Spirit and Truth Ministries

DON'T YOU KNOW THERE'S A WAR ON?

Don Hawley

Most people alive today didn't experience the greatest earthly conflict of all time, World War II. Although the United States has fought other significant wars since, never has the citizenry so united in support of a war effort as they did back then. What was taking place on battlefields around the world greatly affected the daily life of those back home. Gasoline, sugar, tires, and other commodities were strictly rationed. When someone was careless or cheated they often faced the angry challenge, "Don't you know there's a war on?"

WE'RE AT WAR!

We sometimes talk about "times of peace," but the truth is that we've never experienced true peace since the snake slithered into Eden. And actually the war started long before that.

There was war in heaven; Michael and the angels under his command fought the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle and was forced out of heaven. This great dragon--the ancient serpent called the Devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world--was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. Rev.12:7-9.

Men may have been largely unaware, but there has always been a great invisible conflict raging around us. Christ and his forces have been locked in constant warfare with the devil and his legions. The decisive battle was fought on a hill called Calvary, but the final battle looms just ahead. I do not think it incorrect to say that it is already underway, and it will soon break out in unprecedented ferocity. As I note the complacency among Christians, I can't help but suspect they little understand what lies ahead.

HOW ARE WE DOING?

Solomon gives us a poetic description of the people of God. "Who is this that looks like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army with banners?" Song of Songs 6:10. I'd like to report that the forces of righteousness are sweeping the field, but that isn't the case. The Christian army has been engaged for about 2,000 years now, and the victories have been less than impressive. In our own day, I sometimes think the devil is besting God's forces with his New Age offensive.

But shouldn't God's army be winning decisively? What's the problem? Often the key figure in a great conflict is the commanding general. Any problem there? None whatsoever. Our great leader Jesus Christ is all powerful, all knowing, and through his Spirit everywhere present. He's not merely outstanding, but perfect in every respect. The problem, I fear, lies with the troops.

PASS IN REVIEW

When I was in Idaho taking basic training for WWII, I remember the thrill of marching in formation on the parade ground, band playing martial tunes and banners snapping in the breeze. I think we felt invincible. But upon arriving in the South Pacific we discovered that wars aren't won on parade grounds, but ugly battlefields. War is a bloody affair, and dress uniforms were stowed until we arrived back in the States.

Christians love to attend church and sing, "Stand up, stand up, for Jesus, Ye soldiers of the cross!" But the devil doesn't much care about what we sing, as long as most of us are actually sitting around doing little or nothing. Before sailing overseas, American servicemen first attended basic training, partly in order to harden their bodies for combat. Spiritually speaking, many Christians are soft and paunchy, hardly up to real conflict. Many who enlisted on the Lord's side are simply AWOL. Considering what lies just ahead, it's high time for the Army of the Lord to make itself battle ready. Those who are not willing to shape up will later fall by the wayside. This is a matter of life and death.

IT'S TIME TO GO ON THE OFFENSIVE!

After World War I the French decided that never again would they be so vulnerable. At great cost they built a mighty fortification on their frontier and called it "The Maginot Line." Underground were miles of tunnels and rooms for communication equipment, plotting tables, ammunition storage, living and eating quarters, even hospital facilities. It was a grand plan, but unfortunately it didn't work. Every nation needs protection, but while the French concentrated on defense, the Germans built the greatest offensive weaponry the world had ever seen. Its swift Panzer divisions swept around the end of the Maginot Line, and overran France with comparative ease.

Immediately upon arriving at our training base during WWII, we exchanged our civilian clothing for military gear. Street dress was shipped home for the duration. Once you enlist in the army of the Lord you should always be dressed for battle.

A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Eph. 6:10-17.

We could spend a great deal of time discussing the battle gear of the Christian soldier, but today I want to concentrate on one aspect in particular. Every item listed is essentially protective in nature; the one exception is an offensive weapon--the sword. I say Christians have been on the defensive long enough, it's time to mount an all-out offensive. And the most effective weapon in the church's arsenal is not men, money, or methods, but the sword, the Word of God.

By the way, it's impossible to go on the offensive without being offensive to many. Of course a Christian ought to be tactful and kind, but the ways of God always are an offense to men. We are so anxious to be politically correct, so eager to win the approval of men, that we tend to stay quietly inside the denominational fortress. Jesus was the Prince of Peace, and that is what he brings to the heart of every true Christian. When it comes to spiritual warfare, however, he made it clear that he came not to send peace but a sword.

Our Savior is a warrior and a terror to evil. Everywhere he went his behavior proved to be offensive, and if we walk in his footsteps our experience will be like his. In the final conflict just ahead, an unwillingness to get in the thick of the fray will be registered in heaven as traitorous.

