This quarter’s issue of So Help Me God, the newsletter of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, rounds out the in-depth look we’ve been taking at the whole armor of God, the passage from Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians that so often bolsters our courage as followers of Christ in this world and reminds us of the gifts of our Lord, who promises to never leave us nor forsake us.

In fact, as we have learned, He fully outfits us for our part in declaring His kingdom to the lost!

In this issue, Chaplain Steven Hokana brings the helmet of salvation and the sword, which is the Word of God, forward for us to ponder.

Utilizing exegetical support from the biblical Greek as well as Scripture passages that tie to the theme, this quarter’s articles guide us to the understanding that wearing the armor of God doesn’t equate solely to defense — it equips us for valiant and necessary offense as Christians in this world as well. The helmet and the sword are our holy protection and our primary weapon; our salvation by faith and the promises of God fulfilled in Christ, the Word.

Empowered by all six pieces of the armor of God, we are bold to proclaim His saving Gospel and stave off the attacks of the devil when sin and death, his best tools, rear their wicked heads. For who can stand against our God, the Lord of hosts, who has already won the war against evil?

Webpages and resources that can help individuals grow in Christ can also be found in this newsletter.

LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces – Third Quarter 2026 newsletter