Okay, welcome back. Welcome. So we've been talking about the church of God as an army of God, with the importance of taking a stand, standing firm, being steadfast, having that attitude of a warrior. And this is for individuals and also as a collective. How many of you know that winning a soul is a battle? So when you pray for a lost soul or for a city that is lost, that you want it to be saved and all of that. I know of people who make prayers like other men of God, they make prayer for a certain city to be a cancer-free zone or they don't want a single case of cancer to be in a city. And so those are prayers of a warrior. Why do we call prayer warriors? Because they have this attitude, this zeal of a warrior. I like war movies. I don't like what war does, where it kills a lot of people. A lot of children lose their fathers, mothers, parents, etc. I don't like what it does. But again, historically, from the history point of view, when you see what people have gone through, where I can be doing what I'm doing today. For example, why we celebrate our freedom fighters and all of that. They've paid the price so that you and I can live a certain life today. And so a warrior pays a price, a soldier pays a price. Most of the time, it might go unnoticed or unappreciated, but you pay the price. So I remember watching a short film, actually a 20-minute film on a sniper. You know a sniper? Who a sniper is? A scout sniper is, they can take shots from very far, far distance, from at least kilometers away. The longest shot taken, I think, is a record of almost 2 kilometers. Almost, right? Yeah, exactly. So a scout sniper's responsibility would be so... During the Vietnam War, between US and Vietnam, in the late 60s and the 70s, one of the snipers had to travel just by crawling inch by inch for five days in the ground, without food. You're crawling slowly for five days just to carry out your mission. Think about the perseverance, the focus, and just the mental strength of a soldier, of a person like that. Are you with me? And so using the example of a sniper, because the sniper cannot be seen. A person with a scout and a sniper, he will not take a shot until he's 100% sure. Because as soon as he makes that shot, everybody will know where the sniper is. Because of that flare that goes off. And so he's given away his position. You know what I'm saying? So everybody, the enemy will know, okay, that's where the shot came from. And he will not take the shot unless he has to make that shot.  And no matter how hard it was, you know, he would push, he would push, didn't want to give back, you know, didn't want to give up. No food, no problem. Rain, no problem. Insects all around, no problem. Mosquitoes, no problem.   They do that, they take you in, and what they do is they train you. They have a boot camp where all the soldiers go and they get trained for weeks.  And we can wage wars together, right? We intercede for the city. You know, intercession simply means what? Standing in the gap. That's what it literally means. Abraham stood in the gap. If there's one person, will you spare the city?  So, right, so we are to be believers who are to be trained in spiritual warfare, to be taught and all of that. So let's move on. We have to be armed and dangerous. God has given us spiritual weapons that are mighty. This is a very important verse. Okay, when it comes to spiritual warfare, I feel like this is one of the topic. It's a very well-known topic called spiritual warfare, but not a lot of them actually spend time studying on it because it feels too intimidating usually. We leave that out to all the Pentecostals. Only the intercessors, the prayer warriors, let them, you know, talk about spiritual warfare and, you know, I'm just going to study and the Lord is my shepherd. You know, it's nice. But second Corinthians, chapter 10 verse 3 to 5, very important. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. Okay, so, though we walk in the flesh, we do not war. The word according is very important there. We do not war according to the flesh. Okay, it's like saying, let's play that game, but let's not play that game in his terms. Let's play the game in our own terms.  Right. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal. That means it's not flesh. It's not tangible. But mighty in God for pulling down strong holds, passing down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Pastor Jake spoke on thought yesterday. I had some, a lot of questions on it yesterday. Right on thoughts. Very interesting questions, right? Okay, how can, how do I know if the thought is my own or if it's from God, et cetera, et cetera, right? So once we have the revelation of that awareness, we bring it into captivity. If you know that you're not supposed to be having the thought, don't entertain it. Compromise. Don't entertain it, right? David, the sin was not looking at that she was the first time he kept looking. Looking at it the second time, the downfall starts there. Maybe sometimes you can't help what you're seeing. Oh, gosh. You saw that? All right. Hmm. Interesting. Right. So taking every thought captive, we don't wage war according to the flesh. So what are some of the weapons? It says that weapons of our warfare are not carnal. That means we have weapons, but they're not tangible ones. So what are they? Some of the weapons that we've been given as believers, in which we must be trained in, is the name of Jesus. It's the name of Jesus. My gosh. That alone is enough. It's enough. We have quite a few. But God is good, isn't it? He's generous. He likes to give. Come on, just take it. Enjoy it. Go for whichever weapon you want. Destroy the enemy. That's why we are called more than conquerors. The weapons that we have, we don't know how powerful they are. The enemy knows how powerful they are. Acts chapter 9 verse 15. Do you know the story? Ananias and Paul. Paul has had his encounter on the road to Damascus. He's blind. And God tells a person called Ananias, go meet