Prayer and Spiritual Warfare – 8

                                                         Prayer and Spiritual Warfare – 8

Subject – The Shield of Faith

By Rick Welborne

Ephesians 6:10-16 (NIV)
¹⁰  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
¹¹  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
¹²  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
¹³  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
¹⁴  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
¹⁵  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
¹⁶  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 

--We have looked at the belt of truth (Jesus is the truth), we have looked at the breastplate of righteousness (Jesus is our righteousness and our glory), our feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace (Jesus is our foundation and our peace).

--Tonight we are looking at the fourth piece of armor…the shield of faith. The shield of faith was connected to the belt of truth...it is important to note that how we operate in faith is directly related to how we walk in truth.

—As we pointed out in an earlier message...it is imperative that we submit to one another in the fear of the Lord or we forfeit the protection the armor gives...we have no right to it.

--It is important to note that unless we walk in truth our faith will be weak and ineffective!

Rick Renner - There were two kinds of shields that Roman soldiers owned. One was used for public parades and ceremonies and the other was used in battle.

1. The Shield of Faith Must Be for Battle.

—The first shield (Greek - aspis) was for parades and ceremonies...it was beautiful and was adorned with etchings from previous battles the soldier had been in. Though beautiful...it was too small for battle.

The second shield that the soldier would use was (Greek - thureos) and this is what is being spoken about in Eph. 6 and was the one used for battle.

Renner - This particular word for shield is the word used by the Greeks for a door that was wide in width and long in length...does that sound familiar to you.

—Sister Browne said God was setting before us a door...God is setting before us the shield of faith to protect us and to shield us from the attacks of the enemy.

J. Vernon McGee's Thru the Bible - "Above all, taking the shield of faith." The shield covered all of the armor. The shield referred to is a large shield the size of a door. It was the shield of the heavy infantry. 

--A soldier stood behind it and was fully protected. Christ is both the door to salvation and the door that protects the believer from the enemy without. 

--This is the picture in John, chp. 10. Christ is both salvation and security. "Faith" enables us to enter the door.

John 10:9 (NKJV) 

 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.

                                                                                                                                                                                  

—Listen to your pastor...your decorative shield is nice and I am assured that it is adorned with beautiful things from your past but it is a new day and there are new battles.

—You need the shield of faith that has been designed for battle...your pretty little shield will not protect you from this present danger...take up the shield of faith and defend yourself and your family.

—The shield of faith completely covered the man! Because the Holy Spirit was careful to select thureos as the illustration of faith rather than aspis. 

-He is telling us that God has given us enough faith to make sure that we are completely covered...just like the shield completely covered a Roman soldier!

Romans 12:1-3 (NKJV)
¹  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
²  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
³  For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 

--How much faith has God given you? He has given you enough faith to make sure that you are covered from head to toe! 

—Stop worrying that God has given more faith to this one or that one and rest in the assurance that He has given you enough to cover you completely...He loves you! 

Renner -  In the majority of cases, the Roman's soldiers shield was composed of multiple layers of thick animal hide that had been tightly woven together. Usually six layers of animal hide were specially tanned, and then were woven together so tightly, they became nearly as strong as steel.

2. The Shield of Faith Must be Anointed with Oil.

Barnes' Notes on the New Testament - The shield was usually made of light wood, or a rim of brass, and covered with several folds or thicknesses of stout hide, which was preserved by frequent anointing. It was held by the left arm, and was secured by straps, through which the arm passed. The outer surface of the shield was made more or less rounding from the center to the edge, and was polished smooth, or anointed with oil, so that arrows or darts would glance off, or rebound. 

—Barnes and Renner say the same thing about the animal hides and both say they were preserved by frequent anointing with oil.

—Though six layers of animal hide was strong and durable...without proper care they would become stiff and breakable over a period of time without proper care.

—The soldiers had a daily regiment (intentional) to keep their shield in good shape...to keep it ready for battle...Each morning when he woke up...he would reach for his shield and for a vial of oil.

—He would saturate a cloth and then rub and rub the shield to keep it in the greatest condition possible...ready for battle! This was done intentionally!

—Hear your pastor...if it was not anointed daily it would become brittle and would fall to pieces...it would crack under pressure...the end result was certain death for the soldier!

