how to win the war

How to Win the War

“War is back in vogue” according to the Roman pontiff. When has it ever been out of vogue? Communists and Islamists TODAY violate national borders and laws with the express intent of destabilizing their peoples and governments and plundering their possessions. They are not wearing national uniforms. The communist party began in 1898 and declared itself International in 1919. Communists have been seeking world hegemony ever since. Islam began in the seventh century; they have been seeking to rule the world since 632 AD. These are the enemies seeking to dominate the world. The USA is defending its people and their sovereignty against these enemies every day. They are being assisted by national and international criminal cartels AND by what is called the “media.”

And will we not reckon war to be the work and pleasure of satan who presumed to become God’s equal? We must! It is satan who first declared war against his Creator! Wars will come to an end. But not by the will of man alone. They will end when God makes it impossible for man to resist His will.

“For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?” (Romans 8:19-24)

It should save us a lot of anxiety to realize that it is God, who is good, God, who is Love who has subjected the entire creation to futility. That includes the human race. Why did he do this? Perhaps one way of thinking about it is that by giving man the free will to choose between good and evil God determines who it is that wishes to be made, and to be remade and to remain forever in His image and likeness. Jesus is God and in his incarnation he demonstrates that image and likeness he intends for us to become. 

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out!” (Romans 11:32-33)

War is not begun or carried out according to rules. The instigators of war don’t recognize rules. Nor do they recognize law. But more and most importantly, they don't recognize God, God’s rules, His law or His authority. Therefore they also refuse the authority of Christ and apostolic commands to obey all government. Government is ordained by God. Read please: Romans 13:1-7; 1Peter2:13-17; 1Timothy 2:1-8.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.” (John 14:27)

The peace Jesus leaves with us is the peace of God which passes all (human) understanding. 

“In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” (Philppians 4:6-7)

The world can only endure the conditions it’s peoples allow to exist and people certainly allow evil to exist. Many practice evil and take great pride and pleasure in doing so. Because evil is so prevalent even touching all people God ordains human government to enforce laws which suppress evil doers. Jesus is disbelieved and disobeyed. War is the result. Human government is established by God to provide peace. But strife in the  nations leading to war is caused by those who resist God and the rulers he ordains. The restraint of evil succeeds when the people and their rulers are willing to suppress and punish evil doers. And this success can only come when the difference between good and evil is known. There is a battle we must fight in prayer that God powerfully reveal Jesus to the lost, the unbeliever, the disbeliever and the evil doer. To know Jesus is to know right from wrong. To deny their is a difference between them is to deny God. Anarchists deny God and destroy governments. Often, even most often tyrants fill the voids created by anarchists.

“Let everyone put himself under the authority of the higher powers, because there is no power which is not of God, and all powers are ordered by God. For which reason everyone who puts himself against the authority puts himself against the order of God: and those who are against it will get punishment for themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear to the good work but to the evil. If you would have no fear of the authority, do good and you will have praise; For he is the servant of God to you for good. But if you do evil, have fear; for the sword is not in his hand for nothing: he is God's servant, making God's punishment come on the evil-doer. So put yourselves under the authority, not for fear of wrath, but because you have the knowledge of what is right.” (Romans 13:1-5)

“Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of Jehovah. What man is he that desireth life, And loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, And thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of Jehovah are toward the righteous, And his ears are open unto their cry. The face of Jehovah is against them that do evil, To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cried, and Jehovah heard, And delivered them out of all their troubles. Jehovah is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, And saveth such as are of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But Jehovah delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: Not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked; And they that hate the righteous shall be condemned. Jehovah redeemeth the soul of his servants; And none of them that take refuge in him shall be condemned.” (Psalm 34:11-22)

“In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and the peoples will stream to it. And many nations will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Then He will judge between many peoples and arbitrate for strong nations far and wide. Then they will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor will they train anymore for war.” 

(Micah 4:1-3)

“Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:17-18)

Paul the apostle of Jesus the Christ wrote:

“To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.” (Ephesians 3:8-12)

I admit that I have become over involved in politics and the daily news. The whole world is still in the confusion of Babylon, both linguistically and morally. I believe the church will make known to the rulers and powers in heavenly places the manifold wisdom of God. The more challenging matter is making that same wisdom known to people, people on the street, people in the pews, people in front of their TVs, and people ruling the nations. That will require the gospel be spoken in love to them, in the love of God who is love. 

