Sunday Recap 10-7-12

Morning:  The sermon, "A Prayer for Fruitful Christianity," focused on Colossians 1:1-14. In this passage, Paul reminds us to ask God to increase the "fruit" in our lives. Paul is writing this letter to a church he didn't start. Although they didn't know him personally, he wanted them to know he was praying for them. Their leader, Epaphras, was likely one of Paul's converts in Asia Minor and went on to found the church. Now, Epaphras was in prison with Paul, and sharing his concern for the church. Epaphras has planted good seed and was seeing fruit come forth, but weeds were beginning to grow. Paul shows us how to pray for fruitful Christianity.

1. Thank God for the fruit you see. Every good gift comes down from the Father in heaven, so every expression of gratitude must be aimed upward to the Father. Paul points to 4 "fruits" in the life of this church. Paul expresses thanks for their faith in God, their love for all the saints, their hope in the gospel,and for the fact that the gospel is spreading and growing among them.

2. Pray that God would increase the fruit. Paul expresses the substance of his prayers: that God would fill the believers with knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. He goes on to express his reason: we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way. What does that look like: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, and being strengthened with all power according to God's glorious might.

Paul wanted them to be strengthened so that they could have great endurance which is the ability to bear up under hardship, patience which is self-restraint under trying circumstances, and joyful gratitude to the Father.

They should have gratitude to the Father because he qualified them to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light, he rescued tem form the dominion of darkness, and he brought them into the kingdom of the Son he loves.

What do we do?

Examine your fruit--Are you a believer in Christ? Do you have faith in God through Jesus Christ? Do you have love for all the saints? Is the Gospel your hope?

If you answer no to those questions: Ask the Father to qualify you to share in Christ, ask him to rescue you from the dominion of darkness, ask him to grant you redemption and forgiveness through Jesus Christ our Lord.

If you answer yes to the above questions: Ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Pray this for each other.

Evening: Business Meeting

Sermon Recap 7-29-12

Morning: The sermon, "God if for You," focused on Psalm 56. David reminds us that God is with us. He gives us 3 truths to think about.

1. When all of life is crashing in around you, catch your breath and remember who's holding you.

2. Your enemies won't escape justice from a God who keeps your tears.

3. Live out your gratitude.

Evening: Services were cancelled.

Sunday Recap 7-22-12

Morning: The sermon, "Which Way Will You Go?" focused on Matthew 7:13-14. In this passage, Jesus commands us to enter the narrow gate. The context in Matthew and in other Scriptures, lead me to conclude Jesus is speaking of himself. As he said in John, "'Truly, Truly, I say to you, I he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs in another way, that man is a thief and a robber' . . . So Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep" (John 10:1,7). From here, Jesus presents us with two ways.

The Broad Way

     We can call this way, "Whatever Way," because on this way whatever goes. gate is wide because it captures the full spectrum of human morality from legalism to lawlessness. The way is broad because it is so frequently traveled. Solomon warned, "There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way of death" (Prov. 14:12). This path is the path we are born on. We are sinners, turned away from God. It is the way that ends in judgment.

The Narrow Way

The narrow way is hard. It is hard because it requires to you take up your cross, follow Jesus, and die daily. It's hard because it may require you to give up your home, your family, your wealth, your health, or your very life. It's hard because so few find it. It's hard because it winds through temptations, testings, persecutions, and tribulations. It's hard because it isn't about following rules. It's hard because we are prone to wander. 

So how do we obey Jesus? 

We need to understand the project correctly. Most of us understand conversion as an act of renovation. There is some truth to that, but the renovation of our soul is less like This Old House, and more like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Tom, Norm, and the gang keep a lot of the old, and blend it with the new. Ty and his crew bulldozed it down, and built something new.

1. It starts with repentance. Repentance is a change of mind. It means we change course.

2. Next we believe. We come to trust Jesus as our only source of righteousness. As the old hymn says, "In my hand no price I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling."

3. Through faith, we devote ourselves to becoming a student of Christ.

Evening: The lesson, "Sanctified by the Word," focused on using Scripture to grow in our sanctification. Jesus' statements in John 17:17, help us to understand that the Spirit primarily uses Scripture to accomplish sanctification in our life.

How do we grow?

