2 Corinthians 10:3,4 "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)"
2 Timothy 2 "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."
1 Timothy 6:12 "Fight the good fight of faith"
2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought a good fight"
However,when it comes to our weaponry there's all sorts of bickering and arguing over the only offensive weapon we've been given.When looked at in the context of war the arguments sound irrational...'well folks centuries ago couldn't properly wield one...' 'Most folks didn't have one,they were too expensive'...'by what authority do you wield that sword?'...and so on.The enemy of our souls and his cohorts must sit atop the gates of hell busting a gut laughing at all those soldiers that either have no sword or are holding it by the wrong end whilst trying to headbutt the door down without a helmet on.(because that helmet is a 'sin of presumtion')
Ephesians 6:11-13 "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand"
Ephesians 6:17 "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God"
1 Corinthians 9:26 "...so fight I, not as one that beateth the air"
So not only do these arguments tend towards dissarming believers they also leave us in our "troubled and concerned about many things" state because they try to blunt that "two edged sword" which is a "discerner of the thoughts and intents of our heart".That same heart that is "desperately wicked and deceitful above all things".
In the end,the gates of hell will sit there and stare at you unless you take up that sword and they may well squash you flat when they do fall for good.
I recently posted an article, encouraging all Christians to come to the forum, bring a friend, see what were agree on, and thank, praise, speak of love to God. Few managed to see the point.
Whatever the future brings, it is my guess that the enemies of the Judeo-Christian tradition upon which this great nation was based will do their level best to try to destroy us all. How important will our differences be then? Or will we unite in one cry to God, begging for His Mercy?
May God bless us all and give us each the grace to fulfill our destinies; face our enemies with courage and forgiveness AS DID JESUS HIMSELF, and countless others after Him- and perseverence to the end!
You make excellent points. BTTT
I had intended to reply sooner, but allowed tabs to be spread from my desktop to somewhere near Kansas, making those near the ends of the row a bit difficult for me to find again.
Ok, so I exaggerate (a little). It's only a few hundred 'tabs' (usually, at any one time) and they don't stretch to Kansas. It just seems that way. ;^`)