At my graduation ceremony from basic training for the US Army, the speaker came out, stood behind the podium, took a giant deep breath, and said, "Finally, you made it!" The latter half of the last chapter of Ephesians (chapter six) lists the spiritual weapons Christians need to fight the good fight and live a … Continue reading Spiritual Basic Training
darkness
Warnings From Jeremiah
As I read Jeremiah, I cannot help but see the parallels between the United States and Israel of old. Do not get me wrong; Israel is God's nation. God gives promises to Israel that belong to no other country, but there are striking similarities in spiritual history. God makes it clear that Jeremiah is a … Continue reading Warnings From Jeremiah
God’s Armor
In Ephesians 6:10-19 the Apostle Paul gives Christians a list of battle armor for the spiritual war we face. There is a tendency among Christians to departmentalize problems into the groups of, physical and spiritual. They miss a significant point Paul stresses: everything is spiritual. Ephesians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, … Continue reading God’s Armor
Suit Up
Many Christians seem spiritually wounded. They want to do better in their Christian life, but for one reason or another, they believe they cannot. A wounded soldier on the battlefield, unable to fight back or reach their weapon, would be a physical example of this spiritual truth. Just as in physical warfare, in spiritual warfare, … Continue reading Suit Up
Sitting, Standing, Running, Rising
When reading the events of and surrounding the Crucifixion of Christ, it is interesting to watch how people respond. The self-righteousness of Caiaphas, the High Priest, as he refuses to put the blood money that came from the treasury back into the coffers. Governor Pilate as he struggles with his agonizing question, “What is truth?” … Continue reading Sitting, Standing, Running, Rising
Preacher's Point 