Are You Ready for the Battle?

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A Christian thought to ponder...

In America's culture, Christians have had it pretty easy, as compared to Christians living in China, Nigeria, or some other red-flagged country where hostility and persecution towards Christians is a common occurrence. There are 52 countries where the Bible is illegal to have in possession or you are severely persecuted for having it in your possession. https://lovepackages.org/bibles-dangerous-illegal-covert/  Most of these countries are located in Africa and in the Middle East. There are no countries in the West that forbid or punish people with Bibles.

But since the onset of COVID-19, Christians in the West have had their religious liberties under attack by the far left's progressive Marxist ideology and agenda. Christians in Finland, Australia, Canada, and Britain are being arrested for sharing their faith or for just opening their doors to their congregation. Christians are being punished or arrested for what the left deems "hate speech." It is the left's way to silence, censor and control anyone that has an opposite political position or goes against their agenda. For example, in Finland, Päivi Räsänen, a Lutheran politician was indicted for hate speech when she boldly proclaimed the Truth in her speech  and it was deemed discriminatory towards the LGBT community. https://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/finland-persecutes-christian-lawmaker-paivi-rasanen/

A great battle is coming my Christian friends. The battle has arrived at your door. A battle that many of us were unprepared for as the enemy has a foothold in the media, in companies, in our youth, and in our politics. Many Christians have fallen asleep or drifted away and don't see the red flag warning signs that Jesus foretold. The current woke and cancel cultural stance towards Christians in the West is just the beginning. Jesus warned us of these things to come in Matthew 24:3-14

Signs of the End of the Age

3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

The signs of the end of the age are unfolding before our very eyes. The enemy is at work un-leashing his wicked and evil plan to destroy God's chosen people. We are his target. The bullseye is upon our backs. Are you ready to fight, dodge, and thwart those fiery darts the enemy has aimed at you? Are you geared up with the full armor of God? Are you ready for battle? We are told in Ephesians 6:10-20 how to prepare for the spiritual battle with the enemy. 

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

As it states in verses 18-20, we are to be constant in prayer, in the Word daily, and to be watchful. We need to stand firm in our faith and be strong and courageous. Just as Paul spoke the Truth boldly, we all need to share the Truth boldly as we are all ambassadors for Christ. Our bold words and work for the Lord will not be in vain, for somewhere a seed has been planted. We may not know which seed, but God does and He will help it thrive and grow.

Therefore since we know not what seed will sprout, we must stand strong, take courage, and be at peace even when the whole world tells you that they hate you because you are Christian. Be at peace because we know that Christ was victorious at the cross.  Be at peace because we know the end of the story.  Our redeemer is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. His Truth sets us free, not the world's truth and not the enemy's truth. Stand strong. Stand united. Be ready for battle with the whole armor of God.

Heavenly Father,

You are all powerful, faithful and true. Thank you for equipping us for battle. During these uncertain times, help us to remain steadfast in our faith, and to be strong and courageous. Help us to speak the Truth boldly to others, to have no fear and to trust completely in You. 

In Jesus' name. 

Amen. 

Pray you all have a blessed week!

Carol