Dr Paul Allen

In Ephesians 6:10–20, the Apostle Paul teaches us that a vital aspect of having the image of God renewed in us is that we wear the same armour that Christ wore in the days of His flesh. The armour is, first and foremost, God’s armour, worn by the eternal Son during His incarnate, earthly ministry. Therefore, we may rightly refer to the armour as “the armour of Christ.” As the children of God—in union with the Son—we must wear the armour He wore when He made war against and conquered the evil one. It is vital for us to wear the armour of Christ if we are to endure the spiritual battle in which we are engaged. Scripture commands us to put on Christ Himself. In his incomparable exposition of Ephesians 6:10–20—The Christian in Complete Armour—William Gurnall explained the connection between the armour of God and the Lord Jesus Christ: What is this armour? First, By armour is meant Christ; we read of putting on the Lord Jesus, Rom. xiii. 14, where Christ is set forth under the notion of arm...

“O you of little faith . . .” The words run through the Gospel of Matthew as a kind of refrain, reminding us of the disciples’ wavering trust. And perhaps of our own. Four times, we hear this rebuke cushioned with tenderness, this tenderness steeled with rebuke. Do you see, disciples, how God feeds the ravens and robes the lilies? And “will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:30). Winds may blow and waves may rise on the fickle Sea of Galilee, but I will be with you — I, the storm-stilling Son of God. So “why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26). Every wave will hold your feet if you only keep your eyes on me, Peter. But “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31). Do you remember, my twelve, how I fed thousands from a few leftover loaves? Then “O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread?” (Matthew 16:8). Why such tenderness in this rebuke? Because their faith, though littl...

I don’t want to destroy your faith .  I am not against Scripture.  I believe Scripture with all my heart. "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness". 2 Timothy 3:16 I’ve trusted God’s Word with my life and with my eternal soul and I believe every… single… word. I am not against praying with faith .  Scripture clearly tells us: "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him". Hebrews 11:6 And I am also not against physical safety and protection from disease.   I pray God’s protection for your family and for mine, for your church and my church family, and for anyone who asks me to pray for their physical safety. I share the heart of the Apostle John who said: "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers." 1 ...