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FAITH: Wars and rumors of wars

Castlegar pastor Tom Kline talks about peace and hope
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Tom Kline is pastor of Castlegar Baptist Church

Submitted by Tom Kline, pastor Castlegar Baptist Church

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” – Matthew 24:6-8

In our small part of the world the last several decades have been remarkably peaceful. However, we in Canada and across the world are holding our collective breath with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and wondering where this is all going to go. Sadly, we are being reminded that we haven’t evolved beyond this sort of thing.

Wars are not only fought in backward, out of the way places but industrialized, powerful and sophisticated nations also go to war. Full-scale war in Ukraine could cost tens of thousands of lives in a matter of days, and may result in an even greater re-militarization of the world. In fact, it’s possible that this could be the start of something the world has not seen in 80 years: a great power war.

We pray that it doesn’t, but the truth is we don’t know where this will lead. What if this brings an end to the peace and affluence we have been accustomed to for a couple generations? I do not mean to be an alarmist; I just want you to understand that life, peace, and comfort are always on the brink of ending.

Jesus offered hope to those in conflict and suffering, but He didn’t make false promises of world peace. In fact, He warns that the world is going to be further rocked with turmoil and calamities, and that would just be the beginning.

We must pray for peace, we must work towards peace and do all that we can to bring this conflict to an end. However, we must also realize the world has been here many times before and it will be here again. In addition to wars, there are many other crises we are facing on a continual basis.

Where can you find hope? Ultimately, hope is found in God. Knowing the One who hold the future in His hand and being in a peaceful relationship with Him. In John 16:33 Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

If you want to know more about having a relationship with Jesus Christ and the peace and comfort that He gives contact myself or one of the other churches that write in this column.

Tom Kline is the pastor of Castlegar Baptist Church.

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