Revolutionary Leaders

War! What Is It Good For?

This past Wednesday evening our President addressed the nation concerning the war in Iraq. He clearly stated that it is not our intent to walk away from this battle leaving chaos and instability. He admitted that there will be continued attacks on US troops. He told us that we could expect more suicide bombers. He said that the year ahead will be bloody and violent. The deadly acts of violence will continue and Americans must expect more Iraqi and U.S. casualties.

Today, I believe that God wants us to realize that the spiritual war, the battle we are engaged in as Christians, is intensifying as well. As we get closer and closer to the end of this age, our enemy is turning up the heat on the church and all believers. We see it in the media, in politics, in false religions, in medicine and science.

Jesus warns his disciples in Matthew 24 about the end of the world and his unexpected return.

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: if the owner of the house has known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you must also be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him" (Matthew 24:42-44).

Paul also warned the Roman church…
"The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature" (Rom. 13:12-14).

As strongly as I believe that today is the day of salvation for those who don't know Christ, I believe that today is a day of war for the church!

As Peter told us, our "enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). He's breaking into our homes, our relationships, and our church. He's killing, stealing, and destroying the very things that we need to be fighting for.

It's time for war!