Daniel Moore: 0:03
Have you ever heard of cognitive bias? Do you understand the truth of the Gospel? Do you ever feel insecure in your salvation? Well, this week we discussed that and more in our continued study on spiritual warfare. On this episode of Connecting the Gap, we continue our series, the Battle Within overcoming the Invisible War. This week we study Part 9. We'll be back right after this. And a word from our sponsor. They say that it is darkest right before the dawn. So remember, no matter what battle you are facing, what war is raging, the dawn is coming. Prepare for battle, prepare for victory. You can visit my sponsor's website at wwwwearewarriorsapparelcom.
Daniel Moore: 1:33
Welcome to another brand new episode of Connecting the Gap. I'm Daniel Moore, your host for this podcast. Hey guys, want to thank you again for joining me this week. We are in Part 9 of our series on spiritual warfare. You can visit my website at connectingthegapnet. There you'll find all the things you need to know about our ministry. Here you can check out our merchandise page. Got lots of great merch that you can purchase and help spread the word of Connecting the Gap and look totally awesome while you're doing it. I'm drinking out of my Connecting the Gap coffee mug as we speak. It works great. Go check that out. Also, you can get the transcripts for this week's episode and previous episodes there as well. And if you'd like to reach out to us here at Connecting the Gap, there are ways that you can do that at the website at connectingthegapnet. Well, as I mentioned, we are still continuing our series on the battle within overcoming the Invisible War. It's a deep dive study into spiritual warfare. This week we're going to continue that study with Part 9.
Daniel Moore: 2:38
Imagine two friends, sarah and Alex, preparing to attend a grand masquerade ball. Alex is an outgoing and happy person known for his love of playing jokes on people. Sarah, on the other hand, tends to be more reserved and sensitive about what others think of her as they make their way to the party. Sarah confides in Alex, sharing her insecurities about filling out of place amidst the glamorous crowd. In response, alex, in his machivious way, decides to play a harmless joke on her. With a twinkle in his eye, alex leans in, whispering to Sarah you know, everyone at the party thinks you're this big, lovable fool, always good for a laugh. He chuckles, expecting Sarah to catch his playful tone and brush it off as a joke. However, sarah, taking Alex's words quite seriously, starts to fill a jolt of insecurity. She begins to believe that everyone at the party genuinely perceives her as nothing more than a fool. Suddenly, her confidence plummets and she starts viewing her peers through a distorted lens of self-doubt. At the masquerade ball, sarah finds herself scanning the room cautiously, expecting to encounter smirks and whispers all centered around her perceived foolishness. She notices her friends and acquaintances conversing and giggling, and each laughter, innocent as it may be, reinforces her belief that they are mocking her.
Daniel Moore: 4:08
In reality, alex's intention was never to harm or ridicule Sarah, just to tease and bring a lighthearted atmosphere to the party. But his initial joke took an unforeseen turn, unintentionally impacting Sarah's perception of reality. Diving deeper, this situation can be likened to a magician performing an illusion on an eager crowd. The magician intends to delight and entertain, skillfully manipulating perceptions to create awe and wonder. However, if an audience member gets too caught up in the illusion, they might start questioning their own reality. This slight shift in perspective can cast a shadow over their entire experience, altering how they perceive the magician and the trick being performed. In such a way, alex's joke played the role of the magician's illusion, distorting Sarah's perception of the party. While his intention was friendly, teasing, his words took on a life of their own, shaping Sarah's beliefs about how others perceived her. Just like in magic, what appeared as a harmless joke had unintended consequences, leaving Sarah with a skewed perspective on her friend's opinions and her own worth. A lie perceived as truth will affect your life as if it were true. I wonder how often you see what you expect instead of what is really there Reality, the way reality really is. Where is a name for our distorted lenses? It is called cognitive bias.
Daniel Moore: 5:42
Cognitive biases are inherent middle shortcuts and patterns of thinking that our brains rely on to process information quickly. While these biases serve to simplify complex situations, they can also color our perception and create a subjective reality that may differ from actual reality. When we encounter a situation, our minds automatically filter and interpret information based on our pre-existing beliefs, experiences and biases. These filters act like tenant glasses, shaping how we perceive and understand the world around us. Consequently, our subjective reality may deviate from what is objectively true, influenced by these cognitive biases.
