11.13.2006

For All the Saints

"...keep alert with all perserverance, making supplication for all the saints." -Ephesians 6:18 (ESV).

Since moving to Anderson to help plant Redeemer Church, the opposition from the evil one has been clear. The devil hates Christ and the work of the kingdom. Yet, this opposition does not discourage me because I know that God is sovereign and He will use these circumstances to demonstrate that His plans will not be stopped. The strong man has been bound (Mark 3:27), and the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church of Jesus Christ(Matthew 16:18).

Although we know that the kingdom of God will prevail, we are also keenly aware that the the battle ist still raging because the devil is still scheming. Our battle is against "the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12); therefore, we must take up the full armor of God. In this battle, we are not battle for alone; rather, we are battling for all the saints. It is easy for us to become self-centered and only worry about our own circumstances, but the Apostle Paul reminds us that we must be "praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18). We are all in the battle together. Take up your armor and battle for all the saints of Christ.

Please remember to pray for all of us who are involved with planting Redeemer Church. Pray that we will continued to see the Lord's provision and protection as we seek to shine the light of the gospel in Anderson.

"O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor’s crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
-A verse from For All the Saints
by William W. How

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

i will pray for you guys. i know that god will work everything out. so don't worry. i love you guys. love, tiff