We Are At War: The Sword of the Spirit

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Ephesians 6, Full Armor of God, full armour of God, Jesus temptation, Jesus temptation in the wilderness, Jesus tempted of the devil, Logos word, Matthew 4, power of prayer, praying God's word, Putting on the whole armor of God, putting on the whole armour of God, Rhema vs Logos, Rhema word, Rick Renner, Roman Military Belts, Romans 8:35-39, Spiritual Warfare, Sword of the Spirit, Sword power, the armor of God, the armour of God, The machaira, The sword of the spirit, the sword of the spirit that is the word of God, the whole armor of God, The whole armour of God

We are at war whether we want to be or not. We can call ourselves passivists, anti-war, but open war is upon us whether we like it or not. As for myself, I hate war and want nothing to do with it. Nevertheless, I and you and all of us are involved in a very real, spiritual war that is raging all around us. Ultimately, the war is won. Jesus won it at the cross. But, there are still daily battles in which the enemy tirelessly engages us.

But we are not to be on the battlefield without armor on. That is why God has fully fitted us with the perfect armor in order that we might win the battles in our daily lives. He has given us a very ornate, impenetrable helmet of Salvation. First of all, this means that Jesus saved us and set us apart for holy service in His Kingdom. But the salvation does not end there. It is a minute by minute salvation for our minds as well. When we eagerly put on our helmets, our thinking is protected and becomes more and more Christ-like as we are transformed by the renewing of our minds by the Word of God.

Furthermore, we are equipped with the sparkling belt of truth. And this we found out is no ordinary belt, but rather, is the defining feature of a soldier. Whether on the battlefield or off, the Roman soldier was recognized because of this distinct belt. This belt even made the soldier walk differently, stand differently, and act differently. No one else walked or stood like a soldier, and no one else wore such a belt. This for the Christian is the belt of truth, for the truth makes us walk differently, talk differently, act differently. The truth is what sets us free. The truth is what distinguishes Christianity from all other religions of the world. Not only this, but the belt of truth is that upon which much of the armor is connected in some form or fashion including the breastplate of righteousness and the sword.

So, let us continue learning about other pieces of this elaborate, protective, and ornate armor. Today we’re going to discover the Sword.

In Ephesians 6:17-18 we read,

“Also take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…”

Sword practice

In the time of Jesus, Rome was all about achieving power and keeping power. Thus, having an army ready for battle and in top notch condition was vital for attaining this goal. War was a way of life. Battles were the norm. To be apart of the Roman machine was a mark of distinction. To be a Roman soldier was a thing of pride. And to know the art of war was beyond imperative.

“Because the Roman army was so committed to warfare, Roman soldiers continually practiced the arts of warfare. One daily exercise was sword practice, which they undertook both in the morning and the afternoon. Every soldier practiced sword fighting by striking a six-foot-high wooden post that was firmly fixed in the ground. This post became the soldier’s “enemy” during practice. Just as he would if he were fighting a real enemy, the soldier would advance upon his target, strike hard with his sword, and then retreat” (Sword Power! By Rick Renner, https://renner.org/sword-power/)

The ancient Roman writer Vegetius described Roman sword-fighting tactics in his book Concerning Military Matters, saying, “They were likewise taught not to cut, but to thrust with their swords…a stab, though it penetrates but two inches, is generally fatal” (“Sword Power!” By Rick Renner).

The Machaira and the Belt:

There were different types of offensive weapons that the Roman soldier could utilize. A dagger called a pugio was on the left side of the belt; arrows would be attached on the belt, as well as the shield when not in use; and then there was the sword. Other weapons of war included a long sword (a spatha) and a short sword (a gladius); there was also a javelin (pilum) for throwing.

The specific type of sword mentioned in Ephesians 6:17 is the (#3162) machaira meaning, “A knife, a slaughter-knife, a sword for cutting.” It can be a generic term for sword, but throughout history it is said to have had a curve at the tip, was often sharp only on one side, was made for cutting, and was made to kill.

Interestingly enough, “Legally, the wearing of arms – especially a sword – at all times in public defined the soldier” (“The Roman Military Belt,” by Stefanie Hoss, http://www.academia.edu/212354/The_Roman_Military_Belt pg 29). It “separated soldiers from civilians by the right to wear arms – especially a sword – at all times in public” (“A Theoretical Approach to Roman Military Belts,” Stefanie Hoss, idea from Brunt 1975, pg 318). Therefore, the sword never left the Roman soldier’s side. Never. Not only was it legal for them to wear the sword at all times, but it was imperative, for the sheath of the sword was permanently attached to the belt. Other things could be removed from the belt such as the dagger and its sheath, but the sword’s sheath could not be removed. And a sheath without a sword would look very odd. According to Stephanie Hoss, “…the sword’s sheath was connected to the belt in a manner that probably took some time to take off. If one wanted to take off the sword, one usually took off the sword-belt with the sword in its sheath” (“A Theoretical Approach to Roman Military Belts,” Stefanie Hoss, http://www.academia.edu/4849015/A_Theoretical_Approach_to_Roman_Military_Belts, pg. 321). Thus, the Roman soldier went nowhere without his belt or his sword inseparably linked.

The Truth and the Word

Just as the belt and the sword were inseparable, the Truth and the Word of God are also inseparable. Time after time in Scripture the Word of God is equated with Truth from 2 Timothy 2:15 to Ephesians 1:13 to Colossians 1:5 to 1 Thessalonians 2:13 in the New Testament; to Psalm 119:43 and Psalm 119:151 in the Old Testament. Numbers 23:19 states, “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” Furthermore, Jesus in John 17:17 when praying to the Father asks that the Father “Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth.” Not only this, but Jesus said that He Himself is “The Way, the Truth and the Life.” As we can see, God does not lie, God is truth, and therefore what He says is truth. His word and His truth are inseparable.

Rhema vs Logos

The sword to the Roman soldier was serious business, and was a matter of life and death. The one who treated it as such would live longer than a soldier who did not. For the enemy was out to kill them. It was kill or be killed. It was conquer or be conquered.

In Ephesians 6:17 it states that the Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. The Greek word used for “word” in this instance is not the usual term of Logos referring to the written word (like the term used for Jesus when it says that He was the Word/Logos made flesh), but instead is the term Rhema. The Greek word Rhema (Strong’s #4487) means “to speak” particular sayings rather than complete sayings. It is from Rheo (#4483) meaning, “To say, speak, utter definite words”. Basically it has to do with being specific. In other words, it’s the exact Word of God needed for a specific situation.

“This is so powerful — and I want to tell you why! Had Paul used the word logos in this verse, he would have implied a “sweeping stroke” against the enemy, and this would never do. You see, the logos — although broad, heavy, wonderful, and full of general direction for our lives — is not sufficient to deal the enemy a fatal blow. We need to stab the enemy! This will require a rhema — a specific, quickened word from the Scriptures, placed into our hearts and hands by the Holy Spirit. With a rhema from God placed in our hearts and hands, we have real sword power to use against the enemy!” (Rick Renner, “Be Sure to Go to Sword Practice,” https://renner.org/be-sure-to-go-to-sword-practice/)

Important to Note

Thus, we see that the Word of God is a specific word of God, called a Rhema word. The Sword of the Spirit is meant to be used and made to kill. Sword practice is imperative. And even when not in a battle the Sword is never to be detached from the Belt of Truth, and the Belt is never to be taken off.

Example of How to Use the Sword

And excellent example of using a Rhema word, ie a specific, Spirit-inspired word, is found in Matthew 4:1-11.

“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”

Yet Another Way to Use the Sword

But, there is one more important thing to take note of, and that is this. The Sword of the Spirit is used through prayer. Though most if not all translations of the Bible do not capture this connection, in the Greek the connection is inseparable.

A more literal translation of Ephesians 6:17 ties it in with verse 18 and reads as follows,

“Also take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God through all prayer and petition, praying at every [all] time in the Spirit, and watching to this same thing with all perseverance and petition concerning the saints” (A Literal Translation of the Bible, by Jay Greene, Sr. 1985)

“Through All Prayer and Petition”

We are to take hold of the sword of God’s specific Rehma words for specific situations and continuously use it by means of earnest prayers and wishes made aloud and beseeching petition for particular needs. You see, the word for “prayer” literally means “to wish or pray or vow” aloud and with great earnestness. The word for “petition” means “to make one’s particular needs known” to someone superior to the one requesting. It carries with it the feeling of great need, even neediness, and of being reduced to want.

Through: #1223, dia means literally through or throughout, but has the implied meaning in this case of “by means of”. It also carries with it a sense of time and implies ongoing time, continuous time.

So, in reference to prayer in this passage it could read: “continuously use (God’s word) by means of prayer”.

All: #3956, Pas which literally means all and “includes the idea of oneness, a totality, or the whole” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary New Testament,” Edited by Spiros Zodhiates Th.D., page 1125).

