First Baptist Church Sherman, Texas (Sermon Audio)

Walking Toward Christ: Protecting Ourselves from the Enemy's Deception | Ephesians 4 Discover how to stay on the path toward Christ in a world full of deception. This powerful message from Ephesians 4 reveals the enemy's most effective strategies and how believers can protect themselves and each other. Paul describes the Christian journey as walking directly toward Christ, with two key practices that keep us protected: speaking truth in love and serving one another as a unified body. Learn why pastors are called to equip believers rather than do all the ministry themselves, and how this biblical model strengthens the entire church. The enemy's tactics haven't changed since the Garden of Eden. His most brilliant deception? Convincing Christians that God is cheating them out of something better by following His commands. This lie manifests in countless ways—from avoiding tithing to ignoring biblical relationship guidelines—all based on the flawed premise that personal happiness trumps scriptural commands. This message includes a compelling real-life example of intervention, showing both the power and limitations of speaking truth to those who are drifting. You'll learn practical applications for identifying areas where you might be believing the enemy's lies and how to build relationships that keep you accountable. Whether you're struggling with temptation, trying to help someone who's drifting, or simply wanting to strengthen your spiritual walk, this message offers biblical wisdom for the journey. Remember: none of us can walk the Christian life alone—we need each other to stay on course toward Christ. Key Verses · Ephesians 4:15-16 · 1 Peter 5:8 · Genesis 3:4-5 · Romans 8:26-28

Ephesians 4 Discover how to create a faith community that helps everyone stay anchored in Christ through life's challenges. In this powerful message from Ephesians 4, we explore Paul's nautical imagery showing how the world tries to pull believers off course and why community is our spiritual protection. Learn what it truly means to be 'truthful in love' in three key areas: standing firm on biblical truth, addressing moral issues with compassion, and offering sincere encouragement. Find out why neither harsh truth nor enabling 'love' reflects Christ's heart for His church. This message offers practical guidance on:- Distinguishing between core biblical truths and debatable interpretations- Speaking difficult truth with the right motivation and approach- Creating accountability relationships that keep us growing in Christ- Walking against the cultural current with community support. Perfect for anyone struggling with difficult conversations in their Christian relationships, those feeling pulled away from their faith by worldly influences, or believers wanting to build more authentic community. Keywords: Ephesians 4, speaking truth in love, Christian community, accountability, biblical truth, spiritual growth, Christian relationships, church unity, Paul's teachings, spiritual protection, Christian discipleship, faith journey, spiritual maturity, Christian fellowship, biblical balance, Christian encouragement, spiritual accountability, Christian friendship, church community, spiritual navigation Key Verses Ephesians 4:14-15 James 5:19-20

In this sermon, Pastor Chris discusses Ephesians 4, focusing on the concept of 'in-reach' within the church. He explains that every church should balance both in-reach (internal discipleship) and outreach (evangelism). The passage details how God gave pastor-teachers to equip believers for ministry, with the goal of building up the body of Christ. This process continues until believers achieve unity in faith and knowledge of Christ, resulting in spiritual maturity that protects them from being swayed by false teachings.

The Shepherd's Calling: Understanding the Biblical Role of a Pastor | Ephesians 4 Discover what Scripture really teaches about pastoral ministry and the relationship between shepherds and their flocks. This powerful message explores Ephesians 4 and unpacks the biblical foundation for pastoral leadership in the church. Learn why Christ's ascension was necessary for believers to have a personal connection with Him, and how this relates to the gifts He gave to the church. Understand the unique dual role of the pastor as both shepherd and teacher, and what this means for church life today. Whether you're a church member seeking to better support your pastor, a church in transition looking for new leadership, or someone interested in biblical church structure, this message provides clear, Scripture-based guidance on the pastor-congregation relationship. Discover practical ways to apply these biblical truths in your church context and learn how to create a healthy environment where both pastors and congregations can thrive in fulfilling God's purposes.

