Week 8
Your Weekly Round-up Sunday!
This week brings powerful insights into spiritual warfare, practical Christian living, and transformative biblical teaching—though we're keeping it brief as we take a short family break mid-week (see NEWS below for details). Despite the abbreviated schedule, we're packed with essential content including a two-part series on Satan's work and how the Gospel breaks through darkness, challenging messages on being doers rather than hearers, and urgent calls to step out of spiritual compromise. From Monday's reflection on being shaped by God rather than society, to Tuesday's confrontation about Christian content that fails to produce action, and Wednesday's warning about living in the twilight zone between truth and error—this week challenges you to walk fully in the light. Plus, discover our YouTube line-up featuring Morning devotionals, thought-provoking shorts, and our continuing podcast series.
Let's dive in and be transformed!
Building Your Faith on Biblical Foundations! Discover core Christian principles and deepen your relationship with Christ through biblical teaching and practical application…
The Work of Satan: Part 1 - The Blinding of Minds
Understanding the enemy's strategy to keep people in darkness
The Active Enemy of the Gospel
When we consider the state of spiritual blindness in our world today, we must recognise that this isn't merely a passive condition or an unfortunate consequence of human ignorance. There is an active, deliberate enemy working tirelessly to keep people trapped in darkness. The Apostle Paul reveals this satanic strategy with startling clarity: "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" (2 Corinthians 4:3-4 KJV).
Satan, described here as "the god of this world," actively blinds the minds of unbelievers. This isn't a figure of speech or poetic language—it's a description of genuine spiritual warfare. The enemy doesn't need to convince people that Christianity is false; his strategy is far more subtle and effective. He simply needs to make the Gospel seem irrelevant, outdated, or foolish. By presenting counterfeits and distractions, he keeps the light of Christ from penetrating darkened hearts.
Satan's Strategic Methods
The devil's work is comprehensive and multi-faceted. He operates through deception, as Jesus warned: "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it" (John 8:44 KJV). Satan's native language is lies, and he uses this fluently to distort truth and keep people from recognising their need for salvation.
Furthermore, Satan doesn't merely attack from outside the Church—he infiltrates it. Paul warned the Corinthians: "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:13-14 KJV). The enemy presents counterfeits that look like the real thing, leading people astray with teachings that sound biblical but ultimately lead away from Christ.
The Battlefield of the Mind
The primary battlefield in Satan's war against humanity is the human mind. Peter describes his tactics: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8 KJV). He prowls constantly, looking for opportunities to plant doubts, fears, and lies. His goal is to prevent the Gospel light from illuminating the truth about sin, righteousness, and judgement.
Satan also uses worldly systems and philosophies to blind minds. John warns: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15 KJV). The enemy employs entertainment, materialism, false religions, and even respectable philosophies to distract people from eternal realities and keep them focused on temporal things.
Understanding Satan's work isn't about giving him undue attention or fearing his power. Rather, it's about recognising the reality of spiritual warfare so we can pray effectively, share the Gospel boldly, and help others break free from the blindness that holds them captive to darkness…
"Something to think about" is a phrase that indicates there is a topic or idea presented that the reader should consider and contemplate, for further reflection or discussion. Published weekly on a Monday…
Monday 16/02/26
Raised by Society!
Are you being shaped by the world, or transformed by the Word?
