December 1999 Issue

Bible Studies...

Are You Active in the Lord's Army?
by Mark J. Ward

2 Timothy 2:3 says, "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."

Being IN the Lord's Army

One of the saddest things about religion today is that most people who "think" they are Christians, really aren't! Can you believe it? Most folks are going to church somewhere and are worshipping God in vain! They think they are something they are not: Christians. True Christians are believers who have repented of past sins, confessed Jesus as Christ with their mouths and have been immersed in water for the remission of their sins (See Mark 16:16; Rom. 10:9,10; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Gal. 3:26,27).

Christians are called soldiers of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). Yes, this implies being in the army that belongs to the Lord. This is NOT a physical army with guns and bullets and missiles. This is a spiritual warfare against Satan and sin.

Being ACTIVE in His Army

Just because one becomes a Christian is no guarantee that he or she is ACTIVE in service! In fact, many folks begin to "relax" after becoming a Christian and don't grow as they should. These folks are so relieved by the fact that they have put on Christ, have all their past sins removed, have hope of eternal life in heaven and are so happy, that they fail to begin the lifelong journey of spiritual warfare in Christ.

Please don't get the wrong impression. This warfare is not fed by hate...unless it is hate for sin. Rather, this warfare is fed with LOVE...love for God, love for one's own soul, and love for souls of others (whether saints or aliens).

We need to question our spiritual activity. Am I active in spiritual matters? Am I getting too caught up in the world (even in things that are right within themselves) and don't allow enough time for spiritual activity? What about you? How much time per week do you engage in spiritual activity? Do you read God's Word regularly? Do you study on a regular basis? Think about it...then DO SOMETHING about it. Let's all work harder on being active in God's spiritual army. After working on oneself, wouldn't you think a soldier of Christ would work to save others?

Thanks for reading. - mjw

Email the Editor at markjward@yahoo.com