If this preacher wants the people of his congregation to join the army of the Lord, they first must be saved. I realize that many of you probably already know what I’m about to say. But for the sake of the ones that don’t, it’s important that we recognize that we’re sinners and all come short of the glory of God. None of us are good enough to save or redeem ourselves. We’re doomed if we individually don’t (or won’t) repent of our sins, accept Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our sins, and invite him into our hearts as our Lord and Savior. But if we will do that, then our place in heaven is assured, and then we can begin to live holier lives for the Lord. Our good works can’t save us, but the good works we do after being saved can serve to glorify the Lord and please him.
Of course, we can only “look on the outward man”, and not see people’s hearts as only the Lord can. So there are certainly saved people in this preacher’s congregation who are ready to join “the army of the Lord” and go on to “higher ground.” However, there are certainly some who aren’t saved and therefore aren’t ready to take this step.
I’ve loved Gasoline Alley for a long time, and don’t mean to seem ultra-fussy or critical towards today’s strip. But since I finally allowed the Lord to save me from myself about thirteen years ago, I’ve paid closer attention to preaching in real life (and even in comic strips!)
Please pardon me if I’ve omitted any important points of Christian doctrine in these brief comments. It’s Sunday morning, and I look forward to hearing more about the Lord in church in about an hour. If you were here in person, dear reader, I’d invite you to join me!
Can someone explain the joke to me? Not the long-winded silliness above my comment, but the one in the strip. Is there something commonly referred to as “God’s Navy?” I’ve never heard the term. Thanks!
Earlier today, I was moved to write about joining the army of the Lord versus being saved. I wrote a little more than I meant to.
However, I see that a couple folks found my comments distasteful. Although that’s disappointing, I can live with that. It’s not unexpected.
If these folks aren’t not interested in faith or religion, maybe they should avoid Gasoline Alley on Sundays. I’m guessing Jim Scancarelli will write and draw more strips dealing with church, and the things that go on in church, in the future.
@ Ken – Thank you for suggesting jeigheff save his preaching for his pulpit. I agree. Jim’s Sunday strips are one thing, commenters preaching in the comments section is another.
battle of plattsburgh almost 11 years ago
Joel and Rufus working on a cruise ship….that explains of lot of the recent on-sea mishaps.
jeigheff almost 11 years ago
If this preacher wants the people of his congregation to join the army of the Lord, they first must be saved. I realize that many of you probably already know what I’m about to say. But for the sake of the ones that don’t, it’s important that we recognize that we’re sinners and all come short of the glory of God. None of us are good enough to save or redeem ourselves. We’re doomed if we individually don’t (or won’t) repent of our sins, accept Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our sins, and invite him into our hearts as our Lord and Savior. But if we will do that, then our place in heaven is assured, and then we can begin to live holier lives for the Lord. Our good works can’t save us, but the good works we do after being saved can serve to glorify the Lord and please him.
Of course, we can only “look on the outward man”, and not see people’s hearts as only the Lord can. So there are certainly saved people in this preacher’s congregation who are ready to join “the army of the Lord” and go on to “higher ground.” However, there are certainly some who aren’t saved and therefore aren’t ready to take this step.
I’ve loved Gasoline Alley for a long time, and don’t mean to seem ultra-fussy or critical towards today’s strip. But since I finally allowed the Lord to save me from myself about thirteen years ago, I’ve paid closer attention to preaching in real life (and even in comic strips!)
Please pardon me if I’ve omitted any important points of Christian doctrine in these brief comments. It’s Sunday morning, and I look forward to hearing more about the Lord in church in about an hour. If you were here in person, dear reader, I’d invite you to join me!
MJ Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Can someone explain the joke to me? Not the long-winded silliness above my comment, but the one in the strip. Is there something commonly referred to as “God’s Navy?” I’ve never heard the term. Thanks!
prasrinivara almost 11 years ago
Great save, Reverend!
Bandera_Ken almost 11 years ago
“Who said anything about a cruise ship. Could have been (and probably was) a freighter.”.I take it you don’t know what an ocean liner is.
Bandera_Ken almost 11 years ago
Christians are God’s army. Moslems are God’s army. Jews are God’s army. Why do God’s armies fight each other? Is God just playing a video game?
jeigheff almost 11 years ago
Hi folks,
Earlier today, I was moved to write about joining the army of the Lord versus being saved. I wrote a little more than I meant to.
However, I see that a couple folks found my comments distasteful. Although that’s disappointing, I can live with that. It’s not unexpected.
If these folks aren’t not interested in faith or religion, maybe they should avoid Gasoline Alley on Sundays. I’m guessing Jim Scancarelli will write and draw more strips dealing with church, and the things that go on in church, in the future.
axe-grinder almost 11 years ago
Personally, I only mind the mean-spirited comments. That’s my say.
ronpolimeni almost 11 years ago
@ Ken – Thank you for suggesting jeigheff save his preaching for his pulpit. I agree. Jim’s Sunday strips are one thing, commenters preaching in the comments section is another.
JP Steve Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Cruise ships are often ocean liners, freighters never are. And that’s how you correct a person without calling him an idiot!