That is the theme of four messages from Ephesians 6:10-20 that I recently had the privilege of sharing at First Evangelical Church in Memphis, Tennessee.
We live in chaotic times. Critical theories, woke philosophies, and progressive theologies invade the church from all sides. But Paul's words in this foundational passage on spiritual warfare give a clarion call to fight the right battles with he right resources.
Evagrius of Pontus, an influential theologian of the fourth century, once remarked: "The further the soul advances, the greater are the adversaries against which it must contend." Those words are as true today as they were seventeen hundred years ago.
If you would like to watch or listen to one or more of these messages about standing firm in the face of spiritual , just click on "Stand Firm" below.
Looking Back
I've never been so cold! Before beginning the above mentioned series of messages in Memphis, I flew to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to encounter the chilling -20 degree temperatures of mid-January. Though the temperatures were frigid, the fellowship with some 20 plus international pastors and church leaders–many from Sudan, Africa–was unforgettable.
This was one of the first Thompson Bible International Institute seminars organized here in the States. My colleague, Brian Balster, organized the seminar and invited me along with the Director of African Pastoral Training, Chuck Ballard, to provide the teaching. What a joy to see the vibrant participation and spiritual fervor of these immigrant church leaders desirous of learning how to better study and communicate God's Word.
If you know of international pastors and church leaders in your area who might be interested in receiving this training, just send me an email (dstevens@paraclete.net). We're considering how we can provide this training on a more regular basis right here in the US.
Looking Ahead
Please join us in prayer for the following upcoming ministry opportunities:
February 22-25 Missions Conference, First Evangelical Church, Memphis, Tennessee
March 10-25 Travel to Cameroon, West Africa for pastoral training
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you. Colossians 1:3
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