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Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

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Home Commentary Training for the battle

Training for the battle

Posted on January 23, 2011 Written by Mark McIntyre 1 Comment


SoldiersI recently read in The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon concerning the training that the Roman army did in preparation for the battle.

Gibbon writes that the only difference between the field of training and the field of battle was the effusion of blood on the latter. In other words the training was rigorous enough to prepare the soldiers for battle. When they encountered the enemy their training allowed them to respond effectively.

Compare this to the average church meeting in America. Do we come together with the understanding that we are there to train for a spiritual battle? Are we challenged to grow in our understanding and spiritual depth? Are we preparing the congregants to encounter and give answer to a lost world?

The battle is real and preparation is vital to succeeding in our mission.


Filed Under: Commentary

About Mark McIntyre

A follower of Jesus Christ who shares observations about how Scripture should impact the church and the world. Mark is the original author and editor of Attempts at Honesty.

I have the opportunity to go to Istanbul, Turkey this summer to minister to Syrian refugees. If you would like more details about this trip, please use this link Mark McIntyre - Istanbul, Turkey Please note that this trip is fully funded, but I would appreciate your continued prayer. The trip will take place June 27 - July 6, 2025.

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