Equipped: The Armor of God for Everyday Struggles

by Christopher M. Kennedy

When you hear the phrase "spiritual warfare," you might think of angels and demons, exorcisms, and demonic encounters. But spiritual warfare also includes the battles you face in everyday battles of temptation, doubt, and anxiety.

Equipped will help Christians recognize the spiritual roots of hardships and to fight against the devil's schemes in the only way that with the tools God provides in Christ. Both instructional and devotional, each chapter of Equipped focuses on a piece of the armor of God from Ephesians 6 and how you are equipped in Christ to resist the evil one in your everyday life to find healing, understanding, and peace.

Genres: Christianity, Theology

146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2021

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Rev. Dr. Christopher M. Kennedy

Reviews

[Heidi Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to get a special preview pdf of this book to read. Pastor Chris was my pastor when I was stationed in San Antonio Texas, where he still serves. This book overflows with Pastor Chris’s thought-provoking, kind, relevant, Biblical insights. It also is excellent at doing what Lutheran pastors do well: pointing to Jesus, over and over again, but always in new, nuanced ways. If I recall correctly, Pastor Chris’s doctoral work focused on effectively using illustrations in sermons. Anyone who has listened to a sermon knows a good illustration makes the message shine clearly, while a bad illustration is either confusing or overshadows the message. Each chapter in this book is peppered with illustrations from current events, stories from the Bible and the news, and references to other books - all woven together to make the points more clear and memorable while adding depth to understanding and reinforcing the theme of the chapter. It makes for an engaging read that “feels” lighter than the content. Not a simple read, but not a difficult one either.

I love this passage in Ephesians and am excited by this book as a way of meditating more intentionally on it. These are evil and disturbing times; sometimes I want to bury my head under a blanket and hope things go away. But the reality is, I have a life to live - and as a redeemed child of God I don’t need to bury my head, I can put on the Armor He’s given me!

A note on the book: the font is easy to read, a nicely spaced serif font; I’m curious to see the size in the actual book. The layout is pleasing, with line drawings of the highlighted piece of armor at each chapter heading, along with a bolded verse from scripture. I like the extra scripture verses for context and meditating. The chapters end with thought provoking study questions that are written to really cause you to think
- or to chat, if you were in a group study (which this would be good for). I hope CPH does it justice with nice sturdy paper! The cover art looks simple but makes a statement, conveying the topic. Looking forward to having the physical book on my shelf.

[Stuart Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

While you could easily read this in one sitting, it's a great book to spend days or weeks going through, one chapter at a time.
The book is easy to read and written in a friendly, conversational tone. But, don't let that fool you into thinking it's superficial. Equipped is filled with convicting, biblical truths that hit hard sometimes and force you to think about how you're living and whether or not you've put on the full armor of God. Then, Pastor Kennedy gives you great insights to put action behind that conviction.
The questions at the end of each chapter are a great opportunity to think more deeply about each section and reflect on how the chapter applies in our lives and communities.
Equipped would make a great book for personal, couples or group study.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was like sitting down with my pastor over a cup of coffee and discussing the armor of God- more in-depth than you might get on a Sunday morning, but not so much that you feel lost in the Greek. The additional resources (Bible passages, hymns, and prayers) at the end of the book will be ones I come back to over and over as I face life’s challenges. This is well suited to both individual and group study.

[Adayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up throughout the week and read a chapter at a time. It’s a short read but I think it’s best to stretch it out a little. Gives space to dwell on it and have it come to mind throughout the days.

I also found it very helpful to have the large catechism nearby. I’ll be honest, it’s been many years since I took out the Book of Concord that I was given at my confirmation. I now find it fascinating to explore. After reading the section about prayer in Equipped, I looked up “prayer” in the index of Concord and found some super interesting insight from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther. Since I was going through Equipped at home by myself, it was nice having additional material and discussion, things that might have been added by a pastor, or come up in conversation, in person.

I enjoyed the insights of the text in this book, things I hadn’t thought about before or even really understood. I found myself wanting to go even deeper and explore the scriptures even more on this topic, so I think maybe that’s why it’s not the full 5 stars to me. This could possibly be because it’s written for a group discussion and might have been expanded more in person.

I specifically have been thinking about shoes of peace now that I’ve read this. I have to say, I don’t remember ever really thinking about this before. But it’s in my mind now.

I am glad this book was written. I think it would be a good youth bible study especially. Thank you.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anxious? Depressed? Feeling unworthy? Doubts? Exhausted? Conflicted?

This book is a fantastic read, which explores our need to armor up against Satan's attacks, which he throws at us from every angle. Jesus believes that spiritual warfare is real - we should too, and we should be ready! This book takes you on an engaging, in-depth, and personal journey through the Armor of God from Ephesians 6, so that we may embrace the victory of the cross, and all that it means for us. It pulls in tons of scripture from God's Word, and as you read you have a sense that your heart and mind are increasing in peace and courage because of God's promises.

The second half of the book provides you with lots of specific tools and strategies for daily struggles. It has lists of scriptures and centering statements that can be spoken or prayed through in order to help us focus away from our shortcomings and toward the power of God during times of struggle. It's very practical!

I also enjoyed that there were discussion questions at the end of every chapter, as well as a leader guide. This book can easily be used as a group study.

Highly recommend!

