The Tomato Frog This bright red frog can teach us About our defense of the gospel

The Tomato Frog From Madagascar Gets its name from its bright red skin Has a defense mechanaism When it is attcked – it emits a deadly poison Any animal that attacks it will spit it out However, it is too late – the frog is already injured and dies Christians are often to late in putting up our defenses

The Tomato Frog Satan can run a mile while the church is putting on its shoes!

Defend WHAT? The GOSPEL Philippians 1:17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

Defend WHAT? The GOSPEL CHALLENGES 1 Peter 3:16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.

Defend WHAT? The GOSPEL CHALLENGES Our HOPE 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

Defend WHAT? The GOSPEL CHALLENGES Our HOPE OURSELVES Acts 26:2 "I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews,

Defend WHAT? The GOSPEL CHALLENGES Our HOPE OURSELVES Our BAPTISM 1 Peter 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us-- baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Defend WHAT? The GOSPEL CHALLENGES Our HOPE OURSELVES Our BAPTISM Against SATAN Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. V. 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Defend HOW? Be ready – always 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

Defend HOW? Be ready – always Be Prepared Romans 1:15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

Defend HOW? Be ready – always Be Prepared Be Diligent 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Defend HOW? Be ready – always Be Prepared Study Prayer Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--

Defend WHEN? Always Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.

Defend WHEN? Always Before Temptation Comes Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Defend WHEN? Always Before Temptation Comes Before Darkness Comes 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

Defend WHEN? Always Before Temptation Comes Before Darkness Comes Before you are Trapped Luke 21:36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Are you a Tomato Frog? The best defense is a good offense. Christians must be on the attack against evil. We must be proactive, not reactive. The Sword of the Spirit and Prayer are our offensive weapons.