FERVENT PRAYER

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16

Prayer, sometimes with some people, can be a formality, a habit, even a ritual, which, at the least, makes it a disappointment to God, in my opinion. Think of "lukewarm." God does not like lukewarm, Rev. 3:16.

TRUTH ABOUT THE KINGDOM

My intent is to identify the consequences of not distinguishing between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom of God is the universal and eternal rule of God. The Kingdom of Heaven is the earthly sphere of the Kingdom of God, the coming Messianic reign of Jesus Christ, the Son of David. Found only in Matthew's Gospel, the book of the King and His coming Kingdom, it looks to His heavenly rule over the earth in the soon-coming millennium.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Spiritual warfare is a battle against the forces of darkness (evil).

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to STAND against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to WITHSTAND in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND.

STAND therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 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, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." Ephesians 6:10-18 (emphasis added)