Chuck Bridges Blog

Even the most “seasoned” Christ-Follower needs to be reminded how critical it is for us to be PREPARED for the daily struggles that accompany our faith. While the enemy’s attacks may vary in size, shape, duration, presentation, etc. it is certain that he never takes a break from attacking. His most effective attacks seem to be the ones he unleashes on the Church of Jesus Christ. Through strife, division, criticism, hurt feelings, and many other ways he achieves the height of his victory by “busting up” relationships among fellow Christ-Followers.

Have you experienced the painful trial of losing a special relationship that you at one time thought was very secure? Have you been surprised by something another Believer said or did that brought great pain to other people you really care about? Can you recall times when you felt much closer to some very precious Brothers and Sisters than you do now? Have you felt the cold shrill run down your spiritual spine to learn of a moral failure of someone you once trusted with very personal secrets?

If you could answer yes to any of these very real situations (and many, many more that could be listed) then you have experienced “First-Hand” the pitfalls of Spiritual Warfare on the most unexpected battlefield known to most Christians — The Christian Church! Even though I have been in ministry for many years, I still find myself getting caught “off-guard” by things that happen right under the NOSE of our Christian teaching, preaching, serving, singing, and praying. Right in the very midst of the places where we should see the greatest miracles take place we are experiencing a myriad of destroyed lives and tarnished testimonies.

Welcome to Spiritual Warfare in the 21st Century!! This is our current series of messages we are sharing on Sundays at Washington Avenue Church. We are also studying on the same topic in our Small Group Bible studies. Each time I turn attention to what God’s Word says about Spiritual Warfare, the attacks are multiplied. Chip Ingram in his book called “The Invisible War” describes a time when everything was going great in his life and he still experienced dark thoughts of defeat and wanting to quit the ministry. Let me tell you, those thoughts are very real. Pastors and other Christians leaders who are really striving to see people’s lives changed for the Glory of God are facing some fierce attacks from the enemy. It is time to PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD! (Ephesians 6:10-20)

The Greatest news I know is the Biblical FACT that we can STAND victorious against the onslaught of attacks from the forces of evil. We are given detailed instructions on how to STAND when our toughest battles come. Over the next few weeks we will be studying this in detail. I will try to post some articles on this blog to help anyone who is interested in fighting the battles that pervade your consciousness. Many of the things we think are mere coincidence may be a well planned attack from the enemy — yes the devil and/or his comrades — yes the demons. They are real. They are here, right now, and they are intent on bringing us down.

So, whether you like it our not, to decide to follow Jesus is to sign up for the battles of Spiritual Warfare. Since we have no option about being in the fight, don’t you think it is wise for us to decide how to Fight?! Our Lord as won the ultimate victory but His enemy is still seeking someone to devour. Suit up fellow Believers! In God’s Strength and with God’s Armor on we have yet to experience our greatest days as the Church of Jesus Christ!!