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Jesus’ Final Prayer: Insights from John 17

Jesus spent the night in Prayer before he was crucified. Here are three of the things that He prayed about before being betrayed.

The High Priestly Prayer

found in John 17:12

When Jesus had spoken these things, He raised His eyes to heaven [in prayer] and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, so that Your Son may glorify You. Just as You have given Him power and authority over all mankind, [now glorify Him] so that He may give eternal life to all whom You have given Him [to be His—permanently and forever]. Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true [supreme and sovereign] God, and [in the same manner know] Jesus [as the] Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You [down here] on the earth by completing the work that You gave Me to do. Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory and majesty that I had with You before the world existed.

“I have manifested Your name [and revealed Your very self, Your real self] to the people whom You have given Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept and obeyed Your word. Now [at last] they know [with confident assurance] that all You have given Me is from You [it is really and truly Yours]. For the words which You gave Me I have given them; and they received and accepted them and truly understood [with confident assurance] that I came from You [from Your presence], and they believed [without any doubt] that You sent Me. I pray for them; I do not pray for the world, but for those You have given Me, because they belong to You; and all things that are Mine are Yours, and [all things that are] Yours are Mine; and I am glorified in them. I am no longer in the world; yet they are still in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, so that they may be one just as We are. While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and protected them, and not one of them was lost except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.

The Disciples in the World

found in John 17:13-21

But now I am coming to You; and I say these things [while I am still] in the world so that they may experience My joy made full and complete and perfect within them [filling their hearts with My delight].  I have given to them Your word [the message You gave Me]; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world and do not belong to the world, just as I am not of the world and do not belong to it. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but that You keep them and protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth [set them apart for Your purposes, make them holy]; Your word is truth.  Just as You commissioned and sent Me into the world, I also have commissioned and sent them (believers) into the world. For their sake I sanctify Myself [to do Your will], so that they also may be sanctified [set apart, dedicated, made holy] in [Your] truth.

“I do not pray for these alone [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for [all] those who [will ever] believe and trust in Me through their message, that they all may be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe [without any doubt] that You sent Me.

Their Future Glory

John 17:22-26

I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected and completed into one, so that the world may know [without any doubt] that You sent Me, and [that You] have loved them, just as You have loved Me. Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given to Me [as Your gift to Me], may be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

“O just and righteous Father, although the world has not known You and has never acknowledged You [and the revelation of Your mercy], yet I have always known You; and these [believers] know [without any doubt] that You sent Me; and I have made Your name known to them, and will continue to make it known, so that the love with which You have loved Me may be in them [overwhelming their heart], and I [may be] in them.”

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The Church as the Lord’s Army: A Biblical Perspective

Biblical Foundation

The concept of the five-fold ministry originates from Ephesians 4:11-13, where the Apostle Paul describes these roles as gifts given by Christ to the church. The purpose of these ministries is to equip believers for service, promote unity in faith, and help the church reach maturity in Christ.

Ephesians

  • And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
  • For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
  • Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:


Roles and Functions

Apostles: Often seen as foundational leaders, apostles are responsible for pioneering new works and establishing churches. They provide vision and direction, ensuring that the church remains aligned with God’s mission.

Prophets: Prophets are called to discern and declare God’s Word, guiding the church towards faithfulness and holiness. They serve as spiritual voices, often calling the community to repentance and deeper commitment to God.

Evangelists: Tasked with spreading the gospel, evangelists gather people into the church and encourage outreach efforts. They play a crucial role in expanding the church’s reach and bringing new believers into the faith.

Pastors: Pastors provide care and guidance to the congregation, nurturing spiritual growth and fostering community. They are often seen as shepherds who protect and lead their flock.

Teachers: Teachers are responsible for instructing and grounding believers in biblical truth. They help the church understand scripture and apply it to their lives, ensuring that the congregation is well-equipped for ministry.

The Lord’s Army

Now let’s put this another way. We are called to be soldiers in the Lord’s Army. That is why Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God. Click here for more information on the Armor of God.

We are not called to be seat warmers in a building on Sunday Mornings. We are called to fight against the forces of darkness. Every part of the fivefold ministry is for the equipping of the saints to the work of God. Now I am going to loosely use the military rankings of the United States Army to put things into a military perspective so that you can better understand you job in the Lord’s Army.

