Tim Erban

I see a lot of rhetoric in this post, but not a lot of biblical teaching, and the scripture you do use is used out of context; for example you didn't mention that Jesus overturning the money-changer's table was a response to religious hypocrisy, that the ones who claimed to follow His father were using the faith to take advantage of people who wanted to know God. If you carefully read scripture, you'll see that this is the sin that actually angered Jesus, He had very little to say about the corrupt Roman authorities of His day because He knew God ordains all human authority for His purposes. (Romans 13) We are to resist, yes, but not through the means the world resists. We are in this world but not of it, and the way we engage is fundamentally different. The Lord Himself instructed us to be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Our primary weapons are the Word of God and the testimony of Christ’s work in our lives. By embodying Christ's teachings, we offer a powerful counter to the forces that seek to undermine the faith. Consider the early Church, how it faced persecution and hostility far greater than what many experience today. Yet, it was not by force of arms that the Church prevailed but through the steadfast faith of its members, even unto death. Our mission is to bear witness to the truth, to convert hearts, not to conquer lands or legislate morality through dominance, which is ultimately where this deception is all heading. Everyone is living in total fear of what will happen to them in this world. They completely forget or reject that God’s sovereign hand is using these difficult times to test and refine His elect. That’s why it’s called the tribulation. We are being tested on if we really follow Christ’s teachings or if we follow our own sinful instincts. People are following their fleshly, natural desires for vengeance, retribution, peace, and safety in this world because they are led by the fear of the world, and not the fear of the Lord. 1 Peter 1:6-7 says: "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." in Acts 5:41, it describes the apostles' reaction after being flogged and ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus. Despite their suffering, they rejoiced for being considered worthy of persecution for the sake of their faith. Here is another example in 1 Peter 4:13, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." This is why Christ says whoever wants to be a disciple of His must deny themselves and take up their cross to follow Him. (Luke 9:23) And it’s also why Revelation 12:11 says that the saints overcomes the beast by NOT loving their lives unto death. "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” And that’s too why Revelation 13:10 says, "If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword they will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people." This point is also repeated in Revelation 14:12 which says, “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus." So the saints overcome the beast by NOT loving their lives even unto death, because they know what’s waiting for them is far greater than anything this world could offer. And this is also why in Matthew 24:13, when Jesus is discussing the tragic events of the tribulation, He says “but He who endures until the end shall be saved.” Our patience, long-suffering, and endurance is being tested to see if we are truly worthy of being called disciples of Christ. I know this is a hard pill to swallow, but this theme is repeated throughout scripture. David, who was anointed king at a young age, had to go through a period of being hunted and persecuted by Saul before becoming king. The same theme is seen in the life of Jesus, who literally wept in the Garden asking God for this cup to pass over Him. But nonetheless, Christ submitted to the will of the Father, as we will also have to do. This is why it says the meek shall inherit the earth, and the humble will be exalted. Everyone is exalting themselves to stand up for the ultimate idol: their lives and this world. Their own delusion will inevitably lead to their destruction as it is written. Don’t fear the one who can kill the body, Fear the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell. Again, these are very hard pills to swallow for most modern Christians, but that feeling you’re feeling right now is conviction from the Holy Spirit. Don’t resist that conviction, brothers and sisters. "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown." Rev 2:10 The Bible values life highly, teaching that we are made in God's image (Genesis 1:27) and should not murder (Exodus 20:13). However, it suggests there might be times when self-defense is necessary. For example, Exodus 22:2-3 indicates it’s not a sin to kill a thief breaking into your home at night, implying self-defense can be justified if life is in immediate danger. Jesus also taught about non-violence, advising us to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) and love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). The Bible encourages us to handle aggression with love and forgiveness whenever possible. Romans 13:1-4 explains that authorities are responsible for upholding justice, suggesting personal retaliation isn’t the right approach. Instead, we should rely on legal systems for protection and justice when possible. So, while the Bible advises peace and forgiveness, it recognizes there may be times when defending oneself or one’s family, even if it involves lethal force, could be necessary to prevent serious harm. This should always be a last resort, weighed carefully against biblical values of life, love, and peace. The path that leads to destruction is broad, and countless people who claim to follow Christ are on a collision course with their own demise, all while fighting earthly battles and engaging in behaviors they’ve been expressly advised against by the Lord. Ironically, many overlook the truth that a genuine follower of Christ has renounced worldly desires, transcending mortal temptations, reborn in anticipation of heaven’s call during the first resurrection. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” This means that our earthly conflicts mirror a far more significant spiritual struggle. Our spiritual arsenal doesn’t include physical weapons like firearms or blades. The scripture continues to instruct us on their use in verses 5-6: By “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” So, what’s the takeaway here? It’s that our battle, while we navigate life in our physical forms, is fundamentally spiritual in nature. We’re not called to physically confront our adversaries in God’s name. Instead, our conflict lies within, as our fleshly desires clash with our spiritual aspirations. The real battle is within our minds, aiming to align our thoughts and actions with Jesus’s teachings and the truths He shared. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood (Not against people on the earth) but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Against the devil and his angel’s schemes.) Your soul is the battlefield, targeted by temptations designed to lead you astray. Victory involves adopting Christ’s mindset to prevail over these challenges. With Christ’s perspective, discipline your body and mind to heed His commands faithfully. Craving a physical battle and justice in this world? Remember, there’s a day coming multitudes in the valley of decision. (John 3:14) Jesus explained in John 18:36, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews, but now my kingdom is not from hence.” This underpins our prayers for God’s kingdom to manifest on earth as it is in heaven, reflecting the readiness for retribution upon fulfilling our obedience, as stated in 2 Corinthians 10:6. With Jesus’s return, heaven’s forces will descend, riding white horses, ready for battle. When the final trumpet sounds, and Jesus returns with a heavenly shout: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse, and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” We are instructed not to engage in earthly violence against our foes until we rejoin Christ from the heavens to wage the final battle. To merit participation in that day means living in compliance and discipline to Christ’s teachings, awaiting the signal. “Vengeance is mine,” declares the Lord, promising to execute justice Himself. Thirsting for victory in God’s name? Master your own impulses. 2 Timothy 2:3-5 encourages, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” Victory and recognition come only through the triumph achieved by Jesus’s sacrifice, without any alternative path. Revelation 19:14-15 says, “And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” Until the establishment of Christ’s realm, our growth should mirror His spirit’s discipline and obedience. Eager for battle? One is indeed forthcoming, yet heaven’s legions will not include the undisciplined. Life and its corporeal trials are merely preparatory for the spiritual warfare that awaits, with our true allegiance yet to be declared. Engage not in worldly distractions, including political affairs, which might stir internal conflict. Believer, do not presume to take matters into your hands, doubting God’s omniscience and commands. Our manner of warfare differs from worldly conflicts, and when we do engage, it will be with divine sanction. On that ultimate day, none will withstand us under the Lord’s command. Until then, practice love towards your neighbor, repaying not evil with evil but conquering it with goodness, blessing those who oppose you. Engaging in physical conflict does not align with our divine directive, offering no true benefit towards the kingdom to come. In demonstrating love to our adversaries, we may convert them from foes to allies, illustrating God’s love as we ourselves have experienced. Thus, we abstain from violence, recognizing the potential for growth and transformation in all, embracing mercy over judgment. Ready for a fight? Wrestle with and subdue your own nature, allowing Christ’s influence to transform you into a source of healing and peace. Aspire to wield authority over nations? That’s reserved for those who truly overcome. Jesus’s invitation, “take up your cross and follow me,” epitomizes the ultimate sacrifice and restraint from violence, affirming God’s flawless plan and its fulfillment in righteousness. With Jesus’s final words, “It is finished,” He signified the completion of His mission through death. Do you grasp this? “The work is done,” followed by His sacrificial end. Listen closely, as Matthew 24:13 promises salvation to those who endure to the end. A conflict looms, but our current mission is one of peace, gathering forces for the final showdown on Armageddon’s day. The need is vast, but the workers are few. Commit to the cause without looking back, focusing on the ultimate victory that awaits. Do not fall into the trap of taking matters into our own hands, but trust in He who is to come called Faithful and True. And that, brothers and sisters, is the test we are taking, that is what is going to separate true believers from false ones. So don't follow those on the wide path, but walk on the narrow path that very few find, and endure in patience and long-suffering for the Lord's return to make all things right, treating even our enemies with the love of God they never had. If you find yourself becoming ensnared in the 'crusader-mentality' repent of it immediately. And follow the commands of Christ the King, lest you too be appointed your portion of wrath with the hypocrites on the great and terrible Day of the Lord.

