The Armor of God Explained | Pastor Alex Himaya

back. You got me out back and now I see back. You got me out back and now I see your blessings. See your blessings every your blessings. See your blessings every your blessings. See your blessings every day. Thankful that your kingdom's on the day. Thankful that your kingdom's on the day. Thankful that your kingdom's on the way. Angels all around me. Yet I'm way. Angels all around me. Yet I'm way. Angels all around me. Yet I'm saying like, "Oh, saying like, "Oh, saying like, "Oh, I'll never get used to this. I'll never get used to this. I'll never get used to this. I'll never get used to this. I'll never get used to this. I'll never get used to this. This is how I want to live This is how I want to live This is how I want to live forever." forever." forever." >> What's the word? What's the word? The >> What's the word? What's the word? The >> What's the word? What's the word? The word is wreck is lit. Cam's still going. word is wreck is lit. Cam's still going. word is wreck is lit. Cam's still going. God is here. >> Everybody in here is thirsty. And some >> Everybody in here is thirsty. And some of you try to quench it with success or of you try to quench it with success or of you try to quench it with success or popularity or a boyfriend or a popularity or a boyfriend or a popularity or a boyfriend or a girlfriend, but the person sitting next girlfriend, but the person sitting next girlfriend, but the person sitting next to you right now is thirsty. The the to you right now is thirsty. The the to you right now is thirsty. The the issue is where do you go to get that issue is where do you go to get that issue is where do you go to get that thirst met? that determines whether your thirst met? that determines whether your thirst met? that determines whether your soul will ever be satisfied. The one who soul will ever be satisfied. The one who soul will ever be satisfied. The one who is living water became thirsty for me is living water became thirsty for me is living water became thirsty for me and for you. And here's the question and for you. And here's the question and for you. And here's the question tonight. What are you going to do with tonight. What are you going to do with tonight. What are you going to do with this water?

this water? this water? >> The past year has been rough. And I've >> The past year has been rough. And I've >> The past year has been rough. And I've just been like spiritually and mentally just been like spiritually and mentally just been like spiritually and mentally and I've just been like, well, I know I and I've just been like, well, I know I and I've just been like, well, I know I need God, but I don't want him. And then need God, but I don't want him. And then need God, but I don't want him. And then Pastor Alex was like, if you want to Pastor Alex was like, if you want to Pastor Alex was like, if you want to give your life to Jesus, like do it. And give your life to Jesus, like do it. And give your life to Jesus, like do it. And so I stood up like late because I was so I stood up like late because I was so I stood up like late because I was like, I don't know. I don't know. But I like, I don't know. I don't know. But I like, I don't know. I don't know. But I stood up in the end and I definitely stood up in the end and I definitely stood up in the end and I definitely regretted it. >> You've been out on your own now. >> You've been out on your own now. Just you out on your own. Now it's time to you out on your own. Now it's time to come home. come home. come home. I want to learn to be disciplined in my I want to learn to be disciplined in my I want to learn to be disciplined in my like spiritual life so that nothing can like spiritual life so that nothing can like spiritual life so that nothing can pull me away from Jesus. I 100% am so pull me away from Jesus. I 100% am so pull me away from Jesus. I 100% am so happy that God has saved me.

Come on, church. That is unbelievable Come on, church. That is unbelievable what God is doing in our midst. And what God is doing in our midst. And what God is doing in our midst. And you're going to be glad you came to the you're going to be glad you came to the you're going to be glad you came to the 11:30 service uh because the students 11:30 service uh because the students 11:30 service uh because the students are in here with us. And and let me just are in here with us. And and let me just are in here with us. And and let me just say this at all of our campuses, those say this at all of our campuses, those say this at all of our campuses, those of you who regularly attend the 11:30 of you who regularly attend the 11:30 of you who regularly attend the 11:30 service, would you be happy to welcome service, would you be happy to welcome service, would you be happy to welcome the students into that service just like the students into that service just like the students into that service just like they are today, would you just tell them they are today, would you just tell them they are today, would you just tell them come on every week come on every week come on every week and uh ju just be a part of it. We'll and uh ju just be a part of it. We'll and uh ju just be a part of it. We'll call this section like the hoop, not the call this section like the hoop, not the call this section like the hoop, not the hoop section, hack off old people hoop section, hack off old people hoop section, hack off old people section, like you took their chair and section, like you took their chair and section, like you took their chair and uh uh they'd be glad to give it to you uh uh they'd be glad to give it to you uh uh they'd be glad to give it to you and we'll watch and see what the Lord and we'll watch and see what the Lord and we'll watch and see what the Lord does in our church. And the message I've does in our church. And the message I've does in our church. And the message I've written today is for the students written today is for the students written today is for the students actually. And if you're a prayer and you actually. And if you're a prayer and you actually. And if you're a prayer and you pray prayers, I want you to pray during pray prayers, I want you to pray during pray prayers, I want you to pray during this service. This will be my 12th time this service. This will be my 12th time this service. This will be my 12th time uh to teach this week. And and I'm uh to teach this week. And and I'm uh to teach this week. And and I'm losing my voice and I've got a cough uh losing my voice and I've got a cough uh losing my voice and I've got a cough uh that won't quit. The girls behind me that won't quit. The girls behind me that won't quit. The girls behind me just asked, "Are you wearing cough just asked, "Are you wearing cough just asked, "Are you wearing cough syrup?" And uh uh because I've been syrup?" And uh uh because I've been syrup?" And uh uh because I've been sucking on cough drops all day. And so sucking on cough drops all day. And so sucking on cough drops all day. And so just pray that God would get me through just pray that God would get me through just pray that God would get me through uh this service. But today, I want to uh this service. But today, I want to uh this service. But today, I want to talk on the subject of spiritual talk on the subject of spiritual talk on the subject of spiritual warfare.

warfare. warfare. And I know the moment that I say that And I know the moment that I say that And I know the moment that I say that there's all kinds of reactions in the there's all kinds of reactions in the there's all kinds of reactions in the room because the people who talk the room because the people who talk the room because the people who talk the longest and the loudest about spiritual longest and the loudest about spiritual longest and the loudest about spiritual warfare are weird, right? And they're warfare are weird, right? And they're warfare are weird, right? And they're from those churches, right? You know from those churches, right? You know from those churches, right? You know what I'm talking about? Like on one side what I'm talking about? Like on one side what I'm talking about? Like on one side you got the women that churn their own you got the women that churn their own you got the women that churn their own butter in church and wear no makeup in butter in church and wear no makeup in butter in church and wear no makeup in the name of Jesus. And on the other the name of Jesus. And on the other the name of Jesus. And on the other side, uh, they wear so much makeup they side, uh, they wear so much makeup they side, uh, they wear so much makeup they put it on with a putty knife. And in put it on with a putty knife. And in put it on with a putty knife. And in those churches, the men also wear those churches, the men also wear those churches, the men also wear makeup. And so we don't want to be makeup. And so we don't want to be makeup. And so we don't want to be associated with with either of those associated with with either of those associated with with either of those sections, right? And so we get a little sections, right? And so we get a little sections, right? And so we get a little nervous uh when this subject comes up. nervous uh when this subject comes up. nervous uh when this subject comes up. But can I just declare to you today, I But can I just declare to you today, I But can I just declare to you today, I think that's part of the strategy of the think that's part of the strategy of the think that's part of the strategy of the devil. I is to make the Holy Spirit seem devil. I is to make the Holy Spirit seem devil. I is to make the Holy Spirit seem weird and he's convinced us that the weird and he's convinced us that the weird and he's convinced us that the devil doesn't exist, right? He he's devil doesn't exist, right? He he's devil doesn't exist, right? He he's convinced many people that if he's convinced many people that if he's convinced many people that if he's invisible, then he must be fictional or invisible, then he must be fictional or invisible, then he must be fictional or or this one since he's a defeated foe or this one since he's a defeated foe or this one since he's a defeated foe that there's no way that he can hurt us that there's no way that he can hurt us that there's no way that he can hurt us as Christians. And even better yet or as Christians. And even better yet or as Christians. And even better yet or more prevalent is this one. If God loves more prevalent is this one. If God loves more prevalent is this one. If God loves us and we are sons and daughters of the us and we are sons and daughters of the us and we are sons and daughters of the king, then even if the devil is real, king, then even if the devil is real, king, then even if the devil is real, he's not really all that dangerous uh to he's not really all that dangerous uh to he's not really all that dangerous uh to us. And I just want to declare to you us. And I just want to declare to you us. And I just want to declare to you today, listen, it is true that God loves today, listen, it is true that God loves today, listen, it is true that God loves you. He he loves you as his children. In you. He he loves you as his children. In you. He he loves you as his children. In fact, 1 John 3 uh says he loves you so fact, 1 John 3 uh says he loves you so fact, 1 John 3 uh says he loves you so much that he calls you his uh children.

much that he calls you his uh children. much that he calls you his uh children. And it's his very nature uh to love you. And it's his very nature uh to love you. And it's his very nature uh to love you. And because he loves you, he he protects And because he loves you, he he protects And because he loves you, he he protects you. But that does not mean that he will you. But that does not mean that he will you. But that does not mean that he will keep you away from all danger all the keep you away from all danger all the keep you away from all danger all the days of your life. But I need you to days of your life. But I need you to days of your life. But I need you to hear me today and tell you that he will hear me today and tell you that he will hear me today and tell you that he will prepare you for all the days of danger prepare you for all the days of danger prepare you for all the days of danger in your life. And for all the fathers in in your life. And for all the fathers in in your life. And for all the fathers in the room, I missed you uh last week on the room, I missed you uh last week on the room, I missed you uh last week on Father's Day. Uh and uh so let me just Father's Day. Uh and uh so let me just Father's Day. Uh and uh so let me just say it a week late. Happy Father's Day. say it a week late. Happy Father's Day. say it a week late. Happy Father's Day. Can we hear it for all the dads in the Can we hear it for all the dads in the Can we hear it for all the dads in the room uh today that come uh to church and room uh today that come uh to church and room uh today that come uh to church and bring their family uh to the house of bring their family uh to the house of bring their family uh to the house of God? And look, you know, as a dad, it's God? And look, you know, as a dad, it's God? And look, you know, as a dad, it's your job to love and protect your your job to love and protect your your job to love and protect your family. And if you know that, how much family. And if you know that, how much family. And if you know that, how much more does your heavenly father uh know more does your heavenly father uh know more does your heavenly father uh know that? But but listen, all authority that that? But but listen, all authority that that? But but listen, all authority that he has given us over any spiritual he has given us over any spiritual he has given us over any spiritual darkness is not based on our own track darkness is not based on our own track darkness is not based on our own track record. It's not based on anything we've record. It's not based on anything we've record. It's not based on anything we've earned. It's based on one thing. Our earned. It's based on one thing. Our earned. It's based on one thing. Our relationship with God. We are sons and relationship with God. We are sons and relationship with God. We are sons and daughters of the king. And he has given daughters of the king. And he has given daughters of the king. And he has given us authority over anything and us authority over anything and us authority over anything and everything uh that comes uh uh against everything uh that comes uh uh against everything uh that comes uh uh against us. And it's not because of you, but us. And it's not because of you, but us. And it's not because of you, but because of the Holy Spirit that lives because of the Holy Spirit that lives because of the Holy Spirit that lives within you. And even if you are here and within you. And even if you are here and within you. And even if you are here and you don't believe all of the words this you don't believe all of the words this you don't believe all of the words this book says about you, listen to me today.

