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$%&c'( ! -- Valentine's Day is widely celebrated across the globe to
commemorate the tale of the two lovers who fell in love with each other and died yet left their
imperishable impression on this loveless world. February 14, every year, is greeted with red
roses and cards. Mosty everyone is cheered up.

Valentine cards are swapped between lovers as a gesture of their love. Parties are arranged
and youth flock to Valentine's Dance parties. Passion runs high on this day of the year.

Why is the world so crazy about Valentine's Day? One of my friends asked me lately if I
celebrate Valentine's Day. I replied, "Yes, every day of mine is a Valentine's Day."

I do not celebrate it on one day only to not remember my love for those around me the rest of the
year. What is the true love that has to be remembered and revered by all of us? Jesus said:
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13).

This is the truest, purest and greatest form of love. Does the world remember it like it does
Valentine's Day? I regret to say it does not. Do we ever dance for Jesus, who bled for us that
blessed day on the cross to pay for my sins, the entire world's sins? Do we ever take roses to
those lying sick in hospitals and nursing homes to give them hope to live on? Do we ever send
cards to tender our apologies to those we may have hurt by our vicious attitudes? Have we
contemplated making things right with those whom we are not even on speaking terms? Do we
return sweet words when confronted with provocative speech? If the answer to the questions
posed above is in the affirmative, might I ask why we celebrate Valentine's Day?

I would prefer sorting out my differences with my neighbor and getting my attitude right rather
than buying the bouquet of roses for my beloved on Valentine's Day. Why is the world is placing
a greater premium on Valentine's Day rather than following the One who loved the world so
dearly that He stretched out His hands on the cross and died? Love came into this world but men
loved darkness instead of Light because their deeds were evil. I have personally met people on
the streets of London who flatly refused the Gospel and cursed the name of Jesus. Ironically
enough, these same individuals enthusiastically participate in Valentine celebrations. It hurts me
immensely when I see them opting for observance of a "Love Tradition" instead of embracing
the True Love.

Love that gets you eternal love.

The "love" of today makes demands on us; be that a love for a beloved, love for our family, or
love for our country. Each kind of love makes demands on the lovers. However, the Love God
has for us makes no demands on us. It rather graces us with a gift, which is not sold in the
biggest shopping malls of the world. No purse or pocket can pay for it. Eternal life is a gift of
God, which comes through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Romans says:
"The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

How about giving the gift of eternal life on this Valentine Day? Let's be different than the world.
How about sharing and learning the greatest love of all, a Man who laid down His life for all of
us. Love who bled, Love who suffered, Love who died and the Love who rose again to reign
forever and evermore.

Would you like to taste His love? After having tasted the Love of Jesus, will you not follow in
the footsteps of Greatest Lover of Mankind?

 


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Hi, friends! Welcome to Lesson 1 in "The Armor of God" series. Chances are, you've already
heard about this powerful and important set of armor that Paul describes in Ephesians chapter 6.
The breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith²these are terms you
might already know. But how much have you looked into them? It turns out that, upon close
examination of the function of each piece of armor and the attribute Paul assigns to it, there are
some incredible lessons to be learned. Let's check them out.


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Paul, an apostle of God's first-century Church, has a story for us today:

Accused of sedition, beaten, arrested, almost assassinated, shipwrecked, attacked by a snake and
placed under house arrest: Most would call this list an unfortunate run of bad luck. Paul would
recognize it as just part of his job description.

Imprisoned in Rome for two years under the watchful eyes of Roman soldiers, Paul was able to
write four epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon) and continue preaching
"the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ" to all those
who came to hear him (Acts 28:30-31).

Living for two years with soldiers of the Roman army must have made an impression on Paul.
Likely he saw the soldiers' armor enough to become well acquainted with it, learned to
understand the function of each piece, what purpose it served and why it was important.

At some point, a God-inspired analogy began to form in Paul's mind. Just as the Roman soldiers
required physical armor to fight their wars, we Christians require spiritual armor to successfully
fight ours. As the pieces fell into place, Paul saw that each piece of Roman armor had a powerful
correlation with our own spiritual defenses. It is this analogy that the church in Ephesus received
and which God has preserved for two thousand years for our benefit.

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"We are hard pressed on every side,
yet not crushed; we are perplexed,
but not in despair; persecuted, but
not forsaken; struck down, but not
destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

How?

How is it that, as Christians, we are

expected to withstand incredible
pressures and not be defeated? How
can we possibly stand up against
everything the world has to throw at
us and still expect to emerge
victorious?

The answer lies not in ourselves, but

in a divine and unbeatable defense:
the armor of God.

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Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the
Lord and in the power of His might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that
you may be able to stand against the
wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of
wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be
able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of
righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all,
taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked
one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying
always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all
perseverance and supplication for all the saints²and for me, that utterance may be given to me,
that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an
ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

The armor of God is an amazing metaphor for action we need to take in our spiritual lives. Paul
sets the scene for us: We are fighting a war, and the stakes are higher than they have ever been in
human history.
Our enemy? Not flesh and blood, no human foe²we fight against a much more fearsome
opponent whose forces are described in Ephesians 6:12. Our adversary, Satan the devil, and his
host of demons have a single, driving purpose: Obliterate the children of God.

Faced with the cares of this world, we can easily forget about the severity of this battle. But
make no mistake: Our spiritual lives and future in God's Kingdom are on the line. If we lose this
war, we lose everything. What can we do in the face of such overwhelming odds? Is there any
hope?

Paul has the answer. In Ephesians 6:13, he gives the call to arms. By putting on all of God's
armor, which we will be exploring piece by piece in the following lessons, we can be assured of
withstanding our enemy's onslaughts.




 

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Isaiah 59:17
For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on
the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.

Yes! Though the passages may not explicitly call it the armor of God, there are sections of the
Bible that further elaborate on the topic²even in the Old Testament! Isaiah 59:17 refers to two
familiar pieces of armor²the helmet and the breastplate²and introduces two other pieces²the
clothes of vengeance and cloak of zeal.

We won't be looking at the clothes of vengeance, since they belong exclusively to God (Hebrews
10:30). The cloak of zeal, however, is an interesting study and one we'll be spending some time
reviewing.

Romans 13:11-14
And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our
salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand.
Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk
properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and
envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Paul admonishes the Romans to put on both the "armor of light" and "the Lord Jesus Christ."
This passage reveals both that wearing the armor of God is synonymous with having the
character of God and that this armor cannot be worn if we are still wearing the "works of
darkness"²a lifestyle of sin that separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2).

2 Corinthians 6:7
...by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and
on the left...

2 Corinthians 10:3-6
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our
warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments
and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your
obedience is fulfilled.

In these passages Paul calls it the armor of righteousness and reveals its purpose. We put on the
armor and strength of God to effectively wage war against our enemy, the devil. Without it, we
are helpless²but with it, we are soldiers of the living God, and "more than conquerors through
Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37).

 


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Part of the armor of God, as described by Paul, is the belt of truth. What good is a belt? And
more importantly, what does it have to do with truth? Let's find out.


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Discovery Channel's )

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 interviewed Deputy Shawn Osborne, whose standard-issue
belt buckle deflected a bullet at close range, saving his life. In spite of a big bruise, Deputy
Osborne knew he was "very lucky."

Belt buckles are not designed to stop bullets. But there was a time when belts were an important
part of defensive armor.

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When the apostle Paul describes the armor of God, he is talking about more than a simple set of
helpful tips. He is talking about the impregnable defenses of the Almighty God. These are keys
to withstanding the attacks and onslaughts of the great dragon of old, Satan the devil. They are
ultimate and infinitely powerful tools available to us as Christians.

And he chooses to begin describing that set of armor by talking about...a belt?

Why, of all things, a belt? He could have started with the mighty sword of the Spirit, the
towering shield of faith, the shining breastplate of righteousness²anything but some measly old
belt. But he didn't. So that begs the question²why?

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The belt²known as the *

or " 
²played a crucial role in the effectiveness of a
soldier's armor. It was the belt that held the scabbard, without which there would be no place to
put a sword. Imagine an overzealous soldier, fired up and charging out into battle²but without
his belt, and consequently without a weapon!
In addition, the Nelson Study Bible says from the belt "hung strips of leather to protect the lower
body." The Matthew Henry Commentary says the belt "girds on [secures] all the other pieces of
our armor." Truth should cleave to us as a belt cleaves to our body.

- 

John 17:17
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

Jesus, praying to the Father, gives a

clear and straightforward definition
of truth: God's Word. The Holy
Bible (Scripture²the word of truth)
was given by inspiration of God (2
Timothy 3:16). The Greek
expression translated "inspiration of
God" literally means "God-
breathed"! He actively and fully
inspired the Bible to reveal His truth
to us.

His promises, His commands, His

word²they are all truth, plain and
simple. After all, "The LORD of
hosts has purposed, and who will
annul it? His hand is stretched out,
and who will turn it back?" (Isaiah
14:27). If God says something, there
is no force that can stop Him from
doing it²we can rest assured that it
will be done.

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1 Thessalonians 5:21
Test all things; hold fast what is good.

As Christians, we are to test all things and then hold on only to that which is good²the truth²
discarding all else. We are to be like the Bereans who "searched the Scriptures daily to find out
whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11). If we are not convinced that our principles and
beliefs are without exception 100 percent true, how can we expect to accomplish anything?

Proverbs 3:3-4
Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of
your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.
A belt encompasses the waist. Does our conviction to the truth encompass us? As the above
scripture notes, truth must be bound around us and written on our hearts²our conviction must
reach beyond an outward show.

The belt used in Roman armor, as we have learned, provided a place for the soldier's sword. Our
sword²the sword of the Spirit²likewise needs a sheath. Truth is vital because, like a Roman
soldier's belt, it allows us to carry the sword of the Spirit and use it effectively.

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Luke 12:35-37
Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for
their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may
open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find
watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and
will come and serve them.

Christ told us to always be watching and ready for His return.

1 Peter 1:13
Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is
to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ...

Peter used an interesting analogy: "Gird up the loins of your mind." This implies tucking in long
garments to be ready to move quickly. The New International Version translates it as "prepare
your minds for action."

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Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that
you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

The world we live in teaches that truth is what we make it²that good and bad are relative and
that there are no absolutes, only equally valid opinions. But the Bible teaches that truth is God's
Word²that good and bad are defined by Him and that there are eternal and unchangeable
absolutes, uninfluenced by opinions.

Paul wrote to the Romans telling them to "not be conformed to this world." Part of that means
not buying into a system of belief that says absolute truth is a myth. As Christians, we know both
that there is truth and that it is absolute.

2 Timothy 2:15
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
Imagine a belt with a segment missing. No matter how tiny the sliver that isn't there, the belt is
still useless. To do its job, it must be one continuous, unbroken piece.

Now imagine living a way of life you don't completely agree with. Maybe it doesn't seem like a
big deal²after all, what are a couple minor points that you're not sure about?

They are everything. To try to live God's way without total belief in its validity is like trying to
hold your sword up with a belt that isn't continuous. Neither will work. Our trust in God and His
Word must be solid, without break, or else we will quickly find ourselves without a weapon. No
matter how effective the rest of our armor is, we are useless without our sword. We need to be
rightly dividing the word of truth²knowing what we believe, and why.

So²how secure is your belt?

 


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Part of the armor of God, as described by Paul, is the "breastplate of righteousness." What good
is a breastplate? And more importantly, what does it have to do with righteousness? Well²let's
find out.


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A lesson from ancient Israel provides an ironic example of just how important armor can be.
Perhaps you recall the cowardly and capricious life of King Ahab, but how did this evil king's
life come to an end? This selfish leader who allowed a man to be killed just so he could have his
vineyard (1 Kings 21)? This king of Israel "who did evil in the sight of the Lord more than all
who were before him" (1 Kings 16:30, New Revised Standard Version)?

God had prophesied that Ahab would die in the battle described in 1 Kings 22. So Ahab decided
to disguise himself, while his ally King Jehoshaphat of Judah wore his own kingly robes.

Their enemy had ordered his captains, "'Fight with no one small or great, but only with the king
of Israel.' When the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, 'It is surely the king of
Israel.' So they turned to fight against him; and Jehoshaphat cried out. When the captains of the
chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

"But a certain man drew his bow and unknowingly struck the king of Israel between the scale
armor and the breastplate«at evening he died; the blood from the wound had flowed into the
bottom of the chariot" (1 Kings 22:31-35, NRSV).

Is it perhaps poetic justice that this unrighteous king lost his life due to an opening in his armor?

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Facing the hordes of Satan, you brace yourself and pray. The hosts of your enemy share a
collective, malicious grin, waiting for the command to do their worst.

The battle cry sounds. They begin their charge; you tighten your grip on your sword and raise
your shield. Weapons begin swinging with unrivaled fury; you do your best to parry the
onslaught, but there are too many weapons to block. Eventually, you watch as one of your
opponent's swords begins making a clean arc that continues right past your shield and toward
your chest.

You brace yourself, preparing for the worst and expecting your quick demise, watching the
weapon move ever closer to you as time slows to a maddening crawl²waiting, waiting, when
,-$. The reverberating noise of the sword striking your breastplate pierces the air.

Shaking your head in disbelief, you look down to find that the breastplate of righteousness
stopped the deadly blow in its tracks. Delivered by righteousness and with renewed vigor, you
plunge back into the fight.

- 









The breastplate was a central part of

the Roman soldier's armor²it
provided protection for the torso,
which contains vital organs like the
heart, lungs and so on. Without a
breastplate, a soldier would be
asking for death, as any attack could
instantly become fatal. With a sturdy
breastplate, the very same attacks
become ineffective and useless, as
blows glance off the armor.

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Proverbs 11:4
Riches do not profit in the day of
wrath, but righteousness delivers
from death.

Without righteousness, we leave

ourselves open to almost certain
death. With righteousness²just as
with a breastplate²the otherwise fatal attacks of our enemy are thwarted.