Paul, anoint him. Ananias says, Lord, what's wrong with you? This man pulled out people and killed them. He persecutes the church. How can I go? God's response is beautiful. He is my chosen instrument. I have chosen him to carry my name. To declare and proclaim the good news to the lost. Every... Acts chapter 9 verse 15, by the way. We can think of a lot of brands, isn't it? All the brands, Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Zara, Forever 21, or Nike. The list can go on, right? iPhone, iPad, IWatch, Samsung, Ford, HP, et cetera, et cetera. Ferrari, Lamborghini. What is all that associated with? Every single brand and more that we've mentioned wants you to carry their name. Huh? You carry... Okay, Nike, separate respect. Adidas, another respect. iPhone, Apple... Oh, my gosh. How did you get it? It's like, no, I sold one kidney. It's a no-cost EMI. Swap my card. All of those brands, they want you to carry their name. In professional sports thing, we call it as endorsement. If Roger Federer is wearing Nike, I want to wear Nike. Because they know if a certain person carries their name, a lot of other people are going to want to carry that same name. You know where I'm going with this, no? You and I are... God's chosen instrument called to carry his name, to put his name on display, not just on our t-shirts or our coffee mugs. I love Jesus. Jesus is my Lord and Savior. My light and my salvation is like, wow, looks so nice. Coffee with Jesus. Coffee with Jesus. So next time if I see a couple like that, I'll know. You and I are called to carry the name of Jesus, the wonderful name of Jesus. The beautiful name of Jesus. The name that is high above every other name. If you can just stay in that moment and just ponder on the name of Jesus. There's another APC publication, Mighty Name of Jesus. If you can get your hands on it, please study it. We need every revelation possible of the name of Jesus, what it means, what it can do. Of all the names in the world, why would God give him his son the name Jesus? He could have named him Roshan. Just kidding. Okay, fine. Okay, Anand, whatever. Why Yeshua? Yeshua Hamasya. I mean, yeah. Savior, deliverer, that's what it means. Yeah, we carry the name of Jesus. That's, wow, that's incredible. And the Word of God, right? Hebrews 4-12, it says, his word is a sword. It's not just another sword, it's a double-edged sword. That is sharp both ways up and down. Most of the swords are sharp one side. A single-edged, where a double-edged sword is sharp both. And that's where it goes on to say, the Word of God is alive and active. How many of you know that Bible is prophetic in nature? Yeah, it's alive, it's active. It's the Holy Spirit that brings it to life. That's why Psalm 119 verse 18 says, my eyes to the hidden things of your word. That means you can just read it as a book, as a history book, and ask questions like, is the Bible relevant? Because for many who don't have that revelation, who don't go to it in humility, it's just another book, historical book, and a good one. But you need not necessarily be active and alive for them. Are you with me? And so we believe that the Word of God is the inspired Word of God, isn't it? Inspired, inspiration. Again, Latin word means inspirito, by the spirit, in the spirit. And so it's alive. Look at that verse, what it says, 412. Hebrews 412 is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It's not just a double-edged sword, it's sharper than any. And what it does, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit. That means we can do a verse mapping on this. We are not going to do that, but joints and marrow. That means it can divide the matters of the heart, soul, and spirit. It judges the thoughts again, and attitudes of the heart. Intentions. Word of God is powerful. It's a hammer. Like we just looked at, right? So we have the name of Jesus, the Word of God. Time and time again, Jesus, when he was fighting, not fighting, he was just... I mean, the devil is not Jesus is equal. We need to get that straight. The devil is not Jesus is equal, right? Of everything that Jesus could have done, he said, it is written. It is written. It is written. He used the Word, right? Colossians chapter 3 verse 16, Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. Okay, let it dwell in you. It's another word for tabernacle. Let it be tabernacle. And the root, the raw meaning of that is pitch the tent. Let the Word of God put one tent and stay inside. That's what it literally is, right? You want to write songs, let it rich in you dwelling, and he will give you the melody.  So because it's, take, dwell in you richly, right? So the Word of God. Next, let's move on. The blood of Jesus and the completed work of the cross. Opposition in Christ, the full armor of God from Ephesians chapter 6 verse 14 onwards. Prayer and intercession, praise and worship, repentance and righteousness. We don't have enough sermons on repentance. Why don't one of you actually work on a sermon called repentance? Do a research, do your study and have a sermon on the topic of repentance. Can you do that? Yeah, okay. One of the tools mentioned there, a weapon is praise and worship. We know Psalm 22 verse 3. It says God is enthroned on the praises of His people. There's one version that says God inhabits the praises of His people. Right? If God inhabits our praise, who inhabits our complaints? If God is enthroned on our praises, who is enthroned on our complaints and our grumblings and our mumblings? Who? If God is enthroned on our praises, who is enthroned on our complaints? Satan. If we enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, whose gates are we entering and whose courts are we entering when we complain and mama and grumble? Words attract presence. It depends on which word you use and which presence is attracted. Words can attract either the presence of God or the presence of the devil. Okay, prayer and worship. Our position in Christ simply means our identity in