“THE CHRISTIAN’S ARMOR: The Sword of the Spirit”

The Bible says that words have the power of death and life . “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21) “

Back in the early 80’s I used to be on staff at another church here in Las Cruces, NM. In fact, it was my first official ministry position fresh out of Bible College. I had the honor of leading a “bus ministry”.

There was a 9 yr. old boy, I’ll call him “John”, who was one of my bus riders. He’d been through some tough times including being sexually abused as a young child and did not trust males. His mom related his story to me, and needless to say, I was moved to tears by it. I still have a hard time believing that parents would abuse their children just as John had been abused.

Over several months, I had finally developed a trusting relationship with him. In fact, he trusted me so much that he was willing to go out-of-town to children’s camp with our church, but only if I was going.

Things got tough for him there, too. On one particular occasion he even asked me permission to call his mom. Calling home was something we had already told the kids that we would not allow, but I gave in knowing his history. As he talked to his mom I realized that this had been the first time he had ever been away from his ‘protector’ and he missed her terribly. I once again assured him that I would not allow anything to happen to him while he was in my care.

John is one of those lives that make being in ministry worth it all!

As God often does, He had fulfilled our purpose for that ministry and was now moving Gayla and I away from that particular ministry. It was one of the most difficult decisions that we had ever had to make, but we had to obey Him.

On our last Sunday, the church held a Farewell Reception for us.  It was at that reception that I realized just how much John had come to trust me and love me.

I walked into the Fellowship Hall and caught a glimpse of John’s mom.  She made a bee-line over to me with John. He looked up at me and handed me a small black box. As I opened the box, which held a set of Cross pens, John proudly informed me that it had cost him $20, so I better not ever lose them! In the box was also a small tightly folded up note that said, “Dear Brother Ruben, I wish you didn’t have to live.”

Since Gayla had not yet involved me in her career as an elementary teacher, I was taken back by his note. As I read it over several times, I finally realized that what John wrote and what he meant were two different things. What he meant to say was, “Dear brother Ruben, I wish you didn’t have to leave.”

Despite the spelling error John’s words are still as precious to me today as the day he first wrote them. Words really do have the power of death or life! Words are unbelievable as they can affirm us or destroy us. How much more powerful are the words God inspired, protected, personalized and gave to us as His Word, the Bible? We need to be reminded often of just how powerful God’s word really is. So, I challenge you to take a moment and do the study below, allowing God to once again affirm you by His leaving Word.  Oops! I mean living Word! Enjoy!!

OBSERVATION:  What do I see?  

“... and .... take the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)

Q- What comes to your mind when you read the word “sword”? Why?

INTERPRETATION: What does it mean?           

The sword was the most common weapon in battle. In fact, the word “sword” is mentioned 449 times in the Bible. The other pieces of the armor in God’s arsenal are defensive in nature, but the sword is primarily an offensive weapon. In fact, Jesus used the sword of God’s Word against Satan and it also gave a deadly blow to the beast found in Revelation 13:3 & 14.

Then Jesus said in Matthew 10:34, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” He was not saying that He, the Prince of Peace, came to start wars. Instead, He was pointing out that the sword of God’s word has a dividing effect.

    

Several times, the sword of God’s Word is depicted as being two edged. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

    

The two edges of the Spirit’s sword are the two witnesses of God’s word, the New Testament and the Old Testament. It is also called a two-edged sword because it is to be used both against the enemy and for personal use. See (Acts 16:27)

     

Roman soldiers would use their swords for cooking, splitting kindling, and for cutting. In the same way the Word of God is a practical tool for every area of our life as well as for fighting our adversary. Since there was not stainless steel an used sword would bet rusty, dull and pit. So swords had to be kept clean by frequent honing them against a stone or another soldier’s sword. In the same way when we study the Bible with others, our skill in the Word is sharpened. “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)

Q- 1 Peter 3:15“says ... always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you...” How well are you prepared? What needs to change?

APPLICATION: How does it apply to my life?