Discover how to live out your Christian faith with purpose and unity. This powerful message explores Paul's transition in Ephesians 4 from theological truths to practical Christian living. Learn the four essential qualities needed to walk worthy of your calling: humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love. Why is unity so crucial in the church? Paul identifies seven foundational 'ones' that bind believers together despite our differences: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father. These shared beliefs form the basis for Christian unity. This message offers practical guidance for handling disagreements in church life. While we can respectfully express concerns, true unity means supporting decisions even when we disagree. Our witness to the world depends on demonstrating love that transcends our differences. Includes powerful real-life examples and practical application questions to help you become a unity-builder in your church and relationships. Discover how to put aside preferences for the sake of unity and speak in ways that build up rather than tear down the body of Christ. Perfect for Christians seeking to deepen their walk with God, church leaders navigating congregational dynamics, and anyone wanting to understand biblical principles for unity in relationships. This message balances sound theology with practical holiness, showing how the blood of Jesus, the indwelling Spirit, and our relationship with the Father matter more than any disagreement. Keywords: Christian unity, Ephesians 4, walking worthy, church relationships, conflict resolution, body of Christ, spiritual growth, biblical teaching, Christian living, humility, gentleness, patience, love, Christian community, church harmony, spiritual maturity Key Verses Ephesians 4:1-5 1 Corinthians 12:13 John 13:35

In this sermon on Ephesians, the pastor explores Paul's teachings about God's love and power. He emphasizes that our spiritual foundation must be rooted in the understanding that God loves us unconditionally, regardless of our circumstances or failures. This foundation allows us to grasp the width, length, height, and depth of Christ's love, which in turn enables us to experience the fullness of God in our lives. Key Verses Ephesians 3:17-19 Ephesians 3:20-21 Hebrews 11:6

Discover the profound meaning behind Jesus' final 'I Am' statement in John 15, where He declares 'I am the true vine.' This powerful teaching reveals how believers can maintain a vibrant relationship with Christ even after His physical departure. Unlike previous 'I Am' statements focusing on Jesus' divine nature, the vine metaphor explains how we can live in Him and He in us. Explore the three key roles in this spiritual relationship: Jesus as the true vine providing all nourishment, God the Father as the vinedresser who tends and prunes, and believers as branches designed to bear fruit. Learn why God isn't satisfied with minimal fruitfulness but desires maximum impact through your life. Understand the difference between fruitless branches that face removal and fruit-bearing branches that undergo necessary pruning. Discover what it truly means to abide in Christ through intentional spiritual disciplines and how this connection transforms your prayer life, deepens your love, increases your obedience, and produces lasting joy independent of circumstances. This message provides practical application questions to evaluate your spiritual connection: Are you truly abiding or just going through religious motions? What areas of your life need pruning? How are you spending your time? Where do you need to surrender control? Perfect for anyone seeking deeper spiritual growth, understanding Christian discipleship, learning about spiritual disciplines, exploring the Gospel of John, or wanting to understand Jesus' teachings. This message on abiding in Christ reveals how to experience transformation, spiritual fruitfulness, and authentic Christian living through genuine connection with Jesus, the true vine. Key Verses John 15:5 John 15:8 John 15:11 Galatians 5:22-23

Death is the universal human experience that raises profound questions about what lies beyond. While philosophers and religious leaders throughout history have offered various perspectives on the afterlife, Christianity presents a unique answer through Jesus Christ, who boldly declared, 'I am the resurrection and the life.' This powerful exploration of John 11 examines the story of Lazarus, who had been dead four days when Jesus arrived in Bethany. Through this miraculous account, we discover what makes Christianity fundamentally different from other faith traditions—a God who sacrificed Himself to defeat death and offer eternal life to all who believe. Why did Jesus weep at Lazarus's tomb despite knowing He would raise him? What did He mean by claiming to be the resurrection itself rather than simply causing resurrection? How does Jesus's exclusive claim to be 'the way, the truth, and the life' challenge our modern pluralistic thinking? This message unpacks the profound implications of Jesus's declaration and what it means for our lives today. Learn why C.S. Lewis famously said Christianity cannot be 'moderately important'—it must either be of infinite importance or no importance at all. Discover the hope that transcends death and how a relationship with Christ—not merely religious knowledge—determines our eternal destiny. Whether facing grief, questioning what happens after death, or seeking spiritual truth, this message offers biblical clarity on life's most important questions. Key Verses John 11:25-26 John 14:6 John 20:31 1 John 5:12 Ecclesiastes 3:11