Christ, knowing who we really are, who God has called us to be. Okay, all right, let's move on. We are anointed for battle. Please look at, read the scriptures. I'm just going to go a little fast. Scriptures like Matthew chapter 12 was 28 and 29. We are all anointed for battle, that section says. And page 75 of your PDFs talks about the local church must intentionally advance against the gates of hell. Intentional. You have to be objective. Make it a point. Okay, your life's mission goes. We're going to advance against the gates of hell because we have the weapons and we've been commanded to do so. Right, John chapter one. Sorry, one John chapter three was eight. Can someone read that please? One John chapter three was eight. Of the many things that Jesus came to do, He came to destroy the works of the devil. The Son of God manifested Himself to destroy the works and the principality of the devil. Are you with me? And someone reads second Colossians chapter, sorry, second Colossians. Colossians chapter two was 15. Colossians chapter two was 15. Yes. So having disarmed, that means He's taken their weapons, their powers and authorities. He's made a public spectacle of them. That means He put them to shame and triumphing over them by the cross. So we have the victory. We've been given the victory. God's given us the victory. What are we doing about it? Are we intentionally advancing against the gates of hell? Or are we very comfortable in our own lives, in our churches? Are you all with me? Okay. So let's move on. I'm just going a little bit fast, as I mentioned. Page 76. An army has a strategy and army takes care of its wounded. An army has a strategy. We need to be strategic in what you want to do. We rely on God's wisdom to give us a strategy. Time and time again in the Bible, we see that David inquired of the Lord. He asked, can I go now? Will you give them to me? He goes, can I go now? Will you hand them over to me? God says, go. Can I go now? Will you hand them over to me? He says, go. And then he asks, there's one time, again David inquired of the Lord. Can I go now? Will you hand them over to me? God says, wait. Go down and wait near the balsam trees. When you hear the sound of an army marching, you advance in battle. That means, so God is saying that means it would mean that I have gone before you. And you'll have the victory. How many, being the king of a nation, having seen the victories and tasted victories. David could have easily said, yeah, I'm just going to have the same strategy, going to fight against this enemy, like what I did yesterday. No. He leaned into God's heart. He inquired of the Lord. How many of us inquire of the Lord? Do we constantly inquire of Him? Do we lean into Him? Or is this your will? Is this your strategy? Is this your strategy? What is your strategy? Speak to me. Right? And that's a sign of humility, isn't it? Constantly waiting on Him, trusting in Him and not on our own understanding. Yes? Not on our own understanding talks about wisdom, our intellectual, our knowledge, which can easily happen based on our past experiences or past successes. All good? All okay? Any questions? Right. So just without rushing a little bit. Spiritual warfare is real. It's very real. Don't take it easy. Right? And also don't give up. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven and plus eight and nine. All of us are individuals who might be fighting our own battles. We don't know. I don't need to know what you're going through. But don't give up. Keep on asking. Yeah. All right. Here's the God of breakthrough. Amen. Okay. So can we continue? Yeah? Rin? Is that okay? You're tired? You want to stretch? You sure? Okay. Are you guys okay? How are you guys doing online? All good? Yeah. Thanks, Chia. Okay. Let's look at another facet of the church. The bride. I love this imagery. The scripture uses the local church as the bride of Christ. Right? Time and time again, we see in the Old Covenant in the Old Testament, where God uses this imagery, this language of husband and wife. You know, it's constantly comparing. So in the Old Covenant, the way he talks about his people, when I say his people, the people of Israel, the chosen one. Right? Okay. Here's the thing. In the Old Testament, there were only two types of people that really mattered. People in the Covenant, people not in the Covenant. That's all. The people in the Covenant were the Jews, the Hebrews, or the people of Israel later known to be that. Right? And so he would often relate and talk to them, you know, using the imagery of a husband or a bride groom. And then later in the New Testament, in the New Covenant, we see that he's using the same similar language to the church. Okay? So there are a lot of similarities, but there are certain differences. So what, again, if you can look at the notes, there are some differences mentioned. The few differences, but there are a lot of similarities. PDF page 78. I don't know where you're at. Okay. So under the Old Covenant, he dealt with them based on the law. However, under the New Covenant, he deals with us based on grace. Under the Old Covenant, not everyone experienced the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives personally. However, under the New Covenant, every believer enjoys the personal presence and the work of the Spirit. So these are the few differences, but there are a lot of similarities. So what are the similarities? Under both Covenants, God has chosen a people through whom he could bless the nations of the world. Under both Covenants, God's people are a royal priesthood called to minister unto God. Okay? So in Exodus 19, when you read the chapter, from Exodus chapter 19 verse 1 to 5, I'm just going to paraphrase it.    