The Theology & Purpose of Suffering (Part 1-2): Causes.

29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
– 1 Peter 1

10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
– Job 2

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
– Psalms 119

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
– Romans 5

10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
– Job 23

On Suffering

Have you heard of the saying, that if life gives you lemons make a lemonade? This is certainly true except that is not life that gives it but God. God is sovereign over all (Proverbs 16:33). And if God is sovereign over all, then He ordained or allowed suffering for His purpose (Isaiah 45:7).

With that there are two reasons why God allows or ordains suffering

1. Penal
2, Consequential

The Origin of Suffering

Penal suffering is suffering caused by God as a penalty for a sin committed. This first occurred when Adam and Eve sinned against the LORD. Since they were the genesis of humanity, physical (Genesis 6:3) and spiritual death (Romans 5:12-14) became their penalty. Consequential suffering on the other hand is caused by a deliberate act which would have a ripple effect.

When sin entered into the world it directly affected creation. Adam sinned and God cursed the ground as now he must toil hard for food (Genesis 3:17-19). However, the curse also had a ripple effect The affect ranged from diseases to natural disasters. Animals and other organisms were also affected. For example. before Adam’s sin there was no death, but after his sin animals also would die and some became carnivorous, including man.

The affect was such that the Bible says:

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
– Romans 8

The Believer’s Suffering

Believers are not exempt of suffering. When they have become regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and they are changed from within, they still retain the nature to rebel only now they have a new nature (Romans 8:6-7. 2 Corinthians 5:17). We will continue to experience both types suffering until we die, or that Jesus returns.

However, there is another reason why we suffer and it is for our perfection.

Suffering has a way of purifying us as a sword blade made in the furnace. The iron billet is heated until it is red hot so as to become malleable, and in the process expose impurities; then it is beaten into shape, then heated again. The process continues until it is shaped as intended, hardened, then made razor sharp. What was once an iron billet became a steel sword fit for battle.

In one of the most important Christian documentary of our time, American Gospel: Christ Alone, Steve Lawson in speaking about suffering in the light of the dangers of the Word of Faith Movement said this with regard of suffering:

“God has purposes in our suffering: to humble us, to conform us into the image of Christ, to weine us off from the world, to purify us, to help us identify with others who are suffering”

The Theology & Purpose of Suffering (Part 2-2): Paul, an Example of.

In Philippians 4:13 so many of us mistook that passage as a means to accomplish any endeavor; whether it be in academia, in sports, or in the work force. That is the consequence of someone isolating the passage and interpreting it differently. The actual meaning of that verse came from the following:

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
– Philippians 4

It has never been about accomplishing one’s goals, but to adapt to and overcome adversity through Christ who strengthened him. It was through Paul’s suffering that made him stronger, and when he is in want of strength Christ strengthened him.

The Thorn in the Flesh

Paul experienced more than just hunger and poverty.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
– 2 Corinthians 12

When Paul mentioned the “…thorn in the flesh….”, he wasn’t referring to any physical or mental ailment. In a sermon by John MacArthur, the thorn Paul was referring to was suffering which he detailed in the previous chapter (Ibid 11:23-28).

He risked the dangers associated with travel from robbers to storms in the open sea, and experienced persecution from both the Jews and Gentiles. He was whipped five times, ship wrecked thrice, and beaten with rods thrice. He was often cold, wet, and hungry; and on top of all this, he must care of the church. His “Thorn” was meant to keep him from exalting himself.

Paul has every reason to exalt himself as not only he has seen the Lord (Acts 9), but received visions no one else saw but himself. But he refused to use that as a thing of pride (2 Corinthians 12:1-5). His suffering was so terrible he besought the Lord thrice, but Jesus answered to him “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness”. Thus, he took pleasure in the aforementioned thorn, “… for when I am weak, then I am strong”.

If we suffer, it is for our ultimate good. Even when it seemed meaningless, it is not.

John Piper. None of Our Suffering is Meaningless. Desiring God. Youtube.com, 07-09-2018.

