The Devil’s Bargain and the Broad Road to War

 I have been saying for some time that the condition of this world cannot be understood merely through politics, economics, and military strategy. Behind the confusion of nations is a spiritual conflict—a warfare between truth and deception, righteousness and wickedness, the kingdom of God and the powers of darkness.

The roots of that conflict reach back to Satan’s rebellion against God. Scripture identifies him as the deceiver of the whole world:

“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.” — Revelation 12:9

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, the devil showed Him “all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them.” Satan then offered Him a bargain:

“All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” — Matthew 4:9

Jesus did not debate with Satan. He did not negotiate for a better arrangement. He answered:

“Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” — Matthew 4:10

That same temptation still operates in the hearts of men. I am not suggesting that Satan physically appeared before President Trump—or any other president—and offered him the kingdoms of the world. I am saying that the temptation remains the same: power without righteousness, victory without obedience, and greatness without God.

Satan does not always appear with horns and a pitchfork. Sometimes he comes dressed in patriotism, political promises, military necessity, national security, and religious language. He whispers that the end justifies the means. He convinces leaders that innocent lives may be sacrificed if the cause is declared noble enough. He tells nations that domination is strength and mercy is weakness.

The serpent’s first recorded temptation contained the promise:

“Ye shall be as gods.” — Genesis 3:5

That promise has never been withdrawn. Men still desire to become gods over nations, determining who shall live, who shall die, which country shall prosper, and which city shall burn.

Promises That Did Not Come True

I have written repeatedly about what I believed would happen in the war with Iran. We were led to believe that the war would be quick, decisive, and victorious. We were told that Iran would be devastated and unable to respond. We were assured that the interruption of oil supplies would be temporary and that the cost would remain manageable.

Those promises have not matched reality.

The conflict has continued for months. Attempts to pause the fighting have repeatedly broken down. Iran has continued responding, the war has spread into neighboring countries, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted, and oil prices have risen. On August 2, President Trump announced another proposed halt to American strikes while negotiations proceed, but the agreement is not yet final. Therefore, we should be cautious about declaring peace before peace has actually arrived. Associated Press

The Bible warns us:

“For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:3

Some of the earlier claims may have been failed predictions rather than deliberate lies. We cannot know every person’s motives. Nevertheless, when leaders repeatedly make confident promises that prove false, the public has both a right and a responsibility to question them.

I have been amazed by how readily people accept the government’s account without examining the evidence. It is one thing to trust; it is another thing to surrender our God-given discernment. Scripture does not command us to believe every political official. It tells us:

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:21

A Threat Does Not Explain the Whole Story

People tell me, “Iran threatened America, so America had to respond.”

Iranian leaders have certainly used hostile and hateful language against the United States. That language should be condemned. But before accepting it as sufficient justification for a prolonged war, we should examine the history, the circumstances, and the actions of every party.

The slogan “Death to America” became prominent during the 1979 Iranian Revolution and hostage crisis. However, it should not be described as a statement from Khomeini’s “inauguration speech,” because he did not assume office through a conventional presidential inauguration. The slogan was popularized by the revolutionary movement and has since been repeatedly used by Iranian officials and demonstrators.

None of that makes the Iranian government innocent. It has oppressed its own people, supported armed groups, threatened neighboring nations, and spoken wickedly against America. But condemning Iran’s wrongdoing does not require us to approve everything our own government does.

Jesus taught us to apply the same moral standard to ourselves that we apply to others:

“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” — Matthew 7:3

America has threatened Iran and carried out those threats. Iranian leaders have been killed, and military strikes have damaged roads, bridges, power facilities, railways, and other infrastructure. Reports also claim residential neighborhoods and water facilities have been struck. Direct attacks against civilian objects are prohibited under the laws of war unless those objects meet the strict definition of military objectives. International Committee of the Red Cross

It would be inaccurate to say there has never been any Iranian-linked terrorist plot or hostile activity connected to America. There have been allegations and documented concerns involving Iranian agents and affiliated organizations. But Iran has not invaded the continental United States with soldiers, aircraft, or armies. That distinction matters.

