I want to start this message with a story I read in the news recently.
In the Arkansas state capitol the satanic church petitioned for 3 years to erect a statue of goat-headed, winged creature named Baphomet to protest a Ten Commandments monument that was already there. You can Google the story.
This story reminds us that darkness is everywhere. But I told you this story not to put fear into your heart, but to remind you that where there is darkness, we can be the light that God uses to bring others to Christ.
In Ephesians 6: 11-18 it says, "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."
In the second sentence says "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places," we as Christians are in a war, a spiritual war. We have to be battle ready.
The Armor of God:
1.) Having your loins girt about with truth. Satan fights with lies. Only believe God's truth.
2.) The breastplate of righteousness. Satan attacks our hearts, emotions, self-worth, and trust. He accuses us of being guilty and unworthy, but we are worthy, forgiven and are accepted by faith into God's family.
3.) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Be ready and able to spread the good news. The enemy will try and convince you that telling others the good news is a worthless and hopeless task. It's not.
4.) Taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Protects us from the enemy's attacks, his insults, setbacks, and temptations. Cling to the hope in Christ.
5.) And take the helmet of salvation. Protects your mind and identifies your allegiance. The enemy wants us to doubt God, Jesus and our salvation. Don't let him.
6.) And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, the Bible. It protects us against the enemy's lies. When tempted, trust in the truth of God's word.
Before we were saved, we walked in darkness like other people, but once we get saved then we need a new walk. In Ephesians 5: 8 it says, "For us were sometimes darkness, but now ye are light in the Lord; walk as children of light."
You might have heard the saying, "Not Of This World." It essentially means that we as part of God's family, might be in this world but we aren't apart of it. God has separated us from it for a special purpose.
I John 1:5 (Be the light God uses)
"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."
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