God's original plan was for the entire nation of Israel to be priests, not just Levites. Much later, you see Moses asks, who is on the Lord's side? The Bible says only the Levites came running to Moses. The story of Levite Levites being priesthood begins there. But later in the New Covenant, we see in 1 Peter, Peter writes saying that we are royal priesthood. Right? You're following, right? So the interesting similarities in both the Covenants is that God's picture has his relationship with his people as a groom to his bride. Okay, we'll read some more scriptures about it. Now again, guys, please remember this is just another imagery that we are using, right? Like how we've been looking at, you know, all these different imageries. So guys, if you have a problem, deal with it. Move on in life. Okay. But this is just an absolute wonderful, wonderful imagery that God would choose. And you can think about how the way that God sees a relationship between the husband and the wife. That he looks at it very wholly and pure for him to even take that and to draw a parallel between his relationship and us. Are you with me? Right? Okay, so let's continue. Let's move on just a little bit. Jeremiah chapter 2 was 2 and 3. Jeremiah chapter 2 was 2 and 3. It says, Go and cry in the hearing of Jerusalem saying, Thus says the Lord, I remember you. The kindness of your youth, the love of your betrothal. When you went after me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. Israel was holiness to the Lord and first fruits of his increase. All that devour him will offend. Disaster will come upon them, says the Lord. I love the NLT version. It says, I remember how eager you were to please me as a young bride. The NLT, New Living Translation. I love that language, the imagery that it paints. I remember how eager. Eager is what? You're eagerly waiting for something. You're eagerly waiting for someone to come or you're eagerly waiting for a sale. You know what I'm saying? The God is saying that I remember how you once were. You were like a young bride eagerly waiting on me in the wilderness, in a land that is not sown. We can do a beautiful study on the word called wilderness. It's just beautiful. When I have the time offline, I'll share a little bit. But wilderness was a land of uncertainty. Anything could happen, anytime. Full of dangers, wild animals, scorpions, reptiles. There's no shade in the wilderness. There's no water in the wilderness. But in a place like that, God says, I remember, in a place like that, how you were eagerly waiting on me as a young bride. Beautiful, isn't it? See, in the Jewish culture, I apologize for talking a lot about history. So again, in the ancient history, there were only two kinds of civilization in general. One was the eastern civilization, and the other was the western civilization. Under the eastern civilization, there were a lot of empires, and under the western civilization, there were lots. So the huge differences was in the way they thought. It was very important for us to understand the scriptures. Eastern civilization comes from the Middle East. We call it the Middle East for a reason. So eastern civilization under that, and India and all some of the Asian countries come under the category of eastern civilization. And when we say the west, even today we talk about the west, isn't it? Oh, this is the western culture. This is the western culture. Most of the time we refer to the United States of America. But the west originally was, it's sources from Europe. Greece and Rome, mostly the Greece, their influence on the European part of the countries was huge. A Westerner will think that the Lord is my, will say the Lord is my provider. Versus the Easterner will say the Lord is my shepherd. Both means the same thing. So for a Westerner, their logic of thinking was that it will make sense here first and then make sense here. For an Easterner, it should make sense here first and then here, right? A person from Greece would say that, okay, the Lord is my provider. It's absolutely right. It makes sense here. The Lord provides. He provides for every day our needs, finances, food, puts food on our table. He provides. It makes literal sense, isn't it? Logical sense. But when you think about an Easterner, it would say the Lord is my shepherd. It's not just here. It does something here. Are you with me? And so in the Jewish custom, if a person, if a young woman was betrothed, if a couple was betrothed to one another, if they were engaged, it was as good as they were married.  That was the custom and the tradition of their, it's kind of similar. You know, you can see a lot of similarities in India, right? And so, yeah, there's a lot of influence of that. Okay, let's go on. But this is a very intimate relationship that God draws a parallel from. Okay. Jeremiah 3.14 says, Does anybody know what he's actually referring to here? When we say that God is a jealous God or a zealous God. Yeah, exactly. You hit the nail on the head. He will not tolerate you worshiping someone else. I'm not sure if I've said this before. What adultery is in the natural is what idolatry is in the spiritual, right? What adultery is in the natural. Think of everything, all the lives that an adultery can ruin. Adultery is a very selfish act, isn't it? Like, you know, immoral in so many ways. But that's compared to idolatry in the spiritual. When you have someone else in place of God, when something else or something or someone takes the place or the priority of God, God's not happy. He doesn't like to share. He loves you like no other. He will not share you with any other. That's a very good kind of jealousy.  Are you with me? Right? Jeremiah, let's move on. Jeremiah 31.3 to 4 says, By the way, how many of you know Jeremiah was also known as a weeping prophet? Yeah, and he's writing.  The Lord has appeared of all to me saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore, with loving kindness, I have drawn you. Again, I will build you and you shall be rebuilt. O virgin of Israel, you shall reign.  