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Get Behind Me, Satan!


            Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”
            Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:22-23)

            Yesterday I saw a post on Face Book saying that militia membership is on the rise and that they are aiming for the level of professionalism that will allow them to "push back" against those who are seeking the destruction of America. This is not the first time such a thing has been mentioned. There are people who seem eager to bathe in the blood of the infidels, who also call themselves Christians. Their answer to everything they perceive to be a threat seems to be physical violence. Like Peter, they proclaim, "This shall never happen...!" Like Peter, they are ready to draw their swords and start swinging at heads. (John 18:10) What glory they will win, even if it's in death! For both his statement and his act, Peter was rebuked.
           Ephesians 6:12 (Faithwalk blog on verse: "This Is War") reminds us that our battle is not against flesh and blood. It is against rulers, authorities, powers and spiritual forces. The verses following describe our weapons. Our sword is to be "of the Spirit," which is, according to Hebrews 4:12 is God's Word, not sub-machine guns or rocket launchers.
            Before you decide to take up arms against a government (that is violating its Constitution,) make certain that you have prayed and that the answer you've received is not from the world, the flesh or the Devil or be prepared to hear His rebuke. Be sure that  your motives are His glory, not yours, and keep in mind that Jesus said “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6:27-28)   

                                                                                                     

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