Faith Alone Saves: Christians Often Use The Wrong Weapons

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Christians Often Use The Wrong Weapons

Ephesians 6:11-20, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

In this Scripture passage we learn of the believer's seven pieces of armour and weaponry:

Loins gird about with the truth
Breastplate of righteousness
Feet shod with preparation of the Gospel
Shield of faith
Helmet of salvation
Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God
Prayer

These are our spiritual weapons of warfare.

So often as saints, we choose to use the world's inferior weapons of criticism, anger, revenge, holding a grudge, giving the silent treatment, needless lawsuits, hatred and unkindness, dishonoring the Lord Jesus Christ. May we all Walk in the Spirit to fulfill the law, by loving our neighbor as our self.

I encourage you dear reader to get busy sharing the Gospel with lost sinners. Pray for the people in your life, getting your mind off of yourself. Philippians 2:4, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Speak the truth and contend for the faith (Jude 1:3). Have faith in God (Mark 11:22b).

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Memorable Quotes

Salvation is not a reward for the righteous; it is a gift for the guilty!

“There is power in this Gospel message. Most people just don't know how to present it... The clarity of the Gospel is what makes it easy for them to believe.” —Pastor Yankee Arnold, “WHY GRACE CAN SAVE THE WORST MAN!” —Pastor Ralph Yankee Arnold, "Why Grace Can Save The Worst Man"

"There is a vast difference between coming to Jesus for salvation and coming after Jesus for service. Coming to Christ makes one a believer, while coming after Christ makes one a disciple. All believers are not disciples. To become a believer one accepts the invitation of the Gospel, to be a disciple one obeys the challenge to a life of dedicated service and separation. Salvation comes through the sacrifice of Christ; discipleship comes only by sacrifice of self and surrender to His call for devoted service. Salvation is free, but discipleship involves paying the price of a separated walk. Salvation can't be lost because it depends upon God's faithfulness, but discipleship can be lost because it depends upon our faithfulness." —Pastor M.R. DeHaan, “Hebrews”; Zondervan Publishing House; 1959 (p. 117)

“The law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out.” —Evangelist Billy Sunday (1862-1935)

“Works cannot be the evidence of salvation. If works are required as evidence, then they will prove that you are not saved. Your good works cannot prove you're saved; they can only prove that you're not, if you go by works. Why? Because you have to be perfect. So your works can only prove you're not saved. You have to live a perfect life. 'Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.' You have to fulfill everything that is commanded, that you have to do them. You know that good works did not save you!” —Pastor Ralph Yankee Arnold, "Once Saved Always Saved: The Final Word"

“The ‘whosoever wills’ are the elect and the ‘whosoever won’ts,’ the non-elect.” —Pastor Dwight L. Moody (1837-1899)

“Salvation is one thing and service is another, and never the two goes together. No man is saved because he serves, and no man has to serve because he is saved. Gotta keep them separate. And if you don't do it, the Scriptures will be confusing to you. You'll not rightly divide what God has to say.” —Pastor Ralph Yankee Arnold, "Why Lordship Salvation Is Wrong"

“It is 'Good News' if no one must have good works before salvation, or after salvation. For salvation to truly be by grace, it must not have any stipulations of any kind at any time. Works before, during or after; works cannot be evidence of my salvation.” —Pastor Ralph Yankee Arnold, "Does Calvinism Change The Gospel?"

"The LAW and the GOSPEL are two keys—the law is the key that shuteth up all men under condemnation, and the Gospel is the key which opens the door and lets them out. Remember this, if you're depending upon your own good works to get you to Heaven, you're lost! Your salvation had to be purchased with something that was incorruptible, with the precious blood of Jesus Christ!” —Pastor Ralph 'Yankee' Arnold, Bibleline Radio Show, "The Precious Blood Of Christ"

This is one of my very favorite books. Michael P. Bowen grew up in private religious schools, seeing much spiritual abuse in his youth. Consequently, he became an atheist as a young man, but then gradually out of a hungry soul to find meaning in his empty life took an interest in Christianity. Unfortunately, Michael was being misled by dozens of famous big name preachers (e.g., Billy Graham, Charles Stanley, Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, Ray Comfort, John Hagee, Beth Moore and others. Michael had churchianity without Christianity! Finally, he was blessed by God to hear a humble man of God named Hank Lindstrom (1940-2008), who preached a simple Gospel sermon called: "How Permanent Is Your Salvation," which opened Michael's eyes to the true Gospel and he got saved. Led by the encouragement of his godly mother, Michael wrote a wonderful helpful book titled: "I NEVER KNEW YOU," in defense of the only true free grace Gospel. I love this book and so will you dear friend. If you know someone struggling with the assurance of God's gift of eternal life, please share this book with them.

Faith Alone Saves

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Christians Often Use The Wrong Weapons

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