The Church Militant

I personally believe, based on the clear command of Scripture and the witness of the Church throughout history, that the ministry of the Church Militant is to preach the gospel to all creation, making disciples of all nations. This includes witnessing to others with zeal. I’m really glad the apostles didn’t sit in the upper room and wait for converts to accidentally stumble up the stairs and join their church. Just as we don’t sit in a boat and wait for the fish to jump in, we shouldn’t expect people to magically become Christians. It is my/our task to get out and make disciples. I believe this means convicting sinners using the Law of God (Ten Commandments), but in a gentle manner, showing all people how they have sinned against God, failing to keep ANY of His commandments. The Law is the schoolmaster to bring people to Christ. Once a person realizes how broken and sinful they are, they can receive the cure for their disease, which is Jesus Christ, the saviour of sinners.

If a doctor were to tell you that you need to get a shot in the arm and then start receiving chemotherapy, you would be offended at him for offering a cure to something you don’t have. But if the doctor tells you that, after examination, you have cancer, then you will gladly take the cure, or therapy, and will be relieved.

Once converts are made, it is the job of the Church Militant to teach them to “observe all things, whatsoever I (Christ) commanded you (doctrine of the Apostles).” The Church Militant should also provide for the widow and fatherless, help the poor, love the brethren and try, as much as it is possible, to live at peace with all men, and to not create schism.

Each member has his or her own gift of ministry, which should be used according the portion it has been given them.

Rev. Paul Thompson