The ArmorSample

The Armor

by 

Bryan Craig 

Day One- The Battle 

Some men affiliated with our ministry in  Bakersfield, CA carry large coins in their pocket similar to the one in the picture attached.  It is their daily reminder that we are in a battle as we make disciples, and so, we must have the full armor of God to protect us.  In Rocky Fleming's book, “The Journey to the Inner Chamber,” he paints a word picture of great battle for the souls of men.  This one scene really struck me, as he talked about a warrior, named “Influencer.”  Here's what it said:

Riding through the crowd, mounted on magnificent horses, were riders dressed in gleaming armor… As I watched the riders move gently through the crowds, I saw flaming arrows being shot at them from hideous creatures…The flaming missiles had no effect, though, as they bounced off the riders’ armor and shields.” 

On my Journey with Christ at that time, I understood the reference to the flaming arrows, but I felt like many of those arrows had penetrated me.  Apparently, I didn’t have the proper armor. At the end of the story, a lost soul named, "Refugee" became "Learner" and began feasting on God’s Word and then, was strengthened further through Trials, until he finally crossed the threshold of “Personal Abandonment and Absolute Trust.” 

The doors to the Inner Chamber began to open slowly… I couldn’t believe my eyes.  Standing before me was a man in shining armor similar to Influencer…It was obvious that an amazing supernatural transformation had occurred in Learner’s life and that the Feast he had just partaken of had completed its work.  This new man now stood strong, confident and dangerous.  He was ready for battle. 

It’s been 12 years since I first read this story about Influencer, and I now understand many things.  As we go about our mission of Making Disciples, we are embarking upon enemy territory.  We are reaching out to men and women who have been enslaved for years by the enemy’s lies, temptations, strongholds and generational sin.  We are going behind enemy lines and rescuing these people.  We must be equipped and ready and armed.  This is serious business.  This week, I hope to help you understand the armor God has given us for the battle.

“Stand firm, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  Ephesians 6:14-17