Easter - The Resurrection

I have not always been a follower of Jesus. I grew up Catholic. I was an altar boy. I said the rosary. I knew the prayers. I believed in Jesus. But I was not a Christian. I believed in Jesus. But I was not following Him. I was eighteen in 1991 when I became a follower of Jesus.

And it may surprise you to know - after Jesus was brutally murdered on the cross and rose from the dead - His friends struggled to believe he was really alive.

Luke 24:1-12 (NLT2)

But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2  They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 3  So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4  As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. 5  The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6  He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7  that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.” 8  Then they remembered that he had said this. 9  So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. 10  It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. 11  But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it.

It makes sense to me that if anybody ever wanted Jesus to be alive, it would have been the men who followed him for three years of their lives. When somebody you love dies tragically and suddenly, you miss them and want them to be alive.

Jesus did not die of a long, drawn-out battle with cancer or disease.  One moment, Jesus was healthy and enjoying dinner with his closest friends; the next moment, he was arrested and murdered.

The disciples had seen him work miracles and change lives. They ate with him, learned from him, and saw the hope he brought to people. They wanted Jesus to be alive more than anybody.  And their initial response reminds us that when it comes to the resurrection of Jesus…

SOME WILL ALWAYS STRUGGLE TO BELIEVE

The disciple's first response was not “Jesus is alive!” Their first reaction was that they believed the women were nuts! Their story sounded like nonsense to them. They refused to believe Jesus was alive.

That may be where you are today. You believe Jesus existed. You believe he did good things. You believe that he was put to death by execution on the cross…But just like the disciples, you struggle to believe He rose from the dead.

Let me say this. I am glad you are here today.

You came because you love someone who kept inviting you to church. Maybe you said yes after being asked five or six times. Maybe it was your mom, your wife, or your friend. And you finally said, “Fine. I will go.” That says something about you. That says you care about them.  So, thanks for accepting their invitation.

Now, it is important to note that the disciples changed their minds. They went from refusing to believe to fully surrendering their lives to Him. How did they get there?

Well, in between verses 12 and 36, Jesus made a few special appearances. Jesus appeared to a couple of his disciples walking down a road and talked with them. Then he appeared to Peter. Then he appeared to his disciples, to show them the nails in his hands and feet.

And the disciples got together, and they were talking about it.

“Jesus appeared to me!” “Me too!”

“He showed us his hands and feet…”

“We had an entire conversation with him…”

And right in the middle of those conversations…

Luke 24:36-41A (NLT2)

And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 37 But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! 38 “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40 As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder…

This was a moment when the disciples could not believe their eyes. Jesus, who had suffered and died on the cross, was now standing in front of them. And they still stood there in disbelief. They looked Him in the eye. They saw the wounds in His hands and feet. But their minds could not accept what they were seeing. His body was supposed to be decomposing. Not standing. Not speaking. Not alive.

They wanted to believe he was alive, but they had watched him die.  Their resistance reinforces the suffering and brutality of the cross they witnessed. The fact of his suffering left no room for hope.

Before Jesus was arrested in the Garden, he had been pleading with God to find another way to bring forgiveness to mankind rather than face the brutality of the cross.

Luke 22:42 (NLT2)

“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

We do not understand the phrase “cup of suffering” the way the Jewish people did back then. In the Old Testament “the cup” is often used as a metaphor for the wrath of God.

Isaiah 51:17 (NLT)

Wake up, wake up, O Jerusalem! You have drunk the cup of the LORD’s fury. You have drunk the cup of terror, tipping out its last drops.

Jeremiah 25:15 (NLT)

This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from my hand this cup filled to the brim with my anger, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink from it.

Habakkuk 2:16 (NLT)

But soon it will be your turn to be disgraced. Come, drink and be exposed! Drink from the cup of the LORD’s judgment, and all your glory will be turned to shame.

Isaiah called it a cup of terror. Jeremiah called it a cup filled to the brim with God’s anger. Habakkuk called it a cup of the Lord’s Judgement. In the Garden, Jesus asked God to let the CUP OF SUFFERING PASS.

We have seen God’s wrath in other places in the Bible…In the flood that covered the earth. In the fire that fell on Sodom and Gomorrah. In the ten plagues that crushed Egypt.

But on the cross, God’s wrath over sin would fall on Jesus. That is what Jesus feared. That is what He faced. And the disciples saw every bit of it. They saw His back ripped open by the scourging. They heard His final breath. They watched Him die. And they knew, nobody could possibly be alive after that.

If you have heard the message that JESUS is ALIVE over and over again, yet walk away with doubt, understand so did the very same men that followed Jesus!

Jesus stood in the same room.  He looked these men eye to eye…yet they STILL had their doubts! They wanted to believe – but because of the punishment Jesus paid for our sin, they just couldn’t.

Is that you? Maybe you really would like to believe that Jesus is alive, but you have your doubts. If the disciples - who talked with Jesus face to face - struggled to believe, it makes sense that some still struggle today. But Jesus did not give up on the disciples. He kept showing up.

And then we read in verse 45 that everything began to change…

Luke 24:45 (NLT2)

Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

JESUS STILL OPENS MINDS TO BELIEVE

So if you want to believe - ask Him. Right now. In your own words, say, “God, open my mind to understand Jesus.”

After Jesus opened their minds to understand, He taught them...

LUKE 24:46b-47 (NLT)

…it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47  It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’

If you asked God to open up your mind, the first thing Jesus wants you to understand is WHY he suffered, why he died, and why he rose from the dead. Jesus suffered, died, and rose from the dead, for YOU to receive forgiveness for your sin, and repent.

1 Peter 3:18 (NLT2)

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.

Jesus rose from the dead to bring you safely home to God.

Maybe today God has opened your mind to understand Jesus. Maybe something has clicked, and you understand why Jesus paid the price for your sin. In verse 47, Jesus said, “There is forgiveness of sin for all who repent.”

There is forgiveness of sin for all who repent. The word repent simply means, to change your direction.  It’s a U-turn. Repentance changes your direction.

REPENTANCE LAUNCHES A NEW LIFE

When Jesus opened their minds, the disciples chose to believe that Jesus was alive, that he had died for their sins, and they fully believed by surrendering their lives to him through repentance.

In order to be forgiven for your sins, you too must repent. In order to experience a brand new life, in order to start over, you must first repent.

PRAYER OF REPENTANCE

“God,

I BELIEVE that Jesus paid my penalty for sin on the cross.

I BELIEVE he died and rose from the dead.

I BELIEVE he is now with you in Heaven, and one day he will return.

I CHANGE MY DIRECTION and SURRENDER my life to you to be my SAVIOR…

THANK YOU for forgiving me and changing my life.

AMEN.”

If God has been speaking to you today, apply it to your life, invite a friend, and I will see you back here next week. Let’s keep loving God with all our heart, and loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Easter - The Crucifixion

Next Sunday, we’ll celebrate the most significant event in human history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, before we reach the empty tomb, we must sit at the foot of the cross. Because before Jesus rose, He bled. Before there was life, there was sacrifice.

Today, we’re walking through Luke 23:26–56, the crucifixion of Jesus. But this isn’t just a history lesson. This is the moment that changed eternity. This is the moment that changes you.

Luke 23:26–56

26 As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A large crowd trailed behind, including many grief-stricken women. 28 But Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For the days are coming when they will say, ‘Fortunate indeed are the women who are childless, the wombs that have not borne a child and the breasts that have never nursed.’ 30 People will beg the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and plead with the hills, ‘Bury us.’ 31 For if these things are done when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

32 Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. 33 When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.

34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.[f]

35 The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. 37 They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 A sign was fastened above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.”

39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”

40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

44 By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 45 The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. 46 Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.

47 When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” 48 And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. 49 But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching.

50 Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph. He was a member of the Jewish high council, 51 but he had not agreed with the decision and actions of the other religious leaders. He was from the town of Arimathea in Judea, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come. 52 He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock. 54 This was done late on Friday afternoon, the day of preparation, as the Sabbath was about to begin.

55 As his body was taken away, the women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where his body was placed. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body. But by the time they were finished the Sabbath had begun, so they rested as required by the law.

Jesus Took Our Place

Luke tells us that Jesus wasn’t crucified alone. Two criminals were led out with Him—men guilty of their crimes. But Jesus? He had done nothing wrong. And yet, He’s treated like the worst of them. He’s mocked, beaten, and nailed to a cross like a criminal. And then, with blood dripping from His body and the weight of the world’s sin crushing His shoulders, Jesus says: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Church, that’s your Savior

Not crying out in rage. Not defending Himself. He’s asking God to forgive the very people killing Him. Why? Because this wasn’t just a tragedy—it was a divine exchange. Jesus took our place.

Romans 6:23 says, “the wages of sin is death,” and someone had to pay. That someone was Jesus. He took what we deserved so we could receive what He earned. Let that hit your heart today: Jesus died for you. He died instead of you.

Grace Is Offered to the Undeserving

As the cross stands tall, one of the criminals joins in the mocking. But the other criminal speaks up. He says, “We’re getting what we deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he looks at Jesus—beaten, bloody, dying—and says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

What does Jesus say? “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Are you kidding me? No good deeds. No baptism. No church attendance. Just a simple request: “Remember me.” And Jesus says, “I will. You’re coming with me.” That’s grace.

Grace doesn’t wait for you to clean yourself up. Grace meets you right where you are. Grace says, “You still belong.” And maybe some of you today feel like that criminal; you’ve made mistakes, you’ve messed up big time, and you wonder if it’s too late.

It’s not. If you still have breath in your lungs, you still have a chance to say yes to Jesus.

Darkness Fell So Light Could Shine

Luke says it was noon midday when darkness covered the land for three hours. Creation itself responded to the death of its Creator. Then, in verse 46, Jesus cries out, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands.” And with that, He breathed His last. This wasn’t defeat.

Jesus didn’t get killed; He gave up His life. He chose this moment. He laid it down. And in doing so, He took on all the darkness of the world so you could walk in the light. The cross is not just about pain. It’s about purpose.

He was separated so you could be brought near. He was crushed so you could be healed. He was abandoned so you could be accepted. That’s the power of the cross.

The Cross Demands a Response

After Jesus dies, the Roman centurion, this hardened soldier who had likely witnessed countless crucifixions, praises God and says, “Surely this man was innocent.” Other people beat their chests and walked away in grief. Still others, like the women who had followed Jesus, stayed close.

Everyone saw the same cross, but not everyone responded the same way. And the same is true today. The cross demands a response. You can walk away from it and keep living like nothing’s changed…You can feel sad, feel convicted, and then go back to life as usual…Or you can fall to your knees and say, “Jesus, I believe. You died for me. I give you my life.” There is no neutral ground at the cross.

Let me ask you: What’s your response to the cross?

This is not just a story from 2,000 years ago, it’s your invitation today. To receive forgiveness. To find healing. To begin a life-changing relationship with the Savior who gave His life for you. Jesus took your place. He offers you grace. He carried your darkness. Now He asks for your response.

If today you want to say yes to Jesus…If you want to come back to the God who never gave up on you…If you’re ready to stop running, stop pretending, and just surrender…

Then pray this in your heart with me:

“Jesus, I believe You died for me. I believe You rose again. I give You my heart, my past, my future. I don’t want to live without You anymore. Today, I surrender. Be my Savior. Be my Lord. Amen.”

Next week, we celebrate the empty tomb. But today, we honor the cross, the place where death met its match. And where love paid the price for our freedom.

The cross changed everything. Let it change you.

Easter - Agony & Temptation

Last week, we concluded our Spiritual Warfare series by talking about the Valley of Darkness in Psalm 23.  And today, we are launching our four-week Easter series, and we will look at the temptation  Jesus faced in the Garden, the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the ascension into heaven.

If you have ever given into temptation – and afterward thought – how on earth did I end up here – today’s message will help you out.

In 4th grade, I was playing “Keep Away” on the playground. Keep Away was a little like Rugby and football. We had two teams, and each team would kick off to the other team, and the receiving team would try to run the ball all the way back down the field into the endzone.  We would pass it back and forth…but if you were tackled with the ball, it immediately became the other team's ball. I wasn’t wearing my glasses…so I couldn’t see the ball. The team kicked the ball off to us…I scooped up the ball and began to run like mad toward the end zone.  As the OTHER TEAM is chasing me down, one of my own teammates, Tammy, is behind me screaming, “Back Door!”  “Back Door!” I had no idea that she wanted me to throw the ball back to her. I thought she was yelling at me to go toward the back door of the school…So I aimed for the door and kept going. Suddenly, Tammy grabs the short hairs on the back of my head and jerks me to the ground. The ball fell…the other team picked it up and started making their way down the field. Tammy is standing over me, yelling, “I said, Back Door!”  I felt confused and disoriented.  I couldn’t believe one of my own teammates took me out.

For many, the feeling I felt lying there on the ground is the very same that many have when temptation overtakes them and they give into temptation and choose to sin rather than to obey God’s will. They think, I was running along so well, I can’t believe I did this….How did I wind up down here?

Luke 22:39-46 (NLT2)

Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. 40  There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.” 41  He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42  “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 43  Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. 44  He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. 45  At last he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief. 46  “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation.”

There is a medical condition called Hematidrosis (He-muh-ta-drosis). You can look it up on WebMD. On rare occasions, if an individual goes through intense pressure and stress, they sometimes actually sweat blood through their skin. This wasn’t a pretty picture.  Jesus wasn’t saying a PROPER churchy prayer.  He was kneeling on the ground, groveling, begging, and pleading with God that he would not have to suffer. This was the JESUS – fully God and fully man, experiencing the fear of death, pain, and torture.

But it was not only the concern of physical pain and death that Jesus was experiencing that caused blood to seep out of the pores of his skin. Jesus told his disciples twice to pray… so that they would not “enter into” temptation. Have you ever wondered what temptation was that Jesus was so concerned about? It was not a temptation toward lust. The disciples were not lounging around the couch late at flipping through channels and seeing flesh on TV.  They weren’t browsing the internet. They weren’t rolling dice, playing cards, and gambling money at the local casino. They weren’t fighting with one another or stealing money. It wasn’t a temptation to gossip or slander others.

The temptation that Jesus cautioned his friends about was the very same temptation he was in agony over.  In the Garden…Jesus faced the temptation to do what HE wanted to do, rather than do what God wanted him to do. Jesus was being torn apart in agony because he wanted to be obedient to God – but he didn’t want to walk the talk. Jesus was in agony because he wanted to obey God, but he didn’t want to carry his cross. He wanted to obey God, but he didn’t want to be arrested, whipped, and tortured.  He wanted to free people from their sins, but he didn’t want to be crucified. That is why Jesus sweat blood. He was torn.

TEMPTATION IS STRONGER WHEN YOU ARE ALONE

All he asked of his friends was that they stay awake and pray.  This was a group of friends that he had “done life” with for the past three years. Jesus had healed Peter’s mother-in-law. He had blessed them with a ridiculous catch of fish that they could profit off of. He laughed with them, spent time with them, and invested in them even when nobody else would give them the time of day…He gave them hope. He showed them God’s love. And now, when Jesus wanted his friends to pray, they couldn’t even stay awake.

So, Jesus faced the worst time of his life, alone. Maybe you know what that is like. Maybe you know what it is like to face difficulties, changes, temptation, diagnoses, and fears all alone. Perhaps you do not have any friends who will gather around you and pray with you as you walk through struggles in this life. You don’t have too anymore.  I can not say this more plainly: Join a lifegroup!

Last fall, Kristy and I joined a life group.  And, we are growing to care for one another. We are growing to trust one another.  We are building friendships rooted in the Word of God, his love, and love for each other. If you are walking through life alone, you do not have to. Maybe you have joined a lifegroup in the past and it wasn’t a good fit. Try again. God has a circle of friends waiting for you.  They will help you turn and trust in God during seasons of challenge and change.  And, they will be able to stand with you when you face temptations of all kinds.

If you are a follower of Jesus…and you are serious about following Jesus, you understand that…

NO BELIEVER IS IMMUNE TO TEMPTATION

1 COR. 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man…

As a follower of Jesus, sometimes we convince ourselves that other believers have it together and WE are the only ones who struggle with sin. We know others struggle with the temptation to sin – but we sometimes convince ourselves that others don’t struggle like WE DO. We think, “They read their Bibles all the time; they don’t struggle like me…Something must be wrong with me…”

Every marriage is hard.  Parenting is hard. Finances are hard. Obedience to God is hard. Life is hard. And just like Jesus faced in the Garden, in the midst of the HARD, temptation OVERTAKES us all and we give into temptation and sin.

So where does that temptation come from? I am convinced that our MEMORIES can stir up a desire and temptation to sin. Think about it. Jesus was and always will be God. Jesus existed long before he became a human.  He knew what it was like to EXIST as LORD overall. Before he became a human, he could do all He wanted to do.

But when he became a human, he gave up his rights as God…and in the Garden…Jesus was tempted to TAKE UP his rights once again. His MEMORIES of his LIFE AS GOD stirred up this DESIRE he faced to take control of his own life and do what he wanted to do. And you and I need to understand that…with certainty:

PAST PLEASURES CAN REIGNITE PRESENT TEMPTATIONS
(JAMES 1:13-14)

Usually, we are only going to be tempted to do something that we like to do.  We are only going to be tempted to do something that we find pleasure in.

There are things that we like and things we do not like. For instance, chocolate. The only reason you find pleasure and enjoy eating chocolate is because you have tasted it before.

James 1:14 (NLT2)

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.

A DESIRE to sin occurs only because we have experienced it or something similar to it before…and we liked it! Maybe the experience came through people, places, or your past. Maybe you remember how you used to live before you became a follower of Jesus. Memories of experiences that appealed to us in the past, can stir up temptation in our present and future. If we enjoyed it in the past, our flesh tells us we will enjoy it again.

