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Ephesians 6:10-13,16 - The Devil's Schemes & Flaming Arrows!

Ephesians 6:10-13, 16

Today's message focuses on the reason WHY God's armor is so important, so necessary -- i.e. the Devil's schemes and the Devil's flaming darts!

Ephesians 6:10 - Be Strong in the Lord

Ephesians 6:10

Stuart Olyott is a semi-retired British pastor now in his early 80's.  In 1994 he wrote a commentary on Ephesians that excellently frames this section in relation to the whole:
"The letter's first three chapters have told us of the marvelous blessings we have in Christ.  We are no longer what we used to be.  We are radically different.  And we are infinitely rich.  The next three chapters have made one overall point: being different, we should live differently.  We have been taught how to do this in the church, in the world and at home.  But such Christian living is not easy. In fact, it is a real battle.  Paul would not have anyone believe otherwise. So it is that he closes his letter with his well-known teaching on the Christian's armour."

Ephesians 6:5-9 - Slaves & Masters

Ephesians 6:5-9 
Paul's last pair of "Household Codes" (Martin Luther) is addressed to slaves and masters.  Inarguably, these instructions are the most controversial and offensive to moderns.  Is this proof the Bible is oppressive? or is there more than meets the eye?

Ephesians 6:2-4 - Biblical Parenting: A Fathers Role & a Commandment's Promise

Ephesians 6:1-4

Today we finish the text in Ephesians addressing children, parents, and fathers.  Special attention is given to a father's responsibility & role in parenting, and the Fifth Commandment's promise to obedient children, "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."

Ephesians 6:1-3 - Biblical Parenting (Part 2)

Ephesians 6:1-3

Though there is no parenting strategy that can guarantee a certain desired outcome, it is also true that not every parenting philosophy has equal value.  Four pertinent questions help to rightly evaluate a parenting philosophy:

1.  Does this strategy accurately represent the Bible's TEACHING on the subject ?
2.  Does this strategy proceed from an accurate view of human nature ?
3.  Is this strategy derived from time-tested wisdom or is it derived from the latest trends and theories?
4.  Is this strategy developing more consistent obedience in my child ?
   
   

Ephesians 6:1 - Biblical Parenting (Part 1)

Ephesians 6:1-4
We resumed our "normal" teaching through Ephesians after a fairly long absence.  Chapter six begins with a continuation of what Martin Luther termed "Household Codes."  Having previously addressed the roles and responsibility of wives and husbands, Paul now addresses children and parents (with a particular emphasis on fathers).

Psalm 85 (part 2) - Heaven on Earth

Psalm 85:8-13 (part 2 of 2)

Particularly throughout the First (Old) Testament there is an unresolved tension between how much GOD promises and how those promises can ever become a reality in light of Israel's propensity for sin (enslavement).  Certainly, the prophet Isaiah didn't shy away from this tension!  In fact, quite the opposite -- Isaiah engaged the tension as a springboard for the magnificence of the gospel!  (God's sovereign grace to accomplish His redemptive purposes)!

Psalm 85 (part 1): Restoration . . . Distress . . . Restoration

Psalm 85:1-9
The pattern in this psalm typifies Israel's experience, the believer's experience:
1) Initially, there is a profound experience (and celebration) of God's favor, deliverance
2) At some point afterward, "life happens" and distress sets in.  The believers calls out for revival, restoration.
3) Finally, the believer anticipates full and final favor, deliverance.

But how?  The answer comes in part 2 next Sunday.

2 Samuel 18:19-33 - The Struggle of Mercy & Justice

2 Samuel 18:19-33 -- David's son, Absalom, is dead.  Joab knows he must send a runner to report the news from the battlefield to where David waits.  The narrator very  s l o w l y  draws out how that actually takes place.  When David finally learns the truth, he is devastated and overcome with sorrow like he has never before experienced.

2 Samuel 18:1-18

2 Samuel 17:24 - 18:1

The drama (and conspiracy) that has been building for quite some time finally comes to a head.  Absalom's larger army of civilians gathered from all over Israel meets David's army of mercenaries on the battlefield.  David's army wins a decisive victory, but it is the demise of Absalom that the author details.