Again Paul writes:

“In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2Corinthians 5:19-20)

And Jesus “opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:2-12)

How to Win the West

Romans 13:1-7 Let every person submit himself to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are put in place by God. So whoever opposes the authority has resisted God’s direction, and those who have resisted will bring judgment on themselves. For leaders cause no fear for good behavior, but for bad. Now if you do not want to fear the authority, do what is good and you will get his approval— for he is God’s servant to you for your good. But if you do evil, be afraid—for he does not carry the sword for no reason; for he is God’s servant, an avenger who inflicts punishment on the evildoer. Therefore it is necessary to be in submission—not only because of punishment but also because of conscience. For this reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, attending diligently to this very thing. Pay to everyone what is due them—tribute to whom tribute is due; tax to whom tax is due; respect to whom respect is due; honor to whom honor is due.

1Peter 2:13-17 For the Lord’s sake, submit yourselves to every human authority—whether to a king as supreme, or to governors sent by him for the punishment of those who do evil and the praise of those who do good. For this is God’s will, that you silence the ignorance of foolish men by doing good. Live as free people, but not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil. Rather, live as God’s slaves. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

1Timothy 2:1-8 Therefore, first of all I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made on behalf of all people— for kings and all who are in authority— so we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and respectfulness. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior. He desires all men to be saved and come into the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and there is one Mediator between God and men—a human, Messiah Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony at the proper time. For this I was appointed a herald and a emissary (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faithfulness and truth. So I desire all men to pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without anger and argument.

2 Timothy 3:1-17 “But understand this, that in the last days hard times will come— for people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, hardhearted, unforgiving, backbiting, without self-control, brutal, hating what is good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to an outward form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people! For among these are those who slip into households and deceive weak women weighed down with sins, led away by various desires, always learning yet never able to come to the knowledge of truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so do these people oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and worthless concerning the faith. But these people will not make any more progress—for their folly, like that of Jannes and Jambres, will be obvious to everyone. You, however, closely followed my teaching, manner of life, purpose, faithfulness, patience, love, perseverance— as well as persecutions and sufferings that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! And the Lord rescued me from them all! Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Messiah Jesus will be persecuted. But evil men and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. You, however, continue in what you have learned and what you have become convinced of. For you know from whom you have learned, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to make you wise, leading to salvation through trusting in Messiah Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for restoration, and for training in righteousness, so that the person belonging to God may be capable, fully equipped for every good deed.” (2Ti 3:1-17)

Romans 9, 10, &11 "The righteousness which is of FAITH" : WHAT DOES it say?

Romans 9

1 I tell the truth in Messiah. I am not lying, my conscience testifying with me in the Holy Spirit 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Messiah for my brothers’ sake, my relatives according to the flesh 4 who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service, and the promises; 5 of whom are the fathers, and from whom is Messiah as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God, blessed forever. Amen.

6 But it is not as though the word of God has come to nothing. For they are not all Israel that are of Israel. 7 Neither, because they are Abraham’s offspring, are they all children. But, “your offspring will be accounted as from Isaac.”* 8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as heirs. 9 For this is a word of promise: “At the appointed time I will come, and Sarah will have a son.”* 10 Not only so, but Rebekah also conceived by one, by our father Isaac. 11 For being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him who calls,† 12 it was said to her, “The elder will serve the younger.”* 13 Even as it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”*

14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? May it never be! 15 For he said to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”* 16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I caused you to be raised up, that I might show in you my power, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”* 18 So then, he has mercy on whom he desires, and he hardens whom he desires.

