[Faith-talk] FW: IBGN~NEWSLETTER~ Put on the Whole Armor of God (Part 1)

[Eric Calhoun]

Original Message: 
From: "BishopMax" <BishopMax at charter.net>
To: undisclosed-recipients
Subject: IBGN~NEWSLETTER~ Put on the Whole Armor of God (Part 1)
Date: 
Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:39:06 -0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)

Put On The Whole Armor Of God

 

God's will for us

"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole
armor
of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For
we
do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual
hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to
withstand
in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having
girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of
righteousness
 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to
quench
all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is
the
word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the
Spirit,
being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all
the saints...." Ephesians 6:10-18




What is the Armor of God?

God's armor brings victory because it is far more than a protective
covering
 It is the very life of Jesus Christ Himself. "[P]UT on the armor of
light,"
wrote Paul in his letter to the Romans, "...clothe yourselves with the
Lord
Jesus Christ." (Romans 13:12-14) When you do, He becomes your hiding
place,
and shelter in the storm--just as He was to David. Hidden in Him, you can
count on His victory, for He not only covers you as a shield, He also
fills
you with His life.

"I am the vine; you are the branches," said Jesus. "If a man abides in Me
and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
(John 15:5)

Since living in the safety of the armor means oneness with Jesus, we can
expect to share His struggles as well as His peace. Remember, God has
promised us victory in the midst of trials, not immunity from pain. So "do
not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though
something
strange were happening to you, but rejoice that you participate in the
sufferings of Christ..." (1 Peter 4:12-13) Christian heroes who have been
tortured for their faith continue to testify to the supernatural
strength--even joy--that enables them to endure unthinkable pain.

They affirm with Paul -

"that in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who
loved
us.... For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor
demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers.... Will be
able
to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
(Romans 8:37-39)

This wonderful truth has become reality to all who believe and follow
Jesus. When you put on His armor, His life surrounds you, keeping you safe,
close to Himself, and free to be His precious friend and trusted companion.
So "put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27) He is your victory!