Calvary Chapel Puerto Rico
CHRISTIAN COMBAT - Equipment Check: Combat Blade! - Ephesians 6:17
Locations & Times
Los Jardines Shopping Center, Calle Marginal, Guaynabo, 00969, Calle A, Guaynabo, 00966, Puerto Rico
Sunday 9:00 AM
Message Outline
1. The Combat Blade - HISTORICALLY!
2. The Combat Blade - BIBLICALLY!
3. The Combat Blade - PRACTICALLY!
1. The Combat Blade - HISTORICALLY!
2. The Combat Blade - BIBLICALLY!
3. The Combat Blade - PRACTICALLY!
1 - The Combat Blade - HISTORICALLY!
The sword or "Combat Blade" is the classical weapon of the military culture. It is the offensive instrument of war, and the principal means of dealing the final blow to the enemy. In the ancient world, however, the Roman Battle Sword was a well known and infamous weapon. The Greek word used here by Paul is "machaira", which was a short sword that could be anywhere from 6 to 18 inches long. It was primarily a thrusting weapon used by the Roman legionnaire in close hand to hand combat situations. This was the Roman soldier's primary weapon, and he had to be thoroughly familiar with it. It was so close to him, that it hardly if ever left his side. He was so used to practicing and drilling with it, that it felt like an extension of himself on the battlefield.
Modern Combat Blade has developed considerably since the days of the Roman legions. On the modern battlefield, or in the urban combat zone of the inner city, close encounters are usually handled with 2 distinct weapons: a semi-auto pistol, or a combat knife.
The semi-auto pistol is a standard piece of gear for soldiers deployed in combat, and it is the regular took used by police officers on the streets of our urban cities. Most pistols can engage a threat effectively from up to 50 yards away, all the way from a few feet in front of you. Pistols vary greatly in the type of caliber, and how many rounds they hold, but they remain a primary tool for short range engagement of a hostile threat.
The Combat Blade is another instrument that can be employed for up close and personal encounters, when your weapon fails, bullets run out, or silence is required. In today's hi-tech environment of laser guided bombs, satellite surveillance, cyber-warfare, and unmanned drone weapons, it is amazing to think that the fighting knife is still regularly worn and used by soldiers and police officers alike. The Combat blade is still a vital piece of equipment in modern warfare.
The sword or "Combat Blade" is the classical weapon of the military culture. It is the offensive instrument of war, and the principal means of dealing the final blow to the enemy. In the ancient world, however, the Roman Battle Sword was a well known and infamous weapon. The Greek word used here by Paul is "machaira", which was a short sword that could be anywhere from 6 to 18 inches long. It was primarily a thrusting weapon used by the Roman legionnaire in close hand to hand combat situations. This was the Roman soldier's primary weapon, and he had to be thoroughly familiar with it. It was so close to him, that it hardly if ever left his side. He was so used to practicing and drilling with it, that it felt like an extension of himself on the battlefield.
Modern Combat Blade has developed considerably since the days of the Roman legions. On the modern battlefield, or in the urban combat zone of the inner city, close encounters are usually handled with 2 distinct weapons: a semi-auto pistol, or a combat knife.
The semi-auto pistol is a standard piece of gear for soldiers deployed in combat, and it is the regular took used by police officers on the streets of our urban cities. Most pistols can engage a threat effectively from up to 50 yards away, all the way from a few feet in front of you. Pistols vary greatly in the type of caliber, and how many rounds they hold, but they remain a primary tool for short range engagement of a hostile threat.
The Combat Blade is another instrument that can be employed for up close and personal encounters, when your weapon fails, bullets run out, or silence is required. In today's hi-tech environment of laser guided bombs, satellite surveillance, cyber-warfare, and unmanned drone weapons, it is amazing to think that the fighting knife is still regularly worn and used by soldiers and police officers alike. The Combat blade is still a vital piece of equipment in modern warfare.
2 - The Combat Blade - BIBLICALLY!
