I’m In The Lord’s Army
Remember the children’s song with this title? It’s a very good song and it helps teach our young people how important it is to serve God. It is obvious that some are not fully aware what it takes to “enlist” into the army of God. One cannot just “show up” at the base or to the battlefield, volunteer, grab a weapon and start fighting. We are all aware of this. A civilian has to actually become a part of the United States Armed Services before being sent to “basic training”. Afterward, they are able to receive any specialized training needed to be of greater use to the Commander and Chief.
How does this work in a spiritual sense? Well, much the same as it does for those in military service to our country. One must express the desire to become part of this fighting force. They must also meet the strict entrance requirements as put forth by the “Captain of our Salvation”. It is apparent from Acts 2:47 that only the Lord can “add” any to the church. Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. The “entrance exam” is found in the Word of God and all who do not “pass” are not enlisted in the Lord’s Army.
Those who do fulfill the requirements are added to the “Lamb’s Book of Life”. In John 6:63, while Jesus was here to “recruit” those who would be the first combatants in the kingdom He said: It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. Therefore, we must go to His Word to see how we can “enlist”. His Words are Commandments, and this is why the Spirit had Luke record the Words of Acts 10:42 the Spirit gave Peter to tell Cornelius and those gathered at his home. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he (Jesus) which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. Then in Acts 10:48 we see what is to result from the preaching as people obey. And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Once one has passed the entrance exam, (Hear, Believe, Repent, and Confess Jesus), they are “sworn in” (when they are Baptized into Christ). Only then have they enlisted in (been added to) the Lord’s Army.
After this “Basic Training” is to occur. In Matt 28:19-20 as the Lord spoke the Great Commission, He gave the formula which must be followed if the army of the Lord (the church) will grow and be an effective fighting force. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. The formula is: Go; Teach; Baptize; and Teach! You start with the “basics” and then move on to the “meatier” portions of the Word to enable the troops as 1Peter 2:2 points out. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: That growth is to continue throughout our service to God, which is to encompass the remainder of our lives as pointed out in 2Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Of course, any army, whether physical or spiritual, is of little use if it does not remain strong nor uses the proper battle gear. Ephesians 6:10-17 does a great job covering both of these requirements. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 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. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Space within this article will not permit the mention of all the passages in the N.T. that admonish Christians to remain strong as there are many, but all are important.
But what of the “soldier” who goes AWOL (Absent Without Leave)? We should be informed that there are not any “furloughs” or times in which the Christian is to “take time off” from serving God. Neither are we allowed to retire from Christian service. As my Father-in-Law stated when asked when he was going to retire from preaching: “I’ll retire when I expire”, and that is exactly how long he preached, till he died. The soldier that goes AWOL in the armed forces gets punished. The Christian solider that “forsakes” the Lord and neglects his or her “duty” is to expect punishment as well. As the Spirit had Paul state in 2Thessalonians 1:8: In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Our “duty” is to remain faithful and obedient. If in the Lord’s Army, let us all fight the good fight of faith. If not, it’s time to enlist.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
