In the middle of extensive discussion about the everyday aspects of the faith life, Paul inserts an explanation of the principles of spiritual warfare. The clear implication is that spiritual warfare is not to be seen as some esoteric or unusual feature of Christianity; but rather, it is the common concern and occupation of every ordinary Christian.

The promises of God are not mere adornments for the life of faith, but the secure foundation stones upon which we walk our course of days. Claim the promises, live in them, and prove them daily to the glory of God. Our future stands on the promises of God!

These chapters are the most criticized writings in all the Bible. God’s use of nature as a tool of judgment and His call to completely exterminate the enemies of Israel are often claimed as proof that the God of the Old Testament is not worthy of worship. Simply put, the critics of God are wrong again.

These chapters outline the final preparations for and first steps into conquest: attention to obedience, reminders of God’s great faithfulness, and a renewed vision of supernatural assistance. The battle is now upon them and Israel must recognize here, before advancing, that all warfare is ultimately spiritual for God’s people. Do American churches today remember this biblical truth?

Every great biblical adventure begins in a seemingly strange place: the place of personal consecration before God. Before cities are conquered or sacrifices are offered, God always requires the spiritual preparation of each believer. So it is with a people called Evergreen.

Fear of an uncertain future is a dominant trait of contemporary culture. Responses range from nihilistic anarchists to doomsday preppers. Christian belief is displayed at its finest when Jesus followers live heartily in the present with a bold, confident expectation for the future.

On the eve of the public ministry of Jesus, John the Baptist declared the coming of the Kingdom of God. His preaching hinted at the reality of the Church, the divinely assembled and energized people of God. The Church stands as God’s redemptive army of saints.

As the days of conquest approach for Israel, Moses gives instructions to a new generation about to enter battle for the first time. His concern is not to have the largest army, but the most committed army. The key to success in war was not military might or superior troop numbers, but spiritual confidence in the Lord of Armies. So it is with Evergreen today!