I AM the Gate & Good Shepherd explores the profound metaphors Jesus uses in John 10. Jesus declares 'I am the door of the sheep' and 'I am the good shepherd,' revealing essential truths about salvation, relationship with God, and abundant life. Learn how Jesus offers the only legitimate entrance to salvation, freedom, and divine provision. Discover what makes Jesus the good shepherd - His sacrificial love, personal knowledge of His sheep, and mission to gather all believers into one flock. Understand how sheep recognize their shepherd's voice through relationship and why the church must maintain an outward focus while nurturing internal connections. This message examines the unique resurrection power that separates Jesus from all other religious leaders and challenges believers to enter through the door, recognize the Shepherd's voice, maintain an outward focus, and experience the abundant life Jesus promises. Perfect for anyone seeking deeper understanding of Christian faith, spiritual growth, biblical teaching on John 10, Jesus' identity, salvation, discipleship, church community, or abundant life in Christ. Key Verses John 10:9-10 John 10:14 Psalm 23 Ezekiel 34:23

In this sermon, pastor Jeffrey discusses Jesus' declaration of being the light of the world from John 8:12-20. Using a flashlight demonstration, he contrasts temporary physical light with Jesus as the eternal spiritual light. The sermon emphasizes how Jesus' light overcomes spiritual darkness, saves people from sin, and provides true life. The pastor explains that without accepting Jesus as the light, people remain in spiritual darkness leading to eternal separation from God. Key Verses John 8:12 John 1:4-5 Psalm 119:105 Psalm 43:3 2 Peter 2:4

The first message in the "I AM" series focuses on Jesus' declaration 'I am the bread of life' from John 6, examining how people responded to Jesus' claims about His identity. Bro. Jeffrey Stachmus explains that Jesus used the divine name 'I AM' (ego eimi) to declare His deity, and presents the two key requirements for salvation: coming to Jesus and believing in Him. The sermon highlights how different groups responded to Jesus' claims - some sought Him, others grumbled, some argued, and many ultimately left Him. Key Verses John 6:35-51

In this sermon from Ephesians 3, Pastor Chris explores Paul's prayer for the Ephesian church, focusing on two main aspects: God's power through the Holy Spirit and His unfailing love. Dr. Osborne explains how Paul prays for believers to be strengthened by God's miracle-working power to overcome life's obstacles, and for Christ to fully dwell in every aspect of their lives, not just partially. Key Verses Ephesians 3:14-17 2 Corinthians 4:9 Acts 16:31

In this sermon from Ephesians 3, the pastor explores Paul's discussion of his calling and the stewardship of God's mystery. The mystery refers to how Gentiles can come to God through Jesus without becoming Jews first. The sermon emphasizes how believers demonstrate God's wisdom to spiritual authorities in heavenly realms through their lives and choices, even though they cannot see this realm. The pastor explains that God's purpose in creating humans in His image was to have beings who would freely choose to love Him. Through Christ, believers have been restored to a position where they can demonstrate God's wisdom and glory in the spiritual realm through their faith and actions, even when no one else can see. Key Verses Ephesians 3:7-8 Ephesians 3:10-12 Romans 8 Acts 19:15

The sermon focuses on Paul's imprisonment and his unique calling to preach to the Gentiles, as described in Ephesians 3. The pastor explains how Paul reveals the mystery that Gentiles can now come directly to God through Jesus Christ, without first becoming Jewish - a concept that was revolutionary at the time. The sermon also explores how God often calls people to serve in unexpected ways, as demonstrated by sending Peter to the Jews and Paul to the Gentiles, despite their backgrounds suggesting the opposite assignments would have made more sense. Key Verses Ephesians 3:1-7 1 Kings 19:11-13 Acts 13:2

