Category: Faith Ponderings

Dear Salvationist, 5 Resources To Help You Become A Better Soldier

There are certainly more than five resources, but I wanted to just name five today to get us all started.  Our desire to be better soldiers isn’t to please the Army, of course if we are serving God in the capacity of this army, we will find success and purpose.  Our desire should be first to seek after Him, then what we do in uniform will be holy and pleasing to Him.

Caution, Name-dropping zone ahead…

1.  Salvation Army Publications 7 Magazines…
warYour corps should have a subscription to various publications that are created and maintained by editors and writers within The Salvation Army.  Publications like The War Cry, Young Salvationist, Word & Deed, just to name a few.  Many of these contain encouraging articles from others in the faith, while publications like Word & Deed focus primarily on spiritual application and is often slightly deeper than most other articles out there.   There are many more of these Salvation Army publications world wide, and these can vary from territory to territory and country to country.

 

write2.  Salvation Army Books  & Theologians: 
Many of the writings of Samuel Logan Brengle on the topic of Holiness come to mind.   They are widely read and can help with our spiritual development as soldiers of Christ!   Here is a recent publication from Bob Hostetler who has organized the writings of Brengle entitled – “Brengle Helps”  But don’t stop there, check out the writings of George Scott Railton as well.  There are a number of great Salvation Army book publications out now and it is continuing to grow!  Here are a few other notable books available: (And many, many more!)

3.  Salvation Army Bloggers & Writers: blog
I believe the literary sphere is swiftly changing in regards to how fellow Christians read and receive written material.  The Salvation Army bloggosphere is growing, with more and more very talented writers adding their own flavor of writing almost weekly!  I would like to consider Pastorsponderings.org as one of those, and here are other bloggers to take note of if you haven’t already:  Stephen Court’s Armybarmy, Pete Brookshaw, Clive Adams, Jim Knaggs, Steve Simms, Ruth Sullen & Deb Thompson…just to name a few.  I will undoubtedly get myself into trouble here for not mentioning others, and some I’ve forgotten.  I am sure you can also recommend other Salvationist bloggers out there as well -please leave those links in the comments below and help us compile a longer list!  Many of these bloggers stretch our understanding of spiritualism and this Christians faith journey that we’re all on.

grow4.  Discipleship & Small Group:
If I were to rank many of these, discipleship would be at the top of the list in regards to the most important resource a soldier needs!  Unfortunately (as far as I know) the printed material exclusively from The Salvation Army on the topic of discipleship is limited.  Dr Charles Lake’s Discipleship training material comes to mind, the Youth Discipleship Program, Metro Youth’s “Bold” Corps Cadets courses.  Other suggested sources (non-army, but highly applicable) “Discipleshift” “Real-life Discipleship Training” Books by Henri Nowen  The need for discipleship in our army is paramount!  We need more than book smarts and head knowledge though, we need application and tangible mentoring and shepherding in our corps!

5.  Sights & Sounds! Video-Marketing-300x225
Another vast resource that we have at our disposal today is social media!
Corps from around the world are adding audio and video content either prerecorded or live streaming!  With new technology and applications such as Facebook Live, Periscope and others, we are now able communicate at a faster, more reliable rate!   Some soldiers are offering worship songs for downloadable play in your corps, while others are providing bible study tools online for anyone to access anywhere in the world.  These resources will become more fluid and easier to find as we organize these and make them more readily available!
Examples:
Centre for Spiritual Life Development
SA Dropbox
SAVN.TV
IHQ Webcasts
Central Territory USA Media (Visual Communications) 

These are just a few links to check out, there are many, many more, and I would love for you to share your favorite Salvation Army links and media sites!  Do you have a podcast, sermon live stream, periscope account – share it here with us on our comment section and we will include this in an continuing Resource segment!

These are just five resources to help us become better, stronger, godly soldiers for Christ in this Army of Salvation.  Tell us what you think, share, comment and subscribe for more resources to come!