Jeremiah 31.32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in that day that I took them by the hand to lead out of the land of Egypt, my covenant which they broke. Though I was a husband to them says the Lord, I cared for you. I took care of you. I loved you with an everlasting love with loving kindness. I draw you close to me. But they forsook. So he's assuring his wayward people saying my love for you is everlasting. I will never leave you nor forsake you. He said that. What's the point in praying, you know, Okay Lord, be with me, be with me, be with me. God will be like, How can I answer a prayer that I've already answered? How can I answer a prayer that I've already answered? Exactly. So he speaks of a covenant that he's established with his people in terms of being a husband, isn't it? When someone is getting married, we use these words. We have now all gathered together for the holy matrimony of so-and-so. Why do we call it the holy matrimony? We've learnt enough about the word holy. It simply says set apart, isn't it? So when a woman, and a man and a woman comes together for holy matrimony, as a man is saying, I can have all... You see all these women out there in the world? Of all these women out there that I can possibly have access to, I'm setting myself apart only for you. The same thing about the woman.  That's why we call it as a holy matrimony. We are setting apart for each other, apart from the world. When God says, I have set you apart, I have set you apart. He wants us to have eyes only for him. He's a zealous God, isn't it? And that's why he takes this relationship very seriously. Okay, let's move on just a little bit. You will call me my husband. The book of Hosea is around the theme of God, the husband wooing back his wayward wife. Have you studied the book of Hosea? It's incredible. I think earlier this year we did a series on Hosea, not on Hosea, but it was a series on... What was the name of the series? But a huge part of it was on Hosea. And if you study the book of Hosea, how can God ask someone to do this? You'll wonder that.  We don't have time to discuss the question now. Okay, how can God ask? We'll discuss that later. But he's using again the imagery there. Israel is like this wayward wife. I will keep constantly love her. I'm pursuing her, but she's choosing to go back to the world. She does not have eyes for me. Are you with me? Yes. Are you guys okay, right? Okay, I think we've spoken enough. If you don't mind, why don't you...  It's pretty self-explanatory. But because I just want to rush through it, and I want us to understand the beauty of it. This beautiful relationship that God draws a parallel from. So as individuals and as a collective as a church, we're called to be set apart. We're called to be holy just as a bride is. A pure and a holy bride is. We're called to be ready as the parable talks about ten virgins. We're called to be ready for his arrival. Are we ready as a church? The spirit and the bride says... Come, Revelation chapter 22 verse 17. Right? Are we connected? Are we... The spirit of God here on earth is all of... is assigned with establishing the works of God here on earth. And so, are we in tune with the Holy Spirit to say the spirit and the bride say come? Yes? So let's stop there. Right? So there's something beautiful happening in and through the church. He wants to do something beautiful. And for that, we need to understand what we are carrying the relationship in the way that he looks at us. And ministry is born out of the revelation of who he is and the way he looks at us. And there are notes in the same chapter. It says that God looks at his people, has his beloved. Hepsiba. And it says another... I forget which verse and it says... Wait, let me see. Oh, yeah. It's in... Isaiah 62 verse 4 and 7. It's in the notes. Isaiah chapter 62 verse 4 to 7. You can read it. It says, you shall no longer be termed forsaken nor shall your land any more be termed desolate. You shall be called Hepsiba, which means my delight. Your land, Bula, means married. That's what it is. Okay. For the Lord delights in you and your land shall be married. And so just like the way God rejoices over his people. We as a church ought to rejoice over each other. Okay. All right. So we'll officially stop there. Okay. Thanks for joining in everybody online. I hope there was something that could take away from today's session. Bless you. I'll see you again next week. Bye.


By special recording, General Mills, makers of Wheaties, breakfast of champions, and Cheerios, the old cereal ready to eat, present, The Lone Ranger! A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hockey-hio silver! The Lone Ranger! With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful mask rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those quilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver! The Lone Ranger rides again! Come on, Silver! Let's go, big fellow! Hail, Silver! This is the Lone Ranger. If you want to be a champion at anything, remember, others have done it in spite of obstacles. Take rodeo champion Bob Maynard. He did it the hard way. He proved champions are made, not born. Bob didn't even have the advantage of growing up on a western ranch. As a boy, he lived in Chicago. But Bob started riding when he was 8 years old. At 14 in California, he became a stable hand. Today, Bob Maynard is one of the top money winners in rodeo competition. He sure is Lone Ranger, and like many champions in all sports, Bob still chooses Wheaties for his favorite training dish. There's no question about it. Champions are made, not born. And there's no question why champions choose Wheaties for their training diet. They want that famous wheat energy. They get it with Wheaties because there's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties' flake. Champions are made, not born. Get on your way with Wheaties. Breakfast of champions. An ex-Confederate officer named Ross Colburn was on his way to his ranch in Texas, not far from the town of Mulejaw. Ross was only 32 years old, but his years of hard fighting and privation with Mosby's Rangers had left their mark in the grim lines of his hunger-pinched face. His faithful horse, Wander, also showed the strain of the heartbreaking campaign. The half-starred animal was beginning to regain some of the flesh he had lost in the last terrible year of war. For on the trip home, Ross had paused as often as possible to let Wander graze. They were approaching a fork in the trail when Ross saw three horsemen riding toward him. As they came closer, he recognized the riders. He waved and shouted, Rex! Bernie Waco! Three ragged veterans named Bernie Latner, Rex Quinn and Waco Drurain. Separated since the start of the war, they dismounted, shook hands, slapped each other on the back, and exchanged warm greetings.  