[Biblemat] A) BEHIND ENEMY LINES

[J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com]

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  A very good Wednesday
morning to each and everyone.  May God bless you and yours.
Here is an article from my files:

BEHIND ENEMY LINES

     There is indeed a war going on.  It has been a costly war
that has lasted fro a long time.  In fact, the enemy claims more victims 
every day.  This war is also personal.  The enemy is attacking our very 
foundation.  These statements
could certainly describe the war in Iraq.  However, I am not
talking about that war.  I am talking about a spiritual war.  This war has 
some differences from the Iraq war.  The Iraqi
conflict is a fight against terrorism which makes pinpointing
the enemies drastically more difficult.  The spiritual war has
an easily identifiable enemy: Satan.  His purpose is also easily
identified.  He wants people to stop following Jesus Christ.
Doubt is his strongest tool.  If Satan can coax someone into
disbelieving in the eternal consequences of their actions, that
person will give in to temptation and thus sin against God.
This can progress to a state in which the person believes very little of what 
they had believed before.

     Satan has employed the media in his army of disbelief.
When the media sees controversy, they flock as if it is the only story on 
earth.  People have pushed the envelope for 
years and finally they are pushing the envelope that could 
ultimately have more eternal consequences than the could
imagine.  So far this year, we have a "fictional" book and 
movie that  openly contradicts the resurrection of our Lord
Jesus.  The media have absolutely absorbe their major outlets with this 
blasphemy.  A "lost" gospel has been found
which is drastically different than the traditional gospels.  Once again, the 
media couldn't seem to get enough of this
"gospel."  There are certain musical performances that have
implemented blasphemous acts into their shows.  Satan has
not only employed the media, but he has also employed the
celebrities that participate in the controversy.

     The controversy indicates a significant sociological shift.
The media, who relate stories that will interest the world as a
whole, has lowered its standards to reporting and even encou-
raging a relaxed attitude toward blasphemy.  It is quite possib-
le that the media's shift in standard will result in a societal
change as a whole because of its far reaching influence.  A
logical question could be, "What could possibly be the next
shift?"  It may be the persecution of those who object to blas-
phemy.  Our society already displays an attitude of toleration
toward sinful behavior.  If someone objects to "tolerance" of
blasphemy, persecution could indeed be the result.  Paul said
it would happen, "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus
will suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12).  Jesus said that if we 
are hated, it is because the world hates Him (Jno. 15:18).

     The coming years could bring forth tribulations for those that love 
Jesus.  This shift in society will no doubt claim the
souls of some, if not many.  We must not follow the crowd.
Jesus repeatedly said that few would be faithful (Matt. 22:14).  
Jesus set very clear battle lines.  We are either with Jesus or
we are against Him (Matt. 12:30).  Society seems to be on the
side that is against Jesus.  A time might come when we will
have to proclaim our allegiance.

     Obviously, there is nothing at all wrong with some movies,
books and even musical acts.  However, Satan has transform-
ed innocent, peaceful instruments into outlets to attack Jesus
and His followers.  The prophet Joel prophesied of a judg-
ment upon those who attacked God's people and the prophet
told the enemies to prepare for war and to use peaceful instru-
ments as weapons.  "Prepare for war, rouse the mighty men!
Let all the soldiers draw near let them come up!  Beat your
plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears"
(Joel 3:9,10).  This was a war that the enemies could not win.
"And I will avenge their blood which I have not avenged, for 
the Lord dwells in Zion" (Joel 3:21).  If God protected His peo-
ple in the prophet Joel's day, He will protect His people today.
--------- Will Dilbeck via Gospel Power, Vol. 14, No. 43, Oct. 28,
2007.   </HTML>
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