How was church this morning? Bet your pastor made it a walk in the prayer park to follow Jesus.
Ok, ok, there are some who talk a tough talk, but just enough for those who like tough talk that doesn’t require a tougher walk. But I get too deep. The point, following Jesus is a “hard teaching.” Much tougher than being a Navy Seal.
On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” (John 6:60)
In fact, Paul compared being a Christian to military service – Roman military service!
Roman military service that would make a Navy Seal blush with shame.
Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs–he wants to please his commanding officer. (2 Timothy 2:3-4)
Navy Seals will deny themselves for self-advancement and the world applauds. Jesus demands the denial of self till self is gone and the world, and worldly in the church persecute because of their sins.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)
Warning: Denying self without following Jesus, though in Jesus name, will result in becoming a friend of the church but an enemy of Jesus.
Bonus Wisdom #1: Just as most drop out of the Navy Seals training, so many drop out from God’s grace. When the going gets tough most Christians turn back and no longer follow Jesus. It is these the world, and worldly, use to persecute the few who remain faithful.
From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. (John 6:66)
Bonus Wisdom #2: Note the chapter heading, 666.
However, not to worry, a group of Christian Navy Seals wouldn’t last 20 minutes if they hired me to preach them a sermon – because being a mature Christian is infinitely tougher than becoming a Navy Seal. Indeed, the entrance examine to be considered for the possibility of becoming a disciple of Jesus is a killer.
And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” (1 Peter 4:18)
The Navy SEAL + SWCC Scout Team identifies and engages high-quality, potential SEAL and SWCC candidates, informs them of a career in Naval Special Warfare and assists them with the recruiting process.
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