War: What does the bible say?
During November we’ve been in a sermon series called “Trending: What does the Bible say about what’s happening this week?”.
In the first ‘Trending’ sermon, Stef Liston asked a question that might unsettle you: the Bible describes God as "a man of war." How does that fit with a God of love?
Stef didn’t avoid the tension. He put it plainly: "War is utterly against the fundamental nature and character of God. Or is it?" The passages in Exodus and Isaiah use this exact language, but always in a specific context. When God confronts oppressors and rescues the oppressed. It's about justice and mercy colliding.
Here's where it gets interesting. Christians don’t believe we need evil to balance out good, like yin and yang. God created everything good. Evil gate-crashed His creation, but it wasn't part of the original design. So God's nature is perfect, yet He doesn't just stand by when evil destroys what He made.
Stef explored three ways Christianity has transformed the idea of war.
First, the gospel is Christ's victory over darkness. Our worship songs aren't just love songs, they're victory anthems.
Second, we were at war with God, and the gospel is about surrendering to Him as our King, which ends the hostility.
Third, the Christian life involves real spiritual battle, not against people, but against darker forces that target our relationships and faith. Stef urged us to wake up to this reality whilst remembering our battle isn't against flesh and blood.
Grab the full sermon here:
Stef hosted a Q&A too covering questions about war, spiritual warfare, and Christian response to conflict.
On Religious Wars
Stef urged caution against judging all conflicts the same way. Many religious wars involved sincere zeal but lacked wisdom. The bottom line: you don't attack people or force conversions. Often beneath holy zeal lies quests for power and money. Israel as a theocracy was unique as God's instrument of justice, but that's no longer the case.
On Personal Spiritual Warfare
Stef's practical advice: find scriptures that speak directly into your struggles, like Jesus in the wilderness. Don't fight alone. Share with trusted people who know your vulnerabilities and can pray with you.
On National Response
Governing authorities are God's instruments for justice (Romans 12-13). Individuals shouldn't take personal revenge but go to authorities. When nations stand against oppression, they can manifest God's image, but imperfectly. Keep focus on dark powers through prayer and fasting, not just human anger which creates cycles of violence.
On Discernment
Distinguishing spiritual warfare from fleshly conflict needs discernment. Often it's both. Genesis 3 shows Satan's involvement and human responsibility. Deal with harmful people practically whilst praying for them.
On Christ's Victory
We are both perpetrators and victims of sin. Remembering we're perpetrators keeps us repenting. Remembering we're victims keeps us compassionate. The warfare is real, and we need to love each other well to protect one another.