Q-  How are you using the sword of God’s Word in your life now? Where does it need to be applied?

SUPPLICATION: Where do I need God’s help?

Q- Maybe Satan has been attacking you in some way. How can the sword of the Word help defeat him. What is your responsibility?

“THE CHRISTIAN’S ARMOR: The Helmet of Salvation”

For those who have never read this before:

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE

1950’s, 60’s, 70’s & 80‘s:

“ First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn’t get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets. As infants and children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat. We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle. We even shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem. We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever. We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets. These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL! If you are one of us, CONGRATULATIONS! It kind of makes me want to run through the halls with scissors in hand!”

   

Let’s go back to just one of these items that has particular relevance for: ...when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets! Even though it’s true that many of us survived riding our bikes without a helmet, since we didn’t really know better and they weren’t readily available, no one would advocate that anyone, children or adults, do the same today. We certainly would encourage our own kids to wear their helmet every time because you never know when they may need it to protect their head. And in the spiritual battle that we’re engaged in as followers of Jesus, we need to make sure we always have our spiritual helmet on, too, because we never know when we’ll need it. “Take the helmet of salvation.” (Eph. 6:17a)

   

The Apostle Paul wrote this so he must have known a little about the helmet. Here are some thoughts on its history to help you.

   

The Roman army's existence spanned more than 1,200 years. It began as a fierce, amateur militia from a small, central Italian city, and rose as the world's first professional and standardized army, under the reign of the Caesars. It then saw it’s standards slide until it was unrecognizable by the time of the fall of the Western Empire. Over this period, the equipment of the Roman soldier changed markedly, including his galea, or helmet.

    

The Earliest Helmets: During the centuries when Romans were dominated by their Etruscan neighbors, the Romans imitated them in many respects. While the Etruscans in turn mimicked the Greeks and employed Corinthian-style helmets, they also had their own style of helmet, which resembled a peaked, bronzed bowl. The Romans, however, used both styles.

The Montefortino Helmets: were used by legionaries between 4th century BC and 1st century AD, a period that covers the ‘heyday’ of the Roman Republic and the early Empire. These helmets were essentially bronze pots with visors.

The Gallic Helmet: this type began making its appearance in the 1st century BC, and was used well into the 2nd century AD. This makes it the classic helmet of the Roman legionary, as that time runs from the late Republic through to the height of the Empire. Its design includes many improvements that were inspired by the helmets worn by the wealthier Gallic warriors. It includes protection for the cheeks and back of the neck.     Crests: As a rule, only centurions would wear a legionary helmet with a crest more frequently, and for the simple reason that that they needed to be readily identifiable to their men.

The Attic Helmet: Roman officers were almost always drawn from a wealthier equestrian or senatorial background. Helmets based on the Greek's Attic-style remained popular with these gentlemen officers for centuries, who often wore a showier, more ceremonial kit than that of a common legionary, or even a centurion.

From: Roman Helmets History By Edwin Thomas, eHow Contributor

OBSERVATION:  What do I see?  

“Take the helmet of salvation... (Ephesians 6:17)

Q- What types of helmets have you worn through you life? What is the benefit of wearing one?

INTERPRETATION: What does it mean?           

The helmet was essential for the survival of a soldier in battle. Paul, in using the word “salvation”, indicates that the helmet is a source of total deliverance. In Jesus, we can find deliverance in every situation, spiritual, emotional, and physical. He has to be our source, our “guide”, and our “way out”. We cannot deliver ourselves. That is why it’s worth looking at three theological thoughts about salvation:

·      Justification: Deals with our past, its freedom from the penalty of our sin. (Colossians 2:13)

·      Sanctification: This is speaking of the freedom we have from the power of sin. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

·      Glorification: This deals with freedom from the presence of sin. (1 Thessalonians 5:8-9)

Q- Jesus paid the price for our sin and as a result, we can be declared righteous through His death. (Romans 2:5-11) Have you accepted this wonderful gift? If not, why not?

