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mexicomaria Champion Author Minnesota Posts:24,137 Points:1,357,440 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2010 5:16:14 PM Ignore mexicomaria Report Abuse A posting from 4thwatch and Johnsell in the religious debates gave me an idea for a topic in the Christian forum. Are we as Christians actually in a war? if so, What are that marching orders for Christians? Who is the enemy? Why do you suppose Paul uses protective war garments to discuss what we Christians are to don? Is it necessary for ALL Christians to stand in this war? Ephesians 6:10-19 (King James Version) 10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

mexicomaria

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Minnesota

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Message Posted: Jun 1, 2010 5:16:14 PM

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A posting from 4thwatch and Johnsell in the religious debates gave me an idea for a topic in the Christian forum.

Are we as Christians actually in a war? if so,

What are that marching orders for Christians?

Who is the enemy?

Why do you suppose Paul uses protective war garments to discuss what we Christians are to don?

Is it necessary for ALL Christians to stand in this war?

Ephesians 6:10-19 (King James Version)

10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

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mexicomaria Champion Author Minnesota Posts:24,137 Points:1,357,440 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jun 9, 2010 6:49:32 PM Ignore mexicomaria Report Abuse "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident." (Psalm 27: 1, 3)
masonco Champion Author Michigan Posts:12,415 Points:1,830,790 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jun 7, 2010 9:30:14 PM Ignore masonco Report Abuse Guitar Man excellent point about military and spiritual soldiers. They do both serve don't they?
sissurf Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:19,890 Points:1,676,325 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jun 7, 2010 7:50:38 PM Ignore sissurf Report Abuse Boy is that song every so fitting, huh Guitar_Man?! I was looking for some Psalms, in the You Tube section and just happened to come across this lovely song. The song tore at my heart too. I was going to keep the song to myself, but nope, the Boss man said put it in here.
Guitar_Man Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:8,526 Points:126,430 Joined:Nov 2006	Message Posted: Jun 7, 2010 7:08:57 PM Ignore Guitar_Man Report Abuse Great song, Sissurf!! :-)
sissurf Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:19,890 Points:1,676,325 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jun 7, 2010 5:39:12 PM Ignore sissurf Report Abuse O Church a Rise So Spirit Come...
Guitar_Man Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:8,526 Points:126,430 Joined:Nov 2006	Message Posted: Jun 6, 2010 11:23:41 PM Ignore Guitar_Man Report Abuse There are numerous similarities between US Military soldiers and God's soldiers. -One is physical and the other is spiritual -Both require self-discipline, training, determination, and selflessness. -Both require obeying orders and have a clear chain-of-command -Both require soldiers looking after each other...covering each others backs...often carrying the injured in the midst of the battle -Both have different types of soldiers...medics, chaplains, communications, supply, support as well as combatants but all support the overall war effort and all share in the victory equally -Both have seasoned veterans who've been through hell and back and lead the charges against the enemy -Both study the enemy and learn their strengths and weaknesses and use that knowledge to develop battle plans -Both recruit people to join the ranks and support the war effort but invest in basic training before sending soldiers to the front lines -Both have a common lingo and have a uniform code for behavior, ethics, and integrity. (The US Military has uniforms but if you study Christians you can see a common way they dress and act.) -Both are willing to lay down their lives for a higher cause...for something greater than them...because freedom and liberty is worth dying for (both physically and spiritually)
mexicomaria Champion Author Minnesota Posts:24,137 Points:1,357,440 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jun 6, 2010 11:03:16 PM Ignore mexicomaria Report Abuse It has always interested me to watch how soldiers of the past wars and the present wars when they get together, have an instant bond, tight bond, that I think centers around sharing the fight to death for freedom together. I think those that love the Lord and are soldiers in the war against evil, share a tight bond of urgency to save the eternal soul of the lost. If one does not share that urgency for the lost soul, maybe they should examine their marching orders. Who do they serve? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HUMANIST POINT OF VIEW. INVICTUS William Ernest Henley Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul. ~~~~~~~~~~ A poem that centers around the word "I". ~~~~~~~~~~~ CHRISTIAN POINT OF VIEW MY CAPTAIN Dorothea Day Out of the night that dazzles me, Bright as the sun from pole to pole, I thank the God I know to be For Christ the conqueror of my soul. Since His the sway of circumstance, I would not wince nor cry aloud. Under that rule which men call chance My head with joy is humbly bowed. Beyond this place of sin and tears That life with Him! And His the aid, Despite the menace of the years, Keeps, and shall keep me, unafraid. I have no fear, though strait the gate, He cleared from punishment the scroll. Christ is the Master of my fate, Christ is the Captain of my soul. ~~~~~~~ A poem that centers around Christ [Edited by: mexicomaria at 6/6/2010 11:04:37 PM EST]
masonco Champion Author Michigan Posts:12,415 Points:1,830,790 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jun 6, 2010 8:44:13 PM Ignore masonco Report Abuse I wish I could show why the back is not "covered" but perhaps words will provide a visionary. In that day, soldiers fought in a cube like way and moved as one unit all together. In the center, 4 solders stood facing out usually around the king to form a box with their armour facing out. Then another row with two on each side of the cube would surround the inner circle. They would increase the size of the cube by increasing the # of soldiers on each side of the cube until there were like 16 or 12 on each side. Each soldier would be so close to the one behind them they could feel their armor. They were so well trained they moved as one unit in each direction. That is where the phrase "Watch my back" comes from originally. If the soldier on the outside felt the were going down, the ones in the next row would grab the shield and they would continue. Obviously the one in the center was well protected. I wish I could find the picture I saw in the class, but I can't.