This highlights the importance of guarding our families, ourselves, and our marriages today. We may have messed up in the past – but we know if we give into those pleasures in the future, it could damage those around us, and hinder our relationship with God. Parents, it is vital that you stand with your children to guard their eyes and hearts while they are young. Internet filters, cell phone apps, password codes for the tv channels…  If your child or teenager ever stumbles one time in this area – those lingering memories of what they saw will stay with them for a lifetime. So guard against creating new memories that could lead to temptations by gathering with friends and practicing prayer, because,

PRAYER + GODLY FRIENDS = POWER TO OVERCOME
(JAMES 4:6-8, HEB 2:18)

If you have been walking blindly into temptation after temptation…strengthen your prayer life. Begin to pray on a regular basis what Jesus prayed in the Garden – not my will, but your will be done. Ask God for his will to be done in your marriage, with your children, at your work…Ask God to help you be content and trust in His plan for you.

The brother of Jesus, writes in James 4:7:

James 4:7-8 (NLT2)

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8  Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

We see Jesus demonstrate this truth in the Garden.  He humbled himself before God. He bared his soul. He resisted temptation and God strengthened him. And Jesus will strengthen you today. Whatever you are facing. Whatever you are challenged with. If you surround yourself with friends. If you begin to pray like never before and humble yourself to God…Every temptation you face in life CAN be overcome.  You have Jesus on your side fighting for you…

Hebrews 2:18 (NLT)

Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.

And I thank God that He has not left us alone to walk in this world. He has given us friends, he promises to help us himself.

Warrior - The Dark Valley

Today, as we conclude Warrior, our sermon series on Spiritual Warfare, we are going to walk through one of the most recognized passages of scripture in the world.

For the last 11 weeks, we have been training for war. We have talked about armor. We have talked about standing firm. We have talked about casting out demons and fighting our battles in prayer. But today we are ending this series with the words of the greatest warrior in the Old Testament. A man who killed a giant, led armies, and lived through scandal, grief, and betrayal. The warrior is David.

Whether you are already a follower of Jesus or not, you most likely have heard the words written by David in Psalm 23 quoted in movies, funerals, or even pieces of it woven into popular songs.

Coolio’s “Gangsta Paradise” from 1995 even quotes the Psalm. But, rather than focusing on the peace that comes from following God, Coolio sings about the cycle of fear and hopelessness from street life and gang violence.  His “Valley of the Shadow of Death” are the streets he grew up in. His song struck a chord with the heart of the world.  So many people connected with the emptiness, hopelessness, and pattern of pain found in the lyrics.  Coolio even won a Grammy for Best Rap Solo in 1996 for his song.  And, unfortunately, we can all relate to the pattern and cycle of pain in life.  We go from one battle to another and often fight battles on many fronts.

Pain and suffering are inevitable in this world.  In one way or another, if you are a follower of Jesus, you will face battles that will leave scars. Some battles are demonic. Some battles are because of our own decisions. Some are fighting battles in their marriage, in their finances, with their children, with their health. Some are recovering from past battles with churches and are still overcoming church hurt.

But Psalm 23 is NOT a Psalm written for funerals or for the dead.  Psalm 23 is a daily battle plan for those who are alive. So today I want you to leave with Psalm 23 in your heart that you will carry forward in life as your daily plan for battle.

Psalm 23:1-6 (NLT2)
The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2  He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3  He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4  Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5  You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6  Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

To help understand the power of this Psalm, it is important to understand that at the time he wrote this Psalm, David was an older King of Israel and he was reflecting back on his life.

As a teenager, he fought lions and bears and killed them with his bare hands. He stood toe-to-toe with Goliath when trained soldiers cowered.

David had seen the battlefield. He had led men into war. He had lost people he loved. He had run for his life. He had slept in caves. He had been betrayed by friends and hunted by a king he once served. He led armies. He failed publicly. He buried children. He faced every type of battle possible, and as an older King, he writes this “Battle Plan” for other people who desired to be people after God’s own heart.

The first thing we need to remember about spiritual warfare and the battles that we face might sting a little bit.

FOR WARRIORS, THE DARK VALLEY IS THE RIGHT PATH

Through this Psalm, David is painting a picture of God as our caring Heavenly Father, leading us and guiding us.

Psalm 23:1-3 (NLT2)
The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2  He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3  He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

As David looked back and reflected on his life, he remembered running from the wicked King Saul in the wilderness.  He thought of how God guided him through the wilderness.  How God guided every step, located every cave for David to find shelter, and led David to streams to quench his thirst, to lay down, and rest even though he was being hunted down. Then, David acknowledged something that all of us need to remember:

The same God that protected Him, renewed his strength, and quenched his thirst, also led him led him to the dark valley.   Because, as David already acknowledged, the Dark Valley is the right path.

Psalm 23:4 (NLT2)
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

God, who led David beside the right path in verse 3, is still leading David through the darkest valley in verse 4.  David said, “even when I walk through the darkest valley…you are close beside me.”

When we walk through dark valleys, as followers of Jesus, we often assume we have taken a wrong turn. We presume that pain equals punishment. We assume that struggle means something is broken. We assume we are being punished for sin. We whisper prayers like, “God I don’t know what I did, but please help me to learn from this.” But David says, “This valley of the shadow of death - it is a right path.”

If you are walking through the valley right now, it may not feel right. It may not look right. But if the Shepherd is leading you, it is right. You do not have to second-guess every hardship. You do not have to wonder if God left you behind. The Battle you are facing hurts.  But it is the right path.

How dare I say that to you?  How could I possibly suggest that the pain you experience in life is the right path for you?

Well, I was sexually abused by my alcoholic father until I was 13 years old.  He called me names, put me down, and terrified our home.  Kristy and I faced six years of infertility.  We had a miscarriage.  I have been betrayed by followers of Jesus.  I have experienced church hurt from trusted friends. I watch three of my children fight an autoimmune disease every day.  We face hardships that we whisper to God about. And, I can honestly tell you.  The Dark Valley is the Right Path.

We live in a broken world that has been impacted by sin.  And, sin broke the painless and perfect life that God planned for us. So, the Dark Valley is the right path…now.  And, as you fight battle after battle. As you fight health battles. Marriage Battles. Finance Battles. Dating Battles. Work Battles… In time, you will understand that…

SEASONED WARRIORS LEARN NOT TO FEAR

The reason David said, “I will not be afraid” is because David had learned that the Shepherd never abandons during the battle. He learned that God never retreats. God never waves a flag of surrender. God never ducks and runs when you have been cut deep in the battle. David had learned to expect God’s presence in the valley. He remembered what it felt like to walk out onto the battlefield with nothing but a sling and five stones and to feel the presence of God steady his hand.

He remembered being in the back of a cave while Saul was breathing down his neck to murder him, and knowing that it wasn’t just David and Saul in that dark cave – but God was there shielding him and protecting him.

He remembered the cry of heartbreak after the death of his newborn, and how he experienced the comfort of God holding him up. David was a seasoned warrior. Seasoned warriors do not learn to fear less because the battles get easier and are less painful. They learn to fear less because they experience God’s presence in the middle of pain.

And Kristy and I are learning that, too. Some battles we have experienced together really don’t feel right.

If you are in a valley today and fear is gripping you, please understand…You will not always feel like this. Fear will visit you and your household, but it does not get to move in with you. You may feel afraid, but you are not abandoned.

And that is why seasoned warriors learn not to fear—Not because we are strong, but because He is close. And, when you feel like you go from bad to worse.  When you go from one battle to the next…David did, too. And, even when David was going through a Valley of the Shadow of Death…Saul kept on chasing him to kill him!

We see in this Psalm that…

THE ENEMY IS RELENTLESS—BUT SO IS GOD

While David was in that Dark Valley – it wasn’t just he and God. His enemy was there, too.  In fact, many of his enemies were there.  Enemies who wanted to end his life and destroy him.  But look how God showed off!

Psalm 23:4-5 (NLT2)
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5  You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

In the presence of David’s enemies, look what God did. Right smack dab in the middle of the darkness, death, and fear.  God pulled out a picnic blanket, spread it on the ground, picked up his rod and staff, faced David’s enemies, and said:

“Sit down, David. You are safe. I’ve got this.”

Even while the battle rages, God is honoring you, anointing you, and blessing you. He does not get intimidated. He does not hide. God walks right into the presence of your enemies, looks them in the eye, and spreads out a feast for you. You may feel surrounded. You may feel like the battle is raging. You may feel like you are not winning. But God is honoring your faithfulness, even while the enemy watches. So, sit down. Stuff your face. And, surrender.

Surrender because…

SURRENDERING TO YOUR ALLY BRINGS REST FOR YOUR SOUL

Psalm 23:6 (NLT2)
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

David understood that God’s unfailing love would pursue him all the days of his life.  He didn’t live in fear that his enemies would continue to pursue him…He lived with confidence that God’s love would pursue him – through the battles, through the valley, through the fields of life. David had lived long enough to realize that real rest comes from surrendering to the One who is in control. And surrender is not weakness. Surrender is not giving up and throwing in the towel.  It actually requires a great deal of humility to surrender to God. Surrender is saying, “I cannot fight this battle in my own strength anymore. I am laying down my weapons and placing my trust in my Shepherd.”

So here we are at the end of our Warrior Series. Thirteen weeks of armor, strategy, truth, and battle. I hope you walk away from this series with the understanding that this life is not easy. But you are not powerless. And you were never meant to fight alone. Begin to live transparently with a sermon-based life group.  Battle for yourself with others. And invite others to battle for you. And, remember.  When you walk through the darkest valley…when you fight battles…He walks with you. He leads you. And He defends you. You never battle alone. You have a Savior. A Warrior King. A Shepherd.

So, you can keep trying to carry your own burdens. You can keep trying to win your own battles.

Or…

You can surrender to your Ally. And you can give your life to Jesus.

Romans 10:9 (NLT2)
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

That is it. It is about surrender. It is about saying,

Jesus,

I am ready to surrender to you. Thank you for paying the price for my sin on the cross. I trust and believe You are the Son of God. I believe You died on the cross and rose from the dead. I believe you went up to Heaven, and one day you will return. And today, I surrender my life to you.

Amen.

Warrior - Faith-Shaking Battles

If you grew up in the ‘90s, you probably remember Church Lady from Saturday Night Live. Dana Carvey played this over-the-top, judgmental Christian woman who interviewed celebrities, politicians, and dictators like Saddam Hussein. And when she criticized them for wrong, then asked why they did it…she would squint her eyes, purse her lips, and ask in a high pitched voice “Could it be… Satan?” That phrase, along with “Well isn’t that special…” became one of the most iconic catchphrases on television at the time.

Honestly, we blame the Devil for a lot that goes wrong in our lives…If you are running late and hit every red light on the way to work? The devil is testing my patience. You forgot your anniversary, and your spouse is upset? The enemy is attacking my marriage. We often play the "The Devil Made Me Do It" card.

We all know, that not every battle we face is caused by the devil.

Mark 9:14-29 (NLT2)
14  When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd surrounding them, and some teachers of religious law were arguing with them. 15  When the crowd saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with awe, and they ran to greet him. 16  “What is all this arguing about?” Jesus asked. 17  One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. 18  And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.” 19  Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20  So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth. 21  “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, “Since he was a little boy. 22  The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” 23  “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” 24  The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” 25  When Jesus saw that the crowd of onlookers was growing, he rebuked the evil spirit. “Listen, you spirit that makes this boy unable to hear and speak,” he said. “I command you to come out of this child and never enter him again!” 26  Then the spirit screamed and threw the boy into another violent convulsion and left him. The boy appeared to be dead. A murmur ran through the crowd as people said, “He’s dead.” 27  But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up. 28  Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, “Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?” 29  Jesus replied, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer.”

Jesus addresses two battles in this story: the demon and the lack of faith.

NOT ALL BATTLES ARE CAUSED BY THE DEVIL

Notice what happens. The father assumes this is a demonic issue, and the disciples assume they have the power to fix it. But Jesus doesn’t rush to conclusions—He asks questions.

And alternatively, sometimes, we assume a battle is purely spiritual when, in reality, it’s something else entirely. Think about how often we do this in our own lives. Something goes wrong, and we immediately assume that the devil is attacking us.

If your marriage is struggling, it must be spiritual warfare.
If your finances are a mess, the enemy must be stealing your blessing.
If you feel exhausted, the devil must be trying to wear you down.

But, what if your marriage is struggling because you stopped making time for each other?
What if your finances are a mess because you spend more than you earn?
What if you are exhausted because you don’t have healthy boundaries?

Yes, Satan attacks. But sometimes, the battle we are in is the result of life in a fallen world.

James 1:14-15 (NLT2)
14  Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15  These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

James does not say, “Satan drags us away.” He says our own desires drag us away. This means the battle we are fighting isn’t always demonic—it’s often a battle against our own flesh. Sometimes, the real enemy isn’t the devil—it’s our own decisions. Sometimes, what we call a “spiritual battle” is just reaping what we’ve sown.

Now, look what Jesus addressed initially.  First, he focuses on the people’s faith.

Mark 9:19 (NLT2)
19  Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

Can you hear the frustration in his voice? Jesus was frustrated with the people because the demon wasn’t their biggest issue.  They were sitting around arguing because their biggest issue was their imperfect faith.

When Jesus asked the dad about his boy’s condition, the father told him exactly what was going on, then said:

Mark 9:22c (NLT2)…Have mercy on us and help us, if you can…

IMPERFECT FAITH CAN GROW

The father in this story had faith. He wouldn’t have brought his son to Jesus if he didn’t believe something could happen. He had hope. He had seen or heard enough about Jesus to believe a miracle was possible.  But, he had his doubts. And, it is important that we all understand that Faith is almost always mixed with some level of doubt.  We do not have perfect faith, we have imperfect faith.  And the good news is that imperfect faith can grow…and imperfect faith can still see a miracle happen.

We see in verse 24 that this father had faith, but it wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t unwavering. It was faith that struggled. Faith mixed with doubt. Faith that said, “I believe, but I still have questions.” Jesus didn’t rebuke him. Jesus didn’t tell him to come back when his faith was stronger. Jesus didn’t say, “You need 100% certainty before I will work in your life.” Jesus didn’t demand perfect faith before He healed his son and worked a miracle.

Some people think they need a flawless, doubt-free faith before they can trust God. They believe that if they have even the smallest amount of uncertainty, God won’t move in their lives. But that is not how faith works. Faith is about trusting God even when you don’t. Trusting God even when I don’t… what? Even when I don’t see results? Even when I don’t feel it? Even when I don’t understand?

Yes. All of the above.

Faith isn’t about having everything figured out. It is about trusting God when you don’t have all the answers. When you don’t know how He is going to work things out. When you don’t see the progress. When you don’t feel strong. When you don’t understand why things are happening the way they are.

Jesus took the imperfect faith the man had and brought a miracle anyway. Faith is trusting God even when you don’t have all the answers, don’t see how things will change, and even when you don’t feel strong. God isn’t waiting for you to have perfect faith. Just bring what you have. If you feel like your faith is weak, bring what you have to Jesus. Because faith, even when mixed with doubt, is still faith. And God can grow it.

Now, as we see in this story, faith doesn’t always lead to instant answers. Sometimes, it actually feels like things are getting worse before they get better.

BATTLES CAN FEEL WORSE BEFORE THEY GET BETTER

That is exactly what happened. When Jesus commanded the demon to leave, the boy didn’t immediately sit up, healed and whole.

Mark 9:26 (NLT2)
26  Then the spirit screamed and threw the boy into another violent convulsion and left him. The boy appeared to be dead. A murmur ran through the crowd as people said, “He’s dead.”

Imagine being that father. At that moment between faith and waiting – he thought his son had died. The boy isn’t moving. He isn’t speaking. He looks dead. The crowd murmurs, people whisper, and the father is standing there. He brought his son to Jesus to heal him, Jesus took action, and now his son is dead.

Have you ever been there? You trust God with a situation, and for a moment, it looks like it got worse instead of better. You pray for healing, but the symptoms intensify. You trust God with your finances, but an unexpected bill comes. You step into a new occupation, and get hit with unexpected obstacles.

We assume that if God is in it, things should immediately get better. We assume that the presence of struggle means the absence of God. BUT, if we stop trusting God in that moment, you might walk away before you see the miracle.

The boy looked dead. The crowd thought it was over. But Jesus wasn’t finished.

Mark 9:27 (NLT2)
27  But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up.

One touch from Jesus, and the battle that looked like a loss, became a victory.

What if you are in that moment right now? What if things are feeling worse because the enemy wants you to give up before you see what God is about to do? Maybe today, your faith is being tested. I know for some of you the battle has been long, and you feel like things are getting worse instead of better. Do not walk away before a miracle happens.

Hold onto your imperfect faith. Keep praying. Keep trusting.

PRAYER ACTUALLY WORKS

When Jesus is finally alone with His disciples, they ask the question that has been bothering them…

Mark 9:28b (NLT2) 28  Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?

Jesus points them to something they had neglected.

Prayer.

He says:

Mark 9:29 (NLT2) 29  Jesus replied, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer.”

This means the disciples had been trying to cast out the demon without praying. Think about that for a moment. They had done this before, so they thought they knew what to do. They had experience. They had seen results. They likely thought, “We’ve got this. We don’t need Jesus. But their past success made them overconfident in themselves. And Jesus calls them out for it.

This wasn’t about using the right words. It wasn’t about trying harder. It wasn’t about saying the name of Jesus louder. This was about dependence on God.

How many times do we make the same mistake? We try to fix the situation on our own before we ever take it to God. We step into the battle in our own strength and wonder why we are exhausted. We treat prayer like an emergency button instead of our first move.

Jesus reminds us today, some battles will never be won without prayer. Not because prayer is a ritual. Not because prayer is magic. But because prayer keeps us dependent on God.

When we pray, we are acknowledging, “God, I cannot do this without You.” When we pray, we are shifting the battle from our strength to His.

PRAYER ACTUALLY WORKS!

