Are we all aware that we are at war?

[Brakelite]

"Our world is a war zone. We were born to a battlefield. Every moment, every square inch, every home, every frontal lobe is a territory under dispute. Each life is claimed by Satan as his because of our sins and counterclaimed by Christ because of His sacrifice for our sins." Ty Gibson.
What can I say...Thank You Jesus!
But are we all aware of how this warfare is being carried out and who the major players are?
"We wrestle not against flesh and blood".
Ephesians 6:12. While our "weapons of warfare are not carnal, but spiritual", 2 Cor. 10:4, we know that Satan does have agents working, maybe even unknowingly, on his behalf.
The question is, how are we to treat those agents of the enemy who are opposing the gospel? Because it is the gospel which is under attack. It is the gospel which saves. It is the gospel we are called to preach and deliver to all the world. What weapons are we to use against those enemies of truth?

 

[Prayer Warrior]

"Our world is a war zone. We were born to a battlefield. Every moment, every square inch, every home, every frontal lobe is a territory under dispute. Each life is claimed by Satan as his because of our sins and counterclaimed by Christ because of His sacrifice for our sins." Ty Gibson.
What can I say...Thank You Jesus!
But are we all aware of how this warfare is being carried out and who the major players are?
"We wrestle not against flesh and blood".
Ephesians 6:12. While our "weapons of warfare are not carnal, but spiritual", 2 Cor. 10:4, we know that Satan does have agents working, maybe even unknowingly, on his behalf.
The question is, how are we to treat those agents of the enemy who are opposing the gospel? Because it is the gospel which is under attack. It is the gospel which saves. It is the gospel we are called to preach and deliver to all the world. What weapons are we to use against those enemies of truth?

Jesus said to LOVE our enemies, and this would include His enemies—enemies of the truth. Those who fight against the gospel are the ones who need His love the most. Jesus showed us how. We are to follow His example.

 

[Brakelite]

Jesus said to LOVE our enemies, and this would include His enemies—enemies of the truth. Those who fight against the gospel are the ones who need His love the most. Jesus showed us how. We are to follow His example.

Thank you, and yes. How would we express that love? Would it be safe to say that they should be prime candidates to hear the gospel?

 

[Ziggy]

The question is, how are we to treat those agents of the enemy who are opposing the gospel? Because it is the gospel which is under attack. It is the gospel which saves. It is the gospel we are called to preach and deliver to all the world. What weapons are we to use against those enemies of truth?

Truth itself.

The only way to dispel darkness is to shed light on it.
Think of it this way...
Jesus is the Gospel. Jesus is under attack. Do we stand in the battle with him or fall away like those who ran when the danger was closing in?
Do we deny him? Do we seek to elevate ourselves and be equal with him? Do we betray him?

Jesus told his disciples that His kingdom was not of this world, meaning his generation. They did not fight, they ran.
Jesus tells us that His Kingdom is within us. And if we must fight for truth then bring me the armour of God and Stand strong.
Because our battle is not with flesh and blood and yet that rebellious spirit resides in people acting out against the truth.
Their spirits need to be exposed for the lies they hold in themselves.
They must come to the light or the Light will come to them.
Better to be willing than not.

I want to love them, I want to give them a cup of cold water. I want to hug them and tell them God loves them.
But they won't listen. They mock you. They abuse you. They will try to kill your spirit and put out your light.
This is a battle. This is Spiritual Warfare.
How did Jesus overcome the war?

He cast out the evil spirits and healed them, by shedding his grace and mercy and truth upon them.
These "remedies" are like medicine. And though it is nice to try to sugarcoat it, sometimes it can't help but taste offensive.

They must be confronted with the very truth they are trying to destroy.

Luk 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

2Ti 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
2Ti 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
2Ti 3:9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

AGAIN:

Luk 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Dark to Light...

Find the armour of God and clothe yourself, for the battle draws closer until the break of day.
There is a Light at the end of this tunnel.
Have faith..
It is drawing closer.
However, it is always darkest before the dawn.

Do not deny the power the Lord has given to expose the lies and lead them to the truth.
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!

Fight for them..
Because they can not fight for themselves. They are bound and captive.
Only the Truth can set them free.

Hugs

 

[marks]

Thank you, and yes. How would we express that love? Would it be safe to say that they should be prime candidates to hear the gospel?

