episode 1our cultural commission

Word of god in gov’t• William Blackstone’s Commentaries

on the Laws of England.• 1930 – FDR proclaimed a day of

Thanksgiving• 1954 – “under God” added to Pledge

of allegiance.

May 2012:• our President affirms same-sex unions. • the First us Court of Appeals declares

the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional

• the us House of Representatives voted down the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act

10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the

Devil.

Ephesians 6:10-11

12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness,

Ephesians 6:12a

against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. 13 This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in

the evil day,

Ephesians 6:12b-13a

and having prepared everything, to take your stand.

Ephesians 6:13b

The Preparation: Strength in the Lord (v. 10)

• The power that raised Christ from the dead empowers God's people.

• The Lord's strength is always more than sufficient for the battle.

The Provision: The Armor of God (v. 11a)

• God's people must put on the whole armor of God.

• The full armor means head-to-toe protection.

• This gear was for hand-to-hand combat, not for appearances.

The Enemy: Satan (v. 11b-12)

• …against the devil’s schemes.• our struggle is not against flesh and

blood.• our enemy is much bigger than

someone who differs with us ideologically.

• it is a close fought battle.

The victory: Taking a Stand (v. 13)

• believers are assured of victory, we must engage in the struggle until Christ returns.

• our victory comes in being obedient to God.

• the real way to change this country is one heart at a time.

episode 1our cultural commission