Maybe today, you feel like the disciples—you have tried everything, but you keep hitting a wall. Maybe you are in a battle, and nothing seems to be working. Maybe you have been relying on your own strength, your own wisdom, your own ability—and you are exhausted.

It is time to stop fighting in your own strength. It is time to stop trying to handle it on your own. It is time to pray. Because prayer actually works. So, I invite you to come forward to pray.  To cast all your anxiety, all your fears to God, because He cares for you. To Pour out your heart to God because he is a refuge for you.

Warrior - known in heaven, feared in hell

Have you ever noticed how unoriginal Hollywood is when it comes to movies about demons and the devil?

It is almost always the same formula:

• The room gets cold.

• Lights flicker.

• The priest walks in, armed with a crucifix and a bottle of holy water.

• Some Latin chanting starts.

• A creepy child voice says something backwards.

And then they expect you to believe that waving a cross, lighting candles, and reciting a Rosary sends the demon packing. It's funny that movie writers all think that demons are scared of a King James Bible or a silver cross. Hopefully, you now understand that Spiritual Warfare is real, and our enemy does not care about props.

Spiritual power does not come from rituals…power comes from relationship. And if you do not have a real relationship with Jesus, you can say all the right words and still get wrecked. That is exactly what happens in Acts 19, where seven guys thought they could fake their Armor and ended up running through the streets naked.

Acts 19:11-20 (NLT2)

11  God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. 12  When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled. 13  A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” 14  Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15  But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 16  Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered. 17  The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. 18  Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. 19  A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars. 20  So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.

We have all heard the expression, “Fake it until you make it.” And in some areas of life, that might work. You can fake confidence in a job interview. You can fake knowing the lyrics to a song. You can even fake liking your mother-in-law’s green bean casserole. But there’s one thing we think we can fake, but can’t.  “Wearing the full armor of God.”

The Seven Son’s of Sceva thought they could fake the power of God. These men had been watching Paul. They had watched him cast out demons. They saw how crowds reacted as people were being healed. And at some point, they may have thought: What an amazing way to make a little money!  Let’s just say the name of Jesus, and the demons will leave! And people will give us their money to be healed. So, they begin working the name of Jesus into their incantation. Maybe they came up with a rhyme, maybe they patterned it after a children’s Jewish song, but they created an incantation and they used the name of Jesus.

Now, initially when they recited this incantation, they must have had some “actors” playing the part of people who were demon-possessed – but then they encountered the real deal.  They encountered a man who was possessed by the devil, and this is where the wheels fell off their wagon. They say: "I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!"

They said the right name.  They used the name of Jesus.  But they were overpowered, beat up, and embarrassed in the village because they did not understand something that many of us often forget:

AUTHORITY COMES FROM WHOSE FAMILY YOU BELONG TO
(Acts 19:15, Luke 10:19, Romans 8:15-17)

Authority over evil is not about saying a prayer correctly, or having the right attitude.  Spiritual warfare is not wrestling against an equal and opposite force. Jesus has already won the war. The enemy tries to deceive, discourage, and destroy, but in Christ, we are standing in victory (Colossians 2:15). Authority over evil comes from belonging to the family of God through a relationship with Jesus. The demon said,

Acts 19:15b (NLT2) … ‘I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?’”

These men may have been known in the community, but they were not known in the spiritual world, because they did not belong to the Family of God. They were invoking the name of Jesus without having a relationship with Jesus. They knew about Jesus, but they did not know Jesus. The sons of Sceva tried to use the name of Jesus like a formula. They thought if they just said the words, the power would show up. But spiritual authority does not come from magic words. It comes from being part of the family of God.

In the Gospel of Luke, (Luke 10:19) Jesus gave authority to his disciples to work miracles in his name, then he sent them out and they brought the life-changing message of Jesus to people who were broken, hurting, and needed a miracle. But, Jesus did not give authority to random people passing by, he gave authority to his disciples, people who surrendered their lives to Him. The enemy does not just recognize the name of Jesus, the enemy recognizes those who belong to Jesus. That is why Paul had authority. Paul belonged to Jesus. Paul was known in heaven. Paul was known in hell. The seven sons of Sceva? The demon said, “Who are you?” Authority does not come from what you say. It comes from whose you are.

Maybe your marriage is struggling. Maybe your kids are hurting. Maybe you are facing addiction, bad habits, or the weight of your past. So you turn to religion. You ask others to pray. You try to clean up your life. You go to church. You learn the right phrases. You memorize a verse or two. But spiritual battles are not won by showing up at church or repeating Christian words.

They are won by belonging to Jesus.

So, the question is not "Are you religious?” The real question is "Are you His?"

Romans 8:15-17 (NLT2)

15  So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16  For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 17  And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

When you gave your life to Jesus, you were adopted into His family. You carry His name. You stand in His authority. You rely on His power. That means when you do step into a spiritual battle, you do not stand there in your own strength, you fight that battle under the banner of the name of JESUS. The devil does not fear people who attend church. The devil and his demons fear the children of God who walk in the authority of Jesus. The sons of Sceva got beat up and humiliated because they were spiritually powerless.

RELIGIOUS WORDS DON’T DEFEAT SATAN, OBEDIENCE DOES
(Acts 19:13, Acts 19:14-16, Matt. 7:21-23)

Paul wasn’t chasing status. He wasn’t trying to build a brand or make a name for himself. His only goal was to make Jesus known.

Today, some people try to commercialize faith—selling prayer cloths, miracle water, or anointing oil as if God’s power could be bought instead of received through faith. Some have motives that try to make financial profit off the name of Jesus.

But that wasn’t Paul’s attitude.Paul simply wanted to live in obedience, follow the one who paid the price for his sins on the cross, and tell other people about him. When he wrote to the Corinthian church he said,

2 Corinthians 4:5 (NLT2)

5  You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake.

And, Paul could have attempted to make his ministry about him.  At the beginning of this passage we see that God chose to use Paul in unusual ways:

Acts 19:11-12 (NLT2)
11  God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. 12  When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.

How crazy is this?  When you see televangelists on TV asking you to send them money and they will send a prayer cloth to you to heal you or others of their disease, it is an attempt to claim the authority that God gave to Paul. Paul could have created a dynamic ministry all about him. Like a barker at a Carnival, he could have pitched a large tent, charged admission, and made money. “Bring your sick. Bring your diseases. He will heal them all…” But, Paul kept his ministry focused only on Jesus.  That’s why the devil knew who Paul was. Paul lived unselfishly with a ministry that was never about him.  He lived in humble obedience to make everything about Jesus. And, because of his OBEDIENCE, the devil knew who Paul was.

Wouldn’t you love to live in such a way that hell takes notice when you wake up in the morning Because of your obedience. Because of your relationship with God. Because of your faith? When you wake up each day, the powers of hell say, “Oh crap.” Not because of how loud you pray. Not because of how many Bible verses you can quote. Not because of religious words. But because you belong to the King. You are growing in your relationship with Him, and you strive to live for Him every single day.

So, if you want to live victoriously, you can’t borrow someone else’s relationship with Jesus. You need your own faith. You need your own relationship. You need to wear your own ARMOR.

DON’T GET CAUGHT WITHOUT YOUR ARMOR
(Ephesians 6:11, Acts 19:16)

The sons of Sceva went into battle unprepared, and they got wrecked. They tried to take on a demon, and it stripped them, beat them, and sent them running for their lives. They weren’t just overpowered. They were humiliated. And that’s what happens when you step into a battle without the armor of God.

If you enter into a marriage without the armor of God, you are vulnerable to bitterness, resentment, and temptation. If you go to work every day without the armor of God, you are wide open to pride, greed, and compromise. If you parent without the armor of God, you may find yourself reacting in frustration instead of leading with wisdom. You cannot go up against the enemy unarmed. You need your armor.

Maybe you are thinking, "Wait a second. The Seven Sons of Sceva weren’t followers of Jesus. That’s why they were defeated.” That’s true. But just because you belong to Jesus does not mean you are automatically prepared for battle. Even as followers of Jesus, if we live like disobedient followers of Jesus, we will be defeated, too. That is why Paul tells us to put on all of our Armor!

Ephesians 6:11 (NLT2)
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

The Seven Sons of Sceva only had an incantation. They threw the name of Jesus into their man-made formula and expected power. And if we are honest, we do the same thing. We sprinkle a little Jesus into our dating relationships but ignore purity. We sprinkle a little Jesus into our finances but refuse to trust Him with our giving. We sprinkle a little Jesus into our parenting but do not model real faith at home. We rub Jesus like a lucky charm instead of wearing the full armor of God, holding up our shield of Faith, and moving forward into the battle. Too many followers of Jesus are not putting on the armor, we are just quoting the name.

If you have been trying to fight spiritual battles in your own strength, without the armor of God, you already know how that ends. You feel exhausted. Defeated. Discouraged. But it does not have to be that way. Today is the day to make a change. Put on the armor. Walk in His strength. And stand firm.

Warrior - Firepower

Last weekend I was in Washington DC to ask lawmakers to fast-track cell therapies proven effective in other countries against Type One Diabetes. I shared with them the stories of my three warrior daughters who battle against T1D every minute.  Before insurance, the cost of insulin, and their supplies is over $24,000 for a three-month supply.  So, I also asked them to help get the cost of prescription drugs lower. I hate saying these words, but I am going to say them:

Without insulin, my children will die.

And, without Prayer, followers of Jesus grow cold and ineffective. We can wear all the armor, hold the sword, and carry the shield, but if we do not pray — we are just standing there waiting to get hit. And for many, they believe in Jesus. They try to do what is right. But they do not pray. And prayer is where the firepower is.

Paul wraps up his teaching on the armor of God with a command to pray.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT2)

 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13  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. 14  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18  Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT IS OUR AMMUNITION
(1 John 5:14-15, Rom 8:26-27)

Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:18, “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.” This phrase "praying in the Spirit" has been widely misunderstood.  Some believe it refers to praying in tongues, while others think it means praying with strong emotion. However, if we look closely at the Greek text and the context of Ephesians 6, we see a clearer meaning.

The phrase “in the Spirit” comes from the Greek words which means to be under the direction or influence of the Holy Spirit. Paul is not introducing a separate kind of prayer but rather describing how we are to pray, prayer that is Spirit-led, Spirit-empowered, and Spirit-aligned. This fits within the larger context of Ephesians 6.  In the previous verse, Paul calls the Bible “the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17). The Spirit operates through the Word of God, which means praying in the Spirit is prayer that aligns with God’s Word, and God’s will.

I want to be clear: When I say prayer is our ammunition, I do not mean that prayer is just about firing back at the enemy, or we pray just to attack.  Prayer is not a weapon we launch, prayer is how we stay connected to the One who holds all power. Prayer is not just ammunition, prayer is how we stay supplied, how we communicate with our Heavenly Commander, and how we remain alert on the battlefield.

The Apostle John explains this in 1 John.

1 John 5:14-15 (NLT2)

And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

He will give us what we ask, if what we ask for aligns with his perfect will. Praying in the Spirit means praying according to God's will—not just listing our own desires, but seeking His purposes. The Holy Spirit will not lead us to pray selfishly, but always according to God’s will. Prayer is powerful because it aligns us with what God has already promised, and that is why prayer is our firepower in Spiritual warfare.

When the enemy tempts us with fear, we fire back with prayer. When the enemy whispers lies, we fire back with truth-filled prayer. When the enemy attacks those we love, we fire back with intercession. And when we do not even know what to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us.

Romans 8:26-27 (NLT2)

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27  And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.

The phrase “helps us in our weakness” comes from the Greek and it means to take hold of something together with someone else, to assist by sharing the burden. This means the Holy Spirit does not pray instead of us, He prays with us. He strengthens our prayers when we are weak, and aligns our prayers with God’s purposes.

This is crucial in spiritual warfare because the enemy works through lies, fear, and confusion. Without Spirit-led prayer, we may end up praying in the flesh, reacting emotionally instead of seeking God’s will. A Christian who does not pray in the Spirit is like a soldier carrying a weapon but never loading it. Prayer is how we advance. It is how we stand firm. So let me ask you…are you praying in the Spirit? Are you praying with an open Bible, allowing God’s Word to shape your prayers? Are you relying on the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers instead of just praying what you want? Are you engaging in spiritual warfare through persistent, Spirit-led intercession?

If we want to walk in victory, we must be people of prayer.

PRAYER STRIKES THE ENEMY BEFORE HE STRIKES YOU
(2 Corinthians 10:3-4)

Most people wait until the attack comes before they start praying. When life falls apart—then they pray. When the doctor gives bad news—then they pray. When their marriage is in trouble—then they pray. Prayer was never meant to be a last resort, it was meant to be your first strike.

Too many followers of Jesus are fighting defensive battles when they should be fighting offensive battles. We get comfortable in our relationship with Jesus and fall out of the routine of having a daily prayer time, and open up the door for the enemy to attack. But consistent daily prayer is how we go on the attack before the enemy even has a chance to strike.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NLT2)

We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4  We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.

Did you catch that? We do not fight with human weapons. We do not battle in the way the world battles. We do not rely on strength, strategy, or willpower.

But let me be honest with you…I struggle with this. I have taken so many personality tests over the years, and do you know what they all say about me? Joe is a problem solver. Joe is a strategist. Joe is an activator. Joe gets things done.

I am wired to see the problem, analyze the situation, and execute a solution—fast. That is how God designed me. I can walk into a room, spot what is broken, and immediately start thinking of how to fix it. I understand that this is a gift.  Not a lot of people are wired this way.

And here is where giftedness gets in the way. Because I am so wired to solve problems, my first instinct is to “fix” not “pray.” I think I can move mountains through my own wisdom. I think I can figure it out on my own. I think I can strategize my way through anything.

But if I am not careful, I can remain stuck in “Joe Fix-It” mode and fail to be dependent on the Spirit of the Living God. That is why “Praying in the Spirit” is so important. When I rely on my problem-solving ability without prayer, I fight battles in my own strength. But when I pray in the Spirit, I am fighting with the power of God.

If you want to solve the problems in your life, pray. If you want to fix the problems you are facing in life, pray. If you want to overcome the attacks of the Devil, pray. And, your prayer will tear down the strongholds of the devil.

A stronghold could be anything that has a grip on your life. A stronghold could be any lie that the enemy has convinced you is true. A stronghold could be any sin, addiction, fear, or shame that keeps you from walking in victory. And Paul says when we pray, we knock them down.  So, go on the offense and prevent those strongholds from ever developing in the first place.

Prayer does not remove every battle, but it gives you the power to overcome. When you pray in advance, you are ready before the attack comes. When you pray consistently, you are not caught off guard by the enemy. When you pray without ceasing, you are not waiting for an emergency to seek God.

So, pray for your marriage before it starts falling apart. Pray over your children before they wander away. Pray for our church before problems ever arise. Pray for the city of Myrtle Beach before the enemy takes more ground.

PRAYER KEEPS US LOCKED IN FORMATION
WE STAND STRONG TOGETHER
(James 5:16)

None of us are in this battle alone. If you are a follower of Jesus, you belong to the most supplied army in history. There is nothing our Father does not own. There is no resource He cannot supply. There is no battle too great for Him.

But the enemy loves isolation. If he can separate you from other believers, he can weaken you. And one of the most effective ways he does this is through unconfessed sin. Some sins you may confess easily. But there are other sins—the ones that have taken root, the ones that have become strongholds—that feel impossible to talk about.

Strongholds do not just happen overnight. They start as a temptation, a struggle, a moment of compromise. Then, before you realize it, they become chains. You feel stuck. You feel powerless. And over time, you start to believe the lie that this is just who you are. That change is not possible. That freedom is out of reach. And if that stronghold remains, you will never be free.

But James 5:16 tells us how to destroy strongholds at their foundation.

James 5:16 (NLT2)

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Confession is your path to freedom and victory in spiritual warfare. The enemy wants you to believe that if people knew the real you, they would reject you. That if you were honest about your struggles, you would be alone. That if you admitted your weakness, people would think less of you. But the moment you drag that sin into the light of confession, you win because strongholds cannot survive in transparency.

At Beach Church, we believe God desires us to be real, open, and honest about who we are and allow others to do the same. That is why Transparent Living is one of our guiding values. Transparent Living does not mean calling out people’s sin. Transparent Living means creating a culture where confession leads to healing, not shame. When we pray, we tear down strongholds together. When we pray for each other, we stand in formation. We carry one another’s burdens.

The enemy wants you isolated. Prayer locks you into formation with others. The enemy wants you ashamed. Confession sets you free. So let’s be a people that confesses, prays, and stands strong together.

Warrior - Praying for Your Pastor and Church Leadership

In this impactful message, Guest Pastor Kevin Thompson emphasizes the importance of praying for your pastor and church leadership. He shares biblical insights on how prayer strengthens church leaders, supports their mission, and fosters a healthier church community. Be encouraged to lift up your leaders in prayer and be part of God’s work in your church!

Warrior - Battle Ready

We are in week eight of our Warrior: Spiritual Warfare series, and today, we are talking about the Helmet and the Sword. I don’t have any experience wielding a sword, but I once had a beautiful pocket knife. A Case XX, with a wooden handle and pearl swirl. It was so sharp I could cut the hair off my arm… I showed it off every chance I got.  And one day in 9th grade, I showed it to the wrong person. Shawn—the biggest, meanest guy in school. Shawn was six-foot-four, nearly three hundred pounds, and at the time, I weighed about 120 pounds soaking wet. I showed him my knife, and he took it. Put it in his pocket and walked away. And there was nothing I could do about it! Just like that, my knife was gone.

One year later, during history class, he turned around and teased me by showing me my own knife! He had the knife opened, I reached for it, and as I pulled it back, I sliced his thumb from the center tip down to the knuckle.  The side of his thumb flopped like a piece of bacon. Shawn did.not.even.flinch. He turned to face the front of the class, tore off the tail of his shirt, wrapped it around his bleeding thumb, and looked back at me.

Without a word, I gave my knife back to him.

