TEXT:  Deut.20:1-9; 1 Cor.15:57

We believers are children of the kingdom (Col.1:13). and so we have potentials to take and enter therein.  But it will not just happen, it has to be accomplished through forceful advancement and through some strategies, key amongst which are the following:

-  The strategy to know the times that we are in cf 1 Chr.12:32.  This is because we are int he very end times and we are perpetually in a warfare (Eph.6:12.  Therefore, we must not be careless nor "sleep" cf Matt.13:24-25; 24:42-44.

-  The strategy to know our responsibilites because no one will do any of our responsibilities for us.  The important things here include:

*Determination  -  We must not go back: half-hearted people have no place inthe warfare cf Judg.8:4

*Endurance  -  We must endure to the end; going back is not an option cf Heb.10:35-39

*"Dressing"  -  Our "dressing" is very important.  We must put on the whole armour of God cf Eph.10:10-18

-  The strategy to know God's presence because the battle is the Lord's.  The important things here include:

*Unity  -  We must go togehter, not solo; we msut collaborate cf Heb.10:25; Ps.133

*Keeping in touch with the Chief Shepherd, the Captainof the army.  Like Jesus, obey His Word totally; let His Word dwell richly in you cf Jn.8:29.  The big deal about the shepherd is that he is always with the sheep; so our Shepherd will always be with us.