Who are you Fighting

Who are you fighting? In this current time there seems to be so many promoting horrible sins such as homosexuality, terrorism, abortion, and other detestable acts. In plain sight it seems obvious that the people who practice and promote these sinful deeds are the enemies. However, the Lord would say differently.

In Ephesians 6:12 Paul says, " For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." When you get down to it Paul is telling us our battle is not against people, but against Satan and his dark forces. Since our battle is against spiritual forces of evil and not flesh how does this change our perspective?

This knowledge does not mean that we do not oppose men who are wicked and who try to expand their beliefs to others. Evil should be battled by Christians even if it means the battle involves confronting and taking a stand against those who are wicked.

What this knowledge does do is help believers know who there battle is against. The battle is not against the person themself but rather Satan working through that person. This knowledge changes our perspective in the battle so we know the true enemy. Waging war on lost people of the world is never a good thing, but fighting against Satan is expected by God from his children.

The Ephesians would have been well aware who there battle is against and that is why Paul reminds him here. In Acts 19 the Lord had blessed Paul with great powers for healing and casting out demons. When some Jewish exorcists tried to do the same in the name of Jesus Christ the demon spoke to them. Look at what a demon said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?" Then the demon beat two of the exorcists leaving them naked and bruised. In verse 17 the text tells us that this news became known to those in Ephesus. The evidence that the battle is spiritual was apparent to these readers. It should also be apparent to Christians to be cautious of having battles with men and not Satan.

Our Savior teaches us how to do this in Matthew 16:23 when he turns to Peter and says, "Get behind me, Satan!" Jesus loved Peter as he loves everyone and knew that his battle was against Satan and not Peter. We need to recoginize as well as verbalize that it is Satan who is attacking us.

After realizing who the enemy is there is a need for us to be prepared to fight against him. Thankfully, the Lord has given us armor. This is armor not to protect our flesh but to protect our soul (Matt 10:28). We need to put on this full armor everyday and fight the good fight. We already have victory in Christ but Satan is at work to steal us over to his side of defeat. Be strong and fight for the Lord. He will protect your soul.

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹ and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ephesians 6:10-20

Children Remain Christians

About a month ago, I attended a funeral of a man who I believe was the oldest member of our congregation. It was sad to see brother Robert Cotter pass at the age of 89 and he will be dearly missed by this congregation. One of our elders noticed Bob coming to worship and had a conversation with him not too long before his passing. The elder told Bob that he was encouraged along with many other members by him coming faithfully to worship even during poor health. The shepherd commented to me and said that if we look at Bob we are without excuse for missing the assembly.

During the funeral, James was speaking about Bob and how he always came in holding a cain and would tell James the reason he chose that particular cane. My mind immediately went back to a verse that I had heard when I found out that Bob had passed.

By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.

Hebrews 11:21

Bob worshiped leaning on that cane for many years. In doing so he set an example for us all. One of Bob's children said at the funeral that his last words were, "Children, remain Christians." It sounded to me like something the beloved apostle John would have said in his old age to his Christian family. Bob taught us the reward in longevity of worship.


You finished the race Bob! Now enjoy your reward.

Disguised by Words

Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips

and harbors deceit in his heart

Proverbs 26:24

Wording can make all the difference. You can say, "Suzy your kitty was crushed under my tires as I backed out for work today" but you will likely instead phrase it, "Suzy your kitty is in a better place now." People will often use a phrase to make things sound less harsh or crude. "I have to use the restroom," or "He's having 'stomach' problems," or even "Check out my 'pre-owned' lexus. All of these euphemisms are used to keep us from thinking about the actual truth.

Society will do the same thing by giving a positive name to a sinful act. They change the wording so that they can be said and brushed over easily. A few examples of this deception are:

gay = homosexual

adult entertainment = pornography

pro-choice = abortion/murder

gaming = gambling

It is sickening to those who are righteous to se how evil can be twisted into something acceptable and palatable to society. Christians must be able to see through the dense fog of deception and

view the sin for what it really is. Words can disguise and mask the true meaning, but the Bible is full of examples and warnings about deceptive words. Satan from the time of the Garden has used words to manipulate people into sin. So how do Christians remain unscathed by deceitful words?

The good news about being a Christian is that we have no reason to manipulate words when describing our true purpose. Jesus never hid words (Jn 6:47-66; Mt 10:37; Mt 18:5-22; Mt 19:6-9). Some of his sayings were hard to understand but he did not sugar coat it. There was no reason to. Because he had the words of eternal life. He spoke these word lovingly to all so that they would have hope.

As disciples of Christ we can and should speak these same words. Not in order to condemn the world but so that they my be saved through the words of Christ if they choose to follow him. There is no reason to use sly words because we would only be converting the lost to a false hope. Instead we should unashamedly preach the cross of Christ (1 Cor 2:2-4). The cross encompasses a message of death of oneself, suffering, pain, and turmoil. While also conveying words such as hope, peace, eternal joy, and everlasting glory. Suffer through the cross with Christ and find life in his resurrection (Rom 6:3-5). Tell others about the cross and do not be ashamed of the language of Christ, himself (Mt. 28:19-20).

Lord, Teach us to Pray

Jesus often would go off by himself to spend time in prayer. In Luke chapter 11:1 this practice caused his disciples ask Christ how to pray. The disciples asked, "Lord teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples to pray." Jesus gladly responded this way.

"'When you pray, say:

Father, hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.’”

