In this episode, we dive deep into the powerful parallels between gearing up for battles in gaming and equipping ourselves spiritually for the challenges of life. Just like players must wear the best gear to face raids and boss fights, Christians need to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual warfare. Based on Ephesians 6:10-17, we’ll explore each piece of God’s spiritual armor and how it prepares us for victory in life’s toughest battles.
Whether you’re a gamer or someone looking to strengthen your faith, this message will equip you to handle life’s trials with spiritual strength. Join us as we break down the Bible in a way that speaks to the gaming community and find out how to gear up for the ultimate fight.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Greater Guild Announcer (00:02):
Hey there, fellow church nerds.
Welcome to another episode ofChurch Nerds United, the podcast
where faith meets fandom andsermons are the new superhero
stories. That's right. Today,we've got a sermon that's more
epic than the battle of Helm'sDeep and more inspiring than
Captain America's pep talks. Butbefore we dive into this week's
divine download, don't forget tohit that like button, subscribe,
(00:26):
and ring the bell so you nevermiss an episode.
And, hey, if you love what we doand want to support the show,
consider donating. Every littlebit helps us keep the nerdy
goodness coming your way. Youcan find the donation link in
the show notes or head over toour website at greaterguild.org.
Join the ranks of our GreaterGuild Army and help us spread
(00:46):
the geeky gospel far and wide.Now, without further ado, let's
jump into this week's sermon.
Grab your bibles, light up yourlightsabers, and get ready to
dive deep into the word of God.
Pastor Brandon Holm (01:02):
Welcome, guild members. Today, we're
going to talk about one of themost important things in gaming.
It's your gear. Now any seriousgamer knows that the gear you
wear determines whether you'regonna win or basically get
crushed. Now imagine going intoa raid or a dungeon that's high
level and you go in with lowlevel equipment.
(01:23):
Definitely, you'd be wrecked inseconds, and really to put it
bluntly, you're screwed. Butlife is the same. Ephesians
61011 tells us to be strong inthe Lord, and in the strength of
his might, put the whole put thewhole armor of God, that you may
be able to stand against theschemes of the devil. Now the
(01:47):
Bible compares life to abattlefield where we face real
spiritual enemies, and we needto be properly equipped for
these battles. Just like youwouldn't go into a game unarmed,
you know, you don't go in lifewithout the armor.
Now, you will not see it. Youcan't feel it. Can't touch it,
and even thought of it, tasteit. But you need you need it
(02:11):
equipped for the battles youface pretty much every day. Now,
in games, enemies are alwayslurking, setting traps, and
trying to bring you down.
And spiritual life is definitelyno different. 1st Peter 5:8, he
says, be sober minded, bewatchful. Your adversary, the
devil, prowls around like aroaring lion seeking someone to
(02:32):
devour. Have you ever had agreat day and basically a great
week, then suddenly poof. Thenext day or week it's absolutely
horrible.
Well, this is the enemy activelyworking to bring you down just
like any good, you know, roguein a PVP battle. But our battle
(02:53):
is not fought with physicalweapons. These battles are
fought in the minds and in ourspirit. This is why in 2nd
Corinthians 104 reminds us, forthe weapons of our warfare are
not of the flesh, but havedivine power to destroy
strongholds. Yeah.
We're fighting a spiritualbattle, and just like in a tough
game, we need the right strategyand tools to win. So don't
(03:17):
underestimate any battle youcome across. Look at the many
battles and wars where one sideunder underestimated the their
opponent. Don't underestimatethe actions that Satan will
throw at you. But here's thegood news, we're not alone and
we're not unarmed.
So think about how it isimportant to equip the right
(03:38):
gear in a game. You know,without great armor, you're
gonna take heavy damage. InEphesians chapter 6 verses 13
through 17, Paul tells us aboutthe spiritual gear we need to be
ready for battle. Therefore,take up the whole armor of God
that you may be able towithstand the evil day, and
(03:59):
having done all, to stand firm.Stand therefore, having fastened
on the belt of truth, and havingput on the breastplate of
righteousness and eschews foryour feet, having put on the
readiness given by the gospel ofpeace.
In all circumstances, take upthe shield of faith, and which
you can extinguish all theflaming darts of the evil one,
(04:21):
and take the helmet ofsalvation, and the sword of the
spirit which is the word of God.Now, let's really break this
down and look at each piece ofarmor and describe its purpose.
