Culture War Part 17: The Only Solution

Culture War 17: The Only Solution to This Conflict. Like two strong weather patterns colliding over a city, or the clash of titans in a sporting arena, so we have been learning for nearly two years about the 50 + year old ‘culture war.’ This is the verbal, cultural, and political battle between the left-wing progressives and traditional values conservatives. What is at stake is nothing less than the survival of western civilisation as we know it. Yet there is more to this war than culture and politics. At its core, it is a spiritual issue and involves powerful yet unseen forces. Ephesians 6:12 is clear on this point: 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. While many may be oblivious to this spirit-realm, the mature, Spirit-filled and discerning believer will be well aware and armed. In this instalment, we want to explore the solution for the culture war and how to implement it practically. That solution, dear friends, is revival. Coming from two words: viva which is life; and re’ which is again. In other words, revival means to ‘come alive again.’ If you invest time in your spiritual life, and fight battles in the heavenlies, you will fight less of them on earth. Since the ultimate solution for the culture war is a Holy Spirit revival, this can only come from a people who diligently seek after God. Revival means being ‘fully alive to God’ and yet simultaneously being ‘dead to the world.’ Read Romans 6 and 8 for a deeper perspective on this. Let’s face it: most people are the other way around - alive to the world and dead to the things of God. The only way to remedy this situation is by the new birth (John 3:3) and infilling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4; Ephesians 5:18; Jude 20). Prophecy and the prophetic help to spark revival (Ezekiel 37:1-10). Once activated, it provides a prayerful prophetic push-back against godless, rebellious, statist forces that seek to dominate the world and take the place of God in our lives. Some of the recent election upsets, where mainstream candidates won despite their underdog status, can be directly attributed to prevailing prayer. Though we know that God is above partisan politics, He will respond to the fervent prayers of the righteous (James 5:16). Components of revival include repentance, prayer, obedience, faith, and Spirit-filled living. We want to offer some practical tips, starting with this one: FIND A SECRET PLACE It is difficult, if not impossible, to become ‘revived’ in the busy beehive world that many westerners live it. What’s worse is that much of the busyness is for nothing. The classic case of overly preoccupied by the cares of this world was Martha of Bethany in Luke 10:38-42. While she was in the kitchen preparing to serve her guests, which included Jesus and probably His disciples, too, she developed a bad attitude of resentment and ‘works orientated’ righteousness. This never impresses God, even if it does people. Her sister Mary, on the other hand, had her priorities right, chose the ‘one needful thing’ to which, the Lord declared, no one could take it from her. What can we do to unwind from the hectic life and gain the divine perspective? Find a secret place, a refuge from all of life’s storms. Psalm 91 is a classic on this point Secret Place of the Most High: Psalm 91 is a classic on this point. We are invited, indeed encouraged, to dwell in the ‘secret place of the most High and abide under His shadow (91:1). Then God becomes our refuge, fortress, and God (verse 2). The Name of the Lord: The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe — Proverbs 18:10 Cave of Adullam: David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father’s house heard it, they went down thither to him. 2And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. — I Samuel 22:1-2 In Adullam, David found: 1. Safety from Saul; 2. A possible place to write the psalms; 3. Became a prominent leader, especially of those who had no more future under Saul’s leadership than he had. This band became David’s ‘mighty men;’ 4. These mighty-men, who started off from Adullam, helped David prevail over the Philistines, Moabites, Edomites, Ammonites, etc. They also helped him conquer Jerusalem! When that happened, it changed history! Rehoboth: And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land — Genesis 26:22 Rehoboth, located 80 kilometres south of Beersheba, is a wonderful refuge. It provides: 1. Room; 2. Water; 3. Fruitfulness; 4. No strife. When you find your ‘secret place,’ wait on God until He speaks and empowers you for on-going service. ‘Waiting’ includes prayer, fasting, Scriptural meditation, praise, worship, devotional Bible study, and any other thing you do in order to get closer to God (James 4:8). Open up wide, be filled with the Spirit, and let Him guide you to your desired haven. Becoming and remaining Spirit-filled is the secret of on-going personal revival. TO BE CONTINUED