Something more for our Army world to ponder today!

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A Pondering On Palm Sunday – Do We Get It?

I wonder how wrong we get it sometimes?
What I mean is the gospel story is for the whosoever, but are there times when it think we know who that “whosoever” is?   Didn’t Samuel think he knew who the next king would be that God was appointing?  -He wasn’t even close.  How close are we to fully understanding the grace and love of God?  Do we quickly gloss over the “love your enemies” for a more palatable gospel sometimes?

They Didn’t Get It…
The crowds gathered to welcome a king on that day… palm3
They closed in on that narrow street, waving their green tendrils of palm fronds and carefully placing their cloaks on the ground for Jesus to enter royally into Jerusalem.  The trees leaned in as if to pay attention to the happenings on that day.  Somewhere, further down, a dog barks feeling threatened by the surging crowds.

Jesus on a young colt passes by.
His expression isn’t regal and joyous, is it perplexed?

Songs and chants break out, as if to celebrate his arrival.
Do they know who He truly is…do we?
The Passover crowds repeat a mantra as Jesus passes,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
Is this final acceptance of Messiah?
No, not in the way that Jesus had come.

The people wanted a hero to save them.  romans
They were looking for a warrior king to deliver them from Roman oppression.
Other “messiahs” had come.  All of them with the sword in hand and a thirst for blood in their words.  They all had met a gruesome end, perhaps this final outcome is the only similarities to Jesus.   For while these messiahs had come to shed blood, it wasn’t their blood that they wished to spill.  How different a Savior is Jesus though?  For His entrance into Jerusalem is marked by rejoicing from the ones who would soon cry “Crucify Him!”

palm4Jesus rides through the victory chants and “pats on the back“, and He knows that this road to salvation and deliverance will cost so much more than the crowds understand.  This moment will burn into the memories of His disciples.  When the scales fall off and true comprehension of it all finally sinks in.

Amongst the welcoming revelers, a few Pharisees had gathered.  They were appalled at the celebration chants and singing.  They piously run up to Jesus and tell him to quiet His disciples.  They try to keep the peace, for they do not wish to tip the balance of power that is currently in their favor.  Jesus looks at them and says “I tell you, if they remain silent the very stones will cry out!” He understands their longing.  He comprehends the political tension in the air, conflict is pressing tightly in.  There will be no stopping the momentum of rejoicing today.  For although the people cry out for a king, Jesus had come to give them something so much more – the King of Kings, ever present with the whosoever.

They didn’t understand it.
The people wanted a rebellion.
They wanted war and a show of force against the mighty Roman empire.
They desired a war path that led to their deliverance.
Jesus wept over the city.  He knew that to many, His message would fall on deaf ears, and it pained him to look out into the city.  He mourned over their choice.  He could see the day fast approaching that would lead to their demise – and He wept.

Do We Get It? 
Do we comprehend what Jesus has done and is doing today in our world?
How much of what He wishes to accomplish with His people falls upon deaf ears?
Do we interpret His intentions incorrectly?  Are we too bent on our own motivations and expectations to simply stop and listen to His holy presence as He attempts to whisper into our lives His will for us?  God’s presence is still here with us.  He is still moving and active among us, but do we get it?  Are we listening?  Or do we just do our own thing and attempt to string God along as we strive in our own strength?

Are we singing His praises for the right reasons as we wave our palm fronds and lay down our cloaks?  Or do we get caught up in our own intentions and wishes?  This faith journey isn’t an easy one.  Does He sometimes weep over us when we miss the mark?

I don’t say this to make us feel guilty today, I just wonder if we truly “get it”?
He wants our hearts.
He wants our fellowship.
He was not a portion of our lives – but the whole of it!
Are we will to not just lay down our cloaks, but our lives for His use and service regardless of the outcome and the sacrifices that we will have to make?  THIS is what taking up our crosses and following Him means!  (Matthew 16:24-26)

May your Palm Sunday usher in His presence not just in your chapels and sanctuaries with joyous singing, but (more importantly) into your hearts and lives.