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Psalm 119:172
My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness.
1 John 3:4
Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.

1 Corinthians 15:34
Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this
to your shame.

To be righteous is to do what is *
 in God's eyes. God's commandments are righteousness. In
contrast, lawlessness is sin, and sin is the opposite of righteousness. So to be righteous is to obey
God's laws of love.

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Isaiah 59:1-2
Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot
hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face
from you, so that He will not hear.

Iniquities and sins are actions and thoughts that go against God's laws. Since they are in conflict
with God's way of living and are harmful to ourselves and others, our perfect and just God will
not associate with us if we go down the path of sin and evil. We cut ourselves off from God and
His protection!

It is interesting to note that in this same chapter Isaiah mentions that God Himself puts on
righteousness as a breastplate (Isaiah 59:17), which may be part of what inspired Paul to use this
analogy.

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Isaiah 64:6
But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; we all fade
as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Righteousness may deliver from death, but whose righteousness are we talking about? The above
scripture makes it clear that our individual level of righteousness is on par with "filthy rags"²
and when you're looking to protect yourself from death, filthy rags make for a lousy breastplate.

Jeremiah 23:6
In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; now this is His name by which He
will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Also consider scriptures such as Job 36:3; Psalm 5:8; 23:3; 24:5; and 71:16, which show that true
righteousness comes from God. It is God's righteousness, and not our own, which must serve as
our breastplate and defense against Satan.

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1 Thessalonians 5:8
But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a
helmet the hope of salvation.

Faith and love also protect our hearts. It's interesting to study how faith and love relate to
righteousness. Faith works "through love" (Galatians 5:6) and Abraham's faith (which was
shown by his doing what God said to do) was "accounted to him for righteousness" (Romans 4:3;
Genesis 26:5). As the Jamieson, Fausset and Brown commentary puts it: "'Faith,' as the motive
within, and 'love,' exhibited in outward acts, constitute the perfection of righteousness" (note on
1 Thessalonians 5:8).

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Ephesians 6:13
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and
having done all, to stand.

So now we know what the breastplate of righteousness . Paul gives us the command to "take up
the whole armor of God"²the obvious question is, "How?"

An in-depth concordance study of all the scriptures concerning righteousness (there are 301 in
the New King James Version!) reveals that servants of God in the Bible who had righteousness
all had it because they followed God's way. Though it may seem a sweeping statement, it is
through a continuing and dedicated adherence to both the letter and spirit of God's law that we
can defend ourselves with His righteousness.

Once we have put on the breastplate of righteousness, we must be sure not to remove it. Ezekiel
33:13 shows that wearing righteousness is not a one-time event; rather, it requires a lifetime of
action.

One day, the war we're fighting will be over. And when it is, we are promised, "The work of
righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever"
(Isaiah 32:17). By faithfully living God's way and staying clear of Satan's, we will find this
peace, quietness and assurance²forever.

 


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Part of the armor of God, as described by the apostle Paul, is the shoes of "the preparation of the
gospel of peace." What good are shoes? And more importantly, what do they have to do with the
gospel of peace? Let's find out.


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The brethren gathered around, desperately trying to convince Paul to abandon his plans to travel
to Jerusalem. They had heard the prophecies about the fate that awaited him on this journey²
Paul himself said that he did not know what to expect, "except that the Holy Spirit testifies in
every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me" (Acts 20:23). Paul's brethren and fellow
workers couldn't bear the thought of their friend willingly walking into this, and begged him to
reconsider.

But God, through His Holy Spirit, had summoned Paul to Jerusalem (Acts 20:22)²and Paul was
intent on answering that call. Knowing that the upcoming trip could very well mean the end of
his life, he says to his would-be dissuaders, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my
heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord
Jesus" (Acts 21:13).

Paul did not just write about the armor of God; he also wore it. At this time in his life he was
able to call upon the shoes of the preparation of the gospel of peace. He found protection and
strength in the knowledge of what God's gospel meant for him and for the others he shared that
good news with. His footing was sure and unshakable, and he was prepared to carry the gospel
wherever God sent him.

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Shoes, like the belt, may initially seem superfluous in a discussion about spiritual armor. They're
great to have, sure, but aren't they more of a convenience than a necessity? Are they really that
important?
In this lesson, we'll learn why our spiritual shoes matter and why we need to make sure we're
equipped with them before we get onto the battlefield.

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Imagine a fully armed soldier. He

has his sword, his shield, his helmet,
his breastplate and his belt...but his
feet are completely bare. The picture
probably seems strange, and it
should! Just by thinking about it, we
can tell something is missing.

But the problem goes beyond just

looking odd. A shoeless soldier
could run into real trouble in the heat
of battle. Unless he is fighting on
Astroturf, he is going to encounter
some debris. It may be nothing more
than twigs and pebbles, but to a bare
foot that can cause serious pain²and
one of the last things you want to
deal with in the middle of a fight is
worrying about where you step.

In short, shoes allow us to step freely

and without fear while we turn our
full attention to the battle at hand.

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Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the
kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.

Mark 1:1
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Mark 1:14
Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of
God...

Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my
race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of
the grace of God.

Romans 10:15
And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of
those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!"

The gospel of the Kingdom, the gospel of Jesus Christ, the gospel of the Kingdom of God, the
gospel of the grace of God, the gospel of peace²these are some of descriptions attached to the
word *  throughout the New Testament. Do all these different qualifiers mean that there are
multiple gospels set forth in the Bible?

No. The Greek word translated gospel²
**²simply means "good news." This raises a
question: The good news of what? The first description used in the Gospels also summarizes all
the others: The gospel of the Kingdom. The good news of the Kingdom of God includes the good
news about Jesus Christ the King, His grace (unmerited pardon) and His plan of salvation for all
mankind. This plan gives us peace now, and will bring peace to the whole world! This is the
message God's people are eager to share with others. Our loving Father is preparing us all for a
future beyond imagination and description.

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Romans 10:14-15
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in
Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall
they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who
preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!"

God's Church is sent to announce the good news of God's Kingdom, which will spread His way
of peace around the whole world. Having our shoes on, we are ready to move, to spread these
glad tidings to others.

In the apostle Paul's day, he walked countless miles in delivering the good news. Today,
transportation and communication have changed, but we must also be constantly ready to do our
part to spread the good news.

Romans 3:17
And the way of peace they have not known.

In spite of all human attempts at peace, it's clear from the daily news reports that this world does
not know the road to peace.

1 John 2:6
He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Following Christ's steps is the way to real peace.

' " 

  

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John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not
your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The sandals of the Roman soldier "often were fitted with nails, or armed with spikes, to make the
hold firm in the ground" (-" /$
"). God's good news and our
mission²our marching orders²to preach it serve as our firm foundation. When we truly allow
ourselves to take comfort in the good news promised by God, there is nothing from outside
ourselves that can trouble our hearts or give us reason to be afraid. Christ has overcome the
world (John 16:33), and so we have nothing to fear from it.

Luke 10:19-20
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of
the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the
spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.

Just as shoes allow us to walk on otherwise painful terrain without fear, so the preparation of the
gospel of peace allows us to traverse the otherwise painful trials and tribulations of life without
fear, knowing that what awaits is greater than anything we could possibly suffer in this world
(Romans 8:18).

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Isaiah 2:2-4
Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be
established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall
flow to it. Many people shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths." For
out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge
between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and
their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they
learn war anymore.

Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His
shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the
throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from
that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

The Bible makes it clear that, when God's Kingdom is established and the entire world begins to
live God's way faithfully, the resulting peace will be universal. There will be no more war or
fear, only the worldwide peace that comes from God's way of life.


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Part of the armor of God, as described by Paul, is the "shield of faith." How did Roman soldiers
use their shields in battle, and what lesson is there in it for us? Let's find out.


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The Bible, in Daniel 3, records the story of the burning fiery furnace:

The three young men stood looking at the very site where they were to be put to death. The edict
had gone out²they were to be thrown, alive and bound, into a furnace heated to seven times its
usual fervor. Everyone watching understood: This was an execution. This was what happened
when you disobeyed the king.

Just moments ago, the three men had been given the chance to circumvent this ugly fate. With
little more than a few motions on their part, they could have saved their own lives. But they
refused. Why?

The king had previously set up a 90-foot-high golden statue. At various times throughout the
day, which were to be prompted by music, he commanded that his people fall down and worship
this statue. Out of the entire nation, we are given the names of only three men who had the
courage to stand against this royal decree. And for that courage, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-
Nego were going to die.

When King Nebuchadnezzar became aware of their insubordination, he summoned the rebels
and gave them an ultimatum: Worship the statue or be thrown into a fiery furnace. Their
response is preserved for us in Daniel 3:16-18. "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered
and said to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is
the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He
will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not
serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.'"

The faith of these three men in God allowed them to stand up to the world's most powerful man
and refuse to follow his blasphemous orders. They were then thrown into the furnace and
miraculously delivered unharmed by God. But perhaps the most amazing thing about their story
is their unwavering dedication to God in the face of an unknown outcome. Their faith was strong
enough to accept giving their lives!

How can we have that faith?

Share Your Story

 


Up until now, Paul's description of the armor of God has been limited to items we wear. We put
on the belt, the breastplate and the shoes, and they essentially hold themselves up.

The shield is different. Paul tells us that the shield is something we must take up, something we
are required to raise. Just strapping it to our arm won't do any good at all if we don't make the
effort to hold it aloft and use it.

' " 

"   
$ 00

The Roman shield²the 

²

was not the standard "medieval-
esque" shield most picture in their
minds upon hearing the word. It was
instead a very large, slightly curved
rectangular shield featuring at its
center a large metal knob (called a
boss).

The 

was an impressive line

of defense. Because of its sheer size
(some were three and a half feet tall
and almost three feet wide), soldiers
were afforded a great deal of
protection from enemies. Because of
its slight curve, it was able to deflect
attacks without transferring the full
force of the assault to the man
holding the shield. Because of its
boss, it was able to deflect even the
more vicious blows and function in a
limited offensive capacity as a means
of knocking an opponent backwards.

- + 

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Here is a biblical definition of faith that clears up some common misconceptions. If faith is "the
substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen," then this has far-reaching
implications. Substance is tangible, and evidence is solid proof. Faith is, by definition, not some
hazy emotion without any grounding in reality. It is the irrefutable truth. It is  .

Romans 8:24-25
For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for
what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

Though it is based on solid evidence, that doesn't mean faith comes naturally or easily. Paul here
makes the obvious but necessary point: You don't hope for what you already have. Faith involves
a huge element of trust. We must examine the evidence and see that God has proved Himself to
be unchanging and consistent, and then we must firmly believe that He will fulfill His promises
to us.

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Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God...

1 Corinthians 12:9
...to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit...

While we must believe God to even begin our walk with Him, after repentance and baptism He
gives us a deeper, living, growing faith through His Holy Spirit.

- 
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" + 

Daniel 3:17-18
If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace,
and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we
do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.

A shield guards. While a physical shield protects us physically, faith can protect our spiritual
lives even in the middle of physical trials. When Satan (through Nebuchadnezzar) attacked the
values and beliefs of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego, they were able to stand resolute and
unwavering because of their faith. In their response, they essentially said, "God is capable of
delivering us from this fate. We don't know if He will or not, but that doesn't matter. He gave us
His commands, and we are going to keep them regardless of the physical outcome. We know He
can just as easily raise us from the dead."

Ephesians 6:16
...above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of
the wicked one.

A shield deflects. Satan is always hurling his fiery darts of fear, doubt and worry in our direction,
but the only time they can hit us is when we let our shield of faith down²when we stop
believing that God is in control; that He is working everything out for our good; that whatever
happens is for the ultimate best of everyone involved, however little it seems to be that way.

Matthew 14:28-31
And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the
water." So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the
water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning
to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and
caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

A shield is the first line of defense. While the rest of our armor helps protect us from Satan's
onslaught, it is not what you ideally want to be using to absorb every hit. You do not, for
instance, go out into battle intentionally blocking everything with your head.

When our faith in God's omnipotence and care is strong, it is impossible for Satan to break
through our shield and land an attack. But when we allow doubt to creep in, as Peter did when
distracted by the waves, we will start to sink. The rest of our armor will be battered, and so will
we. But an actively raised shield of faith prevents this otherwise inhibiting fatigue.

Matthew 4:10-11
Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord
your God, and Him only you shall serve.'" Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and
ministered to Him.

A shield can incapacitate. When Christ was being tempted by Satan, His faith in the Word and
commands of God repelled Satan for a time (Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Christ was tempted in all
things, so this was certainly not the only encounter Christ had with the devil). The boss (the
metal knob in the middle) on the Roman shields allowed soldiers to give their enemies a stun-
inducing shove that would allow them to follow through with an attack. Our faith in God, as
demonstrated by Christ, can also give Satan a good shove backwards and give us a chance to
fight back by * God's will and work. Because God tells us that faith cannot just be in our
minds, it must produce actions²works of obedience and service (James 2:20).

' "

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The Roman military had an inventive and very effective tactic that made use of their large
shields. When enemies would begin firing arrows and other projectiles at the army, the soldiers
would close ranks into a rectangular array²called the 
, or "tortoise," formation²and
those on the outside would use their shields to create a wall around the perimeter. Then those in
the middle would raise their shields over their heads to protect everyone from airborne missiles.
The result was a formidable human tank that could be stopped only through a Herculean effort.

Ephesians 4:11-16
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors
and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body
of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a
perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be
children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men,
in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all
things into Him who is the head²Christ²from whom the whole body, joined and knit together
by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its
share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

When the Roman army joined its shields together, it became an almost unstoppable force. And if
we in God's Church join 
 shields²that is, strengthen each other with our faith, building up
and serving within the Body as we are able²we will become an unstoppable force able to take
on any challenge.

We must remember as we fight that this is not simply our battle. This is the battle of all our
brethren, both near and around the world. And if we are to win, it will only be once we put our
faith in God and stand side by side, contending earnestly and as one for "our common
salvation...the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3).
 