So the belt of truth. It's likeknowing your stats in a game.
Truth grounds us and holdseverything together, and the
(04:41):
breastplate of righteousness itprotects your heart like a solid
chest plate protecting you fromdamage.
Shoes of the gospel of peace.Well, it gives us stability and
readiness, like quick bootshelping you move faster in a
game, giving you that extraboost to dodge or avoid, you
know, a certain area fairlyquickly, or to not arouse any
(05:01):
enemies. The shield of faithblocks the enemy's attacks. It's
like how a shield absorbs blowsin battle. Really simple.
But the helmet of salvation,that's the one that protects
your mind. It keeps you focusedon Christ, and not the
distractions of the world. Andfinally, we talk about the sword
of the spirit. This is the onlyoffensive weapon we have, and it
(05:25):
is the word of God. That's wherewe find it in the Bible.
That's why we use the Bible, Andbasically, having the Bible, the
word of God, your offensiveweapon, is like wielding the
most powerful sword that willcut through the lies of the
enemy, and your enemies ingeneral. And as you see, each
piece serves a purpose. And justlike you wouldn't leave any gear
(05:48):
slot empty in a raid or or aboss fight, you need all of
these to stand firm in spiritualbattles. Okay. So you're saying,
okay.
What when do we have this? Well,granted, how do we get it? It's
also another good question. Soas babies, when we are born, you
know, we have empty gear slots.So with your family, your
(06:11):
friends, your church, andfollowers in Christ, as you
develop and grow, you shouldhave at least some basic
spiritual armor equipped.
They're gonna give you thebasics. So it is when we fully
embrace Christ as our Lord andsavior, and we also connect with
additional fellow followers, wecan get better, more robust
(06:32):
armor for the greatest battlesin our lives. And like in every
game that is basically an RPG orany combat type, that's single
player or multiplayer, we'regonna have boss fights. It's the
moments where your gear, skills,and your focus are really
tested. And spiritually, we doface these boss battles daily.
(06:56):
And that situations where itfeels like the enemy is really
throwing everything at us. Youknow, those bad days, those bad
weeks, everything's just notgoing right. And as I said
earlier, you may have theperfect day or week, but it does
not mean that the enemy will notthrow something equally or worse
to ruin your next day orcontinue for the next week. And
palm excuse me. Psalms 182 says,the lord is my rock and my
(07:21):
fortress and my deliverer.
My god, my rock, in whom I takerefuge, my shield, and the horn
of my salvation, my stronghold.And it's in these moments, God
is our defender and our shield.But if we look forward to Romans
chapter 837, it reassures usthat we are more than conquerors
(07:44):
through whom who loved us. Bossfights in life are tough, but
with God's strength we'reequipped to overcome. God has
mentioned last week, is ourhealer, but God and Jesus are
also our paladin and cleric.
1 to share the battle, andcombat while the other protects
(08:04):
and heals. We're not fightingwith our own strength when it
comes to battles on thespiritual level. God is with us
and he is the ultimate barbarianor fighter. Paladin definitely
hits the spot. And he'll takehits with us.
Now, he's gonna go 1 on 1 withus. Again, we don't see it
(08:25):
because god works outside of our5 senses, and the same battle
that rages in our mental andphysical lives, god fights on
the spiritual plane. Andremember, the spiritual battle
is just as important as ourmental and physical battles. Now
you've tried it. I know I'vedone it on several, you know,
most, MMOs and several RPGswhere you go into basically a
(08:50):
boss fight, or a dungeon, andall of a sudden it's like, this
is not for solo people.
Okay? In those situations, it'salways easier with a team.
Right? Even with solo battlessometimes they give you a
companion to work alongsidewith. Same as truth for our
battles in life.
We're not meant to fight alone.Now this is why we have good
(09:12):
friends and family, and and notthe fair weather companions that
run at the first sign oftrouble. So in Hebrews 102425 it
says, let us con consider how tostir up one another to love and
good works. Works. There it isagain.
And like I said, and I'm gonnaremind you every time this comes
up, Later in the season, we'lltalk the difference between work
(09:35):
and works. So to continue on,not neglecting to meet together
as is the habit of some. Youknow, some of us are introverts
definitely, but we are here toencourage one another, and all
the more as you see the daydrawing near. Now, life is
easier when we team updefinitely. Just like in a game
(09:57):
where you rely on your healer,your warriors, your your
barbarians, whatever.
