THE BEACON - Electronic Edition - 9/15/04

The Armour of God
"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, having done all, to stand" (Ephesians 6:13). Our Father has not left us defenseless when it comes to our battles "against the wiles of the devil" (v. 11). Earlier, Paul mentioned that the brethren should be "strong in the Lord and in the power of His great might" (v. 10). Let's take note of our armor that God has given us through Christ.

1. Having girded your waist with truth (v. 14). It is truth that can set us free (John 8:32). This gives us power over the enemy of lies, and the devil is that father of such (John 8:44). Without truth we have no defense against anything that is false. Truth is what is required for a soldier of Christ to be victorious.

2. Having put on the breastplate of righteousness (v. 14). It is this quality that the enemy abhors. Righteous actions (word or deed) causes those in opposition to be tormented further (Romans 12:20). Saints will be tempted to engage in carnal warfare (2 Corinthians 10:4), which would mean to take off our breastplate. Make sure it stays on and resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7). 

3. Having feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (v. 15). Any spiritual conflict would bring certain defeat without having a firm stand. Christians have the peace, which brings assurance, through the gospel (Philippians 4:7). Having doubts is to give a foothold to the enemy. Satan's earliest tool used to hurt man was by casting doubt: "You shall not surely die" (Genesis 3:3). The gospel of peace will cast out uncertainty (2 Timothy 1:12).

4. Taking the shield of faith (v. 16). The whole purpose of being a good soldier is to please our God, and without faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). The edge that children of God have is their ability to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). This enables them to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one (Ephesians 6:16).

5. Take the helmet of salvation (v. 17). What greater comfort is there than knowing you shall be saved? What soldier would fear a battle when he is assured victory? The salvation of the Lord is there for those who will wear it. This is trusting in God who can deliver us (Matthew 6:13, 2 Peter 2:9). It is useless to fight without seeing the salvation of the Lord.

6. Take the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God (v. 17). Knowing that the only thing we are up against is everything that is not God's word, it is only fitting that the use of God's word would be our needed weapon. Too many soldiers are trying to defend truth without God's word. We must use the word for it has the power (Romans 1:16).

As is often pointed out, notice that the armor does not prepare one who turns his back to the enemy--he would be unprotected. This is why throughout the scriptures we are told to press straight ahead (Philippians 3:14). The narrow road doesn't have room to turn back for a rest. If you do that, you are not on the road.

Finally, our text in Ephesians 6, mentions, "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" (v. 18). 

Are you wearing the whole armor of God?

- by Chuck Bartlett

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Church Discipline Works!

The scriptures plainly teach the concept of church discipline. "And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed" (2 Thess. 3:14). ". . . with such an one no not to eat" (1 Cor. 5:11).

There are always those who complain that this discipline will not work. "It drives people away," they claim. And, because they do not believe the process will work, they often refuse to participate in it - continuing to open associate with the one who has been withdrawn from. Sometimes they will even openly oppose the disciplinary action and work against it.

Wait a minute! Who are these people arguing with anyway? Not with us! They are arguing with God! These folks need to be taught, and the teaching needs to begin with the very basic concept of faith in God's word and confidence in His plan.

The truth of the matter is that church discipline, when properly administered does work. In fact, when done correctly, it always works! 1 Corinthians 5 serves as an interesting study of the benefits of church discipline. Notice how it:

A) demonstrates to all that sin can not be tolerated (vs. 2)

B) proves our commitment to God and His will (vs. 4)

C) shows the erring brother that we love him and are concerned for his soul (vs. 5)

D) protects the rest of the congregation from a damaging influence (vs. 6-13)

If anyone still doubts the effectiveness of this approach, please note that the actions described in the text above had the desired effect - the erring brother was restored! (2 Cor. 2:4-8). This is God's plan, and it works. We must have enough faith to employ it.


- by Greg Gwin

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Trends . . .

In a recent poll, potential voters were asked what was the most important issue that would influence their decision as they voted for president in November. Two-thirds (66%) said it would be the economy, the war in Iraq, and the threat of terrorism. Only 16% said it would be moral values issues, such as gay marriage and abortion.


- via Time Poll, Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2004

Proverbs 14:34 "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."

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Some quotes worth pondering . . .

"Consider how much more you often suffer from your anger and grief, than from those very things for which you are angry and grieved."

"What a pity human beings cannot exchange problems. Everyone knows exactly how to solve the other fellow's."

"If you want to set the world right, start with yourself."

"Christianity is often judged by what others see of it in you."

"Bitterness corrodes the spirit."

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News from Collegevue . . .

September 12, 2004

We know that you have many things demanding your time and attention. The fact that you have chosen to set those things aside and join us in the important time of Bible study and worship is an indication of your true priorities. We commend you for your choice - thanks for being here!

We especially welcome all of visitors today, and we invite you to come again soon. If you have questions or need our assistance with Bible study materials, etc., please let us know.

Continue in prayers for the sick, including Dorothy Sanders, Dale Lindsey, John Vernon, Effie Abner, Rubye Morrow, Jane Collins, and others, including many relatives of members here who are sick and hurting.

Please remember our Thursday morning class at 10am for all who can attend. We continue a good study of various Bible characters from the Old Testament. We hope that you will come!

Special after services classes for the young people continue. Two through five years olds meet after every service. Those five and older meet after Sunday night services.

Be sure to keep the dates of November 10-14 open for our gospel meeting. The meeting will run from Wednesday night through Sunday.

Figures for the week of 9/5/04: Sunday, Bstudy, 131; AM, 166: PM, 131; Wed., 121; Contrib., $3216

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"The Beacon - Electronic Edition" is sent out weekly from Columbia, TN, and contains articles and information taken from the most recent "paper" bulletin of the Collegevue Church of Christ. We hope you will use this material in any way you can that will glorify our Father. Please give proper credit to the respective authors.

- Greg Gwin

ggwin1@bellsouth.net