Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 22
June 11, 1970
NUMBER 6, PAGE 7b-8a

Who Shall Prepare Himself To The Battle?

Jim Beech

Who Shall Prepare Himself To The Battle "...If the trumpet give an uncertain sound?" (I Corinthians 14:8).

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in all readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled." "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds" (II Corinthians 10:3-6).

In this war, as in any war, the basic principle given in I Corinthians 14:8, "if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle," very aptly applies. When the battle is upon us if we are not called to action in the right place and time by a clear certain understandable call who will respond? Who can be expected to respond?

We read and hear of the uselessness of many members of the church today. Often battles either are not fought or are poorly fought because the question "who shall prepare himself for the battle" was answered "few" or even "none!" Often the soldiers are to blame — but more often than not it may be that the trumpeter is to blame. Did he blow a "certain" sound?

When Christians call on those who are unfaithful in the church do they clearly state their purpose and desire, that the unfaithful one would repent of this his wickedness and return to his Father? or do we visit and talk about most anything and then think the unfaithful one will jump to the conclusion he should return to God, and thus think we have converted a brother from the error of his way. The same lesson applies when we visit those who are not members of the church, in all work we attempt. We must sound a clear sound, a certain trumpet.

When the elders in the church come to the task of feeding the flock do they call a certain sound to a certain battle? The old statement "everybody's business is nobody's business" often describes what happens in the work of the church. Do the elders call specific people to specific jobs? Call certain teachers to certain subjects? Call the preacher to issues and answers needed at that time? Sound a certain trumpet call?

When the proclaimers of the word of our day, the teachers and preachers, come to their work do they sound forth a clear and understandable trumpet call? Do they speak in plain speech? Do they urge the disciples to their work? Do they meet the Devil's ministers and their error head on? Does the trumpet of their sound speech boldly and clearly speak over our land?

The battle is upon us! We do not war after the flesh therefore many do not know where the battle is being fought. If the trumpet is not sounded certainly and clearly many skirmishes will be lost!

— Madisonville, Texas