—The anointing oil represents the Holy Spirit...the daily anointing represents how we must rise in the morning and put on the full armor of God and allow the anointing of the Holy Spirit to come upon us! Let me show you:

Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV) ⁸  praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

—Without a fresh touch of the Holy Spirit upon your life your faith will become hard, stiff, and brittle...the first sign of adversity or temptation you will crack under pressure and fall to pieces.

—Stop parading yourself around with your decorative shield basting in the glory of days gone by...it can be a deadly mistake...take up your shield of faith today and every day...it has to be intentional!

3. The Shield of Faith Must be Soaked in Water.

Renner - Another reason the Roman's soldier's shield was made of animal hide was, before the soldiers went out to war, they took their shields, dipped them in water, and left them soaking in that water until their shields were completely saturated with water. What was the purpose?

—It was to quench the fiery darts (arrows) of the enemy...what does this say to us?

Ephesians 5:25-26 (NIV) 

25  Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 

26  to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,

—In order for the Roman soldiers to keep their shields in top notch condition, it was required that their shields had daily applications of both oil and water.

—In the same way we must keep our shield of faith in top condition and we do it by the daily application of the oil (Holy Spirit) and the water (the Word of God).

—If you want the fiery darts coming at you to fall to the ground...be filled with the Spirit of God and consume the Word of God.

—In the verse we have been looking at... the phrase above all bothered me...l thought the belt of truth was the most important...Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life! John 14:6

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary - Above all rather, "Over all"; so as to cover all that has been put on before. 

Barnes' Notes on the New Testament - Above all. Not above all in point of importance or value, but “over all”, covering all, as a soldier holds his shield to defend himself. It constitutes a protection over every part of his body, as it can be turned in every direction. The idea is, that as the shield covered or protected the other parts of the armor, so faith had a similar importance in the Christian virtues. 

—Not so much a statement of importance but a statement of position...as we march forward for our Commander and Chief the Lord Jesus Christ...let us hold out in front of us this shield of faith to keep us and our families safe! 

—Remember...McGee said that each part of the armor represents Christ:

--The belt of truth - Jesus is the way, the truth..

--The breastplate of righteousness...He is our righteousness and our glory!

--Our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace...He is our Peace...Who has broken down every wall! He is our shield!

Psalm 18:1-3 (NKJV)
¹  I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
²  The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
³  I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies. 

Let’s Lose Some Weight – 10

                                                             Let’s Lose Some Weight – 10

Subject – You Have Die to Live

By Rick Welborne

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV)
¹  Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
²  looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
³  For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 

--You have to die to live. Pastor Rick, we don’t even like the way that sounds. It sounds like we have to be sacrificial and willing to endure pain and suffering. Exactly.

--Think about the task of becoming what you want to be in the area of losing weight. Unless you have chosen just to take a pill, it will definitely cost you a lot of effort to lose weight.

--I’ve told this story before but let me remind you once more. After church, a man, probably a little younger than me came up and wanted to talk. Not unusual, but he wanted to talk about getting in shape. How can I?

--First, you probably need to change your diet. Eat more fruit, veggies, and salads. No! I don’t like salads. Okay, you need to do more cardiovascular exercise…run, walk, bike, swim. No! I hate that stuff!

--Can I just lift weights? Yes, but you will only be making muscle stronger under a layer of fat, you will probably not be in better health or shape. I see it all the time at the gym.

--Losing weight usually means death. It hurts and it takes sacrifice and discipline which a lot of people do not want to go through. When my triglycerides were 730. Don’t change your lifestyle, take a pill. I said no!

--People who are serious about losing weight or really getting in good shape look like they are trying to kill themselves. They sacrifice the pleasures of certain foods and they exercise like their lives depend on it. Moses.

Hebrews 11:24-26 (NKJV)
²⁴  By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
²⁵  choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,
²⁶  esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.

--Being a Christian or being a disciple of Jesus Christ all comes down to choices doesn’t it? Moses chose to suffer affliction…wow that sounds bad to us now but it is definitely still God’s way. We die to live.

--If you are going to lose some weight or become a true disciple of Jesus Christ it will happen because you have made the tough choices to die to yourself. Do you really want to be a disciple?

