Month: September 2024

30
Sep
2024
The Shield of Faith

The Shield of Faith

In the spiritual battle that we face, we need all the protection we can get. Ephesians 6:16 reminds us of a crucial piece of spiritual armor: the shield of faith.

 . . . above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Ephesians 6:16

Fiery Darts of the Evil One

The “fiery darts” mentioned in the verse are a metaphor for the temptations, doubts, and attacks that we face from the enemy.

These fiery darts can be subtle or overt, but they all aim to discourage us, weaken our faith, and lead us astray.

Shield of Faith

The shield of faith is our defense against these fiery darts.

It is a symbol of our trust in God and our unwavering belief in His promises.

When we hold up the shield of faith, we are declaring our reliance on God and His power to protect us.

How to Strengthen Your Faith

To strengthen your shield of faith, you can:

  • Spend time in prayer: Prayer is a powerful tool for deepening your relationship with God and strengthening your faith.
  • Study the Bible: The Bible is a source of truth and wisdom that can help you grow in your faith.
  • Fellowship with other believers: Surrounding yourself with people who share your faith can provide encouragement and support.
  • Trust in God’s promises: Remember that God is faithful and that His promises are true.

The Power of Faith

When we hold up the shield of faith, we are declaring that we trust in God’s power to protect us. This can be a powerful weapon against the enemy’s attacks.

The apostle Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). When we trust in Christ and His power, we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way.

The shield of faith is a vital piece of spiritual armor. By strengthening your faith through prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and trust in God’s promises, you can protect yourself from the fiery darts of the evil one and emerge victorious in your spiritual battles.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy Today – Pray Upside Down

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith
29
Sep
2024
The Bond of Marriage

The Bond of Marriage

The topic of gender roles within marriage has been debated for centuries. While some people may find this verse controversial, it’s important to understand the biblical context and the intended meaning.

For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, and he is the Savior of the body.

Ephesians 5:23

Understanding the Headship

The phrase “head of the wife” doesn’t mean that the husband is superior to the wife in every way. Instead, it refers to a specific type of leadership.

  • Spiritual Leadership: The husband is called to be the spiritual leader of the family. This means providing guidance, direction, and spiritual support to his wife and children.
  • Loving and Sacrificial Leadership: The husband’s leadership should be characterized by love, sacrifice, and service. He should be willing to put his wife’s needs before his own.

The Wife’s Role

The wife’s role is to respect and submit to her husband’s leadership.

This doesn’t mean that she is inferior to him or that she must always agree with him.

It means that she recognizes his authority and seeks to support him in his role as the spiritual leader of the family.

Model of Christ and the Church

The verse uses the relationship between Christ and the church as a model for the relationship between a husband and wife.

Christ is the head of the church, and He loves and protects it; even laying down His life! In a similar way, a husband should love and protect his wife.

The Importance of Unity

The goal of this biblical teaching is not to create a power dynamic within the marriage but to foster unity and love.

When a husband and wife work together in harmony, their marriage can be a beautiful and fulfilling experience.

The biblical understanding of the husband’s role as the head of the wife is one of love, leadership, and service. When this role is fulfilled in a loving and respectful way, it can contribute to a strong and healthy marriage.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy today! – Pray Upside

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Marriage
28
Sep
2024
Complete in Christ

Complete in Christ

In a world that often leaves us feeling incomplete, lacking, or wanting more, Colossians 2:10 offers a powerful message of hope and fulfillment. It tells us that we are made complete in Christ.

. . . and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power..

Colossians 2:10

Completeness of Christ

The phrase “complete in Christ” means that in our union with Jesus, we have everything we need. We are no longer lacking anything that will truly satisfy our souls. Christ is our source of spiritual completeness.

  • Spiritual Fulfillment: Through faith in Christ, we receive forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and a right relationship with God. This spiritual fulfillment is the ultimate source of satisfaction.
  • Identity in Christ: When we are united with Christ, we are no longer defined by our past mistakes or failures. Instead, we are defined by our relationship with Him.
  • Spiritual Authority: As believers, we have been given authority over the powers of darkness. This means that we can overcome temptation, resist evil, and live victorious lives.

