The Lord wants YOU in His army.  There is a great need for you to be a true soldier of Christ (II Tim. 2:3).  The cause is that of righteousness (Rom. 6:18, 19).  There is a need for “lights” in the world and “salt” and for “good works” of every sort (Matt. 5:13-16; I Cor. 15:58).  There is a demand that we “rebuke” every work of darkness (Eph. 5:11).  The requisition is to "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 1:3).  We must overcome the wickedness: "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" (Rom 12:21).

The Battle Is Great

            The old warrior, Paul, describes it: "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" (Eph 6:12).  The god of this wickedness is very cunning and deceptive even to the blinding of minds (cp. II Cor 4:4).  He is pictured as: "as a roaring lion, ..., seeking whom he may devour:"

(I Pet 5:8).  The God of Heaven warned of the wicked one’s workers: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Mat 7:15). 

We Must Put On The Proper Armor In Order To Win

            The good soldier continues: "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: {18} Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" (Eph 6:11-18).

            Will you step forward and adorn yourself with this armor?  Will you volunteer to do battle for the faith (Jude 1: 3)?  Will you “shine as lights” in a dark  sin filled world (Phil 2:15)?

Your Soul And My Soul Is In The Balance

            The battle is now and the stakes are the highest: souls lost or saved in eternity!  The Judge will someday give the sentences:  "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:" (Mat 25:41); And: "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:" (Mat 25:34).  Summed up: "And these [wicked] shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." (Mat 25:46).

The Lord’s Army Is Victorious

            Again the faithful fighter of the cross speaks, but this time of his own victory which gives us great assurance: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: {8} Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing" (II Tim 4:7-8).

            There is victory in Jesus! The need for you to be a soldier of Christ is so you can be victorious with Christ.  Please understand, it is you and I that need Christ in order for us to be victorious (Rom. 8:37).  Christ is already victorious: He has won every battle and He has won the war (John 16:33; Acts 2:33).  Now it is up to us all whether we take up our cross, our battle cry and fight the good fight.

            As the battle scarred warrior admonished the young soldier: "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses" (I Tim 6:12).

Volunteers For Victory Sought

by Perry Sexton

            Our Lord gave many instructions for righteousness.  Many while on earth (recorded in some editions of the Bible in red), but others He gave after ascending to the Father and through the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 16:13).  Listed here are a few of the many things taught from the Godhead (John 12:48-50).  Please examine yourself (II Cor. 13:5) to see if you agree with the Master who is able to give you eternal life.  Check only the ones with which you agree.

___ (Mat 7:21)  "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

___ (Heb 5:9)  "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"

___ (Rom 1:5)  "By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:"

___ (Luke 13:3)  "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."

___ (Mark 16:16)  "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."

___ (Acts 2:38)  "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

___ (Acts 22:16)  "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."

___ (1 Pet 3:21)  "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:"

            Of those you did not check, do you believe God is wrong???  Are you truly in the doctrine of Christ (II John 9)???