There was an old hymn we used to sing (when I was a child) at church with these words. Well, actually, it went, “Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross.†Not sure that would connect with people today but it will always be special for me.
You see, we live in a world where people are no longer committed to much of anything,
- Country
- Job
- Marriage
- Friends
- Church
The list goes on and on. So it would be a bit hard to relate to “soldiers of the cross†when you can’t even locate the army.
But we still need people who are sold out to Jesus.
Fully devoted followers of Christ, some call them.
This past weekend we wrapped up one of the most powerful and life-changing series we’ve ever done as a church, “One Month to Live.†And this weekend I asked for the army to stand up and be counted.
I did everything I could to prevent a herd mentality on the one hand and encourage as many as possible to get serious for Jesus on the other. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. I made it clear that I mean business because God has been moving in mighty ways at Southbrook and is clearly taking it up a hundred or so notches.
When it came time to stand I was blown away!
More than 700 people stood ready to charge Hell with water pistols if that’s what God asks them to do!
That’s more than a gathering, friends. That’s a small army.
Two thousand years ago Jesus’ rag tag band of twelve (one a replacement for Judas) ignited the world for Christ.
Imagine what He can do with 700!