We started our new series yesterday.  It’s called “Conspiracy: The Ridiculous Plan that Changed Everything,” and it’s about God’s conspiracy to make a way back to himself through Jesus.  The service itself went all right, but there seemed to be a lot going on under the surface.  The weather was a little cold and slippy and our overall numbers were down a bit, but I think the best way to describe the mood was “heavy.” 

God has been doing some unbelievable things in and through ICC lately and I think yesterday was just a prime example of spiritual warfare.  It’s so easy to get caught up in those things we can see and touch and feel and “control,” but from time to time I need to be reminded of this:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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.     Ephesians 6:10-12

Praise God that He’s doing something here in Pittsburgh that makes the enemy stand up and take notice.  I love the fact that we know how the story ends and that he has already been defeated!  The same Jesus whose birthday we celebrate on Christmas has already won and we can walk confidently in that victory!