The Arkansas Traveler

VICTORY!!

Ephesians 6:10-20

INTRO: I call this "Victory!", because that should be our goal and it is a promised outcome if we do the preparation.

SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE!

   Started in Garden of Eden (or before)

   Not with people (vs. 12)

   Against rulers, authorities and powers in this dark world

          And spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places

   Therefore, put on the full armor of God.

THE ARMOR INCLUDES:

   TRUTH – Belt of truth around your waist (vs. 14)

   RIGHTEOUSNESS – breastplate of righteousness

   GOSPEL OF PEACE – shod with gospel of peace

   FAITH – shield of faith to quince fiery darts

   SALVATION – Helmet of salvation

   WORD OF GOD – Sword of the Spirit

COVER IT ALL IN PRAYER

   All kinds of prayer

   Pray in the Spirit on all occasions

   Be alert

   Keep on praying for all the saints (fellow believers)

   Pray for leaders (Paul ask prayer for himself)

CONCLUSION: We may not like the sound of it, we are in spiritual warfare in our personal lives as well as in our nation. The enemy is already defeated, but he has not given up yet. So we must take up all the resources provided by God.

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Parting thoughts:

   Keep your focus on God and His leadership.

   Pray for us as we continue to serve with you.

   Thanks for a great life in serving together!

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From time to time, I will try to jot notes here to let any who wish to keep up with whats happening in retirement.

God bless,

Fred D Kerr

THE CHURCH – A DIVINE UNITY

Ephesians 4:1-16

INTRO:  After many teachings which involved several prayers, Paul turned to practicalities. How should this look like in our ongoing lives? He talks about unity. Let's consider:

THE BASIS OF THE UNITY (vs. 4-6)

   One body and one Spirit

   One calling to one hope

   One LORD, one faith, one baptism

   One God and Father of all

   Who is over all, through all and in all

DIVERSITY IN UNITY (vs. 7-11)

   Christ has given grace gifts to each

   Some leaders are mentioned here

   I Cor. 12 and Romans 12 list many individual gifts

   Unity does not mean uniformity.

RESULTS (vs. 12-16)

   Members are equipped for ministry

   Ministry actions build the church (numerically and spiritually

   Maturity in Christ

   Stability in face of opposition

DEMONSTRATED IN INDIVIDUALS (vs. 1-3)

   Humility

   Gentleness

   Longsuffering (patience with people)

   Bearing with one another in love

   Peace through the Spirit

            POSSIBILITY: This can only be possible through the work of God in our lives. It begins with His calling us. We respond to his call to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Then He is able to build us up in the faith and service to Him.