How do YOU think of your Bible?? What does GOD say about it..?
The Word of God is...
"INSPIRED" - God Himself led the authors of Scripture as they wrote. He guided and inspired their choice of words, grammar, and content.
"Inspiration is the supernatural operation of the Holy Spirit, who through the different personalities and literary styles of the chosen human authors ,invested the very words of the original books of Holy Scripture, alone and in their entirety, as the very Word of God. They are without error in all that they teach or imply (including history and science), and the Bible is therefore the infallible rule and final authority for the faith and daily practice of all believers." - Geisler
2 Tim 3:16 NKJV - "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.."
"The Bible claims to be a book from God, a message with divine authority. Indeed, the biblical writers say they were moved by the Holy Spirit to utter His very words—that their message came by revelation so that what they wrote was breathed out (inspired) by God Himself." - Geisler
2 Pet 1:20-21 NLT - "Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God."
Need Objective Evidence?? Then look at the Bible's Accuracy; Unity; Prophecy; Potency... it is truly INSPIRED BY GOD!!
"INCLUSIVE" - The Bible contains all the necessary information and truth for man to come into a saving knowledge of God, and how to walk with Him daily. We should not ADD to the Scriptures for they are complete; we should not TAKE AWAY from the Bible, for it all comes from God; we should not SUBSTITUTE the Bible, as it alone gives you all you need for your spiritual life - it is complete & sufficient for your needs!
2 Tim 3:16-17 NKJV - "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
"INFALLIBLE" - The Bible cannot fail; the Word of God will always be fulfilled and come to pass, as declared by God.
1 Pet 1:23-25 NKJV - "..having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because “All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”
John 10:35 NKJV - "..the Scripture cannot be broken.."
John 10:35 AMP - "..the Scripture cannot be set aside or cancelled or broken or annulled.." (Many things are IMPOSSIBLE for God...)
"INERRANT" - The original manuscripts of the Bible are without factual errors or mistakes, since God Himself inspired it. This applies to science, history, logic, etc.. 100% accurate and true.
Ps.19:7-8 NKJV - "The law of the Lord is perfect..the testimony of the Lord is sure..the statutes of the Lord are right..the commandment of the Lord is pure.." (Tit 1:2 - "God cannot lie.."
"INTEGRAL" - The Bible is vital and necessary for your spiritual growth as a disciple of Christ. Only the Scriptures can feed your SPIRIT and nourish your development spiritually as a follower of Jesus.
Ps.1:1-3 NKJV - "Blessed is the man..his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." (Josh 1:8)
"INVALUABLE" - The Bible is the very WORDS OF GOD given to us, to have and treasure in our lives. As such, GOD'S WORDS TO YOU, they should be the most priceless treasure in your life!
1 Thess 2:13 NKJV - "For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the Word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God.."
How much do we magnify it?? - Ps. 138:2
How do YOU think of your Bible?? What does GOD say about it..?
The Word of God is...
"INSPIRED" - God Himself led the authors of Scripture as they wrote. He guided and inspired their choice of words, grammar, and content.
"Inspiration is the supernatural operation of the Holy Spirit, who through the different personalities and literary styles of the chosen human authors ,invested the very words of the original books of Holy Scripture, alone and in their entirety, as the very Word of God. They are without error in all that they teach or imply (including history and science), and the Bible is therefore the infallible rule and final authority for the faith and daily practice of all believers." - Geisler
2 Tim 3:16 NKJV - "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.."
"The Bible claims to be a book from God, a message with divine authority. Indeed, the biblical writers say they were moved by the Holy Spirit to utter His very words—that their message came by revelation so that what they wrote was breathed out (inspired) by God Himself." - Geisler
2 Pet 1:20-21 NLT - "Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God."
Need Objective Evidence?? Then look at the Bible's Accuracy; Unity; Prophecy; Potency... it is truly INSPIRED BY GOD!!