Daniel Moore: 6:25
For instance, confirmation bias is a common bias where individuals have a tendency to seek, interpret and remember information that confirms their existing beliefs, while disregarding contradictory evidence. Suppose, someone believes that someone they know always acts rudely. In this case. Confirmation bias may lead them to selectively notice and remember instances where that person behaved rudely, while dismissing any instances where they were polite or considerate. They create a subjective reality where this person is consistently rude, regardless of the actual reality. That can be more nuanced. Moreover, cognitive biases like priming and anchoring can shape our perception even before we consciously process information. Priming occurs when exposure to a stimulus influences subsequent thoughts and behavior. For example, if someone is primed with positive words or images before an evaluation, they may have more positive feelings and perform better. Anchoring bias, on the other hand, occurs when an initial piece of information or the anchor overly influences subsequent judgments. For instance, if you are told the price of a product is $500, even if it's overpriced, you might consider lower prices as reasonable.
Daniel Moore: 7:47
These biases shape our subjective reality by filtering, distorting and interpreting incoming information to align with our existing beliefs and expectations. They create a mental framework that guides our responses and behaviors, often unconsciously. In this way, our subjective reality becomes the lens through which we perceive and interact with the world. The danger arises when our subjective reality differs significantly from actual reality. It can lead to bias, decision-making, misunderstandings and conflict. For example, someone who consistently interprets harmless comments as insults due to their sensitivity. Bias may react defensively or withdraw from social interactions. Their subjective reality, driven by their biases, determines their response rather than considering the true intentions behind these comments. Being aware of our cognitive biases is crucial for understanding and challenging our subjective reality. By recognizing the influence of biases, we can strive to question assumptions, seek diverse perspectives and challenge our automatic thought patterns. This self-awareness allows for a more balanced and accurate understanding of reality, giving us the opportunity to respond and behave in ways that align more closely with objective truth rather than our flawed perceptions.
Daniel Moore: 9:12
Imagine a boss who provides constructive criticism to two employees, tom and Jill, regarding their performance on a shared project. The boss's intention is to help them improve and excel in their roles. The criticism, while intended to be constructive, is received and interpreted differently by the two individuals due to their unique filters or perspectives. Tom, who possesses a growth mindset and is open to feedback, receives the boss's criticism as fair and constructive. He sees it as an opportunity to learn and grow, recognizing that the boss's intention is to help him develop his skills and improve his future performance. Tom's filter consists of a positive outlook and a belief that criticism is an essential part of personal and professional growth. Therefore, he is able to perceive the feedback as a valuable tool for self-improvement rather than a personal attack. However, jill, who has a fixed mindset and is sensitive to criticism, reacts differently, due to her ingrained belief that her abilities are fixed and cannot be changed. She perceives the boss's constructive criticism as a direct attack on her competence and character.
Daniel Moore: 10:25
Sarah's filter is influenced by a negative outlook, fear of failure and a belief that criticism reflects her inherent worth as an individual. Consequently, she feels offended, defensive and demoralized. Her subjective reality is shaped by these filters, distorting the boss's feedback and making it difficult for her to see it as anything other than a personal criticism. In this example, the boss's constructive criticism remains the same for both employees. However, the individual's differing experiences arise from their unique filters, which mold their perception and interpretation of the feedback. Tom's growth mindset and positive filter allow him to view the criticism objectively, seeking ways to improve. Conversely, sarah's fixed mindset and negative filter color her perception, leading her to feel hurt and attacked, hindering her ability to see the criticism as constructive. Understanding the influence of filters on our perception is crucial in avoiding misunderstandings and conflicts. By recognizing our filters and biases, we can cultivate self-awareness and develop the capacity to receive feedback more objectively. Embracing a growth mindset, acknowledging that criticism is an opportunity for growth, and separating our self-worth from feedback are effective strategies to foster constructive interpretations and responses to criticism, mirroring Tom's experience in this scenario. That's why it is so important to think about what you think about. You cannot defeat an enemy you cannot define.
