The Christian life is warfare. There is a real-dangerous enemy and you need to be prepared.-It is my desire today and next Sunday, to remind you of the importance of preparation so that you will be victorious in the war.

Paul exhorts the church to praise God by teaching how the church was formed.--Sadly, many Christians respond to these truths with unbelief or arrogance. --A. Praise the Father- in eternity past, the church was formed by the Father's loving choice -1-3-6--B. Praise the Son- in the present, the church was purchased by the Son's redeeming death -1-7-12--C. Praise the Holy Spirit- until eternity future, the church is secure by the Holy Spirit's sealing -1-13-14-

As we turn to Exodus 9, we see God prioritize His purposes and His glory even over animal life.

After Zion is established as the place of worship by moving the Ark of the Covenant there, God covenants with David, promising an eternal throne.

Everyone is spiritually bankrupt. Yet, God's blessing in a person's life is seen when they confess their poverty. Do you see yourself as being dependent on God-

This psalm is about trust- David laments the oppressive opposition of his enemies -vv. 1-2-. But he quickly expresses his trust in God -vv. 3-6-, petitions God to deliver him -v. 7-, and again expresses confidence in God, and prays for blessing -v. 8-.

Paul exhorts Timothy to cultivate lifelong faithfulness by utilizing his spiritual gift. Paul then explains how the Holy Spirit enables the believer to serve.

Paul proves God is righteous by using God's plan for Israel. Since God's plan for Israel has not failed, but will faithfully be fulfilled, we can go to God as the only source of righteousness.

Jesus uses His authority to give eternal life as a gracious gift.--The greatest gift that God gives is salvation. Salvation is not earned-purchased. Salvation is not a reward, it is a gift that God graciously gives, based on the death of Christ.

John 17 is often called -The High Priestly Prayer.- This is God the Son, praying to God the Father. It is communication within the Trinity.-If there is one thing we could say about Jesus, is that He was a man of prayer. The gospels describe Jesus on multiple occasions going off by Himself, in isolation, to pray. -Here in John 17, we have the real Lord's prayer. This is the longest recorded prayer of Jesus.