You know, spiritually we rely onGod, Jesus, and of course the
church which happens to be theguild that you're listening to
now, and that's for prayer,encouragement, and strength. And
Ecclesiastes 412 reminds usthough a man might prevail
(10:18):
against 1 who is alone 2 willwithstand him a threefold cord
is not quickly broken Considerthis in the way that we have
suspension bridges. Golden GateBridge is the is really one of
the best examples. Have you everwatched the documentaries about
it? I highly encourage itbecause what you're seeing is
very thin cables going back andforth, back and forth, back and
(10:41):
forth, and these are bundledtogether in a cord, and then all
these cords are bundled togetherinto the huge ropes that you see
the suspension ribbon.
They're wrapped in cladding. Butit's bundle on bundle on bundle
and that's what gives us thestrength and that's what a
Ecclesiastes is talking about.So as with any good strength and
(11:05):
a good bridge, you know,together we are stronger. We've
heard it from planet's ape, youknow, apes together are strong.
Same here.
So don't go it alone. Find yourteam, fight life's battles
together. And this in callsincludes, you know, going to a
therapist to help with yourmental state. Get some things in
(11:25):
check. Go see your doctor ifyou're not if your body's just
feeling weak or unhealthy.
And if you need to, get a apartner to go to the gym so that
both of you can strengthen up.How it works? Again, each person
helps you out in one area. Goddoes the same thing too. So as
you go into this week, I wantyou to remember something.
(11:47):
You know, don't face lifewithout your gear. K? Equip the
full armor of god daily to standstrong against the enemy's
attacks. Like I said, in gaming,if you're unprepared, you're
vulnerable. But with God'sarmor, you're unbeatable.
(12:07):
So as I said, guild members,you've give I've given you the
tools to win. Go out and fightthe good fight with God by your
side.
Greater Guild Announcer (12:20):
Wow. That was powerful. Pastor
Brandon never fails to deliver asermon that's both thought
provoking and nerd tastic. Wehope you all enjoyed it as much
as we did. Don't forget to like,subscribe, and donate if you
want to keep the sermons andgeeky discussions coming.
And remember, you can alwaysconnect with us on social media.
Just search for the GreaterGuild on all your favorite
(12:41):
platforms. We'd love to hearyour thoughts and geek out with
you. Thanks for tuning in, GuildNerds. Until next time, keep the
faith and stay nerdy.
Hey there, fellow church nerds.
Welcome to another episode ofChurch Nerds United, the podcast
where faith meets fandom andsermons are the new superhero
stories. That's right. Today,we've got a sermon that's more
epic than the battle of Helm'sDeep and more inspiring than
Captain America's pep talks. Butbefore we dive into this week's
divine download, don't forget tohit that like button, subscribe,
(00:26):
and ring the bell so you nevermiss an episode.
And, hey, if you love what we doand want to support the show,
consider donating. Every littlebit helps us keep the nerdy
goodness coming your way. Youcan find the donation link in
the show notes or head over toour website at greaterguild.org.
Join the ranks of our GreaterGuild Army and help us spread
(00:46):
the geeky gospel far and wide.Now, without further ado, let's
jump into this week's sermon.
Grab your bibles, light up yourlightsabers, and get ready to
dive deep into the word of God.
Pastor Brandon Holm (01:02):
Welcome, guild members. Today, we're
going to talk about one of themost important things in gaming.
It's your gear. Now any seriousgamer knows that the gear you
wear determines whether you'regonna win or basically get
crushed. Now imagine going intoa raid or a dungeon that's high
level and you go in with lowlevel equipment.
(01:23):
Definitely, you'd be wrecked inseconds, and really to put it
bluntly, you're screwed. Butlife is the same. Ephesians
61011 tells us to be strong inthe Lord, and in the strength of
his might, put the whole put thewhole armor of God, that you may
be able to stand against theschemes of the devil. Now the
(01:47):
Bible compares life to abattlefield where we face real
spiritual enemies, and we needto be properly equipped for
these battles. Just like youwouldn't go into a game unarmed,
you know, you don't go in lifewithout the armor.
Now, you will not see it. Youcan't feel it. Can't touch it,
and even thought of it, tasteit. But you need you need it
(02:11):
equipped for the battles youface pretty much every day. Now,
in games, enemies are alwayslurking, setting traps, and
trying to bring you down.