Prayer: #4335, prosueche “offer prayer” in general from the verb, proseuchomai, “to wish to, to pray to” and is composed of two words: pros = to (4314) and euchomai = to wish, pray (2172)

#2172 euchomai literally means “to pray or vow” aloud, to speak out loud, “to desire earnestly.”

Petition: #1162, deesis meaning “to make known one’s particular need,” beseech as an inferior to a superior. From #1189 implies “To be reduced to want,” or can mean “to lack for oneself, to need”. So, a “prayer for a particular need, supplication.”

God wants us to come to Him with our great need, our earnest desires, our incredible wishes, to speak them out loud and often. But, He doesn’t just want us coming to Him with our own words. He wants us coming to Him with His own words. He wants us to be reading and memorizing and meditating upon His Logos (that is the whole Bible) so that in moments of distress the Holy Spirit can bring to our minds and quicken us with His Rehma Word (a specific passage from Scripture) for our individual situation, our specific necessity (John 14:26; I John 2:20).

Conclusion

Though the shield of faith can be viewed as an offensive weapon (as described in the article listed below), it is not offensive in and of itself, for it must be used in tandem with the sword. The Sword of the Spirit could be said to be our only truly offensive weapon in our God-given arsenal. We don’t have grenades that we can lob from a distance. We don’t have cannons with cannon balls that can blow our enemy away before they even reach us. We don’t have airplanes with bombs on board to send cascading down on the enemy’s military forces behind enemy lines. We don’t even have a handgun for protection. God instead has given us a Sword for wrestling in hand-to-hand combat with an enemy that is near enough to wrestle with, his rancid, sulfurous breath breathing in our faces.

And like the Roman soldier always wore his belt, even so we are to keep on our belt of Truth which is the Logos word of God (the whole Bible), upon which is the inseparable sword of the Spirit that is the Rhema word of God. This Sword of the Spirit is to be worn proudly every day in every situation and is never to be removed at any time. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:17 we are to “pray without ceasing.” In both Matthew 7:7 and Luke 11:9 Jesus encourages His followers to ask, seek and knock. In the Greek these words do not mean that we only ask once, but rather, the tense strongly implies that we are to continually ask and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, knock and keep on knocking. We are to be persistent like the widow with the unjust judge, for our God is not unjust (Luke 18). The sword of the Spirit which is the word of God is to be used in prayer and petition continually. And it is extremely effective and deadly to the enemy when we live a lifestyle of rightly dividing God’s Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15-16), when we live a lifestyle of prayer, and when we combine both the Word of God and prayer via the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

It is not called “the art of war” for no reason. It is an art. It is an art form in that we must practice. Remember the saying “practice makes perfect”? But it is also an art in that we must allow for inspiration, specifically, Holy Spirit-Inspiration. After all, it is the Holy Spirit’s sword. Thus, we must carefully listen for His still small voice in order to let Him direct us regarding what scriptures to use in prayer. Without His inspiration, the Sword will remain inactive at our side. God must teach our hands to war, even as He did for King David in Psalm 144.

“Also take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God through all prayer and petition, praying at every [all] time in the Spirit, and watching to this same thing with all perseverance and petition concerning the saints” (A Literal Translation of the Bible, by Jay Greene, Sr. 1985).

The enemy without ceasing, night and day, tirelessly wrestles against us. So, let’s diligently keep on praying the Spirit-inspired rhema word of God over each others’ lives, keeping in mind always that Jesus is praying for us (Romans 8:34) and that we are therefore “more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (Romans 8:37).

And,

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39)

Knowing this, let us take up the Sword of the Spirit and persevere!

************************

Here is a list of other teachings from this series, “We Are At War”:

We Are At War: The Shield of Faith

We Are At War: Shoes of Peace

We Are At War: The Belt of Truth

We Are At War: Helmet of Salvation

We Are At War: The Renewing of the Mind

We Are At War: The Breastplate of Righteousness

Sources:

Rick Renner, https://renner.org

“Weapons,” http://www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/romans/weapons.html, by Mandy Barrow on website Primary Homework Help.

“Roman Military Equipment: Weapons – Gladius, Spatha, Pugio,” http://www.romancoins.info/MilitaryEquipment-pugio.html

“Roman Military Equipment: The Sword (Gladius and Spatha),” http://www.romancoins.info/MilitaryEquipment-Attack.html

“Roman Weapons,” http://ancientmilitary.com/roman-weapons.htm

“Makhaira,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makhaira

“Sword History,” http://www.swordhistory.info/?p=120

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Are You Praying Yet?

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2 Corinthians 10, A Minute to Midnite, Ephesians 6, Full Armor of God, New World Order, Prayer, Psalm 144:1, Psalm 2, put on the full armor of God, RFB, RFBII, Richie from Boston, The power of prayer, the weapons of our warfare are mighty, The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, There will be signs, Tony Koretz, United Nations New World Order

Great evil is descending on the world. These two youtube videos reveal the evil that is unfolding before our very eyes. This is heavy stuff. They are all about “resetting” the world. And they are using the children and dancing UN troops in their blue helmets, and they have their own music to move the masses with hopes of rising again, closing borders, a new world order behind closed doors, the storm will pass; we will survive. Plus, they are doing dastardly things in Australia and New Zealand. My heart is sickened! And more is constantly coming…

Who is “they”? The elite. The leaders of the world. The powers that be. The deep state. Secret Societies. And they are no joke nor conspiracy theory. They are those spoken of in Psalm 2. Please, read this article regarding this Psalm: https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2020/07/10/the-time-is-at-hand-psalm-2-and-where-we-are-right-now/

Are you still thinking things are going to get better? Are you still planning vacations, going to work like usual, adapting to your kids being schooled from home, trying to avoid bad news, and hoping things will be all good by Thanksgiving? 

Please, know that things are not business as usual. Things are different. Can’t you feel it? Ask God to show you if you can’t feel anything. Listen to those who can detect the difference. Yes, this is a major inconvenience! But, it’s real; it’s here; it’s now. Ready or not, it has descended upon the world like a formidable, unexpected storm of tyranny, food shortages (have you noticed how many recalls there have been on food — on lemons because of possible listeria, onions and peaches because of possible salmonella contamination, as  well as the destruction of our meat supply at meat packing plants?), crazy weather,  including record cold in South America, record heat in places like Siberia, destructive flooding worldwide, locust plagues, etc.  (and it’s not man-made climate change; it’s God-caused). For more info regarding what is happening in the U.S. and worldwide please check out this article: “Isaiah 24: The Shaking of the World,”https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2020/08/24/isaiah-24-the-shaking-of-the-world/ and “The Time is at Hand: And There Will Be Signs,” https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2020/07/16/the-time-is-at-hand-and-there-will-be-signs/

But, God does not leave us helpless. God does not leave us alone. I encourage myself in this as well. He sent us His Spirit who never leaves us, and He gave us authority in Jesus’ name and taught us how to pray so that we are not defenseless. So, don’t just throw up your hands; don’t just roll over and play dead; don’t just say ‘whatever will be will be’. Remember who you are and the weapons He has given you for such a time as this!

“3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4For the weapons of our warfare are not [a]carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [b]wiles of the devil. 12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [c]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand…18 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 6:10-13, 18, emphasis added is mine). May the Lord teach our hands to war! (Psalm 144:1).

Are you praying yet?

Psalm 8: Childlike Faith Silencing Evil

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“1 To the Chief Musician. On the instrument of Gath. A Psalm of David. O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens! 2 Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, Because of Your enemies, That You may silence the enemy and the avenger. 3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, 4 What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? 5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, 7 All sheep and oxen– Even the beasts of the field, 8 The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas. 9 O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!”

I awoke at 4am this morning very troubled in my spirit about all that is going on and what is coming upon the earth and the persecution of the churches in America and thinking on the return of the Lord. As I sat wondering about the troubles of my heart, God directed me to Psalm 8. As always, I responded to Him, “oh I know Psalm 8.” In other words, I didn’t think it could help me. But, I know by now that I must read it anyway because there really is something there that I either missed or need to be reminded of it.

Since I was upset about the vulnerability of the Church and the hell that is about to break out in the world and has started already –like the red horse of Revelation is already out of the barn and beginning to take peace from the earth and unleashing violence and murder worldwide— I was drawn to verse 2, and comforted in its stability and power. Through it I was reminded of our authority in Christ’s name to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all manner of evil (Luke 10:19), and that no weapon formed against us will prosper, and that the gates of hell will not prevail against us (Isaiah 54:17).

Verse two of Psalm 8 is incredibly aligned with 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 and really conveys it in living color, “27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.” For indeed, how can it be that God through nursing babies has established His power? How can it be that through infants who gurgle and coo and whimper and cry and barely put words together much less a sentence, silence the enemies and avengers? How can God obtain victory through such weak little beings who are completely dependent?

