Spiritual Battles Archives - Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel

Kurt Steinbrueck September 9, 2020

Blog Armor of God, Conflict, Spiritual Battles

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A World in Conflict

“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.“
– Ephesians 6:13

The news has been focusing more and more on the protests, riots, looting, and arson going on in several major cities in the U.S. These riots have been going on for months and as we see the violence we are all reminded that the world we live in is not a peaceful one.

Politicians and activists have been talking about racial injustice, riots, gun restrictions, the police, and more. Our minds race about the flesh and blood battles that take place, but there are other battles taking place as well…all the time.

Ephesians 6:12 tells us…

“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.“

Every day, well before anyone shows up with rocks, fireworks, or Molotov cocktails to riot, the rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil attacked and led people into sin and towards committing evil acts. Before any racial injustice or injustice of any kind is committed, the spiritual attacks were well underway. Even when the riots end, the enemy will continue their attacks.

Each and every day we face the attacks of the enemy trying to lead us away from God, lead us into sin, and lead us into evil. So, the Bible says to prepare.

Put on the full armor of God.

Put on the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of Christ’s righteousness, the belt of the Truth of God’s Word, the shoes of the Gospel, the shield of faith, and sword of the Spirit (the Word of God).

In other words, spend time in prayer. Spend time studying God’s Word. Remember and hold fast to the promises of God. Live and share the Gospel. Know God’s truth so you can combat the lies of the enemy. Surround yourself with brothers and sisters in Christ who will support you. Cover yourself in the grace and mercy of God that by His grace you may withstand the attacks of the evil one.

“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.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” – Ephesians 6:13-18

Dear Jesus,

This world seems full of evil sometimes, but I know Your goodness is also here. Remind me of Your goodness. Watch over me and protect me from the attacks of the evil one. Cover me with Your armor and keep me steadfast in true faith in You.

Amen

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck March 24, 2020

Blog Spiritual Attacks, Spiritual Battles, suffering

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Who Is The Real Enemy?

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” – Ephesians 6:10-11

What are you doing to protect yourself these days?

Did you ever watch the show, 24? I really liked that show at least for a while. One of the interesting things about the show is that you had one bad guy at the beginning of the season, but over the course of the season that bad guy would be stopped only to find out that another bad guy was behind the first guy and was the real threat.

With all the craziness around us, it’s easy to focus on all the physical challenges we face.

How do I work and keep my kids at school?
What if I get the virus?
How will I pay the bills since I can’t work?

We focus on these things and miss the spiritual attacks that are going on all around us.

As churches stop meeting in person, the temptation may be to stop worshiping or stop being a part of the church. This is much worse of a threat than a virus.

In times when being physically a part of the church is more difficult, it’s even more important to be the church apart. It’s easy to skip church and just sleep in. Who would know?

It’s Even More Important Now
However, it’s during these times that we need to spend even more time in the Bible and in prayer. Pray for each other. Call each other and pray with each other. Fast. Find ways to serve one another and your neighbors.

Remember, the church isn’t the building, it’s the people…it’s you. You are the church just as much today as you were a month ago. You need Jesus just as much today as a month ago. Your neighbor needs Jesus just as much as they did a month ago.

We need to be vigilant both for ourselves and our brothers and sisters in Christ. We need to put on the armor of God every day, filling our minds with God’s promises, seeking the truth, standing firm in the Gospel, and asking God for faith.

What will you do to protect yourself?

Heavenly Father,

Please protect me. Protect me from the coronavirus. Protect me from financial ruin. Protect me from the spiritual attacks going on all around me. Help me to seek You in Your Word and fill my mind with Your promises.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Phenomenal Cosmic Powers! Itty Bitty Living Space!

Kurt Steinbrueck January 27, 2020

Blog Angels, Demons, Devil, Satan, Spiritual Attacks, Spiritual Battles

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Phenomenal Cosmic Powers! Itty Bitty Living Space!

Phenomenal Cosmic Powers! Itty Bitty Living space!

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” – Ephesians 6:12-13

What are the biggest threats in your life?

What scares you?

How do you protect yourself?

Most of what we think of in terms of threats, fears, and struggles are physical or emotional. It makes sense because that’s what is in front of our eyes and what we feel. However, the Bible tells us that there are other things going on, spiritual things, that have a big impact on our lives.

We face spiritual attacks. Yes, there are forces at work that are not visible. The devil is real and demons are real. So, are angels and there is a battle going on for the eternal destination of people.

Physical and emotional threats or only temporary. Spiritual threats can be eternal. So, yes, there are other threats…greater threats. God, however, fights for us and gives us protection, spiritual armor, if you will. This is one of the reasons the spiritual practices of prayer and spending time in God’s Word are so important.

What will you do in the future to strengthen and protect yourself spiritually?

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” – Ephesians 6:13-18

Heavenly Father,

Fill me with Your presence and protect me not only from the physical but from the spiritual attacks.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Spiritual Battles

A World in Conflict

A World in Conflict

Who Is The Real Enemy?

Who Is The Real Enemy?

Phenomenal Cosmic Powers! Itty Bitty Living Space!

Phenomenal Cosmic Powers! Itty Bitty Living space!

Faith Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, FL serving Lutz, Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes, and New Tampa, FL