Sermon Central
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Answers To Difficult Questions: Is There A Time For War?
Contributed by Douglas Bryan on Jul 6, 2004 (message contributor)
Summary: Should Christians support war? That can be a tough question especially in today’s world in which war is highly debated and views are often politcally motivated. This message does not try to take sides, but simply tries to look at war from a biblical per
ANSWERS TO DIFFICULT QUESTIONS:
IS THERE A TIME FOR WAR?
(Note: Some of the material was gleaned from Jeff Armbrest’s sermon "What Does God Think About War" and from Rodney Buchanan’s sermon "A Christian Perspective of War and Peace." Thanks fellows.)
INTRODUCTION:
A. Since the act of terrorism against our country on September 11, 2001, our view of the world has changed
1. As the terror alert levels go up and down between yellow and orange we are reminded that there are people in the world that are working and conniving to shake us and to bring a sense of fear into our lives
a. While the world did not change dramatically on 9-11, our view of it most certainly did.
b. We realized that we are not as safe as we once thought
2. Today we see American soldiers losing lives in places like Afghanistan and Iraq
3. These wars have caused quite a bit of debate
a. Some believe we have no business being over there while others believe we should do more
b. Needless to say, there are strong feelings on both sides of the issue as debate takes place in the business offices, among friends and family and even in the church.
B. The message this morning does not try to answer all of the questions surrounding the war against terrorism or whether or not we should be in Iraq
1. I am not going to try to put an end to the debate or even change your view on the current war situation
2. But I do want to look at war from a Biblical perspective this morning
a. What does God has say about war?
b. As Christians, how should we feel when our country goes to war?
3. Ultimately, we have to look at what God says through His Word
a. What has He revealed to us?
b. READ: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
I> THERE IS A TIME FOR PEACE
A. We need to be clear about one thing–one of God’s primary traits is peace
1. When prophesying concerning the coming of the Messiah, Isaiah (9:6) wrote that He would bear these names:
a. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
b. God longs for peace
2. The Apostle Paul emphasized this same point when writing to the Romans (12:18)
a. Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
b. As Christians, that is to be our goal–to live at peace with everyone
c. Of course, that does not mean that we shouldn’t stand up for what is right
That does not mean that we accept any philosophy or teaching that is floating around
That doesn’t mean that we are to be tolerant of any and every thing that our society says is okay
Neither does it mean that we should not voice our opinions even though we may be in the minority.
But it has a lot to do with your attitude
ILL> I have known some people who simply refuse to agree. It didn’t make any difference what they were talking about, if one said black, the other would say white.
Then there are some people in the world that always have to do one better than you. If you had a car that would do 120, their’s would do 125. If you got an A on a test, they got an A+. If you spent a fortune building your new house, they spent just a little more.
d. If it is possible, (and it always isn’t) as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
e. That should be our goal
II> THERE IS A TIME FOR WAR
A. While God’s ultimate desire is for peace, He is also a God of war which is evident in both the Old and New Testaments
1. When God led the Israelites out from under the bondage of the Pharaoh’s and Egypt, He showed that He is a warrior
a. The Israelites even sang about Him
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.
2. Again, when the Israelites were about to enter into the Promise Land, the land of Canaan...
a. Numbers 33:51-52 - God spoke to Moses
"When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you."
B. When is it right to go to war?
1. When freedom needs to be defended
a. The Bible reminds us that governments have been established for our protection and the protection of freedom
b. Ultimately, though, we should realize that our protection comes from God
