In sword fighting, striking with the ricasso part of the blade would be deemed a novice maneuver and one sure to find little to no effect in stopping ones enemy. In fact, it may prove the last swing that novice swordsman ever swings. As believers, we are commissioned to wield a sword. But, what if we aren’t very good at it. After all, when you first pick up the Sword of the Spirit, excellence in handling isn’t usually found instantaneously. There is training needed. So, what about the meantime? Are we to be buzzard food while we get our spiritual swordsmanship in order? Good thing to note, in the Kingdom of Heaven, our success doesn’t lean on our own personal perfection, it rests on our wonderful Savior’s perfection. If you are going to win this battle with the powers of darkness, you must know that the ricasso portion of your blade can devastate your enemy just like the sharpened blade can, if you swing it with childlike faith.

Striking with the Ricasso

Discover a Christianity that actually works. These powerful sermons delivered by Pastor Eric Ludy will awaken you to the majesty of true Christianity. God designed Christianity not to be mere theory but a life empowered by His grace, built unshakable upon truth, centered upon Jesus Christ, and poured out for His glory. It is more than academic head-knowledge, it is practical living grounded in the Word of God. These sermons are delivered with soul-stirring passion that will ignite your spiritual fire. Eric Ludy's sermons are a ministry outreach of Ellerslie Mission Society. If you have been blessed by these messages and would like to support this work with a gift, you can do so here.

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The Christian, whether we choose to accept it or not, has officially become a fool in the eyes of the modern world. To believe in an unseen God is considered anti-intellectual to a growing percentage of the population. And for those in the Jesus-believing camp that are still desiring to appear hip and cool to the world’s eyes, this knock against them, could prove a very real stumbling block to their souls. But, it’s important to note that this tension has always been present in and throughout all of Christian history. If you are looking to be cool, your Christianity will suffer. If you are willing to appear the fool, your Christianity can thrive. 

The Dangerous Dunce Offensive

The Christian life is an athletic event. Few understand this and therefore balk at the difficulties associated with the training and the readying of the athlete. When Christianity is viewed through the proper lens, rigor and challenge is expected. And when a Christian vigorously trains for carrying their cross the way a runner may train for running the marathon in the Olympics—something special takes place on earth.  


The Athlete

Many Christians today believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord, their Master, their King, and their preeminent Authority. But practically speaking, a lot of “believers” today are still spiritually submitting their hearts to other lords, masters, kings, and authorities. And, in so doing, nullifying the practical triumph of their grand redemption. Jesus Christ isn’t just intended to be the Head of the Church in theory, but in actuality. And when He is, everything begins to work and Christianity regains its ancient swagger. 

The Power of the Purple Box

Most people are held hostage to the notion that their joy-o-meter is wholly dependent upon a good turn in life. In other words, if the circumstances are rotten, then so is the atmosphere of their inner man. Paul the Apostle taught something wholly opposite that earthly notion. He taught Christians in the first century to rejoice always, to give thanks in all things, and to sing and make melodies in their hearts . . . in every single circumstance life threw their way. Is this even possible? Is this just hyperbolized poetry? Could this possibly be real? If it is real, then I say, let’s go after it! 

Even in the Rain

As the old phrase goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” And it’s true. The greatest technological advancements usually coincide with the greatest world crises. How often the same thing appears true in our own lives. When things are easy, we tend to settle for a lower quality spiritual luster. But, when things amp up in difficulty, we often get intimate with our God, and quick. There is a principle at work in all of this. Desperation often moves us to needed action. But, the question of this message is, “But, must we reach our extremity before we are ready to make the necessary changes in our life?” Today is the day to draw that line in the sand. Let’s not wait for the desperate hour to get on track. Because today is the day to move forward with God. 

Striking with the Ricasso

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