A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:3 (KJV)
3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
Introduction:
American Wars- to name a few: May 2001 report
American Revolution 1775-1783- battle deaths 4,435- wounded 6,188
World War I 1917-1918- battle deaths 53,402- wounded 204,002
World War II 1940- 1945- battle deaths 291,557- wounded 671,846
Vietman War 1964-1975- battle deaths 47,410- wounded 153,303
American Wars Total as of 2001- battle deaths 650,954- wounded 1,431,661
Many a good soldier has suffered and died for America.
Some of these good soldiers that suffered are here in this service today.
Christian Wars- to name a few. Fox Book of Martyrs
Early Church War 4BC- AD100- Death of it’s Soldiers.
Jesus Christ around AD33
Stephen stoned to death- Acts 7
James the Great with a sword- Acts 12
Peter crucified upside down. FBM
Paul head amputated FBM
John placed in oil- banished to Patmos. FBM
Reformation War 1300s to 1800s
John Wickliffe- 41 years bones dug up,burned, ashes thrown in river. FBM
John Huss- burned at the stake, ashes cast into the river. FBM
Martin Luther- excommunicated. FBM
William Tyndale- translated Bible to English- burned at the stake. FBM
I- A good soldier does not:
lay behind
shirk his duty
seek to escape the battle
refuse to carry his load
give into the enemy
deny the cause
reject the commands
hide from the toil
12438. One Day I Dream
One day as I was fast asleep
I had this stirring dream;
I was caught up to be with God.
With angels it did seem.
And while up there, I met God’s saints
From many parts of the earth.
Now some were great and famous men,
And some of humble birth.
I talked to one great saint of God,
The first one I had met.
He told me how he died for Christ.
His words I can’t forget.
He lived, he said, in Bible days
And died at Nero’s stake.
"It was a joy to give my all
And burn for Jesus’ sake."
"I was so glad to die for Christ,"
With humble words he said.
But as I listened to it all.
I bowed my guilty head.
Another man then gently spoke,
"Here is my story, friend.
’Twas cannibals that took my life,
Because I would not bend.
"I tried to tell those heathen souls
Of Christ who came to die.
They ate my flesh and drank my blood
But sent my soul on high.
"Of course up here are millions more
With stories rare and true.
But friend, before I tell you more,
Let’s hear your story too."
I am ashamed of how I’ve failed,
I’ve known no sacrifice.
I am ashamed of how I’ve failed,
I’ve paid such little price.
I’ve never even given funds
To send the Gospel out,
I’ve lived a life of luxury
And never done without.
Those costly cars, those extra clothes
Seem needless now, and vain;
The very thought of how I’ve lived
Now fills my heart with pain.
Just then it seemed that Jesus said,
"Take up my cross today;
I’ll give to you another chance
To work and give and pray."
My guilty heart began to burn,
My nervous body shake.
Then I awoke with tear-filled eyes
With new resolves to make.
I told the Lord from that day forth
My best, my all I’d give
To win the lost in every place,
For this alone I’d live.
I told the Lord that from then on
I would not waste a dime;
That I would give myself to prayer
And really use my time.
That I would seek with all my heart
That power from above
To help me tell a heathen world
Of Jesus’ grace and love.
—Pilgrim Gospel Messenger
II- A good soldier:
Is willing to suffer
SUFFERING
12433. Beaten Into Higher Value
A bar of steel is worth five dollars. When it is wrought into horseshoes, it is worth ten dollars. If made into needles, it is worth three hundred and fifty dollars. If wrought into penknife blades, it is worth thirty-two thousand dollars. And if it is wrought into springs for watches, it is worth two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
What a drilling the poor bar must undergo to be worth a higher value. But the more it is manipulated, the more it is hammered, and passed through the fire, and beaten and pounded and polished, the greater the value.
Those who suffer most are capable of yielding most; and it is through pain that God can get the most out of us.
Gives his all
12436. Fearing His Scars
Adoniram Judson, the renowned missionary to Burma, endured untold hardships trying to reach the lost for Christ. For 7 heartbreaking years he suffered hunger and privation. During this time he was thrown into Ava Prison, and for 17 months was subjected to almost incredible mistreatment. As a result, for the rest of his life he carried the ugly marks made by the chains and iron shackles which had cruelly bound him.
Undaunted, upon his release he asked for permission to enter another province where he might resume preaching the Gospel. The godless ruler indignantly denied his request, saying, "My people are not fools enough to listen to anything a missionary might SAY, but I fear they might be impressed by your SCARS and turn to your religion
Conclusion
I’m sure that you were a good American Soldier. And we think you.
Is it time you become A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ?
Invitation
Come and be saved and join the Lord’s Army.
You that are deserters, come back and report for duty.
