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The Church has always needed to be bold. If anyone is in the least perceptive of what we contend with, we must realize that the kingdom of God is not a picnic site where we party and console ourselves with plenty to eat and drink. While we may eat and drink in the kingdom, we must do so mindful of the duty to contend and overwhelm principalities and powers in high places. And as such, we must advance and refuse to lose ground. If we entangle ourselves with civilian affairs at the expense of winning the battle of the heavenlies then we must know that we shall pay for it with our lives.

Young people are being awakened in this epic war. They are declining the fanfare usually characteristic of their age in preference of the serious matter at hand. When their fathers have sold their souls and covered their backs, young men have been selected by the Spirit to resolutely win against Satan and all his deception and darkness. They know only so well what damage the devil has reeked among their lot. They see first hand the effects of the drug industry, prostitution, HIV/AIDS (and other sexually transmitted diseases), poverty, and all manner of social and economic instability. Many have been

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victims of these vagaries and are avenging the devils kingdom by shining bright the light of God’s kingdom.

They recognize the need for the advancement of God’s kingdom and the need to be bold about it. To them, religious games are irrelevant in such a world. Church games are not sufficient to deal with problems that are outside its four walls.

They recognize that most communities hardly attend church.

They also know first hand that our personality cult status leaders are not helping much. Most of it is empty hype about nothing inasfar as the real issues are concerned. They want real change, real advancement, greater steps that will impact a world that hardly knows what the Church is about.

It is really amazing how perceptive young people can be in such times. Contrary to traditional impressions about how ignorant and timid they are, many that have been in-filled by the Holy Ghost are actually outpacing their elders and fathers in assessing the plight of the Church and their world. They realize the need to do something drastic and different inasfar as it will make a difference.

When I observe them, I am reminded of David soon after he had been anointed by the Prophet Samuel to be king after Saul.

Even after such a serious privilege and in spite of his accomplishments against wild game that sought to kill his father’s sheep, yet during battle he was kept at home. At some point, he was asked to take his brothers food in the battle field.

While he is at it, he finds the battle at a stalemate as Israel’s soldiers are intimidated by a Philistine giant called Goliath. As Goliath loudly boasts and taunts Israel to supply him with a soldier who he threatens to kill instantly, all Israel’s soldiers (including David’s brothers) are bewildered and at loss of what to do and how to respond to this challenge.

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Not David. He had a different approach from all his peers and elders: Rather than cow, be afraid, and do nothing about the challenge, he sought to volunteer to fight the Philistine. When his brothers disagreed with his presence at the battle field, he questioned whether there was no cause for his concern. He was offended that a heathen defied the armies of God. A supernatural boldness mastered him causing him to switch from a mere errand boy from his fathers house to a serious contender against Israel’s army’s worst enemy.

And that is exactly what is taking place today as we contend with the prince of darkness and his entire array of demons.

Young people are quickly and swiftly switching from being hidden from the battles of the Lord to the centre stage. They are not shy to deal with any challenge hell has posed to the body of Christ. Rather than get into the blame game that are the custom of many of their elders, they are fighting the real enemy.

They do so because there is a cause. They know that it is not only lives at stake. More seriously is the holy Name of God.

They will not sit idly by or hide behind the safe confines of the day while God’s Name is roundly ridiculed and blasphemed.

Like David the Spirit of God has singled them out to reveal the glory of God and the might of HIS Name. In any and every challenge, they are sure that in the Name of the Lord their enemy will fall before them. It does not matter the size or seriousness of the contention, they know that the Name of the Lord will do valiantly. And like David, they will not wait until they have been encouraged by everyone before they master the courage to engage the enemy. With or no support, they are willing to risk their lives for the sake of God’s Name and for HIS people.

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