The Living and Active Word of God

Text: Hebrews 4:12 This verse was meant to remind the Hebrew Christians of the power of the word of God and encourage them to remain faithful. It also provides encouragement for us today to continue to follow the will of God. The Word of God The letter opens by describing how God revealed His will […]

The Example of Epaphroditus

Text: Philippians 2:25 Paul told the brethren in Philippi that men like Epaphroditus were to be held in high regard (Philippians 2:29). Why? This passage gives five reasons. He Was a Brother Brother refers here to a fellow Christian As fellow Christians, we have a common Father (1 John 3:1) We are different from the […]

He Who Trains My Hands For War

Text: Psalm 144:1-4 The war that David spoke of in this psalm involved physical fighting. We are not engaged in the same type of conflict in our service to God (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). But there are lessons to be learned in David’s words that we can apply to our spiritual war today. The Lord is […]

Each Wore His Sword As He Built

Text: Nehemiah 4:16-23 When Nehemiah returned to rebuild Jerusalem, the workers were mocked & threatened (Nehemiah 4:1-3, 7-8). The threats were addressed without the rebuilding project being neglected. There are some applications to be made here to our ongoing spiritual conflict. A Constant Threat Sanballat & his allies conspired together (4:8) – enemies look for […]

So That They Might Be Taught War

Text: Judges 3:1-2 Those who lived during the time of Joshua were given the land and promised victory over their enemies (Joshua 23:4-5,14). But a new generation arose that would need to continue to deal with these enemies (Judges 2:8-10, 20-21). This was to test them (Judges 2:22) and teach them war (Judges 3:2). We […]

The Great War

Text: Revelation 17:14 Our Involvement Our warfare (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) — spiritual, not carnal “Put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11) — not written to apostles, preachers, or elders, but to all Christians We must fight the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12) The Enemy The adversary is the devil (1 Peter 5:8) — […]

A City Set on a Hill

Text: Matthew 5:14 Highly Visible We should not expect to blend in with the world (Romans 12:1-2) There would be a sharp contrast between Christians and the world (John 15:18-19; 1 Peter 4:3-4) Target of Attacks Expect persecution (1 Peter 4:12) Do not surrender (Revelation 2:10) Fight back (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) Position of Strength God […]