mexicomaria Champion Author Minnesota Posts:24,137 Points:1,357,440 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jun 6, 2010 4:23:35 PM Ignore mexicomaria Report Abuse I love this question 4th Watch... Many reason's ..1. We are to face the enemy. 2. There is no retreat for the soldier in the King's Army 3. The other soldiers in the King's Army have our back..they fill in the line if we fall, they also are there to pick up the fallen soldier, in the war. Some one always has has to go first into the battle but those behind you should never lag as they have your back. They never side with the enemy, they always support the troops in the service of the King.
4thWatch Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:2,066 Points:602,885 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Jun 6, 2010 4:14:26 PM Ignore 4thWatch Report Abuse "Is it necessary for ALL Christians to stand in this war?" Yes! Only if we wish to have the will of God fulfilled in our lives. Before we were saved, we were friends with the world and enemies of the cross. Once we become Christians, we take a 180 degree turn. We now are friends with God, and therefore become enemies with the world. Not the people of the world, for therein is our calling. To reach out to the ungodly with love and compassion, and to see "them" through the eyes of Christ. But as we grow in Christ, we become more Christlike. The sins of our past become progressively more offensive to us and our spirit is at war with the rudiments of the world. Make no mistake. It is very much a spiritual war that we are called to "fight the good fight of faith" in. Which is why Paul admonishes us to put on the whole armor of God. Thank you MM & LWB Sr for listing the battle gear. Did you notice though, there is no armor for the back. Why? Topic within a topic? With your permission only MM. Anyone care to take a stab at that? [Edited by: 4thWatch at 6/6/2010 4:19:17 PM EST]
SAVMOR Champion Author Colorado Posts:6,528 Points:1,411,125 Joined:Jun 2005	Message Posted: Jun 5, 2010 8:11:52 PM Ignore SAVMOR Report Abuse To be witness to the amazing works of Jesus while here on earth until we meet Him face to face.
mexicomaria Champion Author Minnesota Posts:24,137 Points:1,357,440 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jun 5, 2010 7:53:31 PM Ignore mexicomaria Report Abuse "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which WAR against the soul;" 1Peter2:11 "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalm 18:2 "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
LWB_Sr Champion Author Tennessee Posts:13,684 Points:1,127,135 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Jun 5, 2010 9:41:25 AM Ignore LWB_Sr Report Abuse Hello, everybody, have a great weekend :-)) When we "march" in the Lord's army, it is important that we are properly protected. This scripture about the Armor of God, (Ephesians 6:10-19) is one of my favorite portions of scripture, and I highly recommend it for memorizing, since there is so much "food for thought" in it. You will find that there are six main parts of the Armor mentioned: 1. The Girdle of truth 2. The Breastplate 3. The Shoes of peace 4. The Shield of faith 5. The Helmet of salvation 6. the Sword of the Spirit If you think of it, each part of the armor can be thought of as being "personified" in the Lord Jesus Christ Himself! He is our .........., for each one of the parts of the armor mentioned! With that in mind, think of this command, as found in Rom 13:13-14: - "Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." KJV Walking with the Lord each day, with HIM AS OUR ARMOR, we can have the assurance that the victory is secure. God is so Good!
mexicomaria Champion Author Minnesota Posts:24,137 Points:1,357,440 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jun 4, 2010 1:55:20 PM Ignore mexicomaria Report Abuse 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though walking about in flesh, we do not war according to flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, pulling down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ; ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Do you know the enemy? I mean studied the enemy so you recognize him when he acts out in those around you, whether atheists, those who are apostates, or teach heresy, or just plain unbelievers, or lukewarm Christians... Do you know enough of God's Word to recognize the enemy. The best army knows his enemy. We need to know the enemy of the King. Do we know the enemy? Many times the answer is no for a Christian. We need to know how the enemy attacks us to be able to fortify those weaknesses. Now…we understand how an enemy might want to kill you physically. He can shoot you, stab you, blow you up, etc., etc. We need to know how the spiritual enemy operates. He attacks spiritually in one of three ways. Deception Temptation Accusation ...and I see all three right here on these boards. ~~~~~~~~~~~ We also need to be about fortifying the lines when the Soldier of the King on the front line is being assused, or is falling under the weight of battle... We need to pick him up...close ranks and support the man/woman who is being attacked by the evil one, what ever form he comes. Usually here it is accusing or standing against deception. Just don't let your brother lie...stand with him in the presentation of the Truth of God's Word.
masonco Champion Author Michigan Posts:12,415 Points:1,830,790 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2010 8:46:42 AM Ignore masonco Report Abuse Who is the enemy? The enemy can be our best friend, the person sitting next to us in church, our possessions, our work buddy, lack of time, entertainment...anything that causes doubt in our mind or denies us enough time to spend time with our Lord. gossip is the enemy half truths that sound almost true= enemy taking over. teachings that seems scriptural until one digs deeper into the doctrine being taught. not taking time for daily readings & prayer, fellowship with true Biblical Christians = withering of soul. believing that parts of the Bible are false and do not apply to us today.