1. What the Apostle Paul said about dying to live.

--I believe one of the most profound things that Paul said about living a disciplined and sacrificial life can be summed up in this simple verse:

1 Corinthians 15:31 (NIV)
³¹  I die every day--I mean that, brothers--just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord.

--Here we find in scripture a truth that can help us be a true disciple of Jesus Christ and a truth that can help us get in the shape of our lives. 

--Most of the programs that are out there for getting in shape are short term or time limited but Paul is talking about something totally different. 

--I agree that systems like P90X can absolutely kick your rear-end for 90 days but what happens after the first 90 days is crucial. If you will maintain what you have gained, you have to continue. 

--That’s why event driven changes never last without some type of follow through. Explain please. You can have a great service, or a series of services (we call revival), but if we don’t die daily, it never lasts.

Beware of Revival by Michael Amico - There is nothing soothing about revival. Revival is not a season to be jolly. It’s not celebration or festivity. The church in revival is faced with the anguish of unforgiven sin. Like Isaiah of old the church cries out “Undone”. Revival often takes the church in its grasp and refuses to let go until every last ounce of sin and self has been squeezed out. There is nothing soothing about revival. Revival often scorches before it soothes! Revival burns before it blesses! Revival eliminates before it edifies! Revival hurts before it heals! Revival empties before it fills! Revival breaks before it builds! Revival breaks everything in its path! Revival breaks pride, programs, prejudices, and platforms! Revival makes demands, real demands! Revival demands painful repentance! Revival demands painful sacrifice! Revival demands painful commitment! Revival demands ambitious evangelism! Beware of revival! Revival is not all preachers and teachers have made it out to be.  Let me suggest that the next time you pray for revival, you first of all count the cost.

--Wow, Pastor, that sounds almost like death! It is the kind of death the Apostle Paul was talking about. Without there being the willingness for us to die every day, revival is only a dream.

Key – What is needed in our lives and what is needed in our church is not event oriented programs but is a lifestyle change!

--I am afraid that if we are not willing to die to ourselves daily we will never arrive at the destination that Paul did before he gave his life for Christ.

2 Timothy 4:5-8 (NKJV)
⁵  But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
⁶  For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
⁷  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
⁸  Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 

2. What Jesus said about dying to live. 

--If you think the Apostle Paul was tough about dying daily, there is a really good chance that you will not want to hear what Jesus had to say. Just as a reminder of what the writer of Hebrews said in our text today:

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)
¹  Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
²  looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

--Who for the joy that was set before Him…what could be joyful about dying? Bought salvation for all mankind and He was able to return to His Father and to spend eternity with Him at His right hand. 

--Could it be possible that when we are willing to die to ourselves (to die daily) that we could be the means of someone’s salvation and at the end of it all, be able to spend forever (siempre) with God. What did Jesus say?

Mark 8:34-38 (NKJV)
³⁴  When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
³⁵  For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.
³⁶  For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?
³⁷  Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
³⁸  For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."

--In our selfish world it almost sounds like Jesus must be kidding in verse 34…If you want to follow Me, be one of my disciples, you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me. 

--We live in such a “me-centered world”. We take selfies in a ridiculous number, we have IPhones, IPads, and it is definitely all about us. But deny yourself, Jesus must be speaking figuratively for sure.

--Take up your cross. Now I understand that…I wear a cross around my neck, I have cross earrings, I have a cross tattoo, and I have crosses all around my house. Jesus was talking about death…dying to ourselves.

--Have you ever thought about the idea of wearing a cross is really no different than in our day wearing a necklace with an electric chair or hypodermic needle on it. I am not opposed to you wearing crosses.

--Crosses should remind us of two things…Jesus dying on the cross for us and His call to us to die daily. For us here in America we are only being asked to die to ourselves not literally like Jesus and Christian martyrs. 

--Because everything I do leans toward missions I can’t help but believe the reason some do nothing for missions or only give a small token is because they are not willing to die to themselves. 

--The words to verse 35 blow my mind when it comes to dying to ourselves…For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. 

--Just living for yourself you become a dead man walking but dying to yourself, denying yourself, and following Jesus, you find what living is all about. 

3. Let’s Lose Some Weight…let’s die to ourselves.

Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)
¹  Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 

--I hope all of you (who want to) will lose some weight and get in better shape in 2022 but more importantly, I hope you learn to lay aside the weight and sin that keeps you from being a Christ follower…a disciple.

