Christian Living

THE UNITED STATES CHRISTIAN ARMY

by paul hoffmaster
10/03/19
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The United States Christian Army (USCA) is probably the most ill-trained and equipped army in the world today.  Enlistment in the USCA is open to every person regardless of race, gender or social status.  There is not even a physical required.  In fact, the only qualification to joining the USCA is the acknowledging of one’s sinful nature and the accepting of Jesus Christ as the Son of God.  They must believe that Jesus died on a cross to pay the penalty for their sins.  They must accept that Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to that Heavenly position that He once shared with and in God.  There He lives and reigns as an intercessor for all the enlistees that have been written up by the Holy Spirit.  Boot camps (churches) are set up throughout the United States.  Each enlistee is free to choose whatever “training center” he wants.  The problem with diversification of training centers is their differing emphasizes.   Some are entertainment centers that require no mandatory attendance.  Some cater to teaching what the recruits want to hear, as long as it doesn’t expose their weaknesses.  Some boot camps have no dress codes.  Some present only selective subjects.  Some of these centers are void of “Sanctuaries.”  Instead of a place of holiness, it is more like a secular auditorium that can cater to religious or secular events.  Some centers have removed the Cross as the symbol of the USCA.  Religious calisthenics are offered throughout the country for those who cater to emotional expressions.   In some of these training centers, musical handbooks are no longer offered.  Some camps offer training in Word to word combat with the spiritually lost.  More and more boot camps are offering only Sunday morning engagements.  It is vital to choose the right training center!

Let me make it very clear.  One becomes part of the United States Christian Army by Faith and not by works.  The new recruits have accepted the premise that simply accepting Jesus is the defining characteristic of what constitutes being a Christian.  So they put in their weekly attendance and then carry on with their lives, knowing when the Lord returns, or their lives end, they will be with Him.  It is true, but that is not the whole story.  Training centers that promote a salvation only message are failing to prepare their recruits for the battles of life.  Training Centers that only stress the Holy Spirit’s ministry as personal edification, instead of empowering the Christian to carry out God’s authority and power, has failed to prepare them for the difficult days ahead.   Boot Camps that promote “escapism” (rapture) are doing a great injustice to the Christian soldier. 

Works don’t save anyone, but works are an evidence of our commitment.  Jesus put it on the line when He told a great multitude at one of His “crusades,” that they needed to fully understand what it was to be a Disciple.  He told them that their commitment to Him must be unchallenged.  They were to hate their own family.  The word hate means to “love less, to postpone in love or esteem.”  Love Him first and foremost.  They can still love their family, but Jesus must be first.   He told them that they must take up their cross.  When self wants to take over, they are to crucify those desires.  Jesus told them that if they wanted to be His Disciples, they must count the cost.  It is more than saying “I Believe,” for it also constitutes the commitment that “I Will.”  If someone was to build something, they would first count the cost, for the goal is to finish.  If you fail to complete your commitment, people will “mock” you.  Finally, He put the exclamation mark by telling them that they must forsake all they have if they are to be His Disciple. (Luke 14: 25-33)  Today, we help lead someone to accept Jesus as Savior, but fail to teach them that He is also to be their Lord.  Many Christians do not understand what is expected of them. The reason the USCA is so weak is because our training is so inadequate.  Let us reach back into archives and resurrect the USCA’s fight song, “Onward Christian Soldiers.”  Satan’s army is well organized and trained.  As the USCA stands today, we are no match for the frontal attacks that Satan will release in the days ahead.