So be it.

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Should Christians Share Their Political Views?

godI’ve been pondering long and hard on this topic of politics and what it means to be a Christian during a presidential election year.  One thing I will say before starting in on this pondering is that it’s going to get worse – the slander, the malicious attacks, the hateful dialogue and mud-slinging.

The amazing ability of social media is that you can share almost anything and within minutes, even hours thousands of people will view it.  This opens the doors to all sorts of possibilities: e.g. – evangelism, supporting a cause, raising awareness for something important, getting started on your craft business, book writing, radio/podcast…etc.  The sky is the limit to this platform.

boxThere are negatives though to social media.
Trolls actually exist…(not the green ugly type, just ugly to other humans)
Bully pulpits.
Slander.
Inconsistencies in faith – words / action…

We literally are putting our lives under the microscope and in full view of the world around us – both friend…and not friend.

Putting this aside, let me tackle the elephant…er donkey…er large object neither politically aligned that is in the room right now….(at least in mine, maybe not yours).
politics
I am not sure how we can be Christians who are to show love for others around us and yet descend into brutal knock-down, drag out fights with other so called “Christians” and even non-Christians over which candidate they may or may not be supporting for the upcoming presidential election.  It is truly disparaging to see people of proclaimed faith engaging in such low displays – whether it’s slamming or smearing a candidate they can’t stand or disagree with or slamming and calling people studid or fools if they don’t agree. AND I DON’T CARE WHICH SIDE OF THE ISLE YOU ALIGN YOURSELF WITH!!!
post
I might upset a few of you today, I’m sorry – that is not my purpose.
I am NOT saying don’t have a political opinion or view, I’m just saying either temper it with forethought or don’t share with others that you know will incite a fight…and I sit back and quickly click past your post because it just exploded into another prime example of Christians engaging in some very questionable disagreements.

My personal opinion – 
God is on the throne and He is Lord and holds ultimate authority over this earth.
I choose to keep my political opinions and views to exactly that – MY personal and private opinion.   Someone might argue “well, if you don’t stand for something…” or “well, you have to take a side...”   I would answer, just because I don’t publicly share my views doesn’t mean I don’t have them…but for the sake of my sanity and harmony of my friendships, I will keep them private.  After all, I don’t bring my friends into the voting booth…that might seem a little odd if I did (and probably illegal).

cards

I look at the political posts sometimes out there on Facebook and Twitter, and it’s sarcastic, it’s mean a meme or opinion, and I wonder (no matter if they are posted with humor in mind or not) how God-honoring these social activities and posts truly are ?   Because I wonder what non-Christians, who are looking at these kinds of posts – posted by “Christians” think about it.  I would just like to peer into the window of that exchange for a moment.  Because I don’t see acceptance – I see rejection.  I don’t see compassion – I see divisiveness, bitterness, rage, envy, malice, harmful dialogue…I see spite and hatred…and I just cringe when I think of the damage it might be doing to our reputation and that of Christ, who we’ve aligned ourselves with by name.

I’m really not in a place to judge – I am certainly not any better than anyone else, and I still make mistakes.  I just wonder if we as Christians are still so invested in our political parties that we have lost sight of the bigger picture?  Because no matter who is elected president this year, I recognize that all authority comes from God (good or bad) – He has the power to appoint and He alone has the power to take away.

So dear Christian, be mindful & be careful how and what you post…perhaps this will fall on deaf ears today…then again, perhaps not.

Something more to ponder today.

 

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Dear Salvationist – 5 Ways To Kill A Corps

I am certainly not advocating trying these out today in your corps, actually I’m pleading for all of us to do the opposite.  Our various ministries can, and should be paramount to our faith and to those we serve.   How we lead others, how we conduct ourselves in our corps makes a difference!

