We are engaged in a spiritual battle, and it’s crucial that you hear this message today: you will not quit; you will persevere. If you need support, we’ll face this together through faith—the shield that protects us. If you feel your faith has waned, we’re here to reignite it with the encouragement of God. Remember, faith isn’t something you can summon; it’s a trust in Him. It’s not just a feeling or simple optimism; it’s rooted in what is to come, not in the struggles of this life. While faith doesn’t make our challenges disappear, it sustains us through them. As believers, we are in a war, armed with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, and the shield of faith to guard against the fiery darts of life.

While the world is still dark and broken, it holds hope—and you are the light that can shine in it. A city on a hill can’t be hidden, and neither should your light. Just as a lamp is placed on a stand to give light to everyone in the house, your good works should shine so others can see and glorify God. The message is simple: take the goodness God has worked in you and share it with those around you—whether at home, work, school, or anywhere you go. So, maybe it’s time to put on your shoes—the gospel—and carry that hope wherever you are, keeping your focus on Him and bringing peace to the world.

In this message about “The Breastplate of Righteousness,” the focus is on the importance of spiritual armor in our lives. Just as a physical breastplate protects vital organs during battle, the breastplate of righteousness safeguards our hearts and souls from the attacks we face.

Righteousness, often defined as “right standing with God,” is central to this concept. It’s not about our own righteousness, which can falter, but about the righteousness that God bestows upon us. This divine righteousness offers us acceptance, kindness, and mercy, transforming us and making us stronger.

Even when we encounter failures or challenges, we can rest assured that God’s righteousness will sustain us. We are called to rely on Him, repenting and seeking forgiveness, knowing that His righteousness will never let us go. By embracing this truth, we can face the spiritual battles of life with confidence and resilience.

Imagine the armor of a Roman soldier, where every piece is held firmly in place by a sturdy belt. This belt ensures that when urgency strikes, the soldier can move freely without their armor flapping around, allowing for effective combat. Similarly, when Paul talks about the “belt of Truth,” he’s not referring to a decorative leather accessory, but rather to a foundational truth that binds everything together in our lives. This truth is essential; it provides stability and confidence, enabling us to act without fear of falling apart. Just as the Roman soldier relies on their belt, we too must embrace this belt of Truth to hold our lives together and define who we are.

This vision requires more than just a powerful spiritual experience on Sundays. It involves genuinely connecting with one another throughout the week—loving and supporting each other, worshipping together from diverse backgrounds, and becoming a true dwelling place for God, not just a rented space for one day. This is an extraordinary calling, a divine mission that reflects the work of Heaven.

This isn’t just about a physical building; it’s about us—a community of people coming together to form a living, spiritual temple in the Lord. In Him, we are all being built into a place where God dwells through the Spirit. Our goal is to create a space where the Spirit of God actively works in our lives.

This vision requires more than just a powerful spiritual experience on Sundays. It involves genuinely connecting with one another throughout the week—loving and supporting each other, worshipping together from diverse backgrounds, and becoming a true dwelling place for God, not just a rented space for one day. This is an extraordinary calling, a divine mission that reflects the work of Heaven.

When a church is truly alive, it’s filled with expressions of gratitude and heartfelt thanks, reflecting a community that genuinely serves and loves one another. Such a church resonates with celebration, joy, and peace, embodying worship and the transformative freedom of Christ. It should echo the Sound of Heaven itself!

When I tell myself that I no longer want what I want, but instead desire what God wants, I am making a profound shift. I am choosing to live not by my own desires, but by seeking how God wants me to live. In that moment of surrender, faith is born within me.

Though this faith may start small and seem one-dimensional, it is the beginning of a transformative journey. As faith takes root, everything begins to change. Regardless of what happens, I commit to never stopping my prayers, my learning, or my worship.

When you reach this place of genuine faith, it moves beyond theoretical concepts and touches the real world. It empowers you to engage in meaningful, impactful work. So make the decision now to embrace real faith, and let it guide and transform every aspect of your life.

Today, as we continue our Summer Olympics series, let’s dive into the world of hurdles. Watching athletes leap over these obstacles, I’m struck by their incredible talent and the sheer exhaustion they must endure.  Just as these athletes face hurdles in their races, we encounter our own life challenges. Remember the story of the disciples in the storm? Despite their fear, Jesus calmed the sea, reminding us that God is present even when we feel overwhelmed. Like the hurdles, our obstacles may vary in size and difficulty, but faith and trust in God’s timing can guide us through!

We are not just following our path; we are aligning with His, intentionally stepping into His will, even if it means taking a leap of faith and falling into His grace. Reset the bar, get your running go, then jump with everything you got!

Whether you think about it or not, we are running a race. We are running a race to eternity with the sole purpose of seeing Jesus at that finish line!