The Christians taking a stand against tyranny and evil in America are such babes as these. The mayors are against them. The city councils are against them. The governors are against them. The masked masses are against them. The fearful are against them. The protestors are against them. The lower courts are against them. The high courts are against them. The Supreme Court is against them. Even other so-called, fellow Christians and pastors are against Christians and pastors who are taking a stand and assembling together in spite of intense and ever intensifying opposition. They even call the authorities on their fellow ministers who are meeting, thinking they are doing God a favor. Like Daniel was betrayed by those with whom he worked, even so, these are betrayed by those called friend. These vilified, misunderstood, and persecuted Christians are truly these babes, these nursing infants of Psalm 8:2, the foolish ones of the world, the despised of the world, but these are also those who shame the wise, who bring to nothing those who think they are something, who through their innocence and childlike faith, silence the enemy and the avenger. They bring to rest the foul harassment of evil. They prevail against the gates of hell. Their words fell the giant. Their simple faith, like the faith of Daniel, closes the mouths of the lions (Daniel 6).

Even as the Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 3:9b-12, “…the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.” This is what Psalm 8 is talking about!! Through the babes and infants of the Church, God has made known His manifold wisdom, and in so doing, has shamed them! And in this, the Lord has crowned us with glory and honor!!

Also, as one more point of interest, at least to me, is that at the beginning of Psalm 8 David says this was on the instrument of Gath. The city of Gath was where Goliath lived. It is powerful to note that the chief musician plays this piece, which is all about God defeating evil through helpless infants, on an instrument from Goliath’s town. As I recall, David himself in 1 Samuel 17 was depicted as someone young and inexperienced in war, and yet while all the seasoned men of war huddled in fear, hiding in their tents, he marched out in the strength of the Lord and slew the giant!!! Hallelujah!!!!

Furthermore, remember that it is through our words, out of the “mouths of babes and infants” that God establishes His strength and silences the enemy and the avenger. Thus, no matter how powerless we feel when we pray, do it anyway. For the words you speak as a child of the living God are powerful, even to the pulling down of strongholds. So, do not remain silent. Do not be intimidated by praying aloud. Pray. Pray again. And pray all the louder. For our words, no matter how simple or baby-like, are silencing evil!!! Indeed, unless we become like little children with child-like faith, we will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18:3).

So, dear Christian reader, stand firm. Do not become weary in well doing. Do not be intimidated by the Goliaths and Leviathans and giants in the land of this world, even though they’re HUGE and formidable and very real. It’s not about how big you are nor about what your title is nor about how educated you are nor about how experienced you are! Thank God for this!!! Rather, it is all about how BIG God is, how GREAT God is, how AWESOME and how MAJESTIC and EXCELLENT God’s name is in all the earth!!! Our Father God is on our side. And when God is for us, who can be against us? We have been given authority in Jesus’ name. We have power in Jesus’ name. At the name of Jesus every demon has to flee. In the name of Jesus every knee will bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!!! There is still power in the blood of the Lamb, even devil busting power. And though it is easy to think of our problems here in America as political or financial, the very real issue is and always has been spiritual. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood!!! So, fear not. Get your armor on and stand in the strength of the Lord, for the battle belongs to the Lord!

After reading Psalm 8 and doing some warfare prayer and some standing in the gap for American pastors who are taking a stand, all fear and questions melted away, I finally fell into a wonderful early morning sleep. May you too be blessed and inspired by this testimony, may you remember who you are in Christ, and may you stay armored up for the days are evil. And yes, Jesus’ return in NEAR!

Looking up,

Holy Light Ministries

Pastor Coverstone’s Dream of A Solemn September Assembly: “ARISE MY BRIDE!!!”

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A Call to Prayer, A solemn September assembly, Arise my Bride, Dana Coverstone, Jesus' Return, Pastor Coverstone, Pastor Dana Coverstone, Poetry, Prayer, rapture, September dream, solemn assembly, Something Big is Coming, Warfare prayer

I am calling all who are CHRISTIANS. This is a call to warfare prayer. God is calling us to prayer, right now, such as never before. God is calling His Bride to “ARISE”. Please, connect with this link and listen to the powerful dream of Pastor Coverstone about the month of September and the call to battle. The Church is under attack. Prepare for battle, Christian. Now is the time. This is it. There will be no other. Jesus is coming soon. Let’s be ready!!!!!!!

“Arise my Bride; Arise my Bride and prepare to pray. Arise my Bride; Arise my Bride and prepare for battle. Arise my Bride; Arise my Bride and prepare to see My face.”

We Are At War: The Shield of Faith

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A Measure of Faith, Ephesians 5:25-27, Ephesians 6:16, Fiery darts, Rick Renner, Roman Military Shield, Roman scutum, Roman Shield, Romans 10:17, Romans 12:3, Scutum, Spiritual Warfare, taking up the shield of faith, the Shield of Faith, what is faith

Here are some things we have learned so far about Ephesians 6.

*We are war.

*The combat is up close and personal and very real.

-The battle is unseen

-The battle is spiritual

-The battle is mostly in the mind

*God has equipped us.

-A showy, impenetrable helmet

-An ornate, indispensable belt

-A small but deadly sword

Ephesians 6:16

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

The Make of the Roman Shield

The ancient Roman shield of Jesus’ day was called a scutum (plural scuti). A scutum was a semi-cylindrical, rectangular shape, was four feet tall, two and half feet wide, and weighed around twenty pounds. The Roman shield was made of several components including wood, several woven together layers of leather that became so strong it was nearly like steal (Rick Renner, “Spiritual Warfare: Understanding Your Shield of Faith” https://renner.org/spiritual-warfare-understanding-your-shield-of-faith/), canvas, iron edging, and a central feature or “boss” was made of iron, bronze or brass, (“Roman Gladius and Scutum: Carving Out An Empire” http://www.historynet.com/roman-gladius-and-scutum-carving-out-an-empire.htm). Interestingly enough, the scutum covered most of the soldier’s body. Furthermore, “The word “shield” is the Greek word thureos, which was used by the Greeks and Romans to depict an oblong door that was wide in width and long in length. The reason Roman soldiers used this word to describe their battle shields was that their shields were actually door-shaped! They were wide in width and long in length, just like the door of a house,” (Rick Renner, “Spiritual Warfare: Understanding Your Shield of Faith” https://renner.org/spiritual-warfare-understanding-your-shield-of-faith/).

The Use of the Roman Shield

The scutum was not wielded like any other shield, for it was too large to be maneuvered quickly. Most importantly, it was not merely defensive, but was first and foremost, used offensively. The Roman soldier did not wait for the enemy on the field to advance to him. After getting close to the enemy, volleys of pila were thrust at them. Pila were javelins that would stick in an opponent’s shield rendering it difficult to wield (“The Shield: An Abridged History of It’s Use and Development” http://myarmoury.com/feature_shield.html). It was then that the Roman soldier would charge forward with shield stretched out directly in front of him, his left arm straight and set. With the shield he would ram his enemy, knocking him off guard and possibly off of his feet. After doing this, the Roman soldier would could use the metal edges of his shield to hack at his opponent. If hacking was not an option for whatever reason, the Roman soldier would thrust his shield into the ground and fight from behind it, either in a crouching or kneeling position.

The Preparation of the Shield

Because the shield to the Roman soldier was of utmost importance offensively and defensively, he daily set aside time to oil its leather. After all, if leather gets dry, it cracks, and one does not want a faulty shield, especially when your life is at stake.

On top of this, before a battle, they would saturate their shield with water. This of course would make it heavier. So, why would they do this?

The opponents often had arrows they would shoot in the direction of the Roman advancement. Sometimes they were just ordinary arrows, and therefore, harmless so long as one held up their shield. Other times the ends of the arrows were set on fire so that when they hit their mark a fire would kindle. And then there were the insidious arrows which only appeared to be ordinary arrows but were filled with explosive material that would explode into fire as soon as the target was met (https://renner.org/take-up-your-shield-of-faith/). However, when any type of arrow (ordinary, fiery, or deceptively explosive) met the Roman’s saturated shield, the arrow fizzled and could not do the damage it was intended to do.

For this reason, it was imperative that the Roman soldier prepare his shield daily with oil, and with water before battle.

The Verse: Why “Above All”?

Now, to the Christian, the shield that we wield is that of faith. And according to the Apostle Paul Christians are to “Above all,” take it up. “Above all” however, does not mean that it is more important than the rest of the armor nor that it should be held onto more than the others nor to be chosen above the others. “The phrase “above all” is taken from the Greek phrase epi pasin. The word epi means over. The word pasin means all or everything. So rather than stating that the shield of faith is more important than the other pieces of armor, the phrase epi pasin describes the position faith should have over the other pieces of armor. It could be better translated, “Out in front of all….” or “Covering all….”” (Rick Renner, “Take Up Your Shield of Faith” https://renner.org/take-up-your-shield-of-faith/). In other words, the shield is not to be at our side or on the ground or in a closet or in another state. The shield is to be directly in front of us, covering all of us as well as covering most of the other armor that we are wearing. It is to cover all.

The Verse: What Does “Taking” Mean?

