Elected, Connected, Protected
We need to acknowledge that Satan wants us to lose and does everything in his power to make that happen.
Jesus changes who we are – if we’ll let him.
As you saw in the cardboard testimonies video, your fellow Jesus followers here at Central showed us how Jesus changed their identity – AND how Jesus sees them. They are allowing Him to work in and through them to experience true life change!
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
~Ephesians 6:13-18 (NLT)
Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting, you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. ~Ephesians 6:13-18 (The Message)
Temptation is one of the devil’s primary fiery arrows.
We need to remember that a step following Satan is a step away from Jesus.
We must understand that we’re incapable of defending ourselves against the enemies’ schemes on our own.
Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. -Ephesians 6:18 (The Message)
We must remember that we can’t take this faith journey alone.
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. –Ecclesiastes 4:12
We’re elected by God to be part of His family, we’re connected as a body of believers and we’re protected from the enemy by God’s power.