[Paul Krentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ephesians 6 is a text preached on and taught about frequently. One might think there is nothing new to say about it. However, Pastor Chris Kennedy provides a fresh take on this text and applies it in a new way to help the reader recognize the spiritual battle that each of us faces and identify the armor God provides for each circumstance. This book is great for personal reading and growth and I believe it would be very effective in small and large group Bible Studies. I could also see it as a great book for a group of men to read together and discuss. It makes great theological points without coming off as an academic exercise.

[Magalie Robles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Equipped is the type of book that will inevitably show the telltale signs of wear all good books do. Pastor Chris Kennedy provides a detailed, yet easy to follow guide on forgiveness of self, spiritual warfare, and prayer. He draws from the teachings of Paul, who is the perfect example of God’s grace, in Ephesians 6:11-20. The themes in this book are relatable no matter where one might be in his or her Christian journey. The “Storehouse of Spiritual Weaponry” section was my favorite as it provides an abundance of resources to use in daily life struggles. I will be adding this book to my nightstand collection, as I already found myself highlighting and making notes as I read it.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am truly thankful for the message conveyed through EQUIPPED: THE ARMOR OF GOD FOR EVERYDAY STRUGGLES. Spiritual warfare is something all Christians experience, but is sometimes misunderstood or misinterpreted. Pastor Chris Kennedy takes the profound truths of spiritual warfare and explains them in a simple and easy-to-understand way. This is a wonderful resource for groups or individuals to grow in their relationship with Jesus. Thank you, Chris, for showing us that the armor of God was not just designed for our church life. It is to be used in our everyday struggles.

[Denise Hinojosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Equipped is a phenomenal guide to understanding, recognizing, and using the tools God gives us to defend ourselves against dark forces and their attacks in our daily lives. Equipped provides a blueprint not only for individual Christians seeking to expand their understanding of defending against these attacks, but is also a great resource for bible study groups and prayer groups who work to fight against these forces on behalf of their brothers and sisters in Christ. I would encourage everyone to read this book and use what it teaches to strengthen their faith.

[Brian Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! A simple, yet deeply profound, resource for anybody on their journey of discipleship and struggle with the spiritual warfare we all face every day.

Pastor Chris brings Paul's theology of Ephesians 6:10-20 into easily applicable disciplines for disciples at all stages of their life to turn in faith to Christ for the strength to fight Satan and his attacks, based purely in the grace and truth of God in Jesus Christ.

[Mike Ysteboe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful book on life as a follower of Christ. With the "Armor of God" the author points to the challenges of life reminding us of the reality of spiritual warfare. Who the enemy is (including ourselves at times.) While the book is easy to read, it is filled with practical applications that speak to the daily life. You will find yourself grabbing a highlighter for your second read as I did. This book would be great in a small group setting as the questions at the end of each chapter are great for group discussion. Questions like "What do you think is a favorite corner of people's minds where Satan tends to set up shop."
I was pleased to get a copy prior to official release date and was challenged from beginning to end.

[Karen Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found "Equipped" to be one of those books you keep within an arms reach. It is an incredible resource against the daily battles we all face, as well as the immovable mountains that sometimes seem to arise. Pastor Chris Kennedy's approach is relatable and makes for an easy, albeit insightful read. Highly recommend!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful blend of scriptures and history written in a straightforward manner that allows you to read and enjoy each chapter with ease. From the heartfelt dedication to the final set of discussion questions, it is evident this book was well researched and creates an interesting and uplifting argument for why spiritual warfare didn't disappear with the Crusades.

[Ulana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written by Lutheran pastor telling how the different parts of our Armor of God helps us with our everyday struggles. He has Bible verses to fit each part as the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate, Shoes, the Helmet etc. We need these to protect us and help us fight against the Devil. It is well written and meaningful.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Spiritual warfare is recognizing that there is an ongoing fight between good and evil, and you are the prize." In Equipped, Pastor Kennedy ably equips readers to stand firm against the devil's schemes.

[Christian Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual Warfare is a subject that not many people wish to discuss, yet Kennedy does so in a manner that is clear, concise, approachable, and easily applicable. Christians will be encouraged by this devotional tool, as they meditate upon the armor with which our Lord has equipped them.

[Jackie Kottwitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be applicable to current times, easy to read, and thought provoking. It provides comfort and guidance regarding spiritual warfare that everyone experiences, whether we know it or not at the time. I am looking forward to sharing this book with my friends!

[Bill Hinz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Life Guide

Equipped will soak into you the more you read it. Chris Kennedy gives a practical guide to life that will benefit all ages and stages. A great resource for navigating life with powerful examples and Scriptural references.

[Deborah Groves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good present day overview of the Armor of God
Easy to read
Good application suggestions
Loved the embedded stories
Appreciated the Scriptural references for each equipment piece
Transparent Foreword and Preface
Thought provoking discussion questions
Will readily share w others!

[Alice Klement · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an author encourages and equips readers to read Scripture and apply it, spiritual growth happens...so it is with this book.

It is certainly a book I want to reread often as my life’s circumstances change.

[Monica Farias · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a convenient collection of spiritual tools that help us remember to dwell on the promises of Christ.
I know it will be a comforting companion for years to come.
The author offers gentle reminders that no matter how stressful and lost we can feel,
God is our constant, unshakable, guardian of souls.
Pastor Chris 's comforting words of prayer , peppered throughout the book, help us to
" take hold of the weapons that God has placed in our hands" and use them for good in the world.
This is a great addition to my spiritual library, and will be referenced often.