Is this really what God had planned for His last days church?
So many unfulfilled, struggling Christians. Our numbers are soaring.
We’re plagued with inner conflicts—confusion, or ambivalence—all mixed in with an ever-increasing identity crisis.
We meant to follow Jesus with our whole heart—we really did. But we now find ourselves caught up in a futile hamster wheel of aimless religious activity. On and on we run—year after year. And every year, we seem to get weaker.
For a while, we held tightly to our passion for Christ—only to find there was little opportunity to express it. Because very few of our peers act as if they need it—or us.
Some may value our presence, and even encourage our active participation. They might be interested in our time, talents or money. But sadly, few are truly interested in us—and what Christ wants to do within us.
Well-meaning church organizations can often fail in that way. Big, beautiful and dynamic places—with lots of programs, props and plans of their own. The business of busyness.
The church machine. It creates an air of excitement and importance. One can be carried away in such an atmosphere.
But deep down, we know that we are falling far short of fulfilling our Lord’s eternal purposes. It’s an inner struggle of deep conviction—a knowing that we’re being led away from the one place we should be:
The center of God’s Divine will.
The devil—who comes to steal, kill and destroy—doesn’t always cause a person to crash and burn. Because that person just might come back fighting. What he often does is allow churches and individuals to be weighed down with a irrelevant “to-do” list.
We settle into a routine. Boredom sets in. And any fire within us—that desperately wants to burn brighter, and hotter—is quenched with discouragements and distractions.
Satan will use anything to keep us from knowing God’s divine will. Even church things.
Many church goers today have a mindset of inadequacy. “I’m really nothing special—just another face in the crowd.” Is it any wonder that so many Christian walks are of disorientation and discouragement—or even depression?
If Christ has paid the price for your sin—and set you free—doesn’t He want you to do something of paramount significance for Him? Of course. But God’s plans usually aren’t what we expect them to be.
Without the leading of the Holy Spirit, we lose our direction and our sense of purpose in God. A walk that should be on a linear path can end up like a revolving doorway: sometimes you’re in, sometimes you’re out. In, out—in, out. Eventually, it doesn’t seem to matter that much where you are.
The day may finally come where you question the point of it all. And, in fact, you should. I know I have.
What is the point of all this? What exactly are we supposed to be doing?
Fighting.
We are soldiers, and we are on a battlefield. We are to be fighting, for our very lives—and for the lives of those around us.
And we take our orders directly from the King. He has our battle plan:
Faith, Hope and Love
“And now abideth faith, hope, charity (love), these three; but the greatest of these is charity (love).” (1 Corinthians 13:13, parentheses mine)
These three things—faith, hope and love—abide (dwell) together, within the born-again believer in Christ. They work together to stabilize and strengthen every soldier of the cross.
I like to call these three things God’s “Triad of Triumph” for believers.
But whatever you call them, make them your own. Together, they form the framework for your purpose. Falling back on these basics of your faith will save your spiritual life again and again.
Faith
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Faith is not simply our feelings, or personal desires. It is the deliberate act of trustfully placing our life into God’s care. It is a gift given back to the One who gave it.
In this verse, Paul says that this life we now live—our new life in Christ—is not really ours anymore. It belongs to Him, who gave Himself to save us. Now living takes on a whole new dimension, as faith allows us to live within the crucified Christ.
Self dies, as we trust Him with new life. It pleases God to receive what we willingly release to Him. And that same faith that brought us into Christ now becomes a vital implement of defense against lies and accusations—the fiery arrows of the enemy. It is a strong and ready shield for those who learn to use it.
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (Ephesians 6:16)
Our enemy has his own weapons. But they are no match for what we’ve been given. The scripture instructs us to take the shield of faith, “above all.” It wouldn’t make sense for a soldier to neglect picking up his shield, as fiery arrows are flying toward him.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
This really identifies what the shield of faith is. Is it possible for us to have or hold something—a substance—of something hoped for? Is there any trustworthy proof (evidence) for things not yet seen?
Apparently, there is. It is our faith, in action—as we reach out expectantly to God—who sees all things in secret, and rewards us openly.
Our faith has real substance, and it is evidenced by what can be seen only through our spiritual eyes—as we look upon Jesus.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Isn’t it amazing that we can actually please God with our faith? And shouldn’t our top priority be earnestly searching Him out? God—who we serve—is a “rewarder” of those who take the time to do just that.
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
We never need to feel as if we travel this road alone. We are always accompanied by Him, who begins and completes us.
Christ completely won the victory there, upon His cross of suffering. And we are no less able to accomplish what He has brought us here to do. How? By this powerful process of faith He has given us.
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4-5)
Our faith is tested and strengthened—as He teaches us to use our faith as a weapon to overcome the world. Only those born of God can overcome the darkness—with the light produced by Him, who dwells within us. By faith!
“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” (James 1:3-6a)
In these verses, James encourages us to ask God for the wisdom we need—to allow patience to become a perfect work within us—through the trying (testing) of our faith.
The Greek meaning for “patience” here means a cheerful (or hopeful) endurance. Endurance can only grow through strengthening trials. This process produces a strong christian, who stands confidently—because he or she has learned to stand unwaveringly—even when being persecuted for doing well.
It’s not fun, but this is how a life of faith gets tested. Should we expect anything less, in order to obtain God’s perfect work in us?
Hope
Our hope works interactively with our faith. And like faith, hope uses and requires that same action of believing for things not yet seen.
Hope focuses our attention on things which are distant. It brings us into the bigger picture, with promises often seen from afar—brought close by the timelessness of God’s word.
