“Stolen Valor”
| Christians, are you living a life worthy of Christ’s sacrifice? Disciples are called to die to self (Ac 1:8) and preach Christ crucified, buried, and resurrected! (Read “Sometimes silence is golden. Other times it’s just plain yellow.”) |
| Ever heard of stolen valor? It’s a term applied to the phenomenon of people falsely claiming military service they did not perform and military awards they did not earn. They’re posers and wannabes, and they like to hang around common public areas (malls, fast-food restaurants, coffee shops, airports, etc.) and receive accolades, attention, atta-boys, discounted shopping, and free coffee or meals from the general public. Because they didn’t actually serve, they stick out like sore thumbs to seasoned, authentic veterans. Recently, I showed our folks a short Youtube Video of a man caught in the act of stolen valor – impersonating a Marine. We minister directly to a military community, so after the clip I asked for their thoughts. Across the board, these Marines were offended, insulted, and maddened. When asked why, they said things like, “Because he’s deceiving people! He hasn’t earned the right to wear that uniform! He hasn’t gone through the sacrifice that I have! Without the sacrifice, he can’t possibly appreciate that uniform! That guy is receiving benefits reserved for those who have actually served and sacrificed!” Admittedly, my introduction of this discussion was these posers, but my destination was the matter of Christian posers, so I asked, “Can stolen valor be applied to Christians?” Many grasped for the connection. I explained, “I’m referring to Christ and the uniform he earned for us — the robes of righteousness.” (Isaiah 61:10) To be sure, no Christian has earned these robes, regardless, all Christians are still called to good works, i.e., sacrifice, obedience, faith, maturity, and discipleship. Yet, far too many Christians refuse to actually serve (read their bibles, earnestly pray, share the gospel, confront sin with God’s word, confront ungodly lifestyles, beliefs and laws, or simply be discipled) because of fear, indifference, passivity, pride, and ignorance. Unbeknownst to them, their passivity and disinterest actually belittles the sacrifice and works of Christ. Idle and no works, these Christian posers expect to reap the benefits reserved for those who actually engage, work, and sacrifice. Allow me to paint a picture: Imagine you’re with a squad of Marines, smack-dab in the middle of a life-and-death firefight. Would you be okay with someone on your team who didn’t join the fray because they didn’t feel like it, or it’s too dangerous, or just inconvenient? Likewise, these dormant Christians want protection and the assurance of salvation, but repeatedly choose comfort and safety over works and duty. To them I would scream, “You may not fight like me, but do something!” (Read “Fog of War… in the Church”) Daily, I encounter closet Christians (young and old) who unknowingly flirt with this stolen valor. Their only “works for the Lord” are within Christian circles or on social media, especially Facebook, where they waste vast amounts of time on lengthy discussion threads, deliberating but never really doing. Many of them consider themselves deep theologians with sound doctrine, but there’s minimal Kingdom fruit in their works and energies. (Read 1Tim 6:20-21; 1Tim 1:4; Tit 3:9-11) They walk in great theory, but in practice their faith is ghost. While “inside the wire,” they boldly spout doctrine, theology, theories, correction, and criticism of engaged Christians, but “outside the wire” their silence is deafening. To their discredit, they intentionally avoid face-to-face conversations with unsaved, lost, confused people because that’s too risky, too unsettling, too scary. They’re kinda like Jesus’ disciples in John 9:1-5, who were more interested in discussing the blind man’s situation, rather than working and healing the man. If this is you, you are not in the good fight! (1Tim 6:12; 2Tim 4:7) You are not engaged! My challenge to you is to stop being afraid, stop procrastinating, stop being passive, and stop making excuses. Let the love of Christ — and salvation through Him alone — motivate you to literally engage people with His truths. I promise it will be uncomfortable at first, but you will grow. As Believers, we’re commanded to “take up our cross” (Mt 16:24-25), “die daily” (1Cor 15:31), and to “know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings” (Php 3:10). It cost Jesus everything to bring us salvation. What has it cost you to be a Christian? Some may respond with, “Salvation is free.” Try telling that to Jesus, because it cost him his life! Salvation may be free, but discipleship will cost you everything! (Mt 10:34-39; Lu 12:49-53; Jn 15:18-21) Heaven and hell are real, and the eternal destiny of souls is at stake, yet many Believers aren’t willing to personally risk anything towards the Lord’s works. Ephesians 2:10 reads, “No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join Him in the work He does, the good work He has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.” (The Message) As a Christian, ask yourself, “Am I living a life worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice?” Without sacrifice on our part, we can’t possibly appreciate Christ’s sacrifice, and his sacrifice is never to be taken lightly. Neither is taking up His uniform — those robes. Fulfill your ministry! (2Tim 4:5; 2Cor 5:11-21) ▪Please Remember to Share ▪Make a Donation |
