RSS

Monthly Archives: August 2024

Put On The Full Armor of God

29 Aug
Put On The Full Armor of God

8.29.24

Put On The Full Armor Of God

Ephesians 6:10-20, Paul urges us to “put on the full armor of God.” This passage serves as a powerful reminder that we are engaged in a spiritual battle, a constant struggle against the forces of evil. The enemy is not just a physical entity but a spiritual force that seeks to undermine our faith and divide us. This battle is not limited to the past; it’s a daily reality that we all face.

Just as the Pevensie children in The Chronicles of Narnia faced off against the White Witch, we, too, are engaged in a cosmic conflict. The White Witch represents the forces of darkness, while Aslan symbolizes Christ, the true King of Narnia.

This story serves as a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual battles. Like the Pevensie children, we must rely on the strength of our faith and the protection of God to overcome the challenges we face.

To equip ourselves for this spiritual warfare, Paul outlines the armor of God:

  • The belt of truth
  • The breastplate of righteousness
  • The shoes of peace
  • The shield of faith
  • The helmet of salvation
  • The sword of the Spirit
  • Prayer

By putting on this armor, we can stand firm against the enemy and emerge victorious.   

As we continue to navigate the challenges of our church, community, and world, may we remember to put on the full armor of God. By doing so, we can overcome the obstacles that lie ahead and live lives that glorify God.

In Christ!

Sela

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on August 29, 2024 in Church, Community, Family, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags:

Navigating Life’s Highway: A Call to Intentionality

22 Aug
Navigating Life’s Highway: A Call to Intentionality

8.22.24

Navigating Life’s Highway: A Call to Intentionality

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get lost in pursuing material possessions and fleeting pleasures. Ephesians 5:15-20 reminds us that our lives are about living in a way that is pleasing to God.

To live intentionally, we must “redeem the time” by prioritizing activities that nourish our souls. This means being mindful of how we spend our days and avoiding distractions that hinder our spiritual growth.

The Holy Spirit provides us with the guidance and strength we need to resist temptations and live a life characterized by the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By yielding to the Holy Spirit’s influence, we can navigate life’s challenges with greater wisdom and grace.

By speaking in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, we connect with God and express our gratitude, worship, and praise.

Ultimately, living a life that is pleasing to God requires careful attention, mindfulness, and a commitment to following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It’s like navigating a complex road; with the right map and guidance, we can reach our destination safely and successfully.

In Christ!

Sela

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on August 22, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags:

Building Blocks of Faith

16 Aug
Building Blocks of Faith

8.16.2024

Last Sunday’s sermon discussed the essential building blocks for a solid and enduring faith. Drawing from Ephesians 4:25-5:2, we considered the importance of truth, forgiveness, grace, and love.

Just as a well-constructed building requires a solid foundation, our spiritual lives must be grounded in these principles. The question we must wrestle with today is: What kind of construction worker are you? Are you helping or hindering the building project of your faith? Are you sealing up cracks or leaving an opening for the devil?

By replacing falsehood with truth, anger with forgiveness, and bitterness with grace, we are actively contributing to the construction of our spiritual lives. Furthermore, we are not merely constructing our own lives but building a dwelling place for God’s Spirit. Our words should be life-giving, not destructive.

As we strive to build a life that pleases God, let us remember that it is a continuous process. There will be challenges along the way, but with the Holy Spirit as our guide and the Word of God as our blueprint, we can construct a life that is both fulfilling and impactful.

In Christ!

Sela

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on August 16, 2024 in Church, Community, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

The Table Is For Everyone

08 Aug
The Table Is For Everyone

8.8.2024

This past week’s sermon, we listened to Jesus’ declaration, “I am the bread of life.” After witnessing the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, the crowd was captivated by the spectacle but missed the deeper spiritual significance.

Just as we might chase after worldly pleasures or achievements to fill a void, these people sought to satisfy their souls with more miracles. Jesus, however, offered something far more substantial: Himself. He is the ultimate source of life and fulfillment.

To receive this Bread of Life, we must have faith in Jesus, the Christ, and a commitment to follow Him. When we partake in the Sacrament of Holy Communion, we remember his sacrifice and renew our covenant with him.

At the Olympic Opening Ceremony, there was a lot of backlash and chatter about just how offensive the scene of the perceived Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” was to Christians—only to be confused with another supposed scene from Greek mythology. The artist claims that it was not his intent to mock any religion; instead, he “wanted to include everyone…” Isn’t that what Jesus would do, invite everyone to the table, making us all feel included and valued?

As my doctoral mentor, Leonard Sweet, had written, “The stage has a purpose, but the table sets the stage. If we invested as much energy setting the table as we do setting the stage, the church would be a wellspring of revival. The table represents who we truly are; the stage is who we want others to perceive us. The table embodies authenticity; the stage reflects appearance. Jesus dedicated His ministry to setting the table, not just performing on stage. Can we prioritize authenticity and gather around the table as much as gather for and spotlight the stage?” Indeed, the only thing that should be offensive to Christians are those among us who come to the table and partake of the body and blood of Christ without repentance and, after partaking in the Sacrament of Holy Communion, go about their sinful ways without transformation. 

1 Corinthians 11:27-28 

27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 

May we prioritize the eternal over the temporal, seeking nourishment from the One who can truly satisfy our hearts and souls.

In Christ!

Pastor Sela

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on August 8, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Philosophy, Postcolonial, Postmodern, Religion, Spirituality, Student life, Theology

 

Tags: , ,

Unwavering Fath

01 Aug
Unwavering Fath

8.1.2024

The Woman’s Unwavering Faith: A Reflection on Mark 7:24-30

The story of the Syrophoenician woman is a powerful testament to the nature of faith. Faced with her daughter’s demonic possession, she boldly approached Jesus despite being an outsider in Jewish society. Her persistence in seeking healing, even after Jesus’ initial reluctance, is inspiring.

The woman’s humility and unwavering belief in Jesus’ power are a powerful example for us today. Her analogy of the dogs and the crumbs reveals a deep understanding of her place in the world, yet it also asserts her trust in God’s provision.

This story challenges us to examine our own faith. Are we persistent in our prayers? Do we approach God with humility and desperation? May we be inspired by this woman’s example to cultivate a faith that is both humble and bold.

In Christ!

Sela Finau

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on August 1, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology