By David Spivey It was Warren Weirsbe who said, “Sooner or later every believer discovers that the Christian life is a battleground, not a playground.” If this is true, and I believe it is, it is imperative that the Church recognize that we are called to train soldiers for this epic war between good and evil. The apostle Paul in writing to his spiritual son, Timothy, challenged him with distinct military language, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that...

By Larry Grile I once read a comment that “no man is completely worthless; he may at least serve as a bad example.” Perhaps such a person has a measure of “good” influence, even if in a morbid sort of way! Influence is the “power to affect others.” It can be a powerful force. For example, in the world of nature everything is interactive. The great fiery ball in the heavens that shines its light and heat is totally influential on our earth. If its light goes out, all life on earth becomes...