Dear Prayer Partners,
Thank you for your commitment to pray each Wednesday for our prodigals and for revival among us. Our great need drives us to our knees!
For the past three years I (Bryan) have been a part of an organizing team who hosts an annual men’s event, and the focus this year was — Men At War! We are all, men and women, engaged in spiritual warfare. This truth comes from the teaching of Ephesians: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Eph. 6:10-11). Let me highlight how our teaching progressed:
The first message of the day focused on fighting for a heart of worship. So often we are encouraged to be busy for the Lord, but the basis of this message was that work must stem from a heart in love with Christ. Intimacy with Christ should be the primary concern of the believer. If God has our hearts, He will have our hands as well.
The second message highlighted the importance of fighting for personal purity. The world system is geared by Satan to deceive the believer into thinking that immoral behavior is normal and acceptable. The Scripture teaches us that intimate sexual activity has been designed by God for enjoyment in marriage. Anything outside this context is sinful and not of God. As was pointed out in the first message, pure actions are rooted in pure intentions. The contrast was made between Joseph, who maintained purity as a young man, and David, who in middle age sinned grievously before the Lord. Immorality is not just a temptation for the young; older ones can fall into sin, too. We all need to carefully guard our hearts, depend on the Lord, and live in purity before Him.
The last message dealt with the fight for godly influence. We are all mentors and influence others either in a negative or positive way. The words of Paul to Timothy are searching, “Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). One of the main points in this message was the value of being before doing.
Included in the messages of the day was a gripping profile study of a man by the name of Andrew Bryan. He suffered greatly before purchasing his freedom from slavery in 1788. He later became a preacher and founded a church in Savannah, Georgia, which is still functioning today. His love, courage, and wisdom, were qualities that marked him as a true man of God.
May God encourage all of us to stay true to the faith and stand firm in the battle as the day of His return approaches.
Warmly in Christ’s name,
Bryan and Rachel
P.S. For more information on the speakers and messages go to our webpage: lovelikechrist.ca
Photo Credit: Benjamin Joyce
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