the call to die

Having to preach this Sunday God asked me to share what he did in my life in the last two years since I got to know The Salvation Army:

He literally changed my life by giving me the possibility to spend all my day purposely sharing his love and word, in active ministry serving him and people. So that I feel like my life with Jesus started all over again!

Three things he changed in my life:
- my attitude towards sin: zero-tolerance, no compromisses, no habitual sin, but active repentance and working towards holiness
- my purpose of life: "I want to make the most of my everyday and live with a purpose of his glory and for the kingdom." - and as a soldier of The Salvation Army a "soldier at war for the salvation of souls"
- my future: listening to and being obedient to his calling

Although often overlooked or kept secret - if I want to follow Jesus he calles me to nothing less than
- giving up my life
- sharing in his suffering
- expecting persecution

and to live my life for the same purposes Jesus came to the earth for. Which are
- to destroy these works of the Devil
- to save sinners

In short: "We'll tear hell's throne to pieces and win the world for Jesus!"

William Booth: "... lay aside your shame, your pride, your cares about other people’s opinions, your love of ease and all the selfish loves that have kept you back for so long, and rush to the rescue of this multitude of dying men and women."

"There is no doubt that the leap for you, as for everyone who takes it, means difficulty and scorn and suffering. For you it may mean more than this. It may mean death."

But still: "You must do it! You cannot hold back. You have enjoyed yourself in Christianity long enough. You have had pleasant feelings, pleasant songs, pleasant meetings, pleasant prospects. There has been much of human happiness, much clapping of hands and shouting of praises- very much of heaven on earth."

"Now then, go to God and tell Him you are prepared as much as necessary to turn your back upon it all, and that you are willing to spend the rest of your days struggling in the midst of these perishing multitudes, whatever it may cost you."