Monday, March 26, 2007


Frontline


In the SBCV’s Basic Training for us Church Planters, we were told that after the training we’ll be on the frontlines when it comes to the spiritual warfare. The adventurer in me thought it cool about the idea of being upfront of the action. I know that God has already won the war in the form of Jesus Christ on the cross when He paid the sin price for me and all mankind. That day, Satan lost the war and was given the death blow (Genesis 3:15b - He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.) He’s walking around wounded. The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” According to animal experts, when a lion roars while he’s walking or prowling means he’s hurt. The most dangerous animals are the hurt ones. The good part of this is that you can hear a roaring lion coming so you can be ready with the armor God has given you when you accepted Christ as Savior and Lord.

The armor we’re given is mainly for protection; mostly defensive. The only offensive piece of the armor is the “Sword of the Lord” which is the Word of God (the Bible). When on the frontlines of the battles we find ourselves, we must hold high the shield of faith. The frontline is where the arrows of the enemy hit first. The shield is designed “to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one [Satan].” The flaming arrows are the temptations of Satan. You know the thoughts that creep up to stop serving God or to follow your own agenda instead God’s agenda for your life. These thoughts can enter your thoughts very smoothly. That’s why in 1 Peter, we’re told to be watchful.
Satan wants to destroy you. God has given us power in His Son. The power we have is found in the His Word. The only offensive weapon we can use against Satan is scripture. Like any soldier or warrior it takes time to learn to use the equipment we’ve been issued. Learning the Bible is the same. You need to spend time in it, to learn to use it to have a fulfilled life in serving Jesus Christ. When Satan attacks you with fear or doubt, hold up your shield to block the arrows and swing your sword back at him with 2 Timothy 1:7 (For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.). Jesus tells us that if we resist the devil, he will run from us. He runs because we quote the Word of God. Satan has no power over us. The only power he has is what we give him. Keep your eyes on The One (Christ) who saved you, and everything will work out for His good.

When you’re on the frontlines, be watchful and keep your armor on. Remember the power we have in Christ Jesus. No force on heaven or on earth can defeat the God we belong to. The war is over, and we have won because we belong to the Victor.

Thanks for reading. Until next time, grow where God has planted you.

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