With that being said, dear Soldier, here are 5 ways to kill a Corps!

5.  Gossip lie
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. (James 1:26)
The Fastest way to burn your corps down to the ground is to strike the match of the malicious tongue that wags and pierces hearts.  Be aware of what you say and how you say things.  No one likes  to be around people who are asinine in their speech and malicious in their actions and opinions of others.  Gossip has no place in the corps, unless you long for it to die a slow and agonizing death.

We know that gossip shouldn’t be, but why do we tolerate it and even entertain it in our halls?  Dear Salvationist, have nothing to do with idle chatter and people who only want to slander and smear the truth.  (2 Timothy 2:23).

4.  Favoritism 
favor“My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.  2 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, 3 and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? 5 Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? 7 Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?” (James 2:1-6 NASB)

It even happens in Corps buildings.
It might not necessarily be about rich and poor, but perhaps personalities and someone’s available gifts.  An Officer can favor only a specific few corps members and by doing so, unknowingly cause dissension, envy and strife.  The same can be said for local officers who choose corps members to help them in their daily duties.  Be fair to all who come into your halls!  Show love and compassion and be aware that favoritism can happen even if we’re not cognizant of it.  Favoritism is a true, perhaps unseen danger in our corps, and if left unchecked will cause jealousy, anger and disharmony to occur which can lead to a terminal corps.

3.  Lording Power power
“Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder andwitness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will ofGod; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:1-3)

This Salvation Army was founded upon a militant structure and sometimes we can get carried away with ourselves in places of leadership and authority.  Many of us have heard story after story where, one who was entrusted with power and authority, has used it in very unbiblical ways to hurt others.  I would hope that this is not the norm, but rather isolated incidents of worldly ambitions becoming visible to all.

power1Dear Soldier, be keenly aware of the pending dangers of authority and power.  If you are or ever become entrusted with any kind of power – use it wisely and with every amount of Holiness that you can muster!  What you say, how you lead, what you do – makes the world a difference!  Although we have a militant structure, keep in mind who is the head of our army – it certainly isn’t me or you, or even the General – It is the King of kings and Lord of lords!!  Be good leaders!  Be kind leaders.  Be wise leaders.  Set a godly standard by exercising grace, love and hope.

2.  Find Fault In Everything and Everyone!
“Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.” (Romans 14:1-2)
fault-findingI have met some deeply cynical people in my day.  Many were housed within the corps…these individuals could never be pleased no matter how hard one might try.  No matter what took place, these individuals always saw the negative and very rarely the positive.  After time, no one wanted anything to do with them, because bitterness tends to bleed into the very fabric of our corps buildings if we let it.  thumbs

This blazing fire that could consume your corps, is like that of gossip.  It can invade and taint everything it touches.  People become disillusioned by it because no matter how hard you try fault and imperfections are always seem instead.

Examples (just to name a few):
“Well Captain, the service is just too dry for my tastes…”
“That worship band plays too loudly and I hate that sort of music…”
“We’ve never done it that way before, and we’re not about to try!”
“That man in the back has been coming to our corps for three weeks and he smells…”
“I might stop coming to the corps because _______(name here)___ is still there and they are horrible people!”

Sometimes, these nay-sayers use the old phrase “This and better will do” to justify their salty – never satisfied – fault finding attitudes that they have.  The problem isn’t everyone else, the problem stems from these individuals who can find nothing good to say…ever!  Don’t the the corps burn to ground because of fault-finders and judgmental people!

1. Abdicate All Leadership and Responsibilities  
batton

“Let someone else do it!”
“I don’t have the time to come to corps programs and activities…”
Corps Officer – “So, who will lead adult Sunday School for the next three months?” (silence fills the space…no one volunteers even though there are many capable individuals in the room)
This Army isn’t fully functional until ALL capable members of our corps are engaged and serving!  Officers – you cannot abdicate your calling and role in the corps!  Soldiers, you cannot let or conceive that all things done in the corps is the sole responsibility of the officer!

