02/08/17 UNDER ATTACK

02/08/17 UNDER ATTACK
The Body of Christ (the Church), is at war with the forces of darkness. This is not a new thing, but we are at a higher level of intensity in the western world than we have been in the past. And this is reasonable, since the Bible foretells a world that is out of control in the end times (2 Tm. 3:1-17).

GOVERNMENT IS GOD'S PROVISION
If we are at war, then what are the weapons of our warfare? God has provided various lines of support for those who face oppression and persecution (Ro. 13:3-4).
* A society shaped by Christian principles.
* A society that practices its jurisprudence and law enforcement based on Judeo/Christian heritage.
* A society that allows Christian legal defense.

These are secondary responses, which will work for a while, as it did for Paul. But as society deteriorates, these lines of defense will erode and fail. Depending on, "horses and chariots," and, "the arm of flesh" is not our primary response to persecution (Ps. 20:7).

OBEY GOD
The definitive Biblical response to oppression and persecution is, "Obey God." It is good when these other lines succeed in protecting believers. Persecution and oppression are going to come, regardless of the preventative measures we take. Godly living is going to face worldly opposition. These collateral methods have a modicum of success, but the most Biblical response, when being pressured to follow a false God is, "obey God," (Ac. 5:29).

Sin and corruption in America has been destroying our walls of protection, leaving believers with our primary response as our response of last resort; OBEY GOD. It will be costly, but it is the most Christian response. As long as we can benefit from other acceptable lines of protection, that is good, but personal faithfulness in the face of opposition is the requirement of God (2 Co. 10:4).

POWER IN UNITY
It is important to have a church and pastoral leadership that will help you know what God requires and support you in the times ahead. We need the fellowship of believers; our children and grandchildren need to see and hear people with Biblical courage and faith. The Scripture tells us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, especially in the persecution (He. 10:25).

PASSAGES...

2 Timothy 3:1-17

(1)  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

(2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

(3)  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

(4)  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

(5)  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

(6)  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

(7)  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

(8)  Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

(9)  But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

(10)  But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

(11)  Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

(12)  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

(13)  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

(14)  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

(15)  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

(16)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

(17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Romans 13:3-4

(3)  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

(4)  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Psalms 20:7

(7)  Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Acts 5:29

(29)  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5

(4)  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

(5)  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Hebrews 10:25

(25)  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.