A threat should be taken seriously, but threatening words alone cannot become a blank check for unlimited warfare. North Korea has also repeatedly threatened the United States. Must we therefore attack North Korea and reduce its cities to rubble?

If that becomes our standard, there will never be an end to war.

The Terrible Lesson of Korea

During the Korean War, American forces carried out an enormous bombing campaign against North Korea. General Curtis LeMay later said:

“Over a period of three years or so, we killed off—what—20 percent of the population.”

That quotation is authentic, although the 20-percent figure was LeMay’s estimate rather than an independently established census total. He also acknowledged that American bombing burned down virtually every town in North Korea. LeMay quotation and historical discussion

Whether the exact percentage was ten, fifteen, or twenty does not change the moral horror. Millions of ordinary people suffered. Homes were destroyed, cities were burned, and families were buried beneath the ruins.

We must never call such destruction righteous merely because our country carried it out.

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness.” — Isaiah 5:20

I love my country, but loving America does not require me to call every American action righteous. In fact, genuine love requires us to speak when our nation is traveling down the wrong road.

“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” — Proverbs 14:34

That verse applies to Iran. It applies to North Korea. It applies to Israel. And, whether we like it or not, it applies to the United States of America.

The Familiar Machinery of Fear

Since September 11, 2001, we have seen a familiar pattern repeated:

First, the people are frightened. Then the government promises protection. Enormous amounts of public money are transferred to military contractors and other interests benefiting from the crisis. Finally, anyone who questions the official account is branded unpatriotic, disloyal, or sympathetic to the enemy.

Not every crisis is manufactured, and not every official is deliberately deceiving us. There are genuine threats in this world. Governments have a responsibility to protect their citizens. Nevertheless, fear can be used to silence questions and gather power.

“The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.” — Proverbs 14:15

The Christian must not allow fear to replace discernment. Neither the Iranian government nor the American government deserves the unquestioning allegiance that belongs to God alone.

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.” — Psalm 118:8–9

Broad Is the Way

Jesus warned:

“Broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.” — Matthew 7:13

The broad road is popular because it requires no repentance. It permits hatred as long as hatred is directed toward an official enemy. It permits killing as long as the government calls it necessary. It permits deception as long as the lie is wrapped in the flag. It allows preachers to bless warfare while ignoring the Prince of Peace.

But the way of Christ is different.

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” — Matthew 5:9

The devil offers nations power through domination. Jesus offers a kingdom established through truth, righteousness, sacrifice, and love. Satan promises the kingdoms of this world in exchange for worship. Jesus calls us to take up the cross.

The devil’s work can be seen wherever truth is sacrificed for power, innocent people are treated as expendable, hatred is cultivated, and violence becomes the first answer instead of the last resort.

The question is not whether Iran is righteous. It is not.

The question is not whether America has enemies. It does.

The question is whether Christians will judge every nation by the same righteous standard—or whether we will excuse evil whenever our own government commits it.

I refuse to bow before the gods of political power, military glory, or national pride. My allegiance belongs first to Jesus Christ. Presidents come and go. Empires rise and fall. But the kingdom of our Lord shall stand forever.

“For the kingdom is the Lord’s: and he is the governor among the nations.” — Psalm 22:28

America does not need another broad road to war. We need repentance, truth, humility, and the courage to make peace.

That may not be the popular message—but it is the message this old country preacher feels compelled to proclaim.

The Russian People Are Not Our Enemy

 For most of my life, Russia has been presented to the American people as our enemy. I grew up during the Cold War believing that all Russians were communists and that Russia was a godless nation determined to destroy America.

Then something happened that changed my thinking.

Our family met a Russian family who explained that there were Christians living in the Soviet Union. These believers were suffering for the cause of Christ. Later, I met other Christians from the USSR. I discovered that many of them opposed communism as strongly as I did. They loved the Lord, believed the Bible, and wanted the freedom to worship Jesus Christ.

That realization changed my entire belief system.

I learned that a nation’s government does not necessarily represent the hearts of all its people. The Soviet government was communist and officially atheistic, but that did not mean every Russian was a communist or an atheist. Behind the Iron Curtain were faithful Christians praying, worshipping, raising their children in the faith, and sometimes suffering imprisonment because they refused to deny Christ.