--We are surrounded by people every day who are witnesses of us living a sacrificial life or watching us take care of number one. Our family is watching, where we eat they are watching (example of the 4 men praying).

--To be a true disciple of Jesus you have to die daily, you have to deny yourself, take up your cross, and you have to follow Jesus. 

--Come on, Life Church! Let’s Lose Some Weight!

Let’s Lose Some Weight – 9

                                                             Let’s Lose Some Weight – 9

Subject – Shake It Off

By Rick Welborne

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV)                                                                                                                                                                                                                ¹  Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
²  looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
³  For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 

--Today I want us, in an indirect way, really think about the phrase “let us lay aside every weight”. We will be looking at one of Paul’s amazing adventures and how God came through for him.

--In Acts 27, as Paul was being transported by ship as a prisoner to Rome, a great storm arises and was so great that death to the almost 300 souls on board was imminent. 

--The Scripture says they were starving for fourteen days and they had completely lost hope they would be saved. You could easily say they were in total despair. Hopeless.

--In the midst of most certain fate, Paul proclaimed, "Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.” Bad news/Good news. The ship will crash but you won’t die.

--Paul said for this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar.’ 

--And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you. So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we must run aground on some island.” 

--Paul had certain faith in the plan and will of God as it had been revealed to him. He understood that this peace did not mean that the future did not hold suffering--actually he states that more suffering is to come. 

--Life Church, I cannot promise you things will not get worse than they are now but I can tell you that you can trust the God we serve. 

--But Paul was confident in the Word of his God and His God Who performs His Word.

Acts 28:1-5 (NKJV)
¹  Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta.
²  And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold.
³  But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
⁴  So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live."
⁵  But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 

1. When All Hope is Lost.

--Have you ever been there? Things are bad and you cry out to God and they get worse. Wait a minute, what about that theology that says whatever I say will come to pass? But it doesn’t.

--It appears the enemy has you bound, tied up, and on your way for more trouble. Now you are in the storm of your life. It could not get worse but it does. You’re cold, hungry, and fearful.

--In the middle of your peril a crazy preacher or man of God says don’t worry because I have been talking to God and everything is going to be okay. Don’t you want to smack them sometimes?

--The preacher tells you your ship is about to crash and go down. And where is the good news, Preacher? There will not be any loss of life.

--Even though someone tells you not to be afraid doesn’t mean you will positively experience a lack of fear. Can you imagine the sounds, the screams, the debris, the darkness? Sounds like our world now. 

--Life Church, please never forget God’s way may be in the sea. Say what? The will of God may be thru turbulent waters and a rough sea. What seems like it might kill you may be salvation for you or someone else.

Psalm 77:16-19 (NKJV)
¹⁶  The waters saw You, O God; The waters saw You, they were afraid; The depths also trembled.
¹⁷  The clouds poured out water; The skies sent out a sound; Your arrows also flashed about.
¹⁸  The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; The lightnings lit up the world; The earth trembled and shook.
¹⁹  Your way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters, And Your footsteps were not known. 

--I know you will be surprised by this but I see missions in this story. We always want comfort but what God always wants is salvation of the lost. The natives of Malta needed the gospel. 

--His way, His will may be through the sea so that people can hear the gospel for the first time.

2. Unusual Kindness, a Fire, and Being Welcomed.

Acts 28:1-2 (NKJV)
¹  Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta.
²  And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. 

--I have always loved the imagery here in this verse. The natives showed them unusual kindness, kindled a fire, and made them all welcome.

--The natives kindled a fire – after everything they had been through in the sea, these prisoners needed a warm place. Don’t you think people need church to be a warm place.

--People may come in looking like life has tossed them to and fro and they are just glad to be alive. They don’t need judgment, they need love, a warm place. Are you warm to new people or cold like the sea?

--The natives made them feel welcome. Do you have the kind of spirit that makes people feel welcome or are you the kind of person who pushes people away? How you treat people says much about you.

Galatians 5:22-25 (NLT2)
²²  But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
²³  gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
²⁴  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.
²⁵  Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 

--Don’t tell me you are filled with Holy Spirit if you are grumpy, impatient, and rude with people. If you are going to speak in tongues, also, speak to people in kindness. Make everyone welcome.