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Part of the armor of God, as described by the apostle Paul, is the "helmet of salvation." What
purpose did the Roman helmet serve? And more importantly, what does it have to do with
salvation? Let's find out.


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It's hard to deny the importance of a helmet. ë

, *2 3
  ran an article on June 23,
2009, about a 36-year-old involved in a skateboarding accident:

"It was a death that could have been avoided, officials said.

"Paul Maxim, who was not wearing a helmet, suffered a skull fracture and other head injuries in
an accident June 18 at Ranney Skate Park near Frandor. He died Saturday.

"'A simple helmet would have saved his life,' said Lansing fire public information officer Steve
Mazurek."

This story stands in stark contrast with an article that appeared in the ) 
*$
on July 4, 2008:

"Savannah Haworth, 11, was knocked unconscious after falling into the path of the car.

"The wheels went over her arm and top of her helmet but she escaped with a swollen elbow and
bruising to her face.

"Her parents say she would have been killed without the helmet and are now urging all cyclists
to wear them."

It's incredible to think that the absence or presence of a helmet can make so much of a difference
that a skateboarding accident can prove fatal without one while being run over by a car can be
survived with one. One of the pieces of our spiritual armor is the helmet of salvation, and, as we
can see from these two stories, a helmet is not a piece of equipment to be underestimated.

Share Your Story

 
'
0

When Paul wrote to the Ephesians
about the helmet of salvation, some
of them may have found the analogy
to be a familiar one. In the book of
Isaiah, a description of God shows
Him as having put on both the
breastplate of righteousness and the
helmet of salvation (Isaiah 59:17). In
referencing this Old Testament
scripture, Paul drives home the point
that it is in every sense of the word
the armor of God²the same armor
He Himself wears. But it also leads
us to consider what salvation is, what
it has to do with a helmet and what it
means for us.

- 
 

0





$ 00

The Roman helmet, like helmets

today, protected the head from the
attacks of the enemy. There is some
evidence to suggest that the Romans
had special ceremonial helmets used
in parades that denoted rank and
standing.

-  

Salvation basically means to be saved or delivered from something (see examples in Exodus
14:13 and Micah 7:6-8). In the New Testament, as we will see, it is generally used to refer to
deliverance from the eternal death penalty of sin and deliverance into God's Kingdom.

- 

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Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:8-10
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for
us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath
through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His
Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him
should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to
condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

1 Timothy 2:3-4
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Luke 1:77
To give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins...

Every human being has thought and acted in ways that are abominable to God. Our sins break
God's beautiful living laws designed for our good. Sin is so vile to God that it requires the death
penalty. God's justice requires that penalty. But God's loving mercy provided the most incredible
substitute. Jesus Christ, our Creator, was willing to die in our place! To be   we need a
2 .

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Acts 2:38
Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, lest anyone should boast.

It is important to understand that salvation cannot be earned. It is a gift from God and not
something we can obtain through the right actions, thus obligating God to give it to us. Still, as
we've seen in the scriptures covered so far, repentance (abhorring our sins and seeking God's
forgiveness and help to obey His laws), faith, accepting Christ's sacrifice and coming to the
knowledge of the truth are all steps in accepting the free gift. In no way do these efforts make up
for our sins that caused the death of our Creator and Savior!

 
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The New Testament tells us that we "have been saved" (Ephesians 2:5), that we "are being
saved" (1 Corinthians 1:18) and that we "will be saved" (Matthew 10:22). What does this mean
for us?

Ephesians 2:4-8
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we
were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and
raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the
ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in
Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the
gift of God...

Paul makes it clear that "have been saved" equates to the forgiveness of sins and coming under
God's grace. We have been taken off death row.

1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being
saved it is the power of God.

Salvation can also describe the ongoing conversion process. Paul also calls this being
"transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). This involves having God's laws
written in our minds and meditating on them so we can better follow them (Hebrews 10:16;
Psalm 119:97-99). As we saw in the lesson on the breastplate of righteousness, God expects us to
obey His commandments.

Matthew 10:22
And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

Our ultimate salvation depends on whether or not we choose to endure to the end.

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1 Thessalonians 5:8-11
But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a
helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through
our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together
with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

We can receive tremendous hope and comfort by focusing on the incredible sacrifice Christ gave
to save us and the amazing Kingdom that is the goal of our salvation. This hope works like a
helmet to protect our minds from the discouragement and despair in this world.

John 17:15-16
I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from
the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

Christians have been called out of this world. Though we remain in it, we are not of it and
remain separate from it. Our way of living and even of 
* should differ from the world's.
We are to develop the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5), and as we have seen, that means having
God's laws written on our hearts and minds so we can remember to always obey God.

1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking
whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are
experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
Our enemy hates that we have chosen this path and will stop at nothing to destroy us because of
it. Just as the helmet protects the vital but vulnerable head from otherwise fatal blows, the hope
of salvation can protect our thoughts from our enemy's attacks and temptations to disobey God.

Matthew 13:22
Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this
world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

Without the helmet of salvation, we will be unprotected from the "cares of this world" that
bombard our thoughts and feelings. Imagine not knowing what the future ultimately holds. The
worries and problems produced by living in this world would overwhelm us!

Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of
whom shall I be afraid?

With the helmet securely fastened, we can have the same confidence that Paul did that "the
sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be
revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). We understand that /  what happens to us now. No
matter what trials we face, we know that at the end of it all waits God's Kingdom and an eternity
of His perfect reign²and what could be better than that?

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Psalm 3:8
Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah.

Remember that salvation comes from God, and that God is on our side. If we commit to fully
follow and obey Him, it is impossible for us to lose our battle or our salvation.

Revelation 21:1-4
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed
away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming
down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud
voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with
them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God
will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.
There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

This is the salvation we are fighting for²to enter this glorious Kingdom! Never lose sight of
this. This coming Kingdom, with its worldwide peace and prosperity, makes every price in this
life worth paying. No matter what comes, no matter how vicious the attacks our enemy lands on
us, we know that as long as we remain with God, we are moving slowly but unstoppably toward
an eternal victory. What 
/ we give for that?
2 Timothy 4:6-8
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I
have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up
for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that
Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Paul had the vision. He valued his salvation highly and diligently fought the good fight. As the
end of his life drew near, he was able to say with complete confidence that he would receive the
crown.

When Paul awakes in the first resurrection, he will trade in his soldier's helmet for a far more
glorious, imperishable and eternal crown of righteousness²the crown of a victorious soldier of
Christ. We, too, can be assured of victory so long as we²like Paul²faithfully follow our God
and His commandments from our heart and mind.

 


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The apostle Paul listed many defensive pieces of the armor of God, but only one was an
offensive weapon. What does God want us to learn from the sword of the Spirit? In this lesson,
let's explore what the Bible says about the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.


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The Bible, in Judges 7, records the story of Gideon and his 300 men:

Gideon and 32,000 Israelite troops gathered near the Midianite camp, but they were severely
outnumbered by their 135,000 oppressors. Gideon was ready to do battle, but God had other
plans. He was about to show His people just how powerful a God He was.

God told Gideon to let anyone who was afraid of the upcoming battle return home. Twenty-two
thousand men took the opportunity to leave their ranks, leaving only 10,000 remaining. But God
was looking for a smaller group still.

God then told Gideon to have the remainder drink from the spring, and all those who lapped the
water like a dog would remain, while the rest were sent home. Finally, with only 300 men,
Gideon and his little army surrounded the Midianites. On signal they blew trumpets, broke the
pitchers covering their torches and shouted, "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!" (Judges
7:20).

Then the unthinkable happened. These 300 men²holding not swords, but torches and
trumpets²routed the entire Midianite camp. Scripture records that God "set every man's sword
against his companion throughout the whole camp" (Judges 7:22). So before the Israelites even
had a chance to reach for swords, God plunged the enemy camp into chaos and wild defeat. The
Israelites were delivered from their foes by a miracle.

This famous story illustrates an invaluable lesson: It is God who gives the victory. His sword is
what will deliver us.

Share Your Story

  
" 
Throughout the world, there are certain individuals²real and fictional²whose identity remains
almost inseparable from their weapon of choice.

From England, there is King Arthur and his sword, Excalibur. From the Middle East, Ali and his
scimitar, Zulfiqar. From Spain, El Cid and his long sword, Tizona. From Scotland, William
Wallace and his unnamed claymore.

The sword is the only item listed by Paul that serves in an offensive capacity. Even if we have all
the rest of the armor equipped perfectly, without our sword, we amount to little more than
heavily armored moving targets.

Perhaps this is why we remember the

name of King Arthur's sword and
not, for example, his footwear. While
the rest of the armor is undoubtedly
vital, it is the sword and only the
sword that allows us to attack²to
directly do the work that needs to be
done.

- 
 
" 




$ 00

The Roman * 
 has become

known as "the sword that conquered
the world." Adapted from a Spanish
design, the prowess of the * 
 in
close range combat made it a
fearsome tool in the hand of a skilled
Roman warrior. When sharpened, its
dual edges wreaked havoc on
unarmored foes, while its tapered
point could pierce through even
heavy metal armor.

A Roman infantryman would go into

battle armed with more than just his
* 
. He would also have a
dagger (
*), several one-time use spears (  ) and lead-weighted darts ( 
"  ), but the
sword was his main means of attack. The sword is the only weapon Paul lists as part of the
Christian arsenal.

- 
-  +% 

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

God's Word²the Holy Bible²illuminates. It reveals to us the good and the bad, the wise and
the unwise. It is the ultimate tool in learning how to live the best possible life, free from the
restraints of stumbling in darkness.

John 17:17
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

God's Word is truth, plain and simple. We can have perfect confidence in the fact that His words
are accurate, true and unerring. When followed, they guide us without fail in the paths that we
need to walk.

We can be destroyed by lack of the knowledge of God (Hosea 4:6), but we will be blessed if we
hear and keep the Word of God (Luke 11:28). And the knowledge is not just for us. We are to be
ready to answer others who ask us (1 Peter 3:15).

-" 

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing
even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the
thoughts and intents of the heart.

The all-powerful sword of the living God is able to cut through every defense our enemy can
raise²down to the very division of bone and marrow. When wielded by a servant of God,
nothing can withstand its ability to cut straight to the core of a matter and uncover the truth. As
soldiers in God's army, it is our responsibility and duty to use His Word to discern the truth and
then follow it. When God's Word shows us something wrong in ourselves, we can use this
spiritual weapon to "surgically" remove the offending thoughts and actions (2 Corinthians 10:4-
5).

Unlike all other pieces of the armor of God, which are solely defensive, the sword is uniquely
suited for both defensive and offensive roles. A solid defense is invaluable, but the sword is the
only way we can complete the work we have been given to do.

Notice that Jesus Christ used the Bible to counter Satan's attacks (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). We must
also learn to live "by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).

" 

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Acts 14:22
...strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying,
"We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."
James 1:2-4
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your
faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and
complete, lacking nothing.

The Romans relied in part on assailing their enemy from a distance with javelins and darts, but
God does not give us that option as Christian soldiers. If we were able to fight our battles from a
distance, we would never experience an actual trial.

At first glance, that might not seem like such a bad thing. But when we stop to consider that
without trials, there is no growth, and without growth, we will not be able to enter God's
Kingdom, we see that trials, however uncomfortable, are essential in our journeys as Christians.
After all, the promises of Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26 and 3:5, 12 and 21 are given "to him who
overcomes" and not "to him who remains as he is."

Paul only lists one weapon because we only need one weapon: There is no enemy the Word of
God, coupled with His Spirit, cannot defeat. And so, armed only with our sword, we step out to
fight our enemies head-on. The struggle is real. It is immediate, and it is in front of us. Our future
in God's Kingdom is on the line, and we take up the battle so that we may hold fast to the future
He has promised us.

- 0 
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Matthew 24:13
But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

We fight knowing the end of the story. Two of the many powerful and sure promises in God's
Word tell us that if we remain dedicated to God and His Word, we  make it to the end, and
we  be saved. There is no doubt in this statement. God's promises are as sure as the one He
told Isaiah: "Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do
it" (Isaiah 46:11).

So take up your sword. The battle is ours.

 


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After listing six traditional pieces of Roman armor, the apostle Paul urged his readers to be
"praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit." How does this advice tie in with
the lessons we are to learn from the armor of God?


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   .

Artur Aleksandrov, a recent high school graduate in Tallinn, Estonia, tells this story:

"Just recently I was a high school senior, trying my best to balance school, God and various
'cares of this life.' When the new year started, I wanted to focus on picking the right national
exams to take. When I decided on which ones I prefer, it didn't even come to mind that one of
them could fall on the Sabbath. By nature being rather forgetful and slow, I didn't notice the day
of the week I was to sit for the first two exams (both were on the Sabbath). I lived on
unsuspectingly until, about three weeks before the first exam, one of my teachers casually
mentioned something that made my pupils triple in diameter. That's when it hit me!

"...I wrote a letter of request to the center explaining my affiliation with a Sabbath-keeping
church and then I started to wait. They tested my faith and patience for a whole month before I
got a reply on the 5th of May. They also requested an affirmation from the Church as proof,
which Mr. [Johnnie] Lambert duly composed for me.

"They respected my beliefs, and although my request came way too late, allowed me to sit for
the exams on the additional day appointed by them. This was another blessing from God. It was
an answer to numerous of my prayers to Him while I was still awaiting the reply from the center.
In that period, I was partly preparing to receive a negative answer, which meant failing to
graduate and staying for another year in school, and partly really hoping that God would still
provide an easier way out. I knew He could²and He did!

"...So, dear brethren, as you can see for yourselves, our gracious and all-powerful Lord
responded to our collective prayers with abundant gifts... There is nothing more powerful in this
world than the prayers of God's servants²His saints."