They were never my enemies. They were my brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Russia Is Not the Soviet Union

The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Russia today is not the same communist state that existed during the Cold War. That does not mean the Russian government is righteous, democratic in the American sense, or beyond criticism. Russia has serious problems involving political freedom, warfare, government power, and religious liberty.

However, America also has serious problems.

The Russian Orthodox Church now occupies an important position within Russian society. Many Russians profess values concerning marriage, family, abortion, and morality that are similar to those held by conservative American Christians.

Yet millions of Americans continue thinking about Russia as though nothing has changed since the days of Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union.

Why does this old hatred remain?

Part of the answer is that Cold War thinking became deeply planted in the American mind. For decades we were taught that Russian, Soviet, communist, atheist, and enemy all meant approximately the same thing. The Soviet Union disappeared, but the old enemy image remained.

It is much easier to prepare people for conflict when they have been taught to fear and hate the people on the other side.

Two Different Weights

As I look at Russia and America, I see both governments doing things they condemn when the other side does them.

When Russia interferes in another country, we call it aggression. When America interferes, we call it defending democracy.

When Russia spreads its version of events, we call it propaganda. When our government controls the narrative, we call it public information.

When Russia conducts surveillance, we call it tyranny. When our government watches its own citizens, we are told it is necessary for national security.

When Russia uses military power outside its borders, we condemn its expansion. When America sends troops, weapons, intelligence, or bombs into another country, we are told it is protecting the free world.

Not every Russian and American action is exactly the same. Each situation should be judged by the facts. Nevertheless, Christians cannot use one moral standard for our friends and another for our enemies.

The Bible says:

“Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.”
— Proverbs 20:10, KJV

A wrong action does not become right because the American government does it. Neither does every accusation against Russia automatically become true because our political leaders or news media repeat it.

If we condemn another nation for something, we must be willing to condemn the same behavior when it is committed by our own nation. Truth does not change according to which flag is flying over the government building.

Patriotism Must Never Replace Truth

I love America, but loving my country does not require me to believe that my government is always right. In fact, genuine love sometimes requires us to speak when our nation is doing wrong.

The prophets of the Old Testament loved Israel, but they did not remain silent about Israel’s sins. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, and Micah warned their own people. They did not excuse wickedness simply because it was committed by their nation.

Isaiah declared:

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness.”
— Isaiah 5:20, KJV

Christians should never surrender their moral judgment to a government, political party, military alliance, or television commentator. Our standard is not Washington or Moscow. Our standard is the Word of God.

America is not always right, and Russia is not always wrong. Russia is not always right, and America is not always wrong. Both governments are composed of human beings, and human beings are affected by pride, greed, fear, ambition, and the desire for power.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
— Romans 3:23, KJV

That verse applies to presidents, prime ministers, generals, legislators, intelligence officials, journalists—and country preachers.

Religious Language Does Not Make a Government Christian

The renewed visibility of the Russian Orthodox Church does not automatically make the Russian government Christian. Political leaders may use religious language to justify their policies or strengthen their authority.

But we must also admit that the same thing happens in America.

American politicians speak of God, quote Scripture, attend prayer meetings, and appeal to Christian voters. Yet invoking the name of God does not make a person a follower of Jesus Christ. Putting a cross beside a national flag does not make every government policy righteous.

Jesus gave us the proper test:

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
— Matthew 7:20, KJV

We must examine the fruit.

Does the policy produce justice or oppression? Does it protect innocent life or destroy it? Does it promote truth or depend upon deception? Does it seek peace or increase hatred? Does it defend the weak or enrich the powerful?

Those questions must be asked about Russia, but they must also be asked about America.

The institutional Russian Orthodox Church must not be confused with every sincere Russian believer. Neither should American political Christianity be confused with every genuine follower of Jesus Christ.

God has faithful people who may be living under governments with which we strongly disagree.

The Government Is Not the People

One of the greatest mistakes we make is treating an entire population as though every individual were responsible for the actions of its government.

The Russian government is not the Russian people.

The American government is not the American people.

The Ukrainian government is not the Ukrainian people.

