Christian Living

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The best form of defence is still attack, and it’s time for Christians to attack. For too long satan has had all his own way. As for his tactics, nothing has changed since John said: “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19)

The difference between then and now is that John, Paul and the other apostles attacked satan. They were out there in the front line, not sitting in the temple. They were doing the ministry of Jesus publicly as He instructed them to do—preaching the gospel, healing the sick, and even raising the dead ! It was bold, aggressive, inspiring stuff.

Thank God for exceptions, but mostly Christians huddle in the safety of the church and say “Oh, isn’t it awful out there,” doing no more than pray, which is only part of what’s required.

Instead of the church being a gospel-proclaiming army moving out against the powers of darkness it is an “underground concrete bunker” to shelter in.

We have all of God’s equipment to be an effective, winning spiritual fighting force. It’s all listed in Ephesians 6:10-18. The armour of faith. Paul tells us to put it on to fend off the enemy, and to attack with the sword of the spirit which is God’s Word. Three times in those verses Paul tells believers to “stand.” He wasn’t referring to standing up for the opening hymn.

The Bible says: “and he [Jesus] cast out the spirits with His word” (Matthew 8:16) which will happen for believers today who are full of the Holy Spirit. Of course if we never confront any spirits we aren’t going to cast them out !

As for fear—banish it. Read 2 Timothy 1:7 and memorize it. All the power of God is backing us. Those with a Bible on the computer, do a search on “power.” Mine returned 228 hits. That power of God is supporting us when we venture forth in the name of Jesus.

When little David fought giant Goliath he didn’t go to the battle in his own strength, (he didn’t have much) but in God’s. David knew all that power of God was behind him as he walked toward the giant. He had faith, and better still he acted upon it.

Very few understand the significance of David and Goliath today because so few are on the attack. When are ministers and pastors going to put faith into action and move out beyond the church walls into the battlefield against satan?

Why is the church today a permanent rest and recreation area—with activities that will never bother satan; picnics, barbeques, dinners, breakfasts, conferences, seminars? Where are such “programs” to be found in the Bible? To describe most churches as “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” would not be far from the truth.

We have become people who read about the spiritual weapons in Ephesians, admire them, polish them, maybe even sing about them, but never use them outside the church in battle against the evil one.

It’s time to march on satan’s territory —which is most of this world—and with God’s help win it back!

[I'm not in "Private Messenger" so can't reply to your emails. I live outside the US and won't send money online. You can reach me at [email protected]

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