Stand Up For Jesus

The elders have chosen “Stand Up For Jesus” from the song in our hymn book as our theme for 2002.  The idea is to standup and be counted as one on the Lord’s side.  Peter admonishes us to “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (I Peter 3:15).  The idea in the original language is to offer a reasoned defense, to take a stand for the Lord.  How can you do this?

You can attend the regularly scheduled services of the church.  Your presence tells the world what takes place in the Bible classes and worship assemblies is important.  You come to worship God and learn what the Bible teaches.  When people see you are here rather than somewhere else it says something about what is important to you, what you stand for.

Remember you, as a Christian, are a soldier at war.  Paul wrote the Ephesians about this war as follows:

Finally, my brethren, be strong in Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:10-13).

Do not be a naked soldier, that is, one who has the helmet of salvation but nothing else. The Lord has provided protection from attack and an offensive weapon, the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:14-17).  One key piece of armor is the girdle, or belt, of truth.  The Christian soldier who will stand up for Jesus in the evil day must be committed to truth. The belt of the Roman soldier was a key piece of his armor, for everything else was tied into it.  The truth of the Scriptures (John 17:17) serves as the belt of the Christian soldier’s armor.

In Bible study, Vacation Bible School, gospel meetings, and special studies the elders are making available to you the opportunity to learn how to use the sword of the Spirit more effectively in your stand for Jesus.  But you also need to study at home.  Which means you need to read it, and as the Psalmist did, mediate upon it (Psalm 1:2).

Will you prepare yourself and Stand up For Jesus?

—Denny