Update on SPC Youth Program

A Hidden Life of Prayer

Two pieces of the armor of God are considered in this message:  The shoes of Gospel readiness and the shield of faith.

The shoes of the Gospel is on one hand offensive as we take the good news of the Gospel to save lost souls.  It is also defensive as the truth of the Gospel protects us against the attacks of the evil one.

The shield of faith is a reminder to "put our whole weight on God" when the enemy attacks.  We can trust God to do what he says he will do to protect us.

In this message, we look at two pieces of spiritual armor: Belt of Truth and the Breastplate of Righteousness.

Spiritual warfare is real and our adversary is real.

But Christ is stronger and has won the ultimate victory!

Therefore, we should; we must; and we can stand strong by putting on the full armor of God!

There is a call in this text to "stay salty":

Minister in His name; nor for our fame.

Avoid jealousy; rejoice with other ministries

Be careful to cause no one to sin.

Ruthlessly cut out sin in our lives.

Followers of Christ are called to be servants.

Servanthood is foundational to being a Christian.

Being a servant leads to a rise in the grace of humility.

Jesus in this text asks "life's most important question" - "Who do you say that I am?"

Most important because:

It's about the most important person.

It's personal.

It's Eternal.

It impacts our lives every day.  Determines what or who is Lord of our lives.

We don't like to be put on hold!

So What do we do when God seems to put us on hold?

We do what the Syrophoenician woman did; we ask and keep asking; we trust and keep trusting!

God has a plan

We are called to obey God instead of the culture around us.

God's promises are trustworthy

Jesus' encounter with the Pharisees and Scribes revealed that they were concerned with the external.  But the problem they and all of us have is internal; it's a heart problem.

A problem that only Jesus can solve!