And spiritual life is definitelyno different. 1st Peter 5:8, he
says, be sober minded, bewatchful. Your adversary, the
devil, prowls around like aroaring lion seeking someone to
(02:32):
devour. Have you ever had agreat day and basically a great
week, then suddenly poof. Thenext day or week it's absolutely
horrible.
Well, this is the enemy activelyworking to bring you down just
like any good, you know, roguein a PVP battle. But our battle
(02:53):
is not fought with physicalweapons. These battles are
fought in the minds and in ourspirit. This is why in 2nd
Corinthians 104 reminds us, forthe weapons of our warfare are
not of the flesh, but havedivine power to destroy
strongholds. Yeah.
We're fighting a spiritualbattle, and just like in a tough
game, we need the right strategyand tools to win. So don't
(03:17):
underestimate any battle youcome across. Look at the many
battles and wars where one sideunder underestimated the their
opponent. Don't underestimatethe actions that Satan will
throw at you. But here's thegood news, we're not alone and
we're not unarmed.
So think about how it isimportant to equip the right
(03:38):
gear in a game. You know,without great armor, you're
gonna take heavy damage. InEphesians chapter 6 verses 13
through 17, Paul tells us aboutthe spiritual gear we need to be
ready for battle. Therefore,take up the whole armor of God
that you may be able towithstand the evil day, and
(03:59):
having done all, to stand firm.Stand therefore, having fastened
on the belt of truth, and havingput on the breastplate of
righteousness and eschews foryour feet, having put on the
readiness given by the gospel ofpeace.
In all circumstances, take upthe shield of faith, and which
you can extinguish all theflaming darts of the evil one,
(04:21):
and take the helmet ofsalvation, and the sword of the
spirit which is the word of God.Now, let's really break this
down and look at each piece ofarmor and describe its purpose.
So the belt of truth. It's likeknowing your stats in a game.
Truth grounds us and holdseverything together, and the
(04:41):
breastplate of righteousness itprotects your heart like a solid
chest plate protecting you fromdamage.
Shoes of the gospel of peace.Well, it gives us stability and
readiness, like quick bootshelping you move faster in a
game, giving you that extraboost to dodge or avoid, you
know, a certain area fairlyquickly, or to not arouse any
(05:01):
enemies. The shield of faithblocks the enemy's attacks. It's
like how a shield absorbs blowsin battle. Really simple.
But the helmet of salvation,that's the one that protects
your mind. It keeps you focusedon Christ, and not the
distractions of the world. Andfinally, we talk about the sword
of the spirit. This is the onlyoffensive weapon we have, and it
(05:25):
is the word of God. That's wherewe find it in the Bible.
That's why we use the Bible, Andbasically, having the Bible, the
word of God, your offensiveweapon, is like wielding the
most powerful sword that willcut through the lies of the
enemy, and your enemies ingeneral. And as you see, each
piece serves a purpose. And justlike you wouldn't leave any gear
(05:48):
slot empty in a raid or or aboss fight, you need all of
these to stand firm in spiritualbattles. Okay. So you're saying,
okay.
What when do we have this? Well,granted, how do we get it? It's
also another good question. Soas babies, when we are born, you
know, we have empty gear slots.So with your family, your
(06:11):
friends, your church, andfollowers in Christ, as you
develop and grow, you shouldhave at least some basic
spiritual armor equipped.
They're gonna give you thebasics. So it is when we fully
embrace Christ as our Lord andsavior, and we also connect with
additional fellow followers, wecan get better, more robust
(06:32):
armor for the greatest battlesin our lives. And like in every
game that is basically an RPG orany combat type, that's single
player or multiplayer, we'regonna have boss fights. It's the
moments where your gear, skills,and your focus are really
tested. And spiritually, we doface these boss battles daily.
(06:56):
And that situations where itfeels like the enemy is really
throwing everything at us. Youknow, those bad days, those bad
weeks, everything's just notgoing right. And as I said
earlier, you may have theperfect day or week, but it does
not mean that the enemy will notthrow something equally or worse
to ruin your next day orcontinue for the next week. And
palm excuse me. Psalms 182 says,the lord is my rock and my
(07:21):
fortress and my deliverer.
