Throughout the summer, Pastor Brian Matherlee preached a series on the Armor of God. The root text for each of these sermons can be found in Ephesians 6:10-18.
this means war
There is a spiritual war that rages on every moment of every day, and believers are called to join the battle. In the book of Daniel, he and his friends face multiple challenges in which their faith is tested and they must make a choice about whether they will engage in battle. They find strength in God's power and refuse to compromise themselves or their beliefs. There is much to be learned from their actions as we consider these questions: What are we battling? Are these battles we should be fighting? And if so, are we prepared?
Tailor made
Through looking at various events of David's life (specifically in 2 Samuel 11), Pastor Brian shows that in life, battles will come. The question is not "if" the battles and trials will come, but "when." The responsibility of believers is to be ready when that day comes. In this second part of the "Suit Up" series, Pastor Brian explains the first two pieces in the armor of God: the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness.
MAster peace
The third piece of the armor of God is for our feet to be "fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." Peace is foundational to adequately engage in battle. In the book of Joshua, we encounter a woman named Rahab who seemed to be at odds with peace. But through a powerful encounter with God and God's people, Rahab finds peace. This can be our story too.
TAke Cover
On July 1st, Pastor Brian continued the “Suit Up” series by examining the shield of faith mentioned in Ephesians 6:16. A shield is used for defense, but a shield also allows a soldier to march forward in battle making it an offensive weapon. The shield of faith is a gift…are you ready to receive it?
Covered in Blood
In part 5 of the “Suit Up” series, Pastor Brian focused on the helmet of salvation. He described the helmet as being an object of deliverance, an object of protection, and a gift from God. In life, sin comes speeding through life seeking to destroy our lives while the helmet serves as protection…if we are willing to receive the helmet of salvation.
Charge
The best defense is a good offense. Throughout the sermon series Pastor Brian unpacked the importance and the meaning of the Armor of God. The armor of God has two functions: to defend and to defeat. In part 6 of the “Suit Up” series he focused on the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) and the need to be on offense in the spiritual battle against the enemy.
Spiritual prayer
On August 5th, Pastor Brian concluded the “Suit Up” by focusing on the need for prayer. God hears our prayers. In Ephesians 6:18, we see the need to see every circumstance as an opportunity to pray. No prayer is too small or too big for God, so we must boldly pray in every situation we encounter.