19 You will say then to me, “Why does he still find fault? For who withstands his will?” 20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed ask him who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?”* 21 Or hasn’t the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel for honor, and another for dishonor? 22 What if God, willing to show his wrath and to make his power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 and that he might make known the riches of his glory on vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory— 24 us, whom he also called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles? 25 As he says also in Hosea,

“I will call them ‘my people,’ which were not my people;

and her ‘beloved,’ who was not beloved.”*

26 “It will be that in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’

there they will be called ‘children of the living God.’ ”*

27 Isaiah cries concerning Israel,

“If the number of the children of Israel are as the sand of the sea,

it is the remnant who will be saved;

28 for he will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness,

because the Lord will make a short work upon the earth.”*

29 As Isaiah has said before,

“Unless the Lord of Hosts‡ had left us a seed,

we would have become like Sodom,

and would have been made like Gomorrah.”*

30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who didn’t follow after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith; 31 but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, didn’t arrive at the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they didn’t seek it by faith, but as it were by works of the law. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 even as it is written,

“Behold,§ I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and a rock of offense;

and no one who believes in him will be disappointed.”*

Romans 10

1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God is for Israel, that they may be saved. 2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they didn’t subject themselves to the righteousness of God. 4 For Messiah is the fulfillment† of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

5 For Moses writes about the righteousness of the law, “The one who does them will live by them.”* 6 But the righteousness which is of faith says this, “Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’* (that is, to bring Messiah down); 7 or, ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’* (that is, to bring Messiah up from the dead.)” 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart;”* that is, the word of faith which we proclaim: 9 that if you will confess with your mouth that Yeshua is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.”*

12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him. 13 For, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”* 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a proclaimer? 15 And how will they proclaim unless they are sent? As it is written:

“How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim the Good News of peace,

who bring glad tidings of good things!”*

16 But they didn’t all listen to the glad news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?”* 17 So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I say, didn’t they hear? Yes, most certainly,

“Their sound went out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.”*

19 But I ask, didn’t Israel know? First Moses says,

“I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation.

I will make you angry with a nation void of understanding.”*

20 Isaiah is very bold and says,

“I was found by those who didn’t seek me.

I was revealed to those who didn’t ask for me.”*

21 But about Israel he says, “All day long I stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”*

Romans 11

1 I ask then, did God reject his people? May it never be! For I also am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God didn’t reject his people, whom he foreknew. Or don’t you know what the Scripture says about Elijah? How he pleads with God against Israel: 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets. They have broken down your altars. I am left alone, and they seek my life.”* 4 But how does God answer him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”* 5 Even so too at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

7 What then? That which Israel seeks for, that he didn’t obtain, but the chosen ones obtained it, and the rest were hardened. 8 According as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, to this very day.”*

9 David says,

“Let their table be made a snare, a trap,

a stumbling block, and a retribution to them.

10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see.

Always keep their backs bent.”*

11 I ask then, did they stumble that they might fall? May it never be! But by their fall salvation has come to the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if their fall is the riches of the world, and their loss the riches of the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!

13 For I speak to you who are Gentiles. Since then as I am an emissary to Gentiles, I glorify my ministry, 14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh, and may save some of them. 15 For if the rejection of them is the reconciling of the world, what would their acceptance be, but life from the dead?

16 If the first fruit is holy, so is the lump. If the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the root and of the richness of the olive tree, 18 don’t boast over the branches. But if you boast, remember that it is not you who support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.” 20 True; by their unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by your faith. Don’t be conceited, but fear; 21 for if God didn’t spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 See then the goodness and severity of God. Toward those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness; otherwise you also will be cut off. 23 They also, if they don’t continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut out of that which is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree, how much more will these, which are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

25 For I don’t desire you to be ignorant, brothers,† of this mystery, so that you won’t be wise in your own conceits, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, 26 and so all Israel will be saved. Even as it is written,

“There will come out of Zion the Deliverer,

and he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.

27 This is my covenant with them,

when I will take away their sins.”*

28 Concerning the Good News, they are enemies for your sake. But concerning the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sake. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For as you in time past were disobedient to God, but now have obtained mercy by their disobedience, 31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that by the mercy shown to you they may also obtain mercy. 32 For God has bound all to disobedience, that he might have mercy on all.

33 Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out!

34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord?

Or who has been his counselor?”*

35 “Or who has first given to him,

and it will be repaid to him again?”*

36 For of him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory for ever! Amen.

Romans