So much of what we've been seeing is completely unnecessary these days.
Need Protecting, or Want to Help Protect People?
Do You Desire A Biblical Perspective on Terrorism and Tactful Evangelistic Urgency?
Prayerfully decide right now to live close with the Lord..just as He desires for you to live.
I say crack open the Book once again -- looking to the Lord to protect.. and to protect others through you.
We all can do this daily. Many people think it is merely media propaganda, but multiple Western nations have been invaded (even by criminals released from foreign prisons). It's been encouraged, aided and caused by one side.
We can pray as if our lives really depended upon Him..cuz they do. Jesus is the giver of life, He cares about people and their lives. He is still the sustainer of life. He can still protect you today.
The Bible offers a timeless and clear moral framework that flat-out condemns violence. "Love.. always protects." Yes, particularly the shedding of innocent blood. God hates that and we should too.
The Bible says, "It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me." 1 Corinthians 13:7-11 niv
The Word of God calls believers to live with Him and with each other.. peaceably, seeking Him and His Kingdom.. first not second.. yes, pursuing Him, His righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from pure hearts.
I mean from peace from reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. In a world gone sideways..this world that's plagued by crazy terrorism, tragic violence, and increasing chaos, the Christian life needs to provide a stark and hopeful contrast that is rooted in this vertical love relationship, and in the truth of Scripture.
"Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts." 2 Timothy 2:22 nlt
Terrorism: Selfish, Foolish, and Yes, It's Condemned by God
Why deeply hurt God's heart? Why hurt, wound, name, or kill the innocent? There is no good reason at all. It accomplishes nothing good ever. Terrorism, in all its forms, stands as a gross violation of God's holy law. The Bible unequivocally denounces violence against the innocent:
- Deuteronomy 27:25 pronounces a curse on those who shed innocent blood.
- Proverbs 6:16–18 lists "hands that shed innocent blood" among the six things the Lord hates.
- Jeremiah 22:3 commands us to do no wrong or violence to the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow.
God in his loves protects people -- let's pray for this and wisely do the same as he leads us to.
I'm glad our God still takes a stand for the innocent and not with just words. His Bible principles call for prayer and wise actions. His principles directly oppose the loveless foolish actions of terrorists, who often use fear and violence to try and achieve selfish aims.
Scripture is equally clear about prideful rebellion against direct and delegated authority. God is against this, He's a God of order. The Bible speaks against all the sins of those seeking to usurp God's order on earth. It speaks against self-promotion and self exaltation even through these crazy acts we've been watching lately.
"The authorities that exist have been established by God" (Romans 13:1).
"There is no authority except that which God has established" (Romans 13:1).
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities" (Romans 13:1).
"Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves" (Romans 13:2).
"Rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong" (Romans 13:3).
"He (the ruler) does not bear the sword for nothing" (Romans 13:4).
Yes, this chapter in Romans reminds us that governing authorities are instituted by God, and violent attempts to overthrow them are disobedient to Him. Christians are called instead to respond to evil with good, overcoming hatred with love (Romans 12:21).
"He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer" (Romans 13:4).
"Do not repay anyone evil for evil" (Romans 12:17)
"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath" (Romans 12:19).
The Bible teaches that vengeance belongs to God because only He knows perfectly the hearts of men and only He can temper vengeance and justice.
"It is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." (Romans 12:19).
"It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip" (Deuteronomy 32:35).
"It is mine to avenge; I will repay" (Hebrews 10:30)
"The Lord is a jealous and avenging God.. The Lord is slow to anger and great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished" (Nahum 1:2-3).
It's God's type of vengeance that is the ultimate vengeance when He shall judge all mankind.
The Last Days: Living with Focus and Faith
The increasing evil in our world may reflect what the Bible describes as the "last days," a time characterized by peril and opposition to truth (See 2 Timothy 3:1–9).
However, believers are not called to fear, worry or obsession. Instead of always speculating about prophetic timelines, we are commanded to live faithfully with Christ as Lord.. looking up, expectantly, and joyfully.
Jesus Himself warned against panic and alarm, even as He foretold of wars, famines, and other signs (Matthew 24:6–8). He emphasized readiness—not fear or hyper-fixation. Reborn Christians should live with a very balanced, intelligent urgency inside, worshipping acceptably.. using every opportunity to share the Gospel with love and compassion.
Encouragement in the Word, Not Fear
The return of Christ is not meant to scare but to encourage. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians about the coming of the Lord, urging them to "encourage one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:17–18). This hope should inspire believers to live holy lives, full of grace and truth, as we eagerly await His return.
Are There More Righteous Actions We Can Take? Yep.
In the face of terrorism and global instability, the reborn spiritual Christian's response is found in the Bible:
- Turn whole-heartedly to Christ with repentance and saving faith: Reconciliation with God through faith in Jesus Christ is the ultimate response in the face of the brokenness of humanity here. Let it start with you and me, where we are at today. Jesus is the Prince of Peace who offers salvation to all who believe (Isaiah 9:6; John 14:6).
