14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth…

– Ephesians 6:14 (ESV)

 

Have you ever taken the witness stand in a court of law? Twice in my life I’ve placed my hand on a Bible, raised the other, and affirmed that I would “swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.” To satisfy inquiring minds, it’s probably best I add that both testimonies were given for two incredibly positive occasions: the adoptions of my sons. And while I couldn’t wait to testify, my excitement failed to quell the prodigious feeling that accompanied swearing an oath in a court of law. Despite the joy, I couldn’t help but have this twinge of fear that I was going to say something wrong. Perhaps that’s why they added the phrase, “so help me God?”

What ever the case, as I prepared for this week’s message on the armor of God, I was reminded of swearing to tell the truth. Why? Well, because this week the piece of spiritual armor we are studying is the Belt of Truth. The truth in view here is all things true. You see, because we know God is truth, it’s correct to say that all true truth is indeed God’s truth. As we take up the armor we will learn how the Lord empowers us to  discern what is true and tell the truth ourselves. To bring this Pastor’s Note full circle, the Belt of Truth will enable us to know and tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, through the power of God. It turns out that last line, “so help me God,” is incredibly profound. Our ability to fight with truth in the spiritual battle is only possible through the power of Christ in our lives.

I’m fired up to be back with you this Sunday! Take some time to listen to the worship set, read Ephesians 6:10-20, and ask the Lord to prepare your heart to receive His truth.

 

Love you Church,

Jerry Lingenfelter
Senior Pastor