book says about you, listen to me today. book says about you, listen to me today. Your enemy believes every word of it. He Your enemy believes every word of it. He Your enemy believes every word of it. He believes every word of it. He He knows believes every word of it. He He knows believes every word of it. He He knows it. He knows that you've been forgiven. it. He knows that you've been forgiven. it. He knows that you've been forgiven. He He knows that there's therefore no He He knows that there's therefore no He He knows that there's therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ condemnation for those who are in Christ condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. He knows that you have been made Jesus. He knows that you have been made Jesus. He knows that you have been made competent uh by the Holy Spirit of God. competent uh by the Holy Spirit of God. competent uh by the Holy Spirit of God. And what a shame it would be for your And what a shame it would be for your And what a shame it would be for your enemy to believe more about your enemy to believe more about your enemy to believe more about your potential than you believe about your potential than you believe about your potential than you believe about your potential. potential. potential. And because your enemy knows your And because your enemy knows your And because your enemy knows your potential, uh that's where he will and potential, uh that's where he will and potential, uh that's where he will and why he will uh attack you. He knows he why he will uh attack you. He knows he why he will uh attack you. He knows he cannot destroy you as a child of God. cannot destroy you as a child of God. cannot destroy you as a child of God. And therefore, he is hellbent on And therefore, he is hellbent on And therefore, he is hellbent on discouraging you and distracting you. discouraging you and distracting you. discouraging you and distracting you. But but hear me on this. Just because he But but hear me on this. Just because he But but hear me on this. Just because he is a scared foe does not mean he's not a is a scared foe does not mean he's not a is a scared foe does not mean he's not a dangerous foe. Sometimes it makes him dangerous foe. Sometimes it makes him dangerous foe. Sometimes it makes him more uh dangerous. And here's a question more uh dangerous. And here's a question more uh dangerous. And here's a question I want to ask you today. I if you think I want to ask you today. I if you think I want to ask you today. I if you think this spiritual warfare thing is not all this spiritual warfare thing is not all this spiritual warfare thing is not all that important and all that legit, why that important and all that legit, why that important and all that legit, why if he's no danger to us, the enemy that if he's no danger to us, the enemy that if he's no danger to us, the enemy that is, why would God give us armor?

is, why would God give us armor? is, why would God give us armor? Think about that one for a minute. Put Think about that one for a minute. Put Think about that one for a minute. Put that in your thinker. I don't know what that in your thinker. I don't know what that in your thinker. I don't know what it means, but my dad used to say, "Put it means, but my dad used to say, "Put it means, but my dad used to say, "Put that in your pipe and smoke it." Think that in your pipe and smoke it." Think that in your pipe and smoke it." Think through that for a moment. That that why through that for a moment. That that why through that for a moment. That that why if he's not dangerous to us, why would if he's not dangerous to us, why would if he's not dangerous to us, why would he give us armor and tell us to put it he give us armor and tell us to put it he give us armor and tell us to put it on? And he has given you everything you on? And he has given you everything you on? And he has given you everything you need for life and for holiness. And need for life and for holiness. And need for life and for holiness. And holiness is a word we don't hear in holiness is a word we don't hear in holiness is a word we don't hear in church all that time, but it's very much church all that time, but it's very much church all that time, but it's very much a Bible word. And he does not just give a Bible word. And he does not just give a Bible word. And he does not just give you the keys or the authority and say, you the keys or the authority and say, you the keys or the authority and say, "Good luck." He hands us armor to use in "Good luck." He hands us armor to use in "Good luck." He hands us armor to use in the fight. And unfortunately, many of us the fight. And unfortunately, many of us the fight. And unfortunately, many of us who were raised in church, uh who were raised in church, uh who were raised in church, uh particularly if we've been in church a particularly if we've been in church a particularly if we've been in church a long time, we we think uh when we think long time, we we think uh when we think long time, we we think uh when we think of armor of God, we think of of armor of God, we think of of armor of God, we think of flannelraphph Sunday school flannelraphph Sunday school flannelraphph Sunday school illustration. How many of you know what illustration. How many of you know what illustration. How many of you know what flannelraphph is? Like it was like flannelraphph is? Like it was like flannelraphph is? Like it was like cutting edge technology in 1812 and and cutting edge technology in 1812 and and cutting edge technology in 1812 and and we used it into the 80s, right? But we used it into the 80s, right? But we used it into the 80s, right? But where where you would take flannel and where where you would take flannel and where where you would take flannel and stick it on flannel cuz it stuck to stick it on flannel cuz it stuck to stick it on flannel cuz it stuck to flannel, right? and and we would put the flannel, right? and and we would put the flannel, right? and and we would put the pieces of armor on the flannelraph to pieces of armor on the flannelraph to pieces of armor on the flannelraph to describe it. And that's what's in our describe it. And that's what's in our describe it. And that's what's in our mind when we think of spiritual warfare mind when we think of spiritual warfare mind when we think of spiritual warfare or we think of the armor of God. But or we think of the armor of God. But or we think of the armor of God. But that's not at all what Paul had in his that's not at all what Paul had in his that's not at all what Paul had in his mind. He was thinking of Roman soldiers mind. He was thinking of Roman soldiers mind. He was thinking of Roman soldiers who knew very well the severity of war.

who knew very well the severity of war. who knew very well the severity of war. He was thinking about the spiritual He was thinking about the spiritual He was thinking about the spiritual assaults that he had faced in his life assaults that he had faced in his life assaults that he had faced in his life and he knew we would encounter them I as and he knew we would encounter them I as and he knew we would encounter them I as well. the lies and the accusations that well. the lies and the accusations that well. the lies and the accusations that come like you're not good enough. You're come like you're not good enough. You're come like you're not good enough. You're a failure, you're not pretty enough, a failure, you're not pretty enough, a failure, you're not pretty enough, you're not smart enough, you never you're not smart enough, you never you're not smart enough, you never change, you'll never get over that. He change, you'll never get over that. He change, you'll never get over that. He knew in this world we would encounter knew in this world we would encounter knew in this world we would encounter injustice and racism and abuse. And it injustice and racism and abuse. And it injustice and racism and abuse. And it is from this perspective that we read is from this perspective that we read is from this perspective that we read Ephesians chapter 6. If you got a Bible, Ephesians chapter 6. If you got a Bible, Ephesians chapter 6. If you got a Bible, turn to Ephesians chapter 6 and verse 10 turn to Ephesians chapter 6 and verse 10 turn to Ephesians chapter 6 and verse 10 is where we will begin. Paul says, "A is where we will begin. Paul says, "A is where we will begin. Paul says, "A final word." What does that mean? It final word." What does that mean? It final word." What does that mean? It mean it means this is the end of the mean it means this is the end of the mean it means this is the end of the book. It means after five chapters of book. It means after five chapters of book. It means after five chapters of telling you who you are in Jesus, what telling you who you are in Jesus, what telling you who you are in Jesus, what you have in Jesus, after a whole week of you have in Jesus, after a whole week of you have in Jesus, after a whole week of camp, final word, right? Paul is saying camp, final word, right? Paul is saying camp, final word, right? Paul is saying after everything I've told you that you after everything I've told you that you after everything I've told you that you have and you are in Jesus. And by the have and you are in Jesus. And by the have and you are in Jesus. And by the way, I think it's interesting that way, I think it's interesting that way, I think it's interesting that chapter 5 is the family uh chapter. This chapter 5 is the family uh chapter. This chapter 5 is the family uh chapter. This is how husbands relate to wives and is how husbands relate to wives and is how husbands relate to wives and wives relate to husbands and parents wives relate to husbands and parents wives relate to husbands and parents relate to children and children relate relate to children and children relate relate to children and children relate to parents. After that chapter, he says, to parents. After that chapter, he says, to parents. After that chapter, he says, "Finally, put on the armor of God." How "Finally, put on the armor of God." How "Finally, put on the armor of God." How many of you know sometimes you got to many of you know sometimes you got to many of you know sometimes you got to put the armor on double in the house put the armor on double in the house put the armor on double in the house >> and with your family and with those that >> and with your family and with those that >> and with your family and with those that uh you you live with? A final word. Be uh you you live with? A final word. Be uh you you live with? A final word. Be strong in the Lord in his mighty power.

strong in the Lord in his mighty power. strong in the Lord in his mighty power. Put on say put on. Put on say put on. Put on say put on. >> Put on all of God's armor so that you >> Put on all of God's armor so that you >> Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all will be able to stand firm against all will be able to stand firm against all of the strategies of the devil. Now, of the strategies of the devil. Now, of the strategies of the devil. Now, Paul's letting us into a couple of Paul's letting us into a couple of Paul's letting us into a couple of things right off the bat. Number one, he things right off the bat. Number one, he things right off the bat. Number one, he believes in spiritual warfare. Number believes in spiritual warfare. Number believes in spiritual warfare. Number two, that your enemy, the devil, has two, that your enemy, the devil, has two, that your enemy, the devil, has more than one strategy against you. You more than one strategy against you. You more than one strategy against you. You don't use the word all when it's just don't use the word all when it's just don't use the word all when it's just one strategy. In fact, you don't use the one strategy. In fact, you don't use the one strategy. In fact, you don't use the word all when it's just two strategies. word all when it's just two strategies. word all when it's just two strategies. He has a bunch of strategies, and you He has a bunch of strategies, and you He has a bunch of strategies, and you need to be ready for all of them. And need to be ready for all of them. And need to be ready for all of them. And look, Satan is not all knowing, but he look, Satan is not all knowing, but he look, Satan is not all knowing, but he is observant is observant is observant and he watches you and he watches what and he watches you and he watches what and he watches you and he watches what discourages you and he watches what discourages you and he watches what discourages you and he watches what distracts you and he knows what makes distracts you and he knows what makes distracts you and he knows what makes you vulnerable and he knows what makes you vulnerable and he knows what makes you vulnerable and he knows what makes you anxious. He he knows what causes you you anxious. He he knows what causes you you anxious. He he knows what causes you to be isolated. He he knows what causes to be isolated. He he knows what causes to be isolated. He he knows what causes you to tend towards spiritual laziness. you to tend towards spiritual laziness. you to tend towards spiritual laziness. This word in verse 11 uh for strategies This word in verse 11 uh for strategies This word in verse 11 uh for strategies is the word scheming. his schemes. He is is the word scheming. his schemes. He is is the word scheming. his schemes. He is planning and plotting and scheming and planning and plotting and scheming and planning and plotting and scheming and strategizing against you. He knows your strategizing against you. He knows your strategizing against you. He knows your weakness. And if you don't believe that, weakness. And if you don't believe that, weakness. And if you don't believe that, let let me ask you this question. How is let let me ask you this question. How is let let me ask you this question. How is it that that thing that tempts you the it that that thing that tempts you the it that that thing that tempts you the greatest always shows up when you're the greatest always shows up when you're the greatest always shows up when you're the most tired?

