Theme of the Day: Followers Armed For Battle
What is the worst war in human history? One might point to World War II, which has the highest death toll of at least 90 million people. Or consider the Three Kingdoms War, which not only resulted in over 40 million deaths but also lasted for most of the third century. There is no end to the sad list of nominations: the Thirty Years War, the American Civil War, World War I.
None of those is the correct answer. The worst war in human history began when the first shot was fired in Eden. It has been raging since. It is a war against “spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12). This is not a war over land or resources. It is a war for souls. The reality is that there are demonic forces that want to do more than kill you; they want to claim you for all eternity. The good news: Christ has already called you his own and equipped you for this war. Followers of Christ are armed for the battle.
Mark 9:14-27
1 Kings 18:21-39
Ephesians 6:10-18
Psalm 46A
865 – O Lord, Take Pity Once You’ve Seen
517 – Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
873 – Rise, My Soul, to Watch and Pray
866 – If God Had Not Been on Our Side
482 – Triune God, O Be Our Stay
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God, you see that we have no power to defend ourselves. Guard and keep us both outwardly and inwardly from all adversities that may happen to the body and all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Alleluia.