TEXT: Eph.6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
What does it mean to be strong in the Lord?
It means to be: Unwavering in your faith.
Unaffected by events that might discourage.
Able to praise God even when you don't feel like it.
Stable in your theology.
How do you become successful (strong) as far as material things are concerned?
Here are some ways that people try. (Unethical).
Win the lottery?
Find a get rich quick scheme?
Acquire money through unethical means.
We know that these things are unreliable.
There is a way to be successful in material things.
Work hard.
Take care of your money.
Be dependable. (Consistent).
How do you become a strong Christian?
Here are some ways people try.
Learn to dance in the spirit? This brings you into his presence.
Exercise your faith until you are strong enough to simply claim what you want? If your faith is strong enough you can become rich and have perfect health. Having money and health is a blessing, not a sign of strong faith.
Learn to exercise the gifts of the spirit? This makes you superior to other Christians.
Pray until you can work miracles? This will prove your power.
Let's look at Gods way to be strong.
11 Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
No matter what comes your way, you can be strong.
Why be strong?
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood (physical strength), but against principalities (it's a matter of principle), against powers (people with influence), against the rulers of the darkness (wickedness) of this world, against spiritual wickedness (church leaders or cults that interfere with your relationship with God) in high places. (The inner man must be strong).
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds ;)
5 Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
The strong are not defeated
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day(the evil day is when you are attacked), and having done all, to stand. (you will win when you have done ALL).
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.
Truth= John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Righteousness= Holiness.
Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
Isaiah 35:8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
True holiness
Ephesians 4:23-32 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour (tumult or grief), and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Announcements
April 4, 10:00 a.m. Work day.
Wednesday, Red letter study.
April 10 Mens night out 7:00 Pioneer Crossing, Dayton
I.M.A. Conference April 22-24
National Day of Prayer May 7
Monday, June22 Rodeo
A.B.C. Conference Wednesday Sept.2-Sept.5?
July 4 Fireworks at Moffit park.
Nevada day parade
Bible study available (Foundations of Faith).
Remember the brown box, building fund, bicycle, and sewing machine jar.
Cans and food donation.
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