Private: Everyone starts off as a private. This is the lowest level. It is at this point that you still have learning to do. You have just accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Now it is time to start learning how to live as Christ would want you to live.

  • In the real army there are several levels of the rank of private. These levels are like you learning and growing in faith.
  • Some will rank up all the way into the five-fold ministry. Others will be the general soldiers.
    • Both are needed. General soldiers are the general workers. The others are the future leaders of the church community.
    • All are important to the body of Christ.

Drill Sergent: This would be the teachers. Now just because I am relating teachers to the rank of Drill Sergent does not mean I think teachers should act like a Drill Sergent is portrayed on television. Teachers are to be

  • patient
  • loving
  • kind
  • caring
  • knowledgeable

Remember that the teachers are in charge of training the next generation of soldiers and some of them will be all of the other rankings. This ranking and job should be taken seriously.

Colonel: This would be the pastor of the local church. They are also the shepherd of the congregation. They are the organizers of the local body. Their job is to ensure that everyone is where they are supposed to be.

  • They shepherd the privates into the various classes.
  • They look after the various groups within the congregation and see what needs to be done.
  • They have some helpers that we call deacons.
    • They organize them into sections and send them out to see to the needs of the church.
      • feeding the widows
      • feeding the orphans
      • making sure the teachers have what they need to teach

The Deacons would be like the Lieutenant Colonels. They are not the head of the church, but they sure help run the church and keep things running smoothly.

Commissioned officer: This would be the Evangelists and Apostles

  • The rank of a recruiting officer in the Army is typically classified as a commissioned officer. Commissioned officers are leaders who command Army units and make strategic decisions. The ranks of commissioned officers range from Lieutenant (O-1) to General (O-10), with each rank indicating a higher level of responsibility and command authority.

Their job is to go out and recruit others (find the new privates). They do this in various ways. The Evangelists usually does this closer to home. The Apostles are usually who we now call missionaries.

The Military Intelligence Officer: This would be the prophet. Their job is similar to that of the lookout guard. In the Bible, there would-be people positioned in the watch towers. Their job was to alert the people of approaching danger. In the military today that is similar to the job of the intelligence officer. They are responsible for gathering the information needed to guard the church body from false prophets, false teachings, and anything else that would hinder the work of God.

  • The rank of a Military Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army typically starts at the rank of Captain (O-6). They are responsible for supervising the Military Intelligence process for unit commanders and leading intelligence operations. The rank progression for Military Intelligence Officers includes:
    Lieutenant (O-4)
    Captain (O-6)
    Major (O-5)
    Lieutenant Colonel (O-6)
    Colonel (O-7)
    Brigadier General (O-8)
    Major General (O-9)
    Lieutenant General (O-9)
    General (O-10)
    These ranks reflect the leadership capabilities and responsibilities of the officer in the intelligence field.

Everyone has a job in the army. Everyone has a job in the body of Christ. The Church needs to take their jobs just as seriously as the military takes it job.

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A Psalm to Thank the Lord

 Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the Lord into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.

Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.

Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.

Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth.

Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;

Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac;

And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,

Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance;

When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it.

And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people;

He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes,

Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

Sing unto the Lord, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation.

Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.

For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.

For all the gods of the people are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.

Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.

Give unto the Lord, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength.

Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The Lord reigneth.

Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein.

Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the Lord, because he cometh to judge the earth.

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise.

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the Lord.

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The Righteous vs. The Ungodly: Insights from Psalm 1

Psalms 1

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

The key word in the psalm is “blessed,” used here as a declaration about a certain kind of man. Essentially, the psalm teaches that the blessed, happy man is the righteous man. He avoids evil influences, deeds, and attitudes, and delights in God’s Word; as a result, God causes him to prosper. In contrast, the ungodly are like chaff, worthless and destined for judgment. The Lord’s evaluation is clear in verse 6: He knows the way of the righteous (and it will be blessed), but He also knows the way of the ungodly, and it will perish. This psalm serves as a fitting introduction to the Psalter, presenting the three main figures who appear throughout: the righteous, the ungodly, and God.

A Prayer to go with the Psalm:

Lord our God, source of blessing and justice, your Son, Jesus, lived the only true life. Through him, we can know, love, and rejoice in you. Keep us nourished by your grace and grounded in your Spirit, so our ears hear your voice, and our feet walk in your ways, giving all glory to you alone. Amen.

