A Time Of War

NOTE: The primary thoughts and ideas of this message are not all my own. They come from research and gleaning from other preachers and authors. To them I give credit where credit is due and offer them my utmost apprectiation. Becuase of the many sources used they are not credited individually and for that I sincerely appologize.

A Time of War

Ecclesiastes 3:8

Intro. Tonight we sit on the brink of war.

-The president has given Sadam Hussein an ultimatum.

-We could be going to war any minute.

-Tonight I want to give you some principles for fighting a just war, and what we can do now.

I. A Just War.

A. For centuries the decisive factor in going to war had to meet certain criteria.

B. I cannot say with certainty, but I think that our

president is working under these principles.

C. These principles have been around for many years.

1. From Roman times.

2. Written by St. Thomas Aquinas.

D. Principles for fighting a Just War. (Just War Theory)

1. All avenues of peace must be exhausted.

Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth

in you, live peaceably with all men.

2. There must be a just cause.

a. 1 Samuel 17:29 And David said, What have I

now done? Is there not a cause?

b. A just war is apt to be described as one that….

(1) Protects innocent life

(2) Preserve conditions necessary for decent human existence

(3) Secures basic human rights,

(4) Punishes criminal behavior on the part of a nation.

(5) Seeks to restore what it has seized unjustly

(6) To remove the threat of imminent destruction.

3. War must be declared under the proper authority.

a. Romans 13:1-6

b. In our case the president and the congress

4. War must have the right intention.

a. Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

b. Right intentions

(1) Securing peace

(2) Preserving life

(3) Restoring order

(4)Freedom

(5) Correcting evil-doers (chastisement not vengeance)

c. Wrong intentions

(1) Personal gain

(2)Pure vengeance

(3)Selfishness

(4) Racial or Ethnic annihilation

(5) Cruelty

(6) Confiscation of land or nation.

5. There must be a reasonable probability for success.

a. Luke 14:31-32

b. To do otherwise us suicide.

6. The methods of warfare must be proportional to the

means.

a. “The damage to be inflicted and the costs incurred by war must be proportionate to the good expected by taking up arms”.

b. Loss of life, and costs must be considered against expected ends.

7. There must be a limited objective. 1 Peter 3:8-12

a. Peace!

b. Not total destruction and annihilation.

II. What should we do now?

A. PRAY! 1 Timothy 2:1-3

1. For Leaders

2. For Soldiers

3. For innocent victims

4 For our enemy (Matthew 5:44)

B. Trust the Lord.

1. Psalms 7:1 O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:

2. Psalms 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

C. We should seek peace.

Psalms 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek

peace, and pursue it.

D. Support and encourage each other.

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

E. Stand behind our President and soldiers.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (Romans 13:1)

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;(2)For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Conclusion:

War is not our choice.

But it looks inevitable

We must pray….

(This sermon was followed by a prayer meeting in which someone from each generation was called on to pray. ages 10-18, 19-30, 31-40, 41-60.)

GOD BLESS AMERICA!