WAR CRY!

Laura Derisma - 7/12/26

Good morning church family! 

• A war cry (or battle cry) is a shout, yell, or specific phrase chanted by combatants before or during a fight. Its purpose is twofold: to intimidate the opposing side and to build aggression, unity, and courage among one's own troops
• Church- this morning- do you have a war cry within you?!? Or has life, your circumstances or the enemy silenced you? 
• Why do I need a war cry? 
1. We are in a Spiritual War 
2. 2 Corinthians 10:4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
3. 1 Timothy 6:12- “fight the good fight of faith” 
4.  Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
• Ephesians 6:12 “ For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” 
1. What does this mean? The most difficult person, the most pressing problem, the most overwhelming circumstance you’re facing in your life right now is not your real problem

Are we aware of this war? 

• “Everything that occurs in the visible, physical world is directly connected to the wrestling match being waged in the invisible, spiritual world. 
• Satan cannot destroy you
1. The best he can do is to make your time on earth futile and unproductive, to suffocate you with sin, insecurity, fear, and discouragement until you are unable to live freely and fully. 

Lack of a biblical worldview

Increase of AI as truth 

Lack of understanding, discipleship & commitment to live a life that reflects Biblical truth. 

1. 51% of Gen z uses AI on a daily and weekly basis. 
2. Because AI responds confidently, young users risk treating machine-generated answers as absolute truth, overriding advice from trusted human teachers and parents

• We need a generation to encounter God
1. Stories in the Bible that include a “War Cry” Gideon, Joshua & Jericho, King Abijah’s battle against Israel, David vs Goliath 
2. Judges 6- Gideon is hiding, God calls him out and up. God gives him a mandate and instructions, Gideon obeys and the Lord defeats the Midianites. 
• After we encounter God, we need to hear his voice of truth and how to dispel the lies. 
• Hear His Voice- fill our minds with the Word- TRUTH and know how to dispel lies- 
• We are fighting from victory, not for victory
1. God Equips us with His armor- Ephesians 6:10-19
• God Equips us with His Armor- Learn how to use it & apply it in your daily life. You are victorious in Christ!
• Ephesians 6:13 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.