Article: DEFENSIVE DISCIPLESHIP

Thursday, October 24, 2002 - 07:32 PM

DEFENSIVE DISCIPLESHIP
By Patrick D. Andrews

Some years ago, we anxiously awaited the outcome of the restoration of an old train depot. Since progress was rapidly taking place, many changes were occurring. In this instance the local railroad was pulling up track and selling off assets (taxation was too much--that which is no longer an asset cannot be taxed). As the days and weeks passed the progress of the "face lift" was impressive. That which was tattered, torn, and worn beyond usefulness was getting a "second chance."

The restoration of the old Dougherty Depot was finally completed and an business was begun which dealt with crafts, skills, and antiques. The success of the business is not important to this writing, but rather the accuracy of the restoration. Therefore, I still think about that "restoration." Was it indeed a restoration or a remodeling of that which used to be.

On the one hand, it is impossible to restore that depot to what it was, because it is no longer where it was. That rather large detail will always be a difference between what is and what was. Furthermore, is the remainder of the restoration accurate to the most minute detail? The real challenge of a restoration is to not leave anything to chance--"Don't overlook anything, not even the most minute detail."

It seems that this is problematic in that which we have commonly termed as the restoration of the Lord's Church. Since the prophecy that came from God cannot be wrong, we must understand that Daniel's God-given words are not merely insight, but God-breathed. Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. The church is forever, but those who are parts of the church are subject to decay, sin, and falling away.

The only way that each Christian can be successful in the fight against the Satan of this world is to be prepared--willingly do what it takes to succeed. Ephesians 6:10-20 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. As we go through this life, we must understand that there is no safe haven, unless we are equipped with God's spiritual defense system.

Satan will attack our most vulnerable element. We must make appropriate use of the whole armor of God. Our attire must include the strength of God or we are "underdressed" for the occasion. Christians who sacrifice truth for any reason are exposed as being dishonest, unprepared, lacking in the armor of God, and a part of the problem rather than the solution

During the Vietnam War (conflict), Jeremiah Denton, a US Navy lieutenant, climbed into his A-6 "Intruder" jet fighter-bomber. He launched from the U.S.S. Independence as mission commander of a 28 plane battle element. Soon he would assume command of his squadron, but he first needed this additional "orientation combat sortie"--his 12th combat mission. His assumption of command, scheduled for July 20, 1965, never happened.

Their "bomb run" took them over the heavily defended Thanh Hoa bridge, 120 kilometers south of Hanoi. Somewhere near the target area, they felt a violent jolt as their A-6 "intruder" took a hit and some seconds later it was out of control. Left with no other choice, Denton and his offensive weapons officer ejected. The Vietcong noticed of the post-crash fire and the two parachutes as they descended into the jungle--a short while later they were prisoners of war.

They no longer had all of the "support systems" that are found onboard the ship. They were separated from their flight, aircraft carrier, jet airplane, friends, and even their families. Injuries would not be treated by some capable Naval doctor. Forty one years old, US Naval Academy graduate, virtual expert in electronics, antisubmarine warfare, and air defense operations--it didn't matter. The future now held torture and confinement--no newspapers, casual reading, radio, TV, or entertainment. There's not even a Bible to read, only memory. What's the answer to the "needs" of the moment? The meditation was good, but the prayer was even better.

We aren't struggling in the "Hanoi Hilton," but right here in our own neighborhood and among our own friends. The Apostle Paul knew the answer. Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. The only way to "persevere" is with the strength of God through Jesus Christ.