most tired? most tired? He's studying He's studying He's studying and he's scheming you and he's scheming and he's scheming you and he's scheming and he's scheming you and he's scheming against you and he's strategizing against you and he's strategizing against you and he's strategizing against you. When I was a child in against you. When I was a child in against you. When I was a child in elementary school about first through elementary school about first through elementary school about first through sixth grade, we we we lived around the sixth grade, we we we lived around the sixth grade, we we we lived around the corner from my best buddy whose name was corner from my best buddy whose name was corner from my best buddy whose name was Doug Johnson. And and Doug's birthday Doug Johnson. And and Doug's birthday Doug Johnson. And and Doug's birthday was on October the 31st. So his birthday was on October the 31st. So his birthday was on October the 31st. So his birthday was on Halloween. And so from first was on Halloween. And so from first was on Halloween. And so from first grade to sixth grade, uh his birthday grade to sixth grade, uh his birthday grade to sixth grade, uh his birthday party was about a dozen boys from the party was about a dozen boys from the party was about a dozen boys from the neighborhood loading up in his neighborhood loading up in his neighborhood loading up in his grandmother's grandmother's grandmother's van and driving to the haunted houses in van and driving to the haunted houses in van and driving to the haunted houses in Shreport, Louisiana. How many of you Shreport, Louisiana. How many of you Shreport, Louisiana. How many of you remember haunted houses? This is before remember haunted houses? This is before remember haunted houses? This is before we knew the devil was involved in all we knew the devil was involved in all we knew the devil was involved in all that. It was just fun and candy at that that. It was just fun and candy at that that. It was just fun and candy at that point. But but we would show up. But one point. But but we would show up. But one point. But but we would show up. But one of these dozen boys was terrified. I of these dozen boys was terrified. I of these dozen boys was terrified. I mean terrified of these haunted houses. mean terrified of these haunted houses. mean terrified of these haunted houses. Like he's crying like a baby in the car. Like he's crying like a baby in the car. Like he's crying like a baby in the car. And that's okay in first grade, but And that's okay in first grade, but And that's okay in first grade, but every year we thought he's going to every year we thought he's going to every year we thought he's going to outgrow it this year. We're in sixth outgrow it this year. We're in sixth outgrow it this year. We're in sixth grade. He's still crying, right? And and grade. He's still crying, right? And and grade. He's still crying, right? And and so we would pull up to the haunted house so we would pull up to the haunted house so we would pull up to the haunted house parking lot. We would get out and stand parking lot. We would get out and stand parking lot. We would get out and stand in line. Doug's mom would go up to buy in line. Doug's mom would go up to buy in line. Doug's mom would go up to buy the tickets for all of us. and he's just the tickets for all of us. and he's just the tickets for all of us. and he's just snotting all over himself in terror of snotting all over himself in terror of snotting all over himself in terror of going into this. And maybe he knew going into this. And maybe he knew going into this. And maybe he knew something we didn't know, right? But but something we didn't know, right? But but something we didn't know, right? But but and and we should have all been afraid, and and we should have all been afraid, and and we should have all been afraid, but but he is like terrified. So Doug's but but he is like terrified. So Doug's but but he is like terrified. So Doug's mom and her compassion would go to the mom and her compassion would go to the mom and her compassion would go to the manager of the haunted house, tell the manager of the haunted house, tell the manager of the haunted house, tell the guy what was going on. And so every guy what was going on. And so every guy what was going on. And so every year, first grade through sixth grade, year, first grade through sixth grade, year, first grade through sixth grade, we got this VIP tour of the haunted we got this VIP tour of the haunted we got this VIP tour of the haunted house where we went all by ourselves house where we went all by ourselves house where we went all by ourselves with the lights on.

with the lights on. with the lights on. And all the curtains were pulled back And all the curtains were pulled back And all the curtains were pulled back and all the masks were held in the and all the masks were held in the and all the masks were held in the people's hands. And all these boys who people's hands. And all these boys who people's hands. And all these boys who are people who were wearing masks are people who were wearing masks are people who were wearing masks normally are giving this kid high fives normally are giving this kid high fives normally are giving this kid high fives and hugging him and telling him it's and hugging him and telling him it's and hugging him and telling him it's going to be all right and handing him going to be all right and handing him going to be all right and handing him candy. And the the curtains are pulled candy. And the the curtains are pulled candy. And the the curtains are pulled back. They show you the chainsaw that it back. They show you the chainsaw that it back. They show you the chainsaw that it doesn't have a blade on it, that it doesn't have a blade on it, that it doesn't have a blade on it, that it can't actually cut anybody. And so all can't actually cut anybody. And so all can't actually cut anybody. And so all the things that are supposed to be scary the things that are supposed to be scary the things that are supposed to be scary are not scary because we're seeing them are not scary because we're seeing them are not scary because we're seeing them in the light. And then we would go out in the light. And then we would go out in the light. And then we would go out the back door and turn around and go do the back door and turn around and go do the back door and turn around and go do it again with the lights off. It was it again with the lights off. It was it again with the lights off. It was never quite the same. It was never quite never quite the same. It was never quite never quite the same. It was never quite the same. Why? Because we had turned the the same. Why? Because we had turned the the same. Why? Because we had turned the lights on and pulled the curtain back. lights on and pulled the curtain back. lights on and pulled the curtain back. And here's what I want to tell you. As a And here's what I want to tell you. As a And here's what I want to tell you. As a believer, you got to pull the curtain believer, you got to pull the curtain believer, you got to pull the curtain back. There's always something you can't back. There's always something you can't back. There's always something you can't see influencing what you can see. And see influencing what you can see. And see influencing what you can see. And you cannot spend your whole life only you cannot spend your whole life only you cannot spend your whole life only fighting what you can see. It's much fighting what you can see. It's much fighting what you can see. It's much smarter to pull the curtain back and to smarter to pull the curtain back and to smarter to pull the curtain back and to put the armor on. And listen, hell put the armor on. And listen, hell put the armor on. And listen, hell studies patterns. Heaven supplies power studies patterns. Heaven supplies power studies patterns. Heaven supplies power and armor. And you are fully equipped.

and armor. And you are fully equipped. and armor. And you are fully equipped. And these pieces of armor we're going to And these pieces of armor we're going to And these pieces of armor we're going to read about are already yours in Christ read about are already yours in Christ read about are already yours in Christ Jesus. But you are, according to Paul, Jesus. But you are, according to Paul, Jesus. But you are, according to Paul, to put them on. You can own the armor to put them on. You can own the armor to put them on. You can own the armor and still be exposed. You can own the and still be exposed. You can own the and still be exposed. You can own the armor and it be hanging in your closet armor and it be hanging in your closet armor and it be hanging in your closet and you're still exposed. But beginning and you're still exposed. But beginning and you're still exposed. But beginning in verse 14, Paul lists six, seven, in verse 14, Paul lists six, seven, in verse 14, Paul lists six, seven, depending on how you count them, uh, depending on how you count them, uh, depending on how you count them, uh, pieces of armor that we're supposed to pieces of armor that we're supposed to pieces of armor that we're supposed to put on. Let's walk through uh, them put on. Let's walk through uh, them put on. Let's walk through uh, them together. Look at the first one. Uh, together. Look at the first one. Uh, together. Look at the first one. Uh, stand your ground putting the belt of stand your ground putting the belt of stand your ground putting the belt of truth on. Now, Roman soldiers would truth on. Now, Roman soldiers would truth on. Now, Roman soldiers would tighten this belt around their waist, tighten this belt around their waist, tighten this belt around their waist, and the the breastplate and other pieces and the the breastplate and other pieces and the the breastplate and other pieces of armor were actually all fastened to of armor were actually all fastened to of armor were actually all fastened to the belt of truth. The sword of the the belt of truth. The sword of the the belt of truth. The sword of the spirit was certainly sheathed on the uh spirit was certainly sheathed on the uh spirit was certainly sheathed on the uh belt of truth. And they would tighten belt of truth. And they would tighten belt of truth. And they would tighten this belt up for speed and for agility. this belt up for speed and for agility. this belt up for speed and for agility. You ever tried to run with your pants You ever tried to run with your pants You ever tried to run with your pants falling down? Like, you're not running falling down? Like, you're not running falling down? Like, you're not running very fast, right? It's called waddling, very fast, right? It's called waddling, very fast, right? It's called waddling, not running. How many of you grew up in not running. How many of you grew up in not running. How many of you grew up in the '9s? the '9s? the '9s? Raise your hand, adults. You know what Raise your hand, adults. You know what Raise your hand, adults. You know what I'm talking about. You you you you I'm talking about. You you you you I'm talking about. You you you you remember uh the the the kids in the 90s remember uh the the the kids in the 90s remember uh the the the kids in the 90s like they would wear their pants down like they would wear their pants down like they would wear their pants down here here here and the belt went right under that line and the belt went right under that line and the belt went right under that line that your butt cheek causes and that's that your butt cheek causes and that's that your butt cheek causes and that's where they would wear the belt. Now they where they would wear the belt. Now they where they would wear the belt. Now they would tuck their shirt in so you would tuck their shirt in so you would tuck their shirt in so you couldn't see everything but their pants couldn't see everything but their pants couldn't see everything but their pants were started right here and it was so were started right here and it was so were started right here and it was so freaky weird, right? And and in the '9s, freaky weird, right? And and in the '9s, freaky weird, right? And and in the '9s, I was the youth pastor in the '9s, and I I was the youth pastor in the '9s, and I I was the youth pastor in the '9s, and I was always engaging kids. Everywhere we was always engaging kids. Everywhere we was always engaging kids. Everywhere we went, the mall or wherever, quick trip, went, the mall or wherever, quick trip, went, the mall or wherever, quick trip, I I'm engaging kids. And anytime I would I I'm engaging kids. And anytime I would I I'm engaging kids. And anytime I would see a kid with his belt right around

see a kid with his belt right around see a kid with his belt right around here, first thing I would say to him is, here, first thing I would say to him is, here, first thing I would say to him is, "Hey man, you want to race?" "Hey man, you want to race?" "Hey man, you want to race?" And they would laugh because look, I And they would laugh because look, I And they would laugh because look, I knew I could win that race because their knew I could win that race because their knew I could win that race because their legs were tied together at the thighs, legs were tied together at the thighs, legs were tied together at the thighs, right? They they could not win a race. right? They they could not win a race. right? They they could not win a race. And in the 90s, they called it fashion. And in the 90s, they called it fashion. And in the 90s, they called it fashion. The Romans would have called it tactical The Romans would have called it tactical The Romans would have called it tactical failure. failure. failure. And and it's not a valid point, but you And and it's not a valid point, but you And and it's not a valid point, but you should write it down maybe that you you should write it down maybe that you you should write it down maybe that you you you can't fight spiritual battles while you can't fight spiritual battles while you can't fight spiritual battles while you're holding your pants up. Listen, you're holding your pants up. Listen, you're holding your pants up. Listen, soldiers and they they had to move soldiers and they they had to move soldiers and they they had to move quickly forward, backward, front. They quickly forward, backward, front. They quickly forward, backward, front. They had to be able to jump the enemy to jump had to be able to jump the enemy to jump had to be able to jump the enemy to jump obstacles. And it's the same idea we see obstacles. And it's the same idea we see obstacles. And it's the same idea we see elsewhere all over scripture where the elsewhere all over scripture where the elsewhere all over scripture where the scripture says, "Gird up your loins." scripture says, "Gird up your loins." scripture says, "Gird up your loins." And when we gird ourselves with the And when we gird ourselves with the And when we gird ourselves with the truth around our waist, it's not our truth around our waist, it's not our truth around our waist, it's not our truth. It's not scientific truth. It's truth. It's not scientific truth. It's truth. It's not scientific truth. It's not moral truth. It's not ethical truth. not moral truth. It's not ethical truth. not moral truth. It's not ethical truth. It's God's truth. All truth is God's It's God's truth. All truth is God's It's God's truth. All truth is God's truth. In Isaiah 11:5, truth. In Isaiah 11:5, truth. In Isaiah 11:5, truth is explained as God's covenant truth is explained as God's covenant truth is explained as God's covenant with us.

