The Armor of God

Ephesians 6 vs 10- through 17

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ( To put on the full armor of God is knowing the word of God . We are not fighting against flesh in blood here. When someone is persecuting us we need to recognize right away the devil is using that person use the word of God against the devil. We have to understand the devil is a spirit he needs a body to operate. God is a spirit also. As Christians we have the Holy spirit of God in us. I really don't understands why so many Christians fail to sees the devil is uses people to do evil just like the Holy spirit uses people to do the things of God. The devil does a good job deceiving people thinking that he doesn't exist he is a liar and a defeated foe. The devil can only uses those who are walking in the flesh. The flesh is a way of thinking and he is after our soul. It's very important for us to renewed our minds with the word of God. For example the US Army will not send  anyone to fight a war without extensive training. Can you imagine as a parent for the US Army to send you or your children to war with out proper training? As a parent you would be furious there would be law suit right now. well you can apply that  in a spiritual way. we cannot fight the devil if we don't spend time in the word of God and prayer too. I am talking about to study the word of God and apply it into your situation. Jesus after he fasted 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus went to the dessert and the devil tries to tempted him. Jesus uses the word against Him. Many Christians today are not using the word of God to fight the devil when they are tempted. Many are using their opinions thinking that their words is the gospel. If we don't have the word of God inside of us we cannot fight the devil at all. If Jesus were tempted by the devil He uses the word of God what make us think that we don't need the word to fight the devil? A servant is not greater than its master. We need the word of God even more.The devil is using the politicians in Washington both Republicans and Democrats. Every Christians needs to fast and pray complaining and grumbling is not going to change anything that's the way the world behaves. We are born again Christians the light of the world. We are loved by the Almighty God .Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 John 4:4(KJV) No. In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8;37 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

FREEMASONRY ??

The relationship that "Freemasonry" and "Christianity share dictates an accountability of the accepted union. It would seem that the two organizations with such divergent objectives and adversative doctrines would create a conflicting confederacy. The real question is can "Freemasonry" and "Christianity" harmoniously co-exist and "remain pleasing to God?

Considering the affinity of some Christians for Masonry, perhaps the most disconcerting Masonic doctrine is that of the "mystic tie." Eminent Masonic scholar, Dr. Albert G.Mackey, explains the "mystic tie" : " That sacred and inviolable bond which unites men of the most discordantopinions into one band of brothers, which gives but one language to men of all nations and one altar to men of all religions, is properly , from the mysterious influence it exerts, denominated the mystic tie; and Freemasons, because they alone are under its influence, or enjoy its benefits, are called "Brethren of the mystic tie."

In light of Dr. Mackey's explanation, I thought it prudent to present a Christian perspective on the subject. The following selection is from renowned theologian, Alexander Campbell, Mr Campbell's thoughts are quoted from the "Millennial Harbinger."

"Time was when it might have appeared highly expedient to Jews, Mahometans, Sceptics, and various Religionist, to form new leagues, offensive and defensive, for their own safetyand aggrandizement: to enter into pre-existent, secret, symbolic, and benevolent associations, for the promotion of their individual interest, honor or happiness: but why Christians in the 19th century should, after they had tasted the sweet influences and blessings of the kingdom of heaven, seek admission, through all pledges, oaths, and obligations of secrecy, into the societies of "Free Masons" and "Old Fellows," is rather a difficult and perplexing problem. Unable to comprehend the reason or the motives predisposing to such a initiation to clubs and associations of men of the world--men of all religions and of no religion, I feel strongly inclined to request some of the professors of our faith to disclose to us, not the secrets which they swore to keep, but the reasons and experience which induced them to seek admission into the fraternal equalities of such a motley brotherhood. It would be important to the cause of reformation to be fully inducted into those reasons, inasmuch as they are so occult and ambiguous as not to preclude a sort of misgiving in the minds of many conscientious persons, that there is a species of apostasy from the church lurking in the motives which impel such an association with men soheterogeneous, and so repulsive under every other view of them, than the single attitude of the "mystic tie".
The contemporary Mason may deny the existence of the "mystic tie," and many Christian-Masons may, in all honesty, be unaware of it. The question is not in the denial or ignorance of the mystic tie, but what action is to be taken after one is enlighten. Can a Christian continue in a relationship with an organization the would relegate Jesus Christ to a position of equality with Krishna, Zoroaster, Mo hammed, Hiram (Hiram is the Masonic redeemer), Horus, or a redeemer under any other name? If we accept the Bible as God's Word revealed to man, then we must believe the words of Jesus "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no mancometh unto the father, but by me." (John 14:6)

Will involvement in the Lodge ultimately bring glory to Christ? Will Masonic membership enhance, or deter, evangelistic efforts in you area? Will you, as a Freemason, serve as a catalyst in the spiritual growth of your Christian brothers, or present a "stumbling block"?