Backward Christian Soldiers

Which song are we marching to as Christian soldiers of the Lord? We need to decide whether it is the old hymn - Onward Christian Soldiers, or the more modern version - Backward Christian Soldiers..

Backward Christian soldiers, fleeing from the fight,
With the cross of Jesus, nearly out of sight.
Christ our rightful master, stands against the foe
Onward into battle, we seem afraid to go.

Chorus:
Backward Christian soldiers, fleeing from the fight,
With the cross of Jesus, nearly out of sight.

Like a mighty tortoise, moves the church of God.
Brothers we are treading, where we've often trod.
We are much divided, many bodies we,
Having different doctrines, but not much charity.

Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the cross of Jesus, hidden does remain.
Gates of hell should never against the church prevail,
We have Christ's own promise, but we think it might fail.

Sit here then ye people, join our sleeping throng.
Blend with ours, your voices in a feeble song.
Blessings, ease and comfort, ask from Christ the King,
But with our modern thinking, we won't do a thing.

- George Verwer

Father, please help us to endure hardship as good soldiers of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Please help us to remember that no soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of this earthly life. Help us to please You and praise You daily with all that You have blessed us with and with all that You have made us to be for Your glory.
In Jesus' name, amen.

The Word is our weapon,
Jesus is our Shield
To witness is our mission,
To hardship we WILL NOT yield.