Battlefield Support
The Apostle Paul was a soldier/commander for Christ. His choice of words and his actions described in his Epistles reflect that admirable characteristic. He exhorted the young pastor Timothy to "fight the good fight of faith," which Paul himself fought successfully (1 Timothy:6:12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
See All...; 2 Timothy:4:7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
See All...), and to "endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Timothy:2:3Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
See All...).
As the fight rages over truth in these days before the Lord's return, I see a few "soldiers of the faith" enduring battle wounds and weariness as they strive to uphold the banner of God's Word. One such soldier is Roger Oakland. We featured his vital and critical evaluation of The Emerging Church Movement, Faith Undone, in our September '07 newsletter. Since then, Roger has undergone a barrage of attacks from those who take issue with his book.
I've known Roger for more than 20 years, watching his doctrine, integrity, way of life (including the hardships), and his striving to be that "good soldier" in the service of our Lord. I greatly admire Roger. Pray for him and encourage him if you have the opportunity. Do the same for other servant-soldiers whom you know. Pray also that God will raise up more like-minded soldiers to "fight the good fight of faith."
T.A. MCMAHON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR