* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
​ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES AND VIDEOS MENTIONED IN THE POST.*

Welcome back for week five of our series, STAND FIRM.
This week, Pastor Brit takes us to Ephesians 6:16

16 "In all circumstances take up the shield of faith,
with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;"
​
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
​Ephesians 6:10-16 ESV

​​Sermon Text: Acts 1:8; Romans 10:5-15; Ephesians 6:15

Read Ephesians 6:16 and Hebrews 11.

What stood out to you in the sermon this week and what did God reveal to you in the Scriptures, maybe for the first time?

SPIRITUAL WARFARE:
This sermon series is about spiritual warfare where we are commanded to take up the armor of God. Pastor Britt shared his recent supernatural encounter with God and said, “You won't have an encounter with God unless you put yourself in a position to do so.” What are some practical things you can do to put yourself in that position?

THE ATTACKS OF THE ENEMY:
Read Matthew 12:25; James 1:5-8 and Genesis 15:1.
Part of Satan’s attack is to divide us and sow seeds of doubt. What are the doubt-filled questions the enemy is bombarding you with?

The flaming darts of the enemy include - fear, bitterness, rejection and lust. If you were your enemy, how would you take you out?

• Take 5 minutes right now to write that down. You aren’t required to share this with the entire group. Consider sharing this with one of your “mat carriers” this week to bring it into the light. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Romans 8:31-39 for encouragement to turn away from temptation.

THE SHIELD OF FAITH:

Discover: Read Genesis 15:1.

Where in your life are you complacent, apathetic or just going along like everyone else without getting God involved and raising your shield?

• The shield of faith is powerful because of WHOM our faith is in. Just like Pastor Britt's example of using his father's badge, when we hold up the shield of faith, we are saying to Satan, "Do you know who my Father is and the power He has?" Read 1 John 4:3-4 and ask God to help you wake up to the battle.

​
Deepen: Share how you’ve experienced God as your shield and protector (as Pastor Britt shared how his dad’s police badge/shield protected him).

What steps can you take to ensure you're always prepared to use the shield of faith?

• We are fighting from victory, but the shield of faith only works if you take it up and go into battle linked with others. Be prepared: Find scriptures in the Bible to help renew your mind and protect your heart when you are feeling exposed to the attack of the enemy. Meditate on the word of God and praise God for who He is and what He’s doing in your life. Establish a brother or sister in Christ you can go to when you’re feeling tempted or attacked.
  

Action Step

Engage in Shielding Prayer:

• Just as the Roman soldiers would soak their shields in water to extinguish fiery arrows, spend time in prayer each day asking God to soak your life in His presence. This prayer time is meant to strengthen your faith, so it can act as a shield against any attacks from the enemy. Use Genesis 15:1 as a reminder that God Himself is your shield and great reward. ​​

To learn more about The Church of Eleven22, click here: www.coe22.com. ​

* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
​ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES AND VIDEOS MENTIONED IN THE POST.*

IT'S TIME! The summer is coming to a close. School is back in session. The days are getting shorter. The weather is starting to get a little cooler. Football season is coming. And, believe it or not, leaves are beginning to fall. That's right, it's time to decorate for Fall!

There's nothing like the the changing of seasons. Winter to Spring, Spring to Summer, Summer to Fall...ah, the Fall. The colors, the pumpkins, the corn stalks, hayrides, apple picking, cider, and of course...pumpkin spic EVERYTHING! Grab your boots, sweatshirts, sweaters, vests, and flannels; gather around the bonfires, roast some s'mores, sip hot chocolate, tell a story or two, yes Fall.

Summer was great. We'll share a summer end-cap blog in a week or two. But now is the time we like to make the transition into the Fall season. The kids are back to school, we're a few weeks from the start of the football season (most importantly the Fantasy Football season) and we're going to be jumping into some of our more traditional routines. So for us, now it the perfect time to get the house ready for the fall season.

Amy and Jay took this past Saturday as an opportunity to decorate for Fall. We know it might seem a little early for some, but our rational is simple; we really like to enjoy the season and the decor that comes with it, so let's decorate and enjoy. Life moves fast. The seasons come and go so quickly. We like to enjoy as much of the Fall as possible. Plus, life usually begins to pick up a bit after September 1st, so taking a free Saturday to decorate helps our calendar and schedule quite nicely.

This year, we committed to "working with what we got." That means we're only decorating with what we already have in storage; NO BUYING NEW DECORATIONS! That's right, we did not buy any NEW decorations for the Fall. Over the years, we have acquired a fair amount of items to decorate with, and even after visiting our local Hobby Lobby, we were able to dress the house with plenty of color, pumpkins, and harvest materials.

