Roman Empire, Fall of the Roman Empire, physical and spiritual warfare

From The Lampholder Newsletter, March 24, 2002

A brief comparative spiritual lesson

The U.S. and the Fall of the Roman Empire

Physical and Spiritual Warfare

- offensive, defensive, passive, and resistive -

...the wisdom of prophecy...

"The Nature of Prophecy"

Some people wonder, ‘Why the doom and gloom of prophecy?

Why not go out and smell a flower and enjoy the beautiful day?’

Of course, this is the nature of hope; ...and the heartfelt yearning of a better outcome!

Perhaps it is the nature of prophecy to first forewarn, because

while the flower children smell the roses, the locusts destroy the garden.

(S. Miller, Lampholder Publications, 1995)

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Persistence has its virtues, Patience has its limitations,

The Mighty conquer The Mighty

through the strategy of both virtue and limitation.

The Lampholder Prophecy Journal 1999

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Why do great kingdoms weaken and fall from within?

Does America have an identity crisis?

How does confusion lead to disruption?

What examples from Roman history can be applied to modern-day social science?

The Fall of the Roman Empire -

The United States

(a brief synopsis/comparative, and perhaps, prophetic forewarning)

Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation;

and a house divided against a house falleth."

Luke 11:17

At one time, the vast Roman Empire encompassed nearly all of the Mediterranean world. The land of Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Turkey, Spain, France, Belgium, Portugal, the British Isles, Netherlands, Germany and the Balkan states were all a part of the great Empire. Three most important areas determined the subsequent growth and expansion of this vast kingdom. (1) Roman Law, strength of the Roman Government, military supremacy; (2) a well-structured/designed system of roads leading into and out of the main province; and (3) a well-established educational system.

The Fall of the Roman Empire came about through many sources of decay which ultimately led to its demise. (1) The diversity of its national, ethnic composition began as a strength but later aided in its failure; the Barbarians entered into the kingdom peacefully laying the foundations for a multicultural society, but later turned against the Empire by capturing provinces in an attempt to segregate and establish distinctive boundary divisions, i.e., a kingdom within a kingdom; (2) the Empire’s great size prevented its political management/oversight; (3) immorality, divorce, disrespect for Roman Law; (4) greed/fraud, political corruption, extreme taxation of the people; (4) disease outbreaks, laziness, economic decline; (5) frequent clashes/intense warfare resulting in the depletion of military resources and a weakened army; (6) the rise and subsequent persecution of Jews/Messianics/Christians; (7) the rise of the Papacy, the intermarriage of state and religion; (8) the rise of Islam through sword, war, and conquering most of Europe until defeated at Tours A.D. 732; and (9) the subsequent beginning of the Dark Ages. (1)

...An interesting snapshot of history, and perhaps, a revelation and prophetic forewarning to the United States?

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Physical and Spiritual Warfare - offensive, defensive, passive, and resistive

~ There are several ways to battle an enemy. The major problem in warfare comes through identifying “who exactly is” the enemy. Some enemies are obvious, while others are cleverly disguised. Warfare comes in two forms: physical and spiritual, but in both cases it is most important to act offensively rather than react defensively in battle. An offensive position clearly holds the upper hand, while reacting defensively already proves the enemy has gained a foothold.

A passive role can be the most dangerous. It is the failure to either act or react. Passivity is not acting at all. It is the position of most vulnerability eventually leading to a defensive position, and only “after” an attack. Passivity results in worry, fear, doubt, and faithlessness, - because of the failure to act, the passive position is weakness and in physical or spiritual warfare will result in defeat.

The offensive role in battle is similar to resisting the enemy. Resistance is a form of shielding the vulnerable parts against an onslaught, while structuring an offense. In essence, it is “standing” against the enemy; and similar to a fortress surrounding a city. Resistance must be continual, never tiring or weakening its wall of protection. The enemy’s goal is to attack weakness, and it is in the areas of most vulnerability where the enemy will strike first.

Sadly, the only way to strengthen both the physical and spiritual nature is through the actual battle. It is the act of the struggle (wrestling) whereby one learns how to fight. It is through this struggle in battle whereby one learns not only the strength and weakness of the enemy, but also that of their own. Unless one understands their strengths in battle, they will not be capable of either resisting or conquering their enemy.

The heart of this short lesson is to always remember the enemy’s goal is to destroy and conquer. Even the physically strongest have areas of weaknesses where the enemy could attack; therefore, to be prepared is to be continually on guard, “putting on the whole armor,” to offensively act rather than passively react in fear/weakness, and to shield through resistance. In this case, the words of Ephesians 6:13 can be used in both a physical and spiritual battle: “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

Offensive action is the strong approach. It is the act of “standing,” and in the words of Chrysostom, great wisdom for both a physical and spiritual battle -

...Wherefore we must take all pains that the

doctrine of Christ dwell abundantly within us.

For the preparations of the enemy's battle

are not of one form; for the war is in itself various,

and waged by divers foes.

All use not the same arms, or conduct their assault

on the same plan.

He, therefore, who undertakes to fight them all

must understand the arts of each...

in ordinary warfare, each one opposes

his adversary after that manner

whereunto he hath been trained;