Wage War!

We are at war. But too often most of our casualties are from friendly fire. We are called to be the church together, but we forget that our enemy is the kingdom of darkness, not those brothers and sisters in Christ who might have differing opinions or views. We are most responsible with the Gospel when we are united as a body. Adam Barnett concludes our series by laying out how we cultivate unity with our words, grace and love. Wage War! Ekklesia | Week 4 August 27, 2017 | Adam Barnett Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. We are most responsible with the gospel when we are UNIFIED as a BODY. Cultivate Unity with Words Proverbs 16:24 (NIV) Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts… Cultivate Unity with Grace Galatians 6:1-2 (NIV) Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Cultivate Unity with Love John 13:34-35 (NIV) A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.