We try to switch things up and do something different every year. With the mantle being our focal point, we generally start there, then let the colors of Fall spill out around the room. This year, decorating came with a little furnisher rearranging. We like moving things around. Relocating the furnisher allows us to do a thorough cleaning, and creates the opportunity for a fresh look in the space.

And while we're starting in the Living Room, many of you know that when we decorate, we decorate almost everywhere in the house. Bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchen, back deck, front porch, flowerbeds, in Jay's office and the basement rec room will get a little Fall color. So be sure to look for editional episodes highlighting additional rooms and spaces from the Higham House. 

Check out a few of our Fall-themed episodes from Life in the Higham House!

So, who's ready for some pumpkin spice, walking through falling leaves, fireside chats, and cheering for your favorite football team? We're looking forward to all that Autumn has to offer!

- jay & amy

* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
​ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES AND VIDEOS MENTIONED IN THE POST.*

Happy Friday! Today on the blog, we are sharing a look at our vlog episodes from this week. Our goals is to a new episode of Life in the Higham house every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Then on Friday, we'll post a recap for anyone who might have missed one of the episodes. So here we go, enjoy this weeks vlogs!

* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
​ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES AND VIDEOS MENTIONED IN THE POST.*

Week four of our series takes us to Ephesians 6:15,
​"and, as shoe for your feet, having put in the readiness given by the gospel of peace."

This week, Senior Pastor Josh Howerton of Lakepointe Church in Dallas, Texas, walks us through the
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace.  It's a great message that challenges us to seriously consider how we think and act as it comes to evangelism and sharing the gospel. Take a few minutes to watch this week fours message, then consider the discussion questions below.
​
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
​Ephesians 6:10-14 ESV

​Sermon Text: Acts 1:8; Romans 10:5-15; Ephesians 6:15

Discussion Questions

Read: Ephesians 6:15; Romans 10:5-15.

What stood out to you in the sermon this week and what did God reveal to you in the Scriptures, maybe for the first time?

Discover: Read Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission).
Pastor Josh said we can't accomplish the right mission with the wrong shoes. What is our mission? (Also see Romans 10:13-15.)

Deepen: Think about the importance of being fully prepared with the gospel of peace.

Discover: What is the difference between seeing the church you attend as a cruise ship or a battleship?

• The cruise ship mentality: The church is here to cater to me and entertain me. I don’t want to hear hard truths, serve or go on mission. I just want good music, a funny sermon with some good tips and a comfortable seat.
• The battleship mentality: The church is about Jesus – what He did for us and what He’s calling us to do. He calls us to obey his commands and to join in our spiritual war. We are part of the church to be a part of the mission.

Deepen: How have you experienced church life as a cruise ship and as a battleship?

• Please don’t feel condemned for enjoying good worship music and good sermons. There’s nothing wrong with that and we all have our preferences. However, let’s not allow our preferences to get in the way of the mission. We need to be more eager to hear the Gospel, learn about God, obey His commands, be changed from the inside out and join the spiritual battle, than we are to be comfortable in our preferences.

Read: Ephesians 6:15.

Roman soldiers had cleated shoes to dig into the ground for stability when in combat and defending attack. How does the gospel give us stability to do battle?

Read: Romans 10:13.

What makes it difficult for some to believe this Good News?

• You may feel condemned by your sin and think you’re beyond saving. But are you so arrogant to believe that you are better at sinning than Jesus is at saving? Jesus Christ came to bear your condemnation so that there is therefore now no condemnation for you if you are in Christ Jesus. There is more grace in Him than sin in you, so everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Discover: How do you feel about telling others about the Gospel (evangelizing)?

Deepen: How can you overcome any fears or obstacles to share your faith?

• Know who God is and what His character is. You need to truly believe God loves you and Jesus died for your sins, before you can share that with others. Take the pressure off and remember you share, but Jesus saves. Your job is to be a witness, not a lawyer. A lawyer's job is to make an airtight case, a witness's job is just to share their story. Share your story. You’re not called to do everything, but you are called to do something.

Read: Romans 10:13-15.

How can you practically prepare yourself to share the gospel of peace (evangelize) with others?

• Evangelizing comes in many forms. Sharing your story, praying, acts of kindness in Jesus’s name and more. You never know how God will use you to bring someone to Him. Pastor Josh gave the example of being saved instantly, like a light switch, or how most people are saved, over time, like a dimmer switch. We love and disciple people from right where they are to their next step.

Action Step
Begin each day with a prayer for courage to speak boldly, for wisdom to share the message of Jesus and peace in knowing you are a witness for Jesus, not a lawyer. Be prepared to answer -- How has the gospel worked in your life? 