He left class, went to the office, then drove to a small clinic near the school. Two hours later, the intercom buzzed, and the office asked me to come to the office. The clinic that Shawn drove to had called the school and relayed that Shawn had left the clinic and he said he was coming back to the school to kill me. The office staff barricaded me in a small room, pushed a desk up against the door, and the reception lady and I waited for his return. Even though there was a desk and a door, I felt defenseless, helpless, and vulnerable.

Many of us know what it feels like to feel vulnerable to something bigger and stronger than we are. And sometimes, when we talk about Spiritual Warfare, followers of Jesus feel vulnerable and exposed to the strategies of the devil.  We live in fear, waiting for the next shoe to drop, rather than living with a sense of purpose and mission. That is why we have spent so much time on this passage from Ephesians.

If you are a follower of Jesus, you cannot afford to feel vulnerable, because you certainly are not unarmed. As followers of Jesus, we never know when the enemy is going to attack, so we must always be ready for the battle.   Once again, let’s read how God has equipped us to be engaged in spiritual battles.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT2)

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13  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. 14  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18  Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

A soldier can survive wounds to other parts of the body, but if the head is struck, the battle is over. The helmet protected the head, the place where decisions were made, where strategies were formed, and where every command was processed. A soldier without a helmet was a soldier vulnerable to instant defeat. Paul chose this imagery intentionally…because…

SALVATION TRANSFORMS AND PROTECTS YOUR MIND
(Romans 12:2, Isaiah 26:3)

The primary battleground for followers of Jesus is the mind. If the devil can strike a fatal wound to your thoughts…if he can shape how you see yourself…if he can shape how you see God…if he can shape how you think God works…Then, he has already won the battle.

In other words, if you see yourself as “worthless,” you will never be engaged in a spiritual battle worthy of putting on the spiritual armor.  A person who believes he is already defeated will not even attempt to go into battle – because he believes he will be defeated. But if you are a follower of Jesus, and you understand you are a co-heir with Christ. If you understand, you belong to God’s family. If you understand the Spirit of God lives in you…And you understand that the Devil has been stripped of his power, and all he has left is his bag of lies…then there is nothing on this planet that can prevent you from living a victorious life through Jesus Christ.

When we become a follower of Jesus, we are born again and given a new way of thinking, a new perspective, a new identity. That is why Paul calls salvation a helmet—because it protects the way we think, the way we make decisions, and the way we respond to attacks. The devil knows that if he can influence your thoughts, he can control your life. His fiery arrows—distraction, deception, and fear—are aimed at your mind. That is why his first attack is always against your thoughts. If he can make you doubt God's Word, question God's goodness, or believe lies about yourself, he does not even have to fight you—he can make you fight yourself.

Romans 12:2 (NLT2)

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

When you trust Christ as your Savior, you are given the ability to see life through the lens of truth instead of lies, faith instead of fear, and clarity instead of confusion. A mind transformed by salvation is not shaken by fear, not controlled by doubt, not consumed by distraction. It is secure. So the question is, are you wearing your helmet? Are you allowing salvation to shape your thinking, or are you letting the enemy have free access to your mind?  Are you going into battle with your mind protected, or are you leaving your mind exposed to the devil's attacks?

And, we protect our mind with our Shield of Faith (God is who he says he is, and He will do what he says He will do) and with the one weapon he provides, the Sword of the Word of God.

And, it is important to understand that…

THE WORD OF GOD IS A WEAPON, NOT A DECORATION, DESIGNED TO CUT YOU
(Hebrews 4:12)

For many, the Bible is just a religious decoration.  It sits on a shelf, untouched. It’s displayed on a coffee table, collecting dust. Some people even carry it under their arm every Sunday, but never actually open it. They treat it like a lucky charm, as if having a Bible in their home brings some kind of spiritual protection.

Yet, Paul calls the Bible a sword—not a relic, not a decoration, not a sentimental keepsake. A sword is a tool, meant for battle, and meant to inflict harm. But, what makes this sword unique—what makes it unlike any other weapon—is that it is not a weapon to use against someone else. It is a weapon God uses against me. Listen to how the author of Hebrews describes the Word of God:

Hebrews 4:12 (NLT2)

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

God’s Word cuts through me before it can ever cut through anything else. It exposes my heart. It reveals my sin. It convicts me long before I can even think about using it against someone else. The danger is that many followers of Jesus want to swing the sword at others while never allowing it to cut them first. They want to use the Bible to judge other people’s sin but ignore their own. They want to quote scripture to condemn someone else’s choices but refuse to let it challenge their own heart. They want to wield the Bible as a weapon against the world while avoiding the way it cuts them open and exposes their own brokenness.

That is not how this weapon works.

Jesus did not give us His Word so that we could win arguments. He gave us His Word so that we could die to ourselves.  He gave us the Word, to cut us deep and to go to battle against the sinful person we used to be.

1 John 2:16 (NKJV)

For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world.

God isn’t as concerned about other people.  He is concerned about your personal relationship with God and how you represent him to the broken world around us. He is concerned about your desires, your lusts, your cravings, your pride, your heart more than he is with those around you. If every follower of Jesus were convinced of this perspective, we would see radical change and transformation happening across the planet.

The role of the Holy Spirit is to bring conviction to the world. The role of the Word of God is to bring conviction to me. It is not your job to walk around pointing out the sins of unbelievers.

The Bible is a weapon, but it is not a weapon for me to attack others with. It is a weapon that keeps me humble. It is a weapon that keeps me repentant. It is a weapon that keeps me following Jesus. It is our job to make sure we each are reading the Word, applying the Word, and allowing it to shape us into the image of Jesus. To whittle us into the shape of Jesus with the purpose to love God with all our hearts, and love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

SINCE WE HAVE BEEN TRANSFORMED, WE STAY FOCUSED ON THE MISSION
(Romans 10:14-15, Acts 1:8)

If God has transformed us—if we are wearing the helmet of salvation and his Word is cutting us and whittling us into the image of Jesus – then – the mission of Jesus becomes our mission too. The moment we surrender our life to Jesus, we are drafted into His Army, and we are sent out on His mission.  The same grace that saved us now sends us to save others.

When Paul was writing to the Roman church about inviting other people to a life-changing relationship with Jesus, he asked this about those who had not yet surrendered:

Romans 10:14-15 (NLT2)

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15  And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

Once again, look down at your feet!  You are wearing Shoes of Peace, to move forward, crush the enemy, and to bring the hope of Jesus to other people. This is not someone else’s job. This is our mission. God did not save us so that we could keep this good news to ourselves. He saved us, changed us, and equipped us so that we could bring the message of salvation to the people around us. And, the MOST effective way you can bring the good news of Jesus is to invite people you interact with to worship with you at church.

The enemy will try to convince you that inviting people to church does not matter, that it is not your responsibility and that someone else will do it. Don’t listen to his lies! The Lord has equipped you to advance into enemy territory and take back the territory that the enemy has stolen.  You have the armor of God on the outside, and you have the Spirit of God on the inside.

When Jesus left his mission in the hands of his followers, he said:

Acts 1:8 (NLT2)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

The Holy Spirit gives us the power to advance His mission. And as a church, we are stepping into a brand-new season of reaching people.

On Easter weekend, we are launching Saturday Night Worship. We are creating another opportunity for people to hear about Jesus. We need to invite people to experience the life-changing love of Jesus on Saturday nights.

So today, we are providing you with invite cards: On one side, they invite people to our Easter Services. On the other side, they invite people to our brand-new Saturday Night Worship Experience. So, take a bundle. Pass them out. Be intentional. Hand one to your server at lunch. Give one to a coworker. Leave one at the gym. Share one with a neighbor.

Do not assume that someone else will do it. Do not let the enemy distract you from this mission. If we believe Jesus changes lives, then we should be doing everything we can to bring people into a culture where they can experience Him. There are people in our city—your friends, your family, your coworkers—who are one invitation away from meeting Jesus.

So let’s stay focused. Let’s advance the mission. Let’s invite, let’s share, let’s be followers of Jesus who lead people to a life-changing relationship with Jesus.

Warrior - Shield of Faith

WARRIOR WEEK 7

THE SHIELD OF FAITH

EPHESIANS 6:16

February 16, 2025

Today, we are in the sixth sermon of our Warrior Series, focusing on Spiritual Warfare from Ephesians 6.  If you have missed any of the sermons, I encourage you to go back and watch the sermons you may have missed.

For the last couple of months, Naomi, Jessie and I have been playing Fortnite. Fortnite is an online game of battle where you fight other people from around the world on a Battle Island. Games have changed since the days of Super Mario Brothers and Duck Hunt! On this Battle Island, there are Treasure Chests filled with all types of weapons, ammunition, and shields.

I love the shields.  When the game begins, the first thing I do is load up on weapons and shields – because I am not very skilled at the guns – and when I start to battle others – I need to be protected by the shield to help me last longer and ultimately win. If you are a follower of Jesus, whether you see it or not, you have a shield, and your shield is made up of a substance called Faith.

Let’s read about that shield in Ephesians 6.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT2)

10  A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13  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. 14  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18  Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

As a follower of Jesus, our shield of faith is supposed to stop the fiery arrows of the devil – so why do we sometimes get burned?  Why do we get hurt?  If we have a shield of faith – why do we have so many wounds and scars from past battles? I am not trying to victim shame or blame, but I think the main reason so many followers of Jesus get wounded and carry scars is because we often get in front of our shield.

So – the first point I want to make today is…

FAITH IS A SHIELD WE MUST STAY BEHIND
(Hebrews 11:6, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Proverbs 3:5-6)

First, let me define faith in a practical way: The internal conviction that God, as revealed through the Bible, is who He says He is, and will do what He says He will do.

Faith is more than a feeling, a hunch, or a guess. Faith is a deep conviction rooted in the confidence of the character of God. Faith doesn’t begin with my thoughts, my feelings, or my ideas. Faith is generated from the character of God.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT2)

For we live by believing and not by seeing.

That means we do not go through life making decisions based on what we feel, what we see, or what we understand. We make decisions based on our confidence in the character of God.

Battle wounds and hurts usually come when I begin making decisions on what I feel or see. I get hit by the fiery arrows of the devil when I start trusting my own wisdom instead of God’s character.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT2)

5  Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

We get hit by the fiery arrows of the devil when we make decisions and live depending on our own understanding, not God’s character. When you make decisions about dating, marriage, retirement, children, parenting…When you make big decisions or small choices…without faith rooted in the character of God, you are tossing your shield of faith to the side and saying, “I can do this on my own.”  It’s like saying, “Shields? We don’t need no stinkin’ shields!”  If you desire to repel the fiery arrows of the Devil – you must stay behind your shield.

So, how can you tell when you have placed your shield to the side and run on ahead of God? You know. Trust me.  You know. So many people in this room and watching online have been wounded and scarred by the fiery arrows of the devil.

THE FIERY ARROWS ARE DISTRACTION, DECEPTION, AND FEAR
(Luke 10:40-42, 2 Tim 1:7)

One of the ironies of spiritual warfare is that as followers of Jesus, we are battling the devil, who does not have any real power. The devil is a liar, a thief, and a deceiver. He has no real power—only strategies to make you believe he does. He is defeated—but if he can distract you, deceive you, or paralyze you with fear, he can make you live like you are defeated..

See, when Jesus paid the price for our sin on the cross, he stripped the devil of his power.

Colossians 2:15 (NLT2)

15  In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

Jesus disarmed the devil and his demons.  Jesus took away the Devil's power – that is why he shoots the arrows of distraction, deception, and fear; that is all he can do! He has the appearance of power because he is a LIAR and wants you to be intimidated and live powerlessly.

Answer these questions about the Devil…
Did he create the universe? No!
Is He the author of Life? No!
Does he hold the universe in his hands? No!
Did he form you in your mother’s womb? No!
Did he know every one of your days before they ever happened? No!

The Devil’s strategies of distraction, deception, and fear only give him the appearance of power.

Distraction is one of the enemy’s most effective weapons because it does not look dangerous—it just looks like life. If you are stretched too thin to serve other people selflessly, you have an arrow of distraction sticking out of your head.  The devil will keep you scrolling, keep you chasing, keep you grinding—as long as it keeps you from getting into the presence of Jesus and loving your neighbor as yourself.

The second fiery arrow is deception.  Speaking of the devil, Jesus said he was "the father of lies."

John 8:44b (NLT2)

44  …He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Lying is the devil’s native language. He lies to you about who you are. He lies to you about who God is. He lies to you about what will bring you happiness, peace, and purpose.If we are not careful, his lies and deception can creep into our minds and hearts.

You walk through a trying season and think things like…
Maybe God is not really with me.
Maybe God does not really care about my problems.
Maybe this one sin is not that big of a deal.
Maybe I am always going to struggle with this, so why fight it?

If the arrow of distraction does not work…If the arrow of deception does not work…Then, maybe the arrow of fear will. Fear will paralyze you. It will make you hesitate when God tells you to move. It will make you question what you know to be true. It will make you assume the worst about others. When we are paralyzed by fear, our problems always loom larger than what they actually are. We “hold our spiritual breath,” waiting for the next disaster to happen. Rather than living by faith, we live in fear, waiting for the next shoe to drop. The devil uses fear to stop you from moving forward into what God has called you to.

And quietly, because of fear, you may wind up saying things to yourself like…
I am alone.
Nobody else understands.
I am not strong enough.
I am too broken for God to heal.
I am too weak.
I am too far gone.

And if you wrestle with these fiery arrows, as I talked about last week, look down at your feet.  God has given you shoes of peace to wear to keep you moving forward.

Ephesians 6:15 (NLT2)

15  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

The shoes that the Roman Soldiers wore had cleats that curved forward so soldiers could always get a grip when they were moving forward.  The cleats were useless if they were moving backward…Our shield of faith…our deep conviction in the character of God…repels every fiery arrow from the

FAITH CRUSHES EVERY ATTACK OF THE ENEMY
(Romans 16:19-20)

Now remember FAITH is our conviction that God is who He says He is, and He will do what He says he will do. Well, if you are a follower of Jesus, take a look at what God says he will do.

Romans 16:19b-20a (NLT2)

…I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. 20  The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet…

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. God does the crushing, but it happens under your feet. God does the crushing, but it happens under your Shoes of Peace! That means you are not paralyzed by fear, you are moving forward. Satan wants you to drop your shield, lower your guard, and believe his lies. Satan wants you to think you are weak, outnumbered, and defeated. Satan wants you to see the battle and forget the victory. But he is already defeated. He has already been disarmed.

All he has left are lies, distractions, and fear to try and keep you down. And for too long, followers of Jesus have let him get away with it. For too long, we have let distractions pull us off course. For too long, we have listened to his lies. For too long, we have let fear hold us back.

But because we believe God is who he says he is, and He will do what he says He will do – The distractions, the deception, and the fear stops today. It stops right here. Right now. I want you to picture that lying, conniving, deceptive devil on the floor in front of you. I want you to think about all the years you have allowed that no-good liar to speak into your life.

Think about the damage he has done.
Think about the hurt he has caused in your family.
Think about the distance he has tried to create between you and Jesus.

And now, think about all those lies he has whispered to you:
You are worthless.
You will never get it together.
You are a failure and always will be.
God could never really love someone like you.
You are stuck.
You will never change.

TODAY, the arrows of distraction, deception, and fear lose their power and get crushed. By faith, let’s believe that “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” That devil that is on the floor in front of you needs a good crushing, doesn’t he?

By faith, I want you to claim the promise of Romans 16:20 and crush every lie, fear, and doubt under your feet.
Crush that devil under your feet!
Crush every time you almost walked away from God.
Crush every time you wondered if God still saw you.
Crush every time you wondered if your prayers even mattered.
Crush for every moment you felt abandoned and alone.
Crush for every time the enemy made you believe you had no future.

Crush, Crush, Crush, because God will do what he says he will do and God says he will crush the devil under your feet.

FAITH CRUSHES EVERY ATTACK OF THE ENEMY

Starting TODAY—crush distraction.
Starting TODAY—crush lies.
Starting TODAY— move forward and stay behind your shield of faith.

And, as we walk by faith, the powerless defeated devil will move out of our way and flee.

Warrior - Shoes of Peace

Today, we are in the 6th Sermon of our Warrior Series, focusing on Spiritual Warfare from Ephesians 6.  If you have missed any of the sermons, I encourage you to go back and watch the sermons you may have missed.

When I was a child, I loved getting a new pair of shoes. Because the bones in my legs were turning, I walked on the inside of my shoes and wore out the inside soles faster than the outside – and it always felt like I ran a little awkwardly. But when I would put on a new pair of shoes – I felt a spring in my step, a cushion when I walked – and it felt like I could run ten times faster than I could in my old shoes. I would take off running outside, and stare down at my new shoes running so fast to make them blur. I felt like I could run faster, jump farther, and change direction more easily.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT2)

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13  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. 14  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18  Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Like many kids back in the Seventies and Eighties, I had one pair of shoes at a time for my growing feet.  It didn’t matter what I was doing or where I was going; I had one pair of shoes to do it in. I wore the same shoes with dress pants, shorts, jeans, playing kickball, fishing, hunting, to go to school, and for PE.

My dad was an abusive alcoholic, we lived off of food stamps,  we had a family with 6 children, and shoes were expensive.  So, when the treads on the shoes started flapping before my feet grew out of the shoes, my mom would take my shoes to the little country shoe store, and Ms. Dill would hot glue the treads of my shoe together. The only time we got new shoes is when our feet had grown so much that our toes poked out.

As the Apostle Paul describes the shoes that Warriors are supposed to wear, it is important to understand first that…

THE SHOES HAVE BEEN PAID FOR, BUT YOU MUST PUT THEM ON. (Rom. 5:8, Eph. 2:8-10, Rom. 10:9)

The shoes you see on my feet right now are not the only shoes I have on.  I actually have two pairs of shoes on my feet.  These worn-out, $30 Under Armor running shoes are worn in, comfortable, and I have had them for at least five years. But the other pair of shoes, are shoes of Peace.  They were given to me when I surrendered my life to Jesus and received Christ as my Savior.

