest and God-fearing may make the right, God-honoring choices. Some choices have been made already, yes.God is yet merciful and patient and there is a space of time to repent if wrong decisions have been made. (Again, this article is not about pro-government or anti-government per se.) The Bible does instruct us to obey the Law and our leaders when they don't ask us to violate God's principles. Rom
13:1-7: Tit 3:1-9: Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 1Pe
2:17-18: The Bible also says not to pass judgement before we hear (or know) all the details of a matter. Pro 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. We must be patient and pray to our God for wisdom.We are to love our enemies even if there is a physical battle against them. This calls for intercession for them and that they will repent upon hearing of God's warnings and His salvation plan. Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Ultimately, the source of our comfort is that God is in control and that He is hearing the cries of the righteous. God has set limits for the waters not to overflow the boundaries set for them. He has similarly set limits for the nations of the earth as to how far they can go with their plans. Our speech must be seasoned with salt. Everyone likes give their piece of mind about the headlines of the day and can be in a real state of agitation. Not the Christian.We have access to Peace that prevails over any circumstance and condition. We are not to be boisterous but prayerful and filled with the Holy Spirit of wisdom and love when we speak out especially against any move of the government, if and when it is warranted by the Scriptures. Col 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Our main course of action during wartime however, is believing, prayer that God will soon bring peace and prevent unnecessary bloodshed. Also, that false peace would not sweep us nor others into a united brotherhood without Jesus Christ. Fear will make us do what is unwise many times. We must not fear but trust God Who is with us at all times. He is our Rock and our Strong Defense. Our lives are in His Hands and He will never let us down when we trust in Him. Remember and claim these promises: 2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Psalms
56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. Let us use these opportunities of world crises to prepare ourselves for Judgement Day and help others to do the same as the Lord's return draws nigh. Matthew 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. [But it is fast approaching!] Mar 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. May the Lord direct you as you inquire diligently of Him as to what you are to do whether you are soldier in the physical army of your country or a civilian. Especially, may you obey the Lord as a Christian "soldier" in His Army. Don't be concerned too much about the, "what-ifs." He has a definite plan for you to follow during wartime that will make you shine for Him. Submit to His instructions in the Word.You will have confidence and peace in your heart and He can then use you to bring others to Him. Yes, Jesus will grant you His Saving Grace and the Deep, Abiding Peace that was purchased with Jesus' Blood for all who will embrace Him as their Lord and Savior during such trying and restless times. Maranatha! © 2012 Pastor Pradeep Emmanuel Stephen[Permission is granted to duplicate this article in its entirety, but only without additions, alterations or omissions of any kind, including the author and ministry name at the end.]
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