They know that when he gives his word he will keep it, and that he never gives an inch after he makes up his mind.”
–Charles A. Seltzer (West)
“But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.”
–1 John 2:5 (NLT)
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There was another Islamic jihadist attack in New York, and yet there are those, especially on the left that will continue to spout that we are not in a war. Remember when the previous President said that there is not a “War on Terror” but it is an “Overseas Contingency Operation”? I have often ponder since that time the question: How is a nonwar executed?
One of the biggest problems I see is that pastors are doing the same thing with spiritual warfare. Many Christians today do not realize that they are involved in an all-out, full-fledged war. This warfare is not passive, in fact, it is becoming more and more intense and will continue to do so until the return of the Lord. Christians do not take this warfare seriously.
I have been writing on my “Battle Grounds” on Facebook scriptures regarding this warfare. Peter, Paul, John and even Jude give warnings to believers about this war that is taking place. Paul writes, “Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1, HCSB) Scripture declares the following of Satan’s activities: beguiles, seduces, opposes, resists, deceives, sows terror, hinders, buffets, tempts, persecutes, blasphemes, and more. He is the master when it comes to human subversion because he is the ultimate manipulator.
Satan is described as a serpent, bird, wolf, lion, and dragon. However, 40% of those saying they are born-again Christians say Satan is only a symbol of evil. No, he is evil, and he is a being, a spiritual-being. I think far too many smile when they read Job 2:2 and they see Satan before God and God asks where he has come from and Satan replies, “From roaming through the earth …“and walking around on it.” This verse should actually make us shudder for he is looking for those whom he may devour.
Ponder the following:
“Men think of the world not as a battleground, but as a playground.” –A.W. Tozer
“True Christianity is a struggle, a fight and a warfare.” –J.C. Ryle
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November 2, 1893, marks the death of Daniel Payne. If he were to be described the following would have to be said of him, he lived a “lifetime of tireless service, a vivid example of faith, hard work, and commitment.” Daniel Payne once stated, “When God has a work to be executed, he also chooses the man to execute it.” His life-long work: improve the lot of black Americans, spiritually and mentally.
Daniel Payne was born in Charleston, SC in 1811 as a free black. He worked hard for an education and after the Nat Turner Revolt South Carolina restricted the teaching of blacks, so he left to study at a seminary in Pennsylvania. While there he joined the African Methodist Episcopal church. Later the AME joined with white Methodists to found Wilberforce University in Ohio and eventually he became its president, the first black college president in America.
Following the Civil War the freedmen in the South needed guidance for they were now free but without guidance. Previously all of their life decisions had been made for them. Payne led a band of missionaries to the South to raise the spiritual condition of the now freedmen, thus establishing the AME church in the South. (taken from The Christian History)