When Paul says, ““…Taking the shield of faith….” the word “taking” is from the word analambano, which is a compound of the Greek words ana and lambano. The word ana means up, back, or again; the word lambano means to take up or to take in hand. When compounded together, it means to take something up in hand or to pick something back up again. This plainly means your shield of faith can be either picked up or laid down. It places the responsibility on you as to whether you will use your shield of faith or allow yourself to go through life unprotected,” (Rick Renner, “Take Up Your Shield of Faith” ).

The Rest of the Verse

“…wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

When it says Christians “shall be able” this is not just an ordinary word. It sounds rather stale or limp actually, “shall be able”. But, incredibly it comes from the word dunamis. You all know what dynamite is. Dynamite is an explosive, and explosive dynamite gets its name from this word dunamis. Perhaps a better way to translate what Paul said is ““Above all, taking the shield of faith, by which you will be dynamically empowered.…” (“Here’s How to Extinguish the Fiery Darts” https://renner.org/heres-how-to-extinguish-the-fiery-darts-of-the-wicke/).

Think about that! Christians are explosively, dynamically empowered by this shield of faith.

Practical Application

So…what does this mean for us as Christians? What does God want us to learn from this information? And how do we apply it?

To begin with, the Lord has given us a unique, body sized, door shaped shield. It is large enough to completely cover us if it is held directly in front. It is not just a defensive weapon, but is really our first line of offense. But, in order for it to work for us, we must take care of it. First of all we must oil our faith daily. How do we do that? In the Bible oil is most often associated with the Holy Spirit, and it says in Ephesians 5:18 that we are to be freshly filled with the Holy Spirit over and over and over again. It says, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit…” In the Greek this being filled is a continuous, ongoing thing. So we need our faith to be oiled by the continuous filling of the Holy Spirit.

Secondly, we must saturate our faith. But what are we to saturate it with? Questions? Fears? Doubts? In Ephesians 5:25-27 the Apostle Paul has already given us the answer to this question by saying, “…Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Thus, we see that the way we get a saturated faith is through the “washing of water by the word.” Indeed, we can’t even really have faith without the word. As Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” So we need our faith to be saturated with the word of God.

Remember, if our shield of faith is not oiled, it will crack and ultimately bring about certain death. We are in a very real battle with an enemy who is out to “steal, kill, and destroy” us. This is not a game. Furthermore, our shield of faith must be saturated with the word of God or else the deceptive fiery darts of the enemy will hit us and set us on fire. Without the water of God’s word we cannot “quench” those deadly darts.

And finally, we as Christians must daily choose to take up the shield of faith and charge into battle. Remember, the Roman soldier did not saunter; he did not casually walk into battle. He charged. He meant business. The well-oiled, water saturated shield is our first offensive weapon. It knocks our enemy off guard; it gives us a foothold on the battlefield. And it covers us completely. Not one of us is lacking in faith. Not one of us has too little faith or needs to increase in faith, for according to Romans 12:3 God has given each of us a measure of faith. And that measure is perfectly proportioned to each of us, and covers us exactly where each of us needs it. All we need do is take it up and use it.

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Here is a list of other links from the series, “We Are At War”:

We Are At War: The Renewing of the Mind

We Are At War: Shoes of Peace

We Are At War: The Breastplate of Righteousness

We Are At War: The Belt of Truth

We Are At War: Helmet of Salvation

We Are At War: The Sword of the Spirit

Sources:

“Spiritual Warfare: Understanding Your Shield of Faith”

https://renner.org/spiritual-warfare-understanding-your-shield-of-faith/

“Take Up Your Shield of Faith”

https://renner.org/take-up-your-shield-of-faith/

“Here’s How to Extinguish the Fiery Darts”

https://renner.org/heres-how-to-extinguish-the-fiery-darts-of-the-wicke/

“Three Kinds of Ancient Roman Shields”

http://madefrom.com/history/antiquity/kinds-of-ancient-roman-shields/

“Armor”

https://romanmilitary.net/tools/armor/

“The Shield: An Abridged History of It’s Use and Development”

http://myarmoury.com/feature_shield.html

“Shields: Terminology and History”

http://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/Kent/shieweap/shgenex3.html

“Roman Gladius and Scutum: Carving Out An Empire”

http://www.historynet.com/roman-gladius-and-scutum-carving-out-an-empire.htm

We Are At War: Shoes of Peace

Tags

Ephesians 6, Ephesians 6:15, Hobnailed caligae, Jehovah Shalom, Killer shoes, Rick Renner, Roman Military Shoes, Shoes of Peace, Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, Spiritual Warfare, Stefani Hoss, what is peace

We have been learning that we are at war with an unseen enemy. We are in hand to hand combat with an enemy that wants to destroy us, but we have been empowered by God so that we can withstand all orderly methods/strategies of the enemy no matter what level that enemy is whether “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (verse 12). The empowering that we have received from the Lord is in the form of armor, and is composed of pieces, of which we are to take up the “whole” armor of God, not just one piece or two. These pieces include: the helmet, the breastplate, the belt, the shield, the sword, and the shoes.

Review

Let’s review the pieces of armor that we have covered so far, namely the helmet, the belt, the shield and the sword.

The Helmet:

The helmet was flashy, showpiece that was also durable, weighty and an impenetrable protection against the battle axes of the enemy. This is a picture of our salvation: Impenetrable and ornate. The helmet of our salvation is there to protect our thinking, for we have been given the mind of Christ. The helmet is one of wholeness, security, right thinking, renewal, a shield from destructive mindsets and emotions. It is a helmet that enables us to change our form and be transfigured from the earthly to the spiritual, from darkness to light.

The Shield:

The well-oiled, water-saturated shield is our first offensive weapon. Thus, is our faith. Our faith is offensive not defensive. It knocks our enemy off guard; it gives us a foothold on the battlefield. Remember, the shield of the Roman soldier covered them completely. Even so, each of us is covered completely by our faith, and not one of us is lacking in faith. But we need to keep our faith anointed with the Holy Spirit and washed with the water of the Word of God. After all faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Remaining in the Word and the refilling of the Holy Spirit will oil and saturate our faith so that the enemy’s deceptions will do us no harm.

The Belt:

Furthermore, we are equipped with the sparkling belt of truth. And this we found out is no ordinary belt, but rather, is the defining feature of a soldier. Whether on the battlefield or off, the Roman soldier was recognized because of this distinct belt. This belt even made the soldier walk differently, stand differently, and act differently. No one else walked or stood like a soldier, and no one else wore such a belt. This for the Christian is the belt of Truth, for the Truth makes us walk differently, talk differently, act differently. The truth is what sets us free. The truth is what distinguishes Christianity from all other religions of the world. Not only this, but the belt of truth is that upon which much of the armor is connected in some form or fashion, including the breastplate of righteousness and the sword.

The Sword:

The Roman soldier always wore his sword, for his sword and belt were intertwined so as to not be separated. Though most of Roman society could not wear a weapon in public, the soldier could. Even so, God’s belt of truth and His sword of the Spirit that is the Word of God are intimately linked and inseparable. There is no truth outside of God’s Word. When it comes to the Christian, this sword is of the Spirit and is the Word of God. But, the Word of God referred to here is not the entire Word (logos), but rather, a specific passage from Scripture (Rhema) for a specific situation, and is to be even more specifically used in warfare prayer. Yes, the whole Word is inspired, indeed, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thouroghly furnished unto all good works,” I Timothy 3:16-17. But, in instances of praying, specific inspired passages of the inspired Word will be brought to mind by the Holy Spirit that are to be used as a sword against the enemy.

Putting on Our Shoes

Today, we are going to look at what we as Christians are to have upon our spiritual feet.

“Stand therefore having…your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace…”

Ephesians 6:15

Before we ever go anywhere, we get dressed, and a very important part of getting dressed is putting on our shoes. There are actually restaurants and other establishments that still put up signs that say, “No shirt, no shoes, no service.” Shoes are very important. And more important than that, is what kind of shoes you wear!

A Roman Soldier’s Battle Shoes

When a Roman soldier was not on the battlefield, he could still be recognized as a soldier. In our modern day everyone looks alike when not in uniform. If one nowadays is in the military or the medical field or is a farmer or waitress or a manager of a store or even a pastor of a church, everyone in their off time seems to dress the same. However, back in Paul’s day, that was not the case. So, how did people know that a soldier was a soldier even when on leave? His belt and his shoes.

According to researcher Stefani Hoss, “Only the hobnailed caligae and the belt can be defined as typical for soldiers, identifying them as milites [military] even when they were not wearing amour. While caligae were also worn by civilians, they are typical for soldiers. Literary sources and inscriptions describe soldiers’ expressis verbis as caligati or as serving in caligae. And the hobnailed boots and their wearers are also equated both in the Roman and Jewish literature at the time.” (“A Theoretical Approach to Roman Military Belts,” by Stefani Hoss, http://www.academia.edu/4849015/A_Theoretical_Approach_to_Roman_Military_Belts, page 320-321). “The military belt was decorated with elaborate buckles, metal plates, strap-ends and other attachments, which made it heavy, eye-catching and jingly. Together with the crunch of hob-nailed sandals, the jingling of the metal belt pieces must have given soldiers a distinctive ‘sound’, announcing their presence.” (The Roman Military Belt,” by Stefani Hoss, http://www.academia.edu/212354/The_Roman_Military_Belt, page 30).

