The Christian life is lived under fire. The enemy sends flaming darts of fear, doubt, temptation, accusation, discouragement, and despair, especially in seasons of ministry, suffering, spiritual dryness, and vulnerability. Paul tells us to take up the shield of faith. This is not faith in general, but faith in God himself. Faith is the act of taking refuge in the promises of God, the power of God, and the love of God. When the darts come, faith does not pretend they are harmless; it lifts the shield of God’s character and Christ’s finished work. In this way, faith extinguishes what would otherwise set the soul on fire.

In a world of hostility, anxiety, and division, Paul says the people of God are to stand with their feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. This peace is not mere calmness or avoidance of conflict. It is the peace Christ has made through his cross: peace with God, peace within ourselves, and peace with one another, peace with creation. The enemy loves division, suspicion, and hostility, but the gospel makes a new kind of people, who are steady, reconciled, and ready to carry peace into a fractured world. To wear the sandals of peace is to stand firm in the reconciling work of Christ and to become agents of that peace wherever we go. The enemy loves division; Christ is our peace.

In this podcast, we are sharing Ebenezer moments of the people of Redeemer Church. An Ebenezer moment is simply telling the truth about where you’ve been and noticing where God has met you along the way. Some of that may feel clear; some of it may still feel unfinished. These stories are invitations to listen together to remember thus far how the Lord has helped, and to notice how God has been faithful-sometimes quietly, sometimes slowly, often in ways we only see in hindsight. Join us and listen along.