Armed & Protected
The Armor of God
The Battle
February 24, 2019 • Pastor Larry Hasmatali
Surrounding us is a spiritual war (angels vs. demons, good vs. evil, light vs. darkness). But amazingly, most believers live as if this conflict were not even happening, as if the “battle of the ages” (Eph 6:12) was just a fantasy or sci-fi story. Yet not one of us is immune to the consequences of spiritual warfare. Although this battle is fought mostly in the invisible realm, its effects are certainly visual in the physical realm. In this message, you will learn the ABC’s of the battle.
The Belt of Truth
March 3, 2019 • Pastor Larry Hasmatali
The Belt of Truth is the first piece of armor listed in Ephesians 6:10-14. It begins with the admonition from the Apostle Paul to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his mighty power.” This is the key to understanding the armor of God. All the pieces of the armor belong to God and come from Him. Also, all are gifts to God’s people. All are designed to help us “stand against the schemes of the devil.” The Belt of Truth is the first listed because, without truth, we are lost and the schemes of the devil will surely overpower us.
The Gospel of Peace
March 17, 2019 • Pastor Larry Hasmatali
The Apostle Paul wrote, “We have to stand firmly on the Gospel that brings peace.” If you’re here watching today as a Christian and do not have peace, you have come to the right place to hear about the peace that is already yours that came through the gospel. Every believer already has peace because we have accepted the gospel of peace. In our battles, our peace is under attack. There are all kinds of people, lies and situations Satan uses to rob us of our peace. But it’s not a gospel of condemnation or judgment but rather it’s a gospel of peace.
The Shield of Faith
March 24, 2019 • Pastor Larry Hasmatali
The Shield of Faith works when you pick it up. The shield of faith asks us, “Are you going to believe God’s promise? Or are you going to believe the circumstances and the reality that seems to be around you?” Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Living by faith is taking God at His Word and acting on it even when the desired outcome is not in sight.
The Helmet of Salvation
April 7, 2019 • Pastor Larry Hasmatali
Understanding how secure your salvation is in Christ is critically important in the spiritual battle. If we’re not secure in our salvation, the enemy will deceive us in thinking we’re not saved. So rather than fighting the battle with the armor of God and in the strength of the Lord, we battle in our own strength and with our own man made devices which are no match for the enemy. The Helmet of Salvation reminds us that salvation is from the Lord and it’s not from ourselves. Salvation is God’s idea. He originates it. He initiates it. He sustains it and He preserves it.
Pray in the Spirit
April 28, 2019 • Pastor Mike Dueck
Life is full of moments when we ask, “Why did this have to happen and why did it have to happen now?” It’s easy to forget that God loves us in these difficult moments. It’s vital when we pray to remember the truth of God’s love. Prayer helps us to put on and apply the Armour of God as we’re invited to come before the throne of grace. In prayer, we occupy the space God says we belong…in His presence and love. Prayer doesn’t guarantee that our circumstance changes, but praying in the Spirit (in line with God’s Word) changes us so we can have God’s peace and strength to stand.