In other words, before you even saw a soldier approaching, you heard him, from the jingling of his belt, the clanking of the inseparable sword, and the clacking of his hobnailed shoes.

The shoes a soldier wore were cleated, sort of like golfer’s shoes or baseball players. They also had a spike at the heal and the toe. In other words, these shoes meant business and were made for both stability on the battlefield and to be a weapon against the enemy. “One good kick with those shoes, and an enemy would be dead. Just a few seconds of stomping on a fallen adversary would have eradicated that foe forever!” (“Are You Wearing Your Killer Shoes?” by Rick Renner, https://renner.org/are-you-wearing-your-killer-shoes/).

Practical Application

As Christians who are at war, we are to make sure that we get the correct footwear on our feet, and Ephesians 6:15 tells us exactly what those shoes are.

“Stand therefore having…your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace…”

Ephesians 6:15

Just as the Roman soldiers tightly tied on their “killer shoes”, we too are to snugly tie on these cleated shoes for ourselves. No one else can put the shoes on for us. We do it, and we are to always be ready with our feet tightly fitted with these shoes. The Greek tense expresses this clearly. The shoes we are to put on are called “preparation.” However, another way to translate this word is “foundation or firm footing.” So, we are to put on the shoes of the firm foundation of the Gospel which also means “good news”. The Apostle Paul used this description of the Gospel elsewhere in Scripture including 1 Corinthians 3 where he explicitly states that there is to be no other foundation but that of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And it is this Gospel that brings “peace”.

Peace in both the Greek and Hebrew carries with it the powerful meaning of wholeness in every way including our bodies, our minds, our spirits and our finances. It is the absence of confusion and war. It is “Truly the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, fearing nothing from God and consequently content with its earthly lot, whatever it is” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary, by Spiros Zodhiates, page 520).

But this peace is not for our enemy. With our cleats we not only are held firmly in place doctrinally, be we can also use them to stomp on the evil that would steal, kill and destroy us. Greek scholar Rick Renner states, “…As the soldier used those spikes to kick and to kill his opponent, there is no need for you to ever stop moving ahead just because the devil tries to block your path. If he is foolish enough to try to get in front of you, just keep walking! Stomp all along the way! By the time you’re finished using your shoes of peace, you won’t have much of a devil problem to deal with anymore!” (“Are You Wearing Your Killer Shoes?” by Rick Renner, https://renner.org/are-you-wearing-your-killer-shoes/).

This is what we as Christians are to put on our feet. The firm foundation of the Gospel of wholeness in body, mind, and spirit, peace and not confusion is that in which we are to walk. For it is this Gospel of Christ that stabilizes us in every terrain no matter how treacherous, and steadies us on a very slippery, messy, litter ridden battlefield. When we are firmly founded on the Gospel and know that which we believe, we cannot lose our footing and thus, the enemy cannot knock us down. And even when not in a spiritual battle in our mind or in prayer or otherwise, when our feet are shod with the firm foundation of the Gospel of peace, people will know that we are different. Even as the Roman soldier when on leave strolling through town was still known to be a soldier because of the clacking of his cleats, we too ought to sound and walk differently than everybody else all the time and in every situation. Indeed, wherever we are, everyone should know that we are Christians.

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Here is list of links from the rest of this series, “We Are At War”:

We Are At War: The Sword of the Spirit

We Are At War: The Shield of Faith

We Are At War: The Belt of Truth

We Are At War: Helmet of Salvation

We Are At War: The Renewing of the Mind

We Are At War: The Breastplate of Righteousness

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For more on the topic of peace, please refer to this article of the “Jehovah Shalom” series:

Jehovah Shalom: Peace In Spite of Our Circumstances

Specific Word Studies:

Shod:

hupodesamenoi, appears to be a 1^st Aorist Middle Participle (aorist participle because of the sa, and middle because of the menoi

From hupodeo #5265, meaning literally, “to bind under” like sandals, slippers or shoes.

In this sense it means that sometime in the undefined past one bound her sandals to her own feet for her own self. In other words, “having shod one’s feet for one’s self.”

Preparation:

hetoimasia #2091, “Preparation, a basis, foundation, firm footing”

From hetoimos #2092, meaning “ready, prepared.” (Like just before a race, “ready, get set, go!”)

Gospel:

euanggelion #2098, meaning, “bringing good news, to proclaim or tell good news”

Peace:

Eirene #1515 meaning, “peace” as the opposite of war, health, all kinds of good physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Hebrew equivalent is shalom #7965 which means, “wholeness, soundness, health, well-being, prosperity, absence of confusion and anything opposite of war.”

**Truly the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, fearing nothing from God and consequently content with its earthly lot, whatever it is” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary, by Spiros Zodhiates, page 520)

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Sources:

Josephus BellJud, 6:85, Juvenal, Satires 3.248, 16:25; Palestinian Talmud (Yerushalmi), Shabbath 8a and 20a

“A Theoretical Approach to Roman Military Belts,” http://www.academia.edu/4849015/A_Theoretical_Approach_to_Roman_Military_Belts

“The Roman Military Belt,” by Stefani Hoss, http://www.academia.edu/212354/The_Roman_Military_Belt

“Are You Dressed in the Whole Armor of God?” by Rick Renner, https://renner.org/are-you-dressed-in-the-whole-armor-of-god/

“Armor of God: Gospel of Peace,” by Dave Johnson, https://lifehopeandtruth.com/change/christian-conversion/armor-of-god/gospel-of-peace/

“Are You Wearing Your Killer Shoes?” by Rick Renner, https://renner.org/are-you-wearing-your-killer-shoes/

We Are At War: The Breastplate of Righteousness

Tags

1 Thessalonians 5:8, Breastplate of Righteousness, Chuck Missler, Ephesians 6, Job 29, Righteousness, Spiritual Warfare, The Full Armor of God, What is Righteousness

The Full Armor of the Living God is an armor of light given to us by our Lord who is light within light. The wearing of this armor is imperative and is a matter of life and death in every way, for we are born on a battlefield. We are born both physically and spiritually and emotionally on a battlefield, and not merely on a battlefield, but that battlefield is in enemy territory. God has reclaimed that battlefield, but the enemy still thinks it is his. And we are in the cross-hairs. Thus, we MUST be armed for all out war.

This is not a war whose end is unclear nor up for grabs nor is a toss up. Rather, this is a war that is already won. Through the apparent weakness of the cross the greatest victory in the world was determined. Through the weakness of love, all evil in every way was completely and utterly defeated at the foot of the foolishness of the old rugged cross.

But the battle is very, very real, and is really, really dirty. The enemy has learned how to play us, and he plays us well. And we literally fall for it all of time.

But, God in His incredible victory has not left us powerless. No! Indeed, He has to powerfully equipped us with armor by His Spirit that if we could ever begin to fathom it, grasp it, or begin to tap into this power, we would be in awe as the enemy is blown away!

So, what is this armor that we are to don with confidence and the authority of the Most High? Number one, we are to snugly fit upon our heads the Helmet of Salvation which is all about having right, faith-filled, Christ-like thinking, Bible mindsets, with thoughts set upon things above and not on earthly things and on the incredible hope of eternal salvation in the presence of the Living God! Next we are to put on our dazzling Belt of Truth which holds it all together, the belt which we are to wear wherever we go and whenever we go there. We also lace up tightly the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, an unshakable peace that the world cannot give nor understands; shoes that stabilize us in the slipperiest and bloodiest of battlefields and keep us firmly planted in the Word rather than circumstances. We are take up the body-sized Shield of Faith that covers us completely, successfully protecting us defensively and offensively, and if watered by the Word and oiled by the daily anointing of the Spirit will quench every fiery dart of the enemy. Then taking up the Sword of the Spirit that is the Word of God we are called to jab the very evil that would steal, kill and destroy us. With the truth of the Word of God supernaturally inspired by the Spirit through us in prayer deals a death blow to the enemy.

Indeed we have been dressed by God to kill a very real, demonic enemy.

But, there is one piece of armor…one more vital bit of equipment that cannot be overlooked, for to go into battle without it was beyond heedless and meant certain death. This life saving, undeniably important protection is the Breastplate of Righteousness.

The Roman Breastplate in Jesus’ Day

“The breastplate was a central part of the Roman soldier’s armor—it provided protection for the torso, which contains vital organs like the heart, lungs and so on. Without a breastplate, a soldier would be asking for death, as any attack could instantly become fatal. With a sturdy breastplate, the very same attacks become ineffective and useless, as blows glance off the armor,” (Bible Study Guides).

