"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." (Philippians 4:4)

This encouraging command has been used in many generations of Sunday school teachings and sermons to challenge the saints. The apostle Paul uses nearly half of the 74 appearances of the word in the New Testament in his epistles.

There is a painting by Italian artist Guido Reni (1575–1642) of the Archangel Michael that pictures the ultimate defeat of Satan. A miniaturized sculpture of that painting stands in my office, reminding me that the “real” battle is being overseen by our Creator God, and that one day, one of His angelic captains will throw the Adversary into the bottomless pit for eternity.

"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God." (Ephesians 2:19)

"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins." (Ephesians 2:1)