The Lord Will Reign   

   Last week we called a security trainer, to schedule a session for our church. 

   Surprise! He no longer trains, frustrated by opposition from churches. Other trainers also have quit, he said, due to resistance.

   One man told him that if a shooter enters the service, "it is God's will." 

   What??? 

   We know...that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 1 John 5:19

   Good luck, worshipers. Guess the Holocaust was God's will. (not)

   God does not impose dominion over sinful people. Yet. Matt. 23:37 

   He does answer prayers in line with his perfect will. 

   God's response to rebellion - it is to come in human form and offer peace by his own blood. John 3:16. Also, see reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

   We have freedom to believe, or not. If we believe, are we still at the mercy of sinful men? Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness... Matt. 5:10 

   Do not resist an evil person (a strike on the cheek). Matt. 5:39. Jesus and New Testament writers did not address the threat of death from an evil person...that we know of. Likely for a reason. Missionaries leave the field when threats loom. 

   God emphasizes qualities he wants in us, far more than worldly success. He gives us government to punish wrongdoers. Romans 13

   Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces in this dark world. Our defense is truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation...and our weapon is the Word of God - the sword of the Spirit. Ephesians 6

   Soon, the kingdom of our Lord will reign, forever.  Revelation 11:15; Psalm 145:13

       Jimmy