InPerspective
117 episodes · showing the newest 100
25 min
Ephesians 6:10-20 & Mark 5 A champion boxer does not step into the ring and wildly throw punches – he studies the techniques and tendencies of his opponent to develop an effective strategy. As soon as you become a believer in Jesus Christ, you step in the ring with the enemies of your soul – and they want nothing more than to put you down for the count. How can we develop an effective, winning strategy for spiritual warfare?
27 min
Ephesians 6:10-20 & Mark 5 Many churches and believers have been swept up in unbiblical ideas, practices, and extremes about satanic and demonic activity in our day. At the same time, others have overreacted to these unbiblical teachings and practices by de-emphasizing and virtually ignoring this important area of biblical instruction. How can we come to a sound and balanced biblical understanding of demonization?
25 min
1 John 2:15-17 “Defense wins championships” is a popular maxim in sports – but the truth is, you stand a much better chance if your team has a strong defense AND a potent offense. In spiritual warfare, we must first shore up our defense by putting on the complete armor of God, and then we must go on the offensive with the weapons of the Spirit in order to tear down the strongholds of Satan.
25 min
1 John 2:15-17 If an army immediately throws new recruits into the heat of battle, they will face certain defeat. They first need to go to boot camp to receive the training and discipline necessary to shape them into seasoned soldiers who can fight effectively. Every Christian faces a daily spiritual battle, and yet we often neglect to properly train and prepare ourselves to win the fight.
25 min
2 Corinthians 10:1-6 A ruthlessly aggressive commander might send his troops into battle with the orders, “Take no prisoners!” But Christians are commanded to take prisoners in our spiritual warfare – specifically, we are to take every thought captive unto the obedience of Jesus Christ, in order to tear down the strongholds of Satan.
41 min
Colossians 3:18-4:1 In a typical closet you will see shirts, pants, jackets, dresses, and blouses. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he examines the biblical wardrobe that should be in every Christian's spiritual closet.
25 min
2 Corinthians 10:1-6 A military museum may have many displays of rifles, pistols, swords, and various weapons from different eras of warfare. But the weapons of the Spirit are not merely for show – they are divinely-fashioned weapons empowered by the Holy Spirit that we are to master and utilize in our daily battle against our unseen spiritual adversaries.
25 min
2 Corinthians 10:1-6 If you go to West Point to study at the U.S. Military Academy, you can learn everything you need to know about weapons and warfare. But many Christians are woefully ignorant about spiritual warfare, the armor of God, and the weapons of the Spirit. Thankfully, there is somewhere we can turn to learn what we need to know about this vitally important subject – the living and active Word of God.
25 min
2 Corinthians 10:1-6 Tanks and hand grenades are effective weapons on land, but not much use in naval warfare. Different kinds of warfare require different kinds of weapons – and spiritual warfare requires not physical weapons, but the divinely-fashioned weapons of the Spirit. We must always remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the unseen evil forces of the spiritual realm.
25 min
Ephesians 6:10-20 In World War 2, America and Nazi Germany were in a race to develop the atomic bomb – the ultimate weapon that would guarantee victory. Well, God has given every believer the ultimate weapon in his or her spiritual arsenal – constant, earnest, prevailing prayer in the Holy Spirit. This is the ultimate weapon that can ensure victory over our spiritual enemies and enable us to live in triumph.
25 min
Ephesians 6:10-20 A good chess player will study and learn effective strategies to win games – but the people of God have a deadly enemy who is not playing games. Yet we can checkmate Satan and his diabolical schemes with an effective strategy, informed by God's Word, that hinges upon earnest, prevailing prayer in the Holy Spirit.
41 min
Colossians 3:12-17 On New Year's Eve we say "Out with the old and in with the new!" – but this should be the daily practice of every believer. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he explains how we are to put off the old self and put on the new self as we clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.
25 min
Ephesians 6:10-20 The US Olympic team consists of many athletes competing in all the different events – but only the fencing team needs to know how to use a sword. In stark contrast, EVERY member of the body of Christ must train to be an expert swordsman as we learn how to effectively use of the Sword of the Spirit – the living and active Word of God.
