“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. Ephesians 6:12”. What does this mean? Well, it can teach us that while our faith is tested God is with us. Many times it can be a spirit battle. For example King David was often tested and it resulted in Him having to rely more on God. In the same way when I’m tested I find that I have to seek more after God. An example of this is discussed in 1 Samuel 17:1-58 where David has to fight against a Giant named Goliath, in the same way there are also big battles for me to overcome in my life. God proved to David that He was able to do all things for those who are obedient to His call. The story of David and Goliath is amazing because David defeats a Giant with a small sling shot which causes him to win the battle against him. This led to a great victory for the Israelites against the Philistines.

The story of David and Goliath is an allegory of my life because I too often have big battles to overcome. Sometimes my faith is tested such as when I lose a loved one or get stressed out. God has proved to me over and over again that just as he was there to help David overcome the battle He is also there for me in my life to help me to overcome all things that I am going through. I see this as a great example of God’s love and grace and it encourages me to continue to overcome the battle of life with strength.
After reading the verses about David and Goliath it can be seen as a great example of the power of God and the fact that He is victorious and able to take us from the very darkest of times and draw us closer to Him.

“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 1 Corinthians 15:19” We who believe and know the truth profess that Christ has risen from the dead. If Christ had not risen from the dead our beliefs would be a waste of time and we’d be bound for hell. “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 1 Corinthians 15:20” In the beginning Adam sinned and we were destined to die but through Christ we have life. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:22”. Amen

“Romans 8:1: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Those that believe in Jesus aren’t subject to the wrath of God. When we believe and are saved God directs our paths and we should do our best to walk with God’s spirit. God will lead and guide us. Jesus loves us and everyone. Christ came so that we could have a better life and an afterlife with God. The Bible promises that no one who believes in Christ will be turned away: “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). Amen

The Bible teaches us that the grace of God and His calling for us can’t be taken away. God has chosen believers to be His special people. “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable [for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call]. Romans 11:29 AMP” “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:14” We are God’s people chosen by Him to believe in Christ that saves us. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9”. It’s great news to know that God’s grace is not something we get by our own merit but by faith alone and God’s grace. Amen

When we confess our sins before God He hears us and forgives us. Jesus Christ as Savior is the only way to get to Heaven. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. – Romans 10:9”. God is not satisfied with a person because of their knowledge of the word but instead rather He is satisfied when we are obedient to Him. Since God is sinless it makes sense that He desires for us to be more like Him. In Romans 3:20 God makes it clear that we are not saved by obeying the law but instead by the blood of Christ. Amen

Paul the Apostle was called by the will of God. In the Book of Acts chapter 8, Saul (later called Paul) is putting Christians in prison. Later Paul has an experience with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus and the vision changes His life forever. God asks the question “Why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4). The voice of God was in fact Jesus Christ He was told to go into the city and He would be led by God to know what to do. Ananias is instructed to go to Saul but is afraid because he heard of all the bad things that were done to Christians by Saul (or Paul).  Saul goes on to be a great minister of God and he goes throughout the synagogues preaching the word of God.  Then other people decide that they are going to kill Saul but he is warned of this and is careful to make sure that he is safe. The fact that God took a person who persecuted Christians and sent many into prison for preaching His name can be seen as a great testimony that God can take anyone and use them to fulfill His purpose through them.

God spoke to Abraham and told him that he would be, “The Father of many Nations”. But what does that mean? Well, it is a shadow of Jesus who was Jewish and died for all nations. The Jews were a very small population yet the Savior of the world came from Abraham’s seed. God tempts Abraham to sacrifice his son on a wooden altar and right before he goes to do it an angel from God stops Him. Then he is provided with a ram to atone for the sins.God promises to bless all nations through Abraham which is exactly what He did through Jesus Christ. Just as Abraham did not seek to spare his son God gave His son for us. “The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. – Acts 3:13”. The story of Abraham is an amazing testimony of faith and his willingness to obey the commandment that God gave Him.  In a similar way in the New Testament God freely gives up His own son as an offering to save us all.

Don’t be fooled by those promising salvation through works or false christ’s. Act 4:12, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”. So we should keep in mind the only way to salvation is through God’s grace and your faith in Jesus dying on the cross for sins. Jesus as Savior is the only way to Heaven. We can ask others to help us or pray for us, but at the end of the day our faith and hope is in Jesus which cleans away our sins. When we put our trust in Christ He will guide us. Jesus is the way to Heaven. He gives abundant life. Jesus is the mediator between God and man and stands before God in our place. No one can intercede for us other than Jesus.

“Philippians 1:29: For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” The Bible teaches that when we suffer we should rejoice. While that is not easy we are sometimes put through trials to help us grow as believers in Jesus. When we believe life is not perfect but when we suffer for His sake that means God is working in our hearts. “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: – 1 Peter 7:2”. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16”. God has deep love for everyone and has given us the gift of life. God desires for us to walk in faith and do our best to live good lives. We are saved only through faith and the grace of God. Praise God. Amen.

“Philippians 1:10: That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Philippians 1:11: Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” We should do good deeds but keep in mind they are not what saves us. Christ provides salvation through His sacrifice on the cross. Jesus will come back so we should do our best to be blameless when He comes back. We should keep in mind the only reason we are seen as blameless is because of Jesus’ blood covering our sins. The fruits of our actions express our love for God and show praise towards Him. Amen