Posts by Christian Worker (Page 4)
The Shield of Faith
The Christian’s experience in this life can be pictured by the imagery of a three-fold cord comprised of strands identified as God, the person, and the community (Eccles. 4:9-12). When one becomes a Christian they become one with God and also a part of the body of Christ, which Scripture tells us is the church (Col. 1:24). Since the collective body is comprised of many individuals, it logically follows that the strength of the individual impacts the strength of the…
Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel
Before a soldier would ever lift his sword, he laced his sandals. For him, sure footing could be what turned the tide in the heat of battle. The shoes of the legionnaire did not fight the battle, nor did they have any offensive quality. They burrowed lightly into the dirt and helped the soldier to stand his ground. Paul writes to struggling Christians about their common goal: to win a spiritual war. This passage encourages believers to prepare for constant…
The Breastplate of Righteousness
In the daily spiritual battles we all face, God does not leave His people defenseless. The Apostle Paul urges believers to “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11). This armor is essential for every Christian engaged in the good warfare (1 Tim. 1:18). As Paul told Timothy, we must “endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ,” refusing to become entangled in the affairs…
Girded with Truth
If forced to surrender one piece of armor, many would instinctively protect the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, or the sword of the Spirit. A belt might seem less vital as a disposable article of clothing. Yet Paul lists it as essential armor, underscoring its strategic importance in ancient Roman culture. Without the belt of truth firmly buckled, the other pieces shift and fail under pressure. Paul says we should “Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with…
From the Director’s Desk
Have you ever been through events in your life that have changed you? Think about boot camp. A soldier who enters basic training for a military branch will graduate as a different person. The experience with its training, focus, emphasis, discipline, feedback, and arrangement transforms someone from a citizen to a soldier (sailor/airman/ marine/guardsman). There are other transformative experiences in life. Some last days or weeks while others last months or years. After such experiences, one may look back and…
From Slaves to Free
“I think slavery is the next thing to hell.” – Harriet Tubman, 1856 Harriet Tubman was a conductor for the Underground Railroad. She knew the difficulties of escaping slavery; thus, she was likened to Moses. Egypt had enslaved Israel, and during their Exodus, Moses and the Israelites overcame many difficulties. The struggles they faced while escaping Egyptian slavery are notably similar to the struggles Christians face while escaping slavery to sin (John 8:34). Though Pharaoh never stood a chance at…
From Sheep to Wolves
The reader might have noticed the titles of this issue tend to reflect a change from the negative to the positive. The exception to that rule is the subject of my assignment. As Christians, we want things to move from bad to good (and not the other way around), but the reality is the devil is hard at work (1 Pet. 5:8). Sadly, some who were faithful in the past have departed from the faith (1 Tim. 4:1). What are…
From Persecutor to Apostle
The account of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, whom we know now as Paul the Apostle, is one of the greatest conversion stories and testimonies known to man. We first see this individual as a young zealous man, eager to destroy a fast-growing religious group called “The Christians” or “Jesus Followers.” Young Saul was no idiot. He was well-versed in the Law, studied at the feet of Gamaliel, was a Hebrew of the Hebrews; as to the Law, was…
From Poor to Rich
It is undoubtedly the most amazing “Rags to Riches” story of all time. We follow the descent of Jesus from heaven to earth to humility to humiliation to death and now, exalted to the highest place (Phil. 2:5-11). What’s more remarkable is that He shares the riches of His glory with us who at one time were the ones who put Him to death (Rom. 5:5-8; 2 Cor. 8:9). We are heirs together with Him. So many people are working…
From Ordinary to Extraordinary
An ordinary young woman who was soon to be married had her world turned upside down. It was from the moment that the angel of the Lord appeared to Mary that she knew her life was going to change. From that time strange things began to happen. She found that she was with child though she had not yet married Joseph nor “known” any man. She visited Elisabeth her cousin and upon her greeting Elisabeth’s child leaped in her womb.…
From Corruptible to Incorruptible
Have you ever heard someone say, “outside of a new car, most people do not like change?” Did you know there is a day coming when some big changes will take place? When the Apostle Paul penned his first inspired letter to Corinth he wrote about the idea of change. “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed” (1 Cor. 15:51). Strong’s Bible Dictionary defines the word change as “to make…
From the Director’s Desk
Each year on the weekend of the first Sunday in March, the Southwest congregation hosts its Arise! workshop. This is a blessing and benefit to our congregation and the SWSBS student body. The study, singing, and social fellowship are hard to beat. One of the best parts of the Arise! weekend is the opportunity to spend time with alumni. Most SWSBS graduates work as local preachers. They have pulpit and evangelistic works that bless those churches whom they serve. But,…