"INCLUSIVE" - The Bible contains all the necessary information and truth for man to come into a saving knowledge of God, and how to walk with Him daily. We should not ADD to the Scriptures for they are complete; we should not TAKE AWAY from the Bible, for it all comes from God; we should not SUBSTITUTE the Bible, as it alone gives you all you need for your spiritual life - it is complete & sufficient for your needs!
2 Tim 3:16-17 NKJV - "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
"INFALLIBLE" - The Bible cannot fail; the Word of God will always be fulfilled and come to pass, as declared by God.
1 Pet 1:23-25 NKJV - "..having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because “All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”
John 10:35 NKJV - "..the Scripture cannot be broken.."
John 10:35 AMP - "..the Scripture cannot be set aside or cancelled or broken or annulled.." (Many things are IMPOSSIBLE for God...)
"INERRANT" - The original manuscripts of the Bible are without factual errors or mistakes, since God Himself inspired it. This applies to science, history, logic, etc.. 100% accurate and true.
Ps.19:7-8 NKJV - "The law of the Lord is perfect..the testimony of the Lord is sure..the statutes of the Lord are right..the commandment of the Lord is pure.." (Tit 1:2 - "God cannot lie.."
"INTEGRAL" - The Bible is vital and necessary for your spiritual growth as a disciple of Christ. Only the Scriptures can feed your SPIRIT and nourish your development spiritually as a follower of Jesus.
Ps.1:1-3 NKJV - "Blessed is the man..his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." (Josh 1:8)
"INVALUABLE" - The Bible is the very WORDS OF GOD given to us, to have and treasure in our lives. As such, GOD'S WORDS TO YOU, they should be the most priceless treasure in your life!
1 Thess 2:13 NKJV - "For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the Word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God.."
How much do we magnify it?? - Ps. 138:2
3 - The Combat Blade - PRACTICALLY!
To DEFEND against enemy attacks!
-Matt 4 - The Temptation of Jesus in the desert...
In order to USE this Combat Blade of the Scriptures, you must do what Jesus did with His Bible:
-READ the Scriptures..faithfully!!
-REMEMBER the Scriptures..mentally!!
-REPEAT the Scriptures..aggressively!!
"The sword of the Spirit is a powerful, culture-penetrating instrument. It is your primary weapon, as a soldier of Christ. Like a Roman soldier with his battle sword, get to know your "sword of the Spirit". Become intimately familar with it. Feel it. Feel it's balance. Feel it's edge. Eat with it, sleep with it, walk with it, live with it. Know it, love it, and use it... and you will make a difference on the battlefield!" - Stu Weber
To ATTACK the enemies defenses!
-2 Cor 10:3-5 NLT - "We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ." (Matt 11:12 Amp)
1. Unleash the Gospel of Christ - fearlessly!
Rom 1:16 NKJV - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek."
2. Proclaim the Word of God - faithfully!
Heb 4:12 NLT - "For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." (Acts 2; 17)
To DEFEND against enemy attacks!
-Matt 4 - The Temptation of Jesus in the desert...
In order to USE this Combat Blade of the Scriptures, you must do what Jesus did with His Bible:
-READ the Scriptures..faithfully!!
-REMEMBER the Scriptures..mentally!!
-REPEAT the Scriptures..aggressively!!
"The sword of the Spirit is a powerful, culture-penetrating instrument. It is your primary weapon, as a soldier of Christ. Like a Roman soldier with his battle sword, get to know your "sword of the Spirit". Become intimately familar with it. Feel it. Feel it's balance. Feel it's edge. Eat with it, sleep with it, walk with it, live with it. Know it, love it, and use it... and you will make a difference on the battlefield!" - Stu Weber
To ATTACK the enemies defenses!
-2 Cor 10:3-5 NLT - "We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ." (Matt 11:12 Amp)
1. Unleash the Gospel of Christ - fearlessly!
Rom 1:16 NKJV - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek."
2. Proclaim the Word of God - faithfully!
Heb 4:12 NLT - "For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." (Acts 2; 17)