Tuesday, March 26, 2013

The Full Armor of God by Larry Richards - REVIEWED


About the Book: (from Chosen Publishing)

Stand Firm Against the Devil's Schemes
Whether you are aware of it or not, every Christian is locked in a struggle with the spiritual forces of this dark world. If our defenses are weak--or nonexistent--these enemies can, and will, slowly, subtly, lead you away from a life of righteousness. In this tactical guide, bestselling author and trusted theologian Larry Richards offers an ironclad defense plan straight from the Bible. Using Paul's letter to the Ephesians as his infallible guide, Richards reveals how God provides protection from every attack of the enemy--and how you can put on the full armor of God today and every day.
Including practical, hands-on exercises, this is the essential biblical approach to standing your ground against the enemy's ploys.
My Thoughts:

And so, our core “belted” and strengthened by living the truth, the breastplate of righteousness in place, our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, wearing the helmet of salvation and shielded by God’s faithfulness, we can stand against the powers of evil.”  (p. 139)

Larry Richards’ book The Full Armor of God has taught me many things.  Some things I thought I knew, I had learned in a wrong context.  Some things I read sounded a bit far-fetched and made me uncomfortable.  The bottom line, Richards is boldly teaching Biblical truth that most folks skip over or ignore for the simple fact that it is uncomfortable. Who wants to live life armed for battle?  Hopefully, all believers do and will. It won't be easy, but the rewards will be worth the fight!

The reality and truth presented in this book is life-changing.  Yes, some of the exercises at the end of the chapters feel kind of weird or uncomfortable, but they are worth doing just to seek and learn the truth God has for you in His word.  Richards’ book is filled with Scripture! Read it, (the Bible passages) and you will learn what God wants you to know.  Richards encourages his readers to check out God’s Word, live in community with other believers and put on the armor God alone has provided for you to live the life He has planned for you.

I’ll admit to being skeptical about this book.  Now…with my highlighter bled dry, I am no longer skeptical but thirsty to know more about what God’s Word has to say about these important truths.  I don’t want to live my life in ignorance and miss what God has planned for me!

About the Author:
Larry Richards holds a BA in philosophy from the University of Michigan, a ThM in Christian education from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a PhD in religious education and social psychology from Garrett Biblical Seminary and Northwestern University jointly. He has taught in the Wheaton College Graduate School, served as a minister of Christian education, and written over 200 books, including theological works, commentaries, and several specialty and study Bibles. Larry is currently a full-time author and speaker and lives with his wife in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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