There are spiritual storms coming – Be prepared
Basic Truth #1: There is a spiritual, invisible world
Basic Truth #2: We are involved in an invisible spiritual war
Basic Truth #3: Our enemy’s primary weapon is our thoughts
The evil one wants to divide, disrupt and distract
We carry the message of eternal life in the power of the Holy Spirit
Belt of Truth – Attack on our beliefs: God, His Word, What he says about us
Hold on to the Word of God, Bible
Breastplate of Righteousness – Attack on our souls/witness: Temptation to sin
Pray against temptations
Sandals of Peace
Ephesians 6:14-15 (NIV) Stand firm then with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Attack on our emotions (peace, joy)
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it
Emotions are great servants but poor leaders
What is the peace that flows from the Good News
John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace OF God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Jesus I cast my cares on you and leave them at your throne, because I know you care for me.
Shield of faith
Ephesians 6:16 (NIV) In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
2 Cor. 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Faith is confident anticipation of things you can’t see
Romans 4:19-21 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead–since he was about a hundred years old–and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory
Faith = hear, believe, respond
Attack our trusting actions with doubt
Believing the things that are clear in the Word of God
Holding on to the clear Words from God, confirmed by a community
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God ….
Hebrews 11:39 These were ALL commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.
Father I rely solely on your scriptures for truth. Thank you that I am your child, loved with your loyal and secure love. Thank you Father for seeing me perfect, restored, and filled with everything I need. Spirit, help me remember all the good you have done for me and what I need to confess. Lead me not into temptation and deliver me from the Evil One. Jesus I cast my cares on you and leave them at your throne, because I know you care for me. Father I will follow your clear commands in faith, knowing your words are true.