--The natives showed them unusual kindness. I love what that is saying. They showed up uninvited and left debris all along their shore line but they treated them with unusual kindness.

--People are used to being treated rude and disrespectful by the world. Do you just believe if we treat everyone with unusual kindness, we might be able to lead them to Christ?

3. Shake It Off!

Acts 28:3-5 (NKJV)
³  But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
⁴  So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live."
⁵  But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 

--Our verse that we used to create the name of our church tells us about the enemy:

John 10:10 (NKJV) ¹⁰  The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.

--Paul has been arrested, he is being taken with other criminals to Rome on a ship, a mighty storm comes up, they are 14 days without food, their ship crashes, and they survive. Then a viper bites him. What?

--The enemy of our souls never stops attacking and accusing us night and day. He is ruthless and he obviously wants to destroy us especially if we are trying to witness or preach the gospel.

--The text we have been looking at for the last two months has told us to lay aside or get rid of every weight that ensnares us but I love the way Paul does this…He shook it off into the fire. Wow! Yes, I said wow!

 Hebrews 12:28-29 (NKJV)
²⁸  Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
²⁹  For our God is a consuming fire.

--Again, what looks like bad news is only God glorifying His Name. The natives needed Jesus and God made sure Paul would be there to preach the gospel to them. Malta experienced revival. Time to shake it off.

--Pastor Rick, the enemy is attacking me and my family…Shake it off into the Fire!

--My body and my finances are under attack…Shake it off into the Fire!

--My family, my kids, my household is under attack…Shake it off into the Fire!

--I am having trouble getting through to my lost family and friends…Shake it off into the fire. 

--Lay aside every weight and Shake it off into the fire!

--Our God is a consuming fire!

Isaiah 43:1-2 (NKJV)
¹  But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
²  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. 

Prayer and Spiritual Warfare – 7

                                                         Prayer and Spiritual Warfare – 7

Subject – Our Feet Fitted and Ready

By Rick Welborne

Ephesians 6:10-15 (NIV)
¹⁰  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
¹¹  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
¹²  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
¹³  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
¹⁴  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
¹⁵  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 

--So far, we have looked at the belt of truth (Jesus is the Truth) and we have looked at the breastplate of righteousness…tonight we will look at your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 

1. Get ready…get ready!

Ephesians 6:15 (NIV) ¹⁵  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Ephesians 6:15 (NLT) ¹⁵  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

Ephesians 6:15 (NKJV) ¹⁵  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

--Just in case you have not caught this yet…Paul is talking about being intentional…readiness & fully prepared.

--If you will have readiness, if you will be fully prepared, if you will have preparation, if you will be ready… it will be because you intended for that to happen. You…you…you put on the full armor of God.

--Yes, you can live a life of reaction, conformity, or independence but, if you do, you will not be ready for battle. You must be intentional about winning this battle…you must do your part!

Gordon Maxwell – A Roman soldier wore thick leather boots and would take and drive nails thru the soles to act as spikes like a cleat or a golfing shoe. This gave him more traction, a good foothold, and a good foundation to stand and fight the enemy. This way, no matter how the enemy pushed the soldier, he could not be pushed back, he could not be moved. 

Barnes – With the shoes were added greaves that were fitted to the legs, and designed to defend them from any danger. These greaves were made of brass and were used universally by the Greeks and Romans. 

Adam’s Clarke’s Commentary – The greaves were deemed of essential importance in the ancient armor because if the feet or legs are materially (significantly) wounded, a man can neither stand to resist his foe, pursue him if vanquished, nor flee from him should he have the worst of the fight.

--The point here is this: our feet and legs are vitally important to be able to stand and hold your place when you are in battle. Ask any athlete who has an injured foot or leg. In sports we call them our wheels.

--J. Vernon McGee says we can’t pick and choose the parts of the armor we want…we need it all. Neither can we pick the parts of the Bible we like and forget the rest…all of it is important.

--You see, Christ is our Belt of Truth, He is our Breastplate of Righteousness, and He is the foundation on which our feet get prepared for the gospel of peace. Christ equips us for battle. 

--Our weapons are not carnal because Christ is not carnal:

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (NKJV)
³  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
⁴  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
⁵  casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
⁶  and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

2. We fight the battle to win peace.

--As I meditated on Eph. 6:15 it hit me that the purpose for war or for being engaged in battle is to get to a place of peace…we are fighting a spiritual battle but our goal is peace. 

