2 Timothy 2:3-4 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 

 

The Apostle Paul called young Timothy to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ. This is the calling on the life of every born-again believer. To say you believe and not enlist in the Army of God is cowardly. One does not enlist in the military to spend forty years in boot camp. It’s time to strap on the armor, pick up our weapons and get in the fight! You have joined forces with Jesus Christ and that means you are a soldier in His Army. 

 

Satan has never stopped seeking to rule the world and over the years he has made considerable progress because Christians are not willing to get in the battle. If the Body of Christ would rise up in the Power they have been given, the enemy would fall like a rock. He doesn’t stand a chance against the Army of God, but the majority of the Army is sitting in the barracks laughing and playing games.

 

We have been given the armor and the weapons needed to defend ourselves from the enemy and launch an attack against him at the same time. His forces are strong and organized, but the Power of the Holy Spirit of God is far stronger than anything the enemy!

 

It saddens me to see Christians who love God with all their hearts beaten down by the enemy and held captive by his demonic spirits. Jesus gave His Life on the Cross of Calvary so God’s people can live in Victory and Freedom, not captivity.

 

This is the true Wisdom and Understanding of the Full Gospel of Jesus Christ. Real acceptance of the Full Gospel brings Freedom, the Fruit of the Spirit; and the Power through the Holy Spirit of God to be a strong soldier in the Army of God. 

 

As we gain more Wisdom and Understanding we become aware of the Power we have within us to defeat the enemy. Christians walk in defeat because they do not know the Power that has been given to them. It can be compared to a foot soldier carrying a machine gun on his back but never using it against the enemy. 

 

We have been given the weapons to defeat Satan but most Christians don’t know they have them or how to use them. Even worse, most Christians don’t even know they are in a battle. They have signed up for the benefits but are not willing to join forces with the Army.

 

Just as Paul called Timothy, he is calling you and I. We must be willing to endure hardship as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. We cannot entangle ourselves with the affairs of this world because Satan is the Prince of the World and he is the enemy in the spiritual battle we face every day.

 

To win the war we must know the enemy. Ignoring the enemy is a foolish strategy. He is real. The battle is real. God calls us to be a strong Army of Soldiers. I am reminded of the hymn that says, Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the Cross of Jesus going on before. Christ, the Royal Master, leads against the foe; Forward into battle see His banners go! Onward Christian Soldiers, marching as to war. With the Cross of Jesus going on before. Like a mighty army moves the Church of God; Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod. We are not divided, all one body we, One in hope and doctrine, one in charity. At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee; On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory! Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise; Brothers lift your voices, loud your anthems raise. Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane, But the church of Jesus constant will remain. Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail; We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail. Onward Christian Soldiers, marching as to war. With the Cross of Jesus going on before.

 

If the Cross of Christ is not worth fighting for……..what is? Are you willing to get in the battle? Now is the time. Not tomorrow or next week. Not when we get back home from vacation, finish school, or any other excuse. Now! Today! This is the day to enlist in the most powerful force on earth; the Army of God! Christ, the Royal Master, is calling you!

 

Christ, the Royal Master, can……..turn the tide

 

In the Army,      Doreen 

 

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