| I thank God for these men and women here! In response to our high standards and rigid curriculum, they’ve endured and they’ve grown. They continue to be transformed right before my very eyes. (Read “We make disciples!”) |
| We had the privilege of baptizing these three men – Avery, Alex, and Soren. Glory to God! It was a good day! Every Believer is called into fellowship of His Son (1Cor 1:9) and be a part of Christ’s Bride. Sadly, many Christians today believe they don’t have to go to Church. (Read “It’s still His Bride!”) |
| Agree with us in Prayer: a. For the Brig/Prison: Pray for all souls in the Brig, even the Guards. Pray for the inmates, guards, and their families. Bind up spirits of bitterness, unforgiveness, shame, condemnation, and pride. And loose a spirit of salvation, discipleship, forgiveness, exposure, healing, deliverance, peace, and restoration! Despite opposition, we’ve regained a godly stronghold among the prisoners. Over 90% of the inmates are eagerly attending the two weekly outreaches. Just last week we baptized three prisoners! To God be all the glory! These men are now activated to the point of aggressively engaging and prodding any new prisoners to attend these ministries. b. For the constant rebuilding nature of ministry in the Henoko/Schwab area. The turnover rate here is particularly high due to military deployments and operational tempo. As such, we literally rebuild every six months and gather new members. Pray for the discipling and releasing of more laborers into the harvest here. Pray for our strength, wisdom, and resources as weekly we gather sheep and convert goats. Pray for mature, Qualified Families and Permanent Personnel to co-labor with us in this northern-most, remote area of Okinawa. c. For the Zebulun Worship Team as they adjust and rebuild. Pray for a genuine spirit of praise to be released in our midst. d. For our Believers, that they walk in increased works, discernment, wisdom, maturity, power, and that they are properly discipled, and that they bear much Kingdom fruit! e. Pray against retaliatory, unclean spirits (on base and off base). Bind up demonic spirits of lust, division, strife, envy, competition, and fear. And loose a spirit of unity, peace, love, and faith among Believers. f. For our current schedule, i.e. finances, resources, wisdom, strategies, and strength: – Sun: Share/Report Christians In Action ministries – Mon: Radical & Relevant (R&R) @7pm – Wed: Brig Christian Fellowship (BCF) @7pm – Thu: Publish Think On These Things newsletters – Thu: Publish YouTube Videos (Channel: YahwehHasASon) – Fri: Sexual Integrity & Restoration (SIR) @9am – Sat: Zebulun Christian Discipleship Center (ZCDC) @6pm – Make a Donation – Facebook Live Ministry Videos |
| This is the 10’L x6’W x2’D inflatable pool that we use to baptize prisoners. I created an acronym (D.I.O.S.) for teaching about baptizm. D – Public Demonstration. I – Personal Identification. O – Personal Obedience. S – Personal Sanctification. (Read “Hey! I have been looking for you!!!” – a story about losing an initial conversation about God with someone, but I went home and did my homework so I could get him next time.) |
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| The 1990 USMC Ball, just before my deployment to Kuwait and just four years into our marriage. My goodness, when I try to reflect on all the Lord has brought us through since then, I am utterly grateful and humbled. Without question, Christ is the secret and source of our happiness and confidence. Sandy’s beauty, value, and honor increases every day with Christ. Watch “What does ‘husband’ really mean?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WFDe-p_bZ4) |
| In closing… Saints, we continuously ask for your prayer support. Your petitions to the Lord on our behalf are vital and powerful. Thank you. Sandy and I press on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Php 3:14). I am so proud of the rapid discipleship and increased maturity of our men and women here. They have literally learned to engage people and ungodly philosophies with the Word of God. They are living 2 Corinthians 10:5. We are very intentional and focused in 1) Making disciples, and 2) Releasing them into the fields. These men and women walk in great faith and great works, for the glory of God! It is a privilege to serve them. We can use your help. Being full-time missionaries in Japan is extremely expensive and taxing. Please consider partnering with us in these works of the Lord. Financial gifts and contributions can be made online through Christians In Action. Or, you can mail contributions to the address listed below. I declare that people will glorify God because of you! (Gal 1:24) <*{{{{>< In His will, Pastor Nick & Sandy Guerra Contributions can be mailed to: Dominic Guerra (Acct# 426) c/o Christians In Action, Missions International 1322 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 150 Fresno, CA 93710 ▪ Please ensure Acct #426 is annotated on your contribution so the funds can be allocated correctly. ▪ Please share/forward these newsletters at your discretion. Make a Donation |
| — Our Mission & Vision — “Gather Sheep & Convert Goats!” “Catch, Clean, & Release!” |