Putting On the Whole Armor of God | Contemporary Sermon

Date: November 16, 2025
Service: Contemporary Service
Speaker: Senior Pastor, John Stephenson
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Pastor John’s inspiring sermon explores Paul's teaching on spiritual warfare, emphasizing that Christians face not physical enemies but spiritual forces of evil. He explains that our purpose is to worship and glorify God, but Satan works to prevent this by encouraging self-worship and rebellion. His message focuses on the six pieces of spiritual armor God provides: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of gospel peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit. Pastor John highlights that our strength comes from God's power, not our own, and that we must stand firm in our God-given purpose. This isn't just ancient military imagery—it is a practical guide for standing firm in a world filled with spiritual weakness.
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1. Our struggle is not against other people but against spiritual forces of evil and wickedness
2. The enemy's goal is to prevent us from worshiping God by making us worship ourselves instead
3. We must rely on God's power, not our own strength, to fulfill our purpose
4. The belt of truth helps us reject lies like "you are not enough" or "you are alone"
5. The breastplate of righteousness calls us to adopt a lifestyle that reflects our salvation
6. Shoes of gospel peace represent embracing well-being through proper sleep, nutrition, exercise, and godly friendships
7. The shield of faith represents proactive trust in God that blocks spiritual attacks
8. The helmet of salvation gives us confidence and assurance that we are protected no matter what
9. The sword of the Spirit is both Scripture and words given by the Holy Spirit in moments of need
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Scripture Reference:
Ephesians 6:10-20
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Thank you for watching and supporting us! Everyone is welcomed, loved, and wanted at Lakewood Methodist and we are so glad to be in the Lord's word with you today. Blessings!
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Lakewood Methodist Church
11330 Louetta Road
Houston, TX 77070