Daniel Moore: 12:08
Imagine a person named Jason who has a tendency to be a control freak. Jason thrives in predictable and structured environments and fills a sense of safety and security when he can assert control over every aspect of his life. He meticulously plans and organizes every detail, rarely deviating from his predetermined expectations. One day, jason faces a challenging situation where his carefully constructed illusion of control crumbles. His car breaks down unexpectedly, leaving him stranded on a remote road. Despite his best efforts to control the situation, he realizes he cannot change the fact that the car has broken down or the inconvenience it has caused him. This experience becomes a wake-up call for Jason. He begins to grasp the idea that control is merely an illusion. Life is full of unexpected events, circumstances and factors beyond our control. No matter how meticulously he plans and tries to micromanage every detail, there will always be elements outside his influence. The reality is we cannot control what has happened or what will happen to us. The good news is we can control how we perceive it. There is a name for taking control of how we perceive things. It's called cognitive reframing.
Daniel Moore: 13:31
Cognitive reframing is a technique used to shift our perspective or interpretation of a particular situation or thought. It involves consciously choosing to view a situation from a different angle, allowing for more constructive and positive thoughts to emerge. By reframing our thoughts, we can take control of our thinking patterns, overcome cognitive biases and promote more balance than rational thinking. To actively engage in cognitive reframing, it is essential to follow a few steps. First, we have to identify the situation. Recognize the specific trigger or situation that is causing distress or leading to negative thoughts or feelings. It could be a challenging interaction, a disappointing outcome or any other event. Second, identify automatic thoughts. Identify the automatic and grain thoughts and beliefs that arise in response to the situation.
Daniel Moore: 14:29
Automatic thoughts are often influenced by cognitive biases, prejudices or distorted thinking patterns. They can be negative, self-defeating or irrational. Third, find objective supportive evidence. Challenge your automatic thoughts by searching the objective evidence that supports or contradicts them. Look for alternative explanations, differing perspectives or positive aspects of the situation. This helps in creating a more balanced view. Fourth reframe and generate alternative thoughts. After gathering supportive evidence, consciously reframe your thoughts by substituting more positive, realistic or constructive interpretations. Consider alternative explanations, perspectives or potential outcomes that align with the objective evidence. This helps to shift towards a more positive and rational mindset. And fifth, practice staying calm and challenging biases.
Daniel Moore: 15:29
While engaging in cognitive reframing, it is crucial to stay calm and composed. Political reactions and cognitive biases can cloud our judgment and hinder rational thinking. By cultivating mindfulness, emotional awareness and self-regulation, we can approach reframing with a clearer and more objective mindset. By actively engaging in cognitive reframing, we take charge of our thoughts and overcome cognitive biases. This process allows for a more objective assessment of situations, fostering positive emotions, reducing stress and promoting adaptive decision-making. It's important to note that cognitive reframing is a skill that requires practice and patience. Initially, it might feel challenging to challenge deeply ingrained biases and automatic thoughts. However, with persistence and self-awareness, we can gradually rewire our thinking patterns, leading to more positive and constructive ways of interpreting the world around us.
Daniel Moore: 16:30
Paul exemplified the power of cognitive reframing when he encountered an unexpected and challenging situation during his visit to Rome. Instead of allowing himself to become upset or frustrated with God, paul chose to reframe his perspective and find purpose in his circumstances. In Philippians 1-12-14,. He shares his mindset. In this situation, I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ and because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
Daniel Moore: 17:16
Paul reframed his situation by acknowledging that his imprisonment had unintended positive consequences. He realized that his current circumstances had become an opportunity to further spread the message of the gospel. He saw that being under house arrest in Rome allowed him to share his faith with the palace guard, who were constantly in contact with him. It led to conversations and interactions that might not have occurred otherwise. Moreover, paul recognized that his imprisonment inspired other believers, seeing his unwavering commitment to Christ. Even in challenging circumstances, fellow Christians gained confidence and courage in their own proclamation of the gospel. Other than feeling defeated or disheartened by his imprisonment, paul found purpose in a broader perspective of God's work in his life.