--You may be in a battle for the souls of your prodigals, a battle in your heart after a broken relationship, a battle to see someone healed…our goal is for peace from the struggle whatever it might be.

Hebrews 12:12-15 (NLT)
¹²  So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.
¹³  Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
¹⁴  Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
¹⁵  Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. 

--Wow! Work at living in peace with everyone…what would happen if the church, the country, or the world would live by this…How different is this compared to a religion that calls everyone else infidels. 

--There is something special about people who bring peace to people and to situations. I love what the Apostle Paul says about this:

Romans 10:15 (NKJV)
¹⁵  And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" 

--Our feet should be geared or shod for war but our feet should be running to spread peace to everyone we can. This is not just for missionaries but for all of us. We could use a “Beautiful Feet” ministry!

3. Our feet must be planted on a solid foundation.

1 Corinthians 3:9-13 (NKJV)
⁹  For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building.
¹⁰  According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.
¹¹  For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
¹²  Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
¹³  each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is.

--Feet having a good foundation is so very important…this is why whether it is for battle or for sports…the right shoes are so necessary. Most of you women think they are just for a fashion statement…heeled!

--Verse 11 tells us again that it is Jesus Who is our foundation and the way it is worded is that He is the only foundation for us as believers…no other foundation can anyone lay than that of Jesus Christ.

Tyler Edwards - “God doesn't expect us to be a walking encyclopedia of biblical knowledge. He wants us to know Him, to be in a relationship with Him. This means not only hearing but allowing our understanding of God to change the way we live. Like the wise builder who laid the foundation of his house on the rock, we learn to let our knowledge of God change us.”

--I believe this has been said before but let me reiterate…it matters how we live when we walk this Christian life and it especially matters when we are engaging in spiritual warfare.

--When we live in such a way that the world cannot distinguish whether we are true followers in Christ and when we live in ways that are contrary to God’s Word…we have no reason to believe for victory in battle.

--When we enter spiritual warfare (for the believer that means getting out of bed) we must give great attention to our feet being planted in something stronger than we are…planted on the Rock Christ Jesus!

--So what this means is that spiritual warfare starts today and getting ready starts today…we must be intentional in all we do…what actions are you going to take today to be prepared for battle?

--I suggest that you put on the full armor of God every day out loud and that you build on that proclamation each day.

--Once I have prayed these declarations I pray for my wife, my children, my siblings, friends with marriage problems, the sick, the hurting and so on…then, I pray in Holy Spirit! I am intentional!

Andrena Sawyer - “When it comes to purpose and preparation, most of us want to skip the preparation part and get right to purpose, which is why we don't always get to truly enjoy and walk in our purpose. Don't despise the discomfort in preparation. It's the set-up for a firm foundation. Preparation ultimately ensures that we don't squander purpose.” 

--The Roman soldier was always going thru rigorous training to get him ready for battle. The constant preparation and detail to their weapons made them so successful.

--Of course, the same is true for us…we must be trained (our word is disciple) and we must put on the full armor of God so that we can stand when we are in the heat of the battle. Watch for the word stand!

Ephesians 6:10-15 (NIV)
¹⁰  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
¹¹  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
¹²  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
¹³  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand (to hold up under – to defy – to resist – to hold out) your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
¹⁴  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 

--Having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace in an enabling ability to stand in the middle of battle. 

Let’s Lose Some Weight – 8

                                                             Let’s Lose Some Weight – 8

Subject – What You Looking At

By Rick Welborne

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV)                                                                                                                                                                                                                ¹  Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
²  looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
³  For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 

--Last week we looked at the Four cylinders of Life Church in my humble opinion.

1. Our first cylinder is the Word of God. The Scriptures Inspired – The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct. 

--We must obey the Word of God!

2. Our second cylinder is welcoming Holy Spirit. Baptism of Holy Spirit – All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the Promise of the Father, the baptism of Holy Spirit and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

--We must be filled with Holy Spirit power!

3. Our third cylinder is home and foreign missions. 

Matthew 24:14 (NKJV)
¹⁴  And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. 

--We must be a church dedicated to the Great Commission at home and to the nations!