with us. with us. That's his faithfulness and his That's his faithfulness and his That's his faithfulness and his commitment uh to us. That's what we rely commitment uh to us. That's what we rely commitment uh to us. That's what we rely upon and we fasten around us. He he adds upon and we fasten around us. He he adds upon and we fasten around us. He he adds to it. put on the belt of truth and the to it. put on the belt of truth and the to it. put on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's uh righteousness. body armor of God's uh righteousness. body armor of God's uh righteousness. Question, what what is righteousness? Question, what what is righteousness? Question, what what is righteousness? Righteousness is right standing before Righteousness is right standing before Righteousness is right standing before God. God. God. It's the part of our identity that is It's the part of our identity that is It's the part of our identity that is fashioned by God within us after we give fashioned by God within us after we give fashioned by God within us after we give our lives to Jesus Christ as Lord and our lives to Jesus Christ as Lord and our lives to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Why is that an important Savior. Why is that an important Savior. Why is that an important distinction? Because on our own, we are distinction? Because on our own, we are distinction? Because on our own, we are not righteous. But Jesus Christ who knew not righteous. But Jesus Christ who knew not righteous. But Jesus Christ who knew no sin became sin on our behalf so that no sin became sin on our behalf so that no sin became sin on our behalf so that we could stand blameless or righteous we could stand blameless or righteous we could stand blameless or righteous before God. That's our identity and it's before God. That's our identity and it's before God. That's our identity and it's who you are at the core and it is where who you are at the core and it is where who you are at the core and it is where your enemy will attack you. your enemy will attack you. your enemy will attack you. Now my neighborhood feels a little bit Now my neighborhood feels a little bit Now my neighborhood feels a little bit rural rural rural and it's a little bit bigger lots and we and it's a little bit bigger lots and we and it's a little bit bigger lots and we have a lot of trees and and so a lot of have a lot of trees and and so a lot of have a lot of trees and and so a lot of trees a lot a lot a lot of trees. I used trees a lot a lot a lot of trees. I used trees a lot a lot a lot of trees. I used to like trees. In fact, I bought this to like trees. In fact, I bought this to like trees. In fact, I bought this house because of the trees. Trees kind house because of the trees. Trees kind house because of the trees. Trees kind of I kind of resent trees now. Like of I kind of resent trees now. Like of I kind of resent trees now. Like because you got to cut them and you got because you got to cut them and you got because you got to cut them and you got to take care of them and you got to, you to take care of them and you got to, you to take care of them and you got to, you know, you're always picking up branches know, you're always picking up branches know, you're always picking up branches and burning them and it's a lot of work.

and burning them and it's a lot of work. and burning them and it's a lot of work. It's like children, right? Like you It's like children, right? Like you It's like children, right? Like you you're excited about it, but then you you're excited about it, but then you you're excited about it, but then you realize it's a lot of work. And and so realize it's a lot of work. And and so realize it's a lot of work. And and so I'm taking care of trees all the time. I'm taking care of trees all the time. I'm taking care of trees all the time. Now, there is one request that my wife Now, there is one request that my wife Now, there is one request that my wife has made of me for years. And the has made of me for years. And the has made of me for years. And the request is, can we leave the pool open request is, can we leave the pool open request is, can we leave the pool open all winter long? And the answer is all winter long? And the answer is all winter long? And the answer is never, ever, never, ever, never, never, never, ever, never, ever, never, never, never, ever, never, ever, never, never, never, never as long as I'm alive. And never, never as long as I'm alive. And never, never as long as I'm alive. And and the reason is is because we did this and the reason is is because we did this and the reason is is because we did this two times. And I shoveled out of that two times. And I shoveled out of that two times. And I shoveled out of that pool six pickup truckloads of leaves, pool six pickup truckloads of leaves, pool six pickup truckloads of leaves, smelly smelly smelly biology in those leaves. Like, it's like biology in those leaves. Like, it's like biology in those leaves. Like, it's like a science experiment happening and a science experiment happening and a science experiment happening and breaking nets. And like, I won't it was breaking nets. And like, I won't it was breaking nets. And like, I won't it was it's a non-starter for me. We're never it's a non-starter for me. We're never it's a non-starter for me. We're never doing that. In fact, September 1st, I'm doing that. In fact, September 1st, I'm doing that. In fact, September 1st, I'm thinking, when are we closing the pool? thinking, when are we closing the pool? thinking, when are we closing the pool? By October, you know, 30th, we we we By October, you know, 30th, we we we By October, you know, 30th, we we we closing the pool. When those leaves closing the pool. When those leaves closing the pool. When those leaves start falling, we close in the pool. And start falling, we close in the pool. And start falling, we close in the pool. And and so, but here's what I know. Every and so, but here's what I know. Every and so, but here's what I know. Every spring when it's time to open uh the spring when it's time to open uh the spring when it's time to open uh the pool, when we pull that cover back, pool, when we pull that cover back, pool, when we pull that cover back, every year without exception, something every year without exception, something every year without exception, something is going to crawl out, hop out, and god is going to crawl out, hop out, and god is going to crawl out, hop out, and god forbid, slither out.

forbid, slither out. forbid, slither out. And here's what I want you to know. And here's what I want you to know. And here's what I want you to know. Never once in the winter did I have to Never once in the winter did I have to Never once in the winter did I have to send an invitation into all the critters send an invitation into all the critters send an invitation into all the critters in the woods to invite them to come get in the woods to invite them to come get in the woods to invite them to come get under the pool cover. They just came on under the pool cover. They just came on under the pool cover. They just came on their own. The environment was their own. The environment was their own. The environment was invitation alone. We never went and got invitation alone. We never went and got invitation alone. We never went and got stationary and had it embossed and stationary and had it embossed and stationary and had it embossed and sealed it and sent it into the woods and sealed it and sent it into the woods and sealed it and sent it into the woods and said, "Y'all are invited. Come get in said, "Y'all are invited. Come get in said, "Y'all are invited. Come get in the pool." The covered up, dark, damp the pool." The covered up, dark, damp the pool." The covered up, dark, damp existence of that pool invites all the existence of that pool invites all the existence of that pool invites all the critters there. Listen to me. Righteous critters there. Listen to me. Righteous critters there. Listen to me. Righteous behavior is the uncovered in the light behavior is the uncovered in the light behavior is the uncovered in the light living that invites the sunlight of living that invites the sunlight of living that invites the sunlight of God's favor and blessing upon your life. God's favor and blessing upon your life. God's favor and blessing upon your life. Unrighteous behavior is the covered up Unrighteous behavior is the covered up Unrighteous behavior is the covered up dark behavior not befitting of a son and dark behavior not befitting of a son and dark behavior not befitting of a son and daughter of the king. And it means you daughter of the king. And it means you daughter of the king. And it means you don't have to invite the enemy into your don't have to invite the enemy into your don't have to invite the enemy into your life. The environment is invitation life. The environment is invitation life. The environment is invitation enough. Ju just keep living in the dark enough. Ju just keep living in the dark enough. Ju just keep living in the dark covered up and that environment alone covered up and that environment alone covered up and that environment alone will leave you unprotected from the will leave you unprotected from the will leave you unprotected from the enhanced attacks of the enemy. And and enhanced attacks of the enemy. And and enhanced attacks of the enemy. And and look, I know that that when you live in look, I know that that when you live in look, I know that that when you live in the light, that does not mean the enemy the light, that does not mean the enemy the light, that does not mean the enemy does not attack you. He does attack you does not attack you. He does attack you does not attack you. He does attack you when you're living in the light, but he when you're living in the light, but he when you're living in the light, but he has to attack you in the light. And has to attack you in the light. And has to attack you in the light. And here's what I know. In the light, Jesus here's what I know. In the light, Jesus here's what I know. In the light, Jesus always wins. Always wins. And when you always wins. Always wins. And when you always wins. Always wins. And when you fight in the dark, he will, your enemy fight in the dark, he will, your enemy fight in the dark, he will, your enemy is going to beat you like tomtoms all is going to beat you like tomtoms all is going to beat you like tomtoms all day and all night, every day.

day and all night, every day. day and all night, every day. Every single day. And I don't care how Every single day. And I don't care how Every single day. And I don't care how many days you start your knees on on many days you start your knees on on many days you start your knees on on your knees uh start your day on your your knees uh start your day on your your knees uh start your day on your knees in prayer. If you got sin knees in prayer. If you got sin knees in prayer. If you got sin scheduled on your calendar, it's not scheduled on your calendar, it's not scheduled on your calendar, it's not going to work. And God's not just going to work. And God's not just going to work. And God's not just concerned about our righteousness. concerned about our righteousness. concerned about our righteousness. That's why we see in the next verse for That's why we see in the next verse for That's why we see in the next verse for shoes. Say shoes. shoes. Say shoes. shoes. Say shoes. >> Put on the peace that comes from the >> Put on the peace that comes from the >> Put on the peace that comes from the good news or the gospel so that you will good news or the gospel so that you will good news or the gospel so that you will be fully uh prepared. parents in the be fully uh prepared. parents in the be fully uh prepared. parents in the room. How many of you or kids? How How room. How many of you or kids? How How room. How many of you or kids? How How many of you have ever shown up somewhere many of you have ever shown up somewhere many of you have ever shown up somewhere to realize you don't have shoes? to realize you don't have shoes? to realize you don't have shoes? Maybe church. Maybe you brought your Maybe church. Maybe you brought your Maybe church. Maybe you brought your kids to church today and you and you kids to church today and you and you kids to church today and you and you getting them out of the car and you getting them out of the car and you getting them out of the car and you realize you got one shoe or or or no realize you got one shoe or or or no realize you got one shoe or or or no shoes, right? Or the wrong shoes. We shoes, right? Or the wrong shoes. We shoes, right? Or the wrong shoes. We drove one time six hours to a soccer drove one time six hours to a soccer drove one time six hours to a soccer tournament tournament tournament only to realize we didn't bring the only to realize we didn't bring the only to realize we didn't bring the cleats. cleats. cleats. And Marath was like, "Hey, we're going And Marath was like, "Hey, we're going And Marath was like, "Hey, we're going to we'll run to Sports Authority or to we'll run to Sports Authority or to we'll run to Sports Authority or Academy or whatever. I'll buy a new pair Academy or whatever. I'll buy a new pair Academy or whatever. I'll buy a new pair of cleats uh for the boy. I said, "Oh, of cleats uh for the boy. I said, "Oh, of cleats uh for the boy. I said, "Oh, no you won't. He will sit the bench the no you won't. He will sit the bench the no you won't. He will sit the bench the whole weekend." And if you are the whole weekend." And if you are the whole weekend." And if you are the parent, specifically the mother, who parent, specifically the mother, who parent, specifically the mother, who goes to get your kids shoes in that goes to get your kids shoes in that goes to get your kids shoes in that situation, you are not setting them up situation, you are not setting them up situation, you are not setting them up for success. In fact, every tournament for success. In fact, every tournament for success. In fact, every tournament after that, Ben slept with his cleats on after that, Ben slept with his cleats on after that, Ben slept with his cleats on the night before.