You've changed considerably. So have you, Waco. Where'd you get all that gray hair, Ross? The Yankees gave it to me. Yeah, they gave me a bullet of Chancellorville. But I was lucky it hit me in the shoulder where it didn't do any permanent damage. There's been plenty of permanent damage done around here. Yeah, I think it's a bad in Texas, Ross. It could be worse, Rex. What do you mean worse? I talked to a lot of people on my way here. They told me what the situation is. I came back because this is an ideal base of operation. What kind of operation? Fighting operations. But we're surrendered, Ross. I look at the surrender as a temporary truce. Truce? Thunderation. We were beaten into the ground. We were outnumbered, outsupplied. But we weren't out-generaled or out-forked. Even with better weapons and ammunition than we have, the Yankees didn't put up a better fight. Man for man, we could have whipped them if we had the food to keep going. It's over now. Not for me, it isn't. What do you mean? Now, for a lot of other veterans I've talked to on the way here. We'll fight again. With what? A guerrilla force to harass the Federals. When we build up an army large enough to do some real damage, we'll go to one of our generals and ask him to take command. But you'll need weapons, ammunition, horses, food. We'll get those without money. Rex, do you know what a steer's worth in northern markets? No. It'll bring $40 in hard American cash. $40? $40 ahead. That's right. And the people in the north will buy as much beef as we can deliver. I aim to deliver that beef. I'll use all the cash I can accumulate to buy what we need. Are you boys willing to throw in with me? Well, yeah. I'm game, Ross. So am I. Count on me. Good. We've a lot of hard work ahead of us, boys. But we'll be working for the south, for the Confederacy. Ross and his friends found other young veterans to help round up cattle enough to begin the ambitious drive to the north. At length they were ready to start. The drive progressed without interruption until it reached Kansas. There, the Texans were stopped by the fences of farmers who refused to let the cattle cross their lands. It was late at night and a full moon shone brightly on the campfire where Ross, Rex Quinn, Bernie Ladner, and Waco sat making plans. Hey, two riders ahead of us. Probably a couple of the boys coming to see if we figured a way to get past those fences. And not our boys, Rex. They're coming from that homestead. They're riding good horses. Great tailhorses. One of those fellas is mad at you. What? The Texans didn't know that the masked man was the lone ranger. Expecting trouble, they held their guns steady as the tall stranger and his Indian companion drew rain at the edge of the fire lit clearing. Oh, my God! You're coming, mister. Is it customary for men from Texas to draw guns without cars? That mask is cause enough. Do you know we were from Texas? A homesteader named Ned Morgan told me. He also asked me to tell you that you may drive your cattle across his land. What did you say? If you'll come with me, we'll take you to Morgan. A short time later, Ross, Rex, Bernie, and Waco were in Ned Morgan's small cabin. With Morgan were two other homesteaders who agreed to let the Texans cross their land. Ross Colburn thanked them and said, There's just one thing I don't say to you, Morgan. You and every homesteader around here were dead set against letting us through. What changed your mind? The mask man, who brought you here? He found out that your drive was stopped. He pointed out the fact that Hank and Mark and I didn't have any crops planted. He talked us into taking down our fences and letting you through our land.  Yeah, if any way we can repay you. Don't thank me and my friends. Thank the mask man. But why did he want to help us? I don't know. The next time you'll meet the Lone Ranger, ask him. The Lone Ranger. That was the first time the Texans met the mask man, but they were destined to meet again. The drive was completed and on the return trip, Ross and his friends reached an agreement with the homesteaders, an agreement that would permit them to cross the farmland at a later date. They used the profits from the drive to buy guns, ammunition, the horses and supplies, and concentrated on accumulating more with which to finance their plans. After several other drives, their activities finally came to the attention of federal authorities. Messages concerning them were flashed to Washington. Agents were sent to investigate the situation, and when they returned to the capital, they reported directly to the president. The result was an immediate summons to the governor of Texas. The governor hurried to Washington, and on his return home, he stopped briefly at the ranch of Clarabel Hornblow. When he left, Clarabel and Thunder both knew that the governor wanted to see the Lone Ranger. Several days later, the mask man and his Indian companions stopped at the ranch. As soon as they entered the house, Clarabel told them of the governor's visit. The Lone Ranger and Tato swung to the saddle and headed for the governor's residence. After two days and nights of steady travel, they grew rain and dismothered in the darkness, a short distance from the official mansion. Keeping to his shadow is to avoid being seen. The Lone Ranger made his way to the French doors of the governor's office. Looking