We are at war: at war with ideas, evil, the mob/masses, falsehoods, half-truths, insipid truth and lukewarm Christianity. If His / If saved: We are to know the truth, live the truth and speak the truth.
We are to show up, stand up and speak up.
Jesus’ declaration: I am the way, the truth!!! John 14:6,
John 8:31-32, Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
If saved, we are people of the truth – of Jesus – and on a mission for truth – Jesus and His Word!
So, prepare to Show up, Stand up and Speak up!
‘Tis war: II Corinthians 10:3-5, For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ
So – Ephesians 6:10-14, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…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,
Colossians 4:3-4, Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
The SSB 2023 challenge: be ready, be wise, be watching, be holy (obedient), be fearful (reverent)!
From 1 Peter 1:13-17: Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear.
1:13, “Therefore” points back to 1:8-9, Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
If saved – you are on mission to represent Him and to speak for Him (II Corinthians 5:20, His ambassador)
So: Show up – not hiding the light (Matthew 5:15). Not hiding behind parents, pastors or church.
Hide behind – Matthew 25:24-25, “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground.
Cast on others – The woman whom You gave to be with me, Genesis 3:12.
Hide: I Samuel 10:21-22, And Saul the son of Kish was chosen. But when they sought him, he could not be found. Therefore they inquired of the Lord further, “Has the man come here yet?” And the Lord answered, “There he is, hidden among the equipment.”
Avoid: But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” Exodus 3:11.
Exodus 4:10, Then Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”
Exodus 4:13, But he said, “O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send.”
But, Stand up – identify with: From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,” John 6:66-68.
John 18:25, Therefore they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not!”
Speak up – “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear,” I Peter 3:14-15.
So – Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict, Titus 1:9.
a PK Musing 
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