The enemy tries to intimidate. At times you feel weak, powerless, vulnerable. Yet the truth is, you are not alone. That doesn’t mean we always feel the strength that we have. Poet Elisabeth Elliot writes that, "Sometimes fear does not subside and one must choose to do it afraid.” This is courage. The Word of God and prayer are two powerful weapons that God has given us to take up courageously in the fight. As we seek God, God fills us with courage to believe the Word of God spoken over our lives, families, and communities.

Pastor Tara VinCross will offer a message titled, "The Sword of the Spirit and the Power of Prayer - The Armor of God," pt. 7.

Join us as Azure Hills Church celebrates 60 years of ministry on January 17-19! Here’s a special message from our senior pastor, Pastor Tara VinCross, sharing a glimpse of the joy and inspiration awaiting us during this milestone weekend. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." -Ephesians 6:17, NIV.

In warfare, the helmet and the sword were the last two pieces of armor picked up by the soldier. After fastening the rest of the armor on, the helmet, which was hot and uncomfortable, would be placed on just before heading off, protecting the soldier in battle.

Often the believer’s battle with the enemy takes place in the mind. The helmet of salvation protects us, giving us safety and assurance as we fight. Salvation is more than something off in the future, it affects our lives today.

Pastor Tara VinCross will offer a message titled, The Helmet of Salvation - The Armor of God, pt. 6.

The most frequently used word in this section on the armor of God is stand. The Scripture even compels us, put on the full armor of God so that "you may be able to stand your ground,” then it for emphasis, "and after you have done everything, to stand.”

The enemy works to throw off our faith, using other people and situations to cause us to stumble. We are flooded with discouragement, temptation, and even numbness. But we aren’t meant to do this alone. We see in this study of the shield of faith this truth: we stand strongest in our faith when we stand together.

Pastor Tara VinCross will offer a message titled, The Shield of Faith - The Armor of God, pt. 5. In this message we learn again how essential community is in the journey of faith.

I’m wondering, what is throwing off your peace this week? Have you faced difficulties, stresses, or relational struggles that have caused you to fear? Life is not easy. We must wear the right footwear for the journey.

Pastor Tara VinCross will offer a message titled, The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace - The Armor of God, pt. 4. With shoes fastened in readiness of the gospel of peace, you don’t have to worry about losing your footing. You can move out through tough terrain, knowing your peace will hold, firm and secure.

Every day you’re a part of a spiritual battle.

Ephesians 6:12 says, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood…” Yes, the struggle is real. This is how it is here on this earth, yet in this struggle, God has provided everything we need for protection. The Breastplate of Righteousness, held by the belt of truth, provides vital covering. Come and find out more about how we can put on this protection and live differently as a result.

Pastor Tara VinCross will offer a message titled, The Breastplate of Righteousness - The Armor of God, pt. 3. This word will leave us all singing a song of hope, filled with deep gratitude for our Savior Jesus!