Tag Archives: the helmet of salvation

The Stand, the Sword and the Spirit

Posted on January 30, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Between 1950 and 1956, author C.S. Lewis wrote seven children novels known as the Chronicles of Narnia.  The first and best known, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was made into a modern movie by Disney, released in theaters on December 9th of 2005.  Narnia is only accessible through a wardrobe, found by accident during a game of hide and go seek.  After no one believes the youngest, Lucy, Peter secretly follows her, having his own encounter with the White Witch, symbolic of Satan.  As I look at our current society, it appears that fantasy has become reality as many are now under the power of darkness, held prisoner by the Devil.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes, Ephesians 6:11.

Aware of this situation, Paul wrote a letter to the church at Ephesus.  Within a chapter known as the armor of God, the apostle reveals three essentials necessary to withstand this battle.  First, the only way to endure fierce spiritual attacks is to arm yourself with the full armor of God described in chapter 6.  A stand will not be successful without each piece in place.  Second, a soldier of the cross must carry the Bible to fight back like Jesus did during his fast and temptation in the desert, Matthew 4:1-11.  Finally, when you feel like you can’t hold on any longer, pray in the Spirit to lead and keep you from falling.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, Ephesians 6:17.

Every day opportunities await, to rise and fall.  To draw near to God or slip closer away toward the gates of hell.  While this realm is invisible and dismissed by academia, faith helps me to see glimpses of Narnia.  Yet, unless I fan into flame the gifts given to me, 2 Timothy 1:6-7, I too will fall.  Since no one is immune to temptation, don’t allow yourself to fall asleep, under the spell of the White Witch.  Rather, arm up by taking a stand with the Sword and Spirit today.  Then, you too might experience something similar to the Chronicles of Narnia.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Declaration of Rhemas

Posted on October 2, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The word graffiti is derived from the Greek word grafe which means writings.  In the biblical context, grafe refers to the written word of God.  As you read words of the Bible, the Logos is the message within these writings.  Finally, the revelation of the Logos is called a rhema, when a believer makes a public declaration of a written truth.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart, Hebrews 4:12.

When you add these  3 concepts to the only offensive piece of the armor of God, the Sword of the Spirit comes alive.  The Bible serves as a two way player, defending lies made by enemies of the faith and piercing the hearts of those living in denial.  As individuals listen to solid teaching, the words of the Bible come to life, serving as a spiritual weapon.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, Ephesians 6:17.

In the first century, Jewish leaders and Roman officials attempted to silence first century Christians.  Peter and John were taken into custody, warned to stop talking about Jesus.  However, the bolder these apostles became, Acts 4:29, the greater the church grew.  Therefore, let the declaration of the rhemas commence so that the sword of the spirit will transform the souls of mankind.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

 

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