Daniel Moore: 18:07
Paul's cognitive reframing demonstrates an ability to shift his mindset from a place of disappointment or frustration to one of purpose and gratitude. Instead of allowing negative emotions or cognitive biases to take control, paul actively chose to find positive meaning in his situation. He saw beyond the immediate setback, recognizing that God could work even through adversity to accomplish his greater plans. This example of cognitive reframing reminds us of the importance of seeking alternative perspectives and finding value in the midst of challenging circumstances. It shows how reframing our thoughts can lead to a more positive attitude, a strength in faith and the ability to see opportunities for growth and impact, even in the face of unexpected and unfavorable situations. Paul was saying I had a plan, but God had a better plan. You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control how you frame it. The replacement principle means to remove the lies and replace them with truth. The rewire principle means to rewire your brain and renew your mind. When you reframe your past and reframe your future, it will change your life.
Daniel Moore: 19:22
You know, as Christians it's not uncommon for us to have a sense that we need to ask for forgiveness multiple times a day. You know, I've grown up in church. I always tell people that I was born in church, under the pew. It's all I've ever known. But as I got older and got to the workforce, I eventually became a firefighter and I was a firefighter for 14 years. Well, when you work in public service like that, it's a rough crowd. There's a lot of guys there that have foul language, they like to share dirty jokes, they like to tell dirty stories and you know I would partake in that sometimes I would fail because I wanted to fit in. I eventually ended up getting a divorce while I was at the fire department and then later on I ended up getting a job at a salvage yard where I was one of just a couple of Christian people at the salvage yard and there were lots of other guys there. That again, it's a rough environment lots of language, lots of pornography, lots of dirty jokes.
Daniel Moore: 20:21
And if you're not careful and you're around that type of an environment and you don't really protect the walk that you have with God, you can have a tendency to mess up. Quite often and it comes to where you do things that you don't want to do but you do them anyway. You know, and sometimes it seemed like that I would be asking God for forgiveness 20 times a day. It seemed like Almost fell into Satan's trap. You know, I was within an inch of becoming a casualty to the enemy's bombardment of doubt and I very well could have lost my footing.
Daniel Moore: 20:52
But I had to reframe all of that. I had to shed all those lies off that Satan was putting up on me that I wasn't worthy, that I was not really good enough to be in a relationship with God, that I kept messing up and therefore I was nothing. I had to reframe all of that and allow God to come in and transform me and that allowed me to continue building my faith in God and building that solid foundation underneath me. We're going to take a break here for a moment. When we come back, we're going to continue our discussion this week on the Battle Within. We are in part nine of this series and we'll be back right after this.
chataboutjesus.com: 21:41
If you were to make a list of all the times you've made mistakes, how long would your list be? It's been confirmed that the aliens have landed.
Daniel Moore: 23:04
Welcome back to Connecting the Gap Podcast. I'm Daniel Moore, your host. Thank you guys for joining me this week. Man, that first half was pretty crazy, wasn't it? You might have to go back and listen to that a few times to kind of get through all that and figure it out. There's a lot to our body, a complexity there that God creates with us, and you know it creates all things for good. But sometimes we can take things in our life and it can actually flip to the bad side of things, depending on how we react to situations in our life. Well, as we get into the second half of this week, we're going to talk a little bit more about the armor of God. The next item that we're going to talk about here are the sandals.
