To be a Christian is to be at war – a war to rest in the right place. The world wants us to rest in and find satisfaction in everything but Jesus. So the enemy plants thoughts in our minds that line up with our sinful desires, and together they create an argument that easily becomes a stronghold. Paul says we've been given weapons that are powerful enough to tear down the argument and the stronghold.
The focus now shifts from Peter and James to Barnabas and Saul, with Saul/Paul being the main character from here on out. The gospel continues to spread, made up of these key items – Worship, Obedient Faith, Community, Discipleship, and Readiness for Spiritual Warfare.
In this message, we look at the five pieces of spiritual armor a believer puts on as we head into battle.
The first step to persevering through hardship and trial is to remember the truth of the gospel. But there are practical things we can do daily as we endure.