Share Your Story

 "
God's armor is comprehensive. In this series we have spent time examining it, from the ideas
behind it, to its purpose and application. It is an absolutely essential part of surviving and
winning our battle against Satan. However, right on the heels of his description of the armor of
God, Paul adds that we should be "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit"
(Ephesians 6:18).

Is there any significance to this admonition appearing immediately after the listing of God's
armor? You bet there is!

 /$ comments, "No matter

how complete the armour; no matter
how skilled we may be in the science
of war; no matter how courageous
we may be, we may be certain that
without prayer we shall be defeated.
God alone can give the victory; and
when the Christian soldier goes forth
armed completely for the spiritual
conflict, if he looks to God by
prayer, he may be sure of a triumph"
(Heritage Edition, Vol. 12, p. 133).

If we equip ourselves with God's

armor, we must also be determined
to keep a steady line of connection
with Him. He is the commander of
His spiritual army, and He alone
knows how to lead it to victory.

' "#"

4 "4

Luke 18:1-8
I tell you that He will avenge them
speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son
of Man comes, will He really find
faith on the earth?

Luke wrote that Jesus gave the above parable to teach that "men always ought to pray and not
lose heart," so it serves as a good starting point for understanding what praying always means.

In her quest for justice, the widow never gave up in seeking help from the unjust judge. In our
quest for victory, we must never give up in seeking help from our perfect God. The command to
pray always is not to say that we must be in a continuous, unceasing dialogue with God every
second of every day. Rather, we must develop a connection to God²one that is maintained
through regular prayer, Bible study and a godly lifestyle²that allows us to instantly come before
our God in prayer in times of distress and need.

-  # 

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your
requests be made known to God...

The Greek word translated 
  in both Ephesians 6:18 and Philippians 4:6 is
transliterated  by 2*/  and means a petition or a special request of God.

- 


   :  




Romans 8:26-27
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as
we ought, but the Spirit [itself] makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be
uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because [it]
makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Since we don't always know how to pray as we should, if we have the Spirit in us and are led by
that Spirit (Acts 2:38; Romans 8:14), Paul says "the Spirit" will make intercession for us. This
means that although we do not always know exactly what we should be praying for, God knows
our hearts by living in us (John 17:23).

No matter how clumsily Christians present their requests and no matter how jumbled and
confusing they are, God will always know what they are trying to say. Through His Spirit
working in us, He has intimate knowledge of our hearts and minds. He understands us and will
always work things out for the best in the long run (Romans 8:28).

-  " "

  

Matthew 6:9-13
In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom
come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive
us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from
the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

In what has become known as the "Lord's prayer," Jesus Christ lays out for us a framework for
praying to God. It is not a strict, inflexible format to which we must adhere every time we come
before God (Matthew 6:7), but rather an excellent checklist of things we do need to take the time
to pray about. We should be praying on a regular basis for, among other things, God's will to be
done, our needs to be taken care of, the forgiveness of our sins and deliverance from Satan.
Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For
everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Luke 21:36
Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that
will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.

Along with praying for others, it is vital to also pray for ourselves. Our lives are filled with
reminders that we can't make it on our own. It would be inconceivable to refrain from asking
God for the help we so desperately require.

Our God stands ready to provide us with the strength, wisdom and courage we need to stand
against our enemy, but He wants us first to come before Him and ask for it. Will we?

Matthew 26:39
He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible,
let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."

When Jesus prayed fervently before His crucifixion, He knew what He wanted to happen. But
He always remembered that His Father was in charge and had the eternal best interests of
everyone in mind. It is important for us to pray for God's will to be done too.

Ephesians 6:18-20
...praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all
perseverance and supplication for all the saints²and for me, that utterance may be given to me,
that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an
ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

The ministers of God's Church, on whom falls the bulk of His work, are just as human as the rest
of us. They, too, are subject to exhaustion, sickness and heartache. They, too, can²and at times,
will²fall short of the high mark God has set for us. Also, they can face difficult trials (Paul
spent time in prison for obeying God) and many challenging decisions in doing God's work. Paul
was particularly concerned that God would continue to give him the courage, opportunities and
clarity to boldly preach God's truth even at the risk of suffering or death.

As this is the case, we should be sure to keep God's servants in our prayers²and not only His
ministers, but all His people. We are in this battle together, and prayer is one of the most
effective ways we can support each other, care for each other and fulfill the God-inspired
command given to us in Philippians 2:4.



)* 
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In this last lesson in "The Armor of God" series, we look at an item not mentioned in Ephesians
6 at all, but found in the book of Isaiah²the cloak of zeal. How does this cloak fit with the
military equipment Paul wrote about? What lesson can we learn from it?


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On July 16, 2009, one young man stepped ashore of Marina Del Rey to complete his 13-month-
long journey around the world. At the conclusion of his trip, Zac Sunderland officially became
the youngest person in the world to have circumnavigated the globe alone in a boat.

This amazing accomplishment began long before Zac set sail. His family was a sailing family
and was fully supportive. They ensured Zac had all the latest safety equipment, from GPS to
satellite phone to access to the best weather information. But ultimately it was Zac's own zeal
that propelled him through the months of preparation and 13-month sailing marathon.

Zac and his 36-foot boat, the  , endured an impressive list of hardships while out at sea,
which, according to a ,-*ë  article, included "trying to fix broken rigging in 15-foot
seas and gale-force winds" and a close call "in the Indian Ocean [with] a mysterious-looking
vessel that seemed sure to harbor pirates."

Zac could have landed in a port and called it quits at any point during his voyage. And let's face
it; a potential scuffle with pirates would be enough to encourage most to throw in the towel and
never set sail again. Yet Zac stuck with his goal and, as a result, gained the irrevocable title of
the first person under 18 years old to sail around the world alone.

What kept him going? In his own words, "I think society puts young people in a box²people 15,
16, 17²and does not expect them to do much but go to high school and play football and stuff
like that. This just shows they can do a lot more with some strong ambition and desire. My
[advice] is to get out there and do your thing with all you got."

In other words, it was zeal that carried Zac through. He decided on a goal, and his zeal to achieve
it kept him going, even when things turned ugly.

Share Your Story

: 
- =

When cloaks appear in movies or books, it's often in conjunction with mysterious and enigmatic
characters, shrouded in airs of intrigue or danger. But beyond their appeal in works of fiction, the
cloaks used by ancient armies had a variety of uses that make them relevant today, not as a point
of fleeting interest, but as an invaluable tool in our constant war against Satan.

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The cloak served multiple important

functions for the Roman soldier. It
provided warmth, which was
important to defend against the cold.
Natural oils were used to make it
nearly waterproof, which was
important when the rains came. It
also provided makeshift bedding,
which was important during long
marches.

Without his cloak, a soldier was

subject to bitter cold, freezing rain
and painfully uncomfortable nights.
These unfortunate conditions would
give a noticeable edge to a better
equipped enemy, since a cold, wet
and sore soldier can easily be a
demotivated soldier. And a
demotivated soldier, while not
incapable of fighting, will not be
performing at his peak.

- 


Zechariah 8:2
Thus says the Lord of hosts: "I am
zealous for Zion with great zeal; with great fervor I am zealous for her."

God Himself is zealous and fervently passionate about His people and His plan. In simplest
terms, zeal is fuel. It is anything that drives people: their passion, their purpose, what they live
for. For Christians, zeal is a burning desire to do God's will and to live according to His purpose.

- 
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Isaiah 59:17
For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on
the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.
Just as a soldier without his cloak could quickly find himself demotivated and unable to operate
at his peak, so we soldiers of Christ will quickly find ourselves unable to operate at 
 peak
unless we are fueled by zeal.

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Romans 10:2
For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

Paul himself was zealous in persecuting the Church (Philippians 3:6), until he learned that was
not what God wanted. When he aligned his goals with God's plans, his zeal became very
effective.

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Numbers 25:5-11
So Moses said to the judges of Israel, "Every one of you kill his men who were joined to Baal of
Peor."
And indeed, one of the children of Israel came and presented to his brethren a Midianite woman
in the sight of Moses and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were
weeping at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. Now when Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son
of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose from among the congregation and took a javelin in his hand;
and he went after the man of Israel into the tent and thrust both of them through, the man of
Israel, and the woman through her body. So the plague was stopped among the children of Israel.
And those who died in the plague were twenty-four thousand.
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: "Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest,
has turned back My wrath from the children of Israel, because he was zealous with My zeal
among them, so that I did not consume the children of Israel in My zeal."

When Israel's sexual immorality with their pagan neighbors led them away from the true God
and toward worshipping the pagan god Baal, Phinehas took a stand. After God told His followers
to kill all those who were now worshipping Baal, an Israelite had the nerve to walk²in plain
sight of everyone²to his tent with a pagan woman. He apparently thought he was too important
to have to obey the laws against adultery and idolatry. Phinehas, on fire with zeal for God,
followed the two to the tent and ran them both through with a spear.

It seems like a harsh response, but Phinehas receives commendation from God and a later
reference in the Psalms. Why? Because when God gives us a command, we are to keep it. The
zeal of Phinehas is remarkable because, while the rest of Israel just stood and watched, Phinehas
stood up and took the initiative, acting on the word of God. God does not command us to take
lives today, of course, but the example shows the kind of zeal we must have.

Colossians 4:12-13
Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for
you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him
witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
We are given only the briefest glimpse of Epaphras through the pages of the Bible. From this
passage in Paul's letter to the Colossians, we learn two important facts about the man. First, he
was a member of the early New Testament Church; and second, he had zeal. Paul commends him
to the Church for "always laboring fervently for you in prayers" (verse 12).

This was how his zeal showed itself: He cared deeply about his fellow laborers in Christ and as a
result dedicated much of his time toward petitioning God on their behalf. True zeal for God's
way means a love for and a desire to serve our brethren, just like Epaphras.

John 2:15-17
When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the
oxen, and poured out the changers' money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who
sold doves, "Take these things away! Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!"
Then His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up."

What better example of zeal could there be than our Savior and King, Jesus Christ? When He
saw that money changers and sellers of livestock had overrun God's temple and were cheating
people (in Matthew 21:13 Christ said they had made it a "den of thieves"), He drove them out.
The disciples recognized this as a case study in being motivated by godly zeal.

Are we on fire for God's way? Do we care deeply about our brethren? Are we willing to serve, to
act and to live as God would have us live?

 

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""*I concluded. I was about 10 years old, had some reverence for the Bible and
decided I should read it²from Genesis to the maps at the back. I didn't get very far.

I was proud of my progress until I almost crashed in chapter 5, a boring genealogical record.
However, being a sequential person who hadn't learned when to skim or skip while reading, I
struggled my way through, verse by verse. But then in chapter 10 I hit another genealogical
record! At that point I gave up on the Old Testament.

- / 

$ë I thought. Surely it would be more interesting. But the New
Testament "*with a genealogical record! Though somewhat ashamed of my lack of
spirituality and commitment, I gave up on reading the Bible. Based on my unfair sampling, I
decided it was not very user-friendly.

Then when I was 12, one of my younger brothers died. I began to think much more seriously
about the meaning of life and about life after death. Looking back on it, I see how God gradually
used that painful memory to begin to turn my life around.



  

But I didn't read the Bible until I was forced to. A required one-semester university course for
engineering students was "Survey of the Bible." We were assigned to read a wide variety of
selections throughout the Bible. That opened my eyes. I was fascinated and amazed at much of
what I read!

I learned many impressive things about the Bible, including how it ranks right at the top among
mankind's greatest works of literature. Even in secular writing, the Bible is quoted, knowingly
and unknowingly, far more than any other book.

Also I came to appreciate the meaning of the 3
4

 
 *+the profound influence
the Bible has had on Western civilization. Today one can buy whole books of quotes from many
of America 's founding fathers stating their strong beliefs in the Bible.

That class was the great turning point of my life. I soon began requesting publications (like those
offered free in ë
$) that gave clear and wonderful explanations of virtually every
subject and section of the Bible. A whole new world had opened up to me. I was discovering
how valid and valuable the Scriptures are²how reliable and relevant they prove to everyday life.
My perspective on everything changed² and changed for the better.

Above all, I was not only learning "
God, I was coming to God in a real and personal
way. From then on when I read the Bible, it was  * .

At the same time, I was studying a lot of science and math. It became clear to me that every
detail in the universe is the result of perfect planning, engineering and construction²it could not
have happened by accident! I figured that if the Bible is from God, it too must be absolutely
perfect²and I set out to prove whether this is so.

Indeed, God has revealed Himself in two ways²His (the Bible) and His (the
creation we see around us) (compare Psalm 19:1-4; Romans 1:20).




 # 0
Of all the earth's creatures, it's obvious that human beings are unique. We have magnificent
minds with amazing intellectual capacities. Human minds also have spiritual potential and a
hunger for spirituality. This is not surprising once we learn that "God created man in His own
image"²in the image of God Himself²to have an intimate relationship with Him! (Genesis
1:27).

All physical life-forms are governed mainly by instinct, except for human beings. We need a
roadmap²a guidebook for life²or else our intellectual and spiritual interests will go in all the
wrong directions.

It makes no sense that God would create His masterpiece and then leave us in the dark as to why
we are here. God indeed give us His revelation of what we need to know but could not learn
on our own. It is a handbook for life that we call the Bible.

The English word "Bible" is derived from the Greek word ""+meaning "books." The Bible
is a collection of 66 books²39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New. These were composed
by about 40 writers with different writing styles, living in 10 countries, over about 1,500 years!

However, miracle of miracles²in spite of the Bible's great there is astounding
It
is consistent and coherent all the way through.

How could that be? It is because God inspired and directed every writer. Thus the real Author
behind the scenes was always God (2 Timothy 3:16).

So the Bible is also book. It is 

Book²the Book of books. Many religions claim to have a
sacred book. But the 0"is exactly that² /It is divine revelation to man and
therefore the literal and actual "Word of God." It is  and God warns in the Old and New
Testaments not to add to it or take away from it (Deuteronomy 12:32; Revelation 22:18-19).
In fact, the Bible even gives us myriad first-person quotes from God that are introduced by such
words as "Thus says the Lord . . ."