Source
1. Brandon Kimbar. “American Gospel: Christ Alone” Giant Interactive Studio, Accessed: 01-15-2019
2. John MacArthur. “Strength Perfected in Weakness”. Grace to You, Youtube.com, 03-18-2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a37h5-fLNBk
3. John Piper. None of Our Suffering is Meaningless. Desiring God. Youtube.com, 07-09-2018 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=709s0O44Ois

The Most Neglected Parts of the Gospel (Part 2-2): Who We Are Before God.

As earlier mentioned the three popular Gospel presentations lacked any detail on God, and also the tracts and booklets earlier described. But not only the former lacked any truth on God but anemic on the issue of sin. All three tracts made only simple statements that we’re sinners as we’ve broken God’s laws, using Romans 3:23 and 6:23.

It is understandable that information needs to be short because in street evangelism not everyone has the time to listen but only the time to receive tracts, but again, a great many believers were only taught those and not anything else.

The Sign of Genuine Conversion.

If you’re familiar with the Four Spiritual Laws, you should already recognize that the second law is already being discussed, though partially in Part 1. Sinners are not saved by their decision alone, and it is more than mere intellectual acceptance of facts and notions.

The Bible says that godly sorrow works repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10), Now how can we convince unbelievers how depraved they really are and the justness of eternal punishment unless they know who they are before God?

To do that, they must be compared to Him through the laws of God (Romans 2:17-24). The following video done by Ray Comfort does that very well through “The Way of the Master” presentation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZdv-TtiMkg&list=PL26524DA9664D92C5&index=16

Ray used the 10 Commandments as did Jesus in Matthew 5:17-48, and asked him if he had broken any of the commandments listed. If the person said yes to any, then give him the honest truth about his eternal state: that by his own admission he is guilty, and will be judged before a holy and just God.

The Beneficial Effects of Knowing Self.

When God is sufficiently taught, it gives the exposition of the law greater impact for they’re not just sinning against someone and the scriptures, but God Himself (Psalms 51:4). And when they have realized their total depravity (Genesis 8:21, 5:12-16, & 8:6-7), they will know three things:

1. How guilty they are before God (Romans 3:9-18)
2. Their total inability to save themselves (Matthew 19:16-26 & Romans 3:19-20)
3. Their sheer need for the savior

And when they’re introduce Jesus, if they truly believe, they will not just say “Yes” they will embrace Him with thankfulness, The life, death, and resurrection of Christ will be most magnificent to them because of the price He paid… knowing how deserving they really are for eternal damnation.

And when they’re saved they will love Him all the more:

47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
– Luke 7

19 We love him, because he first loved us.
– 1 John 4

Resources.

The Way of the Master, pioneered by Ray Comfort, is one of the best way to share the Gospel. He does not go into detail who God is but what he shared of God is enough because he presented God as the just judge who must punish the guilty.

The following is a link to resources you can use to help in your effort to share the Gospel:

https://www.livingwaters.com/outreach/way-of-the-master/

Another resources you can use are books authored by Paul Washer which is already introduced on Part 1.

The Most Neglected Parts of the Gospel (Part 1-2): Who God Is.

It is a surprising and shameful thing that God has been neglected in all of the most popular Gospel presentations. I believe that the chiefest reason for this is evangelical pragmatism that had its origin with the Billy Graham Crusades.

Billy Graham meant well when he ignores doctrinal distinctions for the sake of reaching the lost through the Gospel, but in doing so sow the seeds of pragmatism.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Evangelism

With such an emphasis in Gospel dissemination, Matthew 28:20 is all but forgotten. Tracts were made that was quick and easy to read. First among them were Chick Tracts which were comic booklets which in the end, underscores the seriousness of sin, the awfulness of Hell, and how Jesus saves.

Others came in pamphlets but generally without stories. If you go to Pinpoint Gospel Tracts (https://store.gospeltract.org/Free-Gospel-Tracts_ep_43.html) you will see tracts that were made earlier but still very well used. Between the two, I recommend the former*.

