6 spiritual strategies for a spiritual war

6 spiritual strategies for a spiritual war - Greg Laurie - http://www.wnd.com/2017/03/6-spiritual-strategies-for-a-spiritual-war/

 

Greg Laurie has encouragement for believers living through last days

 

I think we all would agree that the church is under attack in every way imaginable right now, both literally and figuratively. The church is under attack around the world as Christians are being slaughtered because they are followers of Jesus Christ.

 

Then we look at our own country and see persecution getting stronger here as well. This is a sign of the times. The Bible tells us that persecution is one of the signs we should look for to alert us to the fact that Jesus Christ is coming back again. In Matthew 24 Jesus said, "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me" (verse 9 NIV).

 

Every Christian will face persecution in some way, shape, or form. It may show itself physically, but it also can show itself verbally. People have laughed at Christians. They have mocked Christians. They have ostracized Christians. They have terminated Christians from their jobs. They have ridiculed Christians in classrooms. If you're a Christian and that has happened to you, here is what I want to say to you: Congratulations. Jesus said, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:11-12 NIV). Rejoice. This is a badge of honor. The Bible tells us, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12 NIV).

 

That is a promise we Christians rarely claim. We love to claim a lot of other promises for provision and blessing and protection. But who wants to be persecuted? Yet who does it happen to? Those who live godly lives.

 

Ultimately, this is a bigger than traditional values, cultural values, or even Western civilization. As Christians we stand on what the Bible says. This is the Word of God, and we believe it. At Harvest Christian Fellowship, we sing these lyrics by the Newsboys in our worship services: "We believe in God the Father, we believe in Jesus Christ, we believe in the Holy Spirit, and He's given us new life. We believe in the crucifixion, we believe that He conquered death. We believe in the Resurrection, and He's coming back again. We believe."

 

The things that are happening in our culture today might be frightening at times. But consider this. Just as it seems things are coming apart, in another way they are coming together. Bible prophesies are being fulfilled before our very eyes. So what should we do in light of all that is happening? I have a few thoughts.

 

First, don't panic. God is still on the throne. The fact is the church often thrives when it is in sharp contrast to the cultures around it. Think about what the first-century church faced. They were living in the most pagan culture imaginable. They could not go out and vote for who the next Caesar would be. It is not as though they could live their lives openly as followers of Jesus. They were persecuted. They were hunted down. They lived in the backdrop of cultures like Athens, Corinth and others that worshiped false gods. Immorality was rampant. Yet in relatively short order, the church turned their world upside down. How did they accomplish this? It wasn't through protests, boycotts, or marches. The first-century Christians outlived, outloved, outprayed and outgave the nonbelievers.

 

Second, we need to remember that Romans 8:28 is still in the Bible: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (NIV). In God's sovereign will, he works together for our good and his glory. Joseph said to his brothers who betrayed him, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20 NIV). Psalm 119:91 says, "Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you" (NIV). God is in control.

 

Third, we need to show this culture what a Christian marriage looks like. Marriage is a big deal to God. Of all of the pictures, of all the illustrations he could have chosen to illustrate his love for the church and his church's love for him, he chose marriage. He says, in effect, "Look at how that Christian husband loves his wife. That is how I love the church. Watch that guy. You see that Christian woman, the way she loves her husband and respects him? That is how my church loves Me." A Christian marriage should be a testimony and an example to a nonbelieving world. Keep it together. Keep it strong.

 

Fourth, we need to show the love of Christ to everyone. We need to meet people where they are. God loves everyone, no matter what they have done. The gospel does not define us by our temptations but by the righteousness of Christ. We are not against any particular group. We welcome all people. We love all people. We want to reach them. At the same time, that doesn't mean we condone. It means we are to speak the truth in love. We should love someone enough to tell them what the Bible says.

 

Fifth, we need to engage all people with the gospel, because everyone is searching. Deep down, everyone is searching for a relationship with God. It may seem like certain people never can change, but no one is beyond the reach of God. There was no more notorious sinner in the days of the first century than Saul of Tarsus. But God took hold of him and transformed him. It was so unexpected that a lot of the Christians didn't even believe it at first. God can change anyone.

 

Last, we need to pray. When the disciples were told by the authorities they were not to preach anymore in the name of Christ, what did they do? They prayed - for more boldness to preach in the name of Christ. Then they went out and did just that. When a law was made that no one could pray to anyone except the king, what did Daniel do? He prayed. And we need to pray, no matter what. We need to pray that America has a spiritual awakening.

 

That is really our only hope. This is bigger than politics. This is bigger than culture. This is a spiritual war we are engaged in, and we need a spiritual solution. America needs a revival as never before. We need to pray for that. And we need to pray for the church as a whole.