Christ the King is risen, and as His followers, our path is clear -- to follow the commands of the King. Following Christ means living a life of love, service, and forgiveness, showing kindness even to to our enemies. It means not falling into the temptations of the flesh, which we are naturally inclined to do in our fallen nature. Nobody said it would be easy. Each day gives us a chance to reflect, seek forgiveness for our mistakes, and forgive those who hurt us. Studying God's word isn't just beneficial; it's essential. It opens our eyes to Jesus' perspective and guides us to live in a way that mirrors His teachings. Let's not forget our true calling, brothers and sisters. Remember, we're running a race of faith, as the Apostle Paul told us, not toward earthly prizes but towards an eternal reward far beyond our imagination. So, let's realign our lives with our heavenly citizenship by walking in obedience to the Holy Spirit. Let's stand out from the hypocrites by living our faith exactly the way Christ commanded us to. Let this day be a turning point in our hearts. Let us follow Christ, the King's instruction by spreading His message of hope and redemption, not worldly power and flesh-led actions. "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14

"Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing." Psalms 146:3 Instead of placing our trust in human beings, we are called to redirect our trust towards something greater and more steadfast. We are encouraged to put our faith in a higher power, in God, who is eternal, unchanging, and trustworthy. By anchoring our trust in God, we can find true and lasting hope, regardless of the shifting tides of human leadership or physical circumstances.

The true spiritual battle unfolding is not between God and Satan, for they are not equals. Satan's actions are confined to the boundaries set by the sovereign will of God. Our Almighty Creator reigns supreme over all things; He is the true Sovereign, and nothing occurs beyond His divine allowance. While some may declare, "In the end, God wins," it is essential to recognize that God's victory is not a future prospect but a present reality. There is no cause for worry or fear, for everything unfolds under His watchful authority and oversight. His divine plan is unfolding exactly as written, and no force can thwart His sovereign will. As we witness the unfolding of God's plan, we are reminded of the biblical truth that God is separating the wheat from the chaff (Matthew 3:12). This process, ordained by the Sovereign Creator, distinguishes those who align with His will from those who resist. Acknowledging that Satan holds temporary dominion over this fallen world (2 Corinthians 4:4), we confront a crucial choice. God uses all things for His glory and ultimate purpose, both good and evil. One of the earliest biblical examples of this is in the Book of Genesis (Genesis 37-50), Joseph, the son of Jacob, is favored by his father and is given a special coat, which makes his brothers jealous. His brothers, driven by envy, sell Joseph into slavery, and he ends up in Egypt. Despite facing various trials, including false accusations and imprisonment, Joseph remains faithful to God. In Genesis 50:20, after Joseph's rise to prominence in Egypt and the reconciliation with his brothers, he says to them: "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." This statement encapsulates the overarching theme of God's sovereignty. Despite the malicious intentions of Joseph's brothers, God used the circumstances to position Joseph strategically, ultimately saving many lives during a severe famine. Joseph's story echoes the sentiment that what others may intend for harm, God can turn for good according to His divine plan. Joseph's journey from slavery to leadership in Egypt illustrates God's control over human events, even in the face of adversity and betrayal. The story reinforces the biblical truth that God's sovereign will prevails, and He orchestrates events for His purposes, bringing about redemption and fulfillment of His promises.

Many people say that the things I speak of are “fear-mongering” or “doom and gloom.” But I’m sure the people during Noah’s day said the same thing about his warnings, and calls for repentance. They also thought he was “spreading fear.” When really, he was just trying to warn the people about what was coming. Interestingly enough, the Bible says the last days will be like the Days of Noah. What I’m saying particularly about not putting our faith in mankind is not only biblical, but should be a message of comfort. When i believed in politics i allowed the daily theatrics of this world to lead me into anger, fear, and despair. Once I understood that it is God’s Will that is truly sovereign, i have found much peace. God is truly in control of all things. Repent, follow Christ and be at peace.