Why We Must Fight

Here is an excellent excerpt from J. C. Ryle's treatise Holiness:

Whether we are Churchmen or not, one thing is certain—this Christian warfare is a great reality, and a subject of vast importance. It is not a matter like Church government and ceremonial, about which men may differ, and yet reach heaven at last. Necessity is laid upon us. We must fight. There are no promises in the Lord Jesus Christ’s Epistles to the Seven Churches, except to those who “overcome.” Where there is grace there will be conflict. The believer is a soldier. There is no holiness without a warfare. Saved souls will always be found to have fought a fight.

It is a fight of absolute necessity. Let us not think that in this war we can remain neutral and sit still. Such a line of action may be possible in the strife of nations, but it is utterly impossible in that conflict which concerns the soul. The boasted policy of noninterference—the “masterly inactivity” which pleases so many statesmen—the plan of keeping quiet and letting things alone—all this will never do in the Christian warfare. Here at any rate no one can escape serving under the plea that he is “a man of peace.” To be at peace with the world, the flesh and the devil, is to be at enmity with God, and in the broad way that leadeth to destruction. We have no choice or option. We must either fight or be lost.

It is a fight of universal necessity. No rank, or class, or age, can plead exemption, or escape the battle. Ministers and people, preachers and hearers, old and young, high and low, rich and poor, gentle and simple, kings and subjects, landlords and tenants, learned and unlearned—all alike must carry arms and go to war. All have by nature a heart full of pride, unbelief, sloth, worldliness, and sin. All are living in a world beset with snares, traps, and pitfalls for the soul. All have near them a busy, restless, malicious devil. All, from the queen in her palace down to the pauper in the workhouse, all must fight, if they would be saved.

It is a fight of perpetual necessity. It admits of no breathing time, no armistice, no truce. On week-days as well as on Sundays—in private as well as in public—at home by the family fireside as well as abroad—in little things like management of tongue and temper, as well as in great ones like the government of kingdoms—the Christian’s warfare must unceasingly go on. The foe we have to do with keeps no holidays, never slumbers, and never sleeps. So long as we have breath in our bodies we must keep on our armour, and remember we are on an enemy’s ground. “Even on the brink of Jordan,” said a dying saint, “I find Satan nibbling at my heels.” We must fight till we die.

America's Next Top Model?

If we were to present churches on the runway in a "fashion show", which "model" would draw the rave reviews?  Mark Dever and 9Marks in their 9Marks 2007 Report Card have an idea:

"What makes your church appealing? Good music? Comfortable for outsiders? A traditional service? People who look like you? Authenticity? How about going for a supernatural appeal, something like...a group of pardoned rebels from multiple ethnicities and classes, whom God embraces and refashions in His Son's image - holy, loving, united - with His own Spirit before an onlooking universe as the display of His glory?"

They then go on to show 4 different models of the church:

1. The Traditional Church

Appeal to the world with church programs and door to door evangelism. Conclude sermons by inviting people to "walk the aisle" - Jesus longs for a personal relationship with you, so invite Him into your heart.

2. The Seeker Church

Build everything around the idea of being non-Christian or "seeker" friendly. Remove church cultural barriers and appeal to "felt needs." Tell them Jesus promises purpose, fulfillment, and better relationships.

3. The Missional Church

Missions isn't just one activity the church participates in; it defines the church's essence. So move into the city. Get involved with the arts, schools, and soup kitchens. Be incarnate in the culture and transform it. Serve and bring healing.

4. The Godward Church

A bunch of people get together in a room. Someone stands up, opens a Bible, and says, "This is what God says." He explains it. The church sings, prays, shares the bread and cup, and goes home. Not very market savvy? About as exciting as watching a seed planted? Wait, there's more. The words come with power, the Holy Spirit, and deep conviction. Consciences are pierced. Lives changed. People go home worshipping God by hating sin, loving each other, and seeking their neighbors. A Godward church is a worshipping church, and a worshipping church is a supernaturally attractive church. It's distinct like salt and bright like light. The people even begin to look like...sons and daughters of God. Talk about appealing! And it all begins with listening. We will look like Him as we listen to Him.

Which "model" would you want to display?