1. Know yourself. What are your weaknesses?

2. Trust God. He has given you everything you need to grow in godliness.

3. Recognize you're at war. 1 Peter 5:8, 2 Cor. 2:11.

How do we apply this?

1. Pick one of your weaknesses. For example, we'll look at anger.

2. Change your mindset--You have to move from "I can't do this," to "Through Christ, I can do anything."

3. Renew your mind through the study of Scripture. Look up what God says about your problem. Read, pray, meditate, and memorize. Here are some Scriptures concerning anger: Eph. 4:26-17; Proverbs 14:16-17, 29; 22:24-25; 29:22.

4. Put into practice what you learn. 

Sermon Recap 7-8-12

Morning: The sermon, "The Joy of Forgiveness," explored Psalm 32. This passage reminds us that true joy is rooted in being forgiven by the Lord. David teaches us some important truths.

1. Holding on the unconfessed sin is dangerous. Shame and guilt have emotional and psychological price tags. They also lead to physical trouble as well. However, the greatest trouble with unconfessed sin is the spiritual price that comes with it. John states, "If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). A key word in this verse is "if." If we confess we get forgiveness and cleansing. If we do not confess, we remain in our sin.

2. Seek the Lord while he may be found. Sin sends us looking for a hiding place. When we turn from our sin to the living God, Christ becomes our hiding place. When God grants us an opportunity to confess and repent of our sins, that is the time to seek him.

3. Don't be stubborn, it only makes it worse. Sin tries to get us to withdraw, but God compels us to come to him.

What do we do with this?

A. We confess our sins. We confess to the Lord first, and those we have hurt next. Our confession should be a public (or private) as the sin. If you get caught in sin on the front page of the daily news, then a public confession is in order. If you have a squabble with your spouse, then confess your sin to them alone.

B. We trust the Lord to forgive. The blood of Christ has purchased our pardon. There is no condemnation in Christ (see Rom. 8:1).

C. We must develop a culture on confession. It should be normal and natural for Christians to share one another's burdens. We should be able to openly and honestly share our faults and failings without fear of rejection.

D. We need to seek the Lord. He is calling us to walk with him. We can only do that if we have entrusted ourselves to his care.

Evening: No service.

Sunday Recap 6-24-12

Morning: The sermon, "Chart the Right Course," focused on Proverbs 23:15-19. Solomon reminds us that those who walk in the fear of the Lord have a future. How do we know we are walking in fear of the Lord?

1. Our lives cause those who reared us to rejoice.

2. We speak right words from a wise heart.

3. We are content to walk in righteousness.

4. We endure to the end.

What do we do with this?

1. Seek true North-look to Jesus Christ.

2. As God to help us through our unbelief.

3. Let the Bible teach us how to think about God.

4. Walk in the fear of the Lord.

Evening: Movie Night.

Sunday Recap 5-13-12

Morning: The sermon, "Seeing the Bigger Picture," focused on Ruth 4:13-22. This passage relates the birth of Ruth's son, Obed. Through this passage, we are reminded of the coming Messiah, and the hope of redemption.

Here are some principles we can draw from this passage:

There is a purpose in your pain. We must remember no suffering is meaningless.

God has not left you without a redeemer. Ruth had Boaz. Naomi had Obed. You have Jesus.

Recognize how God has blessed you. Ruth was "better than seven sons"!

Humility is a mark of greatness. Ruth is able to fade into the background.

Share you children. It was said, "Naomi has a son."

Consider adoption. Ruth adopted Naomi. Naomi took Obed as her own. Through Jesus, the Father has adopted us into his family.

You are part of a story much bigger than you. You are part of God's redemptive story.

What do we do with these principles?

1. Allow Naomi's and Ruth's stories to remind you of God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
2. Remember those struggling with infertility and grief.
3. Bless your children with a godly upbringing.
4. Train your child to bless the world.
5. Tell others about the Redeemer--make his name great among the nations.

Sunday Recap 4-29-12

Morning: The sermon, "A Gracious Refuge," focused on Ruth 2:1-23. In this passage, the author points us to Christ through Boaz, the kinsmen redeemer.

We looked at 4 principles:

1. There is no such thing as a chance encounter.
2. God uses men and means to bless this world.
3. God's kindness abounds in our lives.
4. Just because God is gracious doesn't mean he doesn't expect us to work.