“The Romans had the ideas for armor design which provided light weight combined with ease of movement and protection from blows. This breastplate was attached to the belt by leather thongs passed through rings on the bottom to keep it solidly attached. It was anchored to the belt, and it was above the belt. Note: the belt had to be put on first, then the breastplate,” (The Christian Arsenal).

“The Roman breastplate was typically made of bronze, backed with leather. It was designed to protect the vital area. A blow through this was usually fatal,” (Chuck Missler).

The Biblical Breastplate

“The breastplate or heart-guard that Paul was recommending was not made of hard metal, but of something much stronger. It is made of righteousness. The Greek word used for righteousness is dikaiosune, Strong’s #1343, defined as “equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification.” Vine’s defines the word as “the character or quality of being right or just”; it was formerly spelled ‘rightwiseness,’ which clearly expresses the meaning.” (Dan Wesol).

Truly, righteousness is “the conformity to the claims of higher authority and stands in opposition to… lawlessness,” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary, pg 458). Thus, righteousness is the crucifying of our way of living and the complete surrender to living life God’s way. This is our breastplate.

Man’s Righteousness Vs. God’s

Throughout the history of the world, individuals and people groups, false religions and cults of all kinds have sought to do good in order to please a transcendent being far beyond themselves in order to accrue enough credit in the heavenlies for the sake of their uncertain eternal security. Much has been done to appease countless gods and goddesses, and innumerable moments have passed as people do good for others simply because it makes them feel good to do so. The social gospel is highly active even today, and anyone and everyone can and does get caught up in the wave of it. “But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; we all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away,” (Isaiah 64:6). “As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one,” (Romans 3:10-13).

Even Christians can get caught up in the “doing good” bug, and become driven by good works and achieving goals and seeking to look good in the eyes of others. But, “Putting on His breastplate of righteousness is not “putting on” your own good works, integrity, or honesty. It is not “putting on” Bible reading and prayer. It is not “putting on” church attendance. When we put on the cloak of His righteousness, it contrasts with our righteousness,” (Chuck Missler). For indeed, righteousness is all about God and not about us at all. The Lord is the source of all righteousness, even the very foundation of His throne is righteousness and justice and the heavens declare His righteousness and all people have seen His glory (Psalm 97).

Application: Being Not Just Doing

The greatest glory of God’s righteousness has been exemplified for all to see through Jesus Christ His beloved Son. As Ephesians 2:8-10 reads, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” The incredible magnitude of God’s righteousness superseding our goodness is apparent in this passage. On top of this is that undeserving as we are we have been made God’s righteousness (II Corinthians 5:21) and because of this, we have been empowered to do righteous deeds the right way and for the right reason. This is righteousness.

“People have different ideas about righteousness. We must understand that righteousness is something we are, not something we do. Righteousness within us affects what we do, but what we do does not make us righteous,” (Chuck Missler).

Now that we have been made the righteousness of God in Christ, “let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love…” (I Thessalonians 5:8). Thus, the breastplate of righteousness is also a breastplate of faith and love: faith because without faith it is impossible to please God, and love because Jesus said that if we believe in Him we will walk in love. Righteousness, therefore, has everything to do with having faith in Jesus and walking in love.

In Job we see a picture of what righteousness looks like. Job 29:12-17 says, “Because I delivered the poor who cried out, The fatherless and the one who had no helper. The blessing of a perishing man came upon me, And I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; My justice was like a robe and a turban. I was eyes to the blind, And I was feet to the lame. I was a father to the poor, And I searched out the case that I did not know. I broke the fangs of the wicked, And plucked the victim from his teeth.” First John 3:16-17 also says, “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?”

God in all of His glory, seated high upon His majestic throne, perceived our dire need as we wallowed destitute and condemned in sin’s muck and mire. But… God so loved the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not parish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). And that same selfless attitude of Christ is to be in us (Philippians 2), for that is righteousness in action.

Conclusion

A vital part of our arsenal is the Breastplate of Righteousness. With righteousness our hearts, which are the well-spring of life, are guarded above all else. This righteousness is from God alone for only God is righteous, and He because of what Jesus did on the cross and in His resurrection has made us righteous and righteousness. Christ our great High Priest has made us a holy priesthood (I Peter 2:5) and as such we are to be “clothed in righteousness” (Psalm 132:9). Not only are we to be clothed in righteousness, but we are the righteousness of God in Christ. Thus, we no longer are to walk in fear, but in faith. We are no longer to walk in selfish impatience but in love. This righteousness that God has made us through Christ and that is exemplified through faith and love in action is what guards our hearts from the enemy’s continual attacks. Let us then put on the breastplate of righteousness. And having suited up in the full armor of God’s light, let us stand unwaveringly and unashamedly in this ever darkening, depraved, deceived world that is quickly passing away. Jesus is coming soon! Let us “gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ…” (I Peter 1:13), as we look for our “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13).

**************

For more on righteousness feel free to select this link:

Psalm 23: Paths of Righteousness

For more on the full armor of God, please refer to these links:

We Are At War: Helmet of Salvation

We Are At War: The Renewing of the Mind

We Are At War: The Belt of Truth

We Are At War: Shoes of Peace

We Are At War: The Shield of Faith

We Are At War: The Sword of the Spirit

Sources:

Bible Study Guides, “Series 3 – The Great Teachings of the Bible and What They Mean for You: The Armor of God,” http://www.freebiblestudyguides.org/bible-teachings/armor-of-god-breasplate-of-righteousness.htm.

Margaret Minnicks, “The Whole Armor of God,” https://owlcation.com/humanities/Put-On-The-Whole-Armor-of-God.

Chuck Missler, “The Breastplate of Righteousness,” http://khouse.org/articles/1996/269/

Dan Wesol, “Putting on the Breastplate,” http://www.heraldmag.org/2009/09jf_2.htm

The Christian Arsenal, “The Full Armor of God,” http://www.christianarsenal.com/Christian_Arsenal/Full_Armor_of_God.html

Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament

We Are At War: The Belt of Truth

Tags

1 Samuel 17, Belt of Truth, David and Goliath, Ephesians 6, Full Armor of God, Genesis 3, Matthew 4, Rick Renner, Roman military belt, Stefanie Hoss

We have been learning about the full armor of God and its importance in our daily lives. We have learned about the reality of the warfare raging around us, that we do not wrestle with people but we do wrestle with very real spiritual entities which we cannot see. Because we are wrestling in hand-to-hand combat with spiritual forces, we are to be clad in God’s armor of light. This armor is composed of pieces that are woven intricately together. We started by looking at the beautifully ornate yet impenetrable, irreplaceable helmet of salvation and how it is there to protect our thinking, for we have been given the mind of Christ. The helmet is one of wholeness, security, right thinking, renewal, a shield from destructive mindsets and emotions. It is a helmet that enables us to change our form and be transfigured from the earthly to the spiritual, from darkness to light.

Today, we’re moving on to the belt of truth. Ephesians 6:14 reads, “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth….”

When dressed for battle, everyone could identify a Roman soldier without problem. But, when off duty, was there something that still made him recognizable?

Unlike the present day and age wherein everyone on vacation, running errands or lounging around looks and dresses essentially the same, in Jesus’ day, according to researcher and professor Stefanie Hoss, “In Rome, a man’s dress and his social cultural and political identity in Roman society were directly connected.” Thus, there was something about the Roman soldier’s dress and manner that led an onlooker to quickly identify him as a soldier.

So, what was it about his clothing that defined him? His loinbelt with sword attached and shoes (Stefanie Hoss, “A Theoretical Approach to Roman Military Belts,” http://www.academia.edu/4849015/A_Theoretical_Approach_to_Roman_Military_Belts). (Since we’ll be talking about the shoes and sword later, we won’t address them today. We’re going to focus on the belt.) According to researchers and archeologists, the Roman military belt was “decorated with elaborate buckles, metal plates, strp-ends and other attachments, which made it heavy, eye-catching and jingly. Together with the crunch of hob-nailed sandals, the jingling of the metal belt pieces must have given soldiers a distinctive sound, announcing their presence” (Stefanie Hoss, “The Roman Military Belt,” http://www.academia.edu/212354/The_Roman_Military_Belt). Not only this, but Roman soldiers walked differently and had a distinctive stance because their belts were heavy (actually all of their armor was heavy). Even when not on the battlefield, this heavy belt with its sword was worn with pride. Truly the belt was the mark of soldier, and was symbolic of who he was. To take it away (such as they did at times for disciplinary reasons), was shameful and humiliating.

Furthermore, when used in battle, Rick Renner states that, “…the Roman soldier’s loinbelt was the piece of armor that held all the other pieces together…When not in use, his shield was hung on a special clip on the other side of his loinbelt. The pouch that carried his arrows rested on a small ledge attached to his loinbelt on his backside. Even his breastplate was attached in some places to his loinbelt.

You can see why the loinbelt was absolutely essential to the Roman soldier in order for him to be confident in battle. With that belt securely fastened, he could be assured that all the other pieces of his equipment would stay in place, enabling him to move quickly and fight with great fury.