I have been wearing these shoes of peace since 1991 when I was saved, born again, forgiven for my sin, and made new. You can’t see them – but I wear them every single day. You can’t buy these shoes. You can’t tithe for these shoes. You can’t earn these shoes by doing good works. The only way to put on these shoes is by repenting of your sin, and surrendering your life to Jesus, and by receiving Him as your Savior.

Earlier in the book of Ephesians Paul said…

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT2)

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

You and I cannot earn forgiveness for our sin. We can’t love other people enough to be forgiven for our sin. We can’t distribute enough food to hungry people to be forgiven for our sin. We can’t give enough money to pay off our mortgage enough to be forgiven for our sin. We can’t care enough for people in the Western Carolinas. There is NOT one thing you and I can do to earn forgiveness for our sin from God. All we can do is accept forgiveness, we cannot earn it.

God loves us, and he has forgiven our sin, because Jesus has already paid the price for our sin and given forgiveness to us.

Romans 5:8 (NLT2)

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

You can’t put on the Armor of God unless you first invite Jesus to be your Lord.   You can’t be a Warrior for God, if you aren’t a soldier of God. And you can’t be a soldier, unless you are part of God’s family. The Bible is very clear on how a person can receive forgiveness for their sin and become a follower of Jesus:

Romans 10:9 (NLT2)

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

So – confess. Confess that you are a sinner. Confess you can’t earn forgiveness. Confess Jesus is LORD. Repent of your sin. Receive Jesus as your Savior. You can do this right now:

God, I confess I am a sinner, and I can’t earn forgiveness for my sin. But I understand I can be forgiven for my sin, if I repent and turn toward you. So, I do. I repent and confess that Jesus paid the price for my sin on the cross – and I receive Jesus as my Savior and Lord.

I am so glad that YOU chose to put on the Shoes of Peace. So, when I was younger I had one pair of shoes for all occasions - but now that I'm older, I have boots, tennis shoes, golf shoes, black dress shoes, brown dress shoes, Jordans, Adidas, and Chuck Taylor’s. I have specific shoes, for specific events.  And, if you are a woman, you have shoes to match every shade of color in the world. If you are going to spend all day shopping, you will want to wear comfortable shoes. If you are going to spend the day playing golf, you will wear shoes for the greens. If you are going to be dressed up in a suit, you will most likely wear dress shoes. We all have felt the pain in our feet at the end of the day, and we wish we had put on different shoes that morning.

In order for you and I to stand firm in spiritual warfare, we are told to wear specific items for war. In this passage, we are told to wear:

The Belt of Truth

The Body Armor of God’s Righteousness

The Shield of Faith

The Helmet of Salvation

The Sword of the Spirit.

The belt, armor, shield, helmet, sword…these all support this idea that we are entering a conflict, a battle, and a war. The first five pieces of armor make sense in battle, but the sixth—"Shoes of Peace"—stands out as unusual…

If we are in a war, why would we put on shoes of peace?  Shouldn’t we put on COMBAT BOOTS?  Why would we put on shoes of peace? Why is that? It’s because…

PEACE MOVES US FORWARD IN MISSION

We read through this passage and think – I am ready to FIGHT!  We get inspired to FIGHT the enemy, put on the armor, and use the weapons…The mission for the Warrior is not COMBAT! The Mission is not to fight. The Mission is determined by the type of shoes that God has placed on our feet.  He didn’t put Combat boots on us because our purpose is not to be combative. Our mission in Spiritual Warfare is to bring PEACE.

Now, some followers of Jesus are mistaken and think they are supposed to be combative and confrontational with others. But they are wrong. Followers of Jesus wear Shoes of Peace because our mission is not just to fight battles and engage in warfare but to bring the peace of Jesus into enemy-occupied territory. We are not fighting to prove we are right. We are not fighting for a victory. We are moving forward in our mission because we are compelled to bring PEACE.

When you became a follower of Jesus, you became a Warrior assigned to bring peace to the world around you. Paul ties this mission of peace into our salvation in 2 Corinthians 5.

RESURRECTION POWER SENDS US TO BRING PEACE TO OTHERS. (2 Cor. 5:17-20)

2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (NLT2)
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 18  And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19  For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20  So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

God has given us the task of reconciling people to Him.  This means, the whole purpose of spiritual warfare is to spread the life-changing message of Jesus to the world around us.  He wants us to be known as Peace bringers, not fighters.  He has equipped us with the Shoes of Peace that come from the Gospel because he wants you, engaged in spiritual warfare, to bring the life-changing message of Jesus to others. You and I have been set free from sin, so that we can help set others free from sin too. And because we wear Shoes of Peace, that is why we are launching a new Saturday night service in April.

We are not launching this service because we need another option for people who already go to church. We are launching this service because there are people in this city who need Jesus, but Sunday morning is not an option for them. There are workers in the hospitality industry, restaurant servers, grocery store clerks, hotel staff, and emergency responders who cannot be here on a Sunday morning. There are young families juggling sports, school, and weekend shifts, and they need a place where they can encounter Jesus without the weight of their schedules keeping them away.

There are thousands of people in Myrtle Beach who are completely disconnected from church, not because they do not want to come, but because no one has invited them into a time that works for them. Jesus said in Matthew 9:37, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.”

The harvest is not the problem. The lost are everywhere. The problem is whether we will show up and do something about it. And let me be really clear: this is not just another service—this is a mission. This is a beachhead in enemy territory. This is an opportunity to take back ground the enemy has claimed.

And now, I am asking you—will you step up? Will you get in the fight? Because,we cannot do this  without you.

If you serve on a team, I am asking you to consider shifting to Saturday night for six months to help us build momentum. If you are not serving anywhere yet, this is your moment to jump in.

We need kids team members to pour into children who will walk through our doors for the first time. We need First Impression teams to welcome every person. We need prayer team who will cover this service and every person in it. We need worship team members, tech teams, production teams, life group leaders, and people willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus. And we need people who are willing to personally invite the lost, the disconnected, and the searching to come and experience the peace that only Jesus can bring.

There are people in this city who need to hear the Gospel—but will they?There are people in this city whose lives could change forever—but will they? That depends on us.

We wear Shoes of Peace, and that means we do not sit back and hope people find their way here on their own. We go. We serve. We invite. We make it impossible for them to miss it.

Will you step forward? Will you be part of this? Will you help carry the Gospel into enemy-occupied territory? Because this is what spiritual warfare looks like - not just standing your ground, but taking ground back. You have been set free, so you can help set others free.

Let’s do this together.

Warrior - Belt of truth

Warrior - Stand Your Ground

A few years after I became a follower of Jesus, I began dating a young woman who was also a follower of Jesus, very active in her church, and a student at a local Bible College in Ohio. We met at a Christian coffee house through mutual friends. I was flattered that she demonstrated interest in me, so we went on a few dates. I ended the relationship with her quickly after I understood a bit more about her view of God’s grace and mercy regarding physical intimacy between a man and a woman.

Shortly after I became a follower of Jesus, I attended a “True Love Waits” weekend with our student ministry. I made a commitment to keep myself pure until marriage so that I could give myself to my wife and my wife alone. I had already messed up once in this area, and I committed to the Lord I would not fall in this area again.

Would you like to know the reason I ended the relationship with this woman who was a follower of Jesus, active in her church, a student at a Bible college, and who actually thought I was attractive? Granted, it wasn’t a long relationship, but would you like to know why I ended the relationship? When we were alone together, she pressured me to sleep with her. I told her about my commitment to abstain until marriage. I explained to her that I believe “True Love Waits” and that it would be a sin if we slept together before marriage. The line she said to me that caused me to end the dating relationship was something like: “God has already forgiven us for all of our sins at the cross, so it is okay if we are sexually active. God has forgiven us.” Shortly after that, I ended it.

What she said was true: God has indeed forgiven us for all of our sins—past, present, and future. That’s true. But that doesn’t mean she was correct.

And that leads us to our sermon today, “Stand Your Ground” from Ephesians.

Ephesians 6:10-14 (NLT2)

10  A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13  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. 14  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.

Regarding spiritual warfare, one of the strategies that the devil and his demons employ is to deceive through false teaching, false teachers, and false shepherds. His strategy is to create deceptive teaching that appeals to our flesh and looks like the truth. The old expression shared for hundreds of years is true:

THE DEVIL PUTS A QUESTION MARK WHERE GOD PUTS A PERIOD.
(Matt 4:3)

Satan, false teachers, false teaching, and false shepherds design lies to have the appearance of the truth. After all, if lies looked and sounded like lies, nobody would believe them. But to deceive and attack the people of God, deception must appeal to our sinful nature and have the ring of truth to it. To be honest, there was part of me that wanted to put a question mark where God put a period.

The young woman I had been dating was attending a Bible College, and one of her Bible teachers actually taught the principle that since God has already forgiven us for all of our sins, we may as well enjoy what sin has to offer. I know because she placed me on a phone call with him, and we had a very long discussion. He tried to present it as right, but I knew, based on my relationship with Jesus, it was wrong.

He quoted scripture like:

Romans 8:1 (NLT2)

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

Romans 5:20 (NLT2)

God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.

Galatians 5:1 (NLT2)

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.

Every verse he shared with me was accurate, but it was out of context. What about in context? Well, I told him flat out he was wrong. Then I started flipping through my Bible and quoted these scriptures to him:

Romans 6:1-2 (NLT2)

Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2  Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?

1 Peter 2:11 (NKJV)

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,

He couldn’t believe that I, an untrained new believer, was repelling his false teaching by standing firm in the truth. He continued to attempt to make me question the truth of God’s Word. He wanted me to begin placing question marks where God had already placed periods. Finally, I ended the conversation with one final scripture:

Galatians 5:13 (NLT2)

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

Look, there are no loopholes when it comes to following God in obedience. You can bet as a young 20-year-old man, I wanted physical intimacy with a woman, but I knew that God planned for physical intimacy to happen inside the boundary of marriage. That situation I faced as a young believer helped me realize the incredible power of knowing and applying God’s Word. I realized this simple truth that has become one of our guiding values today:

WHEN WE APPLY GOD’S WORD TO OUR LIVES, WE REPEL ATTACKS
(2 Tim. 3:16)

When we apply the Word of God to our lives, we repel attacks of the enemy.

2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

When Paul wrote these words to Timothy, it was instruction on how to teach others, but also instruction on how to live. If you want to live your life in a way that repels the enemy’s attacks, you must know how to apply God’s Word to your life. It is one thing to know what the Bible teaches about some things. The woman and the man who challenged me to question God’s Word knew a lot of scripture and Bible passages that could cause me to question God’s Word. And the very first thing that happens when you begin to question God’s Word is that you stop applying His Word to your life. Then you become a target for the evil one to attack, discourage, and destroy. Applying God’s Word to our personal battles, struggles, and relationships is the only absolute way to repel the attacks of the evil one.

When Jesus was tempted in the desert by the Devil in Matthew 4, He quoted scripture and spoke of the scripture as application. Since God’s Word says this, then I will live this way. Although the Devil misused and twisted the meaning of scripture that he threw at Jesus, Jesus understood the heart of God’s Word, its meaning, and precisely how to apply it to His life. All scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.

When you apply God’s Word to your life, you demonstrate that Jesus is the LORD of your life. When you do this consistently, you repel the attacks of the Devil.

When you live your life consistently in this manner, you discover that…

LIVING IN THE TRUTH MAKES YOU BRAVE
(Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10)

Living in the truth doesn’t just help us stand our ground and stand firm in the midst of a spiritual battle. Living in the truth makes us brave and gives us courage we never imagined we could experience.

Let’s take a look at two passages that teach this.

First, let’s look at something God said to Joshua.

Joshua 1:9 (NLT2)

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Now, let’s understand the context: Joshua had just taken over the leadership of Israel after Moses. He was tasked with leading God’s people into the Promised Land, a land full of enemies, battles, and unknown challenges. God wasn’t telling Joshua to muster up his own strength or bravery. He was telling Joshua that as he moved forward in obedience and lived in the truth, “I will be with you. My power and My presence will go before you.”

That kind of bravery is what you and I will experience when we live in the truth and follow God in obedience. Not bravery because of who we are, but because of who God is.

When Kristy and I accepted God’s call on our lives in December of 2022 for me to serve the Lord as the Lead Pastor of Beach Church, I did not want to be here! The church faced division in 2021, and tackling the challenges was far too much for me to handle. But I knew that if I stayed out of God’s way and let Him work, God would work great miracles… and He has.

Now, I no longer feel that way about Beach Church. I am grateful to be a part of the movement of God that we have seen. And maybe there are roles and things that God is calling you to do right now that are frightening and scary for you. Like Joshua, when we stand in the truth and live in obedience to God, we will not be alone. God is with you.

Memorize the promise of God from Isaiah 41:10:

Isaiah 41:10 (NLT2)

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

This is a direct promise from God. You will find bravery because of three things. God says:

“I am with you.” That means you will never face any situation alone.
“I will strengthen you and help you.” When you feel weak, overwhelmed, or out of options, God steps in with His strength.
“I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.” The “right hand” in biblical times symbolized strength, power, and authority. Kings and rulers often held scepters or made decrees with their right hand.

So, when God says, “I will hold you up with My right hand,” He is telling us that He is using His full strength and authority to sustain us. The word “victorious” is key!

God has already won every battle. He doesn’t operate from a place of uncertainty or defeat. He is not wringing His hands and worried about your future. God is holding us in the same hand of power that parted the Red Sea, defeated death on the cross, and raised Jesus from the grave. We are secure in His strength, sustained by His authority, and protected by His victory. Even when we feel weak, discouraged, or overwhelmed, if we walk in obedience, God holds us steady, and He will not let us fall.

OBEDIENT LIVING MAKES US BRAVE!

Whatever you are facing today, you can trust that His mighty right hand is holding you up. You are not alone, and you will not be defeated. Living in the truth makes us brave because we stand in God’s strength, not ours. His presence gives us confidence, His power gives us strength, and His promises give us peace.

So let me ask you: what are you afraid of today? What battle are you facing? Maybe it’s a temptation, a relationship, or a fear about the future. Whatever it is, God is with you.

He hasn’t left you.

He hasn’t forgotten you.

Stand in His truth and live with courage.

Warrior - Demons & Jesus

As a child, I was afraid of the dark many times. It wasn’t a common thing. It wasn’t an everyday thing. But at night sometimes, my imagination would wander, and fear would override my common sense.

We slept on a school bus, and at night, the faces of Freddy Kruger. Jason Vorhees. Mike Myers…and Norman Bates…would float out of the shadows and shapes at night, and sometimes, the darkness would paralyze me to the point I barely breathed.  I believed that they were going to leap out at me and kill me.

Today, this sermon may begin a bit unsettling for some of us.  The truth is, If we could tear a hole in the air around us, we might see the "dark world" where evil operates and reigns. We are continuing in our sermon series called WARRIOR from Ephesians 6.  And today, we will focus on an unseen “dark world” just beyond the tip of our five senses that impacts the world around us.

Ephesians 6:12 (NLT2)

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

In this one verse, we learn that there is an unseen world, a dark world, where evil rulers, evil spirits, and mighty powers reign. We don’t talk about this world much. We don’t talk about demonic influence much. We kind of stuff it down and hide the idea of demonic spirits as things of myth…And, when we observe things like human trafficking, abusive powers, child slavery, and hate, we tend to blame the evil of people rather than looking into the world we cannot see for the bigger picture.

We hold people accountable without trying to understand the larger picture of spiritual warfare and how the unseen world around us impacts our present reality. To understand how this dark world operates and the authority Jesus has over it, let’s look at one of the most dramatic encounters in the Bible.

Luke 8:27 (NLT2)

As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in a cemetery outside the town.

Mark 5:5 (NLT2)

Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.

Luke 8:28-35 (NLT2)

As soon as he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down in front of him. Then he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please, I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29  For Jesus had already commanded the evil spirit to come out of him. This spirit had often taken control of the man. Even when he was placed under guard and put in chains and shackles, he simply broke them and rushed out into the wilderness, completely under the demon’s power. 30  Jesus demanded, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, for he was filled with many demons. 31  The demons kept begging Jesus not to send them into the bottomless pit. 32  There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby, and the demons begged him to let them enter into the pigs. So Jesus gave them permission. 33  Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned. 34  When the herdsmen saw it, they fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. 35  People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid.

We clearly see the impact of the demonic power of the dark world through this encounter.

Demons are not something to play around with.  Ouija Boards, Seances, and Fortune Tellers seem to communicate that demonic activity is innocent. But the Bible teaches us that…

DEMONS ARE DESTRUCTIVE AND TROUBLING

These DEMONS brought destruction and loss to this man’s life.

Because of the Demons:

• He was naked, homeless, and lived in a cemetery. (v. 27)

• He howled and cut himself with sharp rocks. (Mark 5:5)

• People didn’t know what to do with him so they CHAINED and SHACKLED him to the rocks (v. 29)

This man was tormented and bound, and his life was a mess. And he was possessed by hundreds, maybe thousands of demons.

So, can a follower of Jesus be Demon-possessed? No. I don’t believe so. Once a person has become a follower of Jesus, once they have surrendered their life to Jesus, received Jesus as their savior, and have committed their lives to Him, they have been made NEW. They have been born AGAIN, and the Holy Spirit is living in them. So, I do not believe that a follower of Jesus can become DEMON possessed because the Holy Spirit of God already possesses them.

But, I do believe that…

DEMONS CAN INFLUENCE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS

I believe that a follower of Jesus can begin to believe the lies of the devil and live as confused and feel as isolated and powerless as this man. In verse 30, Jesus asked the man a very simple question.