Hope is also our anchor to the unseen Kingdom of God—where we live, move and have our being—right now. That’s why we can accurately say that we may live in this world, but we are not of it.
Hope has an eternal component. It sees in all directions: to past testimonies of God’s faithfulness; to now, where we presently stand in hope; and out to future promises that await us.
“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints…” (Ephesians 1:17-18)
Our calling has hope anchored to it. As we are called into service by the Almighty Commander of Heaven and earth, it’s unlikely we’ll ever see Him there, upon the battlefield. Instead, we see His plans and purposes unfold as the battle goes forth.
And as the eyes of our understanding are opened, we understand who is the One calling the shots, and commanding the armies of Heaven and earth.
You may not regard hope as being a real weapon to engage the enemy. But in fact, it is the one component that engages everything we might do in God. You might have the faith to move mountains, but hope is that awareness that you have a “mountain-mover” with the power and authority to back up this fight of faith.
Love
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” (Matthew 24:12)
Last days Christians need God’s love more than ever, because sin and lawlessness abound. And the hearts of many will forsake God’s love. The Greek meaning for “love” here is “Agape.” Agape is love which originates from God, and is expressed through His believers. The world may not understand it, but they will be touched by it.
“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” (Luke 6:27-28)
Love our enemies? Do good to people who hate us? Bless them? Pray for them?
I would have never considered such a brilliant, covert strategy. Thankfully, the One who knows the hearts of all men knows what every heart needs.
It’s not easy for us who are down in the trenches. Still, we trust the Master who knows all things, and does all things from His higher position.
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34)
Jesus challenges us all to love one another—not just casually or under some perfect conditions—but “as I have loved you.”
This makes me ask myself, “What kind of love is this, that loves so perfectlyl? Am I ever capable of loving like that? Will I ever be?”
I have to believe that the Christ within me knows how, and when—and He will, whenever I simply get my flesh out of His way. Step aside, and let Jesus Christ come through with His love. It is a powerful, passionate weapon against the enemy.
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
Now wait a minute. Just what did Jesus mean by “if” I love Him? Of course, I love You, Lord—don’t I?
Is this a test?
Apparently, as evidenced by the above verse, it is. It’s a love test—a barometer—for all who name the Name of Jesus. It’s how we may gauge whether our love for Him is true, or if we just talk a good talk.
Do I always keep His commandments? Do you? We are only human, and we will fail. But let’s try harder. Let us intentionally love, by lovingly learning to “keep” the commandment God entrusts us with: to love.
“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” (Romans 12:9)
The Greek meaning for “dissimulation” basically means, “don’t fake our love for others.” And then Paul boldly continues, “hate evil—and never let go of the good.”
Have you ever persuaded someone to believe something you didn’t believe yourself? It feels kind of crummy, doesn’t it?
How destructive that could be for the Kingdom of God, if an unbeliever realized that we were not sincere, when we spoke words of “love” to them. That person might not trust anyone with that same message again.
We truly have a sobering responsibility to love well.
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” (Ephesians 4:14-15)
We are no more like children. We are not to be tossed and persuaded by every wind or word that blows by us. Instead, we have learned the truth, and we lovingly pass it on. We speak the truth in love, because we’ve grown up in Him —who is love.
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 1:20-21)
Apparently, love requires a good maintenance schedule. Here it is: Building ourselves up in faith, praying in the power of His Holy Spirit, keeping ourselves centered in love, and holding on to that hope in Him who comes for us.
Keeping this weapon of love sharp and sure is vital. It enables us to love the unlovable, and to pray for those who might curse us.
Love conquers all—that’s why it is the greatest.
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (love), I am nothing.”
“Charity (love) never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.”
“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity (love), these three; but the greatest of these is charity (love).” (1 Corinthians 13:1-2, 8-9,12-13 parentheses mine)
Verse 8 tells us that love never fails. The Greek word for “fail” is to become ineffective, cast down, cast away or driven away from its course (purpose), or to perish as if fallen from a position which could not be kept. But love doesn’t do any of those things just described. It remains intact, and eternal—because the eternal God is its source.
These verses also speak of temporary things: tongues, prophetic gifts, gifts of great knowledge, and faith enough to move mountains. All these things that we might utilize here and now, will one day cease—no more to be needed.
Even while we use them, there is no profit in any spiritual works we might do without God’s love being at the center. If we could somehow do every good thing imaginable, without love, it would be nothing.
When things believed for or hoped for are finally ours, there is no more need of faith or hope. But love is greater. It doesn’t fail. It doesn’t cease.
Love is the glue that holds this whole battle plan together. Truly, the greatest of all things is God’s purposeful and perfect love.
The Triad of Triumph—faith, hope and love. Working together, our weapon plows through the devil’s smokescreen of discouragement and distractions. It’s the winning combination of forces for good—to overcome the evil one again and again.
So—now you know.
Now you know that you are here to fight—and nothing less.
You know that there is a real and raging battle going on, and you’re standing right in the middle of the action.
And you know that you have weapons.
And you know, just like the rest of us, that you have been given the great commission—to go.
So, go.
Take those weapons of faith, hope and love onto the front lines of battle: to fight, and to win. Bind them around you. Keep them constantly ready, sharpened and sure.
And you’ll soon discover that what you’ve entered into is exactly what you are supposed to be doing, because you are in the center of God’s divine will—the true and lasting source of happiness.
Satan cannot be bothered with any particular church you might attend. He doesn’t worry about a few Christian friends you hang out with. He knows the stakes are much higher than that.
But you—at your Lord’s command—are the enemy’s worst nightmare.
Live like you believe it.
And fight on, mighty warrior.