What do we do with these truths?

1. Make the most of every opportunity.
2. Work hard to "glean" from the Lord.
3. Recognize that grace is not deserved.


Evening: We looked at Daniel 6:1-23. In this passage, we are reminded that God is in control of our circumstances. Daniel's life teaches us:

1. Righteous living will raise opposition.
2. Stay the course, no matter what the cost.
3. Trust in God, not man.

Sunday Recap 3-11-12

Morning: The sermon, "A Grace that Saves," focused on Luke 17:11-19. In this passage, Luke reminds his readers that love is the only proper response to God's grace. Jesus heals 10 lepers, but only one returns to thank him.

The story unfolds by reminding us of common grace. The lepers ask for mercy, and all receive it. Common grace is God's general kindness to his creation. Jesus put it in terms of rain and sunshine being enjoyed by all.

The story illustrates the dangers of confusing common grace with saving grace. The blessings of God are not a sign of salvation, although they may being drawing someone toward salvation. Good things happen to bad people. Being healed and being saved are two very different things.

Luke reminds us through the action of the Samaritan leper that saving grace produces fruit. This man not only believe Jesus was capable of healing him, he felt compelled to honor him for healing him. His heart was driven to glorify God in Christ.

When we fail to understand who God is, who we are as sinners, and what Christ has accomplished on our behalf through the cross; we are not driven to love. We may be grateful for the gift, but we don't care about the giver.

Evening: We looked at Psalm 103. David gives a psalm for meditating on the reasons we should praise God.

Sermon Recap 9-11-11

Morning: The sermon, "Sheltered," focused on the Psalm 91:1-16. In this passage, the Psalmist calls us to find refuge in the Lord.

In this psalm, we are reminded that we need to trust the Lord. Those who trust the Lord are promised protection and security. The Lord is compared to a bird drawing its wings over its young. The psalm ends in a promise spoken by the Lord. It is a promise to care for those who trust him.

Evening: We were in Romans 8:28-39 tonight exploring the implications of the gospel. Paul presents the plan of the gospel in Roman 8:28-30 which includes predestination, calling, justification, and glorification. In Romans 8:31-34, he causes us to think through the implications of the gospel by asking a series of pointed questions. Paul's final conclusion is that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ (see Romans 8:35-39).

Sermon Recap 3-27-11

Morning: The sermon, "Heart of Darkness," explored Romans 3:9-20. In this passage, Paul explores the reasons we need to be born again. The passage begins with the warning that we are no better than anyone else. We are sinners saved by grace. Paul then explains in Romans 3:10-18 what God sees when he looks at fallen humanity apart from faith in Christ. God sees corrupt thoughts, corrupt words, and corrupt deeds. Finally, Paul explains that the law serves to silence us in the presence of God, and to show us that we need cleansing.

Evening: In Foundations 15, we looked at the book of Judges.  Judges can be summed up in one verse, "In those days Israel had no king, everyone did as he saw fit" (Jud. 21:25). We explored the cycle: Israel follows other gods, God sends judgement, Israel cries out to God, God sends a judge to deliver his people. As deliverers, the judges of Israel point to Jesus, who rescues God's people from the oppression of sin and death.

Sermon Recap 2-27-11

Morning: The sermon was entitled, "Navigating Uncertain Waters," and focused on Ecclesiastes 11:1-6. In the passage, Solomon gives us some instruction on how to survive in uncertain times. He instructs us to:

1. Plan ahead. His instruction to "Cast your bread upon the waters," and "Give portions to seven, even eight" have been understood in to primary ways: as an encouragement to generosity or as an encouragement to industry. In other words, he is either instructing us to give generously (even if it feels like we are throwing our bread on the waters), or he is saying risk the investment and diversify your portfolio. Either way the "risk" is see to produce a desirable outcome: "and you will find them in many days." The spiritual application is that need to invest in the kingdom of God, try things that don't make us comfortable, and be willing to fail.  He demonstrates this in verses 3-4.

2. Do what you can do. There are many things that are out of our control. We can't make it rain, nor can we stop it from raining. We can't determine where a tree is going to fall. If we allow ourselves to be paralyzed by fear, we'll never do anything, and that would be a waste of life.

