Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Ephesians 5:6 We live in a day in which our nation has cast aside the commands of God against sexual immorality. Fornication, adultery, and homosexuality God calls sin, our nation now says that it is nobody’s business what goes on between consenting adults. We have legalized homosexual marriage and call it normal. We think nothing of two people living t

And take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God Ephesians 6:17 The first five pieces of the Christian armor are defensive. Equipment Christians can use to defend against spiritual attack. While the sword is also a means to defend oneself, it is primarily an offensive weapon. Why would an offensive weapon be listed with the other pieces of armor? Why would a Christian need an offensive weapon? The sword used by Roman soldiers was known as a gladius and in the hand

And take the helmet of salvation, Ephesians 6:17a The fifth piece of God’s armor is represented by the Roman soldier’s helmet, without which he would never enter battle. Some of the helmets were made of thick leather covered with metal plates, and others were of heavy molded or beaten metal. They usually had cheek pieces to protect the face. The purpose of the helmet, of course, was to protect the head from injury, particularly from the dangerous broadsword commonly used in t

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 Well today we is the first day of the New Year. The New Year means different things to different people. For some it is an exciting time as they look forward to what the New Year will bring. For others it may be a time to reflect

Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, Ephesians 1:4-5 I was having a discussion with Pastor Jamie the other day about the conversion of Charles Spurgeon. It reminded me that it is not by flowery words or convincing arguments that we come to Christ. It is by God’s grace and His sovereignty that we c

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16 If you are a Christian, saved by grace, through faith, in Christ alone you are a child of God. Because we are His children we are expected to live a certain way, behave, and act a certain way. We are commanded to be like obedient children. As a father

…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 When Paul wrote this letter to Timothy he was in prison in Rome waiting for his execution. In a very short time after writing this letter Paul would lose his life for the sake of proclaiming the Gospel. He is writing to encourage Timothy to stand firm in the faith, not to be ashamed of Christ, and to live a life without fear. The Greek word translated “fear”, basically means cowardice,

…so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10 What does it mean to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord? When we see the word walk in the bible it refers our everyday conduct. A mind controlled by the knowledge of God’s word, His wisdom, and His understanding produces a life worthy of the Lord. Although it may seem to you impossible that anyone could walk worthy of

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 Jesus came to set us free from sin. When you became a Christian he removed the shackles of slavery that bound you to a life of bondage in sin. You are free, glory! You’re free from the penalty of sin, from the power of sin, from the law as a system of salvation. You’re free form superstition and from all that enslaves you. However, it is not a license to sin