APPLICATION: How does it apply to my life?

Q- If you are certain that you have personally accepted Jesus Christ, how does Satan work in your mind to bring about doubt? What do you do to stand up against those attacks?

SUPPLICATION: Where do I need God’s help?

Q- What doubt or discouragement do you need to bring to the Lord in prayer today?

“THE CHRISTIAN’S ARMOR: The Shield of Faith”

For the past twenty seven weeks I have been taking our church family through a verse by verse study of the book of Ephesians. This has been one of the best things I could have been led to do. I have been refreshed and encouraged. I truly appreciate the encouraging and affirming words that you have shared. Apparently by the many comments you have shared, you also have been blessed by it.

This week we will be looking at the “Shield of Faith”. Two words jump out at us immediately: shield and faith. Let me share a few words with you in context to Paul’s writing.

The warrior’s shield was his first line of defense. Usually made of wood or bronze, it was often big enough to protect the whole body when the soldier crouched down under a hail of arrows.

OBSERVATION:  What do I see?  

 “In addition to this, take up the shield of faith by which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6:16a)

   

 Q- What is the most risky thing that God has called you to do by faith? Why do you think you had the faith to believe?

INTERPRETATION: What does it mean?          

    

The Roman army used small round shields and large rectangular ones. The large curved shield which Paul refers to in the letter to the Ephesians was about four feet tall and two feet wide. It was made of layers of laminated wood, like our modern day plywood, covered by linen and leather. A brass or bronze rim covered every edge as protection against sword attack. It was generally painted with traditional Roman symbols such as eagles wings and lightning bolts.

Shields were primarily used as individual protection, but could be overlapped to form a large wall of protection. As a walled city was being attacked by the Romans, archers along the walls would rain down flaming arrows. The Roman soldiers with overlapping shields could continue advancing toward the gates of the city despite the arrows.

The only protection against the flaming arrows that rained down from the sky in ancient warfare was the shield. If used correctly it was a trustworthy piece of equipment. If dropped, it became useless and soldier’s fate rested with himself. We trust in Jesus alone as our shield. We cannot rely on our own abilities in this battle.

Q- It’s been said that worry is the opposite of faith. Make a list of the differences between the both.

APPLICATION: How does it apply to my life?

    

Q- Think about a situation in your life when fear or doubt harmed your relationship with God. What did that teach you?

    

Q- When do we most often want God to increase our faith?

SUPPLICATION: Where do I need God’s help? 

Q- What are you doing that is “God - sized” the Enemy has probably take note? Write it (them) down. Now take a moment and pray over them asking God to give you the power to fulfill that calling. If nothing comes to mind, ask God to reveal to you where you need to start.     

You enemy, Satan is constantly firing volley after volley of those flaming arrows of carnal desire. The purpose for this shied of faith was to defect the fiery arrows of the enemy and prevent them from ever making contact. Multitudes of Christians fall on the battlefield and fail to overcome evil because they wait until they are immersed in the fires of temptation before making any effort to resist. At that point, it is often too late. As soon as you recognize a fiery arrow shot toward you, there is no time to lose. Hold up the shield of faith and do everything in your power to keep as much distance between you and the temptation. If you give in without a fight, we are in reality inviting temptation.

The shield was not held loosely in the soldier’s hand, but was firmly strapped to his forearm so he could resist the mighty blows of an enemy’s sword without fear of dropping it. Likewise, Christians cannot afford to have a flimsy faith while in the heat of spiritual battle.

Paul says that the Christian’s shield is faith. Faith is our knowledge of and confidence in God to fulfill His word to us. It is trust that God is who He has revealed Himself to be and relying on Him to fulfill His promises in our lives.

Through faith in Christ’s name, we can resist temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:3) “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

May God give you the grace and strength to ward off the arrows Satan shoots your way intended to defeat you!

"Soldier’s Footwear - The Gospel of Peace-continued”

 I’ve really been enjoying reading my peer’s postings on Facebook : “Remember in Las Cruces when...”  It’s caused me to reflect back on my younger years and on what this community used to be like.