28 min
Ephesians 6:10-20 We are commanded to take up the shield of faith, with which we can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. Yet sometimes we may let our guard down and lower our shield – and when we do, we give Satan an opportunity to inflict some serious damage. When Satan turns up the heat, do you take up the shield of faith, and rely upon the complete armor of God?
25 min
Ephesians 6:10-19 Many Christians see spiritual warfare as directly confronting, rebuking, and casting out Satan and demons. However, one commentator wrote, “Believers are not instructed in the New Testament to assault demons or Satan, but to assault error with the truth. That is the battle.” We must remember that Satan and his allies constantly seek to undermine, discredit, and distort the Truth of God's Word.
25 min
Ephesians 6:10-19 Satan is mighty, but God is Almighty. The devil and his forces are powerful, cunning, and relentlessly seek our downfall and destruction. If we fight in our own strength, we are no match for our spiritual enemies. But we can and will stand firm against them if we understand the function of every piece of the full armor of God, and are committed to utilize them purposefully and prayerfully.
42 min
Colossians 3:5-11 If you are still wearing polyester jumpsuits and tie-dye shirts from the 1970's – you may want to update your wardrobe. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he explores the divine imperative for Christians to update our spiritual wardrobe.
25 min
Ephesians 6:10-19 A child at play may fashion a pretend suit of armor out of cardboard and aluminum foil – but a soldier who goes into battle with such armor would be cut down in short order. Christians never have to worry about the quality of our spiritual armor, because it has been designed and fashioned by God Himself to enable the soldier of Christ to stand firm in the battle that the Lord has called him to fight.
25 min
Ephesians 6:10-21 A soldier equipped with all the best armor and weaponry is of no use if he flees at the first whiff of battle. A soldier of Jesus Christ must stand firm and hold fast – stand firm in the blessings of your conversion and your salvation, stand firm in the responsibilities of God's calling and commitments in your life, and stand firm to the end.
25 min
Ephesians 6:10-21 A shark will attack viciously and voraciously as soon as it smells blood in the water. Satan likewise attacks quickly and savagely the moment he hears the first heartbeat of a newly converted believer, and does not stop until that heart beats its last. How can we stand firm and hold fast against his schemes and relentlessness, neverending assault against God's people and God's truth?
25 min
Ephesians 6:10-19 World War 1 and 2 showed how devastating a weapon tanks could be, with their nearly impenetrable armor. Knights were the tanks of medieval warfare – but just like a knight would be utterly exposed and vulnerable in battle without his armor, God's people are utterly exposed and vulnerable against our spiritual adversaries when we fail to put on the compete armor of God every day.
25 min
Ephesians 6:10-19 A commanding officer does not offer suggestions or helpful hints to his troops – he issues commands which are to be obeyed. “Put on the Complete Armor of God” is not a useful suggestion that can help us in our daily lives – it is a divine command that we must obey if we are to have any hope of victory in our daily spiritual warfare.
39 min
Colossians 3:1-4 Some people may say, “Christians are so heavenly-minded that they're no earthly good” – but actually the opposite is true. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he explains why Christians cannot truly be any earthly good unless we are heavenly-minded.
25 min
Ephesians 6:10-20 A good soldier follows orders and obeys commands issued by his superior officers. Ephesians 6 issues this order from our divine Commander-in-Chief – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” We dare not fight this spiritual battle in our own strength but rather in the strength, might, and power of the Lord, for this is the only path to victory over our spiritual adversaries.
25 min
Ephesians 6:10-20 The apostle Paul urged Timothy, “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” You are not part of a volunteer army – you were drafted into the Lord's service by His sovereign grace. But we can become so entangled in the affairs of this world that we forget we have been enlisted in active duty.
25 min
Ephesians 6:10-12 & Revelation 9 In 2002, President George W. Bush famously called North Korea, Iran, and Iraq an axis of evil. But we must realize that Satan has formed a far more dangerous axis of evil that includes demons, unbelievers, the unbelieving world system, the sinful inclinations and desires of the flesh, and ungodly political tyrants opposed to the Lord's ultimate rule and reign.