My god, my rock, in whom I takerefuge, my shield, and the horn
of my salvation, my stronghold.And it's in these moments, God
is our defender and our shield.But if we look forward to Romans
chapter 837, it reassures usthat we are more than conquerors
(07:44):
through whom who loved us. Bossfights in life are tough, but
with God's strength we'reequipped to overcome. God has
mentioned last week, is ourhealer, but God and Jesus are
also our paladin and cleric.
1 to share the battle, andcombat while the other protects
(08:04):
and heals. We're not fightingwith our own strength when it
comes to battles on thespiritual level. God is with us
and he is the ultimate barbarianor fighter. Paladin definitely
hits the spot. And he'll takehits with us.
Now, he's gonna go 1 on 1 withus. Again, we don't see it
(08:25):
because god works outside of our5 senses, and the same battle
that rages in our mental andphysical lives, god fights on
the spiritual plane. Andremember, the spiritual battle
is just as important as ourmental and physical battles. Now
you've tried it. I know I'vedone it on several, you know,
most, MMOs and several RPGswhere you go into basically a
(08:50):
boss fight, or a dungeon, andall of a sudden it's like, this
is not for solo people.
Okay? In those situations, it'salways easier with a team.
Right? Even with solo battlessometimes they give you a
companion to work alongsidewith. Same as truth for our
battles in life.
We're not meant to fight alone.Now this is why we have good
(09:12):
friends and family, and and notthe fair weather companions that
run at the first sign oftrouble. So in Hebrews 102425 it
says, let us con consider how tostir up one another to love and
good works. Works. There it isagain.
And like I said, and I'm gonnaremind you every time this comes
up, Later in the season, we'lltalk the difference between work
(09:35):
and works. So to continue on,not neglecting to meet together
as is the habit of some. Youknow, some of us are introverts
definitely, but we are here toencourage one another, and all
the more as you see the daydrawing near. Now, life is
easier when we team updefinitely. Just like in a game
(09:57):
where you rely on your healer,your warriors, your your
barbarians, whatever.
You know, spiritually we rely onGod, Jesus, and of course the
church which happens to be theguild that you're listening to
now, and that's for prayer,encouragement, and strength. And
Ecclesiastes 412 reminds usthough a man might prevail
(10:18):
against 1 who is alone 2 willwithstand him a threefold cord
is not quickly broken Considerthis in the way that we have
suspension bridges. Golden GateBridge is the is really one of
the best examples. Have you everwatched the documentaries about
it? I highly encourage itbecause what you're seeing is
very thin cables going back andforth, back and forth, back and
(10:41):
forth, and these are bundledtogether in a cord, and then all
these cords are bundled togetherinto the huge ropes that you see
the suspension ribbon.
They're wrapped in cladding. Butit's bundle on bundle on bundle
and that's what gives us thestrength and that's what a
Ecclesiastes is talking about.So as with any good strength and
(11:05):
a good bridge, you know,together we are stronger. We've
heard it from planet's ape, youknow, apes together are strong.
Same here.
So don't go it alone. Find yourteam, fight life's battles
together. And this in callsincludes, you know, going to a
therapist to help with yourmental state. Get some things in
(11:25):
check. Go see your doctor ifyou're not if your body's just
feeling weak or unhealthy.
And if you need to, get a apartner to go to the gym so that
both of you can strengthen up.How it works? Again, each person
helps you out in one area. Goddoes the same thing too. So as
you go into this week, I wantyou to remember something.
(11:47):
You know, don't face lifewithout your gear. K? Equip the
full armor of god daily to standstrong against the enemy's
attacks. Like I said, in gaming,if you're unprepared, you're
vulnerable. But with God'sarmor, you're unbeatable.
(12:07):
So as I said, guild members,you've give I've given you the
tools to win. Go out and fightthe good fight with God by your
side.
Greater Guild Announcer (12:20):
Wow. That was powerful. Pastor
Brandon never fails to deliver asermon that's both thought
provoking and nerd tastic. Wehope you all enjoyed it as much
as we did. Don't forget to like,subscribe, and donate if you
want to keep the sermons andgeeky discussions coming.
And remember, you can alwaysconnect with us on social media.
Just search for the GreaterGuild on all your favorite
(12:41):
platforms. We'd love to hearyour thoughts and geek out with
you. Thanks for tuning in, GuildNerds. Until next time, keep the
faith and stay nerdy.
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