This week began “two - a - days” football practice for our grandson, Isaac, who will be starting school as a freshman at Las Cruces High School. (Go Bulldogs!) As I drop him off at practice, it brings back all those memories and feelings that I experienced when I was doing the same.

As I was sitting in my truck waiting for him after one of his practices, I began to reflect. A thought came to my mind, “What was the most memorable moments of my teen years?”  Well, there were two life changing events that have impacted my entire life that come to mind. The first one was when I was introduced to my wife, (of 37 years) Gayla, by my best friend at the time, Albert Camacho. And the second, was being introduced to Jesus Christ.              

During my Sophomore year, a pastor from the church my dad attended, came to our home and asked if he could talk to me. I invited him into my bedroom to show him all the awards and trophies I had won in football, wrestling and field events. He graciously complimented me and showed a true interest in me.  He knew that I was an athlete and did not do the things others did, but still brought to my attention that I had sin in my life. He proceeded to let me know that because I had sin in my life, I needed someone to forgive my sin and that’s when Jesus was brought into the conversation. He told me that if I would confess my sins before Christ, repent of my ways and invite Him into my life, that Jesus would give me a new life now and a home in heaven for eternity. Who in their right mind would turn down a deal like that?                                                        

So, I bowed my head and prayed along with him in faith, a simple prayer similar to this: “Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you today as a sinner in need of a Savior. I confess that I have sinned and made many mistakes in my life. I am unable to live a holy life on my own. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is Your Son, who was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, and gave Himself as a sacrifice to pay the penalty for my sins. I believe that He rose from the dead on the third day and now lives forever with You. I ask you to forgive me and save me. I come to You in faith, believing, and thank You for giving me the gift of eternal life. In Jesus' name, Amen.”

That prayer changed my life! I now have an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ. Maybe you have never personally invited Jesus into your life. Why don’t you go back and pray that same prayer giving your life to Him? I also think back with gratitude for a coach who saw potential in me. Coach Allen, my football and track coach, would often call on me to pray for team meals and on other occasions. If it weren’t for him nurturing that spiritual side of me, I might not be in ministry today!

I’m, grateful to have had the privilege of officiating Coach Allen’s funeral a few years ago. Thanks for believing in me, Coach!

OBSERVATION:  What do I see?

“Stand firm the ... with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:14 & 15)

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14-15)

Q- What is God’s preferred way to get His message out to the world? What’s plan “B”?

INTERPRETATION: What does it mean?

If God’s salvation is for anyone who calls, how can people call on God to save them if they have not been moved to believe in him? How can they believe if they have never heard about him? There can be no call, no belief, if these people have not heard about God (“heard” means a hearing that understands the significance of the words and realizes that a response is required), and been given the offer of salvation.

And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? There can be no call, no belief, no hearing, unless there are those sent to share the Good News.

All believers are sent to announce this Good News. The process of salvation begins with the one who tells another the Good News. Like Paul and the early Christians, who spread the message of Christ despite persecution and even death, we should be eager to share this Good News of salvation to all who will listen. In the verse quoted from Isaiah 52:7, the herald is bearing good news to Judah about the end of their exile in Babylon and their return to their own land. His feet were beautiful to them, for his good news was so welcome. The message was what he brought, but it was those worn and dusty feet that brought him. Those feet were beautiful because they represented the messenger’s willingness to be sent with “good news”. Only now the message was not just for Israel, but for the whole world. We must take God’s great message of salvation to others so that they can respond to the “Good News.”

Q- How will your loved ones and neighbors hear the “good news” unless someone tells them?

APPLICATION: How does it apply to my life?

Q- Is God calling you to take a part in making his message known in your community? Think of at least one person who needs to hear the “Good News” and think of something you can do to help him or her hear it. Take that step as soon as possible!

SUPPLICATION: Where do I need God’s help?

Q- Who can you pray for this week that might find God’s perfect way of salvation?