Not Today, Satan: The Armor of God

We have been in a powerful series called Not Today, Satan, and this week Pastor Maria brought a message that reminded us what it really means to be equipped for spiritual warfare. The battle may be invisible, but it is real, and the good news is that God has already given us everything we need to stand firm.

Understanding the Battle
The Bible says in Ephesians 6 that our fight is not against people but against spiritual forces of evil. The enemy is cunning and deceptive, using distraction, division, and temptation to pull us away from our purpose. But God does not leave us defenseless. He gives us the Armor of God, a divine strategy for victory that still applies to the church today.
Pastor Maria reminded us that just like the believers in Ephesus, we live in a culture full of distractions and darkness. When we put on the Armor of God, we are wrapping ourselves in Christ Himself. It is not our strength that wins the battle, it is His.

The Armor of God
Here is what God gives every Christian to stand firm:

1. The Belt of Truth – In a world that twists reality, we must love truth. Truth keeps us centered and unmoved by lies.
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness – This is our right standing with God. We are made righteous through Jesus, not our own effort.
3. Shoes of Peace – We bring the Gospel of Peace wherever we go. Even in warfare, we are messengers of reconciliation and hope.
4. The Shield of Faith – Faith protects us from every fiery dart of doubt and fear. It is the declaration, “I trust God.”
5. The Helmet of Salvation – A daily reminder that we are saved, chosen, and secure in Christ.
6. The Sword of the Spirit – The living, active Word of God that brings power and breakthrough in every situation.

Standing Firm Together
Paul did not write this letter only to individuals but to the body of Christ. That means the Armor of God is something we put on together. The church is not meant to fight alone. We stand stronger when we pray for one another, lift one another up, and refuse to make each other the enemy.

Community is God’s design for victory. The enemy loves isolation, but unity breaks his grip. Pastor Maria challenged us to come together, pray together, and watch over each other as one church family.

A Call to Awake and Stand
This is a wake-up call for the church in Orlando and beyond: Wake up. The battle is real, but our victory is secure. When we put on the Armor of God, when we stay rooted in truth, when we walk in peace and faith, we stand firm no matter what comes.
So let us link arms as the church in Orlando, confident that God is our strength, Jesus is our armor, and the Holy Spirit is our power.

It is time to stand firm, pray boldly, and walk victoriously, because when the church stands united in the power of God, even the gates of hell cannot prevail.

PASTOR MARIA'S SERMON NOTES
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