Sunday, May 21, 2006

Where Is The Army Of The Lord?


America has become a land of lavish church buildings with the latest and greatest high tech tools and elaborate fellowship centers, posing as Christian churches. Television is full of wealthy televangelists streaming the airwaves with a prosperity, get rich gospel. All the while asking you to help them get richer by sending in your next offering so they can buy their next Lear jet. Our pulpits are full of pulpeteers who tip-toe around the truth in an effort to keep attendance high and not offend anyone. Many pulpits are sending out a feel good message week after week to keep the offering high and the pews full. We have committees to come up with "programs" to get people to come. We hire marketing firms to "market" our churches. And the people come, week after week to hear their motivational speaking with a Christian flare. To some church is nothing more than a social club and a good place to eat on Wednesday night. Preachers tickle the ears of the people with a watered down Gospel, and if there is a mention of "sin" or a little bit of hard truth the people get offended.

As Christians we are called to be separate from the world, but there is little distinction. The divorce rate in the church is just as high as in the world. We allow our children to do things that we never would have dreamed of in an effort to help them "fit in".

As the messages in the pulpits have lost their strength and diverted from the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, so has the power of the church. Many think that being a Christian is a pleasure cruise to heaven. They eat,drink and be merry. Prayer was taken out of schools because we took a "God will take care of it" attitude. Same with abortion.

The Bible likens the body of Christ to an army. Where is the Army ? Hiding in the trenches? Many haven't even made it to the trenches. They have put away their weapons and gave up the fight.

Jesus had a great commission to His disciples: go into all the world and preach the gospel. This pertains to all Christians. We can look in Ephesians 6 and read what the army of the Lord is supposed to do.
Ephesians 6:12-17 "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. 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. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:"

It is time the church remember who it is that heads up this army, who is the commander of the forces:
God is a big God. He is a mighty God. He is an awesome and powerful God. He is an all knowing God. He reigns forever and ever and ever. He is our rock and our fortress, our ever present help in time of need. He will never leave us or forsake us. He will never give us more than we can bare. He is our provider, our healer, our deliverer. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and End. He is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. He is the great I Am. He is Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Savior and Redeemer.

It is time for the Army of the Lord to come out of hiding and march forth in to battle, with our heads held high knowing who we serve. We are "more than conquerors". We need to march onward in the name of Jesus Christ! ....... Will you enlist?


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2 comments:

Sillie Lizzie said...

Well, I'm here. Do I count? :-)


http://sillielizziesrock.blogspot.com/2005/01/my-experience-in-new-age-movement.html#links

Grafted Branch said...

Awesome post. The Army of the Lord moved to Texas!

Sorry...this is serious, and I don't mean to make light, but as I surf around the CWO ring, I'm realizing just how different the Christian experience can be based on geography.

I think I'll scribble something about it tonight. Thanks for the inspiration.