Battle glow in Daniel times

In the Tore & Tarjei podcast published by the newspaper Dagen, the general secretary of the Swedish Evangelical Alliance says, Olof Edsinger, about a significant difference between Norway and Sweden. He has traveled and preached a lot in Norway and says that there is greater enthusiasm for fighting among Christians in Norway than with Brother Søta.

Much has been written and said about how Christians should face de-Christianization and opposition from the world. We at Kristen Media Norge do not invoke the fact, but we have some thoughts.

First, we must know that we are not fighting against flesh and blood, that is, against people. We don’t have enemies. We have a spiritual battle, against spiritual forces. And we believe that that battle must be fought with spiritual weapons.

Truth is such a weapon. It is mentioned in the full armor of God in Ephesians 6. “Put on the truth like a belt around your life,” it says.

We also need to face this with boldness, humility and love. Because we know that boldness pays off big. The humble receive grace. And we know that without love, we are nothing.

Unfortunately, we must say, Christians, in their weakest moments, have been anything but humble and loving. Sometimes we have given the impression that we are better than other people. We are not. We are Christians precisely because we have recognized that we cannot make it, and need a savior. If that does not humble us, there is much we have not understood.

When we first talk about how we not going forward, it is important that we do not make it about us. We are not called to be peacocks that attract attention through our communication or our behavior. We are ambassadors for God’s kingdom, and it must always be about him.

Daniel in the lion’s den is our great example. He was under pressure to bend the knee, and was put on probation. He would rather obey God. It says that he opened the windows towards Jerusalem, and bowed his knees in prayer to God, as he had always done.

He was not ashamed of his worship of God. He did as he had always done, no more, no less. He did not provoke. He didn’t make it about himself. He was simply faithful to God and passed the test. And God was with him.

It was this that saved Daniel, and turned the whole nation around. One man who was bold and humble and stood firm when put to the test.

It is very encouraging to hear that there is a great fighting spirit among Norwegian Christians. We want to be part of the movement that will fight the good fight of faith. And we are concerned that it happens in a way that shows the disposition of Christ.

It’s not hard to find things to worry about in our day and age. But at the same time, there is so much exciting happening, which bodes well for Norway. A generation of young people is rising up who want to be like Daniel. They turn to the Bible and the Christian community in search of an authentic faith and surrender that is not contaminated by the spirit of the times.

And they will be bold and suffer the dishonor of Christ, when required.

It is an exciting time now. It is as if something is going on that will put Jesus on the agenda in our country, and we are put into this time to serve Him now and under these circumstances.

And Daniel’s God is our God.

“A generation of young people is rising up who want to be like Daniel. They turn to the Bible and the Christian community in search of an authentic faith and surrender that is not contaminated by the spirit of the times. And they will be bold and suffer the dishonor of Christ, when required.”

Bjarte Ystebø, head of Christian Media Norway

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