Christ as Head Over All

The verse also reminds us that Christ is the head over every power and authority.

This means that He is supreme over all rulers, spiritual forces, and earthly authorities.

When we are united with Christ, we are under His authority and protection. We can trust that He is in control of our lives and that He has a good plan for us.

Benefits of Completeness

Being complete in Christ brings many benefits, including:

  • Peace and Joy: A sense of peace and joy that comes from knowing that our lives are in God’s hands.
  • Purpose and Meaning: A clear understanding of our purpose in life and a sense of meaning and direction.
  • Confidence and Strength: The confidence and strength that comes from knowing that we are loved and supported by a powerful God.

In Christ, you will find the ultimate source of completeness and fulfillment. He is the head over every power and authority, and He has everything you need to live a meaningful and victorious life.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy today! – Pray Upside

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
27
Sep
2024
The Danger of Apostasy

The Danger of Apostasy

Apostasy is the act of abandoning one’s faith or beliefs.

It’s a serious spiritual matter that can have devastating consequences.

In 2 Peter 2:20, Peter warns us about the dangers of apostasy and the possibility of a worse outcome than if we had never believed at all.

If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.

2 Peter 2:20

Warning of Apostasy

Peter’s warning is clear: if someone has escaped the corruptions of this world through knowledge of Jesus Christ and then returns to it; their last state is worse than the first.

This means that falling away from the faith after having experienced salvation can be more harmful than never having believed at all.

Reasons for Apostasy

There are many reasons why people may fall away from their faith.

Some may become discouraged or disillusioned. Others may be tempted by worldly pleasures or the desire for approval.

Still others may simply drift away from the church and their spiritual practices.

Consequences of Apostasy

The consequences of apostasy can be severe. It can lead to spiritual emptiness, guilt, and shame. It can also have a negative impact on our relationships with others.

Moreover, the Bible warns us that those who reject Jesus Christ after having believed in Him will face eternal judgment (Hebrews 6:4-6).

It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.

Hebrews 6:4-6

This is a sobering reminder of the importance of persevering in our faith.

How to Avoid Apostasy

To avoid falling away from your faith, you must be diligent in your spiritual practices. You should regularly attend church, study the Bible, pray, and participate in fellowship with other believers.

You need be mindful of the temptations that can lead to apostasy, and should seek to develop a strong relationship with God, relying on His strength to help you overcome those temptations.

The warning about apostasy in 2 Peter 2:20 is a serious one. It reminds us of the importance of remaining faithful to Christ and persevering in our faith.

By being diligent in your spiritual practices and seeking God’s strength, you can avoid the dangers of apostasy and experience the joy and peace that comes from a deep relationship with Him.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy today! – Pray Upside

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith
26
Sep
2024
The Fight for Faith

The Fight for Faith

The Christian life is not always easy. We face challenges, temptations, and trials that can test our faith. But Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 6:12 that we are called to fight the good fight of faith.

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

1 Timothy 6:12

The Spiritual Battle

The Christian life is a spiritual battle.

We are not just fighting against our own sinful desires; we are also fighting against the forces of evil that seek to undermine our faith.

Satan and his demons are constantly trying to discourage us, tempt us, and lead us astray.

Persevering in Faith

To fight the good fight of faith, we must persevere. We must not give up when things get tough.

We must endure hardships, trials, and temptations.

The apostle Paul himself faced many challenges in his life, but he never gave up on his faith. He wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

Eternal Reward

Those who persevere in their faith will receive an eternal reward. Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 6:12 that we are called to take hold of the eternal life to which we were called when we confessed our faith in front of many witnesses.

When we confess our faith in Jesus Christ, we are declaring our allegiance to Him and our commitment to following Him.

This is a significant act that has eternal consequences.

The Christian life is a journey that requires perseverance and endurance. You must be willing to fight the good fight of faith and resist the temptations that come your way.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy today! – Pray Upside

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith