[00:00:00] Let us pray, pray together on our knees
[00:00:07] Let us pray, pray together on our knees
[00:00:14] When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun
[00:00:21] Oh Lord, never see all the knees
[00:00:27] Welcome to the Bible Speaks with Elgin Carelock
[00:00:30] The Bible Speaks is a weekly ministry of Harvest International
[00:00:33] Our prayer is that the Bible Speaks will encourage you in your study of God's word
[00:00:38] You will be able to contact Elgin at the address given at the end of this broadcast
[00:00:44] And now, here's Elgin
[00:00:58] 1 Peter 3 verse 15
[00:01:02] Brothers and sisters, I greet you in the name of Yeshua HaMashiah
[00:01:07] And welcome you to today's installment of Words of Inspiration
[00:01:13] Not only are we to be ready to give an account and an explanation to those who access why we have such hope
[00:01:23] And why we have such faith
[00:01:26] But we have to be prepared for those who are not asking that question for reasons of knowledge
[00:01:34] We have to put on the whole armor of God to be prepared for all that we encounter
[00:01:43] As we go out into the world to spread the gospel
[00:01:46] In the New Testament, specifically Ephesians 6 verses 10-18
[00:01:53] The Apostle Paul introduces the whole armor of God
[00:01:58] A concept that has resonated deeply within Christendom throughout the centuries
[00:02:05] This passage is particularly poignant for believers engaged in the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth
[00:02:13] Offering not only a vivid imagery of spiritual preparedness
[00:02:18] But also a profound theological framework for understanding the challenges and opposition faced in fulfilling the Great Commission
[00:02:28] The task of spreading the gospel is inherently spiritual
[00:02:33] Involving not just the communication of ideas but the transformation of hearts and minds in alignment with God's will
[00:02:42] Paul's imagery of the armor of God emphasizes the spiritual battles that believers encounter
[00:02:49] Not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil
[00:02:54] As such, mission work is not merely a matter of logistics, strategy or eloquence
[00:03:02] But fundamentally a spiritual undertaking that requires spiritual preparedness and protection
[00:03:10] Each piece of the armor serves a specific function, together providing comprehensive protection and equipping for the believer
[00:03:21] The Belt of Truth, this signifies the importance of honesty, integrity and the foundational truth of the gospel
[00:03:30] In mission work, the truth of Jesus Christ is both the message and the method safeguarding against deception and falsehood
[00:03:41] The Breastplate of Righteousness
[00:03:45] Righteousness imparted through faith in Christ protects the heart and affirms the believer standing before God
[00:03:53] And spreading the gospel, personal holiness and integrity are crucial for withstanding accusations and attacks
[00:04:02] Shoes of Peace
[00:04:05] The readiness to proclaim the gospel of peace enables believers to traverse great distances both literally and figuratively
[00:04:15] Peace with God and the peace of God guide and stabilize the messenger's journey
[00:04:22] The Shield of Faith
[00:04:24] Faith in God's power and promises extinguishes the fiery darts of our doubt, discouragement and opposition
[00:04:33] In the face of challenges, faith keeps the missionary steadfast and focus on the divine mission
[00:04:42] The Helmet of Salvation
[00:04:44] The Assurance of Salvation protects the mind from despair and doubt, keeping the missionary's perspective aligned with eternal realities rather than transient challenges
[00:04:58] The Sword of Despair
[00:05:00] The only offensive weapon in the armor, it represents the Word of God
[00:05:06] Scripture is both the authority and the tool in evangelism, effective in both defense and proclamation
[00:05:16] Beyond the armor, Paul emphasizes prayer as essential for spiritual warfare and mission
[00:05:23] Prayer connects the believer to the power source, God himself
[00:05:28] Ensuring divine guidance, strength and intervention in the missionary endeavor
[00:05:36] Wearing the whole armor of God also implies a collective dimension where believers support one another in prayer, encouragement and accountability
[00:05:47] Missionary work thrives in community with each member playing a part in the body of Christ equipped and protected by the spiritual armor
[00:05:59] We are to go out boldly and share the Word of God to help people change their lives and understand that God's way is better
[00:06:09] That the things that they are seeking can be had by allowing the Lord to guide our lives
[00:06:18] Because he says in his word that if we seek him first, that he will direct our path
[00:06:27] And since he told us in Jeremiah 29 verse 11 that he knows the thoughts that he has for us
[00:06:34] Then we can be assured that they are for our good
[00:06:38] Brothers and sisters, I thank you for spending this time with me and I look forward to our next conversation
[00:06:46] Until then, God bless
[00:06:58] This program is cared for by listeners who care
[00:07:01] Your prayers and financial investment in this ministry helps to keep the good news on the air
[00:07:07] We look forward to hearing from you and invite you to write us at Harvest International
[00:07:12] Harvest International, Post Office Box 6690 Ocala, Florida 34478
[00:07:19] Again, that's Harvest International, Post Office Box 6690 Ocala, Florida 34478
[00:07:42] Wrong
[00:07:47] Open wide and on the love
[00:07:56] Lord, I'm coming home