Is this prayer intended for us to say literally or use as a model for prayer? In one word, yes. Notice that Christ says, "When you pray, say." In Matthew 6:9 Jesus says, "Pray, then, in this way." Nothing is wrong with using this prayer to model your own personal prayer with your own wording. Likewise, it is completely acceptable to use scripture such as this directly as your prayer.

Obviously, a prayer like the Lord's prayer should not be said in repetitious vanities as some do, but should be said with understanding and meaning. Praying this exact prayer can be used as a tool to properly teach us how to pray. Like a musician learns from other artist before he develops his own music in the likeness of his mentors, a believer can learn how to pray from beginning to pray the prayer of our Lord.

Luke 11:1 points out that prayer was a habit for our Savior. If prayer is not a habit in your life begin by understanding and praying this prayer. Below are a few passages of scripture that will help you in understanding this prayer. Read these scriptures and say this prayer. Develop a habit of cognitive prayer in your own life. Jesus can teach you how to pray!

Father

Read: Romans 8:15-17

Hallowed by be Your name

Read: Exodus 20:7

Your Kingdom come

Read: 1 Peter 2:4-10

Give us each day our daily bread

Read: Matthew 6:26

Forgive us of our sins

Read: Romans 3:23&24

For we also forgive

Read: Ephesians 4:32

And lead us not into temptation

Read: Hebrews 2:18

Comfort or the Cross pt. 2 of 3

Autumn and I love watching the "Bourne" movies. Jason Bourne could blend in anywhere. He befriends those he knows can get him where he needs to be and will hurt anyone who stands in his way. It is truly awesome to see a spy do these things on the big screen. Sadly though, it is equally devastating to see this happen in the Church. Last weeks post focused primarily on the call to discipleship. A true disciple chooses the cross over any comfort of this world. Today I would like to examine one of the biggest threats to a good quality disciple, the spy.

Being a Christian is like running a distance race (see Paul's letters). A distance race can be rewarding, exciting, and enjoyable. At the same time the race is long, hard, and grueling. The good news is that the church can provide the support needed to push through the grind the same way a runner's supporters will urge him to go on. Dolefully, there are some in the crowd who are not there to support. Instead, they route Christians down the wrong path or encourage them to give up all together. I will refer to these people as spies.

We see an example of spies in Galatians 2:4. Paul writes, "But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage(NASB)." The churches in Galatia had people spying on them trying to destroy the church and lead followers of The Way astray. We have these false brethren around even today. They are saying things that our "itching ears" want to hear (2 Timothy 4:2). These spies use many tactics to accomplish their mission. In Galatians 2 they were adding burdens to men and taking away the liberties Christians had in Christ. Other false prophets were saying that liberties gave the right to do whatever Christians desired to win people and that grace would abound (Romans 6:1).

Subsequently, today spies appear to support us but can actually cut us off from the finish. These double agents cast a spell of crafty words that mask the realities of God. Even the strongest Christians must be cautious of this espionage. Paul asked the Galatians in the following chapter, "You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?" In chapter 5 he states, "You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?"

We know the truth of Jesus Christ! Don't follow down the wrong paths. Remain strong! Be alert and awake! Focus your eyes on the Cross. Men and women of faith are there for your example. The life of Christ is the perfect example of how to live. (Hebrews 11-12) Stand up to the spies. Don't let them take down your brothers and sisters. Expose them. Focus on the cross so that you will not stumble.

In the 2004 Olympics there was a runner named Vanderlei de Lima. He was competing for Brazil in the Marathon and was in first place with "only" 4 miles to go. His pace was blistering but his form was smooth as he was gaining strength and speed. When out of no where a drunk protester named the "Grand Prix Priest" jumped out and tackled Lima. It was a devastating blow. After the race an interview with Lima stated, "The attack really surprised me, because I did not think I was his target. He did not injure me, but he broke my rhythm and I lost concentration." Christians have to prepare themselves through devout study and practice of the scriptures to recognize where these men attack and how to withstand through Christ.

Through repentance and the grace of God we can enter the race once again. A conscious decision to finish will put our focus on the cross and make us better aware of what hinders us from getting there. Jesus helps make us aware by saying in Matthew 7:15-16, "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits." The fruit of a man's teaching will show where he is leading people. Do not focus on the number of followers but on the followers dedication to Christ and his teachings.

Christ is the good shepherd and he will rescue us and lead us where we need to go. He will pick us up to finish the race. The Savior accomplished this by laying his life down for us on the cross (John 10). Lima, the impeded runner, did not stay down or give up. He rose to his feet and finished the race. When attacked by false brethren it may seem easy after a blow to stay down and let them have their way. Lying down is what is comfortable when you have been injured. But disciples of Christ can rise again through the power of a resurrected savior. Disciples of Christ choose the Cross over their comfort.

Just when I thought I could become famous with my blog, this showed me the stark reality.

Proverbs

Autumn challenged me back in August to start reading Proverbs every morning. The way she asked me to do this is to take the number of the month and read the proverb that goes along with that. For example today is January 27th so I read Proverbs 27. The math works out nice since there are 31 chapters in Proverbs. On the last day of a 30 day month I will just read two. I guess next month I will need to set my alarm earlier on the 29th.

I'm thankful to have a wife that supports me in my role as the spiritual leader. Her challenge for me to gain God's wisdom through Proverbs has enabled me to become a better husband, father, son, and minister.

Today's reading from chapter 27:17 is a well known proverb that reminds me of how a good Christian brother can help in my walk.

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

Just in case you are wondering, the above picture represents iron (Fe) in it's atomic structure.