If this preacher wants the people of his congregation to join the army of the Lord, they first must be saved. I realize that many of you probably already know what I’m about to say. But for the sake of the ones that don’t, it’s important that we recognize that we’re sinners and all come short of the glory of God. None of us are good enough to save or redeem ourselves. We’re doomed if we individually don’t (or won’t) repent of our sins, accept Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our sins, and invite him into our hearts as our Lord and Savior. But if we will do that, then our place in heaven is assured, and then we can begin to live holier lives for the Lord. Our good works can’t save us, but the good works we do after being saved can serve to glorify the Lord and please him.
Of course, we can only “look on the outward man”, and not see people’s hearts as only the Lord can. So there are certainly saved people in this preacher’s congregation who are ready to join “the army of the Lord” and go on to “higher ground.” However, there are certainly some who aren’t saved and therefore aren’t ready to take this step.
I’ve loved Gasoline Alley for a long time, and don’t mean to seem ultra-fussy or critical towards today’s strip. But since I finally allowed the Lord to save me from myself about thirteen years ago, I’ve paid closer attention to preaching in real life (and even in comic strips!)
Please pardon me if I’ve omitted any important points of Christian doctrine in these brief comments. It’s Sunday morning, and I look forward to hearing more about the Lord in church in about an hour. If you were here in person, dear reader, I’d invite you to join me!
If this preacher wants the people of his congregation to join the army of the Lord, they first must be saved. I realize that many of you probably already know what I’m about to say. But for the sake of the ones that don’t, it’s important that we recognize that we’re sinners and all come short of the glory of God. None of us are good enough to save or redeem ourselves. We’re doomed if we individually don’t (or won’t) repent of our sins, accept Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our sins, and invite him into our hearts as our Lord and Savior. But if we will do that, then our place in heaven is assured, and then we can begin to live holier lives for the Lord. Our good works can’t save us, but the good works we do after being saved can serve to glorify the Lord and please him.
Of course, we can only “look on the outward man”, and not see people’s hearts as only the Lord can. So there are certainly saved people in this preacher’s congregation who are ready to join “the army of the Lord” and go on to “higher ground.” However, there are certainly some who aren’t saved and therefore aren’t ready to take this step.
I’ve loved Gasoline Alley for a long time, and don’t mean to seem ultra-fussy or critical towards today’s strip. But since I finally allowed the Lord to save me from myself about thirteen years ago, I’ve paid closer attention to preaching in real life (and even in comic strips!)
Please pardon me if I’ve omitted any important points of Christian doctrine in these brief comments. It’s Sunday morning, and I look forward to hearing more about the Lord in church in about an hour. If you were here in person, dear reader, I’d invite you to join me!