Unfortunately, newer Gospel presentations such as the Four Spiritual Laws, 5 Things God Wants you to Know, and the Romans Road shows a greatly reduced Gospel in very short paragraphs. Those tracts simply tells its readers that they’re sinners, and that they can be forgiven for their sins, but does not tell readers WHY the bible calls them sinners in the first place.

Worse, students in school clubs are often taught only the contents in those tracts.

It is not enough to say that the Bible said it, and then claim that the Bible is inspired and infallible. They need to understand what makes them sinners in the first place, how serious sin really is, and why sinners are sent to Hell for an eternity thus their need for a savior.

They cannot know truly, the whys and the wherefores, unless they know God Himself.

The Character of God.

3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
– John 17:3

And all of the tracts I’ve mentioned virtually neglected Him in that respect.

So why sin is so serious and the consequence so severe? Because God is Good. Now we read that and think “Of course! He is good, that’s why He loves us sending His son down on the cross for our salvation.” But we’ve forgotten the other meanings:

6 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
– Exodus 34:6-7

God is good therefore He is love, but He is also Holy and Just as well. So when He sees sin it is abhorrent to Him, and in His Holiness He cannot allow sinners into His presence (Psalms 5:4-5). He cannot be with sin, and He will not hear their prayers (Habakkuk 1:13).

God is so good that He requires moral perfection (Matthew 5:20). So to sin but once is to violate all of the commandments (James 2:10). One might ask “Why can’t He just forgive us”? Paul Washer made an important point in dealing with that question. If He were to do that, then He would be unjust, quoting the following verse:

15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.
– Proverbs 17

For Part 2, click here: https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/107887481/posts/3126285931

Verses of Grace and Mercy Every True Believer can relate to.

 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.
– Psalms 57

3 If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
– Psalms 130

11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
– Psalms 7

9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
– 1 Corinthians 6

19 Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.
20 My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.
21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
– Lamentations 3

None of us deserve any measure of mercy.

To the question on why bad things happen to good people I believe RC Sproul answered “There are no good people”, just wicked vile people who deserve to go to the deepest part of hell. the better question to ask. says RC Sproul Jr is, why do bad things happen to good people (1)?

We are what we do; we are liars, adulterers, and murderers; dishonorable to our parents, coveters, and idolaters. The Bible says that there are none good, no not one (Romans 3:9-18). Such that we do, and so often that we do them that the Bible says He is angry with the wicked everyday.

Yet God in His love for us has done good things that we can all enjoy (Matthew 5:45). The food we get to eat, or the moment of peace we get to enjoy; the chance encounter with a long time friend, or an accidental happening to a co-worker we can all reminisce with laughter.

But there is a special kind of mercy reserved for the saved. That mercy is being spared from eternal damnation; for if none that are good, all deserve entry and stay in Hell. It is mercy none of us deserve, but by His Grace He sent His son down to be the propitiation for our sins.

His son took our place becoming sin, so that we can be the sons and daughters of God (Ephesians 1:5). He looks at us now as His children, and we can now say “Abba – Father” (Romans 8:15).



1. Why does God allow bad things happen to Good People? RC Sproul jr. Youtube.com June 6 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZN2EYKkzPQ

The Wonders of Learning, Vengeance, & the Election Theft.

Have you ever learned something, after years of reading scripture, and realized a truth that was missed, or seen truth in a new light? Pastors and theologians have said over and over that when we study scripture, we’re only scratching the surface. Not because it is impossible to understand, but because it is full of truths. Here is what I’ve read:

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.
10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
– Psalms 37

For a long time I thought that when one takes vengeance it is a singular act of sin. What I mean by that is that if someone I love is murdered, and I know who the murder is, then I would plan and avenge his/her death by committing the same act upon him.

But that is actually committing three sins: hatred, murder, and then vengeance which the Lord has said:

13 Thou shalt not kill.
– Exodus 20

21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
– Matthew 5

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
– Romans 12

As I’m completing this, my mind was on the storming of the Capital Hill building by fed-up Trump Supporters. Many of them very upset at what they believed to be the theft of the election by the Democrats. So many years of Liberal acts they consider are ruinous to the country spilled over into the building, managed to enter into the chamber, but eventually driven out by the Capital Police.