inside, he saw that the official was alone. He tapped on the glass softly. A moment later, the door opened. It's you. Good evening, Governor. Come inside, please, I must talk to you. The governor drew the office curtains, then took a number of papers and maps from his desk. These, sir, came from Washington. The president himself and trust had been to me. Then you've been to Washington? Yes. I was sent home because a group of veterans here in Texas are organizing an army to continue the struggle against federal authority. Oh, who's leading the army? Four Confederate soldiers. Erase Colburn seems to be the leader. He was with Colonel Mooseby's Virginia cavalry during the war. Mooseby's Rangers, huh? Yes. When he had laden there, it was an artillery man in the Army of Northern Virginia. Rex Quinn is one of the few survivors of Jackson's famous Stonewall Brigade. And the man named Waco rode with Jim Stewart's cavalry. Government agents investigated all of them. Here are the reports. Colburn, laden there, Quinn and Waco. You knew them? Yes, sir. We met some time ago when they were driving cattle through Kansas. If the president is aware of the situation, why doesn't he send troops to disband the Army? To disband them by force, with accomplice the immediate purpose. But if we do nothing to erase the hatred that resulted in war, unless those men voluntarily accept our flag is their flag, we can never hope for real peace and unity. The Clinton falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure. Before the next exciting theme, please come at us for pause for just a few moments. This is Mel Allen, sports announcer, and I've been in this business long enough to know that champions are made, not born. Isn't that the way it should be? Gives every youngster a chance. Take Betty Shallow figure skating beauty with the famous ship stads in Johnson Ice Follies while she was learning to cut figure H years ago. Been eating queetes since she was only chin high to her breakfast bowl. Twenty years ago, that was. Or Otto Graham of the Cleveland Browns who can thread a needle with a forward pass. Otto made himself a champion, practiced hours every chance he had, and been really going for that Wheaties breakfast for 23 seasons. There's a don gone much honest energy packed into Wheaties. Nothing you pick at and push aside for Wheaties are downright goblin good. Let me say again what champions know. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties plate. And don't you lose track of this fact for a minute. Champions are made, not born. Get on your way with Wheaties. Breakfast of champions. Now to continue. The long ranger listened soberly to the governor's account of the problem that might result in the resumption of hostilities between the North and South. Those armed veterans must expand willingly, disarm, and return to their homes. What can I do to help, sir? I'm authorized to ask you to act unofficially for the government. If you're acquainted with Colburn and his friends, you may be able to persuade them to give up their plan. I don't think that's possible, sir. What? I haven't got much influence with them. You could reason with them? You think that would change their loyalties? But confund it, there must be a way short of bloodshed to stop them. I told the president you were the only man who could do it. Only one man could do it. But if you can't do it, who can? Robert E. Lee. The commanding general of the Confederate forces? Yes, sir. You expect him to persuade Confederate soldiers to abandon their plans? Yes, sir. But he represents everything they fought for. He's the greatest rebel of them all. He's a great man. I think he's a great American. He's a parole prisoner of war, sir. Governor, will you give me a letter of introduction to General Lee? You counting on his help? I'm going to ask for it. Then give you the letter. The guys should be sorry to report to the president. We have his. Save your report until you hear from me, sir. It was mid-afternoon of the next day when a sentry halted for Lone Ranger and taught her at the entrance to a valley near Mules-Jaw Mountain. Don't try reaching for your guns. Where's Ross Colburn? In camp. All right, but I'll have to fire a warning shot to alert the camp that you're coming. There. Now then, mister, follow me. Come on. The sentry led the way through the valley entrance. Rounding a bend in the trail, they saw a group of armed men coming toward them. Colburn and his three friends were in the lead. Let's burn in our rescue. Come on. Back down, boys. Colburn, I'm here to see you and your three friends. You're the Lone Ranger. Back to your service, man. This man is in a frame. Colburn, let's go into your tent. We've a lot to talk about. Colburn and his friends led the way to an army tent. Tautos stood guard outside while the Lone Ranger told the four veterans that the authorities were aware of their activities.  Thanks for the warning, mister. Now that we know their wires to us, we'll move carefully. You intend to go ahead? Your door goes right. Who led you? I did either to drive the Yankees clean out of the southwest. Do it. There's Mosby, maybe he... You're talking about subordinate officers. You're entirely forgetting the greatest general of them all. Why? The man who led the Confederate army. You mean... I mean Robert E. Lee. If General Lee would take command... Why not ask him what he thinks of your plan? Where would we find him? I'll take you to him. Will your men remain here until we return? We'll hear the doomsday if the general is coming back to lead him. Yes, sir! Eager for the sight of their old commander, the four veterans quickly prepared for the long journey with a masked man and Toto. Leaving orders with the men who were to remain in the valley, Ross asked... Now you fellas all set. Let's travel. The riders traveled at a ground covering low. And during the long trip, the Lone Ranger and Toto found the ex-soldier's good companions. Avoiding towns and settlements, when the Lone