3. Don't lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 expresses clearly what Solomon was trying to say in Ecclesiastes 11:5. There are so many things in this world that we don't understand. God's will is no exception. We have to commit ourselves to trust the Lord, especially when we can't seem to make sense of what is going on around us.

4. Work hard. Solomon says that we need to labor from sunup to sundown. We keep sharing, keep praying, and keep serving, because we don't know what efforts the Lord will use to bring about his glory. One project may fail, another succeed, or both might be used. We can't tell what will happen, so we can never give up.

Life can be filled with uncertain times. It may seem like we're a ship set adrift in turbulent waters, but in Christ we can navigate the way to safety. If we plan ahead, do what we can, trust the Lord, and work hard we will safely reach the goal--glorifying our Lord and Savior.

Evening: Foundations 13 focused on Exodus, Sinai, and the Wilderness Wanderings (Ex. 4:18-Num. 25:17; 1 Cor. 10:1-7).

Exodus:

• Moses Returns to Egypt (Ex. 4:18-6:12)

• Plagues (Ex. 7:14-12:30)

• Passover (Ex. 11:1-12:30; 1 Cor. 5:7; Luke 22:1-21; John 1:29-35)

• Exodus (Ex. 12:31-18:27; 1 Cor. 10:1-7)

• Crossing of the Sea (Ex. 13:17-14:31)
• Manna and Quail (Ex. 16:1-36; John 6:30-60)
• Water from the Rock (Ex. 17:1-7)

Mt. Sinai

• The Giving of the Law (Ex. 19:1-Num. 10:9)

• The Ten Commandments (Ex. 19:1-20:21)

•  Yahweh (Ex. 34:1-9)

Wilderness Wanderings

• Trouble in the Camp (Num. 10:10-20:29)

• Balaam (Num. 22L1-24:25; 2 Peter 2:15-16; Jude 11; Rev. 2:14)

Principles:

• God's plan A is to send a Redeemer. There is no plan B.

• Hardship is part of the plan.

• What hardens one, softens another.

• Pride comes before a fall.

• Obedience is better than sacrifice.

• God will rescue his people.

• God will judge sin, especially among his people.

• The wrong decision could ruin your reputation.

Sermon Recap 2-20-11

Morning: The sermon, "Life in Contrast," examined Ecclesiastes 10:12-20. In this passage, Solomon contrasts the wise life with the foolish life. By exposing the dangers of folly, he drives his listeners toward the path of wisdom.

He begins by contrasting the words of the wise with the words of the foolish. The words of the wise are gracious. They give life. The words of the fool bring death and destruction. They are filled with empty promises, lies, ect. The fool speaks about what he doesn't know, and never stops talking.

He then contrasts foolish leadership with wise leadership. Those who follow immature (servant/child) leaders imitate their mistakes. Those who follow those of noble leaders reap the benefits.

Solomon contrasts the wise life with a foolish life. Laziness is a distinguishing characteristic of a fool. They also pursue pleasure. A fool gives full event to their rage, without any concern for who is listening.

Evening: Foundations session 12 dealt with Moses. We looked at Exodus 1:1-Deut. 34:12, Acts 7:17-42; Acts 3:22-23; Heb. 3:1-6; 11:23-28; 2 Cor. 3:7-15.

Here are some of the highlights of Moses' life:

• The anticipation (Ex. 1:1-22; Gen. 15:13-16; 50:24-25; Heb.11:22) 
• His birth (Ex. 2:1-10)
• Man on the run (Ex. 2:11-25)
• The burning bush (Ex. 3:1-4:17)  
• At Sinai
• Intercessor (Ex. 32:11-14, 30-35)
• Friend of God (Ex. 33:7-23)
• Hears "Yahweh" (Ex. 34:1-9)
• Radiant Glow (Ex. 34:29-35; 2 Cor. 3:17-15)
• Act of treason (Num. 20:1-13)
• Appointment of Joshua (Num. 27:12-23)    
• Death of Moses (Deut. 34:1-12)

Moses and Jesus

Deut. 18:17-19; Acts 3:22-23; Heb. 3:1-6

Principles

• God's plan cannot be stopped, he will always make a way.
• God has compassion upon his people.
• God's solution for evil in the world is to send a deliverer.
• Things work out better, when we wait for God's timing.
• God demands holiness.
• God enables the called.
• God demands that we acknowledge and display his glory to the world.
• Disobedience is costly.                          