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The Lord’s Prayer

When Jesus’ Disciples asked, Jesus taught them to pray like this. See Matthew 6:9-13

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.

Amen.

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The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus
Christ, His only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of
the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was
buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father
Almighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in
the Holy Spirit, the holy Church, the communion of saints, the
forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

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The Lord’s Prayer from Psalms

All parts of The Lord’s Prayer can be found in the book of Psalms. Most are not written according to exactly how it is written in Matthew, but the ideas are there.

Matthew 6:9-13

  • After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
  • Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
  • Give us this day our daily bread.
  • And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
  • And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Now from the Book of Psalms

  • Hallowed be your Name.
    • Psalms 115:1 Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.
    • Psalms 145:1 I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
  • Your Kingdom come
    • Psalms 47
      • O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
      • For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
      • He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
      • He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.
      • God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.
      • Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
      • For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
      • God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
      • The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.
    • Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
      • Psalms 103:19-22
        •  The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
        • Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
        • Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
        • Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.
    • Give us this day our Daily Bread
      • Psalms 34:10
        • The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.
      • Psalms 10413:15
        • He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.
        • He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;
        • And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart.
      • Psalms 146
        • Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God:
        • Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:
        • Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners:
      • Psalm 37:25-26
        • I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
        • He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
    • forgive us our Sins as we forgive others
      • Psalms 51:7-14
        • Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
        • Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
        • Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
        • Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
        • Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
        • Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
        • Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
        • Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
    • Save us from our time of trial (deliver us from evil)
      • Psalms 62:5-8
        • My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
        • He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
        • In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
        • Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
    • The Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
      • Psalms 145:11
        • They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;
      • Psalms 103:19
        • The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
      • Psalms 145:13
        • Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

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Essential Elements for Meaningful Worship

When you want to worship you need to have certain elements or parts to the worship service. There should order to worship. Remember that God said that everything should be done in decency and in order. Worship can occur anywhere. Jesus made this clear when he answered the woman at the well.

John 4:21-24

  • Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
  • Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
  • But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
  • God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

The following is just a guide taken from various scriptures in the book of Psalms. Remember that Psalms was written for use in the temple of God. Also, the New Testament says:

  • Ephesians 5:19
    • Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
  • Colossians 3:16
    • Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

The Worship Elements

  1. Preparation for Worship: prepare your heart and mind for worship
    • Psalms 15
      • Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
      • He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
      • He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
      • In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
      • He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
    • Psalms 24:3-5
      • Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
      • He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
      • He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
    • This two Psalms are talking about the presence of God. Those who are not right with God, must repent before they can come fully into the presence of God.
  2. Gathering – Coming together
    • Psalms 43:3-4
      • O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.
      • Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
    • Psalms 100:4
      • Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
  3. Call to Worship
    • Psalms 150:1-6
      • Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
      • Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
      • Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
      • Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
      • Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
      • Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.
  4. Praise & Adoration
    • Psalms 146:1-2
      • Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul.
      • While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.
    • Ps 149:1
      • Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.
  5. Call to Confession
    • Psalms 32:5-6
      • I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
      • For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.
    • Psalms 79:8-9
      • O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.
      • Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake.
    • Psalms 27:7-9
      •  Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
      • When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
      • Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
    • Psalms 51:9-12
      • Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
      • Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
      • Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
      • Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
    • Assurance of forgiveness
      • Psalms 86:4-7
        • Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
        • For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
        • Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.
        • In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
      • Psalms 103:1-4
        • Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
        • Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
        • Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
        • Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
  6. Testimony
    • Psalms 30:11-12
      • Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
      • To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever.
    • Psalms 107:1-2
      • O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
      • Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
  7. Prayer for illumination / Guidance
    • Psalms 25:4-5
      • Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.
      • Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
    • Psalms 43:3-4
      • O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.
      • Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
    • Psalms 95:6-7
      •  O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.
      • For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,
    • Psalms 119:105
      • Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
        • Everything must be looked at in light of Word of God.
  8. Offering
    • Psalms 50:14
      • Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:
    • Psalms 51:16:17
      • For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
      • The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
  9. Lord’s Supper
    • Table prepared
      • Psalms 23:5
        • Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
    • Cup
      • Psalms 116:13
        • I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.
  10. Thanksgiving after the Lord’s Supper
    • PS 103:1-5
      •  Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
      • Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
      • Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
      • Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
      • Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
  11. Baptism (there may not be a Baptism every time)
    • Psalms 51:2
      • Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
    • Psalms 51:7
      • Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

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Unveiling the Armor of God in the Old Testament

When most people think of the Armor of God, they think of Ephesians 6:11-18 where Paul tells us to put on the armor of God. Did you know that the Old Testament speaks about the armor of God? It is not as laid out as Paul puts it in Ephesians, but it is there.