“What is your name?” This man had lived under the influence of the devil for so long that he could not answer the question correctly. His name was NOT Legion. His real name was a good Jewish name.  Thomas, Matthew, Peter, or John…  He had lived under the influence of Demons for so long, he forgot his identity.

As a follower of Jesus, you cannot be demon-possessed, but you CAN BELIEVE LIES that prevent you from living a Spirit-Filled, resurrection power life. You may be a believer in lies, discouragement, harsh words, and whispers of hopelessness that have been spoken into your thoughts. You may have allowed demonic lies about your identity to steal away your love for the Lord, your joy for life, and your faith in God.

Maybe like this man… You are overcome by evil in this world. Maybe you are overwhelmed with an addiction to anxiety. Maybe your relationship with your spouse is crumbling, and you feel like you will never experience a HEALTHY relationship with them. Maybe you have a hidden addiction to drugs…an addiction to alcohol…or hopelessness. Like this man, perhaps you feel like you have been cowering and hiding in the darkness for so long that you have forgotten who you really are and who you belong to. And like this man, you too can be set free from your past, forgiven for your sin, and experience a life-changing relationship with Jesus. And, there are beings from the unseen world that are very interested in seeing humans set free from sin. There are beings in the unseen world that will celebrate and worship God as you step out of the darkness.

When you step out of darkness into the light of Jesus, not only does heaven rejoice, but God has also provided supernatural helpers to care for you—His angels.

God has provided Angels to help us that most of us take for granted and never mention. In the unseen world…

THERE ARE MILLIONS OF ANGELS

I don’t have all the answers when it comes to ANGELS, but just as demons are real, ANGELS are real as well. Angels are referenced roughly 300 times throughout the Bible. They appear in both the Old and New Testaments as messengers of God, warriors, and servants of His will. And, there are millions of them.

Revelation 5:11 (NLT2)

Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders.

There are thousands and millions of Angels. So, if we were to tear a hole in the air around us, not only would we see demons – we would see Angels, too. And, all those millions of Angels have a pretty incredible responsibility… If you are a follower of Jesus…

GOD SENDS ANGELS TO CARE FOR YOU

While demons aim to destroy, God has sent His angels to protect, guide, and minister to us. This means you are never alone in the battle, no matter how dark it feels.

Hebrews 1:14 (NLT2)

Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.

Psalm 91:11-12 (NLT2)

For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. 12  They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.

In this unseen world, while demons are fighting to destroy, angels are actively fighting for God’s purposes and protecting His people. This means that even when you can’t see it, God is working for you. His angels are actively involved in protecting you, guiding you, and fighting for you in the unseen battle.

While most of us, myself included, may never have seen an angel or had an encounter with an angel, that doesn’t mean angels aren’t at work. The Bible shows us that God’s angels are constantly working in a world we cannot see.

So, when you face challenges or feel overwhelmed, remember that God has not left you alone. His angels are guarding you, and He is working for your good in every situation. Trust Him.

And, if you feel overwhelmed today – let me end with a Biblical understanding that no matter what you are in bondage to…

JESUS HAS THE AUTHORITY TO SET YOU FREE

Throughout the Gospels, JESUS demonstrates AUTHORITY…

Over nature: by calming the storm, walking on water, and multiplying food.

Over death: by raising the dead and conquering sin through His resurrection.

Over spiritual forces: by casting out demons and defeating the evil one through the cross.

Over creation itself: by ascending into heaven and demonstrating power over the laws of physics.

He demonstrates AUTHORITY over sin by paying the penalty for sin through his death and rising from the dead. THERE IS NOTHING THAT MY JESUS CANNOT DO!

Jesus is standing at the edge of your darkness today, and he is calling your name. So, step out of the shadows of shame and darkness.  And begin to live how this man did.

Jesus cast the demon out of the man, people who witnessed it ran to the town and told everybody and when they all came running back, the man was clothed, sitting calmly and in his right mind. He wanted to follow Jesus at this point, but Jesus would not let him.

Luke 8:38-39 (NLT2)

The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, 39  “No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.

He told everybody about what Jesus had done for him. So, go and do the same.

Warrior - The Strategies of the Devil: Equipping Yourself for Spiritual Battle

In High School, one of my best friends' dad was one of the leaders of a Biker club—Not a Huffy Biker club: a Harley-Davidson Biker club. They drank a lot, smoked a lot of marijuana, and were a pretty rowdy and violent group to run with…

One weekend, my friend and I were camping out at Saline Creek Boat Dock, fishing and minding our own business, when two groups of people from different worlds showed up: Chad’s dad, with all of his Harley Club buddies, and soldiers on leave for the weekend from Fort Campbell.

Clean-cut, disciplined, and ready-to-party soldiers mingling with long hair, long beards, Harley riders. There was a heated argument over where vehicles could park and where tents would be set up.

So, to settle it…Mark said, “I tell you what. Any one of our guys can whip any of your guys.  The first one to pin for three seconds wins.” They agreed, and I was eager to see this fight! Then, Mark looked at me and said, “Joe – go get him.”

Before I could say anything, a circle of soldiers and bikers gathered around me, and a GI about my size and height.  I thought, “I can beat this guy.” We lunged at each other. And, I held my own for about 2 seconds.    Before I knew it, my legs were swept out from under me; I was thrown down into the gravel, out of breath, and pinned. Then, I heard the bikers and the soldiers all count out my pin.  “1 – 2 – 3.” It ended faster than it started.

I was not prepared or ready for this battle. He had gone through 6 weeks of basic training. He was skilled and trained in hand-to-hand combat. And I…was not. I was fifteen years old and unprepared to fight a person who fought with strategy.

As followers of Jesus, many of us are unprepared for daily spiritual battles.  We fight an enemy who is strategic, disciplined and knows our weaknesses. The Devil has been studying humankind for a long time.  He understands our weaknesses and has developed strategies to attack us and destroy our lives. But prayerfully, at the end of this sermon series, you will be more prepared for the strategic attacks of the Devil.

Ephesians 6:10-18

10  A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13  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. 14  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18  Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

At the beginning of this passage, we are told to put on all of God’s armor so we will be able to stand firm against the strategies of the devil. Today, I will give you four strategies of the Devil found throughout scripture, along with four suggestions that followers of Jesus can do to protect you and your family.

HE DECEIVES & DISTORTS; STAY ANCHORED IN TRUTH

We see his deception in the Garden of Eden. God had just created all the animals, looked around, and called them GOOD.  And the first thing the Devil did was disguise himself as GOOD to bring destruction.He became a serpent, part of God’s GOOD creation, to deceive. God gave Adam and Eve the freedom to eat from any tree except the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. He warned them that eating its fruit would lead to death. The Devil, in the form of a serpent, deceived Eve and distorted God’s command, saying they wouldn’t die but instead become like God. Tempted, Eve ate the fruit and gave some to Adam, who also ate it.

Their disobedience led to separation from God. This act of rebellion gave birth to sin, and sin brought death, disease, and destruction into the world.  This changed humanity’s relationship with God forever. And it all started because the devil first disguised himself as something that Adam and Eve had known as GOOD. They didn’t know it was the devil. They were convinced that the serpent was part of God’s GOOD creation. When God asked Eve why she disobeyed him, she said, “The serpent deceived me…” In other words, “God – the creature YOU put in the Garden with us, deceived me.”  She blamed God.

Similarly, thousands of years later, in the New Testament, the apostle Paul exposed false teachers to the church in Corinth.  He said this:

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (NLT2)

14  …Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15  So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, angels served as messengers of God, sent at special times to communicate His will to His people. God sent these Angels out as his messenger to deliver Truth. The devil disguised himself as God’s messengers to deliver LIES. Paul warns that the devil often disguises as good to deceive and mislead.  Never forget that a clever lie will look like the truth. A counterfeit bill is passed because it looks like the real thing.

So, stay anchored in the truth. Know the Word of God. Memorize scripture. Spend time in the Lord’s presence. Be Growing in your relationship with God.

Another strategy of the devil we see throughout scripture is that…

HE TEMPTS THEN CONDEMNS; FORGIVE YOURSELF AND OTHERS

The Devil TEMPTS, and he CONDEMNS.  We have already established that the devil disguises himself as good to tempt us.  But the Devil doesn’t just tempt us; he also condemns and accuses us.

The Apostle John describes the devil as our ACCUSER in Revelation:

Revelation 12:10 (NLT2)

10  Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last— salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth— the one who accuses them before our God day and night.

The Devil is a TEMPTER and an ACCUSER – and these two traits create a pretty nasty strategy of what I call the Devil’s “One-Two” combination punch. He tempts people to sin by deception and distortion.  He whispers things like:

• It’s not really cheating if you do it online.

• It’s just this once, nobody could possibly find out.

• You have already messed up, what’s the point in stopping now?

• God will forgive you anyway, so why not?

• If you don’t do this, you will never be happy.

That temptation is NORMAL!

1 Corinthians 10:13a (NLT2)

13  The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience…

Every single follower of Jesus experiences temptation. Every single one of us has been lured by these whispers. And - every single follower of Jesus has given in to temptation and chose to sin at some point. And – it is in that place after a follower of Jesus has chosen to sin, where we experience the Devil's second punch. After he tempts us with his left jab, he follows it up with the right hook of condemnation and accusation. After sinning, he whispers to you:

• “I can’t believe you did that.”

• “What kind of follower of Jesus are you?”

• “You’re a hypocrite.”

• “You’re a pathetic excuse for a Christian.”

• “You better keep this hidden because others will be disappointed with you if they find out.”

When those accusations come, remind yourself of this truth:

Romans 8:1 (NLT2)

1  So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Write it down, memorize it, and declare it every time the Devil whispers lies about your identity. Let the Devil ACCUSE you all HE wants! Let the Devil condemn you all He wants! But understand that you are a child of the most high God. The shed blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed you. You have been forgiven for all your past, present, and future sins. So, forgive yourself.

Don’t hold your sin against yourself. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, God has forgiven you, and he is not rubbing your nose in your sin.  So, stop doing that to yourself.  Forgive yourself.

Another strategy of the Devil that we see throughout scripture:

HE DIVIDES;
PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND BEACH CHURCH

After tempting and accusing us, the Devil will begin to create division in the church because a divided church is a dying church, and the devil knows it. We see an example of the dividing work of Satan in a man named Diotrephes from the third letter of John.

3 John 1:9-10 (NLT2)

9  I wrote to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, refuses to have anything to do with us. 10  When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the evil accusations he is making against us. Not only does he refuse to welcome the traveling teachers, he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church.

The Apostle John was sending out traveling teachers of God’s word to churches, and at one of the churches, a man named Diotrephes: refused to have anything to do with the Apostle John… refused to welcome the teachers…and if any followers of Jesus did help them, he kicked them out of the church! Diotrephes loved to be the leader.  He did not like the Apostle John, and he created division in the church as a result. The Devil prefers to see a dysfunctioning, divided church because a healthy church threatens his Kingdom!

Humans are more prone to lean into division, gossip, lies, and deception than we are to forgiveness, grace, and the power of the Spirit of the Lord. When things don’t go how we think they should – especially in church – we complain. We gripe. We cause division. So, we prevent division and protect our church and our families by demonstrating UNCOMFORTABLE GRACE:

Colossians 3:13 (NLT2)

13  Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

When people in your family or church offend you, forgive them. Make allowance for each other. Don’t create division because you don’t like a decision I made, and make allowances for my faults, too.  The reason why the Devil deceives, tempts, condemns, and accuses is because…

HE OPPOSES GOD’S WORK; STAY FOCUSED ON GOD’S MISSION

When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, he explained why it had taken him so long to visit them:

1 Thessalonians 2:18 (NLT2)

18  We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us.

We are unsure what was happening, but the Devil prevented Paul from visiting the church to strengthen the church…The Devil does not want Beach Church to lead people to a life-changing relationship with Jesus. The Devil does not want us to launch a Saturday night service to reach people who can’t get to church on Sunday. The Devil does not want us to be debt-free and able to invest $16,400 into our mission every single month. The Devil does not want those 200+ people who were baptized in 2024 to grow in their faith. The Devil does not want our church or your family to be actively leading people to a life-changing relationship with Jesus.

So, we stand firm in the power of the Lord. We overlook the faults of others. We forgive ourselves and learn to stand firm against temptation by memorizing the Word of God. The Devil deceives, tempts, divides, and opposes, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can stand firm. Anchor yourself in the TRUTH. Resist temptation. Protect unity. And stay focused on God’s mission.

Warrior: Overcoming Spiritual Battles Through Obedience and Faith

We are kicking off the new year with a thirteen-week emphasis on Spiritual Warfare in a series called Warrior.

A few months after I became a follower of Jesus, I got into a fistfight with 4-5 local bullies from my high school.

Do you want to hear the rest of the story? It was Halloween night and I had just left a Halloween Party at the church I surrendered my life to Jesus in.  As I was driving through town, a truck passed me coming the opposite direction and somebody threw eggs at my car and my windshield.  I slammed on my brakes, threw the car into reverse squealing tires, caught up with the truck, pulled the truck over, jumped out of my car, and demanded that whoever egged my car get out and clean it up.The 4-5 guys, jumped out from the back of the truck, surrounded me, and began throwing punches.

I was hit several times in the head, knocked out momentarily, and came to when they jumped in their truck and left as the police were pulling into the parking lot. I had two black eyes, knots on my face, and a bruised ego.

In my naivety, I didn’t realize that these boys were out looking for a fight. I thought that when they realized who I was, they would apologize, clean the car, and drive off down the road.  But, they were out looking to jump somebody, attack them, and whip the snot out of them…and that is what they did.

I never imagined that all 7 of these guys would jump me. (Every time I tell this story – the number of bullies grows.) I was left slumped into the front passenger seat of my car, humiliated, embarrassed, and left wondering, “What the heck just happened?”

As followers of Jesus, we often fail to understand that we are in a fight right now.  Even as we are sitting here in this worship center, even while some are listening online, we are engaged in a battle and quite possibly being attacked. And, we are not just in a fight, we are in a battle.  And, the battle has real consequences. Now, don’t jump up and start throwing haymakers. You are not in a fight with the people around you. You don’t have to take on our safety-team…

But, our fight is far more frightening. You and I are in a battle with the devil and his evil demons.  This is not a physical fight. It is a spiritual battle with real-life consequences.

Ephesians 6:10-18

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13  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. 14  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18  Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

As followers of Jesus, we have been forgiven for our sins, we have been given a relationship with God, and we have become a target of the evil one.  The devil was defeated when Jesus rose from the dead, and since the devil has learned he cannot overtake God, he will do his best to attack and destroy those who belong to the family of God.

THE BATTLE IS REAL

Ephesians 6:10

“Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”

When we fail to stand firm in the Lord, the fallout can be devastating. Marriages fall apart because selfishness replaces love, and bitterness goes unchecked. Parents get so consumed by their own struggles that their children grow up feeling lost, insecure, and disconnected from God. Families stop praying together, and before long, they stop fighting for one another. In the workplace, compromises lead to ethical failures that destroy careers. Stress and burnout take over as we chase success, thinking it will satisfy us, only to find ourselves empty and exhausted. Our finances tell the same story. We give into greed, overspend to fill a void, or hoard out of fear, leaving no room for generosity.

The American church doesn’t escape the enemy’s attacks either. Division, gossip, and complacency infect the body of Christ across America. American Christians focus on petty issues instead of the mission God gave us, and our opportunity to reach the community is destroyed.

Spiritually, many of us are barely holding on. Unchecked sin like lust, addiction, or anger takes root, and we wonder why we feel distant from God.

Satan’s goal is clear: to destroy everything good in your life—your faith, your family, your purpose, and your hope. This is the cost of not standing firm. But, we are not powerless. Through His strength, we can stand firm in the Lord, so that when the battle is over, we are still strong, and we can reclaim what the enemy has stolen.

We are going to talk more about this next week, but this passage also shows us that…

THE DEVIL IS REAL AND YOUR ENEMY

Ephesians 6:12

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

We have an Enemy.  He is the Devil. The Evil One.  He is the Father of Lies.  Since the beginning, he is a hater of God, a hater of all things God loves. He hates creation, he hates Christianity, and if you are a follower of Jesus, he hates your guts. He is not a symbol or a myth. He is real. Jesus spoke about him in the gospels:

Jesus called the Devil a murderer, a liar, and the father of all lies:

John 8:44

For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

In the beginning of Matthew, Mark and Luke, the Devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness.

In Matthew 13:19, Mark 4:15, and Luke 8:12, Jesus describes the Devil as the one who snatches away the TRUTH of God’s Word from the hearts of believers…

In Luke 22, Jesus warns Peter that Satan desires to “sift him like wheat.”

In Matthew 25 Jesus says that hell is an eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons…

The Devil is real, and he wants to do all he can to bring destruction to believers and turn the world away from following Jesus. Jesus described him as a destroying thief…

John 10:10

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

The devil wants to steal your joy, kill your hope, and destroy your hope in Jesus.  He is ruthless and seeks to devour you.

That’s why Peter warned followers of Jesus to be on the lookout for the devil, he writes:

1 Peter 5:8

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

But – followers of Jesus do not need to curl up in fear, weep, or live terrified.  Rather, if followers of Jesus simply live in obedience, God will be glorified and an already defeated Satan will be threatened. Every day, we make choices to follow God in obedience or yield ground to the Devil. When we choose sin, we give Satan influence over our lives.

So, If you want to begin to live in freedom in 2025.

If you want to walk in the power of the Lord in 2025.

If you want to experience victory and the power of the Lord 2025.

Then you need to begin living in OBEDIENCE in 2025 – because…

VICTORY BEGINS WITH OBEDIENT LIVING

Jesus is LORD over the last minute.  He is LORD of the nick-of-time and LORD of the its-already-too-late.  He is able to turn a hopeless situation into something incredible. When you feel as though all hope is gone.  When you feel like you have really messed up your life and made one poor decision after the next, Jesus is able to bring you back to life.

