The intensity of spiritual warfare is real and needs to be recognised by us as Christians which I reminded us about in my message last Sunday morning. Satan is not interested in opposing sleeping Christians and churches, why bother, they’re already asleep “in the light” as the singer Keith Green used to put it. Christianity is not for the faint-hearted or those who can’t trust in God and His power to protect and deliver. Jesus repeatedly warned His followers of the battle they were in and how they needed to trust Him through every circumstance they encountered. The disciples struggled with this again and again as they relied upon the flesh to get them through. While Jesus was seeking to save souls by presenting the message of life, they were battling with each other over who was greatest and the most important amongst them.

Humanity doesn’t change and today we often find ourselves wrestling with all sorts of things except that which matters most: the salvation of souls. What does it matter who has the greatest influence, what one is called, how much one receives in wages, what office one has, where one lives or where we work or what vehicle we drive? All of these things are temporary and distract us from what is eternal, “so we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)

The gospel is what is on God’s agenda! Telling people about Jesus and living exemplary lives before them, so as not to discredit the gospel, is what is of greatest importance. The New Testament overflows with Scriptures calling us to give attention to these things, to demonstrate love and acceptance to all. Remember Jesus went to the downcast, the rejected, those who society had no time for and it was to these ones that God’s love and message of hope was communicated. In short, God wants us to Impact Adelaide with ‘the message’ and ‘the kind of love’ that can only come from God. Satan doesn’t like it and will oppose us but God is our constant source of strength and inspiration.

Put on the full armour of God and don’t forget your gospel shoes! (Eph 6:15) They are what allow us to go to others, to make the effort and get out there and connect with unbelievers in the world. We have nothing to fear in Christ as the victory is already ours through Him. Let us put our time, energy, and resources into seeing men, women and children come to faith in our wonderful Saviour. To know Him is true life!

Please remember to pray for Dina Bellas whose husband (Arthur) of 49 years passed away last week. I would ask that you also pray for Enid Philbey and all her family: on the first anniversary of Harry’s passing last Monday Enid learned that her grandson had been killed in a truck accident. Pray for Marj Murdoch as well as she recovers from a fall and several serious injuries. May God extend grace and peace to those who have recently lost loved ones or are going through difficult times at the moment.

Continuing the battle for the gospel