The Magnificent Seven from Heaven
Nov. 25 and Dec. 2, 2007
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Text: Ephesians 6:14-19
I have run before! Can you remember a battle? A time you stood your ground or a time you ran? God - Kingdom Congregations are called to stand their ground! But have you found yourself deserting? Stand firm with the magnificent seven from heaven!
Truthfulness
V14 - You live as a person of truth! The enemies greatest trick? Lies!!
Kid with pants falling down - can’t run or fight! What lies keep us from standing?
How do we desert? Value of self, money, sin, You have the truth! STAND FIRM. 1Cor 15:55-58
Righteousness
V14 - God’s will and way protects my heart and gut! Have you deserted your heart and gut? Self righteousness! Deserted the mirror! Examine self first! Ask - Am I standing on the Rock? Loving God and loving others? STAND FIRM. Prov 12:7
Good News
V15 - OHC - Good news Church! People of peace! Romans 5:1 - This is Good news! I have the message of peace! Joy! Psalm 29:11. How do we desert this? Not ready? Why? We stand for the Good news, God does the rest! Duet 20:1-4. STAND FIRM!
Deferments - reasons not to go to the front - Hogan’s Heroes - This power of fear! The enemy uses it - number of phobias
Faith
V16 - Take up - Faith is from heaven! Comes from hearing! Think of things you like to hear? Your spouse saying “I love you” - your name - a child’s voice -brings joy – encouragement - Proverbs 30:5 - “Have Faith in God” You can hear His voice!
”Unbelief puts our circumstances between us and God, but faith puts God between us and our circumstances.” - F.B. Meyer
2 Chronicles 20:17 - How do we desert our faith? STAND FIRM! God is in front!
Salvation
V17 - Sanctification! You are a work in progress! The enemy wants to turn your attention away from the fight! Marathon running - hitting the wall - thinking desertion! Not in a fellowship, not serving, giving, or blessing others! How does the enemy try to turn your head? Isaiah 12. STAND FIRM!
The Word of God
V17 - Our weapon! The power - Jesus tempted - The promises! The precise application in our lives! Be battle ready! My first memory verse and how I remember it - Devil did not want this to happen! How do we desert the word? No discipleship? No application? Psalm 119:89, 2 Thess. 2:15. STAND FIRM!
Prayer
In constant communication with the commander! Radio for air support – James – effective, fervent prayer! How desert this? Truth: God answers prayer! 1 John 5:14-15. STAND FIRM!
Conclusion
Drawing battle pictures in school - God has drawn a battle picture - One where we win! The Cross! The Kingdom Congregation - filled with people standing firm! People with the magnificent seven from heaven! Holding and taking ground for heaven! The choice is yours - “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!”