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How to Represent Jesus in Times of War

Recognize that all religions get it wrong

What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law. Hypocrites! For you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn that person into twice the child of hell you yourselves are! MATTHEW 23:15 NLT

Everyone is religious, and all religious people ignore the inside

“You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and wickedness! Luke 11:39 NLT

Remember that people are watching you

Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. 2 PETER 2:11-12 NLT

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 CORINTHIANS 11:1 NLT

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. ROMANS 12:17 NLT

Let Jesus challenge the level of your love

(Jesus said) “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Luke 6:27 NLT

Weep with Jesus for the dead and wounded

Jesus wept. JOHN 11:35 NIV

weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15b NLT

Stay spiritually united as a Church

And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. GALATIANS 3:26 NLT

Get control of your anger

And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. EPHESIANS 4:26 NLT

Pray for the leaders of Israel and the world

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-4 NLT

Prepare for the return of Jesus

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. JOHN 14:1-3 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a place free from distractions and allow God to calm your emotions and quiet your thoughts. Ask God to help you hear whatever He wants to say to you. When you sense you have settled down within, think about the war in Israel. What thoughts and feelings come up? How do they challenge you in being a good representative of Jesus to others? Talk with Him about how you can represent Him well in this troubling time and then make the decision to take any necessary steps He might be inviting you to take. Ask God to help you to know what specific requests to make regarding Israel and its leadership as you pray for them. Continue to pray for Israel as God leads in the days ahead. Close your time by reflecting on the return of Jesus. How does this fact encourage and comfort you? Thank Him that He will return when all is ready and pray for all to hear and receive the message of salvation so that all can enjoy eternity with Jesus forever. Write down any reflections in the space below, sharing with your group if you feel comfortable.

Discussion Questions

  1. Has there ever been a situation where you have been embarrassed to be a Christian?
  2. Our non-Christian neighbors and coworkers are watching us. How do you think they would describe your life and would it reflect well on Jesus?
  3. Anger can be addictive. How have you seen anger control people in your life?
  4. What has been your experience as you’ve worked through Jesus' command to love your enemies?
  5. To stay spiritually united as a church, it is important that we remain centered on Christ. What steps do you take to make sure you are focused on Jesus and not on a political position, party, or person?
  6. Next Steps: Read 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NLT). This week, pray for the leaders of the world (specifically, by name and/or country if possible), that they would make wise & godly decisions that would usher peace and opportunities for everyone to receive the gospel.