&
, 
 " 

Ironically, many Christians ignore the Old Testament as being irrelevant, while most Jews reject
the New Testament. Both views are wrong. ë*
the two testaments constitute the written
Word of God. The New Testament cannot be properly understood without a foundational
knowledge of the Old, and the Old Testament must be understood in the light of the New. They
complement and complete each other.

Jesus Christ and the writers of the New Testament repeatedly quoted from the Hebrew Scriptures
we call the Old Testament. For many years they were the only Scriptures the early Christian
Church had. These Scriptures, as amplified by Jesus' own statements, were the basis for Christian
teachings and practices. Later, by the time the apostle Peter wrote his second epistle, some parts
of what became the New Testament were also being accepted as "Scriptures" (2 Peter 3:16).

Many people erroneously believe that during His ministry Jesus Christ criticized the Pharisees
and other Jews for teaching and living by the Old Testament. Not so. Jesus scolded them for 
living by the Scriptures! It was as if they had not even  the Scriptures, because Jesus
repeatedly asked, "Have you not read . . . ?" Jesus also said, "All too well you reject the
commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition" (Mark 7:9; see verses 5-13).

Today, Judaism is much the same. Plus, most of Christianity favors human religious traditions
over the Bible, and many of those traditions are in conflict with the Bible.

What comes from God is perfect. The original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek texts of the Bible
were infallible (although no human translation of those texts is perfect). The Bible is true and it
is truth²the ultimate truth (John 17:17).

The Bible should serve as the foundation for all areas of knowledge. Harmony with the Bible is
the ultimate filter or test of truth. If an idea or theory is in conflict with the Bible, it cannot be
correct. The Bible is especially necessary for understanding the absolutes of life, such as what is
good and what is evil.

!
"
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 # 0
Notice this emphatic statement by the apostle Paul: "But this I confess to you, that according to
the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which
are written in the Law and in the Prophets" (Acts 24:14). True Christianity was called "the
Way"²for it is  not just a belief.

And "the Law and the Prophets" here is a reference to what we call the Old Testament. So Paul
said he believed 
*in the Old Testament! Many "Christians" today don't believe
everything in the New Testament, much less the Old Testament!
In today's world, the tragic trend is toward disbelief in and apathy toward the Bible.
"Christianity" is increasingly disconnected from the Bible. Most professing Christians don't even
read the Bible, and even fewer obey its teachings. Many of the beliefs and practices that they

come from the Bible in fact 

Many people avoid reading the Bible²and some even hate it²because they know or suspect
that it will correct them for sins and other habits they are not willing to give up.

We are also increasingly bombarded with skepticism and attacks against Christianity and
especially Bible-based beliefs. Some claim only the "uneducated" would hold such beliefs. As
Jude 18 notes, there will be "mockers" as the end of this age of man draws near.

All of this can be quite confusing and intimidating.

This is where you need courage. Be much more concerned about what God thinks than what any
man thinks. Don't rely on someone else to tell you what the Bible says. Read it for yourself!
Swim upstream. Be among the few who choose the "narrow gate" that leads to life, not the many
who choose the easy "broad gate" that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).

Keep this in mind. Noah preached the truth all the time he was building the ark, but only eight
people believed and were saved from the Flood (2 Peter 2:5). Jesus Christ preached to multitudes
for more than three years, but His Church began with only 120 disciples (Acts 1:15). Be among
the few who listen well. Then go do the right thing!


, 
 4 
"4@

The message of Jesus and the apostles was called "the gospel." The word * comes from the
Old English * meaning "good news." But good news of what? Most Christians could not
tell you exactly.

It was "the gospel of the kingdom of God " (Mark 1:14). So Christ preached the good news about
His future return to establish the Kingdom of God on earth, and how human beings can become a
part of that eternal Kingdom and family of God! It truly is a message of
 for all mankind
(Romans 15:4).

We may think of the gospel as being in the New Testament, yet this message is also found
throughout the Old. Indeed, all of the Bible is interrelated, so in one sense the gospel is the entire
Bible. Scripture has a great deal of bad news about "this present evil age" (Galatians 1:4), but the
long-range news is wonderful²a soon-coming new world under the reign of Jesus Christ!


 
 
, 


How can you get the most out of reading and studying the Bible? Following are some important
keys.
Take time² time²out of your busy life to devote to daily Bible reading. Make it a high
priority. Many great and successful men and women have been dedicated daily Bible readers.
Even some U.S. presidents followed this practice while occupying that enormously important
office. If 
made time for daily Bible reading, if 
could
fit that in, why can't you?

Reflect and think deeply about what you read, and consider how you will apply the lessons in
your life. You cannot make a better investment of your time.

For understanding, pray for God's help. "Ask, and it will be given to you" (Matthew 7:7). Prayer
and Bible study go hand in hand (you may want to review the first article in this series, "The
Privilege and Power of Prayer," in the last issue of ë
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Be sure to take advantage of human and technical resources. When an Ethiopian official was
reading the book of Isaiah, Philip asked him, "Do you understand what you are reading?" The
man responded, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" (Acts 8:26-31). It helps tremendously
to have Bible teachers show you where to look for answers to life's important questions. So we
invite you to ask for help from United Church of God as well. We offer many free resources that
are crucial for gaining a foundation of biblical understanding (see "How to Read, Study and
Understand the Bible,").

Note that the Bible can be understood on many levels. A person with no interest in God can read
through the Bible and gain much understanding of history (His story!), human relationships and
many other subjects. Scripture is full of great wisdom.

But to understand the Bible on a deeply spiritual level requires the reader to meet some important
conditions. One key is a

" 
" 
+being receptive and responsive to God's
instructions!

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do
His commandments" (Psalm 111:10). To really comprehend God's Word requires an attitude of
deep reverence for Him and submission to His authority. God blesses readers with understanding
when they are willing to and "what they learn.

Consider the significance of what Jesus said in Luke 4:4: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but
by every word of God."

It should first be observed that the purpose of God's Word is for us to "

Second, this is what *

 
 
 
as bread does physically.

Third, we should have an enquiring mind

**for God's Word.

Fourth, Jesus included word of God, not just  of the words of God.

Fifth, how can we live by the words of God if we have not read them?
Sixth, "you are what you eat." Ingesting the words of God can make us increasingly godly.

Even children can gain a remarkable understanding of the Bible, partly because they tend to have
humble, teachable attitudes. Especially if you have children or grandchildren at home, be sure to
read the article "Teach Your Children With Family Bible Study".

Also remember that God's thoughts are infinitely higher than our human thoughts (Isaiah 55:9-
11). God's Spirit is essential to an ever-deepening understanding of spiritual truth and the power
to live by that truth. Future articles in this series will cover the wonderful process for obtaining
the gift of the Holy Spirit. In the meantime, for more understanding of this vital subject, request
our free booklet + 0 .  +
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God's revelation of how He will bring human beings into the Kingdom of God is a "treasure"²
the "pearl of great price" (Matthew 13:44-46; see also Proverbs 3:13-18). It is worth every
sacrifice. God wants us to dig and seek and search with our whole hearts to enter His Kingdom.

One definition of "disciple" is "student," so God would have us all become students of Jesus
Christ. Blow the dust off your Bible then. Open your Bible and open your heart to listen to what
God has to tell you.

Bible reading is "profitable" for many reasons (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Berean believers were
called "noble" because they "searched the scriptures daily," making sure that what was being
preached to them conformed to its teachings (Acts 17:11, King James Version).

Bible study is a serious matter. The only reliable security we can have in this life is God. If we
don't hear today, we can be gone tomorrow. What really matters is life after death. For that, we
must become disciples and "doers of the word" (James 1:21-25). And any sacrifices we make in
this life are tiny compared to the glorious everlasting life God is offering us (Romans 8:18).

The longest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119. How fitting that it is an extensive love song
praising God for His Word and His laws! The writer said, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a
light to my path" (verse 105). May His Word light your path!

Be enthusiastic and passionate for God's Word. Immerse yourself in it! With increasing
understanding comes increasing satisfaction and enjoyment. Try it²you'll like it! And it will
transform your life!

The following verse from Revelation 1:3 applies directly to the book of Revelation, but it is true
of the entire Bible: "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear [understand] the words of this
prophecy, and keep [obey] those things which are written in it; for the time is near." $

 

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Timothy was blessed with something very valuable. The apostle Paul reminded him, "From
childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation"
(2 Timothy 3:15). Just think! Before reaching adulthood, Timothy was already familiar with the
writings of God's instruction book! How much was that worth? Priceless!

Paul also reminded Timothy of "from whom you have learned" the Holy Scriptures (verse 14).
What was that source?

It's quite obvious from reading 2 Timothy 1:5, where Paul wrote, "I call to remembrance the
genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother
Eunice." His mother and grandmother had taught him God's Word and had been role models of
faith!

a have the primary responsibility for teaching God's words and ways to their children, and
sometimes grandparents and other family members can help as well.

Concerning God's words, Moses was inspired to write, !ë 


 to your children and your
grandchildren" (Deuteronomy 4:9). Why is this so important? First, God's Word is the 
  
"6by far for our children! It should take priority over all the many other subjects
we want our children to learn.

Secondly, childhood is by far the " to start learning God's Word. Children are naturally
more teachable and pliable then. As the saying goes, "As the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined."

Most parents want to be good providers, as we are admonished in 1 Timothy 5:8. But God wants
parents to provide much more than just the necessities for physical health. God wants us to
provide the  
food for a godly life that will result in eternal life! Otherwise, we are guilty
of spiritual child neglect.

My wife and I look back on a lifetime of joyous memories of when our three children were
growing up. They include countless precious memories of those times spent in family Bible
study and family prayer. Learn to do them with your children and you will be greatly inspired
and rewarded even as your children are learning and growing spiritually.

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  07

Now let's look carefully at God's instructions in Deuteronomy 6²for there is much more
spiritual truth in the Old Testament, including this passage, than most people think. First notice
verse 5: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all
your strength." To successfully teach our children or grandchildren, we must fully love God's
ways ourselves.

Continuing on in verses 6-7: "And these words which I command you today shall be in your
heart. You shall  

 *to your children and shall  
 when you sit in your
house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up" (emphasis added).
This passage tells us to teach God's truths and then talk about them²have interactive discussions
with our children about how to live by those truths.

ë 
*implies a concentrated focus on  "
while "talking" implies casual
discussions and comments about godly principles.

As the rest of verse 7 shows, these "talks," often brief, can take place at any and all times of the
day as we go about other activities. These many moments when we tie real-life experiences to
God's point of view can benefit as much as the study times.

"When you sit in your house" means anytime the family is home. Take advantage of the time
together! Children grow up fast. Stop and take advantage of opportunities whenever they arise
because you may not see the same opportunity arise again to naturally and comfortably teach the
same lesson.

"When you walk by the way" means use the time while you are walking or traveling to talk about
meaningful things. Walking and doing things together outdoors can be a very inspiring time to
observe and talk about the marvels of God's creation.

Riding together in the car can have advantages if your children wish to talk. Use such
opportunities to talk with your children, keeping in mind that sometimes it is better if we are
more attentive in listening than talking (and keep focused on driving, of course).

How might this work in practice? Someone (besides the driver!) can read something and then
everyone can discuss what was read. You can play a recording of a sermon or a Bible study. You
can discuss the subject of a sermon you just heard on the way home from church services. Riding
to and from services is an especially good opportunity to further make the Sabbath day profitable
spiritually.

"When you lie down" means at bedtime. This may be a good time of day for your family to have
family Bible study. It may be the best time of day for family prayer, which is equally important.
It is also a good time to discuss the events of the day. Young children love this²if for no other
reason than to stay up a little later.

"When you rise up" suggests you begin right away each day to take advantage of opportunities to
talk about God's values, virtues and way of life. For many families, the best time of day to have
family Bible study may be before anyone leaves or the phone starts ringing. No one has his or
her mind on a hundred other things. You gain food for thought for the rest of the day. You are
putting God first even in the order of the day.

Deuteronomy 6:8 says of God's words, "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they
shall be as frontlets between your eyes." This means God's words should guide our behavior and
our thoughts.

This relates to Hebrews 8:10²we want to help put God's laws into the minds of our children and
"write them on their hearts." Another thing that helps internalize God's Word is memorizing key
scriptures. Encourage your children to learn important verses while they have strong memories.

"You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates" (Deuteronomy 6:9).
Visual aids are useful, especially for young children. For example, many families display a
plaque of the Ten Commandments in their homes to remind them of the importance of God's
laws.

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Now for more about family Bible study. It can be valuable for a couple even when there are no
children in the home, but it definitely should be a top priority when there are children.

The end and the means are both remarkably rewarding. The end or goal is the knowledge of God
and "the words of eternal life" (John 6:63, 68). The means of achieving that goal is family Bible
study, which can be and should be a 6 "   with excellent
side benefits!

Some of the benefits are greater family togetherness, bonding and closeness. While learning to
love God, families are also drawing closer to one another in love!

Another benefit is that we are subtly teaching our children to become readers and to love
reading. Some of these same benefits come from families reading 
*aloud together. With
modern television, movies and videos, we no longer live in a print culture alone, but also in an
image culture. Children are growing up not learning to read well and with little interest in
reading. This holds major disadvantages for their futures.

With family Bible study, you have the benefits of reading the Bible and related materials
together plus getting the spiritual knowledge, understanding and wisdom of God!

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Some parents will feel inadequate or intimidated at the thought of leading in family Bible study.
a  "

 .With God's help, you can do it. Let Him use you in this
ministry to your children. It's rather simple. First, set the example and let your children see you
studying the Bible. Then follow the suggestions below for your own family Bible study.

