The British people definitely knew a war was going on, but they were quite oblivious to much of what was happening where the battles were raging. When soldiers came home, some with horrific wounds and startling stories, it was clear that the general population really did not know what terrible things were happening on the front lines.
Asleep During a War?
The series made me think of the church today. Why? I must admit that sometimes I wonder if the average churchgoer really understands that there is a spiritual war raging around him—in his home, church, school—well, everywhere! The New Testament contains a lot of war terminology. I was particularly reminded of this passage in Ephesians:
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)
And then this instruction follows to make sure Christians are equipped for the battle:
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:13–17)
It seems to me that many Christians are virtually asleep while a battle rages all around them. They go to church, send their kids to school, and come home and watch TV or whatever they like to do—all seemingly oblivious to a shocking and destructive war that is capturing many of their kids and grandkids for the enemy and is destroying the culture.
Many Christians support the “war” effort abroad through their church's mission fund or by personally supporting missionaries. Many Christians seem to think the battle is only overseas—but the battle is everywhere. I am burdened by the thought that every Christian must understand they are all soldiers in a battle—and they all need to be at the front line and equipped to engage the enemy, who is set to drag them down and capture the coming generations of children.
As you know, statistics show the enemy is winning a battle in our churches. The majority of our young people are walking away from the church by the time they reach college age. Secularism is on the rise in America, while around 4,000 churches close their doors in this country each year. And atheists are becoming more aggressive as soldiers for the enemy, out to capture the hearts and minds of children. The casualties are huge.
We Are Here to Equip Believers in This War
Through the ministry of AiG (the Creation Museum and all the outreaches of the ministry), we do our best to “fire up” Christians in this battle. AiG also equips believers with the “weapons” they need so they can put on the “whole armor of God” and be involved in this spiritual war that is raging around us more than ever. I suggest that the battle lines are in our homes, churches, Sunday schools, VBS programs, Easter pageants, Christmas pageants, schools (whether public or private), workplaces, courts—in fact, everywhere in the culture.
I believe AiG is a leading supplier of the most advanced “weaponry” designed to counter the enemy's attacks in this era (e.g., books, DVDs, curricula, websites, the Creation Museum, the coming Ark Encounter, radio programs, and so on). We work hard to stay on top of the news and trends to provide key information of what is needed for the latest “counter attacks” of the enemy. It's hard work, so we greatly appreciate the many prayers and financial gifts of our supporters and friends. It's costly and time consuming—but what price can one put on a soul in regard to eternity?
I praise God for the advances that many believers are making on various battlefronts as a result of the Lord using AiG to be a part of equipping them for this war. We are thrilled that despite the lethargy of many Christians, God has an army of people that is becoming more and more engaged in the battle—and we are raising up “soldiers” to teach and equip their children.
Lives Are Changed by the Truth of God’s Word
We will never know how many people this ministry has been blessed to impact until we get to heaven. But here are excerpts from three testimonies we recently received:
I wanted to thank AIG from the bottom of my heart for opening my eyes to my terrible sin of compromising the Word of God. Without even realizing it, I had let atheistic, secular views alter my perception of Scripture. After watching a video of Ken Ham's talk on biblical authority, I cried and got down on my knees to pray for forgiveness from the Lord.
I have a 6 month old son . . . . I've realized that the most important thing I can do with my life is to raise godly offspring to influence the world for Jesus Christ. Your website and resources give me inspiration daily and I thank God for leading me to your blessed ministry.
Because of what I have learned through AiG, it has changed my relationship with God and with people. I am able to help others that are in my life to understand the truth of God's Word and to stand on the foundations found in Genesis. Because of your work I have learned the truth about God and myself.
I have a family member going through a really hard time right now and because I understand God's authority and His Word much better now, I am able to help her to stand on God's Word . . . . She is beginning to see that God loves her and that He wants more for her
And then this testimony refers to an event 21 years ago, but we just received it:
Dear Andrew Snelling [Dr. Snelling heads up AiG's research department] . . . I was encouraged by my wife to come to church. I was not a Christian at the time, but she was. You were the guest speaker. It was in . . . about 1992, I think. Your presentation and the material I purchased convinced me that I could trust the Bible from the first word.
Shortly afterwards I confessed my sin, accepted Jesus as my Savior and His forgiveness. Your presentation started my way to becoming a Christian. Thank you . . . . I now teach Scripture in schools and use creation materials to help. It is amazing how most of the kid's questions can be answered from Genesis.
I love to hear these testimonies from people who are using AiG “weapons” and have become active in this war—battling on the front lines for the hearts and minds of people. I trust you are as burdened as I am concerning the state of the church in America and the great need to reach people with the truth of God's Word—especially its life-changing gospel message.