the night before. the night before. But but here's the deal with shoes. But but here's the deal with shoes. But but here's the deal with shoes. Listen, imagine ladies that you your kid Listen, imagine ladies that you your kid Listen, imagine ladies that you your kid is getting married and and you found the is getting married and and you found the is getting married and and you found the dress. I mean, the right dress and all dress. I mean, the right dress and all dress. I mean, the right dress and all the tension about, you know, are you the tension about, you know, are you the tension about, you know, are you going to upstage the bride? Are you going to upstage the bride? Are you going to upstage the bride? Are you going to upstage the bride's mom or going to upstage the bride's mom or going to upstage the bride's mom or what? All of that, you you figured it what? All of that, you you figured it what? All of that, you you figured it out. It's the perfect dress. And you got out. It's the perfect dress. And you got out. It's the perfect dress. And you got it fitted exactly the way you want it it fitted exactly the way you want it it fitted exactly the way you want it fitted. You did CrossFit for a year. You fitted. You did CrossFit for a year. You fitted. You did CrossFit for a year. You did everything you needed to do for that did everything you needed to do for that did everything you needed to do for that dress to be the dress that you dress to be the dress that you dress to be the dress that you completely wanted, but you can't find completely wanted, but you can't find completely wanted, but you can't find any shoes any shoes any shoes that that will go wi with that dress. that that will go wi with that dress. that that will go wi with that dress. Imagine running a marathon in tap shoes. Imagine running a marathon in tap shoes. Imagine running a marathon in tap shoes. You're not advancing. You're just You're not advancing. You're just You're not advancing. You're just announcing yourself a at every step announcing yourself a at every step announcing yourself a at every step along the way. And Paul is urging us to along the way. And Paul is urging us to along the way. And Paul is urging us to be prepared for what? For battle, for be prepared for what? For battle, for be prepared for what? For battle, for war. These soldiers wore specific shoes. war. These soldiers wore specific shoes. war. These soldiers wore specific shoes. They didn't pop out in their sandals or They didn't pop out in their sandals or They didn't pop out in their sandals or their Crocs. their Crocs. their Crocs. In fact, let me just say to all of you In fact, let me just say to all of you In fact, let me just say to all of you in Broken Arrow and Kita, if you still in Broken Arrow and Kita, if you still in Broken Arrow and Kita, if you still have Crocs, you should get rid of them. have Crocs, you should get rid of them. have Crocs, you should get rid of them. Just fashion tips from Pastor Alex. It's Just fashion tips from Pastor Alex. It's Just fashion tips from Pastor Alex. It's over. That day is over. All right. They over. That day is over. All right. They over. That day is over. All right. They had boots with nails coming out of them had boots with nails coming out of them had boots with nails coming out of them and studs. Why? Because when they were and studs. Why? Because when they were and studs. Why? Because when they were being attacked, they could stand their being attacked, they could stand their being attacked, they could stand their ground. And and the armor, look, it's ground. And and the armor, look, it's ground. And and the armor, look, it's not just defensive, it's offensive.

not just defensive, it's offensive. not just defensive, it's offensive. And the reason Paul is mentioning shoes And the reason Paul is mentioning shoes And the reason Paul is mentioning shoes for believers is because we're supposed for believers is because we're supposed for believers is because we're supposed to be on the move. Ephesians 5:2 says, to be on the move. Ephesians 5:2 says, to be on the move. Ephesians 5:2 says, "How beautiful." Say, "Beautiful." "How beautiful." Say, "Beautiful." "How beautiful." Say, "Beautiful." >> How lovely. Say lovely. >> How lovely. Say lovely. >> How lovely. Say lovely. >> How beautiful and lovely are the feet >> How beautiful and lovely are the feet >> How beautiful and lovely are the feet who carry the good news. meaning in the who carry the good news. meaning in the who carry the good news. meaning in the heavenlies where we can't see in the heavenlies where we can't see in the heavenlies where we can't see in the eyes of Jesus. Beautiful are the feet of eyes of Jesus. Beautiful are the feet of eyes of Jesus. Beautiful are the feet of people like Noah who who are telling people like Noah who who are telling people like Noah who who are telling Dallas uh his buddy about Jesus. Dallas uh his buddy about Jesus. Dallas uh his buddy about Jesus. Beautiful are the feet like Dorothy Beautiful are the feet like Dorothy Beautiful are the feet like Dorothy slippers on your feet carrying the slippers on your feet carrying the slippers on your feet carrying the gospel to tell people about Jesus. And gospel to tell people about Jesus. And gospel to tell people about Jesus. And we need to go out and tell people about we need to go out and tell people about we need to go out and tell people about Jesus. That's our strategy, right? It Jesus. That's our strategy, right? It Jesus. That's our strategy, right? It isn't just about not giving up ground. isn't just about not giving up ground. isn't just about not giving up ground. It's actually about taking ground. It's actually about taking ground. It's actually about taking ground. Spiritual warfare is as much offensive Spiritual warfare is as much offensive Spiritual warfare is as much offensive as it is defensive. And listen, the good as it is defensive. And listen, the good as it is defensive. And listen, the good news of God's peace is offensive to news of God's peace is offensive to news of God's peace is offensive to Satan. Satan. Satan. Satan wants to live in you to live in Satan wants to live in you to live in Satan wants to live in you to live in disorder and to live in disunityity. But disorder and to live in disunityity. But disorder and to live in disunityity. But God wants you to walk in perfect peace, God wants you to walk in perfect peace, God wants you to walk in perfect peace, peace of mind, and peace of heart. That peace of mind, and peace of heart. That peace of mind, and peace of heart. That comes only when you know Jesus Christ as comes only when you know Jesus Christ as comes only when you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and you're on your Lord and Savior and you're on your Lord and Savior and you're on mission with him. Don't miss the second mission with him. Don't miss the second mission with him. Don't miss the second part. Listen, I I hope you get therapy.

part. Listen, I I hope you get therapy. part. Listen, I I hope you get therapy. I hope you do therapy, but you cannot I hope you do therapy, but you cannot I hope you do therapy, but you cannot replace the mission of God with therapy. replace the mission of God with therapy. replace the mission of God with therapy. >> Where fulfillment comes in your life is >> Where fulfillment comes in your life is >> Where fulfillment comes in your life is not in all the rest. I'm just telling not in all the rest. I'm just telling not in all the rest. I'm just telling you that's not where it comes. You rest you that's not where it comes. You rest you that's not where it comes. You rest because you work hard and you work from because you work hard and you work from because you work hard and you work from the rest, but then fulfillment in your the rest, but then fulfillment in your the rest, but then fulfillment in your life comes from finding a job and doing life comes from finding a job and doing life comes from finding a job and doing the job and doing it well and doing it the job and doing it well and doing it the job and doing it well and doing it on mission with Jesus. THAT'S WHERE ALL on mission with Jesus. THAT'S WHERE ALL on mission with Jesus. THAT'S WHERE ALL FULFILLMENT comes from. Read your Bible. FULFILLMENT comes from. Read your Bible. FULFILLMENT comes from. Read your Bible. And according to Revelation 12:11, we And according to Revelation 12:11, we And according to Revelation 12:11, we overcome the enemy by two things. Do you overcome the enemy by two things. Do you overcome the enemy by two things. Do you remember what they are? The blood of the remember what they are? The blood of the remember what they are? The blood of the lamb, right? Which is our salvation that lamb, right? Which is our salvation that lamb, right? Which is our salvation that comes only by Jesus and the word of our comes only by Jesus and the word of our comes only by Jesus and the word of our testimony. In other words, sharing our testimony. In other words, sharing our testimony. In other words, sharing our faith is engaging in the battle. faith is engaging in the battle. faith is engaging in the battle. Reaching lost people is how you and I Reaching lost people is how you and I Reaching lost people is how you and I get on the front line of the battle. get on the front line of the battle. get on the front line of the battle. Helping people come to know Jesus is an Helping people come to know Jesus is an Helping people come to know Jesus is an affront to the enemy's plans. And if you affront to the enemy's plans. And if you affront to the enemy's plans. And if you are not engaged in sharing the good news are not engaged in sharing the good news are not engaged in sharing the good news and helping somebody else come to know and helping somebody else come to know and helping somebody else come to know Jesus, just look, you're not involved in Jesus, just look, you're not involved in Jesus, just look, you're not involved in taking ground yet. taking ground yet. taking ground yet. But you can be. That's why he continues But you can be. That's why he continues But you can be. That's why he continues in verse 16. Look at 16. In addition to in verse 16. Look at 16. In addition to in verse 16. Look at 16. In addition to all of these, all of these, all of these, hold up the shield of faith that will hold up the shield of faith that will hold up the shield of faith that will stop the fiery darts of the devil. Now, stop the fiery darts of the devil. Now, stop the fiery darts of the devil. Now, if what you're picturing in your mind is if what you're picturing in your mind is if what you're picturing in your mind is something the size of a Frisbee attached something the size of a Frisbee attached something the size of a Frisbee attached to the forearm o of a Roman soldier, you to the forearm o of a Roman soldier, you to the forearm o of a Roman soldier, you you've misunderstood this word. Now, I you've misunderstood this word. Now, I you've misunderstood this word. Now, I think there probably did exist a shield think there probably did exist a shield think there probably did exist a shield at that side for up close contact. But at that side for up close contact. But at that side for up close contact. But this word, in fact, this Greek word in

