de·fend
“resisting an attack made on someone or something; protecting from harm or danger”
Ecclesiastes 4:12a
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
In almost every team sport, there is an offense and a defense. The function of the offensive team is to score, whereas the defense’s function is to stop the other team from scoring. The offense can win a game, but it’s the defense that can lose it. This is a truth in sports, in battle, and even in our church community. Working together, communicating, strategizing, working the play, and being intentional is what makes for an unstoppable force.
But what exactly are we defending ourselves from? For each of us, it may be different. Some might be struggling with external forces: bullying, harassment, abuse, toxic environments, illnesses, loss, debt. Whereas, others might be facing a fight within; depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, suicidal thoughts, low self-worth. All of these and others are things that the devil is using to try to overpower us. But he doesn’t stop there: he uses shame as a way to keep us isolated and silent in our fight, convincing ourselves that if other’s knew what was really happening, that they would reject us. When we try to fight on our own, in silence, we are fighting a losing battle, BUT when we choose to live in community, being transparent with those around us, we can and will find victory in Jesus.
Pray
Spend some time thanking God for how he is using or has used others in the past to help you through times when you needed someone “playing defense” for you.
Ask God today for the courage to face your fears and struggles and to be transparent with your small group.
Pray a prayer of equipping, and ask God to bring you people who can walk alongside you and fight this battle by your side.
| No. | Subject | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 71 |
Week 3 - Day 21 (Take a Break).
 | 2019.09.08 |
| 70 |
Week 3 - Day 20
| 2019.09.07 |
| 69 |
Week 3 - Day 19
| 2019.09.07 |
| 68 |
Week 3 - Day 18
| 2019.09.07 |
| 67 |
Week 3 - Day 17
| 2019.09.07 |
| 66 |
Week 2 - Day 16
| 2019.09.07 |
| 65 |
Week 2 - Day 15 ( Unleash Compassion )
| 2019.09.07 |
| 64 |
Week 2 - Day 14
| 2019.09.07 |
| » |
Week 2 (Build Community) - Day 13
| 2019.09.01 |
| 62 |
Week 2 (Build Community) - Day 12
| 2019.09.01 |
| 61 |
Week 2 - Day 11
| 2019.08.29 |
| 60 |
Week 2 - Day 10
| 2019.08.28 |
| 59 |
Week 2 - Day 9
| 2019.08.27 |
| 58 | Week 2 (Build Community) - Day 8: Peace Sign | 2019.08.27 |
| 57 |
Week 1 - Day 7
| 2019.08.25 |
| 56 |
Week 1 - Day 6
| 2019.08.24 |
| 55 |
Week 1 - Day 5
| 2019.08.23 |
| 54 |
Week 1 - Day 4
| 2019.08.22 |
| 53 |
Week 1 - Day 3
| 2019.08.21 |
| 52 |
Week 1 - Day 2
| 2019.08.20 |
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made. (John 1:1 ~ 3)
God A holy (without sin), spiritual being, all-knowing, everywhere present, eternally existent in three distinct personalities – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – one God (Exodus 3:14-15, John 4:24, Matthew 28:19, John 1:1-2).Jesus Christ Jesus became “God in the flesh.” He was born through the miracle of a virgin birth, lived a sinless life, was crucified and died a physical death as atonement for our sins, and was physically resurrected from the grave. (Matthew 1:18-25, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8) He will return in bodily form as Lord of the universe, to gather his followers and judge those who have rejected him (Acts 1:9-11, Hebrews 9:27-28).
The Holy Spirit Lives within those who believe in Jesus Christ as Comforter and Advocate, and helps us become more like Jesus in thought, word, actions, and character (John 16:5-15).
Sin Men and women were created in the image of God but are now separated from God by sin (Romans 5:12-21).
Salvation Faith (belief and trust) in Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross is the only way to be reconciled with God (Acts 4:8-12). Salvation cannot be earned; it is offered through Jesus based on grace, not merit. What we couldn’t do for ourselves (reconcile with God), Jesus did through his death on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9). God lovingly offers salvation to every person, and every person has the freedom to accept or reject this gift at any time (John 3:16-18). Faith requires repentance (conforming our lifestyle to Christ’s), and results in obedience. Baptism by immersion demonstrates a pledge of our willingness to live for Him (Acts 8:26-38, Romans 6:1-4).
The Bible The Bible is inspired by God and is therefore without error or contradiction, and is the sole authority for faith and practice. All our beliefs come from the Bible (2 Timothy 3:15-16, 2 Peter 3:15-16).
The Church The Church of Jesus Christ is not limited to any one institution or denomination; it consists of all who have trusted Jesus Christ for the redemption of their sins. Eastside is therefore but one part of the greater Church (1 Corinthians 12:12-17).
