Pastor Bell's Words To Live By

Although the shield of faith is an individual piece of armour, it has the capacity to interlink with other to form a formidable defence mechanism. We are exhorted by the apostle Paul to ensure that we always carry our shields with us as we are able to quench the fiery darts that the enemy throws at us (Ephesians 6:16). The darts that are thrown by the enemy are not ordinary darts but are designed to penetrate metallic objects like shields. So we are encouraged to have our shield made from toughened reinforced material.  When we join our shields with that of other believers, we can present an impenetrable wall that affords protection to all those behind it. This image of corporate protection is emphasised well by the imagery of a band of Roman Soldiers forming a circle and linking their shields together to withstand the attacks of the enemy. This is why we need each other. Although we can protect ourselves by carrying our shields, we achieve greater protection by being linked with others. This is one of the reasons why we are encouraged to operate like an army, become a disciplined person and work as part of the greater body. By yourself the shield offers limited protection, together with others you get all round protection.  Read Hebrews 12:1-13.