On August 2, 1939, Albert Einstein drafted a letter, with the help of a Hungarian physicist who had fled to the United States to escape Nazi and Fascist repression.  They felt it was their responsibility to alert Americans to the possibility that German scientists might win the race to build an atomic bomb, and to warn that Hitler would be more than willing to resort to such a weapon.  President Roosevelt eventually set up a committee consisting of civilian and military representatives to study uranium, and which lead to the establishment of the Manhattan Project to produce an atomic bomb, the most powerful weapon ever.

        “Words from Above” in the Bible tell us that followers of God should be far more interested in weapons of a much different nature.  The apostle Paul speaks at length about spiritual battles that require what he calls weapons of warfare that are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down of what he calls strongholds. He wrote in Ephesians that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age”. 

        Paul went on to say that because believers face such spiritual battles, we need to equip ourselves with what he calls the armor of God, in order to be able to stand up to evil.  He then gives us a list of spiritual weapons which he calls the armor of God, starting with what he calls the belt of truth.  Paul then mentions what he calls the breastplate of righteousness, which would be like a bullet-proof vest.  This is important because the Bible tells us that our own personal righteousness is in the sight of God like filthy rags.  The only righteousness that is effective in spiritual warfare is the very righteousness of God which He assigns to us because of what His Son Jesus did on the Cross by shedding His blood for the sins of all the people of the world.

        Paul then speaks about the gospel of peace, which is simply a message of being reconciled to God and having peace in our heart with Him.   He then speaks about the shield of faith which protects us against what he calls the fiery darts of the wicked.  This means that believers must always put their faith in Jesus, and rely on Him to protect us from the attacks of the devil.  He also speaks about the helmet of salvation, which protects the thoughts of the heart and mind of believers.  Next, he mentions the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and finally he speaks about praying to the Lord.

Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For informa-tion, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.