Daniel Moore: 23:46
Roman sandals were a popular form of footwear in ancient Rome. They were crafted from various materials, with leather being the most common choice. The process of making Roman sandals involved skilled craftsmanship. To ensure durability and practicality, the construction of Roman sandals usually began with the sturdy sole, traditionally made from multiple layers of leather. These layers were either stitched together or held in place using rivets. The thickness and quality of the sole varied depending on the individual social status or purpose of the sandal. Higher-ranking officials or soldiers may have worn sandals with thicker and more intricate soles. The upper part of the sandal featured straps or laces made from strips of leather. These straps were carefully attached to the sole in a crisscross pattern. The straps were sometimes adjustable, allowing for a secure and comfortable fit on the foot. They were often wrapped around the ankle or lower leg, providing additional support and stability. Sometimes, decorative elements like studs or metal embellishments were added for aesthetic purposes. The design of Roman sandals was deliberate in ensuring practicality. The open design allowed for ventilation, which was especially important in the hot Mediterranean climate. The straps provided a secure grip on the foot, preventing slippage and aiding in stability during walking or other activities. Additionally, some Roman sandals had nails, or hop nails, embedded into the sole, functioning like small cleats. These provided better traction on various terrains, making them suitable for soldiers and travelers.
Daniel Moore: 25:32
Roman sandals were worn by both soldiers and civilians. Soldiers in particular relied on them as part of their standard military equipment because they were durable, comfortable and provided decent protection for the wearer's feet. They were useful in maintaining good traction during long marches and battles. The sandals would make the soldiers sure-fitted and they wouldn't slip or lose their balance very often as their feet would be gripping the ground. We've been working our way through the armor of God in this study.
Daniel Moore: 26:03
In Ephesians 6.15, it says having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Paul emphasizes the importance of being firmly grounded in the truth and certainty of God's word. Just as a soldier would rely on their armor for protection and battle, christians are urged to rely on the spiritual armor provided by God to stand firm against spiritual attacks and trials. Having a solid fitting and certainty means having a deep-rooted faith and trust in God's promises and teachings. It implies a strong foundation in one's beliefs, enabling them to withstand doubts, uncertainties and challenges that come their way. We have already discussed the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness, but what good does it do if we put these on but don't have proper fitting?
Daniel Moore: 26:53
In Ephesians 6.15, the word preparation can be understood as establishment this verse reads and as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the preparation of the gospel of peace. The word preparation here refers to being established or anchored in the gospel of peace, which represents the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. It encompasses both knowing the gospel intimately and being ready to share it with others. To be established in the gospel means to have a deep understanding and personal experience of God's love, grace and saving work through Jesus Christ. It involves not only being familiar with the teachings and principles of the gospel, but also having a personal relationship with Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Furthermore, being ready to share the gospel implies being willing and prepared to communicate the good news to others. It involves being equipped with knowledge, courage and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading when opportunities arise to share the gospel with those around us. Being established and ready in the gospel lends a solid foundation to our overall spiritual preparedness and equips us to stand firm against spiritual opposition. It helps us to confidently navigate lies and uncertainties and challenges, while remaining rooted in the truth and hope of the gospel. So the concept of preparation or establishment in Ephesians 6-15 encourages believers to not only have a personal understanding and experience of the gospel, but also to be actively engaged in sharing it with others, spreading the good news of God's love and salvation.
Daniel Moore: 28:34
Satan's primary tactic is deception, followed by condemnation. Satan seeks to distort, twist and manipulate the treats of God's Word in order to create doubt, confusion and ultimately lead people away from God and His grace. One of the ways Satan can make us feel like we don't belong to God is by distorting our understandings of God's grace. He may try to convince us that our sins are too great or that we are not worthy of God's love and forgiveness. Through these lies, he aims to separate us from the truth of our identity as beloved children of God.
Daniel Moore: 29:10
In Galatians 1-6-8 and Galatians 3-1-14, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of a false gospel infiltrating the Galatian churches. This false gospel taught that salvation and acceptance by God were dependent on adhering to certain religious rituals and observances, such as circumcision, rather than relying on the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul strongly condemns this false teaching and even calls the Galatians fools for being deceived by it. He emphasizes that salvation and the belonging to God comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross. Paul underscores the sufficiency of God's grace in reconciling us to himself and reveals that we cannot earn or achieve salvation by our own works or efforts. By recognizing and clinging to the truth of God's grace we can resist Satan's tactics of deception and condemnation. We must continually remind ourselves that our belonging to God is based on His unconditional love and grace, not on our performance or worthiness. When Satan tries to deceive us and make us question our standing with God, we can counter his lies with the truth of God's word. By standing firm on verses that affirm God's love, forgiveness and our identity in Christ, we can fortify our minds and hearts against his attacks.
