Darkened Glass Reflections
Living today with an eye on eternity
-
Spiritual Warfare XV: Thanksgiving, Prayer, and Spiritual Warfare
All prayer, especially spiritual warfare, should include thanksgiving. We should thank God for what He has already done in the past, who His is, what He is able to accomplish, and His promises. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
-
Spiritual Warfare XIV: Interceding for the Church
Prayer gave the early Christians a foundation for evangelism; it was not an alternative to action. Prayer gave them the power to do the work God had called them to do and to confront the enemy in spiritual battle.
-
Spiritual Warfare XIII: Interceding for All People
We are not fighting natural enemies. Our real enemies are the forces of Satan—not another political party, Islamic extremists, or illegal immigrants. These are at most tools or pawns whom Satan has deceived and manipulated to achieve his agenda. We need to attack the source of wickedness, not merely the visible symptoms. Prayer and other…
-
Spiritual Warfare XII: Intercessory Prayer
Most studies and sermons about the whole armor of God end with the sword of the Spirit in Ephesians 6:17. However, Paul’s sentence does not end there, so it is apparent that these comments on praying in the Spirit are at least closely intertwined with the whole armor of God. Even if we do not…
-
Spiritual Warfare XI: Final Thoughts About the Sword of the Spirit
As we conclude our discussion of the sword of the Spirit, I believe it is important to remind ourselves how to properly wield it. It is easy to misuse the sword of the Spirit, and such abuse can be devastating. Therefore, I offer a few final thoughts.
-
Spiritual Warfare X: Using the Sword of the Spirit
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
-
Spiritual Warfare IX: Introduction to the Sword of the Spirit
God’s word is a weapon. We do not trifle with it. It is not a toy. We must not manipulate or misuse it, but we must use it boldly in battle. We should expect it to powerfully accomplish its purpose, either to build up or to tear down. It is a vital tool in our…
-
Spiritual Warfare VIII: The Helmet of Salvation
Let none of us ever play the game of life without a helmet. Head injuries are among the most lethal things that can happen to the human body, so athletes protect it. Spiritually, we must protect ourselves with the “helmet of salvation.”
-
Spiritual Warfare VII: The Shield of Faith
Faith is the shield that protects us. It is more than the gateway to salvation. It is also much more than knowledge about the Bible or correct beliefs [even the demons believe, but they tremble in fear (James 2:19)]. Faith is the spiritual power within us that continually brings us under God’s covering protection. Faith draws…
-
Spiritual Warfare VI: The Shoes of Peace
As Christians serve in the army of God and engage in spiritual warfare, we need to wear the shoes or boots that provide “the readiness given by the gospel of peace.”
Darkened Glass Reflections 