If we want our corps to die – then never step up.
If we want to preach to empty pews during holiness meetings – then never lead.
We can die by not taking responsibility.  We can allow stagnation to set in and wilt away as one generation dies and there is no one left to take their place.

If you suffer from self-esteem issues or you question if you’re good enough to lead – you can do it!  You just need one person to believe in you.  We all make mistakes, it comes with the territory of leadership.  Being responsible means we own up to our victories and our failures…and then we keep going and we don’t quit simply because the going got tough.  We need more soldiers and officers with backbones – there I’ve said it.  It’s not a slam again those who are faithfully serving (Thank you for what you do both behind the scene and in front of everyone!)…we cannot afford to abdicate our authority and leadership IF this is where God has called us to!  Be faithful in the good times AND in the not so good times!   This Army needs you!  It needs good leaders!  It needs consistent, prayer driven leaders.

Wrapping it up.
So this is my top 5, it’s a primer…what’s yours?
Share with us your top 5 things that will kill any corps from your experiences!
Together, we can avoid these pitfalls!

Something more for the Army world to ponder today!
Photo Mar 11, 9 09 43 AM
*Disclaimer: The thoughts and opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent The Salvation Army’s thoughts and opinions, reader discretion is advised*

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Dear Salvation Army, 4 Proven Ways To Evangelize

Dear Salvationist,
How does evangelism work?
Does the word “Evangelism” turn you off?
Does that word evoke in you some sort of imagery of phoniness and deceptive means to introduce people to Christ?
Is there a proven method to reaching people?
Is that what we’re called to do – to “reach people”?
What does “Evangelism” look like in our world today?
Obviously it differs from culture to culture.Photo Mar 10, 9 27 12 AM

You’ve seen them before in your neighborhood.
Is it dishonest to NOT answer the door when the Jehovah’s Witness knocks on it?
You keep telling yourself to be polite, yet you’re still in your pajamas and your hair is a mess, you can’t help but feel embarrassed and that your personal space is being invaded.

Have you been here before?
Most of us have.

Is this the proper way to evangelize?
Is there really a blueprint to evangelism?
Do you have to rehearse cue cards and scripture passages, until you’re polished and prepared to really “sell it”?  Is that what evangelism is – selling a product, selling Jesus?
I don’t think so.

Photo Feb 24, 1 29 59 PMThere’s something harsh these days about cold calling and neighborhood canvasing.
Don’t get me wrong, perhaps in some ways it can be successful…I’ve just never seem much evidence to that fact, instead quite the opposite.  People are put off by it.  Most want to have nothing to do with what “you’re selling”.   I’m not proposing we stop evangelize, I just think that perhaps we’re going about it all wrong.


Dear Salvation Army, Here are 4 Proven Ways To Evangelize:

1. True Evangelism Happens Organically.  Photo Mar 10, 9 28 31 AM
Genuine evangelism happens naturally and because the sweet aroma of Christ is evident in our compassion for others.  This isn’t a forced, “cold-call” or a cue card session.  This is Christ being seen in us, spontaneous and real – no pretenses, no ulterior motivations, just a Christ-follower wanted others to experience the free of grace and love.

2.  Relationship Building
handsTrue evangelism and even discipleship takes place when we care more about the person than we do a “pew-filling”.   Relationship building costs more in us, perhaps that’s why people are less inclined to invest in relationships than they are in the door knocking type of evangelism.  When we intentionally seek out people, befriending them, caring about them, showing up for them – we will see a deeper type of compassion and love in us.  We will want to fully commit to sharing Christ.  We will take the time to be the very reflection of Christ.  Relationship building, to me, carries the most authenticity when it comes to evangelizing to people around us.

3.  Coffee Shop/Bar Gimmicks
Pastor Offers “Free Prayer”… 
I cringe at the word “Gimmick” but it means more than just phony pretenses and cold

free1
Isn’t all prayer “Free”?  Who’s paying for prayer? 
approaches.  If we have this desire to win souls, and we are brave, we can put ourselves “out there”.  This won’t drive the masses to your corps (church), but this is a different type of statistic – one that carries compassion to the need.  Set up shop in a cafe’.  Place a card that says “free prayer” or something like that.  Go to the local Bar (gasp) and sip a coke-cola while you offer yourself to meeting people with Christ on your mind and heart.  (** I would caution you, with the latter approach, that if you have or had a drinking problem – I would advise against going to the bar and sitting.  The temptation might be all to real for you.**)  There is something about getting into the community and being a beacon of hope where perhaps someone is searching for a voice of encouragement and care.


4.  Finding YOUR Groove!
grooveDon’t be someone you’re not.  Don’t be fake.  Don’t put on a show – Jesus isn’t a show, or a facade, and I wonder sometimes how God-honoring some of these evangelistic methods truly are.  Does God need us to sell Him to the masses?  Is that what we do?  Is that in the job description?  I mean, sure, we need to be intentional, we need to care about others, but do we have to go door to door?  Do we have to pass out tracts at a sporting event? – No.  I think that REAL evangelism looks nothing like that – I think it can present itself as hateful instead…and people are so turned off by it, that no one pays attention to it.
I believe God has given all of us unique gifts and abilities – perhaps within those gifts and abilities lies this sweet-spot.  It’s our groove.  It’s the place where we thrive and where God thrives with us.  Perhaps, it is in this groove that our true abilities to evangelize really takes wings.  Within our groove we find balance and commonality with others.  Within our groove God brings people to us through the path that we’re on.  Within our groove true passion and genuine love is evident.

So what’s your groove?
Where has God led you?
How has He used you to bring others to Him?
What are your proven means to evangelism – not cold-calls and passing out tracts, but real, tangible relationship building, loving, caring compassionate, authentic evangelism?

Dear Salvation Army…what is your groove?
Dear Salvationist – Where is God leading you?
Who is He leading you to?

Something more for our Army world to ponder today.

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5 Questions For All Christians To Ponder

These are some basic Questions that we as Christ-followers ought to ponder…also, I would really love to hear your answers!  This is a safe place to ask and answer Please comment below or on this social media feed…let’s dialogue together!

“Quietly trust yourself to Christ your Lord, and if anybody asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him, and do it in a gentle and respectful way.” (1 Peter 3:15 The Living Bible)

1) What is Salvation & Stuff?

What does it mean to you?
How do you receive it?
Can you keep it – what does maintaining that salvation look like?

mod2) How do biblical texts apply to modern society today?
Do they still apply?
How do I know which ones still apply?
How to I pick and choose these?

 

 

3) Why does it appear that God is morbidly violent in the Old Testament, yet Jesus seems to be a pacifist in the New Testament?  God
How do we reconcile the two if God and Christ are both a part of the Holy Trinity?
How to we reconcile deaths of children in the old testament when Jesus says “suffer the little children to come unto me” in the new testament?
What has changed from the old to the new?

free4) How does free will affect my faith?
If God preordained all things, where does that leave us?
Does this mean I actually have free will or is it a selective type of free will?
If I have this free choice/free will does that mean God doesn’t know what I will choose?

5) Why do you believe?   believe
Is it because of your family or parents?
Is it because of your personal experiences in life?
How do you quantify your faith to those around you?
What makes your faith in Christ better or more tangible than other religions or faiths?

I look forward to your personal ponderings on these questions…
There is no dumb or wrong answers here…This is a safe place to question, to search and to help one another along this faith journey!  So please, don’t hold back…let’s talk about it!

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Dear Salvationist -Making War and Swaying With Booth!