Sermon Recap 2-13-11

Morning: The sermon, "Fools Rush In," explored Ecclesiastes 10:1-11. In this passage, Solomon explains the dangers of foolishness. As dead flies make perfume stink, so to a little foolishness outweighs much wisdom. In other words, one wrong action can destroy your reputation.

Solomon explains that fools' hearts are inclined to move left (outside of God's favor). As they walk through the world, it is easy to observe their foolish behavior. Even when faced with the rule of a foolish leader, it is best to stand your ground and keep a level head. (see Ecc. 10:2-4).

In this wicked world, foolish people often rise to the top. This turns everything upside down. Servants are treated like royalty and royalty like servants. Those with the means and ability aren't able to accomplish the good that they would have. (see Ecc. 10:5-7).

Solomon offers a series observations that may have dual meaning. On the surface, his warnings may simply reflect the reality of the hazards of the workplace. He says, "Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them" (Ecc. 10:9-9). These may simply express the need for careful, thoughtful action in the work place. However, they may also be a warning against plotting revenge. In light of the context, these things seem to be addressed to the work of the fool. Ultimately, Solomon may be warning the fool that their plans to harm others will only harm themselves.

He offers two solutions to folly. First, one must live with skill, that is, wisdom (see Ecc. 10:10). Second, one must apply the right answer to the right problems at the right time (see Ecc. 10:11).

Evening: Joseph was the subject of tonight's study (Gen. 37-50). Here is some of what we observed:

• Joseph was the 11th son of Jacob (1st with Rachel)
• Bearing the Word of the Lord can be costly (Gen. 37:5-11).
• Jealousy is a destructive force (Gen. 37)
• Character is forged by adversity (Gen. 39-50), but God's active, acknowledged presence determines the nature of that character (Gen. 39:2-6, 20-23;41:15-16, 39-40; 45:4-8; 50:19-21)
• Living the the fear of the Lord may not keep you out of trouble--with people (Gen. 39:8-9)
• Sometimes, the best defense is to run away (Gen. 39:11-12)
• It is better to go to prison (for a crime you didn't commit), than to disobey God (Gen. 39:20-23, see also 1 Pet. 2:19-20, 4:12-16)
• Some dreams are communications from God (Gen. 37L5-11; 40:8-23; 41:1-7, 15-32)
• A person who forgives is freer than one who does not (Gen. 42-45)
• If we truly understand the doctrine of providence, we can see triumph in the midst of tragedy (Gen 45:5-8; 50:19-21)

Ways in which Joseph foreshadowed Christ

• His unique relationship to his father angered his brothers.
• His life was example of God bring good from evil.
• He did all things well.
• He was betrayed by those close to him.
• He was sold as a slave.
• He went to Egypt.

Sunday Recap 9-26-10

Morning: The message, "Look Up!," focused on Ecclesiastes 2:17-25.  This passage begins with Solomon at rock bottom.  In this passage, Solomon explores the lessons his life had taught him.  He was grieved by the reality that he could not take his accomplishments with him when he died.  He was grieved by the thought of someone who hadn't worked for it getting all of his stuff.  He was burdened by work that was painful and wearisome.  Yet in this passage, we find a message of hope.  Solomon's focus shifts from life under the sun to a life under God's blessing.  Solomon's message is a reminder that work is not something that should be shunned or worshiped.  Work has its place within God's good creation.  Work can be done to the glory of God, and bring enjoyment to man as he does it. Only when Solomon turn his focus toward God does he begin to hope.

Evening:  Tonight, we went through Foundations part four, "The Descent of Mankind."  The focus was on Genesis 4-5.  Chapter four describes the downward spiral of sin.  Chapter five gives us the genealogy from Adam to Noah and his sons.  Here are the principles we looked at:

• Attitude, especially the attitude of faith, matters (see Heb. 11:4).
• Hatred and its cousin, anger, are dangerous.
• God desires repentance.
• Sin becomes our master quicker than we think.
• We are responsible for our brothers (fellow human beings).
• Murder is an abomination because it is an attack on the image of God.
• There is a high cost for taking human life.
• Disobedience always spirals downward.
• Genesis 5:1-2 link Genesis 1:26-27 and Genesis 2.  It demonstrates that both accounts are really one account.
• Genesis 1:14 teaches us that the sun, moon, and stars were given as signs to tell the seasons, days, and years.  In light of Genesis 5:3, we know that the time between the creation of Adam and the birth of his son, Seth, is 130 years.