Daniel Moore: 30:36
In 2 Corinthians 11, verses 2-4, the apostle Paul warns the Corinthians about the danger of falling for false teachings and being led astray by deceptive messages. He expresses his concern that, just as Satan deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden, these false teachers would also deceive them by presenting alternative Gospels or viewpoints contrary to the true message of Jesus Christ. Satan's tactic is to introduce alternatives to Jesus, false teachings, false prophets and false Christ. These alternatives may come in the form of distorted versions of the Gospel, spiritual philosophies or idolatrous practices that divert believers from a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. These alternatives often appeal to our human desires, emotions and pride. They may promise worldly success, personal fulfillment or an easier path to righteousness.
Daniel Moore: 31:31
Satan disguises his lies as attractive and convincing alternatives, seeking to lead people away from the truth and into bondage. Paul urges the Corinthians to remain steadfast on their devotion to Christ and to be vigilant against the deceptive tactics of false teachers. He emphasizes the importance of holding firm to the foundational truths taught by Jesus and his apostles In order to discern and reject these alternatives. Believers are encouraged to ground themselves in God's Word, to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, and to cultivate an intimate relationship with Jesus through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit. By doing so, they can guard against falling into the snares of deception and can recognize the true voice of Jesus amidst the noise of contrary messages. By being aware of Satan's tactics and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers can discern the truth from the false heads and resist the allure of alternative paths that seek to draw them away from Jesus Christ, who is the only way, the truth and the life, as stated in John 14-6.
Daniel Moore: 32:41
So what does that look like for you? Do you understand the truth of the Gospel? Well, according to 1 Corinthians 15-6, the truth of the Gospel is centered on the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The passage states Now it reminds you, brothers, of the Gospel I preach to you, which you received and which you stand, and by which you are being saved if you hold fast to the Word I preach to you unless you believed in vain, for I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received that Christ died for our sins in accordance with Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas then to the twelve. This passage shows that the Gospel, or the Good News, involves Jesus' sacrificial death for our sins, his burial, his resurrection on the third day and his appearances to various individuals, including his disciples. It emphasizes that Jesus' death and resurrection are foundational aspects of the Gospel and are central to our salvation.
Daniel Moore: 33:48
In Ephesians 1-9, the Apostle Paul further expounds on the truth of the Gospel, focusing on God's grace, redemption and the blessings we receive through Christ. That passage states In love, he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons to 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 which he lavished upon us, and all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ. In this passage, paul reminds us that believers have been chosen by God before the foundation of the world, predestined for adoption as his children. Through Jesus Christ, the Gospel proclaims God's purpose to redeem and forgive us, granting us spiritual blessings and grace through Christ's sacrificial blood. The passage emphasizes that our salvation and redemption are solely based on God's grace and not on our own merits.
Daniel Moore: 35:11
Do you ever feel insecure in your salvation? According to Romans 8, verses 38 and 39,. 1 John 5, verses 11-13, ephesians 1, verses 13 and 14, we, as believers, can have assurance and security in their salvation through the work of Jesus Christ and the promises of God. Romans 8, 38-39 states for I am sure that neither life nor death, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God and Christ Jesus, our Lord. This passage emphasizes the unwavering and inseparable love of God for those who are in Christ. It assures believers that nothing in this world or beyond can separate them from the eternal love and salvation they have in Jesus.
Daniel Moore: 36:04
1 John 5, 11-13 says and this is the testimony that God gave us eternal life and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life. Whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. Here the apostle John reassures believers in their possession of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. He states that the purpose of his writing is to provide this assurance and knowledge that believers can confidently know they possess eternal life.
