THE FIGHT IS ON

          It seems to me that in recent decades churches have made an effort to remove references in church to wars and battles.  Hymns with these themes have been removed from hymnals or just not sung anymore and related vocabulary is often absent from many pulpits.  But that trend doesn't mean that Christians aren't involved in a great spiritual war where the enemy appears to be attacking like never before.  We are reminded in Ephesians 6: 12, " For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Satan is alive and in attack mode. And if we are honest, we don't need to look too hard to see evidences of this battle.  We can see it around the world where Christians are being persecuted, imprisoned and killed for their faith, more than at any time in history.  Many groups openly proclaim their hate of Christians and their desire to wipe them out.  And here in America we have seen increasing attacks on the family unit, on our children, on marriage and even more recently on the Bible and on the church itself.  Who would have ever thought that we would see these attacks on our Biblical values in our lifetime here in America?  But the attacks are real and increasing.  So what must we do as believers?  The answer to that question is also found in Ephesians 6.   " Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;   And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;   Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:   Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"  I have often featured here the hymns of Lelia N. Morris (1862-1929) who is said to have written over 1,000 texts including familiar ones such as Nearer Still Nearer, Sweeter As The Years Go By, Sweet Will of God, What If It Were Today, and Stranger of Galilee.  After she became blind she used a 28-foot long blackboard that her family had built for her to write her texts.  I don't know why she chose to write this week's hymn but I must assume that she felt the spiritual battle which we are part of.  She felt the need to remind others that the fight is actually on and that we need to wake up and put on our armor to face the foe.  And I especially like the fact that she shares that no matter how fierce the battle becomes, the Lord is leading us to certain victory.  So as you view the news events of the times that we live in and as you see our Christian beliefs and values challenged, know that the battle is fierce but our victory is sure.  Be encouraged!

1. The fight is on, the trumpet sound is ringing out,

The cry "To arms!" is heard afar and near;

The Lord of hosts is marching on to victory,

The triumph of the Christ will soon appear.

The fight is on, O Christian soldier,

And face to face in stern array,

With armor gleaming, and colors streaming,

The right and wrong engage today!

The fight is on, but be not weary;

Be strong, and in His might hold fast;

If God be for us, His banner o'er us,

We'll sing the victor's song at last!

2. The fight is on, arouse, ye soldiers brave and true!

Jehovah leads, and vict'ry will assure;

Go buckle on the armor God has given you,

And in His strength unto the end endure.

The fight is on, O Christian soldier,

And face to face in stern array,

With armor gleaming, and colors streaming,

The right and wrong engage today!

The fight is on, but be not weary;

Be strong, and in His might hold fast;

If God be for us, His banner o'er us,

We'll sing the victor's song at last!

3. The Lord is leading on to certain victory;

The bow of promise spans the eastern sky;

His glorious Name in every land shall honored be;

The morn will break, the dawn of peace is nigh.

The fight is on, O Christian soldier,

And face to face in stern array,

With armor gleaming, and colors streaming,

The right and wrong engage today!

The fight is on, but be not weary;

Be strong, and in His might hold fast;

If God be for us, His banner o'er us,

We'll sing the victor's song at last!

You can listen to this song here.   LISTEN