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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by rayww on August 17, 2004, at 10:04:56
It bothers some that war takes up such a huge page of history, even scripture. I have often wondered why one third of the Book of Mormon focuses on war, and why such great detail is given to strategem when every word is supposedly inspired instruction for our day.
The message of war in scripture is very clear. It is all right with God to use strategem in preserving our rights, freedoms, and family. A reoccurring theme in scripture finds people who hate the church trying to destroy it, and the followers of Christ trying to preserve their freedom.
Now, don't lose me on this because I think it is a significant thought, and I am struggling to write as I think.
The evil side of the battle attacks the innocent. But while evil is preparing for attack, the righteous are fortifying, strengthening, and preparing to defend their rights, freedoms, and family. So, evil attacks, but good defends.
One particular example that was studied yesterday in every Mormon Sunday School class around the world was a battle where through strategem, a huge army was defeated by a very small number because of their fortification and preparation, and reliance on God for direction.
http://scriptures.lds.org/query?words=Alma+43-47&scripturesearch_button=SearchHow does this apply to our day? Our battle is similar in many ways. When the Lamanites attacked they were naked, wearing only a loin cloth. How much nudity and porn is there in the world today? The Nephites appeared in protective armor with their weakest cities fortified with tall mounds of dirt, and high walls. The Gospel of Christ is fit for the weakest of all saints. The Nephites positioned themselves in strategic areas, surrounding the enemy from all sides, so the enemy had nowhere to turn but defeat. We can likewise develop positions on values and commandments that cannot be broken when attacked by Satan.
There is so much symbolism in the war chapters of the Book of Mormon.
God allows strategem to fight the battle against Satan (which is real). He allows it in defending the family, preserving our freedom, and protecting agency.
Trouble comes when we confuse the issues and begin thinking evil is good and good is evil. If we get caught up in the wrong cause, we do not fight the good battle. There is much battle taking place on the Internet. I have heard of Anti-Mormon, Anti-Christian, Anti-Sematic, and anti just about everything. Anti is used in another text too --- Anti-Christ.
The good battle is fought by fortifying ourselves against the firey darts of Satan. It is found in strengthening our stakes (churches), and in perfecting our homes, teaching our children, loving our spouses, and trusting our relationships. It is found in helping our neighbor, loving our friends, paying attention to the simple needs of those around us, and of course increasing our "FAITH".
I have tried to write this generically, using my Mormon stories as an example. I would hope that before anyone attacks my belief (in their heart), they will internalize my example into their own situation and then answer my question, What is the good battle? (or the God battle)
Posted by Simus on August 18, 2004, at 0:59:27
In reply to What is the good battle?, posted by rayww on August 17, 2004, at 10:04:56
This is what the Bible says:
Ephesians 6:11-18 (NKJV) "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--"
First and foremost, "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."
Our defensive tactics are our "armor": Truth, righteousness, preparation of the Gospel of peace, faith, and salvation.
The only thing listed here as an instrument used to strike back against the enemy is the sword of the Spirit; the Word of God.
Simus
Posted by rayww on August 18, 2004, at 7:44:16
In reply to Re: What is the good battle? » rayww, posted by Simus on August 18, 2004, at 0:59:27
This is the end of the thread.
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