News Hope Weekly 3/20/13

www.newhopebaptistmpls.org   "Imperfect People Serving a Perfect God"   Dateline: With all of you, between the hammer and the anvil   As I was studying last night I came across this great quote from 17th century history, "When the French monarch proposed the persecution of Christians in his dominion, an old statesman and warrior said to him, 'Sire, the church of God is an anvil that has worn out many hammers.'"   One of the things I have learned from Indonesian Martial Arts is that most people will hit their opponent and "wait to see what happens." This is a common mistake and usually leads to a loss in the fight. Instead, when we attack, we are supposed to continue to strike in a flurry until the opponent is defeated.   I notice that the Bible shows Satan attacking and "waiting to see what happens." There is an attack on Job's "possessions" and then his "person." When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the desert, each time the enemy presented his offer he was routinely rejected by our Lord and Savior.   Jesus and Job show us the way to victory when we are attacked by the enemy. We are to be relentless in our faith and obedience to God's Word. God's Word in the flesh said, "Upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it."   Folks, no matter which methods he uses, Satan is a loser fighting a losing battle. So get out there and wear out some hammers.