How often will you want to have family Bible study? Deuteronomy 6 implies, if possible, every
day that you are together. Regular renewal and daily direction are invaluable. It is doubly
important to have family Bible study on God's Sabbath day.

How long should these sessions be? They need not be excessively long. Remember the child's
shorter attention span and don't turn him or her off with overly long sessions. Around 15 to 20
minutes a day can be sufficient. What is more important is regular frequency. It forms a good
habit, and many short lessons add up to a lot of time.

For very young children, it is usually best to learn a Bible story well yourself and then tell it in
your own words. Or use Bible storybooks that are written more for your children's ages. With
Bible storybooks, be careful in your selection. They vary considerably in the accuracy of the text
and the illustrations and in how well they teach the major lessons. A poor selection could do
more harm than good.

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When you start reading the Bible to your children, use a modern, easy-to-understand translation.
Pick out the parts that will be easily understood and especially profitable for them. Some of the
most beneficial things to read are stories from the Old and New Testaments (with your
comments about the lessons they contain), Christian living teachings, the book of Proverbs and
all about God's laws and feast days.

When reading the Bible, you can paraphrase²"talk the book." Skip or change words that are too
difficult for the child. Add extra words or sentences that will explain or amplify the meaning
without distorting it.

Family Bible study can include things that are  to the Bible as well as the Bible itself.
Publications such as those offered free in ë
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the children are old enough to understand and appreciate them. As children mature, our free
magazine % ë

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their relationship with God.

You can use interesting sections from Bible reference books, including the maps and other
graphics. You can use excerpts from books about the history and cultures of Bible times. On
some occasions you may want to read stories and articles from non-biblical sources that teach
certain morals or virtues.

Children learn more if the teaching is interactive and gets them involved in the subject matter.
Encourage them to ask questions and make comments.
Many Bible games are available and helpful for teaching and learning the Bible. Some of them
don't require making a purchase, and you can even make up your own. Making a game out of
quizzing each other about the Bible can be fun while also reinforcing our memories.

For those with computers, there are more and more Bible-related software packages, including
games (though they, like all Bible-related materials, need to be screened for accuracy and
suitability).

Many Bible stories and other Christian stories have been recorded, both as audio readings and as
video programs. You can supplement your own teaching by playing these for your children, if
they are suitably presented.

There are so many wise and wonderful things to teach. Teach your children all about God, His
mighty works, His promises and prophecies, His laws and ways, His Holy Days, His great and
merciful plan of salvation! Teach about Jesus Christ, including His life, teachings, sacrifice and
His future coming to rule this world in love! Teach them how to love God and how to love
people.

The book of Proverbs is full of simple, practical, easy-to-understand wisdom. Plus it is worded
like a father speaking to his son, so it helps us as parents in learning a gentle, patient, loving
approach. "My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your
mother" (Proverbs 1:8).


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Much of the success of family Bible study will depend on your children's attitude toward it and
what kind of memories they have of it. So strive to make it into a relaxed, happy family tradition
that they will cherish.

Parents who regularly lead in family Bible study consider it to be a great blessing for themselves.
They experience great satisfaction and joy in those special times sharing the treasures of God's
Word with their children.

Now a word to fathers. Many fathers have turned over most of the teaching and training of their
children to the mothers. But when fathers are present, God wants them to take a major share in
teaching and to gently take the lead, being careful with their approach.

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and
instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4, Revised Standard Version).

Our goal should be to inspire our children to have "the love of the truth, that they might be
saved" (2 Thessalonians 2:10). We need to teach our children that "all Scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is  "!(2 Timothy 3:16).

The broader context of both of these passages speaks about how persecution and deceptive
teachings will become worse at the end of this present age of man. To remain faithful to God
during those trials, we and our children need to be prepared with the Word of God in our minds
and hearts as our source of faith, wisdom and strength.

Those of us who are parents should consider our children as loaned to us from God. We must be
the best stewards and teachers that we can be, for they also are God's children! When those
precious children reach adulthood, may we be able to say to them, as Paul wrote to Timothy in 2
Timothy 3:15, !7 




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The only thing most people know about fasting is that it can be a way to lose weight. But there's
much more we need to understand about fasting than that.

The Bible has much to say about this very important but oft-neglected spiritual key. God desires
and expects His followers to fast. Jesus Christ was asked why His disciples did not fast like other
religious people. He replied with a short parable explaining that it was because He was still
present with His disciples. He stated that after He was no longer among them (referring to His
impending return to heaven), !

 !(Matthew 9:14-15, emphasis added
throughout).

By that He meant that 0

 
 Why? Because we need fasting with
prayer to help us maintain a close relationship with God and Jesus Christ. And there are other
major spiritual benefits of fasting, as we shall see.

When Jesus spoke to His disciples about

to fast, He clearly was expecting that they 

fast (Matthew 6:16-18). He did not say !you fast" but !
you fast." And note that in this
chapter, Jesus emphasizes fasting as much as praying and doing good works.

Fasting is mentioned prominently in the Old and New Testaments. The biblical record of who
fasted is a virtual "who's who" of the Bible and includes Moses, David, Elijah, Ezra, Nehemiah,
Esther, Daniel, Anna and Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul engaged "in fastings often" (2
Corinthians 11:27).

- + 

In a sense, everyone fasts. When we are in bed asleep, we go without any food or drink. That is
fasting. That is why the first meal of the day is called "  However, when people speak of
fasting, they usually mean a longer period of time of deliberately choosing not to eat and drink. It
can be for a whole day, part of a day or more than a day.

A health fast is any temporary restricted diet that is supposed to have certain health benefits. But
this article addresses fasting for one's  
health, which involves abstaining from food and
drink while spending a lot of extra time in prayer and Bible study (Exodus 34:28; Ezra 10:6;
Esther 4:16; Acts 9:9).
Ideally, we should spend most of the waking part of a fast period praying, studying and
reflecting. If this is not possible, at the very least we can do that during the extra time when we
ordinarily would be eating.

 
  + 

A healthy person who is not perspiring much can go without food and water for about three days
before the body begins to be stressed. And a healthy person can go without food for several days
if he is drinking water. Thus, the amazingly long 40-day fasts by Moses, Elijah and Jesus Christ
(Deuteronomy 9:9; 1 Kings 19:8; Luke 4:2) were possible only by God's supernatural
intervention.

How long we might safely fast depends on our individual health. If you are unsure about your
health limitations, it would be wise to get a medical checkup, and we strongly advise it. Then
start with a meal or two before gradually increasing to a full day fast²being alert to the
beginning of any adverse effects.

However, we shouldn't consider mere discomforts²including feeling hungry, thirsty and less
energetic²as "adverse effects." For most people, a headache is simply a symptom of withdrawal
from regular caffeine consumption. It's wise to taper off from caffeinated beverages before
beginning a fast.

Another option is a  fast such as that mentioned in Daniel 10:3. Here one takes in only as
much food and/or water as necessary to be safe and spends extra time in prayer, Bible study and
meditation. This, too, can be very profitable spiritually.

Fasting is unpopular in a culture of instant self-gratification. People tend to think that every day
they need three large meals plus snacks. In a culture of continual feasting, it seems there is no
place for fasting! From that standpoint alone, fasting is good for character building²developing
self-discipline, commitment, moderation and better eating habits.

0 
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Fasting is an important part of building a right and strong relationship with God (Luke 2:36-37;
Acts 13:2).

Godly fasting is poles apart from hunger strikes used to gain political power or draw attention to
a personal cause. Fasting liberates us from slavery to our appetites while we focus on the true
"Bread of Life," Jesus Christ (John 6:48-51, 63). When fasting, we make a small self-sacrifice to
focus on our Savior's awesome sacrifice and plan for us.

By nature we are egocentric (self-centered), and must work at becoming God-centered. A major
purpose of fasting is to learn humility²to better understand how great God is and how weak,
sinful and needy we are. King David understood this when he wrote, "I humbled myself with
fasting" (Psalm 35:13).
God delights in humble hearts. He said in Isaiah 66:2, "This is the one I esteem: he who is
humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word" (New International Version). In Matthew
5:3 Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus made it clear that if we fast to show off²to "appear to men to be fasting" ²we are
hypocrites and will have no reward from God (Matthew 6:16-18). Jesus did not mean that it is
always wrong to tell someone you are fasting. Often there is a practical need to tell someone, like
your spouse. Jesus was talking about the necessity of right   


Jesus spoke a parable in which a proud Pharisee bragged to God, "I fast twice a week" (Luke
18:9, 12). The man imagined himself to be already humble and was proud of it! Fasting with
such a conceited attitude is worthless.

God wants us to "hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Matthew 5:6). When we fast, we
increasingly feel hungry and physically weak. In addition to reinforcing the fact that God is the
One who sustains us and supplies all our needs, an important lesson of this is that we rapidly
become weaker spiritually when we neglect the nourishment of prayer, Bible study and all other
efforts to be God's spiritually transformed sons and daughters.

The Bible has only one command regarding fasting. God's people are commanded to fast on the
Day of Atonement from sundown to sundown (Leviticus 23:27-32). Interestingly, this fast day is
listed among God's spiritual Feast days in this chapter.

Besides the ordinary personal benefits of fasting, the Atonement fast has prophetic significance.
To learn about the meaning of the Day of Atonement and its accompanying fasting, please
request our free booklet % 
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Besides the primary purposes of worshipping God, drawing closer to Him, humbling ourselves
and growing spiritually, it is appropriate to have secondary purposes in fasting as well²
beseeching God in prayer for His help with one or more serious needs for ourselves or for others.

When God has not answered prayers for a certain need, try fasting with prayer. In one instance
when Christ's disciples could not cast out a demon, He told them that "this kind does not go out
except by prayer and fasting" (Matthew 17:14-21). Proper fasting often results in significant
spiritual breakthroughs. While we rely on the spiritual tools of prayer, Bible study and
meditation on a daily basis, we occasionally need the of fasting.

There can be many reasons to fast, such as a personal problem, a difficult-to-overcome sin,
facing a major decision, a Church crisis, a threat of danger, the need to change someone's
attitude, or expressing thanksgiving, among others. For a very enlightening study, use a Bible
concordance and look up all the passages that contain the words   and  *Read
why they fasted, what they were praying about and what God did as a result of the fast.
However, we must never view fasting as pressuring God to get what we want (Isaiah 58:3). God
wants us to pray about our problems, but not to try to dictate the solutions. Our attitudes should
be like that of Jesus Christ when He prayed, "Not My will, but Yours, be done" (Luke 22:42).

It is fine for a group such as a church congregation or circle of friends to decide to fast together
concerning an urgent matter. When his country was being invaded, King Jehoshaphat
"proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah " (2 Chronicles 20:1-3). At the preaching of Jonah, "the
people of Nineveh believed God [and] proclaimed a fast" (Jonah 3:5).

To beseech God for His protection, Ezra proclaimed a fast for all the exiles returning to Judah
(Ezra 8:21-23). Esther requested that all the Jews in Shushan fast so that they would be spared
from genocide (Esther 4:16).

Isaiah 58:1-12 is a profound passage that contrasts right and wrong attitudes in fasting. It clearly
shows that fasting must not be a mere ritual. Fasting should teach us to be * in
many ways in the service of others. How much are we willing to sacrifice to "undo . . . heavy
burdens, to let the oppressed go free . . . to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring
to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him?" (verses 6-
7).

God's Word exhorts us to "stand fast in the Lord" (Philippians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:8). Here
the English word "fast" means  1or   From what the Bible teaches us about
fasting, we see that people who sincerely and regularly fast and pray to God will very likely
"stand fast in the Lord"! $

 
 
  

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Phone home!" Sound familiar? Maybe you heard it from your parents. Parents want to hear from
their children²because they love them.

God wants to hear from His children for the same reason²because He loves us.

What is prayer? It is speaking to and conversing with our Creator. Everyone can do it and 


do it. What is breathtakingly inspiring is that God hears, is interested in and answers prayers!
Prayer is effective²in other words, prayer from those sincerely responsive to God gets results.

Phone home! God is never asleep or too busy to listen. There is never a bad connection or a bad
time. You never get a busy signal or voice mail or get put on hold. You have unlimited free
minutes²and hours.

So no excuses!


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Even though Jesus Christ was God in the flesh (John 1:1-5, 14), He knew the importance of
praying to our heavenly Father. The Bible gives us many examples of Jesus fervently praying to
His Father, not only praising God but asking for help. Jesus clearly knew that God in heaven was
the ultimate source of success in every endeavor.

If Jesus Christ needed help from His heavenly Father, how much more do we! And we have
many other role models as well. All the dedicated people of God in the Bible and in history have
been people of prayer.

Jesus' disciples soon realized their Master's source of power. They said, "Lord, teach us to pray"
(Luke 11:1). Would you like to learn Christ's teachings regarding prayer? You probably have
them in your home. They are scattered throughout the Bible.

Anyone can begin to pray even before he has learned anything about prayer. God hears and
appreciates the simplest of prayers. Jesus made it plain: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek,
and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7). It's noteworthy that in
English the first letters of the key words "ask, seek, knock" spell .

But God wants us to *in understanding and application of how to pray. Like learning a new
hobby, sport or activity, satisfaction and rewards increase with added knowledge and skill. So it
is invaluable to read and understand the biblical teachings regarding prayer.

We can gain much understanding and inspiration from many wonderful 1 of prayers in
the book of Psalms and throughout the Bible. Daily  naturally leads to added proficiency
and pleasure in prayer. Countless people have attested to this.

  %  

When His disciples said, "Teach us to pray," Jesus began His lesson in prayer by giving them a
brief outline of some of the most important things to pray about on a daily basis. Commonly
called the "Lord's prayer," Jesus' instruction is found in Luke 11:2-4 and Matthew 6:9-13.

Note that Jesus suggested that the most frequent way that we are to address God is as "our Father
in heaven." We can and should have many relationships with God, which are revealed by the
names and titles for God found in Scripture. But the most important relationship is that of 

7 
+an all-loving and perfect father.

