7.WAR AND TERRORISMAre we headed toward the destruction of the world? Why can’t we just all live together? Why can’twe live at peace? Why do other people call for our deaths and hate us so much? What should ourresponse be?SCRIPTURES AND LIFE APPLICATION NOTESMatthew 24:6, NLT: “And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these thingsmust take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.”LIFE APPLICATION NOTE: 24:6-8 Every generation wonders if the wars they see mean the end of theworld. When Jerusalem was destroyed in AD 70, it must have seemed like the end was near. World War IIsaw all nations at war and millions of Jews killed; then Israel became its own nation again. Surely theseseemed like signs of the end. Today, we face threats of terrorism and nuclear devastation, but God stillrules the world. Jesus told us not to panic. Wars or other catastrophic events will not be the confirming signof his return. He will return when he decides and commands.Isaiah 2:4, NLT: “The Lord will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They willhammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fightagainst nation, nor train for war anymore.”LIFE APPLICATION NOTE: 2:4-5 This describes a wonderful future of peace when instruments of war willbe converted to instruments of farming and when we will be taught God’s laws and will obey them. Althoughwe know that eventually God will remove all sin and thus the causes of war, conflicts, and other problems,we should not wait for him to act before we begin to obey him Light refers to God’s revelation of himself,which came to us ultimately in Jesus (John 1:4-5) and allows us to see what is true and right. We shouldwalk in his light now, just as the people of Judah were told to do. Though our eternal reward awaits us, wealready can enjoy many benefits of obedience now as we apply God’s Word to our lives.Psalm 23:4, NLT: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are closebeside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”LIFE APPLICATION NOTE: 23:4 Death casts a frightening shadow over us because we are entirelyhelpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies—pain, depression, disease, and injury—but our strength and courage cannot overcome death. In terms of this life, death has the final word. Onlyone person can walk with us through death’s dark valley and bring us safely to the other side—the Godof life, our Shepherd. Because life is uncertain, we should follow this Shepherd, who offers us eternalcomfort and light in the darkness.Facing Our 10 Biggest Fears: A sample of Scripture and Commentary from the new Life Application Study Bible - Third Edition.
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