In his letter to Christians at Ephesus, Paul exhorted. . .
“(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.” (Ephesians 6:10-12 ESV)
As it was so in the first century of the church, the battle continues even today. As the Gospel (good news) of Jesus is shared throughout the world in various places and within different settings, the devil and his forces continue to work against it. There are anti-social elements at work in societies around the world which strive to undermine the truth of God and restrict or stop the sharing of it. There are philosophies pushed and adopted which are counter to the moral standard of God’s Word which is called outdated by those who push those agendas. Unrest even arises among brothers and sisters within congregations which if left unresolved creates division and detracts from the mission of reaching the world with the saving message of Jesus.
In all of this, we need to remember the true enemy is not one another, but the devil and his forces behind every effort to thwart the drawing in of souls into God’s kingdom. However, let us also remember there are the spiritual forces of God at work on our behalf as well as we keep in mind there continue to be souls responsive to the truth of God’s Word and the transformation made possible in Christ Jesus. Therefore, let us never give up on sowing the seed of God’s Word (Matthew 13:1-8 & 18-23) wherever we might be as we go through life. Even in countries which seem to stand opposed to Christianity, I see reports of souls still responding by the hundreds. The work is not easy for those carrying it out, but by the strength of the Lord and the power of His Word it continues. I am also greatly encouraged as I witness God’s Word convicting the lives of incarcerated individuals I have been blessed with the opportunity to share lessons with in both a County and a State facility where even there anti-Christian powers are at work.
The truth is the truth. Let us build our life on the foundation of it. Let us stand firmly in it. Let us continue living it and sharing it. Let us “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” while remembering “he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) There are souls around us who will respond even from moments and places which may surprise us. May we therefore continue to press on faithfully in the strength of the Lord!
Have a great day TRUSTING GOD FOR THE VICTORY HE BRINGS!
Carl
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(“teEn-MAIL” is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area.)