All human beings can and should think of God as their Father since He is their Creator. And as
their relationship with God becomes closer, that father-child relationship builds to deeper and
more intimate levels.

So how should we talk to God? He wants us to come to Him as a beloved parent. We should feel
confident, secure, understood, appreciated and loved in coming before Him. When we talk with
our physical fathers, we are not repetitious or scripted, we don't use an unnatural syrupy tone or a
monotone. And we don't use archaic language because we think it sounds more religious. Neither
is this necessary with God.

Our heavenly Father cherishes prayers offered with complete honesty and sincerity, even if they
include respectful complaints. The prayers in the book of Psalms certainly portray candid
honesty.

When people pray nice words while thinking and doing contradictory things, they apparently
think God can't read minds. When we use our tongue to "bless our God and Father, and [to] curse
men," our prayer is counted as hypocrisy (James 3:9-12, 17; see also Matthew 7:21-23).

Imagining what God is like is relatively easy for someone who has had a loving and attentive
earthly father. Admittedly, it is much more difficult, especially at first, for someone whose
parental experience has been with a cold, uncommunicative, abusive or absentee father.

Such a person should make a major effort to learn what an ideal father is like and establish that
picture in his or her mind's eye. Some inspiring and encouraging descriptions of God as our
heavenly Father are found in Matthew 7:9-11; John 3:16-17; James 1:5, 17; 1 John 4:8-19; Psalm
103 and Luke 15:11-32 (the father in the parable of the prodigal son).

 +
  
  

Of all God's creatures, human being have the unique and awesome privilege of being created in
His image (Genesis 1:26-27). The greatest benefit of this is being able to have a personal
relationship with God.

Throughout His Word, God repeatedly stresses the importance of right relationships. In fact,
Jesus said that the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love your fellow man
(Matthew 22:35-40).

Beginning with our creation, God has done many things to initiate a relationship with us. It is up
to us to respond to Him and show initiative in nurturing that relationship with good
communication. "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you," James 4:8 tells us. Our
prayers keep us connected to God. (Future articles in this series will cover Bible study,
meditation and fasting and how they also help us draw near and stay near to God.)

Jesus said to His disciples, "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what
his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I
have made known to you" (John 15:15). Here Jesus explained a crucial factor in true
friendship² **  
 A true friend is someone you talk with
openly and regularly.

God is the Great Communicator. He records in the Bible His revelation of everything we need to
know about His plan for our lives. His Word gives us His worldview, the framework for a true
perspective on life²past, present and future. Plus He communicates with us and guides us in
other ways²by His Holy Spirit, through His Church, through other individuals, through
circumstances and through experiences that He sets up.

But a good relationship depends on 4 
 +  *
Prayer and Bible study
go hand in hand, along with serious thought and introspection about how to apply God's
teachings in our own lives. Each of us must ask: How good a friend am I to God? How good a
son or daughter am I to my Father? Call home daily!

-  
( +
 
# 

Physical, frail human beings are highly vulnerable to countless dangers²physical, mental and
spiritual perils. The greatest danger is from our greatest enemy, Satan the devil, who "walks
about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8).

Ephesians 6:10-20 explains how we need spiritual armor "to stand against the wiles of the devil,"
and prayer is an important part of that armor (verses 18-19). Why face life's battles with no
armor? If we don't pray, we become prey to this ruthless predator.
We are terribly foolish to try "going it alone" in this evil and dangerous world²neglecting to
rely on God. Some suffering is punishment from God, particularly when people knowingly sin
against Him. But most suffering comes automatically from our own actions, the actions of
others, or time and chance.

However, God will intervene for those who are relying on Him to protect them from the majority
of mishaps. God allows His followers to suffer  personal trials to learn certain lessons, but
He protects them from most dangers.

For those who seek to do God's will and ask for help, He will continually guide, help and protect
them. If we don't forsake God, He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). What a
promise! And what peace of mind that promise brings!

#  
 
"
(% #   

It's inspiring to hear how many people have had obvious answers to their prayers even before
they knew much about God or were trying to obey Him. That shows how wonderfully merciful
and generous God is toward people who are taking their first sincere steps to humbly talk to their
Maker. By granting their desires, He is encouraging them to take further steps in building their
relationship with Him.

As we grow in our relationship with God, it is only logical that He expects us to fulfill certain
conditions if we want His help. God will not continue to answer prayers for someone who is
unwilling to do his or her part²to read the Bible, obey what it says and learn to love God. "We
love Him because He first loved us," 1 John 4:19 tells us.

But what is the primary evidence of love for God? The apostle John sums it up: "For this is the
love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome" (1
John 5:3). And John makes it clear that "is the most important condition for
answered prayer: "And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His
commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight" (1 John 3:22).

If we expect God to continue hearing our prayers, we must begin obeying the Ten
Commandments and His other commandments.


0
 +
: 

Some people have not learned that Jesus Christ is the one "door" and the one "way" to God (John
10:9; 14:6). Does God ever answer their prayers anyway? Because God is immensely merciful,
He probably does. If a person's religious practices at first fall short of true biblical Christianity,
God may for awhile answer some of his prayers  
*
* rather than
because of it. But that won't last if he makes no effort to learn and do as the Bible teaches.

The only  of answered prayer on a regular basis is to the true followers of the God and
Father of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the One who, though divine, became a human being, lived a
perfect life and suffered and died to pay the penalties of sin for all mankind. He alone is the
Savior of the world. Speaking of Jesus, the apostle Peter said, "There is no salvation through
anyone else; in all the world no other name has been granted to mankind by which we can be
saved" (Acts 4:12, Revised English Bible)

Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give
you" (John 16:23-24; see also John 14:13-14). As human beings, we do not of ourselves have the
right, authority or privilege to approach God's throne with our prayers because of our own
goodness. But through faith and commitment to Jesus Christ, He authorizes us to call on God in
His name, acting with His authorization. Thus, with His approval, we have access to God when
we pray "in Jesus' name."

Jesus further serves us as our High Priest by interceding and mediating on our behalf with the
Father (Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1-2). This assures us that we have access through Him to the
fullness of God's mercy and forgiveness (Hebrews 2:17; 4:14-16; 10:19-22). Then God the
Father makes the decision as to how to answer the prayer, and Jesus Christ carries out the
Father's will.

+
"0 
  


God certainly "hears" silent prayers, and someone who is close to God may utter silent prayers
often throughout each day. The Bible tells us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

But God is also pleased to have us vocalize audible prayers. Numerous times the Scriptures
mention the praying person using his voice, mouth, lips and tongue. The Bible also frequently
uses expressions like 
 
 etc.

Certain biblical references to frequency of prayer, like twice daily (Psalm 88:1) and thrice daily
(Psalm 55:17; Daniel 6:10), probably refer to the number of audible prayers, not the number of
total prayers.

Regarding bodily positions during prayer, the Bible mentions several² kneeling, standing,
sitting, lying down. Circumstances, including health problems, sometimes limit us in what
positions we can choose. We can talk with God while taking a walk or driving a car. The most
important consideration is to always do your best to express humility and deep reverence.

The Bible includes examples of appropriate public prayer and group prayer, but the majority of
our personal prayers should be private communication with God (Matthew 6:5-6). However,
   is vitally important. It's important to teach children from a very young age to pray.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me" (Matthew 19:14). God is very interested in and
responsive to their prayers. (see 4' ":-
&   &: 
4
beginning on the next page, for more on this vital subject).
Busy? Most of us are. Lack time to pray? Consider that we all make time for those things we
consider most important. And we will accomplish more in the long run when we put God first.
Hence we cannot afford to pray. Prayer needs to be a top priority and a daily habit.

In your prayers, besides going through your needs and wants, make sure to take time to thank
God for the many ways He has blessed you in your life. And take time to pray for others.

If you're coming to God about a problem, pour out your heart to Him about it without dictating
what His solutions should be. Father knows best. God always responds in the way that is best for
us spiritually, and that sometimes means the answer is "no" or "not now," or the answer is
something other than what we expected or wanted.

 
 0

"What is man that You are mindful of him?" asked David in Psalm 8:4. It's a wonder of wonders
how God cares for His little creatures²that He would listen to each of their prayers and give
them His personal attention. But it's true²He does.

Let's not let the wonderful spiritual tool of prayer go to waste by not using it. Let's walk with
God²obey Him and talk with Him²in prayer.

The Bible compares this life to our being pilgrims living in tents far from home. Our goal is enter
the Kingdom of God ²to "dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 23:6). Home is
wherever God is, and our destiny, after Christ returns to earth, is to dwell with Him forever.

In the meantime, we can stay in touch²daily and more than daily²with our Father and our
elder Brother, Jesus Christ.

Phone home. a  $

 
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The greatest gifts anyone can receive come "from above"²from our Creator God (James 1:17).
And God offers us two gifts that are by far the most important that any human being can receive
in this life. The first gift is the forgiveness of sins. The second is the indwelling presence of
God's Holy Spirit.

In turn, these two gifts make possible the greatest gift of all, which is eternal, glorified life after
death in the everlasting Kingdom of God (Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58).

Countless people are confused, thinking they have already received God's forgiveness when they
haven't, and thinking they already have God's Holy Spirit when they haven't. This article will
help you to know one way or the other.

First, it is always who must initiate a relationship with Him. Jesus said, "No one can come
to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws [or calls] him" (John 6:44). God calls a person by
causing him to hear the true gospel while at the same time opening up his mind to spiritual
understanding (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14).

There is nothing we can possibly do to  eternal life, but God does have that we
must fulfill. The last article in this series focused on one of those conditions²real heartfelt
  over having disobeyed God's laws. Another condition is  
in God²trusting in
Him and believing His Word, the Bible. Jesus Christ emphasized these two conditions during His
ministry (Mark 1:15).

-"
 
But for us to receive forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit, more is required than just
repentance and faith. In Acts 2, we read a summary of the apostle Peter's inspired sermon. He
explained that the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ was necessary to pay the penalty for our sins.
It is our sinfulness that was responsible for His suffering. In essence, "you crucified" Him (Acts
2:36).
Notice the reaction of the listeners: "Now when they heard this, 



  and
said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?'" (verse 37,
emphasis added throughout). They knew God would require them to certain things if they
were to be given eternal life.

"Then Peter said to them, /( and 
"" 5in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission [forgiveness] of sins; and 


*
02 /!
(verse 38). Peter made it clear that we
receive two things to be reconciled to God²
forgiveness and the Holy Spirit.

Peter said we must first  But Peter didn't mention the other condition, which is  
 Why
not? The very question "What shall we do?" showed Peter that the people believed in his
message and in the Scriptures. They wanted to know what they should do next to on that
faith!

Therefore, once a person mature enough to make important lifelong decisions has a basic
spiritual understanding of and belief in the "gospel," meaning the *of the coming
Kingdom of God and His plan of salvation, God urgently desires to see him or her repent and be
baptized as soon as is practical. Then he can receive the forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit.

-  0

The Greek word translated "baptize" is " 5the common Greek term for  
" *
or
So most English Bibles merely anglicize the word to a slightly different spelling
rather than translate it. The important point is that, in the Bible, "baptize" always means
 

Other authors of the time write of naval battles in which ships were "baptized"²completely
sunk²in the sea. Therefore, it is nonsensical to say one can baptize (immerse or submerge) by
pouring or sprinkling. The Bible itself proves that baptism meant immersion. John the Baptist
needed !

 !for baptizing (John 3:23). Jesus, when John baptized Him, "came up
immediately  
 !(Matthew 3:16). When Philip baptized the eunuch, they !

 !(Acts 8:38). Afterwards, "they  


 !(verse 39).

Why is this important? 


"   Being put into and under water
pictures a burial, and rising from the water pictures a resurrection.

Baptism actually pictures 

 deaths, burials and resurrections. First, baptism symbolizes our
faith "that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that
He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Second, it symbolizes our acknowledgement of the need for our old sinful way of life to be "put
to death" and be buried forever (Colossians 3:5; 2:12). And our rising from the water symbolizes
our beginning to "walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:3-6). Of course our spiritual character isn't
immediately transformed in those few seconds. Baptism is a sign of our lifelong dedication and
commitment to that goal.
Third, baptism symbolizes one's faith in the hope of the literal resurrection to come²"that there
will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust" (Acts 24:15).

, 0/#0 
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Symbolism is important, but baptism is

 than symbolism. If you were to ask 100
people who are seeking to be baptized, "Have you ever asked God to forgive you?" probably 99
would say yes. Then ask the 99, "Do you think God answered those prayers and forgave you?"
Maybe 98 of them will say yes. Then ask them, "So why be baptized if God has already forgiven
you, since Acts 2:38 says that the purpose of baptism is to have your sins forgiven?"

Most people are confused. Even when they realize baptism is a biblical requirement, they think
of it as a mere ritual of thanksgiving for God's forgiveness. But Acts 2:38 states that baptism is a
8
for forgiveness. Before forgiveness, God requires this
" 
  to Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord (meaning ) ²to rule over our lives,
Luke 6:46).

Many have misinterpreted 1 John 1:9, which says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just
to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Most people fail to realize that
the New Testament epistles were written primarily to Church members²those who had already
been baptized. In the epistles, the pronouns "we" and "us" refer to baptized members; "they" and
"them" usually refer to nonmembers.

Therefore, 1 John 1:9 tells us that if a person who has received initial forgiveness through
baptism sins after that, he does not need to be baptized again and again. Each subsequent time he
sins, he only needs to repent of that sin, confess it to God and ask God's forgiveness²and God
will immediately forgive. This is one of the awesome privileges a person has once he has been
baptized!

This explains why baptism is   .God holds each person guilty of 


 until those sins are blotted out at baptism (Acts 3:19; 22:16). At the moment the
repentant person is immersed in water, all his past sins are forgiven! What a joy it is to stand
clean before God!



