Equipped for Kingdom Service: Faith, Giving, and Warfare

Devotional

Day 1: Baptism as a Symbol of Transformation

Baptism is a profound symbol of our faith, representing our new life in Christ and our commitment to follow His example. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation, aligning us with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. As we celebrate the baptism of Brother Corey Teach, we are reminded that while there is no power in the water itself, there is immense power in the blood of Jesus. This power sustains us, providing for our needs and guiding us through life's challenges. Baptism is a declaration of faith, a public testimony of our decision to follow Christ and live according to His teachings. [05:00]

Colossians 2:12 (ESV): "Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead."

Reflection: How does your baptism continue to influence your daily walk with Christ, and in what ways can you publicly reaffirm your commitment to Him today?

Day 2: The Spiritual Practice of Giving

Giving is a spiritual practice that reflects our gratitude and trust in God's provision. As cheerful givers, we align ourselves with God's will, opening ourselves to receive His abundant blessings. Our offerings are not just financial transactions but acts of worship that demonstrate our faith and gratitude for God's blessings. As we give, we trust that God will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings beyond measure. This act of giving is a testament to our faith and a way to participate in God's work on earth. [27:28]

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: What is one way you can practice cheerful giving this week, and how can you trust God to provide for your needs as you give?

Day 3: The Armor of God

The armor of God equips us to stand against spiritual forces of evil. By putting on truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God, we are empowered to withstand the evil day and remain steadfast in our faith. Our battles are not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. We must be strong in the Lord, equipped with the full armor of God to stand firm and victorious. This armor protects us and empowers us to withstand the challenges we face, reminding us that while evil persists, we are not alone. [01:11:55]

Ephesians 6:13-14 (ESV): "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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness."

Reflection: Which piece of the armor of God do you need to focus on strengthening in your life, and how can you actively put it on today?

Day 4: Strength in Community and Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual warfare requires us to be strong in the Lord, drawing strength from prayer, the Word, and community. Together, we can exalt God and defeat the enemy, knowing that with God on our side, no weapon formed against us shall prosper. Our strength comes from being in a community charged with the Holy Spirit's power, where miracles happen, and chains are broken. We are not in this battle alone; together, we can support one another and stand firm in our faith. [01:18:37]

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (ESV): "And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

Reflection: How can you actively engage with your spiritual community this week to support and be supported in the spiritual battles you face?

Day 5: Assurance of Salvation

Our salvation is our helmet, protecting our minds from the enemy's attacks. When we are confident in our salvation, we can face spiritual warfare with assurance, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. This assurance gives us the confidence to stand firm in our faith, knowing that our salvation is secure and that God is with us in every battle. Our salvation is a gift from God, and it is our responsibility to protect it and live in the confidence it provides. [01:34:55]

1 Thessalonians 5:8 (ESV): "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation."

Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself of the assurance of your salvation today, and how does this assurance impact your response to spiritual challenges?

Sermon Summary

In 2025, we are called to be equipped for kingdom service, serving God, His people, and the church. Today, we celebrate the baptism of Brother Corey Teach, a powerful symbol of our faith and new life in Christ. Baptism is an outward expression of our inner confession, mirroring Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. As we gather, we are reminded that while the water holds no power, the blood of Jesus does, and it is through His sacrifice that we are saved.

Our service is filled with praise and gratitude for God's provision and care. We are reminded that God supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory. As cheerful givers, we are blessed to give back to God, trusting that He will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings beyond measure. Our giving is a reflection of our faith and acknowledgment of God's goodness in our lives.

We also partake in communion, remembering Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. His death and resurrection offer us forgiveness and new life. As we take the bread and the cup, we are reminded of His love and the salvation we have through Him. This act of remembrance strengthens our faith and unites us as a community of believers.

In Ephesians 6, we are called to put on the whole armor of God to stand against the wiles of the devil. Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. We are equipped with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. These spiritual tools empower us to withstand the evil day and stand firm in our faith.

As we face battles in the world, both physical and spiritual, we are reminded that God is our commander. He equips us with His armor, ensuring we are not vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. Our strength comes from the Lord, and through prayer, the Word, and community, we are empowered to stand firm and fight the good fight of faith.

