NCCF Church Sharing

July 10, 202318mWatch on YouTube

In this collectionChurch Sharing129 messages

Speaker: NCCF Church Title: NCCF Church Sharing Date: 07/09/2023 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The speaker reflects on the 'Armor of God' from Ephesians 6, emphasizing that it is necessary for all believers, not just for children. He details the practical meaning of each piece—the Belt of Truth (honesty with God), the Breastplate of Righteousness (Christ's imputed righteousness), the Shoes of Peace (a desire to share what is learned in church), the Shield of Faith (believing in God's love despite negative thoughts), and the Helmet of Salvation (the hope of eternal life with Jesus).

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

Why we need the armor of GodPaul warns adults in the mature church of Ephesus against spiritual enemies like rulers and world forces in the dark world, showing that we cannot survive spiritually without divine armor.Ephesians 6:12

The belt of TruthThe very first piece of armor reminds us to be completely honest and transparent with God without needing to pretend.

The breastplate of righteousnessThis represents Christ's righteousness given to us, assuring us that we are justified and deeply loved by God despite our mistakes.

The shoes of peaceThese serve as a reminder to share the precious truths we learn at church with other believers and people around us.

The Shield of faithThis shield gives us the faith to believe in God's love and deflect the flaming arrows of discouraging thoughts.

The helmet of salvation and sword of the SpiritThe helmet reminds us of our eternal hope of living with Jesus, while the sword of the Spirit highlights the necessity of spending time in God's word despite distractions.

Prayer and wholeheartednessPrayer for all the saints keeps our spiritual armor maintained, and the example of the tribe of zebulun challenges us to serve God with an undivided heart.

The nature of why questionsWhile children ask hundreds of why questions to learn, adults often ask self-centered or finger-pointing why questions about things outside their control.

Growing out of childish thinkingScripture instructs believers not to be children in their thinking, but rather to mature and put away childish ways.1 Corinthians 14:201 Corinthians 13:11

Where are you?Just as God asked Adam where he was, God desires fellowship with us above all else and checks if anything is breaking our fellowship with Him.

Approaching God with confidenceBecause Jesus paid for our sins, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence and ask God to show us His presence in every trial.

Trusting God until everything is clearThough we see dimly now, we can put our unanswered why questions aside, trust God as a loving father, and look forward to the day when we will know fully.1 Corinthians 13:12

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