- Live Peaceably with Jesus as Lord, and with those around you: Christians are called to be peacemakers, reflecting God's love in their interactions with others (Matthew 5:9).
- Boldly, Tactfully witness. Recommend God the Father's Solution -- His sinless Son Jesus Christ. Walk with, Bragging on Him. Live unashamed, sharing the Gospel: The urgency of Christ's return should inspire us to proclaim the Good News, not out of fear but out of love for others.
- Trust God’s Sovereignty and Freak Thou Not Out: Instead of being consumed by fear, worry or speculation, believers can rest in the assurance that God is in control.
Let's Stay Tight with the Lord Today, close to Growing Believers, and Follow Jesus Closely.
You Can Live Peaceably in a Tight Relationship with Jesus Christ Today. You and I can help bring others into a righteous relationship with God through Christ as we witness using the Bible. "Go..tell" Mark 5:19
We've been seeing a lot of terrorism lately. It is such a tragic manifestation of humanity's rebellion against God, but the hope of the Gospel shines brighter than any darkness.
Terrorism is as stupid and selfish as it gets - the Bible clearly condemns everything about 21st century terrorism and violence.
The Bible clearly expresses a strong condemnation for the shedding of innocent blood. Over and over, the Scriptures condemn those who use violence against the helpless and inoffensive.
"'Cursed is he who accepts a bribe to strike down an innocent person.' And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’" Deuteronomy 27:25
"These six things the Lord hates; Indeed, seven are repulsive to Him: a proud look [the attitude that makes one overestimate oneself and discount others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that creates wicked plans, feet that run swiftly to evil.." Proverbs 6:16–18 amp
Those who use common terrorist tactics such as attacking non-combatants and trying to inspire terror are also rebuked (Jeremiah 7:6; 19:4; 22:3, 17). Even on a small scale, using ambush tactics in order to kill those one hates is treated as murder (Deuteronomy 19:11). ..Attempts to violently overthrow or influence the government are also off-limits" (Romans 13:1). Rather, Christians are to overcome evil through good (See Romans 12:21).
"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord" (Leviticus 19:18).
We keep seeing some of our leaders here trying to start WW III -- what's up with that? They're evil, so let's keep prayin' for our leaders and country. d
More Difficult Times Will Come -- Live Ready
The Apostle Paul said..
"Overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21)
"He who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law" (Romans 13:8)
Now connect all this to the words of Jesus:
"Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Matthew 5:39)
And to what King David said:
"Do not fret because of evil men" (Psalm 37:1)
"Trust in the Lord and do good" (Psalm 37:3)
"Do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes" (Psalm 37:7)
"Refrain from anger and turn from wrath" (Psalm 37:8)
"Do not fret-it leads only to evil" (Psalm 37:8)
Wars and rumors of wars -- an increase in last days birth pangs? Hey, let's not freak out, worry over, or even obsess about all this, but rather stay focused. The last days are described as “perilous times” because of the increasingly evil character of man and people who actively “oppose the truth.” The Bible says...
"But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear]. 2 For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane, 3 [and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good, 4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such people and keep far away from them. 6 For among them are those who worm their way into homes and captivate morally weak and spiritually-dwarfed women weighed down by [the burden of their] sins, easily swayed by various impulses, 7 always learning and listening to anybody who will teach them, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres [the court magicians of Egypt] opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, unqualified and worthless [as teachers] in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their meaningless nonsense and ignorance will become obvious to everyone, as was that of Jannes and Jambres." 2 Timothy 3:1–9 amp
"Let no one in any way deceive or entrap you, for that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first [that is, the great rebellion, the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians], and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction [the Antichrist, the one who is destined to be destroyed].." 2 Thessalonians 2:3 amp
Decide early to take some time alone with the Lord and pray. Decide early. Don't get all worked up or worry about whether this or that is a sign of the end times; instead of interpreting the Bible based on world news from flawed News platforms; instead of writing articles about how current events fit with biblical end times prophecy that will indeed come to pass—we each should be living every day of our lives as if Jesus could return at any moment. We should have an intelligent urgency about us.. in our evangelism too. We should be passionate in our walk with Christ. The reality of the coming of Christ is something we are to use to encourage one another.. not scare one another with.
"Then we who are alive and remain [on the earth] will simultaneously be caught up (raptured) together with them [the resurrected ones] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord! 18 Therefore comfort and encourage one another with these words [concerning our reunion with believers who have died]." 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 amp
As we navigate a world filled with chaos, Christians are called to live in peace and confidence, grounded in Scripture and empowered by the Holy Spirit. By living faithfully in a close spiritually reborn relationship with Jesus Christ, we each can reflect His light in this dark world, pointing others to the ultimate hope that's only found in Christ. Repent, admit it and quit it -- the sin. Come to Him, get right with God.. come back to Him right now.