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Once a person has been baptized, he is ready to receive God's Holy Spirit. The Bible shows that
the Holy Spirit is the spiritual essence and power that emanates from God the Father and from
Jesus Christ. Many are surprised to find that the Bible never mentions a Trinity. Indeed, careful
study shows that the traditional formulations of men are quite different from the biblical
teaching. (For a definitive scriptural study, read our free booklet - % )

The gift of the Holy Spirit does not come during the baptism. Scripture shows that God gives it
immediately afterwards during the  *
by one of God's ministers as he prays for
the baptized person to receive the gift of God's Spirit (Acts 8:14-17; 19:6; 2 Timothy 1:6).
Once you have the Holy Spirit, you have "Christ in you" (Colossians 1:27). You are "baptized
into Christ" (Galatians 3:27). You abide in Christ and He abides in you (1 John 3:24). You are
among the "partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4). You have a "new heart" and are
becoming a "new man" (Ezekiel 18:31; Ephesians 4:24).

"For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body . . . the body of Christ" (1 Corinthians
12:13, 27). That "body" is the Church²the "church of God" (Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians
1:2). We cannot "join" the Church of God. God adds us to it when He gives us the gift of His
Spirit. We are then  "of God's Church
(1 Corinthians 12:27).

"Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ,

0!²he doesn't belong to Christ
(Romans 8:9). He is not a true Christian or "son of God" (verse 14). To become a real Christian,
you must believe, repent, be baptized, experience the laying on of hands from one of God's
ministers, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Once a mature person has spiritual understanding and faith and has repented of his sins, he
should not delay baptism. When God is offering you a gift, why not accept it? Jesus warned
against rejecting God's offer: "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does
not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16). As Ananias said to Saul (whose name was
changed to Paul), "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your
sins" (Acts 22:16).

After one receives the Holy Spirit, that is when real spiritual growth begins! The next article in
this series will explain much about what a baptized member should do to grow spiritually. $

 
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The purpose of this temporary human life is to seek and prepare for life after death in God's
eternal Kingdom (John 3:15-16). If you haven't already, God wants you to make this the number-
one goal of your life (Luke 12:31). So
your understanding of His spiritual tools and *
 toward that goal! Or maybe you started but got discouraged or sidetracked, or relapsed
into old habits. Read on, and we'll show you how to enjoy solid, steady progress.

Physical life is evidenced by ongoing growth and development, and so is spiritual life. We must
always be  *
** * *to become more and more like Jesus
Christ. For those spiritually dead or asleep, God's Word says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from
the dead, and . . . [make] the most of the time" (Ephesians 5:14-16, Revised Standard Version).

Don't feel overwhelmed. God doesn't expect giant leaps. What He is looking for is that our steps,
no matter how small, are going  and not backward. Don't dwell on past mistakes or
future worries. Focus on what you need to do  and thank God for each bit of progress
(Philippians 3:12-14; Matthew 6:33-34).

When we are first "baptized into Christ," we are as "babes in Christ" (Galatians 3:27; 1
Corinthians 3:1). But we must not   as spiritual babies. "As newborn babes, desire the pure
milk of the word that you may *thereby" (1 Peter 2:2, emphasis added throughout).

Christ didn't say that following Him and thereby entering the Kingdom would be easy. He
compared it to squeezing through a narrow gate, saying that few in this age would be able to do
so (Luke 13:24). But what is most valuable deserves the highest price. Jesus compared God's
Kingdom to a treasure and a "pearl of great price" (Matthew 13:44-46). God's Kingdom is worth
any and every possible sacrifice (Luke 14:33).

God doesn't expect us to rely on our own human strength. He expect us to  diligently
as if success all depends on ourselves, but to  *
   knowing that success
will depend primarily and ultimately on Him (Philippians 2:12; 2 Timothy 2:15; Proverbs 3:5-6).
   "
 
Paul compared God's "tools" or strategies for entering the Kingdom with  and  
because anyone trying to be a follower of Christ is automatically involved in spiritual warfare
with our archenemy, Satan the devil (Luke 10:19; 2 Thessalonians 3:3).

We are not defenseless if we are courageous and use God's equipment. "Put on the full armor of
God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (Ephesians 6:11, New
International Version). The next few verses list God's protective armor.

Verse 17 defines the primary offensive  +"the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
God"²which means our need to study, understand and live by God's Word, the Bible. This is
linked in the next verse with  

God's weapons and armor are *

(2 Corinthians 10:4). The question is: Will we put on the
armor and will we wield the weapons?

And will we use the spiritual tools that were explained in the previous articles in this series?

To recap the main points of this series, make your goal to    
" as well as
  Just as we begin to feel weak when we miss meals, we begin to weaken
spiritually when we miss a day of spiritual nourishment.

We need to  occasionally for the reasons explained in the article on fasting. We need to
sincerely   toward God every time we realize we have been guilty of a sin. To receive God's
forgiveness and to come under His grace, we need to be " 5(Acts 2:38). Then we can
receive the gift of His Holy Spirit, which







(1
Corinthians 12:13).

Then we need to be in the Church the rest of our lives²for the many benefits
we receive and for the opportunities to serve God by serving His people.

-
0 " 0 

We mustn't let up, but must keep growing! In Ephesians 4, Paul beautifully explains the purpose
of God's Church and its leaders: "To prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body
of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity . . . and become 
. . . Then we will 
*" . . . Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things *
into him
who is the Head, that is, Christ" (verses 11-15, NIV).

Perhaps the best definition of spiritual maturity is the godly  described in "the love chapter,"
1 Corinthians 13.

 
 

 


When Paul wrote to Timothy, he had reason to believe that Timothy's zeal was cooling off, like a
campfire starting to die out. Paul wrote, "Therefore I remind you to 
the gift of God which
is in you through the laying on of my hands" (2 Timothy 1:6). If your fire is dying, stir it up and
fan it into flames!

When the author of the book of Hebrews, apparently Paul, wrote to the Jewish Christians who
had been in God's Church for many years, he knew that many of them had quit growing and had
"become dull of hearing" (Hebrews 5:11). He said they were so immature spiritually that they
still needed "milk, not solid food" (verse 12, RSV). He said, "Let us . . . * 
!
(Hebrews 6:1, RSV).

  
#

Paul compared the life of a believer with a race to win a valuable reward: !(
 in such a way
that you may obtain it [eternal life]" (1 Corinthians 9:24). He said, "I consider my life worth
nothing to me, if only I may 

 and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me"
(Acts 20:24, NIV).

Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us, "Let us 



 the race that is set before us, looking unto
Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."

It's not enough to  for a big race. It's not enough to   a race. What really counts is
*

 Ultimately, the only thing in this life that matters is crossing from mortal
life to immortal life.

When Paul knew his "departure" was near, as he would soon be executed, he said: "I have fought
the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the
crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day²and
not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:6-8, NIV).

Let's hope we can say the same thing at the end of our lives. We can if we use God's tools for
spiritual growth, are faithful to Him and keep growing! $

 
 
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Jesus Christ loves His Bride²the Church! He "nourishes and cherishes it"! Jesus has a close
relationship with the members of His Church, describing them as "members of His body, of His
flesh and of His bones" (Ephesians 5:25-30). "Also Christ is head of the church," providing
loving care and leadership (verse 23).

The members of His Church, because they are still human, are far from perfect or sinless. But for
those who are submitting and committing themselves to the Master's rule over their lives, Jesus
is very busy "washing" them to spiritually transform them into "a glorious church, not having
spot or wrinkle or any such thing . . . that [it] should be holy and without blemish" (verses 26-
27). Nothing is more miraculous or awe-inspiring!

-":#
The Bible describes the Church as a loving and zealous 
of believers²those who

and 
 with each other and strive for
.God wants   
to work *
in the gargantuan task He has given His Church.

Consider the circumstances of the early New Testament Church: "Now all who believed 
*
and had all things in common" (Acts 2:44, emphasis added throughout). In the King
James Version of the Bible, the English word *
appears 484 times. God likes
*
.

What did Jesus say would be a primary identifying sign of His followers? "By this all will know
that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).

In the Bible, includes


 not only emotions. How can Christ's
disciples serve one another if they don't know each other and aren't together? Hebrews 10:25
emphasizes the need of "assembling of ourselves *
. . . and so much the as you see
the Day [of Christ's return] approaching."

The preceding verse, Hebrews 10:24, stresses the need to "stir up love and good works" among
one another. Through Christian fellowship with other believers, we do just that²encourage,
strengthen, comfort and help one another. God knows that it's difficult to survive spiritually on
our own²that we need the support and encouragement we get from being with others of like
mind.
The focus of church services should be about worshipping God and learning more about His
Word and how He wants us to live. Paul describes the Church as "the pillar and foundation of the
truth" (1 Timothy 3:15, New International Version). The Church is the primary source through
which God's truth is taught and learned.

But another focus of the Church is on **
to one another. Notice this essential
evidence of spiritual conversion: "We know that we have passed from [spiritual] death to life,
because we love the brethren . . . By this we know love, because He [Jesus] laid down His life
for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren" (1 John 3:14, 16).

The most common fulfillment of "laying down our lives" is that we give of our  for our
brethren.

Members of God's Church should be striving to become like Jesus Christ, but are far from that
perfection. Each member is a "work in progress," endeavoring to be "transformed" by God and
gradually "conformed to the image of His Son" (Romans 12:2; 8:29).

Every member is at a different point in his or her spiritual progress. Sometimes problems arise
just like we read about in the New Testament. But we know that God expects those He has called
to His Church to work on themselves and to love, forgive and encourage others.

' "
 

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Surprisingly, an individual cannot "join" the Church on his or her own. First, God must  or
 you to Christ (John 6:44-45). Then you become a member of God's Church when "the
Spirit of God dwells in you," as Paul put it. He explains that "if anyone does not have the Spirit
of Christ, he is not His" (Romans 8:9). "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are
sons of God" (verse 14).

Paul also wrote, "For by one Spirit we were all baptized [immersed, inserted] into one body" (1
Corinthians 12:13). That "one body" is "the body of Christ" (verse 27). Christ's "body . . . is the
church" (Colossians 1:24).

How does one receive the Holy Spirit? As was explained in the last article in this series, once a
person believes the Bible, has repented of his sins and has been baptized "for the remission
[forgiveness] of sins," he will "receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38) through the laying
on of hands of God's ministry. The Holy Spirit sets apart or  the convert as a new child
of God. That is why the Bible frequently refers to members of God's Church as  (1
Corinthians 1:2).

Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians, "For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may
present you as a chaste virgin to Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:2). God's forgiveness cleanses us of
sin and the indwelling of God's Spirit imparts God's righteousness. This is how we become saints
or spiritual virgins betrothed to Christ.
At the return of Christ, the saints will be raised in a resurrection to eternal life and glory (1
Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54; Revelation 20:6). The "marriage of the Lamb" to
His betrothed Bride will then take place (Revelation 19:7). The Church of God will then become
part of the Kingdom of God !

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Jesus said that part of His earthly mission was to "build My church," and He began by training
12 disciples and other followers (Matthew 16:18). The Greek word here translated "church" is
 This explains why the English word   means "relating to the church."

This Greek word means essentially "those called out to an assembly"²which indicates that
someone has authority over them to 
them to the assembly. Church services are called
"holy convocations" in the Bible (Leviticus 23:2). The word "convocations" means  
 "and they are "holy" because it is who has commanded or convoked them. This
means that God expects His people, whenever possible, to be in attendance when He convokes
an assembly.

Jesus gave orders to His disciples (and all future disciples) regarding their mission: "Go therefore
and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I
am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20).

Jesus summarized this aspect of the mission another way when He told Peter to "feed My sheep"
(John 21:15-17). Later, Paul reminded the elders to "shepherd the church of God " (Acts 20:28).
This primarily means to teach and preach the Word of God, stressing the practical application in
our daily lives (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; 4:2).

It's clear from other scriptures and the apostles' examples that the Church is also commissioned
to fulfill Christ's prophecy that "this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a
witness to all the nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14; see also Matthew 10:7;
Mark 1:15; 16:15; Luke 9:2, 60; Acts 28:30-31).

The United Church of God,   - , publisher of ë

$ is deeply
dedicated to fulfilling this twofold commission²to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God in
all the world and to shepherd and nurture the members of God's Church. Our recognition of and
commitment to this instruction is reflected in our logo: "Preaching the Gospel, Preparing a
People."


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We in United Church of God fully believe that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God" (2
Timothy 3:16). And Christ's followers must be "doers of the word, and not hearers only" (James
1:22; Revelation 14:12).
The Bible is full of many warnings to beware of deceitful teachers, such as those who preach
about the )*but don't teach His  *much less the rest of the Bible (2 Corinthians
11:3-4, 13-15; Matthew 7:20-23; 24:4-5, 11, 24-25). Much of today's "Christianity" is
 meaning a blend of ideas from many ancient religions. Jesus expects His religion to
be the same in this 21st century as it was in the first century (Hebrews 13:8).

The Church as described in the Bible obeys all of the Ten Commandments. This includes the
Fourth Commandment about remembering the day that God made holy at creation (Exodus 20:8-
11; Genesis 2:1-3). -   in the Bible that mention the weekly Sabbath mean the same
thing²the seventh day of the week, which is Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.

Therefore our weekly worship services are on the biblical Sabbath. This is the day God made
holy. No human being can make day holy or transfer the Sabbath to another day. And there
is not a shred of evidence that God ever took the holiness from the seventh day and transferred it
to some other day. (Our free booklet 
 
/% 
$
gives abundant
proof that the Sabbath is still God's holy day and that God gives great blessings to those who
reverence it, celebrate it and obey Him in this manner.)

We warmly invite all who are interested²and your children²to visit our Sabbath services any
time. Or you may desire to talk with one of our ministers first. Contact us for the location of the
nearest congregation or pastor.

The next and final article in this series will show how to use the biblical tools to continue
your spiritual progress²so that, as Paul said in Ephesians 4:15, we "may grow up in all things
into Him who is the head²Christ." $