28 min
Ephesians 6:10-12 & Revelation 9 When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, America could not focus all of our efforts on fighting them. We first had to defeat the Nazis on the eastern front, to have any hope of ultimate victory over their alliance. The devil is a formidable adversary – powerful, relentless, and diabolically cunning – and we must not only do battle with him, but also with the insidious allies enlisted in his service.
25 min
Ephesians 6:10-12 & Ezekiel 28 Many people in our so-called enlightened modern society mock the idea that there is a real, literal devil. But the reality of Satan is affirmed throughout the Word of God, and by the words of Jesus Himself. Simply put, if you deny the existence of Satan, then you are calling Jesus Christ a liar. So who is Satan, and what does God's Word teach us about his origin, schemes, and activity?
37 min
Colossians 2:18-23 For many of us DQ means a trip to Dairy Queen, while for athletes a DQ means a disqualification that puts you out of the competition. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he warns us about the dangers of spiritual disqualification.
25 min
Ephesians 6:10-12 & Ezekiel 28 Know Your Enemy is a military concept from Sun Tzu's The Art of War – and it applies to every Christian. Satan wants us to picture him as a cartoonish horned figure with a red suit, tail, pitchfork – or ascribe to him so much power and influence that he controls our lives through fear. How does God's Word help us to truly know our adversary so we can overcome him in the power of Christ?
25 min
Ephesians 6:10-12 Do you see spiritual warfare as some exotic, unusual power encounter with the demonic realm, that only a few believers will face in extreme circumstances, in some other place and time? Well, that is exactly what Satan wants every Christian to believe – but actually, spiritual warfare is a daily reality in the life of every believer as we live for Christ in this present evil age.
25 min
Ephesians 6:10-12 Some people see spiritual warfare as a remarkable encounter like Jesus casting demons from a possessed man into a herd of swine, while others might think of movies like “The Exorcist.” But spiritual warfare is not primarily rare unusual instances of direct conflict with the forces of darkness – it is a part of your everyday sanctification as a believer and an element of Christian discipleship.
25 min
Exodus 15:19-21 Biblical biographies honestly record personal flaws and failures as well as strengths and triumphs – and Miriam is no exception. She was a great example of Godly female leadership, a proactive problem solver always seeking solutions – but Miriam was also a sinner saved by grace, for although she was a prophetess and leader she did falter and needed to repent and seek God's grace.
25 min
Exodus 15:19-21 The life of Moses may have turned out very differently were it not for his sister Miriam. Her quick thinking and decisive leadership as a godly woman not only helped preserve his survival, but ensured that he would enjoy the godly influence of his mother as he grew up in the household of Pharaoh. What insights can we draw from a closer look at the prophetess and leader, Miriam?
43 min
Colossians 2:16-17 Walking through a minefield will kill you without a map showing where the landmines are. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he reveals the Apostle Paul's warning map to the Colossians that exposed a deadly spiritual minefield
25 min
Hebrews 11:32-40 & Judges 13-17 Samson was a man of perplexing spiritual extremes. From birth, the Lord set Him aside as Israel's deliverer, and he performed remarkable feats of strength through the power of the Holy Spirit. And yet, he demonstrated a shocking propensity for immorality, disobedience, and spiritual adultery, with tragic consequences. How can we avoid the dangers of moral and spiritual compromise?
25 min
Hebrews 11:32-40 & Judges 13-17 Samson sometimes makes you wonder why he is listed among the great heroes of faith in Hebrews, chapter 11. His example offers a window of insight on the spiritual extremes, pitfalls, peaks, and valleys that we all experience, and reinforces the vital truth that salvation is by God's grace alone. What lessons can we draw from the occasional highs, and frequent lows, of Samson’s spiritual life?
