It’s interesting to see what becomes of churches that are sold. Some remain churches but others become almost anything. A church we built in Calhoun, GA. became a bank. This afternoon I passed a church that now serves as a martial arts center. If we think of martial arts as being the skill to defeat others in physical combat, there is an irony involved. If we think of martial arts as learning the ability to defend oneself there is an interesting correlation with the church’s original intent. Peter tells us in his first epistle, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Let’s be honest. We are no match for Satan. He has been around for the entire history of earth. He knows people and how to defeat us. We need self-defense.
Actually self-defense really is a poor term to use because we can never learn enough to be a match for him. However, Psalm 91 is very reassuring. There is a defense for us. “If you say, ‘The LORD is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.”
We can never forget Daniel’s response to the king after Daniel spent the night with some very hungry lions. “My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me.” Awesome.
Written by Roger Bothwell on September 13, 2013
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St.Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org