Ephesians 2:2 NLT You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. Ephesians 2:14 NLT For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. Ephesians 2:18 NLT Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. When you make Jesus Christ > Lord of your life > you are united w/all aspects of God > full unity Ephesians 4:1 NLT Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Ephesians 4:7,13 NLT This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. UNITY is God’s end goal Ephesians 6:10 NLT A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. **Who is our real enemy? ** Ephesians 6:11 NLT Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Devil has many strategies: Deception, Condemnation, Doubt, Discouragement, Distraction, Division/Isolation Ephesians 6:12 NLT For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. THE ARMOR OF GOD Isaiah 59:17 NLT He put on righteousness as his body armor and placed the helmet of salvation on his head. He clothed himself with a robe of vengeance and wrapped himself in a cloak of divine passion. Ephesians 6:13 NLT Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 1 Peter 5:8 NLT Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Ephesians 6:14 NLT > Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth… Ephesians 6:14 NLT > …and the body armor of God’s righteousness. Ephesians 6:15 NLT > For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. Isaiah 52:7 NLT How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! Ephesians 6:16 NLT In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Ephesians 6:17 NLT > Put on salvation as your helmet… Ephesians 6:17 NLT > …and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:18 NLT Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. PRAYER: Father God I submit my life to You today. I choose to step out of the kingdom of darkness and into the Kingdom of God. I take my place in Your story, Lord, and choose to stand firm. Jesus, I believe you died and rose again to make all things new. Make me new. I renounce the works of the enemy and all ground I've ever given to him. In Jesus' name I tear down every stronghold and lie the enemy has planted in me, and I put on the full armor of God. I choose light over darkness truth over lies, courage over cowardice and holiness over sin. Holy Spirit, fill me. Strengthen me with courage. Let me be a threat to the kingdom of darkness this week. Nothing will stop your church and I take a firm stand as one of the Faithful. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray and I fight. Amen.