Articles
Nothing Less than Full Victory!
Nothing Less than Full Victory!
When the first group of Jews returned from captivity, they had one main goal: rebuild God’s temple. Unfortunately, they faced extreme opposition. “The people of the land discouraged the people of Judah, and frightened them from building, and hired counselors against them to frustrate their counsel…” (Ezra 4:4-5). As a result, “the work on the house of God in Jerusalem ceased…” (4:23).
Under the new covenant, the church is the spiritual temple of God and can change and grow based on the spiritual growth of each Christian. “You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house…” (1 Peter 2:5a) and “The whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord.” (Ephesians 2:21). Like the returning Jews, we’ll face extreme opposition along the way! Satan will try to discourage us, distract us, and derail us to make us quit — we must never quit! In light of the recent anniversary of D-Day, I’m reminded of Eisenhower’s speech to the soldiers: “Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battled-hardened. He will fight savagely….The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!…We will accept nothing less than full Victory! …let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.”
