Spiritual Warfare: What is it?
Spiritual warfare exists in the unseen, supernatural dimension, where God is all-powerful and Satan is in revolt. As any Christian soon discovers, although spiritual warfare is unseen, it’s absolutely real. The Bible speaks of spiritual warfare in many places, but most directly in Ephesians 6:12, where Paul speaks of putting on the full armor of God:
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Spiritual Warfare: How Do We Go Into Battle as Christians?
Spiritual warfare is an image that many of us would rather reject. However, since the Bible uses terms of warfare, it’s best that we accept God’s imagery, so that we’re properly prepared for real battle. As Christians, we’re going through more than a mere “struggle” on earth – and its seems that war imagery captures this reality better than anything else. Since it’s warfare, God instructs Christians to use a very specific set of armor and weapons in Ephesians 6:14-18:
“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...”
God’s list of weaponry is rather unique – these are “weapons of peace.”
Throughout the Bible, you will find examples of God’s weaponry in action. For instance, King Jehoshaphat sent out praise singers in front of his soldiers to cause disarray among the enemy; Joshua used singing and trumpets to bring down the great city of Jericho; and what better example of using faith in battle than David fighting Goliath with a slingshot. Of course, the lesson in all these examples (as in all spiritual warfare today) is that it’s only God who allows us to claim victory over evil!
Spiritual Warfare: Be Strong in the Lord
Spiritual warfare is a reality of the Christian life. But remember, we know the ending – our side wins. Since the Devil has already lost, he has nothing to lose in trying to take as many people with him in defeat. Therefore:
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11).
So I leave you with these two thoughts: Are you ready to go to battle for your salvation? Are you ready to set aside all earthly idols to pursue your Heavenly Father, so that He can prepare you for a time such as this?
Just a thought...
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Die Daily.....
"The Seeking Heart" by Francois Fenelon
Many think that "dying to themselves" is what causes them so much pain. But it is actually part of them that still lives that causes the problem. Death is only painful to you when you resist it. Your imagination exaggerates how bad death will be. Self-love fights with all of its strength to live. Die inwardly as well as outwardly. Let all that is not born of God within you die.
Bear your cross. Do you know what this means? Learn to see yourself as you are, and accept your weakness until it pleases God to heal you. Your goal is to be as patient with yourself as you are with your neighbor. If you die a little bit every day of your life, you won't have too much to worry about on your final day. Self-love brings great anxiety. No wonder you worry about the future so much. Be patient with yourself and allow your fellow Christians to help you. How completely will these daily deaths destroy the power of your final dying. Then your bodily death will be but a falling asleep. Happy are you who sleep this sleep of peace!
This writing really moved me. Why not try to die to ourselves, our self love and in general, the control we all so longingly want. What do we have to lose?
Just a thought...
Many think that "dying to themselves" is what causes them so much pain. But it is actually part of them that still lives that causes the problem. Death is only painful to you when you resist it. Your imagination exaggerates how bad death will be. Self-love fights with all of its strength to live. Die inwardly as well as outwardly. Let all that is not born of God within you die.
Bear your cross. Do you know what this means? Learn to see yourself as you are, and accept your weakness until it pleases God to heal you. Your goal is to be as patient with yourself as you are with your neighbor. If you die a little bit every day of your life, you won't have too much to worry about on your final day. Self-love brings great anxiety. No wonder you worry about the future so much. Be patient with yourself and allow your fellow Christians to help you. How completely will these daily deaths destroy the power of your final dying. Then your bodily death will be but a falling asleep. Happy are you who sleep this sleep of peace!
This writing really moved me. Why not try to die to ourselves, our self love and in general, the control we all so longingly want. What do we have to lose?
Just a thought...
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Breaking the mold...
I have been trying to understand a concept that I believe the Lord has brought forth to me, a 2 senior pastor church. It seems traditionally churches have had this mold of, Senior pastor, associate pastor,so on and so forth. How is that working for today's church and today's Christian's?
I believe that the area of reaching the lost is beating on Gods heart, and the discipleship is huge on His heart as well. How can one pastor have a gifting in both? I doubt there are many pastors that God has given that gift to, but also, the need is so great, how can one possibly try to do both.
What a blessing it would be to the body of Christ to be blessed with 2 pastors with exceptional giftings. How cool would that be to have one pastor who's gift and passion has been for the lost, and to bath them in Gods love, grace and mercy and to provide a great opportunity for that person to have a great foundation. Then, to have another pastor who's passion is for discipleship and mentoring, to create a community of willing hearts and maturing Christians to come alongside of those new into Gods house. WOW! I don't think it could get any better than that.
Not only does this provide a good "marriage" between newly saved and maturing Christian's but, it helps to keep the focus off one man (senior pastor) and keep the focus on our Heavenly Father.
Are we ready to break the tradition and mold of the church? Are we going to give the church body the best opportunity to not only answer the alter call, but to still be pursuing God in the years to come?
Let's step out of our comfort zone and let's see God REALLY move.
Just a thought...
I believe that the area of reaching the lost is beating on Gods heart, and the discipleship is huge on His heart as well. How can one pastor have a gifting in both? I doubt there are many pastors that God has given that gift to, but also, the need is so great, how can one possibly try to do both.
What a blessing it would be to the body of Christ to be blessed with 2 pastors with exceptional giftings. How cool would that be to have one pastor who's gift and passion has been for the lost, and to bath them in Gods love, grace and mercy and to provide a great opportunity for that person to have a great foundation. Then, to have another pastor who's passion is for discipleship and mentoring, to create a community of willing hearts and maturing Christians to come alongside of those new into Gods house. WOW! I don't think it could get any better than that.
Not only does this provide a good "marriage" between newly saved and maturing Christian's but, it helps to keep the focus off one man (senior pastor) and keep the focus on our Heavenly Father.
Are we ready to break the tradition and mold of the church? Are we going to give the church body the best opportunity to not only answer the alter call, but to still be pursuing God in the years to come?
Let's step out of our comfort zone and let's see God REALLY move.
Just a thought...
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