“Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you; Jesus Christ and the American G. I. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom.” - unknown author

“God is on our side” is a statement often heard from politicians, but the point is not if God is on our side, but rather, are we on God’s side? Our military has been well-trained for conflict. This is nothing new. In New Testament times, the dominant world power was the Roman Empire, so much of modern training would not seem out of place in a Roman military textbook.  Rome, like the United States, created a strong military force to defend itself...one that was proud and had structure that encouraged honor and service.  The big difference between Rome and the USA is that the Romans used their power for oppression and the USA uses its power as a force for good in the world.   The Romans’ most effective weapon was their sword known as the gladius, a straight two-edged sword about 27-inches long, that was quite simply the perfect weapon of its age.  With this blade, they conquered one of the longest lasting and successful empires in world history.  These where the swords brought into first-century Judea under General Pompey, where it would stay for hundreds of years*. These were the weapons with which early Christians were familiar, sometimes in ways you and I really would not want to be familiar with.

As Christians then and now understand, just as the Roman sword was an effective tool, so is our sword, the Holy Bible, a sharp two-edged sword. This weapon has been conquering men’s hearts for thousands of years.  It is the very foundation of western civilization and the measure by which we divide things into good and evil. It is the moral compass and source of comfort for any soldier, ancient or modern.  Keep this weapon with you at all times.  Never let it be far from your side. Its words of strength, power, and comfort will ease your soul.  Remember the great warriors that came before, such as David, Samson and Joshua; remember how they relied upon the Lord for their strength and comfort in any situation.  This is meekness, a reliance upon God, never to be confused with weakness.  Surely, the Roman gladius was the sword the writer of the letter to the Hebrews had in mind when he wrote, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

The Bible as our spiritual sword is truly a weapon, in that the more you train with it, the better you will become in using it. Let God’s Word be a constant companion, giving strength and encouragement in darkest times. Let it be your guide in life and strength and in the face of adversity. Hold on to these words: “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9).

We no longer carry swords into battle, but you can carry the ultimate sword. You can carry the Bible with the same words that emboldened the worthy warriors of the past from Joshua to you.  Remember: what makes this country truly great is not the size of the land but the size of its people’s hearts, its decency and honor, the kindness and “can do” attitude of its people and, at the very heart of all, the nobility of the sword we call the Bible.

Just as modern warriors are taught to be ready, we must also be ready at any time to meet God, and, as such, it is our duty to ourselves to be in good standing with Him.  The Bible is very clear on how we can do this...and it’s through the greatest sword of all!  It is here that we learn of Jesus Christ and His brave sacrifice: “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification” (Romans 4:25).   He gave everything to allow us the choice to be with Him.  Notice that it is a choice. We can either obey his order or reject it...but we cannot run away from it. Jesus said in Mark 16:16: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”  That is the order from the ultimate Commander-in-Chief. Will you choose to obey it?

The quote I began this article with is a fine one, and yet, it is in need of an important addition. Yes, many have died for your freedom, but Jesus died for your freedom AND your soul. Make sure you are right with God this day. Remember that the King of Kings died for you to set you free. He rose from the dead because even death could not defeat Him and He wants you for His everlasting kingdom. You have his Word - trust it, use it, apply it, and grow in hope and strength.

* Braund, David C. “Gabinius, Caesar, and the publicani of Judaea.” Klio-Beiträge zur Alten Geschichte 65, no. 1-2 (1983): 241-244.

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Tim Pearson

205.281.5202

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Rev. 2:4).

- When my delight in the Lord is no longer as great as my delight in someone else, I have lost my “first love.”

- When my soul does not long for times of rich fellowship in God’s Word or in prayer, I have lost my “first love.”

- When my thoughts during leisure moments do not reflect upon the Lord, I have lost my “first love.”

- When I claim to be “only human” and easily give in to those things I know displease the Lord, I have lost my “first love.”

- When I do not willingly and cheerfully give to God’s work or to the needs of others, I have lost my “first love.”

- When I cease to treat every Christian brother as I would the Lord, I have lost my “first love.”

- When I view the commands of Christ as restrictions to my happiness rather than expressions of His love, I have lost my “first love.”

- When I inwardly strive for acclaim of this world rather than the approval of the Lord, I have lost my “first love.”

- When I fail to make Christ or His Words known because I fear rejection, I have lost my “first love.”

- When I refuse to give up an activity which I know is offending a weaker brother, I have lost my “first love.”

- When I become complacent to sinful conditions around me, I have lost my “first love.”

- When I am unwilling to forgive another for offending me, I have lost my “first love.”