The Armor of God

Scott Risley

Ephesians 6:10-24

A spiritual battle rages around us that is a battle for truth with eternal consequences. We are called to stand firm not by our own strength but in the Lord's. We are to take up the full armor of God to withstand the schemes of the devil. We are to rely on God's truth, His righteousness, the peace that comes from the Gospel, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer.

Spiritual Warfare

James Rochford

Ephesians 6:10-20

Satan's strategies include manipulation, exaggerating offenses and hurt feelings, fueling temptation, and nurturing suspicion. The Christian's strategy to stand against his schemes is to put on the full armor of God. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, feet fitted with the readiness of the Gospel, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit make up the full armor of God.

Understanding Satan's Tactics

Conrad Hilario

Ephesians 6:10-12

God's enemy is real and relentless. You are the target. Jesus never reasons or argues with Satan but declares God's truth. You are in a battle. Are you going to be a combatant or collateral damage? You need to arm yourself with truth. If you are a Christian, you do not need to fear death or Satan.

The Call to Transformtion

Jim Leffel

Titus 2:1-10

For a Christian, truth should lead to a transformed life that a watching, lost world deeply longs for. Every stage of life of a Christian, whether you are young or old, male or female, is an opportunity to allow God to bring about transformation that honors the Gospel, silences critics, and adorns the message of grace.

Dealing with Deception

Jim Leffel

Titus 1:10-16

There are two forms of deception the enemy uses to lead people away from God. They are a false gospel which plays into peoples fear and pride and distortion/distraction which leads people to doubt the truth of the message and whether they could see themselves becoming a Christian. We combat these deceptions by using our freedoms wisely and showing people in word and deed that we are Jesus' disciples.

The Spirit-Filled Life

James Rochford

Proverbs 23:29-35

The key to deep change that leads to a Spirit-filled life is the Holy Spirit. First, one must put their faith in Jesus to forgive their sins, and they will receive the Holy Spirit. Next, living a life of speaking God's truth, giving thanks, and serving others in love leads to a life of sacrificial love, or a Spirit-filled life.

God's Triumph

Mike Sullivan

Romans 6:23

Christ won a great triumph on the cross. As Christians follow him, he leads us in triumph by making us a sweet aroma of of the knowledge of Him wherever we go. People react in different ways to this aroma. To some it is an aroma of life and to others it is the stench of death. We can be aromatic in a good way by following Christ's lead, by giving your life to God to love others, and by remaining true to God's Word.

Transforming Leadership Part 2:Character and Competence

Jim Leffel

Hebrews 13:7

The household of God is a life lived in community with other Christians. The house church is a place a seeker can explore if the Word is true and if they can see themselves as one of them, the members of the house church. Titus is reminded that he should choose leaders that exhibit character that is above reproach and have competence and confidence in the Word.

How to Get the Most Out of God's Word

Gary DeLashmutt

James 1:19-27

James writes to the deceived Christians a blunt rebuke and gives them a description of authentic spirituality. He explains how to listen to God through His Word. The key is having the proper heart attitude before, during and after approaching His Word. Before, come as a sick person, in need of help. During, come with humility, eager to receive the Word. After, come with the intent to act upon what the Word reveals.