Discussion Board #1
“Therefore, he who desires peace, prepare for war”, a quote most often
attributed to armed conflict rather than spiritual warfare. However,
Christianity is constantly under attack. Christians face scrutiny from the
secular world, LTBG, and scientific communities . The message of the
gospel was met with hostility 2000 plus years ago and not much has
changed in that time. People are still being discriminated, placed in
prisons, and put to death. Faith comes by hearing and hearing through the
word of Christ.[1]In order for Christians to be prepared to defend their
faith they must increase their knowledge. Christianity is not a spectator
sport. Our commanding officer told us to go and make disciples. Faith is
an action that must be exercised through service to our Lord.
“Pastors have one word to speak-the word of the gospel, the word of life
in the midst of death, the promise of a life thatbeginsrather ends with
death”[2]Pastoral ministry in the modern world is highly challenging. You
are competing with an instant world. Instant access to knowledge, instant
access to money, sports, gambling, etc.. Traditional values are mocked
ridiculed, and in some cases outlawed (same sex marriage, gender
reassignment). The pulpit has historically been used to change the hearts
of the people, from Moses to Martin Luther. The powerful preaching
pastors anointed by God help people connect with God. The power of
preaching is a recognized tool of God and is being undermined by those
who oppose the word of God.
The Bible is the inspired word of God. The common attacks on the Bible
from skeptics are one of the things that every Christian should expect.
Bible scholars, theologians, and pastors spend hours in the word of
God.[3]They analyze different interpretations, ancient manuscripts,
articles, and commentaries. Pastors, scholars, and theologians are
prepared for teaching, preaching, reproof, for correction, and for training
in righteousness. 2 Tim. 3:16. In the last day there will be difficulty and
people will be lover of themselves, disobedient to their parents 2 Tim 3:1.
The passage of scripture illustrates today. Single parent homes with
children that can choose birth control, gender reassignment, amongst
other things. Children killing others in school and fighting law
enforcement. Examples can go on and on, but where are those preaching
God’s love, God’s law, and God’s judgement?
Jesus commanded His followers to GO and make disciples. The word (go)
is an action word, it cannot be interpreted in any other way. Christians are
called to be the voice in the wilderness a city on a hill. Studying and
equipping yourself with the word of God, preparing yourself for the most
common challenges to Christianity, and knowing the tactics of your
human and spiritual
Word Count 520
[1]Unless otherwise noted all Biblical references are from the English
Standard Version.
[2]Becoming A Pastor Theologian: New Possibilities for Church
Leadership.Edited by Todd Wilson and Gerald Hiestand, [IVP Academic,
Downers Grove, Illinois] : (2016), p. 21.
[3]Rebecca McLaughin,Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for
the World’s Larest Religion.[Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois]: (2019). p. 95.