The sermon focuses on the concept of unity within the church, particularly through the lens of Ephesians 2. Pastor Osborne emphasizes that true unity in the church is rooted in Jesus Christ, not in cultural or social similarities. He explains how believers are part of God's household (family) and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus as the cornerstone. The message also explores how this family of God must follow both Old and New Testament principles, trust the Father even in difficult circumstances, and create an environment where God's presence is tangibly felt by visitors. The pastor stresses that the church's primary goal isn't numerical growth but rather being a place where God's presence is evident. Key Verses Ephesians 2:19-22 Isaiah 50:10-11 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This Mother's Day sermon focuses on the story of Timothy from 2 Timothy, highlighting how his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois successfully passed down their faith despite having an unbelieving husband/father. The message emphasizes that single mothers or those with unbelieving spouses can still effectively transfer faith to their children. The sermon also explores several key principles from 2 Timothy about raising children in faith, including understanding God's grace, dealing with failure, and maintaining faith through challenges. Key Verses 2 Timothy 1:5 2 Timothy 1:7 2 Timothy 2:1 2 Timothy 4:7-8

The sermon focuses on unity within the church, using the historical context of Jewish-Gentile relations in Ephesus to illustrate Paul's message in Ephesians 2. The pastor emphasizes how the blood of Jesus Christ broke down the walls of separation between Jews and Gentiles, creating one new unified body of believers despite their vast cultural differences. The message transitions to modern-day application, challenging the common practice of separating church services by age or preference. The pastor argues that discipleship flows from old to young, and that maintaining unity across generations is crucial for authentic faith transmission and church growth. Key Verses Ephesians 2:14-15 Acts 19:34 Romans 5:1

The sermon focuses on Ephesians 2:11-13, discussing how Paul reminds the Gentiles of their former state - separated from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel, and without hope. Through Christ's blood, their situation was completely reversed, gaining citizenship in heaven, hope, and a relationship with God. The sermon emphasizes the importance of remembering our former state to maintain our love for Jesus and not become prideful in our spiritual gifts or 'craftsmanship.' Key Verses Ephesians 2:11-13 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 Revelation 2:2-5

This sermon recounts the final days of Jesus' life, from Palm Sunday through His resurrection. It details the events chronologically, including His encounters with various religious groups, the Last Supper, His arrest in Gethsemane, trials before religious and political authorities, crucifixion, and ultimately His resurrection. The pastor emphasizes that Jesus' death was not just a historical event, but the ultimate expression of God's love for humanity, providing salvation through His sacrifice. Key Verses John 3:16-17 Luke 22:61 Matthew 27:20 Luke 23:34

A focus on Palm Sunday and the different reactions to Jesus by the people of Jerusalem. Pastor Osborne contrasts three key moments: the indifference at Jesus' birth (when even Gentile Magi traveled far to worship while Jerusalem's residents wouldn't travel 5 miles), the excitement during Palm Sunday (when people thought Jesus would overthrow Rome), and the rejection leading to crucifixion (when Jesus didn't meet their political expectations). The message emphasizes that true salvation comes from surrendering to Jesus as Savior, recognizing our sinfulness and His holiness, rather than expecting Him to simply fix our worldly problems. Key Verses Matthew 2:1-2 Matthew 21:9 Matthew 27:20 Zechariah 9:9

This sermon focuses on Ephesians 2:8-10, explaining salvation through grace and faith as gifts from God, not works. Dr. Osborne emphasizes that while salvation is freely given, it should result in a transformed life that reflects God's artistry. Scripture uses the Greek word 'poiema' (meaning poem or artwork) to illustrate how Christians should be God's masterpiece in the world, showing a consistent direction toward Christ even if not achieving perfection.

The transformation from spiritual death to life in Christ marks a profound change in our identity and purpose. This journey involves moving from separation, broken relationships, and guilt to a vibrant connection with God. Through His mercy and love, God makes us alive with Christ, raising us up and seating us in heavenly places. This new life brings personal connection with the Father, restored relationships, strength in suffering, and freedom from guilt, ultimately showcasing God's grace for eternity.