If this election was indeed stolen, the problem cannot be solved through violence. Give place to the LORD’s wrath, and trust that He will carry through justice.

Thoughts to Start the New Years With – Psalms 49.

 Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world:
2 Both low and high, rich and poor, together.
3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.

We are the Light to the World (Matthew 5:16) as Israel was to the Gentile world (Isaiah 42:6).

4 I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

Our words are precious to some (Romans 11:17), but foolishness to others (1 Corinthians 1:25 & 1 Corinthians 2:14), but we must press on to share glad tidings for their souls.


5 Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?

Last year we’ve met with new difficulties, Coronavirus being more infectious than the Flu virus and lockdowns that followed resulted in a new and unique hardships not ever known before in in human history. There were losses of life as a result of the virus but thankfully not very high which parallels that of the common influenza.

However, because of the fear engendered by it the entire world locked themselves down which resulted in job losses in the service industry, and psychologically impacting the young as it prevented from human contact with friends.


6 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;

But with each new and continuing hardships we learn not to trust in the tangible or our human means of help, but only through the Lord we trust (Psalms 46:1 & 10).


7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:
8 (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)
9 That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.

With that let us remember who, what, and why we’re reaching out to the lost. This verse reminded me of Roman Catholics who believed that by their many prayers, works, and payment through indulgences can save him/herself and their fellows. Lost are they (Romans 10:1-4) and so were we without hope (Ephesians 2:2-3).


10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
11 Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.
12 Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.
13 This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah.
14 Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.

Their thoughts and observations if I’ve rendered this correctly is not entirely wrong. Sometimes bad things happen to good people and good to the bad (Ecclesiastes 9:14-15); but when the just does suffer ill or the worst comes, it is often for the greater good (Isaiah 57:1)


15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.

Through all this, God will deliver, He will cause us to endure, and will bring us through. We are saved eternally so we will enter our rest knowing even that we will come to Him unashamed (Jude 1:24).


16 Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;
17 For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.
18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.
19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.
20 Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.

As for the unbelieving, of those who step over us and others (Psalms 73:12-16) to advance or boasted in this life because of his/her prosperity accomplished without God’s help will meet his/her end in shame (73:17-19). Even in their own righteousness needing no grace will be naked before God in judgment as all their accomplishments will amount to nothing (Psalms 64:6 & Romans 4:4-5).

This year might be yet another year of the same or worse (Matthew 24:7-8). It might also be the year the Lord comes to take His Church, or the commencement of the Tribulation Period. Whatever the case, what might be in store for us in the future, the LORD will triumph in the end.

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
– John 16

Happy New Years, everyone! And God bless!

The Least of Things.

12 Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;
– Zechariah 9

10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
– Psalms 16

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
– Luke 2

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
– 1 Corinthians 1

Despite David being himself a Shepherd, the Shepherds were still considered being among the lowest of the social classes in Jesus’ time along with Harlots and Tax Collectors.

God is not the “respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34); He shows no partiality, but He for His glory He has often chosen the least of the peoples of this world.

He began with Abram, which the scriptures has said came from Chaldea but nothing more was said of Him (Genesis 11:31). Next came Isaac and Ishmael. From Ishmael came the Arab people(1), but from Isaac only Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:26). From Esau came the Edomites(2) but from Jacob came the nation of Israel.

The Moabites were greater in terms of numbers and establishment as they were the first to have kings while the Jews did not become a sovereign state until perhaps 500 years afterward. They were thus the least of all the nations yet from the very beginning, God has chosen Israel to be His people. To this day Israel remains as among the minor state, but is destined to be at the pinnacle power, but ruled by Christ Himself (Zechariah 8:20-22 & Revelation 21:1-2)

But with regard to righteousness Israel leads. Not to say that they have always been upright as scripture made that abundantly clear (Deuteronomy 7:7-8), but because they have been raised and ruled by the Mosaic law (Romans 2:17-24), they are not as sinful as the Gentile world. But even here, the LORD chooses a people least considered worthy.