Some questions addressed:

Where there other people?  1 Corinthians 15:45 refers to Adam as the first man.  Romans 5:12-21 expresses that Adam brought death upon his descendants (the human race).  Acts 17:26 informs us that the nations were all made from one man.  Genesis 3:20 tells us that Adam named his wife, Eve, because she was the mother of all the living.  The strong implication of all these facts is that Adam and Eve were the first and only people created by God.

Where did Cain get his wife? Since the Bible teaches that Adam and Eve were the humans created directly by God, we must conclude that Cain married his sister (or a niece).  Genesis 5:4 tells us that Adam and Eve had many sons and daughters.  Even Abram (Abraham) married his half-sister.  It isn't until the Law is given at Sinai that humans are forbidden from marrying their close relatives.

Why did they live so long?  There are many possible explanations.  Most likely their lifespans were longer because they had less genetic mutations than later generation.  It could also have to do with diet and climate.  Although, it is not clear why they lived so long, we should understand the ages as accurate.

Sunday Recap 9-12-10

Morning:  The message, "An Experiment in the Pursuit of Happiness," was an exposition of Ecclesiastes 2:1-11.  In this passage, Solomon reports the results of an experiment he conducted in which he tested his heart with pleasure.  A life lived in the pursuit of happiness, without obedience to God, is meaningless.  Solomon had experience with all the avenues of pleasure, but nothing lasting came from it.  To pursue happiness, without pursuing Christ, is like chasing after the wind--you never catch it.

Evening: We looked at the creation of mankind in Genesis 1:26-27, and 2:7ff.  We looked at the reality of man's uniqueness.  He is unique in his relationship to God and unique in relation to the rest of the created order.  Man was created with the goal of bearing the image of Christ, both in creation and through redemption.

Sunday Recap 7-11-10

Morning: The message was entitled, "You've Got to Stand for Something," and came from Ephesians 6:13-17.  In this passage, Paul encourages his readers to put on the full armor of God so that they will be able to stand in the day of evil.  The full armor of God is the Lord Jesus Christ.  Paul describes the armor as:

The belt of truth: The belt was a necessary piece of equipment that pulled the soldiers outfit together.  The belt would allow a soldier to keep his robes or toga from hindering his movement as he tucked his outfit into his belt.  Believers needs to wrap the truth around them so that they will not be hindered.  Paul is speaking about the doctrinal truth of Christianity, as it is bound up in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The breastplate of righteousness: The breastplate protected most of the vital organs.  Righteousness protects the believer.  The question arises: whose righteousness are we to put on? One side suggests that it is Christ's righteousness.  Others suggest that Paul is speaking about the believers own righteousness.  The best suggestion might be to understand it as both.  Christ's righteousness is imputed to believers, and his righteousness generates righteousness in them.

Feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel:  Paul reminds us that every soldier needs proper footwear.  The footwear of the saints is readiness.  They need to be prepared to share the gospel at every opportunity.  We are heralds of the good news of Jesus Christ.

The shield of faith:  The shield Paul has in mind is a large one.  It was meant for combat situations where a soldiers enemies were firing arrows and projectiles.  Paul says that our faith in Christ should be able to extinguish the arrows of our enemies.  Those arrows can be accusations, slander, temptations, lies, half-truths, etc.

The helmet of salvation:  The helmet protected the head.  The head was the source of life.  Salvation crowns the head with protection.

The sword of the Spirit: The sword of the Spirit is the word of God.  It the Spirit's sword, because he created it.  The Scriptures were written by inspiration of the Spirit.  Also, the sword can only be wielded properly by the Spirit.  As Paul says, elsewhere, "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work our your salvation in fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Dressed in the full armor of God, the believer is able to stand firm through every circumstance.  In Christ, believers can weather any storm.

Evening: Business meeting.