Deciding—Not Only Desiring—To Be Strong in Him (Ephesians 6:10-20)

November 1, 2023 Nate Holdridge

Today, my mind is on a particular insight in Paul's exhortations to the Ephesians about spiritual warfare (or, really, about life). He said we wrestle not against people but powers, so he told us to take up the armor of God. I've identified and explained this armor elsewhere, so today, let’s consider the personal responsibility Paul expected each of us to take in putting on that armor.

Archival Post: Develop A Prayer Reflex

April 25, 2022 Nate Holdridge

Do you ever read the news and feel like there's nothing you can do, like it's completely out of your control? Who do I call? What can I do? Who can I complain to? How can I change things?

Jesus Has Authority Over All Invisible Forces (Mark 1:21-28)

March 9, 2022 Nate Holdridge

Every person has guides who help them navigate life. All of us have authoritative voices that help us decide how to live. What the disciples of Jesus would quickly begin learning is that Jesus should be our authoritative guide. (7 Minutes/1800 Words)

Your Work Is Worship (Genesis 2:15)

June 21, 2021 Nate Holdridge

So **the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it**. Later, once sin entered the world, the ground was cursed, and mankind's work became considerably more difficult. The ground began yielding thorns and thistles at that point. But, before the fall, work was part of God's original plan. Still is. (2 Minutes/500 Words)

Remember Who You Are -- Young Men: Victorious Over the Evil One (1 John 2:13-14)

April 27, 2021 Nate Holdridge

Here, after our previous study of the children and fathers, we have the young men. They represent that great middle section of the Christian life. The children enjoy being forgiven. The fathers have enjoyed Christ. And the young men enjoy victory, for they are the ones sent into battle. (5 Minutes/1100 Words)

Archival Post & Podcast: The Weapon of Prayer

September 28, 2020 Nate Holdridge

The Weapon of Prayer

Archival Post & Podcast

We are filthy rich. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians church tells Christians as much. Rich in Christ. Spiritually wealthy in Him. We have already received every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. We are adopted, predestined, and chosen by God. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit. We have been reunited with Him. The work of Christ was a full work, and Christians must learn to enjoy all they’ve received in Him, to walk out the spiritual reality that is theirs in Christ. But in the walk, there is a war. In that war, we must learn to stand. The enemy wants to take us out. (8 minutes/2000 Words)

Develop a Prayer Reflex

July 14, 2020 Nate Holdridge

prayer+reflex.jpg — Develop a Prayer Reflex

Do you ever read the news and feel like there's nothing you can do, like it's completely out of your control? Who do I call? What can I do? Who can I complain to? How can I change things? (2 Minutes/400 Words)

Book Excerpt: Christ Unites

June 25, 2020 Nate Holdridge

Paul tells us who this war is with: Satan, rulers, authorities, cosmic powers, and spiritual forces of evil. Paul takes no time defending the reality of these forces. To him, their presence is undeniable. (3 Minutes/700 Words)

Adam's Work (Genesis 2:15)

May 5, 2020 Nate Holdridge

adam's work.jpg — Adam's Work

(Genesis 2:15)

Adam was called to cultivate the gift God had given him. The earth was his to enjoy. He was called to work, and so are we. (2 Minutes/400 Words)

6 Helps to Run the Christian Race in the Last Days (Hebrews 10:19-39)

September 12, 2019 Nate Holdridge

When running in an endurance race, ample reasons to quit surface. Overwhelming fatigue, blisters and other irritations will grate on your resolve. Eating the wrong food will cause your energy to deplete. You might experience dehydration. You might even become mentally depressed when alone on the course. As each malady presents itself, the temptation to quit is strong. But the experienced endurance racer pushes through and finishes their course. (14 Minutes/3600 Words)