Legacy

Sailing on God’s Ship

By Karl C. Priest February 15, 2023

The Christian life can be compared to service in the United States Navy. Here is how.

When I joined the Navy, I made a commitment. Then I used a book, the Blue Jacket’s Manual, that contained everything I needed to know to be a good sailor.

I went to my duty station, to stand against the enemy, where I served with a variety of shipmates. Some were more dedicated than others. One thing we had in common was that we knew rough seas would come.

Down in the ship, there were no windows so we could not see the weather conditions.

Sometimes, the sea was so calm that we could not tell that we were at sea. It was like standing on the floor of a building. Most of the time the ship gently rocked.

When a storm approached we would hear it announced over the ship’s speaker system (1MC). Shortly after that we would near, “Lash down! Now, lash down!” Then we had to tie down, or secure, anything that could fall off a shelf or slide across a deck and be damaged. The next thing we would hear was, “All hands stand by for high seas and heavy rolls! All hands stand by for high seas and heavy rolls!” Then the ship would rock so much that walking down a passageway required pushing off a bulkhead on one side and then pushing off the bulkhead on the opposite side. This was repeated while walking down the passageway.

We could not control the storm. We had to trust our captain to get us through the storm and to our destination port.

When you became a Christian, you made a commitment. You have a book (the Bible) that tells you everything you need to know to be a good Christian.

At your duty station (usually a local church) you serve with a variety of fellow Christians as you stand against the Enemy. Some are more dedicated than others. One thing you have in common is that, because of John 16:33, you all know that the storms of life (tribulations*) will come.

When a storm of life approaches, you need to lash down your Christian values so that they are not damaged. It may be difficult for you to walk the Christian walk.

You have to trust your captain. Your captain is the Lord Jesus Christ and He will get you through the storm and to your destination port--heaven!

Sail on!

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*tribulation: noun [Latin tribulo, to thrash, to beat.] Severe affliction; distresses of life; vexations. In Scripture, it often denotes the troubles and distresses which proceed from persecution. SOURCE

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Also see, Trust the Captain.

I took this photo by quickly opening a door and not going out.

Serving on God’s Ship

By Karl C. Priest March 1, 2023 (revised 4-15-23)

Often, when my ship was at sea, some of the crew would fish from the fantail (stern = rear).

Jesus spoke of His disciples being fishers of men. "And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19)

Jesus wants us to “fish for men.” By that, He means to spread the Gospel. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus gave the assignment to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Fishermen use lures to attract fish. The tailgate of my truck has a prominent message:

Cold War Veteran
Ghosts of the East Coast Doomsday Ships
www.coldwarveteran.us

The “Ghosts of the East Coast” were two of the most important ships in the U.S. Navy during the 1960s. So, there is some interesting history at that webpage. Near the top of the article is, “The best military, of any period--including the future, cannot ultimately save you.” That link goes to the Gospel message of salvation.

My ship, had a crew of over one thousand men. Very few of them had “flashy” jobs such as radioman, gunners mate, hospital corpsman, or helicopter pilots. Most had duties such as cook, mechanic, clerk, or laundry man.

God gives us “assignments” on our Christian “ships” (usually the local church):

Romans 12:3-8
Ephesians 4:7-12
I Corinthians 12

Only a few of those “assignments” are considered “flashy, for example prophecy, healing, and pastor.

Most are, such as, teaching, giving, exhorting (encouraging), showing mercy (being kind), and helping.

God has given you a gift (assignment). You are expected to do your best and not go AWOL.

Also, like the U.S. Navy, there are some ships that seem more important than others, such as aircraft carriers. However, the carriers would be in severe trouble if not for the oilers and supply ships.

Someday, you will sail to your home port (heaven) on the Gospel Ship.

USS Wright, underway

Spiritual Battle Stations on God’s Ship

By Karl C. Priest April 17, 2023 (revised 4-18-23)

When a U.S. Navy ship enters battle conditions an alarm is sounded called General Quarters. It sends the crew to Battle Stations for maximum readiness. Here is a U.S. Navy “General Quarters” alarm.

If each crew member does not do his best, the ship will be weakened.

God has sounded a spiritual General Quarters alarm.

Here it is:

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ithout natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. II Timothy 3:1-7

It is time for Christians to go to their spiritual Battle Stations.

LEGACY INDEX