Thus, the loinbelt was the most vital part of all the weaponry the Roman soldier wore” (Rick Renner, “The Most Essential Weapon In Your Spiritual Arsenal,” https://renner.org/the-most-essential-weapon-in-your-spiritual-arsenal/).

Thus, whether on the battlefield or while recreating, the Roman soldier’s belt was not only a recognizable marker and proud symbol but was apart of who he was. His identity was wrapped up in it, and a true soldier would never be without it.

Application

So, how do we apply this?

There are a lot of facts in this life, but facts are not truth. In the story of David and Goliath this is made very clear.

First Samuel 17 states beginning in verse 4, “And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.

5 And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.

6 And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders.

7 And the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.

8 And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.

9 If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.

10 And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

11 When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.”

Fact number one: Goliath is a champion meaning, he’s done this many times before and won, so….he’s frightening in reputation

Fact number two: Goliath is massive, after all everything he’s wearing is heavy and long and tall and wide etc. So….he’s frightening in appearance

Fact number three: He’s boastful and charismatic and loud. So….he’s frightening in speech

These are facts that the Israelite soldiers were well aware of and took very seriously, after all it says that “they were dismayed and greatly afraid.”

Then comes David who sees, hears and knows the facts like everyone else, BUT he does sees God’s appearance, hears God’s words, and knows of God’s reputation better than Goliaths. As David stated to King Saul, “Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:35-37).

David held onto that truth as he marched out to meet the frightening, very real, factual giant with only a stone and sling shot. Though Goliath mocks him, David boldly exclaimed the TRUTH,

“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

Our application of this timeless truth is not so different from what David did, only our adversary is unseen. But, the message is the same.

Now, how can this look for us?

The enemy uses a fact…yes, he tells us something factual…but then he turns it on us and gets us to believe a lie. He might say, “You live in a care center.” Yes, that’s a fact. Then comes the lie. “So, you have no purpose now.” Or he might say, “You’re just a housewife and mother.” Again, that’s a fact, but he always spins it. “So, you’re not important.” Or he might say, “You work as a cook or a salesman or whatever it is that you do.” And then he’ll state the lie that you again believe, “So, you’ll never amount to anything.” Or he again might say, “You’re not married.” Okay, that may be a fact. But then comes the lie, “Because you’re not worth it,” or “you’re not handsome/pretty enough” or “because you’re too shy or too outgoing.” And the more we think on that lie which is based in fact (so he gets us all confused) the farther away from truth we get, and we become like the children of Israel who huddled together at the sound of Goliath’s voice. So long as we ingest the poison, the more poisoned we’ll become. The more we resonate with the lie, the farther from truth we’ll wander. The more we consider the deception, the more self-focused and less God-focused we’ll get. Until our weaknesses and shortcomings are magnified larger than God’s Word, even God Himself.

So, how can we better respond?

Remember Eve in Genesis 3. Her mistake was not in her facts, but rather, her mistake was in arguing the facts with the most cunning of all creatures, the wisest of God’s creation. Our adversary is not stupid. He may be repetitive, but he’s not dumb. He knows we are like silly sheep and easily duped. So, here’s one way to NOT respond: Don’t argue facts with the enemy. Usually he’s got the facts right anyway. The facts are rather obvious after all. But, once you start down that slope of argumentation, he’s won. He’s good at arguing. He’s been at it a long time.

Let’s, instead, learn from Jesus who was tempted by the devil in Matthew 4. It is there during that confrontation that we do not see him discussing things nor arguing with the adversary. He simply speaks the Word. We see Him standing firmly with the belt of truth buckled on tightly. His words are not His own, but rather, are the Word of God. We see the enemy use and misuse the Word, but Jesus does not correct Him nor debate Him. Rather, He unwaveringly quotes the unchanging Word of truth. And that is the ONLY WAY that the enemy is defeated. The Truth of the God’s Word.

In closing, like Roman soldiers, we as Christians are never to take off our belts, for it is the belt of truth and upon it all else holds together. Like David we are to stand on that TRUTH of what God has already done in our lives and the Bible. We are to buckle on the belt of truth and keep it on, for it is the mark of a Christian. When evil in the world looks gigantic, we’re to say, “Our God is Bigger!” When facts are used against us, may we like David say, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand…for the battle is the Lord’s!”

For articles on the other pieces of the full armor of God, feel free to connect with these links:

We Are At War: Helmet of Salvation

We Are At War: The Renewing of the Mind

We Are At War: The Belt of Truth

We Are At War: The Breastplate of Righteousness

We Are At War: Shoes of Peace

We Are At War: The Shield of Faith

We Are At War: The Sword of the Spirit

References:

Stefanie Hoss, “A Theoretical Approach to Roman Military Belts,” http://www.academia.edu/4849015/A_Theoretical_Approach_to_Roman_Military_Belts

Stefanie Hoss, “The Roman Military Belt,” http://www.academia.edu/212354/The_Roman_Military_Belt

Rick Renner, “The Most Essential Weapon In Your Spiritual Arsenal,” https://renner.org/the-most-essential-weapon-in-your-spiritual-arsenal/

We Are At War: The Renewing of the Mind

Tags

1 Corinthians 2, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 2 Timothy 1:7, Christians and antidepressants, Dr. Candace Pert, Dr. Caroline Leaf, Dr. John Sarno, Ephesians 5:26, Ephesians 6, Full Armor of God, mind body connection, psychosomatic, Renewing the Mind, Rick Renner, Romans 12:2, Sound Mind, The Helmet of Salvation, The Mind of Christ

Imagine…

Imagine with me for a second that you have no bad memories. It’s not that nothing bad ever happened to you, but you don’t remember anything bad. You don’t remember that someone hurt you, slighted you, or was unkind to you. You can’t recall that someone gossiped about you or was abusive emotionally, physically, sexually, or otherwise. Like a victim of amnesia, it’s not that something did not happen to you in the past, there’s just no memory of it and no emotion associated with it. Can you imagine that? Can you imagine not feeling the pain of a memory? Can you imagine that memory gone? Can you imagine the pain gone? The depression’s gone, the anger is gone, the frustration, the fear. Can you imagine what you’d be like without that pain? Without that memory? Just imagine…

I’ve been watching a lot of Hallmark Christmas movies (they’re like eating junk food–not a lot of substance, addictive and can make you sick–LOL) these days, and a popular theme appears to be that of “amnesia.” It’s incredible to watch how a person had been controlling or confused before, BUT after hitting their head and losing their memory, they are now more relaxed and calm. BEFORE they were angry, now they are forgiving and kind. They WERE workaholic, now they have time for family and friends. They WERE successful and rich, now they don’t know it and don’t care about fortune or fame. It seems that in these fictional stories that with the loss of memory and the emotions associated with that, priorities become more clear and what really matters stands out.

You see, our memories and their accompanying emotions are what make us who we are. Each memory has an emotion attached to it so that each time you remember that memory, that same emotion attached to that event is relived when you access that memory. In other words, you feel and relive that memory every time you think about it. So, if we lost those bad memories and therefore, those bad emotions too, we would be different….wouldn’t we? We wouldn’t snap anymore when someone questions us or freeze with fear when faced with a decision or get moody when someone in particular walks into a room or eat too much chocolate when depressed or nitpick when things aren’t the way we think they ought to be or hide in our room when worried.

Memories however, don’t just go away like that. They and their emotions linger and literally gain a stronghold in our minds. And the bad emotions attached to those bad memories have very physical manifestations in our bodies.

I haven’t just been watching lots of Hallmark Christmas movies, but have been reading books by neuroscientists and doctors of medicine concerning the mind/body connection. Scientific researchers have discovered that upwards to 87% of diseases are caused by our negative emotions and thoughts. Our emotions may be unseen, but they have a very real physical manifestation. This is because emotions cause the body to release very real chemicals and hormones into our bodies, and these can either change us physically for better or for worse. Because of this, pharmaceutical companies have come up with drugs to alter the brain by the creation of anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs.

Therefore, what we think and feel are hugely important!! Our thinking does not just stay in our heads. Our emotions do not simply stay put in our hearts. Our thinking and feeling affects our bodies in very real ways when not dealt with properly. This is not a theory. This is not a guess. This is a scientific fact.

This is why God says in Romans 12:2 that we are to, “…not [be] conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

We have been learning about the full armor of God. We have learned that we are in a very real spiritual war, and we have been given spiritual weapons to battle the enemy of our souls. We have learned that we’ve been given a helmet, the helmet of Salvation for the protection of our minds. By Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross those who believe on Him are instantly, spiritually “born again”. Thus we are immediately spiritually saved (at a set date in our past). Furthermore, by His resurrection we are offered future hope of bodily resurrection, thus our physical salvation. Thirdly, there is the daily salvation of our minds. We are saved spiritually, will be saved physically and are being saved mentally/emotionally.