There is never a time when it is too late for Jesus. I know it feels that way at times. I know that there are dark valleys and pits of despair you have walked through. I know you are walking through depression, and sadness, and confusion. Even though it feels as though it is too late – it is not too late for Jesus! There is never a place that you have gone that is beyond his mercy, grace and compassion. There is never a problem that you have dealt with or are dealing with that is too difficult for him to overcome. He will turn your mourning into joyful dancing…because He is LORD and that is what He does!

When I think of the Lord’s power I always think of the time in the Gospels when Jesus stood at the entrance to a tomb - and shouted: "Lazarus come out!"  And Lazarus came out!  The dead man sat up, walked out of the grave wrapped in dead man clothes and Jesus told those standing there: Unwrap him and let him go!

This morning, Jesus stands at the edge of your darkness and calls your name!  He calls you to come out from the edge of your darkness.  From the edge of your depression.  From the edge of your despair.  He stands at the entrance peering into the darkness and says to you, "Come out!"   “Come out of the darkness.” Are you being held back by insecurity and fear?  He calls you to let it go!  Are you bound by depression and anxiety?  Let it go!  Believe HE CAN.  Admit you CAN'T.  Believe he is able!  Trust in him completely!

Have you thought the distance between you and your spouse has become so great that the relationship is broken and beyond repair?  He can restore life to your marriage!

Your children may have traveled far down the wrong path.  So far it seems - the cold reality of their decisions are dragging you down in spirit.  Jesus can bring them back from the brink!  Believe and ask and seek!

Jesus does desire to turn your mourning into dancing and great joy - he loves you completely and totally.  But we are not guaranteed to experience the joy.  If we want to experience the VICTORY we must live in OBEDIENCE.

Just because you were walking closely with the Lord last year, last week, or yesterday does not mean that you are walking closely with the Lord today.  Personally – your faith from yesterday is not enough to keep you walking in step with the Spirit of the Lord.  If you want to experience the joy of walking with the Lord again, continue to live in obedience to Jesus.

Christmas - The faith of Simeon - Abiding in God

Who has ever been overlooked?

Parent that feels what you do for your kids goes unnoticed.

Student that feels your contribution to that project was unseen.

In that relationship, but your SO is constantly distracted and you feel overlooked.

Or maybe, you were the last pick in the Geography bee in 6th grade and you felt so overlooked that you vowed to study so you could destroy all of them in the competition and win it for your team. Yes, still one of my better accomplishments in my life.

Being overlooked is something that happens to all of us at some point in time. Today, we are going to look at a man who often gets overlooked in Luke 2 that we can learn a lot from. In case you don’t know, Luke 2 tells the birth story of Jesus. That is what most people know Luke 2 to be. But God, through Luke provides recounts of some extremely faithful people, and the one we are going to look at is Simeon.

Luke 2:25-26 NLT

at that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him. And had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

Luke, paints a beautiful picture of Simeon’s life

- Simeon is RIGHTEOUS

- Simeon is DEVOUT

- Simeon is EAGER & HOPEFUL

- Simeon has the HOLY SPIRIT UPON HIM.

Holy Spirit being UPON HIM (Simeon)

- Before Jesus died on Cross, HS didn’t live within people

- HS would TEMPORARILY dwell/lead people

- Ex. King Saul

- Simeon has the HS upon him. BIG DEAL

- Lots of names mentioned that never experienced this

- Simeon did!

I think its safe to say that Simeon knew how to ABIDE in the Lord.

ABIDE- To progressively remain in/with the Lord.

- To be in constant relationship

- To be prioritizing him above all else

- To be with God every chance we get

Simeon lived a life of Abiding. I believe this why he was blessed with the spirit being upon him.

Luke 2:27-28 NLT

That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in him arms and praised God

The promise that God made Simeon through the Holy Spirit was fulfilled. Simeon didn’t question God on if this would happen, he had great faith in him. Which leads to our first takeaway

ABIDING BUILDS GREAT FAITH

Now, notice I said BUILDS great faith. This is something Simeon day in and day out had to build through abiding with God.

“BUILDING” is tough for us as people. We live in a world of absolute convenience:

• Social Media to cure boredom

• We can order food and its at our house in 30 minutes.

• Movies instantly with Netflix app.

• We can order whatever we want, whenever we want it with just a few clicks.

Simeon lived a life of delayed gratification in our standards. H couldn’t go on Amazon and order Great Faith. It had to be BUILT, and it was built through abiding in God.

PERSONAL STORY: Anger Issues. I thought when I accepted Jesus they would be gone.Took years of abiding to get past them

IT’S THE SAME WAY WITH BUILDING GREAT FAITH. Our faith journey is a process. Day by day, abiding in God will build the great faith we see in Simeons life.

ABIDING PROVIDES GODLY WISDOM

Luke 2:28-32 NLT
Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the NATIONS. And he is the glory of your people in Israel.

Imagine Simeon in this moment. Holding Jesus, holding the Messiah the savior of the world. I came across this quote. “How poor does this world look to one that has Christ in his arms, and salvation in his view” In this moment, nothing else mattered for Simeon. His promise had been fulfilled, he has seen the messiah and he begins to declare things that come only from GODLY WISDOM

Here is what I mean:

1. He declares Jesus is God’s salvation

2. He declares that Jesus is the glory of your people Israel

3. He declares that Jesus is the light to reveal God to ALL NATIONS

- HUGE DEAL. Jesus was coming for everyone.

- The Jewish faith was for JEWS, not anyone else,

- Jesus changed that

- Simeon declared in the temple, that the MESSIAH is for all. Not just Israel, but for the whole globe.

- BOLDNESS in the temple

Simeon was blessed with Godly Wisdom that came with constant abiding in God. No ordinary man just knows and SAYS those things in this time in that temple, only someone who is blessed with Godly Wisdom and direction does.

The final takeaway from Simeon’s life is:

ABIDING LEADS TO TOTAL SUBMISSION

I think this might be the hardest thing for us as people to do. We don’t like to be submitted to anything. But God calls us to be submitted to him. You can’t constantly abide and not be submitted to what God is wanting for your life. It is impossible.

So many of us as followers of Jesus want to have:

• great faith

• be healed

• be blessed

• Godly wisdom

• but miss what God is calling us too and that is TOTAL SUBMISSION.

• Simeon lived a life of total submission.

• Highlighted by abiding

• DEVOUT.

• Blessed with the holy spirit being upon him.

• BECAUSE HE TOTALLY SUBMITTED TO WHAT GOD WAS DOING IN HIS LIFE.

My mentor tells me all time “Jesus isn’t just our savior, he is ALSO our Lord.” I remember where I was, when I realized I was living with Jesus just as my savior, but not my Lord.

- Read when I felt like it (once a week)

- Pray when I was forced to (twice a week at youth group)

- Still tried to do things MY OWN WAY

PASSION 2020: right before COVID, Mercedes-Benz stadium in ATL. I was in the bottom bowl.

• Pastor Louie Giglo speaking about ABIDING

• Grabbed my attention

• PEOPLE WILL TELL YOU THEY BELIEVE IN JESUS, BUT WON’T READ HIS WORD

• PEOPLE WILL TELL YOU THEY BELIEVE IN JESUS, BUT DON’T TALK TO HIM

• PEOPLE WILL TELL YOU THEY BELIEVE IN JESUS, BUT WON’T SUBMIT TO HIS WAY OF LIFE.

He was speaking to me. I believed in Jesus, but I sure didn’t submit to him as my Lord

• When Louie closed, he had this massive bible like a 30 yards x 50 yards bible in on the field with him.

• Still talking about abiding, and he said “If you want your life to change, you need to flip the pages in this book”

TON OF BRICKS:

I wasn’t abiding. I just viewed God as a way to be saved, not a way of life. In that moment, I said God, you are my Lord and i’m going to live life like that. I started abiding. Reading God’s word daily. Praying daily. Worshipping daily. Serving daily. Totally submitting DAILY.

Today, I can tell you I have never in my life had this strong of a faith until I started abiding, I have never in my life been blessed with so much Godly Wisdom until I started abiding, and I have never in my life experienced true, full, meaningful life until I started ABIDING.

If you want to have the best year of your life in 2025, START ABIDING. Let’s stop overlooking Simeon and take a page out of his book, live life with God as your Savior AND your Lord.

3 ways to begin abiding:

1. Read your bible for 2 minutes every morning

2. Before bed, thank God for 3 things he did that day

3. Watch a sermon

Abiding is journey, and all journeys have to start somewhere. So start abiding in and with God TODAY.

Christmas - The Type Of Person God Uses (The Birth Of Jesus)

Raise your hand if you still have some Christmas shopping left.

Moms always have to be surprised when they get the robe, another bathrobe, or something else to hang up. But Christmas is, sometimes a season filled with unexpected happenings. A couple of years ago, my family and I were traveling across country and we stopped at a Chili's to eat lunch. And inside the restaurant, Sophia and I turned the corner and unexpectedly, we ran into Santa Claus.

Now, this wasn't just a guy dressed up. This guy was Santa. From his head to his toes. He was in a red hat. He had the jacket. He had the full beard, rosy red cheeks, little gold rimmed glasses. He had the big belt and the red pants and the white fur and the boots. This guy was Santa.

And at that point, Sophie was about nine years old. It was in late fall. Completely unexpected. We weren't thinking we were going to see Santa that day. So Sophie stood there looking at Santa's. Big smile on her face. Santa stood there looking at her. Big smile on his face. And no one said anything. So he bends down and he looks at her and he keeps smiling. She keeps smiling. No one saying anything. Sophie finally says, hi, Santa. And he still doesn't say anything. Finally, Sophie looked at me and said, I have to pee. So we went to the restroom. You know, when Santa shows up unexpectedly, he can be a scary thing to some children. In fact, when Santa shows up and he's expected to show up, it can be a scary thing for some kids.

Some kids just don't want to sit on Santa's lap. Maybe you have photographs like the pictures on the screen. Maybe you remember a time when you tried to get your child to sit still for Santa, and they freaked out and they cried and they screamed. And you were felt like the only people in line that had that happen. We have this big build up to the kids seeing Santa Claus. And when it occurs, it can be a nightmare. And I think I know why Santa is overwhelming to some kids. Think about it. He knows when you've been sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows if you've been bad or good. So you're pretty good. It's no wonder some children are afraid of Santa from the time they're little. We're telling them about. Santa is watching you right now. He sees what you're doing right now. Do you want me to put you on the naughty list? I'm going to write Santa a letter.

I think many people like the idea of Santa Claus from a distance. Many children like that idea of Santa Claus at a distance. But you get too close to Santa, and he's a little overwhelming.

And I think, like Santa is to children,God can be like that often for us big people. I think the idea that there is this omniscient, omnipotent, all-knowing, everlasting God who sees everything, who knows everything, who knows our thoughts before we think them. Well, gosh, that can be a little bit overwhelming. And then when we understand that that overwhelming God who is all-powerful, all-knowing, wants to use you and me for his work on this earth, it's a lot to take in. And it can be overwhelming. In today's passage, Mary, the mother of Jesus, learns from an angel that God wants her to be the mother of Jesus. That God wants this teenage girl to raise the Son of God. And we see her response. So let's read together Luke chapter one, beginning in verse 26.

Luke 1:26

In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, greetings, favored woman, the Lord is with you. Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. Don't be afraid, Mary. The angel told her, for you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the son of the most High.

The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David, and he will reign over Israel forever. His kingdom will never end. Mary asked the angel, but how can this happen? I am a virgin. The angel replied, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What's more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age. People used to say she was barren, but now she's in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God. Mary responded, I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true. And then the angel left her.

And this passage of Scripture today, I think we're going to see some characteristics of the type of person God uses.

And it's very important for us to understand from the get go that as we read this story, we understand Mary was not a perfect person, yet God chose to use her to raise his son. Let me rephrase that. God chose to use an unwed mother to give birth to his son. God chose to use an unwed teenage girl to give birth to a son and to be the mother of Jesus.

Even at this young age, Mary had characteristics of the type of person God uses. Now, like you, I'm still in the process of becoming the person God created me to be. I'm still at work becoming the husband that I imagined I would be 25 years ago when we got married. I'm still in the process of becoming the daddy that I imagined I would be 17 years ago, when we had our first daughter.

I'm still in the process of becoming the pastor I imagined I would be. I'm in that process, and so are you. You are not yet complete, and I am not yet complete. But if we want to become the type of person God uses, then I think there are some characteristics that we can draw out from this passage of scripture that's going to help us fully understand, or at least get a little bit closer to being the type of person that God chooses to use.

Because God's not finished with you. God's not finished with me. God's not finished with our families. So let's press in to this passage of Scripture and really see how we need to develop as followers of Jesus to become that person God uses. So first understand this.

God works through people of faith

God works through people of faith. If you want to become the type of person that God uses understand first and foremost. God works through people of faith. God chose Mary, a teenage girl, to be the mother of Jesus. And because this pregnancy happened outside of wedlock, Mary would face a lot of shame from people in the community. Now, many of us, and maybe you're one that has experienced this. Many of us know people from our family.

Many of us know people from our, maybe our children that have gotten pregnant outside of marriage. And the first thing that we think about is maybe the first thing we think about is what are other people going to say? Well, let me just add this. If that's you today, I want you to know, look, this is a place where you can find hope and second chances.

And we want to do everything we can to come alongside you to be a blessing to you. Or if that's a family member, we want to be able to come alongside them and bless them and care for them. But the people 2000 years ago weren't filled with so much grace. 2000 years ago, if a man and woman were betrothed to be married and the woman ended up pregnant and it wasn't the fiancee's child.

Old Testament law said that they could that that man, the groom, could take his bride to the doorsteps of her parents house and invite the men to come out and stone her to death. There wasn't a lot of grace built into that law. This was a teenage girl that just learned even though she was a virgin. She was going to be pregnant.

What she faced, the challenges that she faced were insurmountable. And yet how she responded is not quite the way you and I might respond. God chose Mary. He knew she was a teenager. He knew that her pregnancy would bring disgrace. So why did he choose Mary? Well, I believe that it's because Mary's faith in God was strong enough to get her through the shame.

Her faith in God was strong enough to get her through the disgrace, through the rumors, through the gossip. I believe that her faith in God would guide her through those difficult conversations that she had with Joseph. Like, can you imagine sitting down with Joseph and say, Joseph, I do love you. I have been faithful to you. And it was the Holy Spirit that that conceived this child inside me.

Mary had to have enough faith to navigate through the conversation with her parents. Mom and dad, I promise you, I promise you, I have been faithful. God knew that Mary had the type of faith that could overcome gossip, overcome rumor, overcome disgrace. God knew that Mary had the type of faith that could navigate through the hard, difficult season that he was asking her to walk through.

Out of all the people on the planet, God chose a teenage girl named Mary because he knew her faith would get her through. And that's exactly what faith does for you and I. Faith helps us navigate difficult, embarrassing seasons.

Faith helps us navigate through hard situations in life. Faith helps us overcome situations, trusting that God is going to give us the next few words to say that he'll give us the right words at the right time, to say the right thing.

The author of Hebrews describes face this faith this way.

Hebrews 11:1

Faith is a confidence that what we hope for will happen. It gives us assurance about things we cannot see. As a follower of Jesus. We hope that one day Christ is going to return. We look forward to that day that we will be in heaven, where God Himself wipes away every tear from our eye.

Where there's no more sorrow, no more death, no more decay, that we are one with God and able to worship him for the rest of our lives. We can't see that right now, but our faith gives us hope. So we place our hope in what we cannot see.

Hebrews 11:6

It is impossible to please God without faith.

The moment you surrendered your life to Jesus, it was because you had faith that Jesus gave up his life for you. The moment you surrendered your life to Jesus, it's because you had faith that Jesus was the Son of God. You understood that you sin, that you deserve death, and that God, through Jesus, forgave you of your sins. That Jesus, when he died on the cross, he paid the price for your sin. You didn't see it. You weren't there 2000 years ago. But by faith you believe what Jesus did for you. Without faith, it's impossible to please God. So the very same faith that we put in Jesus to forgive us our sins is the same faith by which we ought to live.

Hoping for those things that have not yet happened. Believing God will work all things out for good. Believing that God will restore your marriage. Believing that God will restore your relationships. Believing that God will provide for you when you feel like you're at the end of your rope, and that nobody else cares. Believing that God will provide a way for you.

Faith. Faith is what we live by and it's by our faith that we please God. So God works through people who have faith in him.

God works through people who trust him

When we trust in God, that is a result of our faith. Faith is more than just head knowledge. When faith moves into obedience, it's called trust.

God works through people who trust him. Now, earlier in the gospel, the angel Gabriel visited a man named Zechariah. He was an old priest, and he showed up while Zechariah was doing his duties inside the temple. And the angel Gabriel showed up and said, Zechariah, have I got some news for you? Your old wife is going to bear child, and she's going to be called, you know, later on we're going to discover this John the Baptist, and he's going to prepare the way for the Messiah.

And Zechariah responded almost by laughing, how isn't that angel Gabriel? How? There is no way that's going to happen. How can I be sure? Send me a sign. Instead of trusting God would do what he had promised. Praying for a child is what Zechariah and Elizabeth did for years. And when the angel Gabriel showed up and said, okay, you're going to have a child.

He did not believe. He refused to believe the news.

Luke 11:8 - 20

Zechariah said to the angel, how can I be sure this will happen? I'm an old man now, and my wife also was well along in years. That's another way for saying my wife is old too. And the angel said, I am Gabriel. I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news. But now, since you didn't believe what I said, you will be silent and you will be unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.

Zechariah did not trust, and his lack of trust had consequences. And when you and I do not trust God, we will experience consequences. God desires to bless us. God desires to protect us, but we must trust him. And when we demonstrate trust, we're walking in obedience.

John 14:21

He who has my commands and keeps them, this is the one that loves me, and he who loves me will be loved by my father, and I will love him and show myself to him.

