The Story of the Watchers and What it means for Today | Genesis 6:1-5
The story of the Watchers and their divine rebellion that is told in Genesis 6 as well in ancient texts such as the book of 1 Enoch, is not just a story of myth or history. Like Genesis 3, it is a story of rebellion and the resulting destruction to God's creation. And like Genesis 3, the resulting destruction is still felt today as the impact of the Watchers continue to shape and push a culture of death and destruction.
The Reason we Sin and The Battle Within | Galatians 5:16-18
Freedom in Christ can feel scary to some. If we don’t have the Law, what will keep us from sinning and living a life of selfish pursuits? Paul offers a simple wanting and command as a response. Rather than abusing our freedom and allowing the flesh to bring misery and destruction into our lives and to those around us, we get to use our freedom as an opportunity to serve one another in the love of God.
Get Back in the Fight | 1 Timothy 6:12
Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight of faith. What does that mean? Taking a closer look at 1 Timothy chapter 6 - we can see that it is possible for Christians - even pastors to get out of the good fight. Pastor Robin highlights how Paul illustrates for believers the what and the how of keeping in the good fight.
The Power of Prayer - Ephesians 6:18-20
Prayer that doesn't give up makes all the difference. It connects us to our source - Jesus, and discover a power that can be unleashed through us into a hurting world.
The Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit - Ephesians 6:17
As we conclude the Armor of God series, we come to the final two items that every Christian needs in battle – the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. The helmet of salvation is more about the battle that we face in our minds. And the Sword of the Spirit is how Jesus overcomes those voices in our mind, that we might experience life, His life, today.
The Shield of Faith - Ephesians 6:16
The Apostle Paul warns us that the evil one will rain down flaming missiles in the form of messages of shame, guilt, condemnation, temptation, and fear. How does one protect themselves in that moment? By raising up their shield - which is faith in the person of Jesus Christ and His New Covenant.
Pastor Ross teaches us what is faith and how it's not the size, but the object of our faith - and how holding onto to who we are in Jesus and who He is us will protect us, and those around us.
Feet Prepared with the Gospel of Peace - Ephesians 6:15
When in a fight, your footing is of paramount importance. In our continued study of the armor of God, we come to the feet - the gospel of peace. Pastor Ross explains the significance of this through the story of David, Jonathan, and Mephibosheth (Jonathan’s son) found in 2 Samuel 9. Here we discover the invitation and the power of sitting at the King's table.
The Breastplate of Righteousness - Ephesians 6:14
The second piece of armor that Paul describes in this famous Ephesians 6 passage is the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate was used to protect the vital core of the solider. And that is the case with the truth of God's righteousness that He has gifted to His children. It is a truth, when trusted, that changes everything.
The Belt of Truth - The Goodness of God - Ephesians 6:13-14
In the midst of the battle, Paul tells us to put on all of God’s armor, starting with the belt of truth. This is critical because the truth sets free from the bondage of lies. In this message, Pastor Ross explores one truth in particular - the Goodness of God. For in knowing and trusting in the Goodness of God, we will run to Jesus and find open arms that are ready to protect and provide for all that we need in the moment.
Know Thy Enemy - Part 3 - The Flesh - Ephesians 6:10-12
The enemy we struggle with everyday is the Flesh, the enemy of Sin that lives in the members of our body. It is crucial therefore, that we understand what the Flesh is - and what it is not, how it operates and the tools that it uses. Only then will we see the power of Jesus in us as the answer.