Devotions with Pastor Jerry Schmid

Champions for Christ

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
 
Have you ever thought of yourself as a champion, a warrior for Christ, upholding the Word of God as we serve and comfort others “to testify to the gospel of the grace of God”?
 
We must never forget our faith and hope are built upon Christ; the cornerstone and foundation for our life and spiritual welfare, not only for ourselves but for our family, our community and all of God’s creation.
 
As warriors for the cause of Christ let us bring peace and comfort to others sharing God’s Word that he so loved the world, he gave up the life of His Son that through His Son who whoever believes in Him will not perish but have ever lasting life.
 
Let us not be ashamed to share the simple fact that we too, were once sinners who chose to simply believe in Christ, by which we are now cleansed and forgiven by his grace and love, just as others can. May we humbly carry the banner of salvation and restoration through Jesus Christ.  
 
Though I no longer wear the Royal Ranger Emblem on my sleeve, I wear it on my heart by which I am challenged to live out that Code the best I can, following these eight points, to be:

• ALERT - He is mentally, physically, and spiritually alert.
• CLEAN - He is clean in body, mind, and speech.
• HONEST - He does not lie, cheat, or steal.
• COURAGEOUS - He is brave in spite of danger, criticism, or threats.
• LOYAL - He is faithful to his church, family, outpost, and friends.
• COURTEOUS - He is polite, kind, and thoughtful.
• OBEDIENT - He obeys his parents, leaders, and those in authority.
• SPIRITUAL - He prays, reads the Bible, and witnesses.

These remind me to be steadfast as a champion and warrior for Christ, the one I serve and pledge my life to, Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord who gave His life up for us that we could have the opportunity to be freed from the chains of sin and have bestowed on us the opportunity to be heirs to the kingdom of heaven.  That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:15-17) 
 
I like the way the Message Bible translates and concludes the issue of why we must be a Champion, a Warrior for Christ: And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no weekend war that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. (Ephesians 6:12 MSG)
 
Please join me, submitting yourselves to God, standing firm in our faith as warriors carrying the standard of the love and grace of Christ to a lost and hurting world.
 
And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself. (Acts 20:32) 
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Pastor Jerry