“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 that begins rather 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.
