WHERE’S THE BATTLE?

The other day, I was flipping through the radio stations as I drove, and I heard the distinctive, familiar, voice of Alistair Begg. There’s something about that Scottish accent that makes you stop and listen every time. He was preaching from Ephesians and talking about how we sometimes forget where the real battle is. We get caught up in a lot of things that are either temporal or surface issues. We get upset at politics and news stories, but give little thought to the real battle … the spiritual battle.

Ephesians 6:12 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. (Eph 6:12 NIV)

Do we really realize that there is an ongoing spiritual battle? When we get upset, whether it be at politics, the news, or even our spouse, do we consider that the “spiritual forces of evil” are often at work? Maybe they didn’t generate the problem, but it’s very likely that they are intensifying it.

How about our prayers? Are we praying for revival in the church and community? Are we praying that God would restrain the “powers of this dark world” so that Christ’s light would shine all the more brightly?

Do you daily “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Eph 6:11 ESV) Today, I encourage you to take a good long look at the world through your spiritual eyes and ask God to help you see what’s really going on out there. Take a few minutes to read Ephesians 6:10-20 and make sure you are prepared for battle!

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. (Eph 6:13 ESV)

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

ACCESS

Over the past couple of weeks, a lot of work has gone into increasing the accessibility of our church to people with disabilities. As a handful of people worked together, progress was made, and there is now a ramp on the east side of the church. Yes, there is more work to do, but the progress has been significant. And, for some people, it should be much easier to get into our church building … those who struggled, or just couldn't make it in, now have access.

Having access … that’s significant. Have you ever wanted to go somewhere, but did not have access? Perhaps it was a trip you wanted to take, but didn’t have the funds. Perhaps you wanted to meet a dignitary or famous person, but had no means. Or, have you wanted to fix something, but just couldn’t reach what needed to be fixed with the tools you had?

Any of these could be points of frustration and/or disappointment. But, can you imagine the frustration of not having access to God? What if we had to go through all kinds of rituals and cleansings (i.e. Old Testament sacrificial system) in order to set things right with God? What if our prayer requests had to go through a priest, instead of being spoken directly in our time of need? Isn’t it wonderful that Jesus Christ has granted us direct access to the Father? With the help of the following verses, I invite you to consider what a great gift that access is:

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Ephesians 3:11-12 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. (ESV)

Access to the Father in prayer is indeed a great gift. Never neglect it!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

WHAT’S BELOW THE SURFACE?

This week, we began the groundwork for the ramp that will eventually be on the east side of the church building. As we dug down, to level the ground, we found an unpleasant surprise. Just below the surface was a fair number of decent sized rocks and pieces of concrete. I’m sure that when they were put there, it seemed like easy fill, and that no one would ever have to remove them. But, we did have to remove them. Sure, it was more work, but the rocks and concrete had to go.

Sometimes it’s unpleasant to discover and/or deal with whatever lies just below the surface … and I’m not just talking about our work project. I think that most people have things that lie just below the surface, that they are afraid to let other people see. It may be a hidden hurt that we just can’t bring ourselves to talk about. Maybe it’s a struggle that we don’t think anyone would understand. Or, perhaps, it’s sin that hasn’t been dealt with, and we don’t think that anyone can tell. While we may be tempted to say that it isn’t hurting anyone, that statement is rarely true, especially when it comes to Christians. We are meant to be interdependent, functioning as a body. Remember 1 Corinthians 12:26-27:

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (ESV)

Whether it’s in a counseling session, when someone finally reveals that hidden struggle and seeks for help, or in life, when that problem or sin is finally confessed and dealt with, there is often a newfound freedom. Let’s face it … secrets always induce fear … fear that someone will find out, or fear of what people will think. And, there are no secrets from God … He sees everything, and still loves you.

Is there something that lies just below your surface? Have you talked to God about it? Is it time to talk to someone else about it? What’s stopping you? Fear? It may not (and probably will not) be easy, but dealing with it is part of being more pliable for the Savior. Remember Isaiah 64:8, “But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (ESV) Let’s make sure that we are all good ground … pliable clay … for the Master’s use!


In His grip,
Pastor Decker