Page 75 - History of Christianity II- Textbook

13.5 Let’s Personalize this Lesson…
Activity: As we come to the end of our study in church history, we can clearly see how God
has moved among men, but equally active, we can see how Satan has resisted Him in every
aspect. But we do see that history is moving to a conclusion. The history of the church is a
history of God’s reconciliation – of bringing men to salvation through faith. It is a history of
warfare. We see how true the Scriptures are when Paul said:

Ephesians 6:12 New International Version (NIV)

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the
heavenly realms.

As you seek to follow our Lord now and, in the future, be reminded that you are in a battle. As
Ephesians 6 reminds us, we need to be strong and mighty in His power. We need to daily put on the
armor of God so that we can stand against the attacks of the Devil. The armor includes a belt of truth, a
breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the Gospel of Peace, the shield of faith, and the helmet of
salvation and sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD OF GOD (Eph. 6: 10-11)

We conclude with Paul’s admonition and personalize his challenge to each of us:

Ephesians 6:18-20 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With
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this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that
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whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the
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gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

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