There are Russian mothers who do not want their sons sent to war. There are Ukrainian mothers who grieve over children who will never return home. There are Americans who do not want their taxes used to support endless warfare.

Ordinary people often suffer while powerful men make decisions from secure offices.

We should remember that Russian Christians may disagree with their government just as American Christians sometimes disagree with ours. Some may be afraid to speak openly. Others may have heard only the information permitted by their government. The same possibility should cause Americans to examine how our own understanding is shaped.

Before we condemn an entire people, we should remember the words of Jesus:

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
— Matthew 5:9, KJV

Jesus did not say, “Blessed are the warmakers.” He did not say, “Blessed are those who hate their national enemies.” He called His followers to become peacemakers.

Our Brothers and Sisters Across the Border

A Christian in Russia who has trusted Jesus Christ as Savior is my brother or sister in the Lord. National borders do not divide the body of Christ.

Paul wrote:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
— Galatians 3:28, KJV

In Christ there is neither Russian nor American, neither Ukrainian nor Iranian. Earthly nationality does not determine our place in the household of God.

Paul also instructed:

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
— Galatians 6:10, KJV

It is time for Christians around the world to support and encourage one another. We should pray for Russian Christians, Ukrainian Christians, and believers living in every nation touched by war and political conflict.

If one part of the body suffers, the entire body should feel that suffering.

“And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:26, KJV

When a Russian believer is persecuted, I should care. When a Ukrainian church is destroyed, I should care. When an American Christian is deceived into hating people he has never met, I should care.

We belong to one body, serve one Lord, and have been redeemed by the same blood.

The Real Enemy Is Spiritual

The deepest struggle in this world is not America against Russia. It is not East against West, Republican against Democrat, or one race against another.

The battle is spiritual.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
— Ephesians 6:12, KJV

Our enemy is not the Russian farmer, factory worker, mother, child, or Christian worshipping in a small congregation. The real enemy is the spiritual power that produces lies, hatred, murder, pride, division, and destruction.

Satan does not care which nation wins an election or plants its flag on a battlefield. He is pleased whenever human beings hate one another. He is satisfied when fear replaces faith, propaganda replaces truth, and nationalism becomes more important to Christians than the kingdom of God.

If Satan can persuade American Christians to hate Russian Christians, he has divided the body of Christ. If he can persuade Russian Christians to hate Ukrainian believers, he has accomplished the same purpose.

Jesus warned us:

“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.”
— Matthew 12:25, KJV

The Church must not allow the governments of this world to determine whom we love, whom we hate, or for whom we pray.

No Earthly Government Can Win This War

America cannot win the spiritual war through superior weapons. Russia cannot win it through military strength. NATO cannot win it, and no political alliance can defeat the powers of darkness.

Only the Lord can win this battle.

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”
— Zechariah 4:6, KJV

Our victory will not come through tanks, missiles, sanctions, intelligence operations, or political propaganda. The weapons of the Church are spiritual.

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.”
— 2 Corinthians 10:4, KJV

The Church must fight with truth, prayer, faith, holiness, compassion, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must refuse the hatred being sold to us by those who profit from division and war.

That does not mean ignoring evil. Christians must speak against injustice, invasion, persecution, and the killing of innocent people. But we must condemn those things consistently—whether they are done by an enemy, an ally, or our own government.

The Church Must Be the Church

The Church was never called to become the religious department of an earthly government. Our responsibility is not to bless everything our nation does. We are called to bear witness to a kingdom that is greater than America, Russia, or any other earthly power.

Jesus said:

“My kingdom is not of this world.”
— John 18:36, KJV

Our highest loyalty belongs to Jesus Christ.

It is time for Christians to look beyond political borders and recognize the household of faith. Let Russian believers pray for American Christians. Let American Christians pray for Russian and Ukrainian believers. Let us encourage those who suffer and refuse to allow national hatred to separate those whom Christ has joined together.

We may not agree about every political issue. We may receive different accounts of world events. But if we have been born again through faith in Jesus Christ, we are members of the same family.

The world is trying to convince us that flesh and blood are our enemies. The Bible tells us otherwise.

The world tells us that military power will save us. The Bible tells us that victory comes by the Spirit of the Lord.

