Sermon Central
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Armor Of God
Contributed by Robert Leroe on Oct 5, 2014 (message contributor)
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1. Be Strong In The Lord
Contributed on Oct 5, 2014
We enter spiritual warfare trained and ready, and confident in our equipment and our Commander.
For this sermon series, if you hear something that stirs you, don’t say “Amen” but “Hooah!” Our world is “enemy-occupied territory” (C.S. Lewis). The Christian life is not a playground but a battleground! There is much opposition raging against people ...read more
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2. The Belt Of Truth
Contributed on Oct 12, 2014
The Belt of Truth supports us in the daily battles of life, in a world where Truth is relative, where people make their own truth. God's word is truth that provides direction and ultimately victory.
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” Are you properly equipped for battle? When I deployed to Iraq, an essential item of issued equipment was my web belt, which we call our “battle rattle.” It doesn’t seem important, yet on it ...read more
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3. The Breastplate Of Righteousness
Contributed on Oct 19, 2014
We utilize what God has issued us for the conflict. We need protection. Which breastplate are we trusting? Our own, or Christ's righteousness? Don't go to war without the Breastplate of Righteousness.
In today’s military, a critical element of force protection is body armor. The Army issues Kevlar flak vests to soldiers to protect their upper body. DuPont, the manufacturer, claims they’re lightweight, but I’d disagree. It doesn’t take long to feel weighed down. ...read more
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4. Gospel-Fitted Feet
Contributed on Oct 26, 2014
The Gospel gives us stability, balance, mobility, and readiness for the battles we face. The Gospel message is good news for people who are ready to live.
“Stand firm…with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace,” Ephesians 6:15. A few years ago I had a tour of nearby Natick Labs. It is a most unusual Army base, with more civilians than active duty military. Their mission is: “To create ...read more
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5. The Shield Of Faith
Contributed on Nov 9, 2014
Without a shield, we will falter on the battlefield. With the shield of faith we can ward off attacks. Don’t let your shield down; it receives the blows meant for you. Keep the faith!
“Above all, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one,” Ephesians 6:16. Some of our forward-deployed soldiers are using Exo-Shield body armor, comprised of a series of contoured, ergonomically designed armor plates for the ...read more
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6. The Helmet Of Salvation
Contributed on Nov 16, 2014
The helmet is a metaphor for protecting the mind. The Apostle Paul wants us to guard our thoughts. If the devil can tamper with our thoughts, he can meddle with our lives. How we perceive Christ and His teachings affects all of life.
While conducting a raid in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan, a US Marine platoon received incoming sniper fire. One of the Marines was struck in the head and the bullet bounced off his Kevlar helmet. He assured his fellow Marines he was unhurt except for some ringing in his ears, and they ...read more
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7. The Sword Of The Spirit
Contributed on Nov 23, 2014
The Sword of the Spirit is an offensive weapon for the forward progress of the Kingdom of God. We use it to convey the Good News and poke holes in the darkness.
“Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” Ephesians 6:17 Let’s talk a bit about swords…Today’s military bayonet is a multi-purpose knife affixed to the muzzle of one’s rifle, a last-resort weapon in close quarter combat. The only swords in ...read more
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8. Battlefield Prayer
Contributed on Dec 7, 2014
The ability to effectively use the Armor of God comes through prayer. This is the force behind the armor, and the key preparation for battle. This critical component of prayer is how we utilize our spiritual resources.
On January 17th, 1991, I was leading an outdoor worship service in the desert of Saudi Arabia for the 28th Combat Support Hospital. Our service was interrupted by a messenger from Colonel Mike Ball, our XO: “Fall in! The ground war is about to begin!” This was the moment we’d ...read more