May 2026
IN THIS LESSON - May 24, 2026
The cultural landscape has never shifted so rapidly, and with every shift comes renewed pressure on God's people to compromise, stay silent, or simply disappear into the background — but Ephesians 6:10–18 refuses to accept any of those options. In this lesson, we put on the full armor of God piece by piece — truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word — and we discover that each component is not a metaphor for Sunday morning but a daily, practical necessity for every believer navigating a world that grows more hostile to biblical values. We draw deep inspiration from Daniel's remarkable resolve in the courts of Babylon, where he stood firm not by shouting but by quietly, consistently refusing to defile himself before God — and from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who trusted God in the fire without demanding a guaranteed outcome. You will develop a personal strategy for maintaining your convictions with both unwavering courage and the grace of Christ in every cultural context you face. This lesson calls you to be the lighthouse your community desperately needs — immovable, not by your own strength, but because you are anchored to the Rock.
Facilitated By: Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
Presented At: Schrader Lane Church of Christ, 1234 Schrader Lane, Nashville, TN 3720
Adult Sunday School 8:15 a.m. (CST) in Room #315
Understanding the Times
A Biblical Perspective · Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
BARRY’S BUREAU
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Lesson
07
Standing Firm in Shifting Cultures
Scriptural Focus
Ephesians 6:10–18
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Supporting Scriptures
Daniel 1:8 · Daniel 3:16–18 · 1 Corinthians 16:13
Theme
Cultural tides will always shift, but Scripture equips believers with spiritual armor to stand immovable — as Daniel did in Babylon, and as we are called to do today.
Key Teaching Points
▸Belt of Truth · Breastplate of Righteousness
▸Shoes of Peace · Shield of Faith · Helmet of Salvation
▸Sword of the Spirit — God's Word is your offensive weapon
▸Daniel resolved not to defile himself: so must we
This Week’s Application
Identify one cultural pressure challenging your faith; choose one armor piece to apply deliberately this week.
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from the First Edition 2025
Understanding the Times · Barry’s Bureau
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Lesson 7 — Standing Firm in Shifting Cultures
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:11
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"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." — 1 Corinthians 16:13
May these key truths guide your walk with God this week and beyond.
Multiple-Choice Q&A
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Understanding the Times · Barry’s Bureau
Lesson 7: Standing Firm in Shifting Cultures
Scriptural Focus: Ephesians 6:10–18
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
— Ephesians 6:11
Question 1 of 7
Question 1 of 7In Ephesians 6:10–18, how many specific pieces of the armor of God does Paul identify?
Question 2 of 7According to Ephesians 6:11, what is the purpose of putting on the full armor of God?
Question 3 of 7Daniel 1:8 records that Daniel 'resolved not to defile himself' with the king's food. What does this demonstrate about standing firm in a hostile culture?
Question 4 of 7Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's declaration in Daniel 3:17–18 — 'our God can deliver us, but even if he does not, we will not serve your gods' — demonstrates what quality?
Question 5 of 7The lesson uses the image of a lighthouse to describe the believer's calling in a shifting culture. What does this image emphasize?
Question 6 of 7The Martin Luther example from the Protestant Reformation illustrates which principle from this lesson?
Question 7 of 7Ella, the teacher in this lesson's short story, faces pressure to compromise her convictions in her classroom. What can we learn from how she handles the challenge?
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Understanding the Times — Lesson 7
“Standing Firm in Shifting Cultures”
Facilitated by Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
Schrader Lane Church of Christ, Nashville, TN
Understanding the Times — Lesson 7
“Standing Firm in Shifting Cultures”
Facilitated by Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
Schrader Lane Church of Christ, Nashville, TN
Study Game - Category Sort
The 6 pieces of Armor of God + key concepts
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Understanding the Times · Barry’s Bureau · Crossword Puzzle
Lesson 7: Standing Firm in Shifting Cultures
Scriptural Focus: Ephesians 6:10–18✏️ Crossword: Type answers using the clues below. Click Check to see how you’re doing, or Reveal for help!
Correct letters: 0
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Across
1. The belt of the armor — foundation that holds everything together (Eph 6:14)3. Shoes of the gospel of ______ — readiness to share the good news (Eph 6:15)
5. The full ______ of God — equipping believers to stand firm (Eph 6:11)
7. The repeated command of Ephesians 6 — ______ firm against the devil's schemes
8. The ______ of salvation — protects the mind and guards hope (Eph 6:17)
Down
2. The shield that extinguishes all the flaming darts of the evil one (Eph 6:16)4. The prophet who resolved not to defile himself in Babylon (Daniel 1:8)
6. The ______ of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph 6:17)
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You completed this study game. Every truth you’ve reviewed is a seed God can use to deepen your walk with Him.
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:11