Raiders for Christ
"Utilizing The Armor"

Many people would probably recognize the verses in Ephesians chapter 6 regarding the armor of God. But how often do we actually put this into practice? Everyone has challenging areas in their life where they can use these words to help them remain steadfast in the Lord. We can find these verses extremely helpful when preparing to speak with someone whom we know is going to cause us to lose our focus on God. When we are criticized, we automatically get defensive, and often find ourselves saying things back to the other people that are just as hurtful as what they are saying to us. Of course, being wronged doesn't justify a person to do wrong in return, so we are just as much at fault as the person who criticized us to begin with. Oftentimes, after such a conversation, we would feel a wave of regret. Why couldn't we say the right things, and keep our focus on pleasing God with our words, instead of just letting them come out, and then feeling afterwards as if we had failed the Lord.

Before going into a difficult situation, prepare yourself. Read through Ephesians 6:10-18, maybe a couple of times, and keep the words in your mind as you go on into battle. No soldier can expect to come out of a fight unscathed if they lose their armor in the midst of the battle. Hold to it. Cling to it as though it was the only thing that could get you through. And if you do, it will.

It's only three weeks into the season, and coach Cable has been put the test. There's a long way to go in the season. Hopefully Cable can get the boys to go out there and be more consistent and prove it week in and week out. After the way the team has played in their first three games, it has led for many to question if whether the Raiders made a mistake in their play calling? It has been said that the Raiders playbook is too simple and can't be effective in modern football. Some have even suggested that Al Davis' meddling has kept the Raider game plan in the stone age, essentially keeping the team from competing. Tom Cable realizes the Raiders are struggling in all areas. He's been diplomatic in his approach with the media and the Raider Nation that pretty much is calling for a quick turn around despite having a Raiders playbook that seems to be limited, but in reality "solid" in it's approach to the old ways of smash mouth football? I would say it's similar to what the body of Christ approach is when it comes to the God given armor. In limiting God's hand in our lives.

The Gospel, with it's athletic theme is an example from which we may learn about the awesome gifts God gives His team to help us experience the victory of living as Christians.(Whoever enters an athletic competition wins the prize only when playing by the rules, 2Timothy 2:5). The rules apply to everything "Jesus" used at His disposal in regards to the gifts the Father gave Him to work with, today's God given arsenal for the Christian is no different even in the worst circumstances, we can celebrate and thank God for His love and forgiveness, His promises, and the strength to obey and understand that His Holy Spirit glorifies all that Jesus Christ is, "In us" to allow us to use the God given arsenal. In much the same way, the Raiders should utilize their gifted players. Maybe this Sunday against the Houston Texans they can use the shotgun formation more. I recall seeing the Raiders with a few different shotgun formations? Along with using our speed players in some "trickery" type plays. Having our defense aggressively attacking on blitzing plays. It's not that I dislike the current playbook, having the element of surprise at our disposal can overwhelm the opposing team. It's results can only bring a positive outcome, just maybe the Raiders good fortune is just around the corner. Al knows it, we know it, let's hope coach Cable stirs it up! As for the Christian, maybe it's time for you to believe that the Lord has been waiting patiently for you to make some simple adjustments in your "playbook" to bring some of that supernatural victory in all areas of your life.

God's word says, just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us…Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord (Romans 12:4-11). In the same manner God exposes His word in this message that all players in this great game of football play a different role with many different talents and that's where coaching becomes an art, as the coaching staff brings it all together as one. The fans will cry out "Just Win Baby"... if you don't have a church to call home, I encourage you to make a difference in your community by joining a church that studies God's Word. It will truly change your outlook on life. God Bless...

Pastor Mando
"keep the faith"

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole amour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; - Ephesians 6:10-18