4. Our fourth cylinder is generosity. God so loved the world that He gave…Jesus so loved the Father and the world that He gave…Holy Spirit so loves the Father, the Son, and the world that He gives us power to be witnesses.

--Everything about God has giving and generosity all over it. Don’t tell me you are Christ-like (Christian) if you do not have a heart to be generous. Generosity has blessed Life Church and sustained us through difficult times. 

--We must be a church of extreme generosity!

--Today I want to talk to you about the thought…What you looking at?

1. Look at the Fields

John 4:31-38 (NLT2)
³¹  Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, “Rabbi, eat something.”
³²  But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.”
³³  “Did someone bring him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other.
³⁴  Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.
³⁵  You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.
³⁶  The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!
³⁷  You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true.
³⁸  I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.” 

--The disciple were trying to get Jesus to eat and Jesus said to “Listen guys, I have food that you know nothing about…My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. 

--Jesus was saying nothing satisfies me more than doing God’s will. What was He talking about? He was talking about bringing people to eternal life. Winning the lost. Missions!

--What is our nourishment, what stirs us to action, what is our motivation in the Kingdom of God, what do we perceive to be the will of God? I hope it is the Great Commission.

--For weeks I have desperately tried to communicate with you the passion of God the Father and Jesus Christ is reaching this lost world with the good news that Jesus saves. 

--What are you looking at? Jesus said “Wake up and lift up your eyes to the fields”. Have you ever heard of mission fields? 

--Even Jesus then was saying to His followers “Wake up and look.” I wonder if we truly get what it means for people to be lost. If people do not receive Christ, they will spend eternity in Hell.

--Do we even weep over lost family members and pray every day several times a day for their salvation. People are hurting and they are lost.

--Yes, they may say, “I don’t want to hear it.” But they may not be what is in their hearts. My dad was so mean and vile when I would share Christ with Him.

--When he would hit me and spit on me and cuss me out, through tears I would tell him that I am going to love you into the Kingdom of God.

--Listen to what my dad told me after he gave his heart to Jesus. Every time you shared with me about Jesus and me needing to be saved, it was just like a spear through my heart.

--Don’t give up on the prodigals…love them, share with them through the brokenness of your heart and let Holy Spirit do His work. Always be trying to lead someone to Jesus.

--Ever heard of sowing and reaping. You lead someone to Christ and help us reach the lost through missions, God will make sure someone is reaching out to your lost loved ones.  

--Look at the fields, Church! They are ready for harvest. So much fear, anxiety, uncertainty, anger, questions. Jesus is still the answer for a lost world. 

--All of us should be so thankful that we are a part of a church with a godly worldview. Instead of looking inward we are looking at the fields that are ready to be harvested.

John 4:36-38 (NLT2)
³⁶  The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!
³⁷  You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true.
³⁸  I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.”

--We should not care who gets the credit for people being won into the Kingdom of God as long as God gets all the glory. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! What joy for the missionary and the sender.

2. Look out for the Good of Others.

Philippians 2:1-11 (NIV)
¹  If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,
²  then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
³  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
⁴  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
⁵  Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
⁶  Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
⁷  but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
⁸  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!
⁹  Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹  and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

--Paul is exhorting the church that if you are truly united with Christ and are really thankful for that, then stop thinking just about yourselves and look at others.

--Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Stop being self-centered. Your relationship with Jesus was never meant to be a private thing. Should be shared. Dr. Smith:

Dr. Smith – What did you want from me? How many times have you heard the gospel? How many church services have you attended? Were you expecting something new from me? What right do you have to hear the gospel over and over when so many have never heard it for the first time? What makes you so special?

--Every knee should bow and every tongue should confess that Jesus is Lord…not because they are forced to on judgment day but because we have reached out to them personally and thru missions.

3. Look to Jesus

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)                                                                                                                                                                                                                ¹  Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
²  looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

--You will never get missions or evangelism on your own. Look to Jesus. Since people are watching and because people are lost, we should lay aside anything that keeps us from being like Jesus.

--For the joy set before Him He endured the cross despising its shame…He went thru torture, crucifixion, humiliation, shame, and pain for joy. What Joy?

--Jesus went thru all that for us so He could do the will of the Father and so that He could win the lost (to finish His work). Paul:

1 Timothy 1:15 (NKJV) ¹⁵  This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.