I am reviewing a copy of The Full Armor of God by Larry Richards for Chosen a division of Baker Publishing Group as part of their blogging for books program.
The Full Armor of God is a quiet time book that discusses the book of Ephesians. The book is broken into seven parts. Each part deals with a different aspect of the armor of God and contains four chapters. Richards uses these chapters to explain the historical context of the armor, what Satan’s end game is, and finally how to use our armor effectively in this battle.
In part one, he paints a vivid picture describing the nature of the physical forces Christians in the book of Ephesians where faces. He also explains how those forces are still present in the world today and why Christians need to understand the full armor of God so that we can fight said forces.
For those of us who need a visual The Full Armor of God correlates how the armor of the Roman armies was used when Ephesians was written and how we should use that armor today.
Points from this book that made me think:
"God chose you to be you. He shapes you and he intends for you to have a fulfilling and meaningful life." Ps30
Satan's scheme is to block your development by convincing you that you are worthless.
Romans 12:2 the word-translated mind is Novus, which means perspective. We are to be transformed by changing our perspective of God.
"Instead of believing Satan's lies we are to believe truth and to live the truth. We are to put our confidence in the word of God. We are to affirm our identity as God’s dearly loved children, empowered and enabled by God himself to triumph in all of life's challenges.
We should list truths to commit to our hearts for fighting Satan’s lies. Chapter 8 was filled with great advise, I only wished he had used more scripture. Jesus gives us the example of using scripture when Satan tempted him.
After a description of Satan’s flaming arrows the reader is reminded that God is faithful and will extinguish every flaming arrow hurled by the evil one.
In chapter 12 we are told how to take up the shield of faith by focusing on God. This chapter has good direction, including scriptures.
Richards gives us 4 steps for breaking Satan’s hold and steps to take when we put on our new self.
I loved the imagery of this book. The Full Armor of God was informative and reminded me of why this armor is so necessary and important. Well worth the time I took to read it.
As Always,
