Be strong in the faith
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Faith Fitness
Bro. Sam Kaufman
It was probably the greatest era for heavyweight boxing.
In no other time has there been the number of quality heavyweight fighters duking it out amongst themselves.
Heavyweight boxing was in its heyday in the 1970s with haymakers being thrown left and right. Names like Ali, Foreman, Frazier, and Norton were prevalent in that era.
Another name from that time might not be as recognizable to many.
George Chuvalo was among the heavyweight fighters in the 70s.
Chuvalo was celebrated as one of the toughest fighters in heavyweight history. He is best known for never having been knocked down in his 93 professional bouts.
Chuvalo fought Muhammad Ali twice and some of the other powerful boxers in that era.
Though he didn’t win those bouts, Chuvalo was never knocked out. In some respects, he was like the Energizer Bunny. He could take a licking and keep on ticking. Ali described Chuvalo as the toughest opponent he ever faced.
Chuvalo’s durability earned him nicknames like “Iron Chin” and “Iron Man.”
Though he took an exorbitant number of punches, he never went down for the count.
It was admirable that Chuvalo got up and kept fighting. Even so, he took punch after punch.
In the spiritual realm, we as Christians sometimes take way too many hits to the chin.
God doesn’t want us to take that kind of beating at the hands of the enemy.
It should be just the opposite. Sometimes we don’t realize that we are taking unnecessary punches that stagger us.
Through Christ, we are the ones on offense and taking the Sword of the Spirit against the enemy.
We need to be strong in the faith so we can steadfastly resist the devil’s attacks.
Abraham, the Father of Faith, walked in that manner.
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.” – Romans 5:20.
Boxers sometimes stagger when they’re about to go down because they’ve been jolted by a punch or many punches. Abraham’s faith in God’s promises was so strong that he remained firm on solid ground. His faith kept him strong and kept the devil at bay.
Abraham truly believed that the almighty God would come through with what He promised.
“And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was also able to perform.” – Romans 5:21.
Jesus told His Church that He has given them power over all power of the enemy. He’s provided us with power to tread on serpents and scorpions. Paul said he didn’t beat against the air, but his spiritual punches through God landed hard on the enemy.
The devil uses subtle attempts to get in such as discouragement, despondency and depression. But we can call on God when we recognize the enemy’s efforts.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” – II Corinthians 10:4-5.
After Jesus organized His church, He took the 12 apostles on a long trip to a place known as Caesarea Philippi.
In the ancient city of Caesarea Philippi, the “Gates of Hell” (or “Gates of Hades”) referred to a large, deep cave at the base of Mount Hermon.
Ancient pagans believed this grotto was a bottomless entrance to the underworld because a powerful spring gushed from its mouth into a deep abyss that appeared to lead directly to the realm of the dead.
The site was a major center for pagan worship, particularly dedicated to the Greek god Pan.
Jesus brought His disciples to this location for a specific purpose. It was the most wicked, demonic area, but it couldn’t hold back His church.
Jesus asked the 12 who they say He is. Peter responded by saying Jesus is the Christ.
Jesus responded by telling Peter he was blessed and that flesh and blood did not reveal His identity to Peter, but the understanding came from His Father in Heaven.
“I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” – Matthew 16:18.
Sometimes a picture emerges of a church that is being beaten down by the gates of hell and just barely surviving. But gates are not an offensive weapon – they are used to prevent or keep enemies out.
Jesus was saying that His church will break through those gates and pull many out of the fire who were taken captive by Satan and deliver them to God.