The best way to express our love for others, I think, is to be fully submitted to God, and trusting Him implicitly for everything. So that we can be used by Him without being encumbered by anything else.

Much love!

 

[JohnDB]

How is this new news?

 

[Enoch111]

What weapons are we to use against those enemies of truth?

Truth is the weapon to be used against the enemies of truth. But since lies have prevailed, and are prevailing at present, truth has become inconsequential. When the last resort of citizens in any civilized country -- the courts -- resort to lies to overturn truth, then there is no recourse for Christians. When injustice prevails or justice, then there is no further recourse for Christians. That does not mean that divine intervention may not stop the liars in their tracks. Perhaps God will intervene so that Christians can carry on until the Lord comes for them.

However for those who are of the world there are several options: (1) armed resistance, (2) summary execution of all the top criminals in high office, or (3) secession from the corrupt Deep State system.

 

[amadeus]

"Our world is a war zone. We were born to a battlefield. Every moment, every square inch, every home, every frontal lobe is a territory under dispute. Each life is claimed by Satan as his because of our sins and counterclaimed by Christ because of His sacrifice for our sins." Ty Gibson.
What can I say...Thank You Jesus!
But are we all aware of how this warfare is being carried out and who the major players are?
"We wrestle not against flesh and blood".
Ephesians 6:12. While our "weapons of warfare are not carnal, but spiritual", 2 Cor. 10:4, we know that Satan does have agents working, maybe even unknowingly, on his behalf.
The question is, how are we to treat those agents of the enemy who are opposing the gospel? Because it is the gospel which is under attack. It is the gospel which saves. It is the gospel we are called to preach and deliver to all the world. What weapons are we to use against those enemies of truth?

Perhaps many people fight for control of those outer lands called by names like United Kingdom, Viet Nam, United States, France, etc. and some are seemingly ready to shed the red blood of people to accomplish it. Are those the right wars to fight? If we come to the mastery in such a war, what have we gained in the eyes of God? What is the cause or origin? What is the solution?

"From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?" James

Have each of us claiming to be a follower of Christ won the very last necessary battle for his own "me"? Are any of us able now to say absolutely without reservation or doubt along with Paul...

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" II Tim 4:7

What good will all of our best efforts in those outer wars do if we lose the one inside?

 

[Prayer Warrior]

Thank you, and yes. How would we express that love? Would it be safe to say that they should be prime candidates to hear the gospel?

Do as the Holy Spirit leads. I’ve been reading Acts, and Peter delivered 3 powerful gospel sermons in the first few chapters. The lost NEED to hear the gospel, and Jesus commissioned His followers to preach it. The Holy Spirit can show us how to deliver this message of ultimate love, and He will work in the hearts of those listening.

 

[Brakelite]

So it seems everyone is agreed that this is a spiritual warfare and the only recourse to Christians at this time is the gospel... Which in truth was always our only answer to the challenges the world present to ourselves and our neighbors. So. The gospel. We all know the gospel is centered around the good news of the redemption made on behalf of man through Christ's sacrifice on calvary.
I however have a question. The gospel during the time of the Apostles and early church was nuanced in a particular way in that it focused very much on the Resurrection. How is today's presentation of the gospel different? Should it be different?

 

[Brakelite]

I just realised what page I'm posting to. Current affairs and politics? Perhaps a moderator might like to transfer this topic to a more appropriate forum?

 

[Hidden In Him]

The gospel during the time of the Apostles and early church was nuanced in a particular way in that it focused very much on the Resurrection. How is today's presentation of the gospel different? Should it be different?

It's an interesting question. I think much of Protestantism has turned to more of a worldly gospel, where the Lord will reward you in this life for serving Him, i.e. you will be blessed with material blessings, a good marriage, healthy children, etc. I think it's a natural outgrowth of the enemy lulling us to sleep, and preaching a non-confrontational gospel that does not condemn sin. There is no persecution (at least in the West), so most do not NEED to think about the next life. Their lives in this world can remain their focus because all is still well.

But I don't think it will stay that way for much longer.

 

[Hidden In Him]

The best way to express our love for others, I think, is to be fully submitted to God, and trusting Him implicitly for everything. So that we can be used by Him without being encumbered by anything else.

Much love!

This is an excellent answer to the question. Each situation may call for a different response, which is why being led by the Spirit is so important. Rather than a formula (which we're all naturally given to falling into if we are not careful), we need to follow the Spirit's leading.

