The Weapons Of Our Warfare Seminar
in Switzerland

By Beatrice Mantock

 

Once again we were a group of Christians from many different nations, spending a few precious days away from life’s usual routine, this time in a beautiful place called “Haus der Stille und Besinnung” (House of Stillness and Contemplation), a former monastery founded in 1185 by Cistercian monks.

As always, there were many externals that could be extolled, many that could be lamented, depending on each individual’s taste, opinion, and habits. For example, we all had mosquito-invaded bedrooms. For some people this was no reason to panic - inexplicable for me! Also, we all shared the constant sound of cow bells, which to me, Swiss and living in the countryside, is not unusual. So, however good or bad the circumstances - what made this class as successful as it was is due to God’s amazing grace to teach us and our willingness to listen and learn.

The emphasis of the class was clear: In order to be soldiers that use the weapons of our warfare well we must concentrate on building and establishing true Christian character in our lives, in all humbleness and obedience.

Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. (1 Peter 5:5B)

What is it if not pride when we decide for ourselves which of God’s commandments suit us and which do not?

Another thing I took with me from the class: It is my responsibility, every day afresh, whom I make Lord over my life and what I do with my time. And if I choose Christ, Who is the Lord, I will surrender to Him in quiet trust, which means I don’t need an explanation from Him for everything. Thank God, it is so simple, if we only have the right attitude of heart.

…Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:24B)

Thank God for His many, many blessings to us! The Almighty God Himself teaching us His Word, His statutes? Each of us individually, personally, lovingly? Praise the Lord!

In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word. (Psalms 56:10)

To me, the week in Kappel was over much too quickly, the lessons were always too short, and the time to spend with the beloved brothers and sisters in the faith was not enough. “O what a foretaste of glory divine!”

Many put their back into the realization of this class (such as the teacher, the simultaneous translators, helpers, prayer supporters); three professed Christ their Lord through water baptism; some received soothing and healing.

When we parted, hopefully everybody left deeply enriched and encouraged, having an enlarged understanding of our calling not just as students but as workers, as workers together, as workers together with Him, our Saviour and King, the Lord Jesus Christ.

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From the December 2005 edition of the Vine & Branches