this word, in fact, this Greek word in this word, in fact, this Greek word in the Bible for shield, shield of faith, the Bible for shield, shield of faith, the Bible for shield, shield of faith, is the exact same Greek word as the word is the exact same Greek word as the word is the exact same Greek word as the word that we translate in English door. that we translate in English door. that we translate in English door. And it was 2 feet across by 4 feet wide. And it was 2 feet across by 4 feet wide. And it was 2 feet across by 4 feet wide. so that that Roman soldier, they weren't so that that Roman soldier, they weren't so that that Roman soldier, they weren't big in that day, could get all the way big in that day, could get all the way big in that day, could get all the way behind this and hide completely behind behind this and hide completely behind behind this and hide completely behind it. Now, if you're an offensive lineman, it. Now, if you're an offensive lineman, it. Now, if you're an offensive lineman, you may be exposed on one side or or the you may be exposed on one side or or the you may be exposed on one side or or the other, but in general, you could get other, but in general, you could get other, but in general, you could get behind it. Wyatt, right? You you can get behind it. Wyatt, right? You you can get behind it. Wyatt, right? You you can get behind it, right? The the the shield was behind it, right? The the the shield was behind it, right? The the the shield was made of uh wood and it was covered with made of uh wood and it was covered with made of uh wood and it was covered with oiled leather, but it wasn't enough. oiled leather, but it wasn't enough. oiled leather, but it wasn't enough. They would take that big shield and they They would take that big shield and they They would take that big shield and they would drop it in water. They would dunk would drop it in water. They would dunk would drop it in water. They would dunk the whole shield in water. Why? Because the whole shield in water. Why? Because the whole shield in water. Why? Because the strategy of the enemy was to take the strategy of the enemy was to take the strategy of the enemy was to take all of their arrows and to dip them into all of their arrows and to dip them into all of their arrows and to dip them into uh oil uh or pitch and they would light uh oil uh or pitch and they would light uh oil uh or pitch and they would light it on fire and they would shoot hundreds it on fire and they would shoot hundreds it on fire and they would shoot hundreds of those arrows at the enemy at the same of those arrows at the enemy at the same of those arrows at the enemy at the same time. And and when those arrows would time. And and when those arrows would time. And and when those arrows would hit into the shield and plug into the hit into the shield and plug into the hit into the shield and plug into the shield, that burning oil would scatter shield, that burning oil would scatter shield, that burning oil would scatter and and the the goal was to create and and the the goal was to create and and the the goal was to create panic.

panic. panic. And and so the soldiers would dip their And and so the soldiers would dip their And and so the soldiers would dip their shields in water. We talked about it shields in water. We talked about it shields in water. We talked about it this week. What does the water this week. What does the water this week. What does the water represent? It represents the water of represent? It represents the water of represent? It represents the water of the word of God according to Ephesians, the word of God according to Ephesians, the word of God according to Ephesians, right? It's chapter 5. So why uh is Paul right? It's chapter 5. So why uh is Paul right? It's chapter 5. So why uh is Paul telling us this? And by the way, if Paul telling us this? And by the way, if Paul telling us this? And by the way, if Paul is telling us this in his metaphor, is telling us this in his metaphor, is telling us this in his metaphor, what is a fiery arrow of the devil? What what is a fiery arrow of the devil? What what is a fiery arrow of the devil? What does that even mean? Well, Proverbs does that even mean? Well, Proverbs does that even mean? Well, Proverbs 26:18 tells us and it describes lies as 26:18 tells us and it describes lies as 26:18 tells us and it describes lies as flaming arrows. flaming arrows. flaming arrows. meaning lies and accusations are the meaning lies and accusations are the meaning lies and accusations are the main weapon of your enemy. And that's main weapon of your enemy. And that's main weapon of your enemy. And that's what he's shooting at you by the what he's shooting at you by the what he's shooting at you by the hundreds all of the time. And when Satan hundreds all of the time. And when Satan hundreds all of the time. And when Satan is hurling those flaming arrows of lies is hurling those flaming arrows of lies is hurling those flaming arrows of lies at you, we have to do what the Roman at you, we have to do what the Roman at you, we have to do what the Roman soldiers did. We have to have the shield soldiers did. We have to have the shield soldiers did. We have to have the shield of faith that will catch those and then of faith that will catch those and then of faith that will catch those and then the water of the word on it so that we the water of the word on it so that we the water of the word on it so that we can put them out and extinguish them. can put them out and extinguish them. can put them out and extinguish them. Only by knowing the word and knowing Only by knowing the word and knowing Only by knowing the word and knowing what the word of God says, right? You what the word of God says, right? You what the word of God says, right? You have faith in who you are because of have faith in who you are because of have faith in who you are because of what the word says. You have faith of what the word says. You have faith of what the word says. You have faith of who you are and who'sse you are. And you who you are and who'sse you are. And you who you are and who'sse you are. And you can catch those arrows and respond and can catch those arrows and respond and can catch those arrows and respond and say, "No, no, no, no, no. The word of say, "No, no, no, no, no. The word of say, "No, no, no, no, no. The word of God actually says, and you know what it God actually says, and you know what it God actually says, and you know what it is." Right? Now, look at what he goes on is." Right? Now, look at what he goes on is." Right? Now, look at what he goes on to say. Put on the helmet of salvation.

to say. Put on the helmet of salvation. to say. Put on the helmet of salvation. Now, here here's an interesting thing. Now, here here's an interesting thing. Now, here here's an interesting thing. By the way, you've seen the pictures of By the way, you've seen the pictures of By the way, you've seen the pictures of Roman helmets that they kind of come Roman helmets that they kind of come Roman helmets that they kind of come down over your ears and cup and protect down over your ears and cup and protect down over your ears and cup and protect your temples, but they also have a thing your temples, but they also have a thing your temples, but they also have a thing that comes down in between your eyes uh that comes down in between your eyes uh that comes down in between your eyes uh to protect you here. And the whole to protect you here. And the whole to protect you here. And the whole illustration illustration illustration that Paul is using here is that we need that Paul is using here is that we need that Paul is using here is that we need a helmet of salvation to protect us from a helmet of salvation to protect us from a helmet of salvation to protect us from our own thought life. our own thought life. our own thought life. Paul says it this way in Romans, you are Paul says it this way in Romans, you are Paul says it this way in Romans, you are transformed by the renewing of your transformed by the renewing of your transformed by the renewing of your mind. And here's what's interesting. mind. And here's what's interesting. mind. And here's what's interesting. This Greek word translated put on right This Greek word translated put on right This Greek word translated put on right here in verse 17 here in verse 17 here in verse 17 is not the same at all Greek word as the is not the same at all Greek word as the is not the same at all Greek word as the word translated put on in verse 11 about word translated put on in verse 11 about word translated put on in verse 11 about all the other pieces of armor. The the all the other pieces of armor. The the all the other pieces of armor. The the one in verse 11 is an active Greek word one in verse 11 is an active Greek word one in verse 11 is an active Greek word which means there's an action involved which means there's an action involved which means there's an action involved by you putting on the armor of God. But by you putting on the armor of God. But by you putting on the armor of God. But when it comes to salvation, salvation, this Greek word for put on is a passive this Greek word for put on is a passive this Greek word for put on is a passive word, meaning we don't do anything. We word, meaning we don't do anything. We word, meaning we don't do anything. We just receive it. That's a better just receive it. That's a better just receive it. That's a better translation of this Greek word, receive translation of this Greek word, receive translation of this Greek word, receive the helmet of salvation. Meaning, it's the helmet of salvation. Meaning, it's the helmet of salvation. Meaning, it's God's action, not ours. We did nothing God's action, not ours. We did nothing God's action, not ours. We did nothing to get it, and we can't do anything to to get it, and we can't do anything to to get it, and we can't do anything to keep it. And again, this is all about keep it. And again, this is all about keep it. And again, this is all about God's mighty power working in us. Now God's mighty power working in us. Now God's mighty power working in us. Now look at the next verse.

look at the next verse. look at the next verse. And take the sword of the spirit, which And take the sword of the spirit, which And take the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. When the boys were is the word of God. When the boys were is the word of God. When the boys were little, Ben and Eli were little, they little, Ben and Eli were little, they little, Ben and Eli were little, they had a set of armor, Bible armor, like had a set of armor, Bible armor, like had a set of armor, Bible armor, like like plastic uh toys. And all the pieces like plastic uh toys. And all the pieces like plastic uh toys. And all the pieces of the armor spoke. You could push a of the armor spoke. You could push a of the armor spoke. You could push a button and it would tell you uh that button and it would tell you uh that button and it would tell you uh that verse. And the one piece I remember is verse. And the one piece I remember is verse. And the one piece I remember is the sword. And it was this sword. and the sword. And it was this sword. and the sword. And it was this sword. and you would push the button on the handle you would push the button on the handle you would push the button on the handle and in this creepy voice it would go and and in this creepy voice it would go and and in this creepy voice it would go and the sword of the spirit which is the the sword of the spirit which is the the sword of the spirit which is the word of God. word of God. word of God. I'll never forget it. Every time I read I'll never forget it. Every time I read I'll never forget it. Every time I read this verse, I think of that sword. And this verse, I think of that sword. And this verse, I think of that sword. And it was a bit confusing to the boys it was a bit confusing to the boys it was a bit confusing to the boys because they kind of misunderstood what because they kind of misunderstood what because they kind of misunderstood what was going on because they would push was going on because they would push was going on because they would push that button and go and the word of the that button and go and the word of the that button and go and the word of the Lord or the sword of the spirit, which Lord or the sword of the spirit, which Lord or the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, and then they would is the word of God, and then they would is the word of God, and then they would hit each other with, hit each other with, hit each other with, which is what some churches do with which is what some churches do with which is what some churches do with Bible, right? They they they use it as Bible, right? They they they use it as Bible, right? They they they use it as darts to fire at other uh believers. But darts to fire at other uh believers. But darts to fire at other uh believers. But that's not the point. The sword, by the that's not the point. The sword, by the that's not the point. The sword, by the way, this sword that Paul's talking way, this sword that Paul's talking way, this sword that Paul's talking about is not a long one. It's a short about is not a long one. It's a short about is not a long one. It's a short one. is 18 inches long. So, it's not one. is 18 inches long. So, it's not one. is 18 inches long. So, it's not really a sword as much as it is a long really a sword as much as it is a long really a sword as much as it is a long knife. The point is it was for up close knife. The point is it was for up close knife. The point is it was for up close and personal combat. Think of the and personal combat. Think of the and personal combat. Think of the implications of that for a second.

implications of that for a second. implications of that for a second. Here's what Paul's warning you today. Here's what Paul's warning you today. Here's what Paul's warning you today. This fight against your enemy, it's This fight against your enemy, it's This fight against your enemy, it's going to be personal. going to be personal. going to be personal. He's going to get up in your business. He's going to get up in your business. He's going to get up in your business. He's going to come after what you care He's going to come after what you care He's going to come after what you care about the most. He's going to attack about the most. He's going to attack about the most. He's going to attack what you what what you are so what you what what you are so what you what what you are so emotionally attached to. He'll come emotionally attached to. He'll come emotionally attached to. He'll come after your children. He'll come after after your children. He'll come after after your children. He'll come after your grandchildren. He'll come after your grandchildren. He'll come after your grandchildren. He'll come after your nest. He's going to come. He's your nest. He's going to come. He's your nest. He's going to come. He's going to get up in your business. And we going to get up in your business. And we going to get up in your business. And we don't have the privilege of firing a don't have the privilege of firing a don't have the privilege of firing a sniper rifle from a long way away at sniper rifle from a long way away at sniper rifle from a long way away at him. We We don't get to fire a cruise him. We We don't get to fire a cruise him. We We don't get to fire a cruise missile from the deck of a ship. We missile from the deck of a ship. We missile from the deck of a ship. We don't get to launch a drone strike where don't get to launch a drone strike where don't get to launch a drone strike where we never have to be near the battle. No, we never have to be near the battle. No, we never have to be near the battle. No, we have to have the sword of the spirit, we have to have the sword of the spirit, we have to have the sword of the spirit, which means it's going to be up close which means it's going to be up close which means it's going to be up close and personal. And I promise you this and personal. And I promise you this and personal. And I promise you this students, Satan will not play fair. students, Satan will not play fair. students, Satan will not play fair. There is nothing off limits with him and There is nothing off limits with him and There is nothing off limits with him and there are no rules of engagement with there are no rules of engagement with there are no rules of engagement with him. He will get up in your business and him. He will get up in your business and him. He will get up in your business and it will be a personal fight. And the it will be a personal fight. And the it will be a personal fight. And the sword of the spirit, which is the word sword of the spirit, which is the word sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, is how you fight it. of God, is how you fight it. of God, is how you fight it. His strategy from day one with Adam and His strategy from day one with Adam and His strategy from day one with Adam and Eve was to get us to doubt the word of Eve was to get us to doubt the word of Eve was to get us to doubt the word of God. Do you remember what he said to God. Do you remember what he said to God. Do you remember what he said to Eve?