Daniel Moore: 36:43
Ephesians 1, 13-14 affirms in him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it to the praise of his glory. This passage speaks of the believers being sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their eternal inheritance in Christ. The Holy Spirit serves as a mark and assurance of their salvation, keeping them secure until they receive their full inheritance. These verses assure us that once we have put our faith in Jesus Christ, nothing can separate us from God's love and salvation. We can have confidence and security in our salvation, knowing that it is based not on our own efforts or merits, but on the work of Jesus on the cross, the Holy Spirit acts as a seal and guarantee of our salvation, assuring us of our eternal inheritance in Christ. As we continue to trust in him, we can have the assurance of our salvation and confidently walk in the love and grace of God.
Daniel Moore: 37:51
And finally, this week, I want to encourage you to do something that will powerfully strengthen your faith and help you become established. It may be a little threatening to you at first, but ask God for specific opportunities and divine appointments to share your faith. Telling the gospel to others is one of the most faith-building activities you will ever partake in. Or, as they say, a good defense is a good offense. As you share the gospel, you will realize that the foundation of your faith is strong, clear and intellectually defensible. Doubt will begin to disappear, your shoes will become more deeply and firmly planted in the ground and as you reframe your past and reframe your future, it will change your life.
Daniel Moore: 38:37
Now, as we've been talking this week about salvation, if you are a person listening today that either has never been a believer or you're new to this and don't understand what it means to have a relationship with God because you've never asked him into your life. You can go to my website at ConnectingTheGapnet and there is a page there on how to be saved. It will walk you through the few different steps that there is on accepting Christ into your life. If you do that and have further questions, please feel free to reach out to us here at Connecting the Gap. You can email us at Daniel at ConnectingTheGapnet or utilize the contact page there on the website and reach out to us and we'll do our best to answer any questions you may have. We'd love to be able to pray with you, and if you need a Bible you don't own one we can definitely take care of that as well. So, again, go check that out at connecting the gapnet.
Daniel Moore: 39:26
We want everybody that listens to this podcast to understand this is about building Christians, this is about building faith and this is also about creating a new lifestyle in Christ. If you don't have one, everybody has to understand we have an eternity that we are looking towards. That eternity is going to be in heaven or it's going to be in hell. Our goal here at connecting the gap is to make sure that you are fully equipped and that you understand exactly what it means to have faith in Christ and live that life that he has created us to live, and that we would then take those shoes that he gives us as part of that armor to walk that gospel forward and to share it with others and be prepared to share with them our testimony and experience that we've had in the Lord. There's no better life than to know that we are living it in Christ.
Daniel Moore: 40:17
Well, I'm out of here for this week and don't forget to visit my sponsors website at WeAreWarriorsApparelcom, and also you can visit our website for the transcript for today's program, and you can also reach out to us from there as well. Like us on Facebook. We also have a Twitter page and you can follow us there. Please do so. Subscribe and share at all the different places to get the gospel out. Help us get the gospel forward and that way, others can hear about Christ and understand what it means to have him in their hearts as a relationship and that they could have that awesome eternity with Christ. Well, I'm out of here for this week. You guys have a great, blessed week ahead of you.
Daniel Moore: 40:56
We'll be back next week with another brand new episode of Connecting the Gap. Until then, don't forget that God's Word never fails us. God's Word has stood the test of time and through Jesus' death on the cross, he has connected the gap. You've been listening to Connecting the Gap podcast. I'm Daniel Moore, the host for this podcast, and I personally thank you for listening.
Daniel Moore: 41:16
Each week In this world there are many disconnects that cause chaos in our lives. This podcast is births from the desire to share hope and restoration of the power of the gospel by being transparent and open in our biblical walk with God. Each week, we take a few moments as we navigate God's Word and peer into other people's testimonies and encourage each other to connect the gap. We upload a new audio podcast every Thursday and a video version of it on YouTube and Rumble. We are also on the Christian podcasting app, edify. You can subscribe to our podcast on many of the available podcasting platforms, such as Apple Podcast, deezer, spotify, google Podcast, amazon Music, iheart Radio, tunein Radio and many more. We are also available on your Alexa enabled devices. If you would like to give us feedback or would like to contact our ministry for any reason, including prayer, visit our contact page at wwwconnectingthegapnet and send us a message. We hope you are blessed by this ministry. This is a production of Connecting the Gap Ministries.