A Daddy Draft
I am going to die this year.
You heard me right, I am going to die. I've lived a happy life, but all of that is going to change. You see, God has called for an army to rise up out of First Baptist Church of Elkhart, IN and I know God is calling me to the front lines. We are marching forth to do battle against the Prince of the Power of the Air (Ephesians 2:2). I am laying my life down and I will die to myself so that I can be used by God to further His kingdom for the glory of His name.
"Foolishness" many will say. "Impossible" still others will scoff. "Unrealistic" believers will tell us. That's just the beginning of this battle. You see, those are all lies from the one whom we're fighting. Our Commander and Chief has told us, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT)
I can hear you believers out there:
[Chuckle]
[Giggle]
[Snicker]
"Yes, God can do that, but He's not actually going to do that."
"I've never seen God do anything like that before."
"You're aiming too high, you'll never achieve that goal."
I know God will use our church for a world harvest this year. I know it because He has promised to do more than we can ask or think. I know it because He has given this vision to our Pastor. I know it because I truly believe God wants the world to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). I also know that it's going to cost us...
That's right, I'm well aware of the fact that those who truly lay down their lives for the cause of Christ suffer dearly. I've watched my pastor endure the tragic death of his daughter only a couple of months ago. I've seen him raise his hands in praise and lose his breath from giving all he has to worship our Commander and Chief. I've seen him press on toward the prize, knowing full well that this life is but a whisper. We are strangers in a foreign land battling against a Dark Prince who is holding this world captive from joy and peace. I will not fear this world. I will not run from the calling upon my life. I will be strong and courageous knowing full well that my treasure is laid up in heaven where no moth or rust can destroy it (Matthew 6:20).
If you're looking for a safe place to go where you can hear about God and then go back to your life during the week, don't come to First Baptist Church.
If you want a place to go just to catch up with your friends and drink coffee, don't come to First Baptist Church.
If you want to go somewhere that will make you feel good about yourself and give you advice on how to be happy, don't come to First Baptist Church!
We are an army that is rising up to fight for the lost and dying souls of this world. We are training our bodies and making them slaves to the will of our Commander and Chief. We are giving up everything that this world has to offer so that we can gain an eternal reward.
We are at war and we will not back down, we will not give up, we will not waiver from the Truth.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
I am going to die this year.
You heard me right, I am going to die. I've lived a happy life, but all of that is going to change. You see, God has called for an army to rise up out of First Baptist Church of Elkhart, IN and I know God is calling me to the front lines. We are marching forth to do battle against the Prince of the Power of the Air (Ephesians 2:2). I am laying my life down and I will die to myself so that I can be used by God to further His kingdom for the glory of His name.
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. John 12:24Our church's mission this year is to be used by God to save the whole world.
"Foolishness" many will say. "Impossible" still others will scoff. "Unrealistic" believers will tell us. That's just the beginning of this battle. You see, those are all lies from the one whom we're fighting. Our Commander and Chief has told us, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT)
I can hear you believers out there:
[Chuckle]
[Giggle]
[Snicker]
"Yes, God can do that, but He's not actually going to do that."
"I've never seen God do anything like that before."
"You're aiming too high, you'll never achieve that goal."
I know God will use our church for a world harvest this year. I know it because He has promised to do more than we can ask or think. I know it because He has given this vision to our Pastor. I know it because I truly believe God wants the world to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). I also know that it's going to cost us...
That's right, I'm well aware of the fact that those who truly lay down their lives for the cause of Christ suffer dearly. I've watched my pastor endure the tragic death of his daughter only a couple of months ago. I've seen him raise his hands in praise and lose his breath from giving all he has to worship our Commander and Chief. I've seen him press on toward the prize, knowing full well that this life is but a whisper. We are strangers in a foreign land battling against a Dark Prince who is holding this world captive from joy and peace. I will not fear this world. I will not run from the calling upon my life. I will be strong and courageous knowing full well that my treasure is laid up in heaven where no moth or rust can destroy it (Matthew 6:20).
If you're looking for a safe place to go where you can hear about God and then go back to your life during the week, don't come to First Baptist Church.
If you want a place to go just to catch up with your friends and drink coffee, don't come to First Baptist Church.
If you want to go somewhere that will make you feel good about yourself and give you advice on how to be happy, don't come to First Baptist Church!
We are an army that is rising up to fight for the lost and dying souls of this world. We are training our bodies and making them slaves to the will of our Commander and Chief. We are giving up everything that this world has to offer so that we can gain an eternal reward.
We are at war and we will not back down, we will not give up, we will not waiver from the Truth.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
I realize that most will not get this far in my post here. But if you're still reading, if you can feel
our Commander and Chief tugging on your heart to join in this battle, we must begin to pray.
The only way to win this battle is on our knees. Will you commit to pray? If you can, I want to
invite you to join me at First Baptist Church on Thursday mornings at 7:00am. Dress warm, I
don't have keys to get inside. We need to begin crying out to God to use us for the glory of His
name. So that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow (Philippians 2:10).
Won't you come and die with me this year? Forget about yourself so that you can experience all that God has in store for this year.
Won't you come and die with me this year? Forget about yourself so that you can experience all that God has in store for this year.
"If any of you wants to be My follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow Me." Luke 9:23
I am with you!
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