Eve? Eve? Did God really say? Did God really say? Did God really say? You realize why it's so important to You realize why it's so important to You realize why it's so important to know the word of God so that you can know the word of God so that you can know the word of God so that you can fight the lies that come? He uses the fight the lies that come? He uses the fight the lies that come? He uses the Bible when he attacks us. We got to know Bible when he attacks us. We got to know Bible when he attacks us. We got to know it. We we got to have it on our tongues, it. We we got to have it on our tongues, it. We we got to have it on our tongues, in our minds, in our hearts. We got to in our minds, in our hearts. We got to in our minds, in our hearts. We got to meditate on it and marinate ourselves in meditate on it and marinate ourselves in meditate on it and marinate ourselves in it and so that it's on our lips at any it and so that it's on our lips at any it and so that it's on our lips at any time when Satan is coming with a lie or time when Satan is coming with a lie or time when Satan is coming with a lie or an accusation, we can respond with no an accusation, we can respond with no an accusation, we can respond with no actually what God's word says is and actually what God's word says is and actually what God's word says is and quote it quote it quote it and and watch this. He's equipped us and and watch this. He's equipped us and and watch this. He's equipped us with with all of these things. Isn't it interesting that he begins with Isn't it interesting that he begins with the belt of truth? Show of hands. All campuses this Show of hands. All campuses this morning. How many of you got out of the morning. How many of you got out of the morning. How many of you got out of the shower this morning, first thing you put shower this morning, first thing you put shower this morning, first thing you put on was a belt? Not an image I want. Actually, I should Not an image I want. Actually, I should not have asked that question.

not have asked that question. not have asked that question. It doesn't make any sense, does it? To It doesn't make any sense, does it? To It doesn't make any sense, does it? To put the belt on first. put the belt on first. put the belt on first. You put your pants on and then you put You put your pants on and then you put You put your pants on and then you put your belt in in the belt loops until you your belt in in the belt loops until you your belt in in the belt loops until you realize that truth is not an it. realize that truth is not an it. realize that truth is not an it. It's a he It's a he It's a he and his name is Jesus and he is the way, and his name is Jesus and he is the way, and his name is Jesus and he is the way, the truth, and the life. the truth, and the life. the truth, and the life. And you put him on first. And I just And you put him on first. And I just And you put him on first. And I just want to encourage you students, you want want to encourage you students, you want want to encourage you students, you want to walk victoriously out of this camp to walk victoriously out of this camp to walk victoriously out of this camp all the days of this year into the next all the days of this year into the next all the days of this year into the next camp. Let me let me tell you. Every camp. Let me let me tell you. Every camp. Let me let me tell you. Every morning before you get out of bed, morning before you get out of bed, morning before you get out of bed, before your feet hit the floor, just put before your feet hit the floor, just put before your feet hit the floor, just put on the armor. Literally say it out loud. on the armor. Literally say it out loud. on the armor. Literally say it out loud. God, today I'm putting on the helmet of God, today I'm putting on the helmet of God, today I'm putting on the helmet of salvation. I'm putting on the salvation. I'm putting on the salvation. I'm putting on the breastplate of righteousness. I am breastplate of righteousness. I am breastplate of righteousness. I am wrapping myself in the belt of truth. wrapping myself in the belt of truth. wrapping myself in the belt of truth. I'm putting on the shoes of the gospel I'm putting on the shoes of the gospel I'm putting on the shoes of the gospel of peace and preparation. On one hand, of peace and preparation. On one hand, of peace and preparation. On one hand, the shield of faith. On the other hand, the shield of faith. On the other hand, the shield of faith. On the other hand, the sword of the spirit, which is the the sword of the spirit, which is the the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. He never promised there word of God. He never promised there word of God. He never promised there wouldn't be a battle. In fact, he wouldn't be a battle. In fact, he wouldn't be a battle. In fact, he promised there would be a battle. He promised there would be a battle. He promised there would be a battle. He promised you would never face it alone.

promised you would never face it alone. promised you would never face it alone. And you And you And you You have his authority and you have his You have his authority and you have his You have his authority and you have his armor and you have his spirit and you armor and you have his spirit and you armor and you have his spirit and you have his word. You are not abandoned. have his word. You are not abandoned. have his word. You are not abandoned. You you are not exposed and you are not You you are not exposed and you are not You you are not exposed and you are not defenseless. And it's not a matter of if defenseless. And it's not a matter of if defenseless. And it's not a matter of if the battle will come. It is when the the battle will come. It is when the the battle will come. It is when the battle will come. And without the battle will come. And without the battle will come. And without the authority and without the armor, you authority and without the armor, you authority and without the armor, you will be exposed. That's the bad news. will be exposed. That's the bad news. will be exposed. That's the bad news. The good news is you don't have to The good news is you don't have to The good news is you don't have to enlist. You don't have to take a class enlist. You don't have to take a class enlist. You don't have to take a class on all of this. You you literally give on all of this. You you literally give on all of this. You you literally give your life to him and once you do, you're your life to him and once you do, you're your life to him and once you do, you're transferred from one kingdom to another transferred from one kingdom to another transferred from one kingdom to another kingdom. And then you have his authority kingdom. And then you have his authority kingdom. And then you have his authority as his child. And you have the armor as his child. And you have the armor as his child. And you have the armor given to you that you can put on on a given to you that you can put on on a given to you that you can put on on a daily basis. And you can walk in that daily basis. And you can walk in that daily basis. And you can walk in that authority in every area of your life authority in every area of your life authority in every area of your life with the armor of God. And not just with the armor of God. And not just with the armor of God. And not just stand your ground, but actually take stand your ground, but actually take stand your ground, but actually take ground and push back the kingdom of ground and push back the kingdom of ground and push back the kingdom of darkness. And today, if you've never darkness. And today, if you've never darkness. And today, if you've never trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you're not walking in his authority and you're not walking in his authority and you're not walking in his authority and the armor is not available to you. But I the armor is not available to you. But I the armor is not available to you. But I want to give you an opportunity to trust want to give you an opportunity to trust want to give you an opportunity to trust Christ and give your lives to Jesus. Christ and give your lives to Jesus. Christ and give your lives to Jesus. Would you pray with me? Every head Would you pray with me? Every head Would you pray with me? Every head bowed, every eye closed.

if you want to trust Jesus and give your if you want to trust Jesus and give your life to him, life to him, life to him, I want to lead you in a prayer helping I want to lead you in a prayer helping I want to lead you in a prayer helping you do that. And I want you to pray it you do that. And I want you to pray it you do that. And I want you to pray it one phrase at a time after me. And I'm going to ask those who are And I'm going to ask those who are already believers to pray it out loud as already believers to pray it out loud as already believers to pray it out loud as an encouragement to those who are an encouragement to those who are an encouragement to those who are praying it today on one of our campuses praying it today on one of our campuses praying it today on one of our campuses for the very first time. But I want you for the very first time. But I want you for the very first time. But I want you to pray it to God. And if that's you, to pray it to God. And if that's you, to pray it to God. And if that's you, would you just say, "Dear God, would you just say, "Dear God, would you just say, "Dear God, >> I know I'm a sinner, today I ask you to >> I know I'm a sinner, today I ask you to >> I know I'm a sinner, today I ask you to forgive me forgive me forgive me >> for all of my sin. >> for all of my sin. >> for all of my sin. >> Jesus, come into my life to be my Lord, >> Jesus, come into my life to be my Lord, >> Jesus, come into my life to be my Lord, >> my Savior, my forgiver. in the best way >> my Savior, my forgiver. in the best way >> my Savior, my forgiver. in the best way that I know how. I turn my back on my that I know how. I turn my back on my that I know how. I turn my back on my sin and I trust you alone, Jesus, to sin and I trust you alone, Jesus, to sin and I trust you alone, Jesus, to save me. Before we look up, before we save me. Before we look up, before we save me. Before we look up, before we say amen, if you just prayed that prayer say amen, if you just prayed that prayer say amen, if you just prayed that prayer and you meant it, congratulations. and you meant it, congratulations. and you meant it, congratulations. Wisest decision you could ever make. A Wisest decision you could ever make. A Wisest decision you could ever make. A and let me just say this. in a church and let me just say this. in a church and let me just say this. in a church this size in all of our campuses and all this size in all of our campuses and all this size in all of our campuses and all of our rooms.

of our rooms. of our rooms. If you're here today and it feels like If you're here today and it feels like If you're here today and it feels like the battle you're facing is very intense the battle you're facing is very intense the battle you're facing is very intense and the volume has been turned all the and the volume has been turned all the and the volume has been turned all the way to the right in the battle you're way to the right in the battle you're way to the right in the battle you're walking through today. I I want to pray walking through today. I I want to pray walking through today. I I want to pray over you. over you. over you. Would you just raise your hand if that's Would you just raise your hand if that's Would you just raise your hand if that's you? Pastor, I I'm in a battle and it it you? Pastor, I I'm in a battle and it it you? Pastor, I I'm in a battle and it it feels hotter and harder than maybe it feels hotter and harder than maybe it feels hotter and harder than maybe it has in the past. Ju just hold your hand has in the past. Ju just hold your hand has in the past. Ju just hold your hand up at every campus and father I pray for up at every campus and father I pray for up at every campus and father I pray for every hand that's raised under the sound every hand that's raised under the sound every hand that's raised under the sound of my voice today. I pray on each of of my voice today. I pray on each of of my voice today. I pray on each of them the helmet of salvation that you them the helmet of salvation that you them the helmet of salvation that you would put that helmet on their head and would put that helmet on their head and would put that helmet on their head and you would protect their thought life. you would protect their thought life. you would protect their thought life. You would uh renew their minds. Thank You would uh renew their minds. Thank You would uh renew their minds. Thank you that salvation comes from you and you that salvation comes from you and you that salvation comes from you and you alone. It's nothing we do. We you alone. It's nothing we do. We you alone. It's nothing we do. We receive it from you and on their chest. receive it from you and on their chest. receive it from you and on their chest. I pray the breastplate of righteousness I pray the breastplate of righteousness I pray the breastplate of righteousness that you would put this on their uh that you would put this on their uh that you would put this on their uh chest protecting their heart. Meaning chest protecting their heart. Meaning chest protecting their heart. Meaning what? What they care about. what? What they care about. what? What they care about. And if they care about it, you care And if they care about it, you care And if they care about it, you care about it.