Like amnesia patients act differently when memories are forgotten through a blow to the head, Christians are to be “transformed by the renewing” of the mind. To “renew” the mind means that it is to be made new again, to be renovated, “to renew qualitatively.”* As an old building is renovated, even so, our minds are to be renovated. A renovated building looks different than it first looked because it is restored to another form, and may function in another capacity. Like, an old firehouse when renovated no longer looks like the firehouse. Instead, it is turned into a coffee shop and art gallery. At one time the building was the old firehouse, but it is now renovated into a different form; instead of hoses and firetrucks there is now an espresso machine and paintings on the walls. The old building was not torn down and then another put in its place; it’s still the old building, but it is now made of a different quality and for a different purpose. This is the “renewing” spoken of here in Romans 12:2. We do not do this “renewing,” but rather, it is done to us by God.

When we are renewed in our minds by God, we are transformed.** The word in the Greek for transformed is metamorphoo, meaning, “to be transfigured, to change one’s form.” This happened to Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration in Matthew 17 and Mark 9 when He radiated and glowed with a supernatural, heavenly appearance of light. Even so, we are being radiantly “transfigured” and “changed in form” as our minds are “renewed in quality.”

God has given us the Spirit of a “sound” mind (2 Timothy1:7). To condense the meaning of this amazing “soundness of mind”, it means, “safe in mind.”*** But there’s more to it than that. This safety of the mind also has to do with “wholeness, preservation from danger, loss and destruction, and deliverance”. According to Rick Renner, “When the words sodzo and phroneo are compounded into one word, they form the word sophroneo, which pictures a mind that has been delivered, rescued, revived, salvaged, and protected and is now safe and secure. Thus, even if your mind is tempted to succumb to fear…you can allow God’s Word and the Holy Spirit to work in you to deliver, rescue, revive, and salvage your mind. This means your rationale, logic, and emotions can be shielded from the illogically absurd, ridiculous, unfounded, and crazy thoughts that have tried to grip your mind in the past. All you have to do is grab hold of God’s Word and His Spirit…Second Timothy 1:7 could be translated:

“God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love — He has given you a mind that has been delivered, rescued, revived, salvaged, protected, and brought into a place of safety and security so that it is no longer affected by illogical, unfounded, and absurd thoughts.”

You see, when your mind is guarded by the Word of God, you think differently. When the Word of God is allowed to work in your mind, it safeguards your emotions; it defends your mind from demonic assault; and it shields you from arrows the enemy may try to shoot in your direction in order to arouse a spirit of fear inside you.”

Over the last 20 years, antidepressant use has risen 400% in the United States according to phychcentral.com.**** The body of Christ is riddled with this sickness too. The body of Christ is on anti-depressants. The body of Christ is on anti-anxiety drugs. As Saint Augustine once said, “the Church is a hospital for sinners”.

But, the Church is not supposed to remain sickly conformed to the deformed, depressed, angry, worried, fearful image of the world, for we have been given the helmet of salvation and the Spirit of a “sound mind”. We have the helmet of wholeness, the helmet of a new beginning, the helmet of preservation from wrong thoughts, the helmet of safety and of security. It is the helmet of renewal, renovation, and right thinking. It is the helmet that shields us from destructive mindsets and poisonous emotions. It is a helmet that enables us to change our form and be transfigured from the earthly to the spiritual, from darkness to light.

No matter what memories we have, no matter what we’ve been through or are going through, God is still in the transforming and renewing ministry. The helmet is not so old that is is out-dated or obsolete, but rather, is still powerful enough to save and make us completely whole in our minds if we’ll allow Him to do so. He longs to “sanctify and cleanse” us “with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26), to change us into the image of Christ “from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). So, let’s not keep allowing for toxic emotions and memories to rule us when we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2). We just need to eagerly take hold of the helmet and put it on!

For more information on the full armor of God, please refer to these links:

We Are At War: Helmet of Salvation

We Are At War: The Belt of Truth

We Are At War: The Breastplate of Righteousness

We Are At War: The Sword of the Spirit

We Are At War: Shoes of Peace

We Are At War: The Shield of Faith

End Notes and Sources:

*The Complete Word Study Dictionary, pg. 151, anakainosis #342 from #341 anakainoo which is in turn from two words ana (#303) “again” and kainos “qualitatively new” (#2537),

pg. 804 kainos (#2537) meaning, “qualitatively new” as compared to neos (#3501) “temporarily new”, and pg. 1007 under the term neos (#3501) kainos is also described as “novel or strange”, “The kainon is the heteron (#2087), another of a different kind, the qualitatively new”.

**The Complete Word Study Dictionary, pg 968,# 3339, metamorphoo, “To transform, transfigure, change one’s form” from meta #3326 “a change of place or condition” and morphoo #3445 “to form”. Used in Matthew 17:2 and Mark 9:2 of Jesus’ transfiguration).

***Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Rick Renner http://www.renner.org/mind/what-does-it-mean-to-have-a-sound-mind/, and The Complete Word Study Dictionary, pg 1362-1363 and 1353 and 1454. Sophronos comes from two words, sozo (4982) “to save, deliver, make whole, safe from danger,” and phren (5424) which has to do with the diaphragm and breathing (the diaphragm determines one’s breaths and thus also has to do with the spirit and emotions) which was believed to have to do with the seat of mental and emotional activity and had to do with the ability to think and to control one’s thoughts and attitudes.

****https://psychcentral.com/news/2011/10/25/antidepressant-use-up-400-percent-in-us/30677.html

Other Sources:

Who Switched Off My Brain? by Dr. Caroline Leaf

Mind Over Back Pain, by Dr. John Sarno

“Molecules of Emotion”, by Dr. Candace Pert

Sparkling Gems from the Greek, the website of minister Rick Renner, http://www.renner.org/

We Are At War: The Shield of Faith

Why I Write

Tags

2 Timothy 3:16, Deception, Deception in the Church, False Prophets, lying signs and wonders, Matthew 7:22-23, prophecy

 

Dear Reader,

Thank you for visiting my blog, and for taking the time to get to know me a bit better by reading “Why I write.”

I’ve been writing since I could write. As soon as I could shape letters on a page and form sentences (whether fragments, run-ons or otherwise), I wrote. Over time I’ve honed this skill, from the creative writing class in high school, to my English classes in college, from essay after essay, to my Master’s thesis in seminary, and finally a published short story. It has been a constructive and interesting journey.

I have a B.A. in Bible and History, an M.A. in Biblical Literature, have a published story, have worked for years in ministry and am at present a chaplain.

My heart is that of ministering to the Body of Christ. As a chaplain I do this as a profession. As a volunteer I do this with my spare time. As a writer I do this with my knowledge and heart wrapped into one. My writing is all about edifying the Church, and though the edifying is sometimes like pruning, it is always constructive. After all, pruning to a plant is important or else it will get all tangled, have smaller fruit/flowers, and be generally unsightly. Even so, the Body of Christ needs the edification of pruning in order to produce better fruit.

Thus, I write because I love it. I write also because the knowledge within me demands to be let out! I write to inform, to edify by reproving (showing where we might be wrong in our beliefs/conduct), correcting (showing forth the Biblical way of belief/conduct), and by instructing in righteousness (analyzing how we ought to live Scripture in every day life). (2 Timothy 3:16)

Furthermore, I write to expose some deceptions sweeping over the Church. Indeed, over the years I have come to a shocking realization that some of those I’ve grown up highly respecting have been teaching heresy. One such person I grew up wanting to be like. At age 13 and up, I idolized this person. I went to his meetings, bought his books, wanted to talk like, look like, and act like him. I even wanted to gray early because he did! He was anointed, a man of God being used mightily, and I longed to be anointed and be used mightily by God too! I wanted to see the sick healed, the dead raised, the demons cast out, and have the powerful manifestations that he did in his miracle crusades.

However, what I did not realize, is that the minister I idolized was openly teaching unbiblical things not as a theory but as a fact, while at the same time telling everyone that the Bible was the standard to be followed in all doctrine and practice. My heart is grieved now by this powerful truth, and I pray for the minister that I esteemed and looked up to in every way. He is in grave error.

You see, when I write what I write on this website, I will not write simply to expose for the sake of exposing. Though I may get passionate about repentance and the truth, my heart is broken over what is happening to the Church. I am grieved for the Body of Christ that is falling prey to this horrific deception. People, who love Jesus, who are hungry for God, who long for the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, are being led astray to the subtle beat of another gospel and they don’t even know it! This is not about naming names. Rather, it is about false teaching and false prophecy and lying signs and wonders. There will be names mentioned at times, however, because people are being led astray by leaders who are deceived, and by leaders who are deceivers. It is hard to tell the difference between these two types of leaders. But whether deceived or deceivers, they are still propagating deception and that deception must be exposed….that we might better know how to pray….that the Church and its leaders might come to repentance.

After all, “many will say… ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness,’” (Matthew 7:22-23).

Indeed we are living in the Last Days. We must be vigilant. We must be sober. We must watch and pray (1 Thessalonians 5, Luke 21:34-36).

These are some of the reasons why I write. Thank you for your time and consideration and prayers. Blessings to you all!