In this sermon from Ephesians 6, Pastor Ortiz powerfully unpacks the believer’s call to spiritual warfare and prayer. The message begins by examining Paul’s imperative command in verse 10: “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” Strength in the Christian life is not self-sourced—it’s a spiritual command to depend on God’s power through the armor of God.

The armor, outlined in verses 11–17, equips believers to stand against the unseen forces of evil. Pastor emphasizes that our struggle is not against people, but against spiritual principalities and darkness. This warfare is not physical, but spiritual, and requires a spiritual response. That response is prayer.

Before digging deeper into prayer, Pastor pauses to rebuke the common issue of Christians backbiting and being unkind to one another. He references Ephesians 4:30–32, reminding the congregation to put away bitterness, wrath, and evil speaking. Christians are called to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, not because others deserve it, but because God has forgiven us.

Returning to Ephesians 6, he highlights the importance of each piece of the armor and lands on verse 18: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” The message makes it clear—prayer is not optional for Christians; it is essential. Spiritual strength and victory come not just through knowing doctrine, but by living it out through persistent prayer.

Pastor Ortiz illustrates how the doctrinal truths of Ephesians—our salvation, inheritance, new identity in Christ, and God's sovereignty—should lead us to deeper relationship with God. He challenges the congregation: "You know doctrine, but has it changed how you pray?" He compares this to attending mechanic school and never fixing a car—even if we know the truth, it means nothing unless it’s applied in real life.

The message explores the reality of spiritual warfare: it's ongoing, deceptive, internal, and relentless. Pastor takes the church to 2 Corinthians 10 and 1 Peter 5, showing that the battlefield is often in the mind. Thoughts become strongholds when not brought into obedience to Christ. The devil’s attacks are subtle, targeting our thoughts, attitudes, and weaknesses.

He closes with Revelation 12:11, reminding believers that victory comes not by human effort, but by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. We don’t win by strength—we win by standing in prayer.

The challenge is simple yet weighty: Are you a person of prayer? In the face of spiritual war, the only way to stand firm is to stand and pray.

‍