Here are the different pieces of armor found throughout the Old Testament:

Belt of Truth

  • Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
  • Psalms 18:32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
  • Psalms 18:39 For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.

Breastplate of Righteousness

  • Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
  • Psalms 132:9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.
  • Isaiah 59:17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.

Shoes of Peace

  • Remember the function of shoes is to protection the feet and to help keep your feet from slipping.
    • Ephesians 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
    • Psalms 18:36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.
    • Psalms 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
    • Psalms 56:13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
    • Psalms 119:59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
    • Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Shield of Faith

  • Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
  • Psalms 3:3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
  • Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Helmet of Salvation

  • Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
  • Isaiah 59:17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.

Remember to take the Whole Armor of God.

Ephesians 6:12-13 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

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Understanding Apologetics: A Defense of Christian Faith

Apologetics is the study and practice of giving answers for the reasonableness and truth of the Christian faith.

  • Apologetics comes from the Greek apologia
    • means “to give a defense.”
      • it refers to a verbal defense or a reasoned statement or argument.
  • Apologetics is the branch of theology which deals with giving a defense of the Christian faith.

In 1 Peter 3:15, Christians are commanded to give an apologia to anyone who asks the reason for our hope.

  • 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

In a world where God’s Word often faces criticism both inside and outside the church, we should be ready to share the hope we have. Christianity is grounded in real history—actual people and events that truly happened. While we can counter arguments and explain the reasons for our faith, if we don’t point others to the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ, we haven’t really defended the faith. Scripture reminds us to do this with meekness and fear, meaning we’re not here just to win arguments. Too often, Christian apologists can come across as loud, unkind, or prideful. We should proclaim the truth boldly, yet with self-control and the mindset of a messenger delivering the King’s message. We also act with reverent fear, knowing it’s only by God’s grace that we’ve been made ambassadors for Him, and that without the Holy Spirit’s work, our efforts alone can’t bring anyone to salvation. Above all, we must be careful not to misrepresent God by misusing the truth He’s entrusted to us.

These days, many Christians lack the discipline and discernment to defend their faith against “the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:16). Over time, the church has become less effective at reaching those who are lost. While there are several reasons for this, a major one is that many believers have trouble explaining or defending their beliefs. As a result, Christianity is often viewed as a “blind faith,” and its followers are seen as uninformed or easily influenced.

Christianity isn’t a “blind faith” but is rooted in the God and His perfect, revealed Word. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” So how can faith involve “evidence”? Because it’s anchored in real history—genuine people and events. While evidence can’t definitively prove the Bible’s truth, it can demonstrate that it supports Scripture. Viewed through the lens of God’s Word instead of human opinion, the evidence fits seamlessly with the Bible.

Throughout the New Testament the Early Leaders of the Church practiced apologetics. The authors of Scripture accurately recorded historical events, including the miracles of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Crucifixion and Resurrection.

  • Peter:
    • Wrote about the early followers of Christ:
      • 2 Peter 1:16 “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty”.
      • The Apostle Peter also instructed his readers to
        • “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).
  • Jude
    • Informed his readers about the importance of earnestly contending “for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
  • Paul
    • Practiced apologetics as he regularly went first to a town’s synagogue and “reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead” (Acts 17:2, 18:4, emphasis added).
    • Paul reasoning with the religious leaders of the day does not sound like the actions of a man who had a blind faith.
    • Knew his faith was defensible.
      • He had encountered Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1–8)
      • He told the Corinthians that over 500 people had witnessed the resurrected Savior at the same time (1 Corinthians 15:6).

For information on where in history the various event wrote about in the Bible took place, please visit Key Events in Ancient History: A Comprehensive Timeline.

For more information read: The Importance of Knowing Your Christian Faith

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