He could have given salvation only to Israel, and elected only them, but even before then He used them as the light to the Gentiles (Genesis 12:3 & Isaiah 42:6). In the later period of Israel’s history, God said that He will make them His people who were originally not (Hosea 2:23). Finally, Jesus said in John 10:16 that He has other sheep that He must bring to His fold.

Still, the notion of the Gentiles becoming saved and becoming His people came as a surprise to the Jewish people but God proved it so by bringing Cornelius to His fold (Acts 10:45). In summation I will use Paul’s words to the Ephesians concerning all us who are Gentiles:”

11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
– Ephesians 2

Why would God do all this? Again Paul’s words to the Romans:

15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
– Romans 9

What a great and merciful God we serve!

Citation
1. Who Are the Descendants of Ishmael? GotQuestions.com, Accessed 12-31-2020. https://www.gotquestions.org/descendants-of-Ishmael.html
2. Who were the Edomites. GotQuestions.com, Accessed 12-31-2020. https://www.gotquestions.org/Edomites.html

The Qualitative Depth of God.

5 Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O Lord, thou preservest man and beast.
7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
– Psalms 36

The God we know is omnipotent, and omnipresent; He is eternal and unchanging. Such are His divine qualities that He is deserving of our trembling fear and respect, He could by one word destroy us all without giving us a chance at resistance or escape.

Are such qualities deserving of worship? It is, if you love and treasure powers above all things.

Yet God is more than just might and ability – He is good (Psalms 136:1). He is merciful and righteous; His judgments are deep and His love is great as to preserve man and beast, and is good to “the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45-46).

But what are we in comparison to Him? We are the very opposite of Him (Genesis 8:21). Because He is good, and we are not, what should a good God do with us but obliged to send us to the very depths of Hell (Matthew 5:20, Exodus 34:6-7, 1 Corinthians 6:10-11, & James 2:10).

However, His love for us is such that He sent His son to die on the cross for us. His justice demands payment and His son paid it on our behalf (Hebrews 10:10). He became sin (2 Corinthians 5:21, Isaiah 53:5-6, 10) so that we can take unto ourselves His righteousness (Hebrews 10:16-17).

He is truly the fountain of life which Jesus said:

37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
– John 7

We worship Him because He is good, and we love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).



The Battle is the LORD’s.

1 Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.
2 Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.
3 Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.
– Psalm 35

From my schema, and this isn’t an official military doctrine of any prestigious academy, but there appears to be seven vital things that must be present and that must be done well in order to win battles and ultimately the war. Will, Knowledge, Training, Leadership, Planning, Logistics, and Execution.

Of all seven, the will to win is the seed to victory. Wars are won by those who want it the most Knowledge is the key to victory as it provides warfighters lessons, secrets, and know how to achieve it. Leadership inspires and maintains collective will. With leadership also comes detailed planning in how to win battles. Then, logistics to provide the means to victory from food to medicine, medical to clothing, and weapons and technology. Lastly, execution of the plan that if done precisely gains ultimate victory.

However, more often than not, Murphy’s Law often takes effect: Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. When battle commences it is said the best laid plans doesn’t often comes apart at the first shot. So much is needed to ensure success on the battlefield that one mistake can lead to losing the war. If not, that mistake will most certainly be costly in terms of money, time, and lives.

Battles are so fluid in nature that it is foolish to trust that human will and efforts alone will ultimately prevail (Ecclesiastes 9:11). To not trust in the LORD is to leave all to chance.

It is the LORD who gives victory, it is by Him He ensures it.

By Him the will to succeed (Judges 6:6), through Him wisdom is given (Proverbs 9:16). From Him are leaders raised (Judges 6:11) and plan is made (Judges 7:16-18). The LORD provides also what are needed (Judges 7:1-7) and execution, flawless (7:19-25). He makes to where one can learn to do with little (Philippians 4:11-13), and with a little do very much (1 Samuel 17:50).