25 min
Judges 6-8 It is possible to achieve great victory in our spiritual lives – and yet, at the same time, lay the groundwork for devastating failure and loss down the road. God worked powerfully in and through Gideon – and yet, he faltered and did not finish well in his walk with the Lord. How can we prevent spiritual victory from turning into tragic failure and defeat?
28 min
Judges 6-8 God gave Gideon a rather unorthodox battle plan – take an army of 300 against over 200,000 Midianites, with weapons of jars, torches, and trumpets. This would appear to be an easy victory for the Midianites, but the Israelites had one huge advantage that made all the difference – they had the living God on their side, who had promised to bring them victory.
25 min
Judges 4 & 5 Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as Ruth, Esther, Sarah, and Rahab are a few examples of women in Scripture noteworthy for their faithfulness and commitment to the Lord – and Deborah is no exception. God raised up this mighty woman of faith and courage to inspire Barak to deliver the Israelites from the Canaanites, and her sterling example encourages us to find our strength in God alone.
48 min
Colossians 2:6-15 A pack of cigarettes comes with a warning label – but heresy and false teaching don't. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he exposes the false teaching and deceptive human philosophies that threatened the ancient Colossian church.
25 min
Judges 4 & 5 There is a cycle that is repeated throughout the book of Judges – God's people wander away to serve idols and false gods, God allows them to be punitively oppressed by their enemies, they cry out to the Lord, and God sends a judge to deliver them and bring peace to Israel. Today we examine this cyclical pattern in Israel's history and Deborah's unique role as spiritual leader and deliverer.
29 min
Many people constantly look back on their past mistakes and failures, and become paralyzed with regrets, guilt, and crippling fear of failure. John Mark stumbled in his walk with Christ but two factors got him back on the right track – the influence of godly mentors like Barnabas, Paul, and Peter coming alongside him, and his willing and teachable responsiveness to those mentors.
25 min
Paul and Barnabas made quite a team – but there arose such a sharp disagreement between the two, that they actually separated and went their own ways. They disagreed over John Mark's continuing role in their ministry as Paul's uncompromising passion for truth and the mission of the Gospel came into conflict with the compassionate heart for people and encouragement that Barnabas displayed.
25 min
Acts 15:22-41 The New Testament mentions Silas several times but does not really single him out for special attention – and you get the sense that Silas would not have it any other way. Silas was not a troublemaker or a magnet for conflict, nor a man seeking his own recognition or benefit. He was a bridge builder, a loyal and faithful companion for the Apostle Paul, and a pillar of support for the apostolic church.
25 min
Acts 15:22-41 We all know fictional heroes and their loyal sidekicks – Batman and Robin, the Lone Ranger and Tonto, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. But a real-life biblical hero, the Apostle Paul, had a faithful faithful sidekick who is often overlooked. Yet one might wonder if Paul's ministry would have been so effective without the steadfast faithfulness and support of godly companions like Silas.
41 min
Colossians 2:6-7 A pack of cigarettes comes with a warning label – but heresy and false teaching don't. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he exposes the false teaching and deceptive human philosophies that threatened the ancient Colossian church.
25 min
2 Samuel 7:4-17 What would you do if someone boldly confronted you about your sin? Many of us might instinctively try to defend ourselves or justify our behavior. But when Nathan rebuked King David for his iniquity, David repented and turned his heart again to the Lord. We need preachers in our day who like Nathan will boldly confront sin, uproot spiritual pride, and turn people back to Jesus Christ.
25 min
2 Samuel 7:4-17 Nathan was not only a prophet-preacher but a prophet-pastor and prophet-advisor who played a valuable role in the life of King David. As God worked in David's life through Nathan, He was also working in Nathan's life at the same time. Nathan was a prophet called by God who was not perfect, but is shown to be committed, pliable, teachable, and surrendered.
25 min
Genesis 5:18-24 It is said that there are only two certainties in life – death and taxes – and yet, in the pages of Genesis we meet a remarkable exception to this popular saying. Enoch walked closely with the Lord, spoke out against the ungodliness of his day, and pleased God with His life of faithfulness. Remarkably, he did not experience physical death, as one day God took Him away directly into His presence.
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