War is common in this world. The Bible gives many accounts of war. Israel in the Old Testament was often at war. At times they were defeated in war and battle because they were not right with their God/Jehovah. On the other hand, the Lord God Almighty gave great victories because they had looked to Him for the call to battle; and they fought faithfully according to His direction. We think of Gideon, Sampson, David and many others. God/Jehovah had a plan of victory for His people in the promised land of blessing under His name.

Jesus spoke of war amd rumors of war in relation to His future kingdom's powerful coming and the end of Satan's world rule(Matt. 24). This great victory would not be won by the sword of steel but by the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6).

This is a spiritual warfare fought on spiritual planes and heavenly as well as earthly places. This warfare involves truth against error and Satanic deception; it involves love against hate, malice, envy and murder. This warfare means each participant for Christ goes through a spiritual martyrdom of dying to covetousness, spoiling and stealing in order to gain fleshly/carnal pleasures and possessions. On the other hand, the participant finds new life of peace over enemies of God and Christ(Gal. 2).

The conquering believer does not fear death which has already been defeated by the resurrected Christ. No foe can stand against the power of the Gospel of Christ.

There are those who will not accept the Gospel of Christ. In failing to accept the Gospel of Christ, they arrive at their own just judgment of eternal separation from God and His holy presence in hell's eternal death.

When unbelievers trample under foot the sinless blood of Christ Jesus's death on Calvary, they lose all hope of deliverance from their sins into a life of uncondemned abundant living. Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world. The world must turn to Christ for salvation.

The world under Satan will fight and war against Christ, but, in doing so, it forfeits all hope of forgiveness and deliverance from sin into abundant eternal life.

Here now is a clear view of the wars fought on earth. First, there are wars of aggression for the possessions of neighbor and neighboring nations. This is a war fought for lustful desires such as gold, land, minerals, water, oil, man-made products, and the soul and bodies of people for enslavement. Pastor James wrote of this kind of warring which is most prominent in the world(James 4). Second, there are wars fought to guard the rights and possessions of the people of the land. This is more like police protecting the people and property of the citizenry of a country. These are the officers of ordained rulers who must rule rightly and justly for the sake of righteousness and the security of the people(I Peter 2:13f).

Then there are religious wars fought in the name of some supposed god. These wars kill or enslave the unbelievers by the force of the gun or sword. These wars are called religious wars. Many people historically look upon religious wars as the most heinous and irrational of all. Even so, time has proven that people are capable of inflamed zealousness and have thrown themselves into death's jaws in the name of a so-called deity. Is not this a very sad demonic waste of human life, akin to the aborting of an unborn child?

PEACE IN THE WORLD

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. In Isaiah 9:6 is found a prophecy of the coming birth of the child who will be a Ruler, Counselor, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace. The Gospels teach that this is Jesus the Son of Mary, the Son of God, conceived of the Holy Spirit of God.

When this same Jesus rules in the hearts of His people, He becomes the ruler, who is the directing Head/Lord of the Church, the body of God's people, here and now upon the earth. In His victory on the cross, over Satan and death, He brings/gives real peace and confidence to those who believe upon Him as the Christ, their Savior and Lord.

On the earth there is considerable fighting and war among peoples, tribes/races and religions. Fighting, about land and possessions, for rule and control/dominion over people, countries and states, occurs because there is no peace in the hearts of the lost peoples of the world who are living in the darkness of Satan's rule.

Only Jesus Christ brings peace to the hearts of those who believe upon Him as the Savior/Lord sent from our Creator/God to lead us out of the darkness of Satan into the light of God and real eternal peace and life. See John one.

GREAT COMFORT

People look for comfort in times of distress and trouble. They call the doctor when illness strikes. They call the pastor when death is near. Friends and others may come to offer limited comfort in times of trouble and loss. In every present situation, Jesus is concerned about our comfort and has sent the Holy Spirit into the Christian's life to be our constant source of comfort. The Holy Spirit not only comforts with understanding but He gives strength, and confident assurance of our Lord's presence at all times in our life.

Now look to the Gospel of John chapters fifteen to seventeen. Jesus said to His disciples that the comforter ("paraketos"Gk.) would be sent of the Father to be our comforter, who stands along beside us to assure us of the truth ("aletheias" Gk.). He will witness to us of the truth of Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit will stamp and confirm our witness of Jesus the Christ, our Lord and Savior with life changing truth and power.

In this world, as we know, it and in the future both here or in heaven, the Holy Spirit connects us with our Lord in truth and love which He pours into our hearts, making us living proof of God's power. We can live and rest in our comfort and joy of living.

The message of comfort is a clear one in the Scriptures. Psalm 100, verse 5, reads: "For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations"(NAS.) The Psalmist wrote here to give praise and thanksgiving to the Lord and bless His Holy Name. Thank God, our Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ our redeemer. Praise His Holy Name. We are comforted in our earthly life; as comes each passing day and night. We know an eternal day is just ahead for all who find their comfort in Christ Jesus.