A focus on Ephesians 2, particularly the stark contrast between humanity's fallen state and God's redemptive love. Pastor Osborne describes the first three verses as among the darkest in Scripture, detailing humanity's spiritual death through sin, cultural bondage, and Satan's influence. However, the message pivots on the powerful phrase 'But God,' highlighting how God's rich mercy and great love provide salvation through Christ despite our deserving of wrath. The message emphasizes that while we are dead in our sins and under God's wrath, God's love and mercy lead Him to make us alive in Christ. This redemption comes through Jesus taking our sin, death, and God's wrath upon Himself, offering His righteousness in exchange for our sin.

An examination of Paul's prayer for the Ephesian church and its relevance to modern churches. The message highlights the importance of allowing Jesus to be the true head of the church and the responsibility of the church to be Christ's visible body on earth. Key Verses Revelation 2:4-5 Ephesians 1:19-23 Matthew 10:42

God's power operates through the Trinity - the Father authorizing redemption, the Son accomplishing it, and the Holy Spirit applying it in our lives. While loving Jesus and others is fundamental, believers are called to a greater purpose. God strategically positions His people, equipping them with natural talents and spiritual gifts. His power, the same force that raised Jesus from the dead, works through believers in four distinct ways: miraculous power, energizing power, obstacle-overcoming might, and inherent strength. Key Verses Ephesians 1:18-20 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 Revelation 20:11-15

Understanding God's purpose requires both the Spirit of Wisdom for comprehending Scripture and the Spirit of Revelation for personal direction. These two components work together to guide believers in their spiritual journey and mission. Each person serves as a strategic piece in God's plan, with their effectiveness determined by obedience, natural talents, and spiritual gifts. Beyond loving Jesus and fellow believers, Christians are called to be active participants in God's broader mission of reaching the world. https://www.bible.com/bible/59/EPH.1.15-18

The Trinity's role in human salvation showcases a perfect divine plan that was established before creation. God the Father, in His infinite wisdom, chose to create beings with free will and provided a way for redemption, knowing humanity would need it. This demonstrates His incredible foresight and unconditional love for His creation. Jesus Christ, God the Son, fulfilled this plan through His death on the cross, experiencing four types of death that mirror our spiritual condition: separation from God, internal brokenness, broken relationships, and living in a fallen world. The Holy Spirit completes this divine work by convicting people of their need for salvation, enabling genuine faith, and sealing believers as God's possession. When someone accepts salvation, they receive immediate spiritual protection and the guarantee of complete future redemption. This salvation, once received, is eternally secure - marked by the Holy Spirit's seal and protected from internal spiritual attack. While believers may still struggle with sin, their eternal destiny remains secure through God's unchanging promise.

'You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. ' 2 Timothy 2:1-2

'he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, ' Ephesians 1:5-7

A message from our interim pastor, Dr. Chris Osborne. 2 Kings Chapter 4

'Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.' Philippians 2:5-11

'I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”' Romans 1:14-17

'O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.' Psalms 63:1-8

'After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord , it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, saying: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”' Joshua 1:1-9

'Then Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said to them, “Go up this way into the South, and go up to the mountains, and see what the land is like: whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, few or many; whether the land they dwell in is good or bad; whether the cities they inhabit are like camps or strongholds; whether the land is rich or poor; and whether there are forests there or not. Be of good courage. And bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.' Numbers 13:17-20 'So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness! Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” So they said to one another, “Let us select a leader and return to Egypt.” Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.' Only do not rebel against the Lord , nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” And all the congregation said to stone them with stones. Now the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of meeting before all the children of Israel.' Numbers 14:1-10

'Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. And the Lord said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to Me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”' Exodus 3:1-10

'Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication. Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily, Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me, And in wrath they hate me. My heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me. So I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. Indeed, I would wander far off, And remain in the wilderness. Selah I would hasten my escape From the windy storm and tempest.” As for me, I will call upon God, And the Lord shall save me. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice. He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, For there were many against me. Cast your burden on the Lord , And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.' Psalms 55:1-8,16-18,22

'And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.' Ephesians 2:1-10