On the eve of a great battle, earnest and sensible fighting men will be found checking over their chosen weapon. The Word of God is more powerful than any nuclear bomb, but what does it look like in your hand? Here are some suggestions for those who really want to count on the Lord's side.

UNSHEATHE YOUR SWORD

Such a comment may seem trite, but the truth is that many professed Christians are running around unarmed. No wonder the devil bloodies them so easily. Their Bible is trotted out to church once a week, but most of the time it sits on a shelf. It's an open Bible that makes the devil tremble; he has little to fear from one that remains closed.

SHARPEN YOUR SWORD

Even though a sword is pulled from its scabbard, if its edge is dull it's still an unsatisfactory weapon. We need to be sure our sword has a razor edge.

I'm concerned about the movement that is gaining ground to bring everyone back to the King James version as the only one acceptable to God. Some have even gone so far as to suggest all the other translations are right out of the devil's workshop. A few, totally lacking in knowledge, warn us to stay with "the Bible Jesus used!"

Common sense tells us not to rely primarily on a medical book that is hundreds of years old; we know there have been many improvements in the field of medicine. People my age know and love the majestic cadences of the KJV, but the purpose of the Word is to cut to the marrow of our being. The King James is, frankly, out of date. When it appeared way back in 1611, its translators were subjected to ridicule and anger for tampering with what the people had been used to. That critical spirit is still with us.

If you have a lot of gray hair you may do fairly well with the KJV, but if younger then you have a problem. To many of the Boomers and their children it might as well be in a foreign language. Pollster George Barna notes that study of the King James requires more than 12th-grade reading skills, while 49 percent of adults older than 25 years of age in America can't even read at an eighth-grade level! And few are willing to invest much sweat in reading up to their potential level anyway.

In 1993 it was determined that one million high school graduates couldn't handle even second-grade skills. (National and International Religion Report, July 25, 1994). Don't go into battle with a dull sword.

Why is The Living Bible one of the most popular volumes ever published (40 million copies), and why is it highly recommended by such respected leaders as Billy Graham, Dr. Bill Bright, and Charles Swindoll? Simply because it's easy to read and comprehend. The reading level of TLB is only eighth grade. Young people often comment, "Reading this Bible is fun!"

But what about inaccuracies in these modern versions? One problem is that many who grew up with the KJV unknowingly have manipulated the Old English language. Then when other translations don't support their cherished ideas, they denounce all other translations as inferior or subverted.

But aren't there some actual problems in translation? Of course, and that most certainly applies to the KJV as well. It would be nice to have the Bible in the language they speak in heaven, but unfortunately none of us know that language. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we'll have to make do with what we have. I agree with Alden Thompson who said, "I am convinced that any translation can point to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Some translations are better than others; some are better for particular purposes; some are clearer; some are safer; and yes, some can be misleading in certain passages--but never so misleading as to cost an honest person a place in God's kingdom."

Comparing translations can be of value. I have a volume called The Word that compares the King James version, verse by verse, with 26 other translations.

If you love The Living Bible, but have some concerns because it is a paraphrase, you may be interested in the New Living Translation. Some 90 Biblical scholars spent seven years revising the Living Bible into a translation. Although it can be read by those at the sixth-grade level, a critique in Christianity Today, October, 28, 1996, claimed, "Other versions, such as the NIV and the NRSV, have been acclaimed by consensus for their accuracy, but none of the leading general-purpose translations can match the clarity, rhythm, and readability of the NLT." The battle is going to be fierce; don't attempt to fight with a dull blade.

PRACTICE YOUR SWORD WIELDING SKILLS

Even if your sword has been drawn from the scabbard, and even if it has a sharp edge, it needs to be skillfully wielded. How to practice? Less time with secular reading, or even religious material, and more in the Word itself. And not only reading, but studying. Put forth the effort to memorize key texts, and be able quickly to turn to others. No more "I think it says somewhere . . ." It's vital that God's chosen weapon feel comfortable and natural in your hand. That takes time.

Of course skills increase with use. Watch for opportunities to open the Word and share with others. Don't be intimidated if you don't know Greek or Hebrew, or have never attended a seminary. As you put forth effort, the Holy Spirit will supplement those efforts and you will see encouraging results.

Just after his baptism Jesus went into the wilderness to meet the devil in head-to-head combat. The devil gave it his best shot, but left thoroughly defeated because Christ wielded the sword of the Spirit. He met every onslaught with "It is written . . ." We dare not attempt some other battle plan for our own encounters.