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Shining as the Light of the World
“You are the light of the world.” Jesus did not say “You should try to be the light” or “You might become the light.” His disciples shine his light to those around the because He dwells in them.
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God’s Righteousness and Justice. IX: Putting on the New Self
Further reflections on being clothed in Christ, especially in light of Lent.
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Spiritual Warfare XVIII: Concluding Thoughts
Spiritual warfare may not seem like it should be part of the Christmas message. However, Satan does not care about our calendar. He will attack whenever it is convenient for him. Life and hardship continue in spite of Christmas. In fact, we cannot remove Satan or the demonic from the Christmas story.
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Spiritual Warfare XVII: The Necessity of Faith
Spiritual warfare cannot be merely a pastime or activity. It must be a lifestyle. However, it is not a lifestyle of looking for demons lurking around every corner or hiding beneath every rock. It is about walking by faith moment by moment, ready to stand with Jesus against the wiles of Satan whenever necessary. The…
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Spiritual Warfare XVI: Perseverance and Watchfulness
We need to keep our spiritual eyes open, watching to discern the spiritual climate. Where is God moving in our lives and our world? Where is Satan seeking to interrupt God’s will? What are the great needs to advance God’s kingdom right now?
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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.