The Roman soldier armed himself to ensure that his steps would not be impeded on rough terrain. To facilitate movement over all kinds of roads, Roman soldiers often wore shoes studded with sharp nails. Such shoes ensured a good grip, and Paul likens the shoes to the “readiness,” or “preparation,” of the gospel of peace (Eph. … Continue reading –>
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness” (Eph. 6:14, NKJV). Though it’s a little difficult to know the exact nature of the girdle, it seems that in Ephesians 6:14 Paul may have been referring to a leather apron that offered some protection to the lower abdomen but also made freedom … Continue reading –>
In Ephesians 6:12, Paul describes the Christian life as a struggle, saying, “we . . . wrestle.” Notice, he uses the plural. The passage reads, literally, “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood” (NKJV). Every Christian is brought into the picture. In verse 13 he urges his readers to put on the whole armor of God. It is … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Eph. 6:14-18, 2 Cor. 6:7, Eph. 5:9, Rom. 10:15, 1 Thess. 5:8, Mark 14:38. Memory Text: “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” (Ephesians 6:13, NKJV). Key Thought: Every believer must be … Continue reading –>
Read Ellen G. White, “‘Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled,’” pp. 662-680, in The Desire of Ages; “Appropriating the Righteousness of Christ,” p. 93, in Faith and Works; “Science and Revelation,” p. 310, in Selected Messages, book 3. “Jesus gained the victory through submission and faith in God, and by the apostle He says to us, ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. … Continue reading –>
Fabrice knew nothing of God or Jesus. As a fisherman, he spent weeks at a time on board a ship. One day one of the sailors gave him a book about God. He read it with great interest. Following the book’s instructions, Fabrice prayed his first prayer. Fabrice wondered which Christian faith was the true … Continue reading –>
[Thought Starters for Victory Over Evil Forces November 7, 2012] 1. Religious power. What wars can you think of that were fought in the name of religion or religious values? How much persecution had its roots in religious zeal? Have you seen the battle between Christ and Satan raging where you live and work this week? … Continue reading –>
The examples of victories over demonic forces that we looked at in yesterday’s lesson happened in the days of our Lord on the earth. But the victories were by no means restricted to that period. In the book of Acts we find the continuing victories of Jesus’ followers over demonic forces. Of course, this shouldn’t … Continue reading –>
So far we have been shown by the Bible the hope and promises of victory that the Christian may have. Actually beyond these, we have real examples of Christian victories over evil forces recorded in the Bible. We begin with the example of the ministry of the early disciples whom Jesus sent out. Read Matthew 10:1-8; Mark … Continue reading –>
Shane Claiborne’s clever book title says it all. But Jesus tried that. He was President, King, and Head of State of Israel from the time of the Exodusuntil the Babylonian captivity. And in spite of His power and perfection, His presidential experiment failed. Sadly, Israel and Judah so totally rebelled against Him that He ultimately … Continue reading –>
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,” James 1:2 Have you ever considered how completely foreign that philosophy is to pretty much every other way of thinking on the planet these days? Most folks spend considerable time and money to avoid any kind of trial. Our lives (in the United … Continue reading –>
“‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’ The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’” Luke 10:36-37, NIV In the popular media, most problems seem to be solved by some … Continue reading –>
