Being a Christian means you are now a part of Yahweh’s family - and his army. You could learn a lot about Christianity by talking to a soldier. When you sign up in the Army (or any other branch), you surrender your right to choose your lifestyle. You are told what to do, when to do it, and how to do it.  Almost all of your rights have been surrendered.

Perhaps you have heard about the old toy soldier G. I. Joe.  G. I. Stands for Government Issued. You are now the property of the US government.  Let me quote from the Bible here:

1 CORINTHIANS 6:19 - 20

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

Note the two bold sentences.  Are they not very similar?

One of your first army experiences is boot camp.  It is also called basic training.  It is not fun, but it turns you into a soldier.  After boot camp, you are still told what to do and where to go.  You can receive additional training and advance in rank.  All of these events exist to make you better able to face and conquer your enemy.

The first part of true Christianity is also boot camp.  The early church recognized that all people come out of a world ruled by the devil.  Everyone has wounds, sinful tendencies, demons attacking them, and so on.  Back in the first century of Christianity, people went through intense healing and deliverance.  They learned how to follow their commanding officer - Jesus. They learned how to release the lies they had believed their whole lives.  They were trained to put off their old ways and to put on the ways of Yahweh.  During and after Christian boot camp, these early Christian soldiers were led by Holy Spirit to serve Yahweh.  They accomplished much.

The Christian of today must get back to this concept.  Far too often people just “accept” Jesus.  Then they go on living like they always had.  They do not receive freedom, healing, or training.  Their lives do not look much different than before, nor do they look much different than those who do not receive Jesus.  Once again:

1 CORINTHIANS 6:19 - 20

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”