You and I are called to trust God, and we demonstrate our trust in God by keeping his commandments. And the greatest commandment that Jesus gave to us is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbor as we love ourselves. The greatest demonstration of trust for a follower of Jesus is not that you'll win the lottery one day, is not to spend $10 on $10 cards and scratch him off. And prayerfully, you win the lottery. The greatest demonstration of trust for a follower of Jesus is to love your neighbor, as you love yourself.

There are so many people in today's world that don't want to enter the doors of a church, because the church isn't loving their neighbor as they love themselves. And that's one thing that we've got to do a better job at. As followers of, Jesus is walking in submission, trusting him and doing and living obediently to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

Look at the similarities between Mary and Mary and Zechariah and the angel Gabriel. Zechariah did not believe and he said, how can I be sure? I need a sign because my wife and I are way too old. But Mary trusted her and said, okay, how's this going to happen? I've never been with a man. I don't understand how this is going to happen.

God chooses to work through people who have faith. He's not afraid to answer your questions. He's not afraid to speak to you, but he chooses to work through people who have faith. Mary believed, and she experienced blessing. Zechariah later believed when Elizabeth had a son and he named him John.

God desires that you and I experience his presence through walking in obedience. Living by faith. Following him with a trust filled heart.

God works through people who have a servant's heart

Look at what Mary said in verse 38. I am the Lord's servant. Let it be to me as you have said. Mary could have come up with 100 different responses, and all of them, as a parent, would be what my daughter I would want my daughters to say.

If this was a situation that happened to them, I would want my daughters to say, God, could you use somebody else for this? There's no way my community is going to buy this. My marriage plans do not include having a baby bump on my wedding day. My wedding plans do not include being pregnant with the Son of God.

There's no way the people in the community are going to believe this God. Would you please choose somebody else? I don't want this weight. I'm a teenage girl. I don't want to carry this burden. And I think oftentimes when we hear that whisper from the Lord of of God speaking to our hearts, and he's leading us to do something, what we often say is, God could you please choose somebody else for this?

But I don't want to love my neighbor as I love myself the way you want me to. I want to love them from a distance, but I don't want to care for them. I don't want to become a servant to them. But instead of trying to convince God to change his mind, she accepted the plan and she submitted to God's leadership. And she said, I am the Lord's servant. That's because servants do what their masters ask them to do. Servants do what their masters ask them to do.

Throughout the history of the world. If someone has said to another you are the boss, that means they do what the boss asks them to do. When one of my daughters gave her life to Jesus and she was baptized at a young age, about six years old, I asked her. I said, so what does it mean now that you've given your life to Jesus?

And she said, he gets to be the boss of me for the rest of my life. And that is the correct picture of the Lordship of Jesus. When we surrender our lives, we're surrendering our lives. We're becoming a servant to the Most High God. And Mary's attitude was spot on. Could God have used somebody else? Yes. But he chose her.

And she said, I am but a servant. And because she had the heart of a servant, her life was forever changed. So if you have doubts that God can actually use you, become a servant. If you have doubts that God can use you in this world, become a servant to other people. Watch and see how God blesses humility.

Watch and see how God blesses those who try to bless other people. See, your whole role as a follower of Jesus is trying to bless other people. You're loving other people the way that Jesus loves you. When Jesus looked at his disciples and when they asked what the greatest commandment was, he didn't say, beat people over the head with the Bible, tell them how wrong they are in life.

He said, love your neighbor as you love yourself despite your differences politically, despite your differences socially. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love crosses every line, every border, every boundary. That's why love never fails. And when this Christmas season, when you're sitting around the Christmas table with your in-laws and you're sitting around the Christmas table with family and friends that you don't agree with.

Love never fails. Becoming a servant never fails. Beating him over the head with scripture will fail, but love won't.

So be a servant

Make those around you more important than you. There's a reason why we have the word called selfishness in the in the dictionary, right? Every every language on earth has a word for selfishness. It's when they're looking out for themselves.

This Christmas season. Let your family know how changed you've been by Jesus because of your selflessness. Because you're making them more important than you. You're taking care of them. You're tending to their needs. You're living like a servant. Will it get hard? Yes. God never calls us to easy. I wish he did. I wish God called us to easy things in life.

But he doesn't. God calls his followers to do the hard to take the form of a servant and to bless other people. If you want God to use you, be a servant and be committed to the Lordship of Jesus in your life. Demonstrating to your family and friends how much Jesus has changed you. By the way you take the form of a servant as well.

God uses people who are faithful. God uses people who place their trust in him, and God uses people who have the heart of a servant. Let God use you this Christmas season to make a difference.

Christmas - Tips For Surviving The Holidays

At some point this Christmas season, Kristy and I will pack up our four kids and two Goldendoodles and head to Georgia to spend time with her parents, her sister and husband, and our nephew.  I always look forward to spending time with family, especially around Christmas. Sleeping on air mattresses. Kids are cranky and fussing. Dealing with disappointment if you get the wrong gift. In-laws arguing in front of family. Strange odors around the house. The Christmas season COULD also be accurately called the awkward season.

Seldom does anything turn out according to plan. The food burns. The air mattress leaks and you wake up on the floor. The in-law's argument gets so heated people begin taking sides…

The strange odor around the house turns out to be your shoes…

Today, I want to pass along FOUR TIPS to help you survive Christmas Day, New Year's, and the Holiday season.

Matthew 1:18-25 (NLT2)

18  This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19  Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. 20  As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21  And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22  All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: 23  “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” 24  When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25  But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

In the days of Mary and Joseph, the marriage process was FAR different than it is today. First, the marriage was arranged by the parents.   Second, a contract was prepared with the groom’s parents paying a “bride price.” Third, the marriage became legally binding after the contract and bride price were agreed upon.  Fourth, after the marriage became legally binding, the bride and groom still did not live together. The Bride and Groom would enter a season of purity testing.  The groom would travel to his home, get it ready for his bride, lock down a job and income if he did not have one, and when ready after the season of PURITY testing was over…the groom would travel to bring his bride home and then the marriage would finally be official after their first night together.

So, Joseph left to prepare the house for Mary. He waited for the season of purity testing to be over…It ended, with great excitement, he traveled back to get Mary… He shows up at Mary’s parent's house; she is seated, and she stands up…SURPRISE, HONEY! “I’M PREGNANT!”

Would you have been angry or devastated if this happened to you. So was Joseph. I am sure Joseph wrestled with thoughts like this:

I have been keeping myself pure. I have prepared our home. AND MARY has been sleeping with somebody else! Who is it Mary? Is it the mailman? Is it the Goat farmer down the street? And Mary replies, “It was the Holy Spirit.”  We see that Joseph really did not believe Mary’s story.

Matthew 1:19 (NLT2)

19  Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

If he had believed her, he would not have considered ending the engagement.

That takes us to our first Christmas survival tip. Like almost every Christmas so far, this season, you will have family tell you wild and unbelievable tales about their lives. They might brag and lie about being promoted at work…They might boast and lie about a dating life…

So…the first Christmas survival tip:

DO NOT ASSUME YOU ARE RIGHT; THERE IS ALWAYS MORE TO THE STORY (v. 19)

The story Mary told him was crazy!  “The Holy Spirit Got Me Pregnant.” He was embarrassed. He was angry. He was hurt.  But JOSEPH was WRONG to believe the worst about Mary.  He suffered emotionally because he was WRONG. He decided to divorce her quietly because he was WRONG.

This Christmas season, even if a relative’s story and life sounds made up and crazy…do not assume you are right. There is always more to the story… (Now, the more to the story may mean your relative needs therapy…) But do your best to not jump to conclusions.

Though Joseph was wrong about Mary…Joseph was still going to show great mercy toward her. According to Deuteronomy 22:20-21, after the Groom came for his bride, if the GROOM discovered she was no longer a virgin, she could be drug to the door of her father’s house and stoned to death.

I am sure that Joseph had some buddies that goaded him on…You don’t have to take that Joseph! But, even though he did not believe Mary, he chose to show mercy to Mary. He decided not to shame her publicly and would handle a quiet divorce.

Joseph’s reaction leads us to our second tip.  If this season gets too stressful and awkward and you feel like you are about to say something you will regret:

DO NOT LET YOUR FEELINGS DETERMINE YOUR BEHAVIOR; LET GOD DETERMINE YOUR BEHAVIOR (v. 20)

Despite how he may have felt, Joseph chose a gentler action.  He did not allow his emotions to lead the charge as he dealt with this challenging situation. Instead of choosing to stone her, he decided to divorce her quietly. Even though he was hurt, he did not wish for his wife and his wife’s family to be shamed and humiliated.

So, around your family, choose not to shame your relatives. Choose to swallow your pride, even when you know they are wrong…choose not to humiliate them. Choose to let yourself be wronged to keep peace.

Your feelings will get hurt this Christmas Season. Somebody is going to speak harshly to you.  Somebody is going to step on your toes. Somebody is going to give you the silent treatment. Somebody may gossip about you. Lie about you. Somehow, Cousin Eddie will show up and drain the joy from your life. If you want to survive and thrive during Christmas – you must NOT allow your FEELINGS to determine your course of action.

Paul, a follower of Jesus, wrote this:

Romans 12:17-21 (NLT2)

17  Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18  Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 19  Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD. 20  Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21  Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

See – if you are a follower of Jesus – If you have committed to follow Jesus by receiving Him as your personal Savior. If you received forgiveness for your sin and have entered a relationship with God through Jesus…then this passage gets to boss you around and prescribe how you get to live around a crazy family filled with Cousin Eddies…

When we respond to others based on our emotions, we will escalate the situation and make things worse for everyone else.  God has a better path and plan for us.

If you want peace, you must be the sacrifice. Retaliate with genuine kindness. Offer them something to eat and drink. Conquer evil by doing good. Even if you believe you are right.

Choosing to be the sacrifice leads us to the third tip.

DO NOT BE JUDGMENTAL
CHOOSE TO BE MERCIFUL RATHER THAN RIGHT (v.24)

Show kindness anyway. That is what mercy is. Mercy is undeserved kindness.

Scripture isn’t filled with passages about Joseph.  But from this sliver of scripture, we can see why God chose Joseph to be the earthly father to Jesus…Even though he made a wrong conclusion, Joseph could have chosen to stone Mary.  Instead, he decided to show mercy and divorce her quietly. Joseph was a man who demonstrated uncomfortable grace. There is no telling what impact Joseph had on Jesus.
Did Jesus learn to turn the other cheek from his dad?

Did he learn to show mercy from his dad?

Did he learn to forgive 70 x 7 from his dad?

I wonder if Jesus the boy learned to shoulder the weight of the sin of the world by watching how his father carried the weight of whispers in the community.

Parents and Grandparents, your family is watching and learning from you this season.  If you retaliate with vengeance and anger…they will, too.  If you choose to be merciful and kind – they will learn how to be compassionate and kind through you.

And finally, the behavior you model will lead you to this last tip:

DO NOT GET DISTRACTED
CENTER CHRISTMAS AROUND JESUS (v.25)

It is SO EASY to get distracted by family and gifts and lose focus.  Joseph finally came around and believed Mary’s story.  An ANGEL of the LORD spoke to him and told him that Mary was pregnant with God’s Son.

Because Joseph BELIEVED by faith what happened to Mary, the direction of his life changed.  Instead of seeking to divorce – he stayed in the marriage.  They had more children together, and for a season, until he died, Joseph raised Jesus as his own.

Every Christmas Eve, we have a birthday party for Jesus. Kristy will bake a little cake with the girls.  We will sing “Happy Birthday, Jesus.” We want to make sure our focus is on Jesus.

What will you choose to center your life around?  The things people say about you? The presents you give to others? Family? Food? Do not allow the distractions to build up and become the focus of your life so much that you lose your temper, retaliate, and hurt others.  Choose to center your life on Jesus.

James - Controlling The Tongue

In today’s passage of scripture we will be challenged to controlling the tongue.

James 3:1-12

Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. 3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. 7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. 10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.

As James is writing this letter he continues to warn against false teaching. In this passage it reminds us that Our Words matter. Our Words have power. Our words can lift someone up to the high places or Our words can bring someone to the lowest places.

The Tongue can lead us to Stumble

James says in verses 1 and 2: 1. Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2. Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. Teachers are held to a higher standard because their words influence others.

Luke 12:48

48. when someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.

We know it is a higher accountability. As far as followers we are also held to a standard. Our lives need to tell the truth about who God is. We need to live in a way that it is evident that God is our father.

James is not talking about perfection in a sense that we are perfect. He says we make mistakes, we will stumble. James is providing a way to measure spiritual maturity for teachers and for all Christians.

Matthew 12:34-35

34. You brood of Snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For Whatever is in your heart determines what you say. 35. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.

Words Reveal our inner Character. When we do not Stumble in our Words it shows true Spiritual maturity. We can Stumble in our Words especially about ourselves by boasting, by exaggerating, and by just selecting what we want to say about ourselves that may be untrue for reputation purposes. We can stumble in our Words about others by gossip, slander, cruelty, being two-faced, and anger; or with flattery and insincere words meant to gain favor. We need to demonstrate Godly speech, modeling Christlike Self-Control. This is a very important lesson that James wanted to relay to his Audience and something God wants us to apply today.

The Tongue can control the direction of your Life and your relationships

Even though the tongue is small in comparison to the body. The tongue has Immense power. It has the power to direct. It has the power to build. It has the power to destroy. How do you use that Power? Do your words direct people to a life-changing relationship with Jesus? Do your words build others up? Do your words destroy others or relationships? We have all heard the “sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me” It is a lie! Words do hurt. When you hear the words “You were a Mistake” it hurts. When you hear “You are not good enough” It hurts. When you hear “You’re Stupid” It Hurts. When you hear “ I can’t stand you instead of I love you" it hurts. Words Hurt.

I have struggled with depression for a while. It really hit me hard when my brother was tragically killed in a car accident. It brought me to a point where I no longer thought my life was of value. I thought that this world, my family and friends would be better without me. God spared me from my thoughts. God spoke through all the noise of the words I had replayed in my head. The words: not good enough, worthless, loser, subpar. God Spoke louder. I ended up going to a facility and started counseling and for the first time I started to replace the lies with truth. I realized that the words I heard were not true. I realized that I was not defined by the words of people but by the Word of God. I am a Child of His. I am not junk.

I do not pretend to know what each of you are going through, but I do know that God loves you. Maybe you have been completely shattered and broken by the words of others, or maybe your words have deeply wounded someone else. I can tell you that I personally have been on both sides.

I know from my own personal experience and by reading God’s word that the tongue has the potential to harm and needs to be used with wisdom and restraint.

We always hear about the Freedom of Speech, but that doesn’t give us the right to just say anything we want. Use your words wisely. Even if your mom cooked the dish your wife just cooked better, doesn’t mean you should say it.

Use Your Words wisely and use restraint. Remember your words can alter someone’s direction in life. Positively or negatively.

We see that there is power in the tongue, so how can we control it? How can we Tame the tongue? James 3: 8 says but no one can tame the tongue. it is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. James is not saying give up. He’s not saying just say what you want because it uncontrollable. What James is saying is that

The Inability to tame the tongue shows our need for God

We as humans can control a lot of animals. Those animals can be tamed. They can be tamed without divine power. We can tame them by our own ability and power. James says we Cannot tame the Tongue. He’s saying it is difficult to tame the tongue without God’s help. What we say comes down to our heart. Luke 6:45 says what you say flows from what is in your heart.

Studies have been conducted to measure the amount of words used on average and it equals about 6000. That seemed like a lot of words. This equals 12 single space pages. Now imagine this is all being recorded. It’s being recorded by God. Now think about all of the years you have been able to speak and it's all recorded. That’s scary right? Now let’s just focus on this last week or month. Based on the words that you have spoken to your spouse, what does it say about your heart? Do your words to your spouse relay the truth of God? What about your children? What about your coworkers? What about Your Family? or Friends?

Think about every Word being written down and recorded. What will it reveal about your Heart. I shared before how God led me here. I had served many years in the Ministry and was so hurt by people that I wanted to just fade away and never be in ministry again. I had been hurt by people. I was hurt by their words. I shared that I spent time in a facility. I shared with the church I served at my struggle with mental health. I shared who I was and my struggles. One day we as a church decided to replace some flooring. Some wanted tile, some wanted carpet. This blew up into a full blown war. A fight for power. We lost focus on our mission to reach the lost. Words were spoken. Words ruined relationships. Words hurt the advancement of God’s Kingdom.

In this process I received an anonymous typed letter using my struggles with mental health against me. The words in this letter hurt me deeply. It brought me to isolation. I felt I could be in a church like this full of people and still feel all alone. God used people in this church to speak words of truth to me. Words that built me up. Even though words had hurt me and brought me to a place of worthlessness. God used the words of people to build me up. Words that reminded me that God wasn’t done with me, That he had never uncalled me. I allowed words to harden my heart but God put people in my life that used words to bring life back to someone who hadn’t felt anything in several years.

We cannot tame the Tongue without God. With God our words can bring life! Use your Words wisely because

Our Words expose the contradictions in our Hearts

True Faith calls for our words and worship to be consistent. We should be reflecting God’s Love in all we say. My words do not always reflect God’s Love. I know James says earlier that we all make many mistakes, we all stumble. You may be here or online and struggle with this as well. You may still be hurting from someone’s words. You may realize today that you may have hurt someone with your words.Maybe you are here and realize you need to seek forgiveness. You may need to start using your words to build up and not destroy. No matter where you are right now, know that God is still changing lives. He’s still perfecting imperfect people. The words of others may have kept you away from church for a long time. you may still be holding on to something someone said many years ago. I know it hurts.I’ve been there. I also know that the words of man do NOT define you but the Words of God do. Hold To what he says about you. You are Loved! You are not Worthless. He sent his Son for you! He knows you! He created you!

Use your tongue…Your Words for Building up not tearing down.

Ephesians 4:29

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Recognize the influence of your tongue, your words, and seek God’s wisdom to speak with Grace and love.