Ranger's mask would be questioned, they rode steadily. As they moved into the state of Virginia, the men became grim and silent. They were not far from the battlefields where many of their comrades had fallen. We'll reach Lexington tonight. That's where we'll find General Lee? Yes! It was after nine o'clock that evening when they reached the vicinity of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia. They drew rain a short distance from the college building. While the four veterans studied the moonlit landscape, the Lone Ranger took the governor's letter from his pocket and handed it to Toto. Toto, will you take this letter to General Lee and ask him if you'll meet us here? Where may I find him? He'll be in the college president's house. You'll have to ask directions to it. Let me find him. Do you think you'll come to meet us, mister? We'll have to wait and see. The men to smoke events stood beside their horses waiting for Toto to return. Five minutes passed. Ten minutes. And then the sound of hoofs broke the quiet of the college surroundings. At length two riders came into view. They recognized Toto, but the hat brim obscured the face of the other horsemen. There was something familiar about the gate of the handsome gray horse and an unmistakable dignity of the saddle. Suddenly Ross Colburn reached for his hat as he removed it, he murmured. Boys, it's nice to love it. Thank you, Bob. General Lee. The rider who brought the beloved war horse traveler to a halt in the moonlit clearing was no ordinary man. For no ordinary man could have inspired the blind loyalty of men like Jason, Jeb Stewart, A.P. Hill, and countless other brave soldiers. Robert E. Lee was a great man. And as the long ranger met him for the second time in his career, he knew that he had made no mistake in reuniting the four veterans with their old commander. The general's voice was warm and friendly when he spoke to the masked man. We met before, sir. I wasn't sure you'd remember the meeting generally. I do remember. A few years ago. I'm glad to see you again. Thank you, sir. Gentlemen, what may I do for you? Captain Ross Colburn. 43rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry reporting for duty, General. Duty, Captain Colburn? That's right, sir. Our friends and I are here to offer our services. We've accumulated guns, ammunition, supplies, and a hundred ex-soldiers who are ready to go on with the fight. Ross spoke eagerly, and we've been silent. We've only a hundred men, Tower. But if we can go back to Texas and say that you'll lead us, we'll be able to muster an army of thousands. So that's why you're here. We've come all the way from Texas to ask you to lead us again. We weren't out-fought the last time, General Lee. And with luck, sir... I know we weren't out-fought, Captain. No men ever fought better than those who stood by me. We're lickedy Yankees for sure but we were decided by war. We must abide by that decision. I gave my word, gentlemen. I can't believe... But, sir, we were never a battle the South Fort. Oh, you were good soldiers, loyal soldiers. But your duty now is to unite in an honest effort to obliterate the effects of war and restore the blessings of peace to our land. Peace? Yes. Promote harmony and good feeling. Qualify yourselves to vote and then elect to the state and general legislature's wise and patriotic men who devote their abilities to the interests of the country and the healing of dissensions. I have invariably recommended this course since the cessation of hostilities and I've endeavored to practice it myself. But... But what about us? We've worked to build up an armed force. We've got supplies and men who are ready to fight. We're waiting for all the gentlemen. I earnestly hope that you will abandon your animosity and make your son American. Later that night, the four veterans were traveling west. They had been silent and thoughtful until Ross suddenly missed the masked man who had been traveling with them. Where's the long range? He said he had to send a telegram and he and Carlos will join us later. Well, boys, we've a lot to do when we get home. We'll have to disband the men, divide the weapons and food and head back to our ranches to try to build them up again. I never expected things to turn out this way. I think the masked man knew what they'd turned out. What do you mean, Roy? I don't think General Lee's advice was any surprise to the long range. Full of Cheerios and milk is real muscle building food. Each spoonful contains vitamins, minerals and proteins your body needs. Yes, the good things in a Cheerios breakfast do good things for your body. Help you have healthy nerves, good red blood, strong bones and muscles. Cheerios, remember, is made from oats yet needs no cooking. Eat Cheerios, the cereal shaped like little letter O's. Then you'll hear people say She's feeling her Cheerios. Here a copyrighted feature of the Long Ranger Incorporated is created by George W. Trenville. Produced by Trenville Campbell Muir Incorporated. Directed by Charles D. Livingston. And edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Long Ranger is played by Brace Beamer. Your announcer, Fred Ford. The Long Ranger is brought to you by General Mills every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at this same time. Be sure to listen.


The reliability of a product can be determined by analyzing its stress strength characteristics. However, if the stress and strength follow different Weibull distributions with different shape parameters, it becomes difficult to find a close solution for the reliability stress strength. In this paper, we derive a formula to analyze the reliability stress strength with different shape parameters, as well as a formula to calculate the corresponding safety factor. Because the relationship between the derived safety factor and the designed reliability is unique, the reliability is therefore random. This article was authored by Manuel Barrow, Manuel Roman Pena Menárez, and Baldomero Villa.