The world teaches us to hate. Jesus commands us to love and pray.

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
— Matthew 5:44, KJV

I am not asking anyone to trust every government, excuse injustice, or ignore the suffering caused by war. I am asking Christians to remember who we are.

We are not first Americans, Russians, or Ukrainians. We are first followers of Jesus Christ.

The Russian people are not our enemy. The Ukrainian people are not our enemy. Ordinary people on either side are not our enemy.

We are engaged in a spiritual war that only the Lord can win. Therefore, let us stand together with our brothers and sisters in the household of faith, pray for one another, speak the truth without a double standard, and follow the Prince of Peace.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
— Ephesians 6:10, KJV

To God Be All the Glory

 I must confess that I am amazed—and deeply humbled—by the number of people who have been reading Ramblings of a Country Preacher. Last month, the blog reached an all-time total of 540,808 page views. During July alone, there were 206,848 views.

When I first began writing these ramblings, I never imagined that the words of an old country preacher from a little Indiana town would travel so far. I do not have a great organization promoting these messages. I do not have a large staff or an expensive advertising campaign. I simply sit down, pray, open my Bible, and write what the LORD places upon my heart.

The Bible says:

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”
—Zechariah 4:6

These numbers are more than statistics on a computer screen. Every page view represents a person—someone with a heart, a burden, a question, or a spiritual need. Some may be searching for truth. Some may be lonely and discouraged. Others may be Christians living in places where following Jesus Christ comes at a terrible cost.

The LORD has allowed these messages to reach countries where our brothers and sisters are suffering for the cause of Christ. Some cannot worship openly. Some risk losing their families, homes, employment, freedom, and even their lives because they will not deny the name of Jesus.

I may never meet them on this side of eternity. I may never know their names or hear their testimonies. I do not know what influence this little blog is having in their lives—but the LORD knows.

My prayer is that somewhere, perhaps in a quiet room behind a locked door, a weary believer will read these words and remember the promise of Christ:

“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
—Hebrews 13:5

That promise is just as true in the prison cell as it is in the church pew. It is true in sickness, persecution, loneliness, poverty, and grief. Governments may turn against the followers of Christ. Friends may walk away. Families may reject them. But Jesus Christ will never abandon one of His own.

David declared:

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
—Psalm 23:1

He did not say the shepherd would keep us from every dark valley. He said the Shepherd would walk through the valley with us:

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.”
—Psalm 23:4

If one discouraged Christian discovers that he is not alone, then every hour spent writing has been worthwhile. If one lost soul comes to understand that Jesus Christ died for his sins and rose again, then this ministry has accomplished something of eternal value. If one persecuted believer finds enough strength to remain faithful for another day, then I give God all the glory.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”
—1 Corinthians 3:7

That is the truth of the matter. I may plant a little seed through something I write. Another servant of God may come along and water it. But only the LORD can make that seed grow. Only the Holy Spirit can convict a heart, comfort a troubled soul, and reveal the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

I am thankful for every person who reads, shares, and prays for Ramblings of a Country Preacher. Yet I dare not take the credit for what God has done. These page views do not belong to me. The praise does not belong to the writer. The glory belongs entirely to the LORD.

The old hymn says, “To God be the glory, great things he hath done.” That is my testimony today.

This country preacher is still amazed that God can take a few plain words written in Indiana and carry them across oceans, through borders, and into homes in distant lands. But we serve a God who once used a shepherd’s sling, a widow’s handful of meal, a little boy’s lunch, and an old rugged cross. He has never needed something great in the eyes of the world. He only asks that what we have be surrendered to Him.

So I will keep writing as long as the LORD gives me strength. I will keep preaching Jesus Christ crucified, risen, and coming again. I will keep reminding the weary that God has not forgotten them. I will continue pointing sinners toward the cross and encouraging believers to remain faithful.

“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
—2 Corinthians 4:5

To everyone who has read these ramblings: thank you. To those who have shared them: thank you. To those who have prayed for this ministry: thank you.

But above all, I thank the LORD.

More than half a million page views—but only one name deserves the praise: the name of Jesus Christ.

“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.”
—Psalm 34:3