Key Takeaways

1. Baptism is a profound expression of faith, symbolizing our new life in Christ and aligning us with His death, burial, and resurrection. It is a public declaration of our inner transformation and commitment to follow Jesus. [05:00]
2. God's provision is abundant, and as cheerful givers, we are blessed to give back to Him. Our generosity reflects our trust in God's ability to supply all our needs and His promise to pour out blessings beyond measure. [27:22]
3. Communion is a sacred act of remembrance, honoring Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. It unites us as believers and strengthens our faith, reminding us of the forgiveness and new life we have through Christ. [32:54]
4. The armor of God equips us to stand against spiritual forces of evil. Each piece of armor—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word—empowers us to withstand the enemy's attacks and remain steadfast in our faith. [74:02]
5. Our strength comes from the Lord, and through prayer, the Word, and community, we are empowered to fight the good fight of faith. God is our commander, equipping us with His armor to ensure we are not vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. [01:21:11]
** [81:11]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[05:00] - Baptism Celebration
[12:00] - Praise and Worship
[27:22] - Offering and Generosity
[32:54] - Communion and Remembrance
[39:47] - Worship and Praise
[43:28] - Joyful Noise and Praise
[47:29] - Testimonies and Praise
[50:57] - Visitor Recognition
[58:10] - Praise and Worship
[70:06] - Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6
[74:02] - Spiritual Warfare and Armor of God
[81:11] - Strength in the Lord
[86:21] - Standing Against Evil
[91:06] - Righteousness and Integrity
[106:17] - Invitation to Salvation

Sermon Clips

"Baptism shows an outward expression of what we have confessed on the inside. It also symbolizes and relates with Jesus's death, burial, and resurrection that as our old nature goes down to die, our new nature comes up. For the Bible says if anyone be in Christ, he or she is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold all things have become new." [00:10:14]

"We thank you for salvation, but we understand, oh God, that there's no power in the water, but there is power in the blood of Jesus. So we thank you now in Jesus' name. Let everybody say amen." [00:11:27]

"The Bible says it's more blessed to give than to receive. The Bible says that God loves a cheerful giver. And the Bible says that when we give, God gives back to us pressed down, shaken together, and running over. He said I'll open up the windows of heaven and I'll pour you out a blessing that you won't have room to receive." [00:28:17]

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." [01:10:57]

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Lord, your word is a lamp unto our feet, a light unto our path. If we hide it in our hearts, we will not sin against you. Speak to us today, Lord, for we are equipped for kingdom service." [01:12:31]

"See, you may have heard that the church is like a hospital, but I come in to tell you today that the church is like the gym. You come here with your mind made up. I'm going to work out today, but I'm not running on a treadmill. I'm not using the elliptical. I'm not lifting dumbbells. I'm going to work out by coming to pray and be prayed over." [01:19:16]

"If you want to be strong in the Lord, get some of this word on the inside. Get it on Sundays and get it on Wednesdays and link up with your brothers and sisters in Christ and encourage one another. That's how you be strong in the Lord. You tell your sister and your brother, you're not in this by yourself." [01:20:27]

"Put this armor on if you want God to keep your mind regulated in the midst of all the stressful situations that are on the horizon. Put this armor on if you want to stay afloat and not let what's happening around you take you down. And I'm so glad this morning that God loves us so much he won't send us into battle without the proper equipment." [01:23:31]

"Righteousness is a desire to live according to the will of God through faith in Jesus Christ. When you put that breastplate on, it will also let the enemy know that's not one of our people. That looks like a soldier in the army of the Lord. That looks like somebody who's on the Lord's side." [01:33:29]

"Paul said above all take the shield of faith wherewith you shall be able to quench the fiery dots of the wicked. Now the shield is important because it blocks whatever the enemy throws at you. A common tactic in ancient war was for arrows to be set on fire even a breastplate could be pierced by a fiery arrow." [01:38:14]

"If there's anything that will keep our heads protected in the battle it is our salvation. For when you go into spiritual warfare the enemy will aim at your head to confuse you and if you are confused about who you are in God, if you are confused about who God is, if you are confused about whether you're right with God or not, the enemy has an advantage on you." [01:42:14]

"Didn't I tell y 'all a few weeks ago that your best weapon to fight against the enemy is the word of God? If you want to defeat him you got to pull out your sword of the spirit which is the word of God and every time you strike them with the word you cut a piece of it, you cut a limb off of the enemy." [01:44:34]

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