“We are sent to war.  We are not sent to minister to a congregation and be content if we keep things going.  We are sent to make war…and to stop short of nothing but the subjugation of the world to the sway of the Lord Jesus” (William Booth)

Dear Salvationists, allow me but a few minutes to ponder and dissect this quote by our Founder: 

I understand this quote…I really do. booth
In some ways it resonates with me.
I know that within our world there is a spiritual war that wages on for the souls of men, women and children.
I also have the understanding that for forces of darkness (Satan, demons, sin & death) are not (nor will they ever be) equal to the force of Light who is God – the Creator and sustainer of all life.

I agree with this quote…and yet I have trouble with it.
I agree that we are to engage in a spiritual war as soldiers – not of just an army formed by men and women from the 1860’s, but as an army called by God.  We face opposition almost daily, and even when we wear the uniform (or because of it), we encounter resistance and even contempt.  The spiritual war, which is unseen, is real…it is evident.  This war has claimed millions of souls, and it will not cease simply by ignoring it.
I agree we are to wage this war.
I agree we fight for more than “good works”.
I agree that this army of salvation is here for more than just Sunday church services.
We are more than just a congregation.

“…We are not sent to minister to a congregation and be content if we keep things going…”

However, I wonder if this type language is insulting to churches around the world today?
I understand the context and time that this was written in. I’m not bashing the Founder, or disagreeing with our mission.  I just wonder if these words apply more for the time in which General Booth lived than it does today?  There was a certain segregation in the industrial age from the working class, the aristocrats, the poor.  Even among the churches, in that era, the marginalized and poor were not being reached.  Does this still happen today?  Was this about bashing the contemporary church of Booth’s day or about rallying Salvationists into action?  I believe it was the latter.   I believe William & Catherine intentionally set out to do what needed to be done  in their day and their mission and purpose certainly went beyond the perimeters of “Church”.

(Coincidentally, I wrote about this very topic last week entitled “Are we ‘Doing’ Church All Wrong?” and you can read more about that pondering by clicking that hyperlink. )

I wonder if we, as an Army are STILL fully committed to this war? others
I wonder if we’ve become lacks in some ways.
Is there still a fire in our hearts?
Are we still willing to wage to the very gates of hell for the lost and hurting?
Sometimes within the Church we (all of Christians) are so horrified when a drunkard walks into our sanctuaries…or someone who smells…or someone who is a criminal…or someone of ill-repute…yet, isn’t that what we the “Church” should be all about?  It should never be about the disruption and the order of our services…after all, I believe even the Holy Spirit disrupts our services from time to time because He has something to share that our “order of service” didn’t squeeze in.

We are pretty good at dressing up our buildings.  We make them look inviting.  We spending millions of dollars on new edifices with  beautiful plaques of dedication on them…but these places are still only buildings.  They ought to invite everyone in.  They ought to serve the purpose of saving souls…but that shouldn’t be all that we are..all that we do.   We should never be static and firmly planted in just our buildings…we should be an Army on the move – working in our communities…going to the poor, the lost, the marginalized, those without hope…instead of waiting for them to come to us, which they never will.

“…and to stop short of nothing but the subjugation of the world to the sway of the Lord Jesus“
I know, dear Salvationist, that we are Christ’s hands and feet in our world, but does that mean that He needs our help to “subjugate” the world to the sway of Jesus?  I know what Booth means here, but I have trouble with the language.  I recognize our responsibilities and being Saved to Save, or Saved to Serve, but we also recognize that without the power of the Holy Spirit – nothing is possible.  We are without power…and though we might claim certain victories in our own strength, we are never more powerful than when we call upon His presence to guide and to provide.

The world within the “sway” of the Lord – is the Lords work to be done – not ours. lost
We, in my opinion, are called to obedience, and in that obedience we become pliable to God’s workings and will.  It is a power surrogacy or sorts.  We stop talking about our war plans, and our building plans, and our fund raising goals, and we listen to God’s battle plan and His redemptive power will surge through us so that the “sway of the world” has, and always will be His to command.

I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.…(John 17:15-17)

Something more for our Army world to ponder today.
To God be the glory!

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