 

[Prayer Warrior]

So it seems everyone is agreed that this is a spiritual warfare and the only recourse to Christians at this time is the gospel... Which in truth was always our only answer to the challenges the world present to ourselves and our neighbors. So. The gospel. We all know the gospel is centered around the good news of the redemption made on behalf of man through Christ's sacrifice on calvary.
I however have a question. The gospel during the time of the Apostles and early church was nuanced in a particular way in that it focused very much on the Resurrection. How is today's presentation of the gospel different? Should it be different?

I didn’t say that preaching the gospel is our only recourse. We are to pray and intercede. We are to expose the unfruitful deeds of darkness. We are to fight the good fight of faith. We are to give to those in need. We are to love one another as Christ loves us so that the world knows that we are His, and we are to love our enemies so that they can see His love in action.

The bottom line is that we are to live and do as the Holy Spirit leads in ALL the things that we are called to do. We are to “preach the gospel” in every way possible and never lose the eternal perspective—that this life is but a speck on the timeline of eternity. It will soon be over, and all we net are the things we did for Christ...or the things HE did through us, because apart from Him we can do nothing.

 

[Brakelite]

I didn’t say that preaching the gospel is our only recourse. We are to pray and intercede. We are to expose the unfruitful deeds of darkness. We are to fight the good fight of faith. We are to give to those in need. We are to love one another as Christ loves us so that the world knows that we are His, and we are to love our enemies so that they can see His love in action.

The bottom line is that we are to live and do as the Holy Spirit leads in ALL the things that we are called to do. We are to “preach the gospel” in every way possible and never lose the eternal perspective—that this life is but a speck on the timeline of eternity. It will soon be over, and all we net are the things we did for Christ...or the things HE did through us, because apart from Him we can do nothing.

You may not have noticed that I didn't say "preach" the gospel. I think we have to live the gospel, and what you added to preaching is part and parcel of the gospel. So the gospel, which includes prayer, visiting the sick and those in prison, feeding the hungry etc etc is the gospel you think?
Edit...I did say preach in my first post didn't I. However, in the context of dealing with the way the world is heading and where we are in relation to the times in which we live, how has the gospel changed, if at all. Should it change? Or as I asked above, is it nuanced differently because of circumstances. The politics and social conditions weren't the only things different during the time of the Apostles. The enemies of the church were different too. What about the time of the reformation? Surely the gospel was nuanced differently to suit the times and circumstance? So. What about today?

 

[marks]

This is an excellent answer to the question. Each situation may call for a different response, which is why being led by the Spirit is so important. Rather than a formula (which we're all naturally given to falling into if we are not careful), we need to follow the Spirit's leading.

I've come to the point not only do I feel foolish trying to tell God about circumstances, I'm foolish to try to tell God about myself! Yep, I just try to shut up and follow His lead!

Much love!

 

[Prayer Warrior]

You may not have noticed that I didn't say "preach" the gospel. I think we have to live the gospel, and what you added to preaching is part and parcel of the gospel. So the gospel, which includes prayer, visiting the sick and those in prison, feeding the hungry etc etc is the gospel you think?
Edit...I did say preach in my first post didn't I. However, in the context of dealing with the way the world is heading and where we are in relation to the times in which we live, how has the gospel changed, if at all. Should it change? Or as I asked above, is it nuanced differently because of circumstances. The politics and social conditions weren't the only things different during the time of the Apostles. The enemies of the church were different too. What about the time of the reformation? Surely the gospel was nuanced differently to suit the times and circumstance? So. What about today?

The world has “progressed” technologically, but man has not progressed beyond his fallen state, that is, apart from salvation in Jesus Christ. So, the basic gospel message cannot change, or it would be a different gospel. God used the words of Jesus in the gospel of Matthew to bring me to salvation. Nothing was “nuanced differently” for me. As Paul said, and as I experienced, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:17)

When my husband died 6 years ago, the Holy Spirit laid it on my heart to preach the gospel at his memorial service. I explained to the crowd about the OT sacrificial system that offered temporary forgiveness for sins. Then I told them that Jesus was the Lamb of God who served as the sacrifice for sin one for all. I was amazed at how the people listened. My husband's death set the stage for their ears to be wide open and their hearts to be receptive. My husband was a very strong, healthy man, but died of a heart attack. This got some people thinking about death and eternity. I left a stack of giveaway Bibles in the back of the chapel; several were taken....