To learn more about The Church of Eleven22, click here: www.coe22.com. ​

* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
​ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES AND VIDEOS MENTIONED IN THE POST.*

Welcome back for part two of our Rabbit Hutch build. Breya and Jay have been enjoying working together with this build. As we get into part two, we're getting closer to a completed project. Take a few minutes to watch part two, and check out the progress we're making on the hutch!

* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
​ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES AND VIDEOS MENTIONED IN THE POST.*

Hey friends, welcome back for week three of the series, Stand Firm, from The Church of Eleven22. As you know, we have been posting the weekly messages from Pastor Joby, and the teaching team at COE22. We are learning so much, as well as being encouraged and challenged through this series. And so, we are sharing the messages with the hope of encouraging you. 

This week we are taking a look at the Breastplate of Righteousness. Pastor Joby does an incredible job at present the purpose and need for us to apply the breastplate on a daily basis. Please take a few minutes to watch the series bumper as folks talk about the Righteousness of Christ, Then jump into this weeks message with Pastor Joby.

The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness...​
​Ephesians 6:10-14 ESV

​Sermon Text: Philippians 3:1-11 

Discussion Questions
 - Read Philippians 3:1-11.

What does righteousness mean to you?

Read Isaiah 59:17; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 1:16-17; Romans 8:37; and Proverbs 4:23.
Based on these verses, discuss why a breastplate is a fitting description of righteousness. How does this help us understand who we are and how does it protect us against the schemes of the enemy?

• Isaiah 59:17 – Jesus was described as being covered in righteousness and the breastplate mentioned by Paul is actually His that we wear.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 – Jesus became sin so we could become Christ’s righteousness. Like a breastplate is a covering and a protection, Christ’s righteousness protects us from the eternal consequences of our sin. Like the father in Luke 15 offers the prodigal son his perfect, spotless robe to cover his soiled body, Jesus offers us His righteousness as a gift.
• Romans 1:16-17 – True righteousness comes with power for all who are impacted by it.
• Romans 8:37 – As we heard in the testimony video this week, we can't put on a breastplate ourselves;
• Christ places His righteousness on us which is what makes us victorious.
• Proverbs 4:23 – Above all else, guard your heart. A breastplate physically protects your heart and vital organs, and wearing Christ’s righteousness protects our hearts from spiritual attacks of the enemy.

DISCOVER: We are all trying to protect our hearts with something. Pastor Joby said we will put on the breastplate of righteousness or a fig leaf to cover who we really are. What are you trying to cover yourself with? Take a moment to reflect on the fig leaves you're hiding behind -- success, kid's success, religious activity (see Matthew 7:21-23), social media image, etc. Leaning on your own self-righteousness will either make you puffed up or exhausted. Counterfeit breastplates can never truly protect us. In fact, as we heard in the testimony video, the weight of trying to be righteous on our own is heavier than God’s righteousness for us.

DEEPEN: What do you need to take off in order to put on Christ's breastplate of righteousness? How can we as your group support you with that? “The only paperwork that matters on the day of judgement is not your resume but Christ’s invitation.” We heard Paul’s resume which was the best of the best of his time and in his culture, but he had to give up the privilege that came with that pedigree in order to follow Christ. Following Jesus means forsaking our sinfulness AND our self-righteousness. In Philippians 3:8 Paul says, "I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."

Reread Philippians 3:9-11.

DISCOVER: What parts of the whole gospel do you see in these verses? Half of the gospel is that “Jesus died for our sins,” but there is no power in being only a forgiven sinner, narrowly escaping hell and still smelling like smoke. The whole gospel is that Jesus died for our sins in our place AND that we have taken His place as well – restored as a child of God, seated at the right hand of the father and promised an irrevocable, eternal inheritance with God.

DEEPEN: Think about the difference between imputed and imparted righteousness. Imputed righteousness is given; imparted righteousness means “I do my part” and actually perverts the gospel. Positional righteousness comes by salvation comes first then practical righteousness happens over time through sanctification. Knowing the difference in our own hearts is critical because the same activity, depending on the condition of the heart, will either bring glory or judgement from the Lord. Right standing motivates you to right living; right living does not earn you right standing. For a deep dive on this, listen to Ray Cortes from Saturated 2016.

DISCOVER: How does an accurate understanding of your righteousness in Christ release the power of the gospel in your life? Knowing Jesus fuels a life of power to fight and win the battles against sin and the enemy.

DEEPEN: Where do you need gospel power and truth in your life right now? This question is an opportunity to ask if you truly KNOW Jesus.

Action Steps
A Disciple...Loves All People, Discovers Identity in Jesus, Deepens Relationship with Jesus.

Memorize Philippians 3:9 or 2 Corinthians 5:21 and share why you chose that one with someone this week.​

To learn more about The Church of Eleven22, click here: www.coe22.com. ​