about it. about it. So I pray you'd meet them right there. So I pray you'd meet them right there. So I pray you'd meet them right there. And we thank you, God, that you're so And we thank you, God, that you're so And we thank you, God, that you're so caring that you say in your word that we caring that you say in your word that we caring that you say in your word that we can cast our cares on you because you can cast our cares on you because you can cast our cares on you because you care for us. Around their waist, the care for us. Around their waist, the care for us. Around their waist, the belt of truth. Help them run to the belt of truth. Help them run to the belt of truth. Help them run to the truth and away from lies. on their feet truth and away from lies. on their feet truth and away from lies. on their feet the the gospel and preparation and the the gospel and preparation and the the gospel and preparation and peace. On one arm, the shield of faith, peace. On one arm, the shield of faith, peace. On one arm, the shield of faith, give them big big God-sized faith. In give them big big God-sized faith. In give them big big God-sized faith. In the other hand, the sword of the spirit, the other hand, the sword of the spirit, the other hand, the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. Give them not which is the word of God. Give them not which is the word of God. Give them not just a logos, a a general word. Would just a logos, a a general word. Would just a logos, a a general word. Would you speak a specific word from your you speak a specific word from your you speak a specific word from your scripture to them today scripture to them today scripture to them today that would be useful in this battle? In Jesus name we pray. And together we In Jesus name we pray. And together we all say amen. And amen. Let let me let all say amen. And amen. Let let me let all say amen. And amen. Let let me let me show you something. Let le let let me show you something Let le let let me show you something here. This is a depiction of a Roman here. This is a depiction of a Roman here. This is a depiction of a Roman soldier in the armor. Okay? soldier in the armor. Okay? soldier in the armor. Okay? When you look through the list of the When you look through the list of the When you look through the list of the armor, armor, armor, the backside is completely exposed. And the backside is completely exposed. And the backside is completely exposed. And I've heard pastors say that that's I've heard pastors say that that's I've heard pastors say that that's because as a Christian, as a son of the because as a Christian, as a son of the because as a Christian, as a son of the king or a daughter of the king, you're king or a daughter of the king, you're king or a daughter of the king, you're always supposed to be advancing and you always supposed to be advancing and you always supposed to be advancing and you never turn your back on the enemy. And never turn your back on the enemy. And never turn your back on the enemy. And that's partially true, but it's not that's partially true, but it's not that's partially true, but it's not altogether right because there are some altogether right because there are some altogether right because there are some scriptures scriptures scriptures that say flee that say flee that say flee and run. Specifically, sexual and run. Specifically, sexual and run. Specifically, sexual immorality. It says you don't stand and immorality. It says you don't stand and immorality. It says you don't stand and fight, you run. Why? Because sexual fight, you run. Why? Because sexual fight, you run. Why? Because sexual immorality is always saying now now now

immorality is always saying now now now immorality is always saying now now now now. You you you don't stay and fight now. You you you don't stay and fight now. You you you don't stay and fight that. You run now now now and you flee. that. You run now now now and you flee. that. You run now now now and you flee. So it's not altogether right. But here's So it's not altogether right. But here's So it's not altogether right. But here's what I found to be true. When it comes what I found to be true. When it comes what I found to be true. When it comes to my back, you're supposed to have mine to my back, you're supposed to have mine to my back, you're supposed to have mine and I'm supposed to have yours. And this and I'm supposed to have yours. And this and I'm supposed to have yours. And this is what this thing is supposed to look is what this thing is supposed to look is what this thing is supposed to look like. And and by the way, let let me like. And and by the way, let let me like. And and by the way, let let me point this out to you. If she puts the point this out to you. If she puts the point this out to you. If she puts the armor on and he doesn't, she's still armor on and he doesn't, she's still armor on and he doesn't, she's still exposed. exposed. exposed. If he puts the armor on and she doesn't, If he puts the armor on and she doesn't, If he puts the armor on and she doesn't, he he's still exposed. Ecclesiastes says he he's still exposed. Ecclesiastes says he he's still exposed. Ecclesiastes says this, "A person standing alone can be this, "A person standing alone can be this, "A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two who stand attacked and defeated, but two who stand attacked and defeated, but two who stand back to back uh not only can conquer, back to back uh not only can conquer, back to back uh not only can conquer, but will never be defeated." And the but will never be defeated." And the but will never be defeated." And the point is is when it comes to your back, point is is when it comes to your back, point is is when it comes to your back, you need somebody who has your back. you need somebody who has your back. you need somebody who has your back. It's not an individual fight. You put It's not an individual fight. You put It's not an individual fight. You put your armor on, right? A and and when you your armor on, right? A and and when you your armor on, right? A and and when you stand back to back, you watch it happen. stand back to back, you watch it happen. stand back to back, you watch it happen. But the Romans never fought all by But the Romans never fought all by But the Romans never fought all by themselves. They fought in squadrons. themselves. They fought in squadrons. themselves. They fought in squadrons. They fought in legions. They came in in They fought in legions. They came in in They fought in legions. They came in in big groups to attack. And and they would big groups to attack. And and they would big groups to attack. And and they would get in a formation uh like this. And as get in a formation uh like this. And as get in a formation uh like this. And as they would do that, the commander at they would do that, the commander at they would do that, the commander at some point when he really wanted to take some point when he really wanted to take some point when he really wanted to take ground and push the enemy back, he would ground and push the enemy back, he would ground and push the enemy back, he would say this word tudo.

say this word tudo. say this word tudo. Tudo, which literally means turtle or Tudo, which literally means turtle or Tudo, which literally means turtle or tortoise. And when he said that, they tortoise. And when he said that, they tortoise. And when he said that, they would end up in a formation that looks would end up in a formation that looks would end up in a formation that looks just like this. And when they got in that formation, And when they got in that formation, they could push the enemy back and they they could push the enemy back and they they could push the enemy back and they could take all kinds of new ground. You could take all kinds of new ground. You could take all kinds of new ground. You know what that is and what that looks know what that is and what that looks know what that is and what that looks like? like? like? That's biblical community. That's biblical community. That's biblical community. And that's what our lives should look And that's what our lives should look And that's what our lives should look like. And it's not just about putting like. And it's not just about putting like. And it's not just about putting the armor of God on. It is about linking the armor of God on. It is about linking the armor of God on. It is about linking our shields of faith uh together as men our shields of faith uh together as men our shields of faith uh together as men and women of of faith. and women of of faith. and women of of faith. And let me just say this. If you don't And let me just say this. If you don't And let me just say this. If you don't have a group, your life doesn't look have a group, your life doesn't look have a group, your life doesn't look like that and you will not be like that and you will not be like that and you will not be victorious. victorious. victorious. You will win periodically, but the enemy You will win periodically, but the enemy You will win periodically, but the enemy will take you out eventually. And let me will take you out eventually. And let me will take you out eventually. And let me just say this to all the students in the just say this to all the students in the just say this to all the students in the room. You need a small group. You need room. You need a small group. You need room. You need a small group. You need to be plugged into a small group. Let me to be plugged into a small group. Let me to be plugged into a small group. Let me say this to all the dads in the room. say this to all the dads in the room. say this to all the dads in the room. You need a small group. Dads are You need a small group. Dads are You need a small group. Dads are notorious for being willing to sit in notorious for being willing to sit in notorious for being willing to sit in rows, but never sit in a circle.

rows, but never sit in a circle. rows, but never sit in a circle. And without a circle, your life doesn't And without a circle, your life doesn't And without a circle, your life doesn't look like that. You need a group. And by look like that. You need a group. And by look like that. You need a group. And by the way, if you can't find a group, the way, if you can't find a group, the way, if you can't find a group, start a group. start a group. start a group. You got a couple of buddies, ju just get You got a couple of buddies, ju just get You got a couple of buddies, ju just get together over barbecue. You say, "I together over barbecue. You say, "I together over barbecue. You say, "I don't know how to lead a Bible study." don't know how to lead a Bible study." don't know how to lead a Bible study." We got videos that you can just pull up We got videos that you can just pull up We got videos that you can just pull up and just click the link and watch it on and just click the link and watch it on and just click the link and watch it on your phone o over a brisket. And then we your phone o over a brisket. And then we your phone o over a brisket. And then we got questions that you can ask one got questions that you can ask one got questions that you can ask one another that will help you uh talk about another that will help you uh talk about another that will help you uh talk about real life and then say a prayer together real life and then say a prayer together real life and then say a prayer together and and finish with an apple pie and go and and finish with an apple pie and go and and finish with an apple pie and go play golf like Jesus would play golf like Jesus would play golf like Jesus would or ride a motorcycle or whatever it is or ride a motorcycle or whatever it is or ride a motorcycle or whatever it is that YOU DO. BUT START A GROUP. YOU GOT that YOU DO. BUT START A GROUP. YOU GOT that YOU DO. BUT START A GROUP. YOU GOT TO have this in your life. TO have this in your life. TO have this in your life. And at all of our campuses in the lobby And at all of our campuses in the lobby And at all of our campuses in the lobby today, we have a booth today, we have a booth today, we have a booth that will help you find a group. that will help you find a group. that will help you find a group. And on all of the chairs when you came And on all of the chairs when you came And on all of the chairs when you came in was a card that if you'll grab that in was a card that if you'll grab that in was a card that if you'll grab that QR code, it will invite you to a process QR code, it will invite you to a process QR code, it will invite you to a process that will help you find a group. And that will help you find a group. And that will help you find a group. And when you are in biblical community, then when you are in biblical community, then when you are in biblical community, then we can do what the Bible says. Go out we can do what the Bible says. Go out we can do what the Bible says. Go out and take land and take new ground and and take land and take new ground and and take land and take new ground and push the spirit of darkness back with push the spirit of darkness back with push the spirit of darkness back with the kingdom of light. Let let me pray the kingdom of light. Let let me pray the kingdom of light. Let let me pray over you one more time. Father, in this over you one more time. Father, in this over you one more time. Father, in this church today, I I pray the armor of God church today, I I pray the armor of God church today, I I pray the armor of God on the blood of Jesus all over them and on the blood of Jesus all over them and on the blood of Jesus all over them and that you would use this body to take new that you would use this body to take new that you would use this body to take new ground all over this city and around the ground all over this city and around the ground all over this city and around the world. In Jesus' name we pray. And world. In Jesus' name we pray. And world. In Jesus' name we pray. And together we all say amen and amen.