H i s t o r i a n s t e l l u s known 227 years of peace. The rest have involved wars and fightings. The nations of the world have been repeatedly scarred by wars and con flagrations. In addition to this, since the fall of man, a different type of battle has been raging daily for the individual. In Ephesians 6:10-18 we find the conflict as well as our protective armour described. One reason why there is so much depression and de feat people face is because while they are saved they do not enjoy the blessing of victory in their daily lives. They constantly meet frustra tion and disappointments, flounder ing for survival in a mediocre exis tence instead of triumphant living. Satan doesn’t want to see Christians possessing their possessions. Wheth er we realize it at every moment or not, he has declared all-out war. It takes faith to advance in the power of the Lord, and receive that which is intended for you. In E p h e s ia n s 6:10 we read, “Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Which one of us doesn’t need such undergirding? Paul uses the words “my brethren” because all are included, p re a c h e rs , Sunday school teachers, even those whom we would con s id e r the most godly saints. There is no one who can af ford to be without the battle array. If we only had the challenge, “be strong and have power” and nothing else, the result would be complete frustration and misery. See what a difference from telling us to “be strong and have power,” to “be strong IN THE LORD, and in the power of HIS MIGHT.” It is a good spiritual rule to remember that God that in the past 3,000 years man has only
never tells us to do anything but that He gives us the power for achievement. See how these words recur, “in the Lord.” Here is where real power originates so that we can be victorious. While we must readily recognize our deficiency, we also need to acknowledge and apply His sufficiency. The word “strong” here gives us a picture of the need for strength in the ever present tense. It is not just some flurry of bravado for a passing moment. You need God’s help at every turn in life’s pathway. Without it you are defeated before you even begin. Starting with Ephesians 6:11, we see the armour which God provides. We are instructed, as good soldiers of Jesus Christ to “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” The idea here is sum marized in a not too frequently
Southern California Directors of Christian Edu cation recently held their meeting on the Biola Campus. Pictured above from left to right gre Douglas Weaver, 1956 Biola graduate and director of Christian Education, Calvary Baptist Church, Whittier, Calif; Rev. Keith Hil, Christian Director at Bethany Baptist Church, Whittier, and president of the organization; and Mr. Norman Wright,Christian Education Director of the St. John's Presbyterian Church, Compton, California.
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