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the Holy Spirit knows specifically how each person needs to hear the gospel presented. He is the One who convicts the sinner and works in his heart to lead him to Christ. We are but messengers and vessels through whom He works.

 

[Brakelite]

I've come to the point not only do I feel foolish trying to tell God about circumstances, I'm foolish to try to tell God about myself! Yep, I just try to shut up and follow His lead!

Much love!

I can dig that bro.

 

[Brakelite]

So, the basic gospel message cannot change, or it would be a different gospel.

Agreed. The fundamental truths of redemption... Salvation by grace through faith... Will never change.

Nothing was “nuanced differently” for me. As Paul said, and as I experienced, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:17)

When I came to Christ at age 23 I had never read a Bible, but merely heard scriptures spoken of by priests in the Catholic Church I was raised in, but never knew that the book they were writing was in fact a Bible... And sometimes it wasn't. I came to Jesus in response to one question from a friend... Do you think the life you're living would meet with God's approval?

When my husband died 6 years ago, the Holy Spirit laid it on my heart to preach the gospel at his memorial service. I explained to the crowd about the OT sacrificial system that offered temporary forgiveness for sins. Then I told them that Jesus was the Lamb of God who served as the sacrifice for sin one for all. I was amazed at how the people listened. My husband's death set the stage for their ears to be wide open and their hearts to be receptive. My husband was a very strong, healthy man, but died of a heart attack. This got some people thinking about death and eternity. I left a stack of giveaway Bibles in the back of the chapel; several were taken....

My son in law did the same when our grandson died at 3 months.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the Holy Spirit knows specifically how each person needs to hear the gospel presented. He is the One who convicts the sinner and works in his heart to lead him to Christ. We are but messengers and vessels through whom He works.

And yet the times we are living in are barely different to the times in which Paul lived in. We are living on the cusp of eternity. This world is rapidly coming to an end, and Christ is coming. The gospel in the time of the Apostles was nuanced by the times and the circumstances... Roman occupation... Caesar worship... Jewish tradition and temple service... The Resurrection... The church a new entity.
Today, the church has been around for 2000 years. During that time there have been dramatic and permanent events that have radically changed the whole vista of Christianity. Today we have the fruits of those events rapidly coming to an climax with the second coming taking God's people home, and the destruction of His enemies. While the gospel basics do not change... It is still salvation by grace through faith... Are there nuances to our message that reflects the current circumstances and the times in which we live? And if so, what are they?

 

[quietthinker]

Truth itself.

The only way to dispel darkness is to shed light on it.
Think of it this way...
Jesus is the Gospel. Jesus is under attack. Do we stand in the battle with him or fall away like those who ran when the danger was closing in?
Do we deny him? Do we seek to elevate ourselves and be equal with him? Do we betray him?

Jesus told his disciples that His kingdom was not of this world, meaning his generation. They did not fight, they ran.
Jesus tells us that His Kingdom is within us. And if we must fight for truth then bring me the armour of God and Stand strong.
Because our battle is not with flesh and blood and yet that rebellious spirit resides in people acting out against the truth.
Their spirits need to be exposed for the lies they hold in themselves.
They must come to the light or the Light will come to them.
Better to be willing than not.

I want to love them, I want to give them a cup of cold water. I want to hug them and tell them God loves them.
But they won't listen. They mock you. They abuse you. They will try to kill your spirit and put out your light.
This is a battle. This is Spiritual Warfare.
How did Jesus overcome the war?

He cast out the evil spirits and healed them, by shedding his grace and mercy and truth upon them.
These "remedies" are like medicine. And though it is nice to try to sugarcoat it, sometimes it can't help but taste offensive.

They must be confronted with the very truth they are trying to destroy.

Luk 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

2Ti 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
2Ti 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
2Ti 3:9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

AGAIN:

Luk 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Dark to Light...

Find the armour of God and clothe yourself, for the battle draws closer until the break of day.
There is a Light at the end of this tunnel.
Have faith..
It is drawing closer.
However, it is always darkest before the dawn.

Do not deny the power the Lord has given to expose the lies and lead them to the truth.
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!

Fight for them..
Because they can not fight for themselves. They are bound and captive.
Only the Truth can set them free.

Hugs

Lota words here Ziggy..... You quoted '2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection,....' What do you think that means?