"THE SOLDIER OF THE CROSS"

                        THE SOLDIER OF THE CROSS

In Ephesians  (6:10-20), Paul compares the soldier of the

   cross with the soldier in the military. It is interesting

how in the Bible, material things are used to illustrate

    spiritual truths. Jesus taught many good lessons

using different persons, places, and things to give

    the hearer a clear  understanding of spiritual truths.

As Paul wrote to the Ephesians and compared a

   soldier's life in the military to the life of the

Christian, let us think about the prerequisites of a good

   soldier.

A good soldier must love the cause for which he is

   fighting. A soldier of Christ must love the cause for

which he is fighting. We are God's army fighting against

   Satan and his ways. This we do in view of what Jesus

did in our behalf on the cross. (John 3:16-17). Yes we

   love Jesus and his cause because He first loved us.

(1John 4:19) This enables us to fight the good fight

   of faith and to lay hold on eternal life.

The good soldier must have faith in his leader.

    Jesus is refered to as the captain of our

salvation. In view of what He has done for us

    willingly;  how can we not have faith in

this Captain who leads us in this battle against sin? 

A good soldier must have faith in his comrades.

   One of the greatest blessings we have is to have 

faithful brothers and sisters to build up our morale

   in order to continue to fight the spiritual battle.

A good soldier must have hope of victory.  If we 

   have real faith in Jesus we WILL overcome the

devil and the devil's angels that fight against us.

Are you a Soldier of the Cross?

 Byrl Brockman