The Christian Ranger (Spiritual Militant Faith)

By Prophet Jacob R. Blandford

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV)

¶ I have never been in the military service.  But I’m a patriot and I love this nation.  I may not have fought militarily against the USA’s enemies, but I have fought spiritually (Ephesians 6).  I recognize that we owe gratitude to our Lord Jesus Christ, who laid down his life for us; and the United States soldiers who laid down their lives for us. (see John 15:13)  Jesus Christ made us spiritually free; and our United States military made us politically free.  Again, I honor all service men and women.  Many times in church we have recognized and honored our nation and our military.  We are also in a spiritual war against “the god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4).  Apostle Paul told us we are to conduct ourselves as a “soldier” (2 Tim. 2:1-4) in this holy war.  Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but spiritual wickedness (Eph. 6:12).  The word of God is our offensive weapon. (Heb. 4:12; Psalm 149:6 KJV)  Our faith is our main defensive weapon.  I have read Brother Peter Ruckman’s “Battlefield Notes”.  Bro. Ruckman, as a former military man and a Bible teacher, taught me much about spiritual warfare.  I’m still in that war as I type this article.  They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery.  And because I admire and respect our military, (and even though I’m a private citizen,) I like to wear camouflage sometimes.  One, because I’m a patriot and Two, because I’m engaged in Christian warfare; so it is somewhat symbolic.  The great preacher Charles Spurgeon once basically said that there is not a more accurate portrayal of a New Testament Christian than an army solider.  And if that is true, I’d would be infantry.  Because I’m on the frontlines.  Prayer is my weapon and I’m trying to pull souls out of fire (Jude 23).  With that said, the description of a military RANGER is symbolic of my Christian calling from the Lord to engage in spiritual warfare.  Actually the Ranger Creed, would service as a great outline for Christian conduct. (And by the way, I know MANY American soldiers are Christians themselves.)  Here is the Ranger Creed…

 

R.A.N.G.E.R. Creed

 

Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of my Ranger Regiment.

 

Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier.

 

Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.

 

Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

 

Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.

 

Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.

 

Rangers, lead the way.