The Question We Must Ask
This teaching confronts the critical question every believer must answer: Are we being raised by society or by God? From birth, we are constantly bombarded with messages from television, social media, educational systems, and peers that shape our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours. Romans 12:2 KJV commands us not to conform to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, yet society today promotes values that directly oppose biblical truth, encouraging material success, personal pleasure, and self-promotion instead of humility and serving others. When we allow society to raise us, we adopt its morals and priorities, measuring success by wealth and status rather than faithfulness to God, and chasing temporal pleasures instead of eternal treasures. One of the most dangerous ways society influences us is through the normalisation of sin, where what was once shameful is now celebrated and moral relativism has replaced absolute truth. As believers, we are called to be set apart and holy, not isolated but distinct from the world. This call is especially urgent for the younger generation growing up in an age dominated by technology and social media, where influencers hold more sway than parents or pastors. The company we keep, the content we consume, and the voices we listen to profoundly impact our spiritual health. To resist being raised by society, we must saturate ourselves in God's Word, cultivate a life of prayer, actively renew our minds by guarding what we allow into our hearts and thoughts, and surround ourselves with fellow believers who encourage us in the faith. As ambassadors for Christ, our lives should reflect Kingdom values rather than the values of a fallen world. The choice we face is daily and the stakes are eternal—will we conform to the world or be transformed by the renewing of our minds? We must resolve to be raised not by society but by the living God, grounded in His Word, empowered by His Spirit, and committed to His purposes…
Messages from the Outpost: Join us at our home church (186, Greenacres, Wetheral, Carlisle CA4 8LU, UK) every Tuesday & Thursday at 7:30 pm.
Tuesday 17/02/26
Be Doers, Not Hearers Only: The Missing Message in Christian Content…
Stop Learning, Start Living: A Challenge to Christian Content Creators…
Faith Without Works Is Dead—So Why Isn't Anyone Teaching Us to Walk?
In an era flooded with Christian content, we've created a generation of believers who know Scripture inside and out but struggle to live it out. This challenging message confronts a critical gap in modern discipleship: we're producing hearers who can debate theology and dissect Greek words, yet remain paralysed when it comes to actually walking by faith. James warned us plainly not to be hearers only, deceiving ourselves, yet countless content creators focus solely on transferring knowledge without ever equipping believers to put that knowledge into action. Where is the teaching on how to share the gospel with a stranger, pray boldly for the sick, or serve the marginalised? Jesus didn't commission us to create theological experts but to make disciples who observe all He commanded. This piece issues an urgent call to both content creators and consumers: stop the cycle of perpetual learning that never leads to obedience. Faith without works is dead, and the Church desperately needs transformation, not just more information. The days are evil, and the time for passive Christianity has passed. It's time to move from Bible study to bold action, from theological debates to tangible obedience. The challenge is clear: close the book, turn off the video, and go be a doer of the Word…
"Write this down" is a phrase used to draw attention to essential information that needs to be recorded or remembered. Published weekly on a Wednesday…
Wednesday 18/02/26
The Spiritual Twilight Zone: Living Between Truth & Error!
Step out of the shadows & walk fully in God's light
Those Believers Who Operate Between Truth & Error
This teaching explores the dangerous spiritual condition of believers who live in the "twilight zone" between truth and error, never fully committed to God's Word yet not entirely lost in darkness. God is pure light with no compromise, and He calls His children to walk in that same uncompromising light rather than dwelling in the shadows of half-truths and selective obedience. The lukewarm Christianity exemplified by the church of Laodicea shows how this compromised state is actually more offensive to God than being cold, because it deceives believers into thinking they're walking with Him while they're actually drifting away. Scripture makes clear that there is no middle ground—we cannot serve two masters or have one foot in the world and one in the Kingdom. As children of light, we are called to test everything against Scripture, cast off the works of darkness, and shine brightly in a dark world. The time for twilight dwelling is over, and the urgent call is to choose this day whom we will serve. For those who find themselves in this compromised state, there is hope through repentance and confession, as God is faithful to forgive and cleanse. The path of the just shines brighter and brighter unto the perfect day, and believers must walk fully in God's light without compromise, allowing His Word to be the lamp that guides every step…
YouTube: Engaging Content Line-up on 'Back to Basics: Christian Living' YouTube Channel. Published weekly from Monday to Friday...
This Week: 16 - 18 February 2026
Welcome to this week's exciting line-up on our "Back to Basics: Christian Living" YouTube channel! We've carefully curated content designed to strengthen your faith, provide daily spiritual nourishment, and accompany you on your walk with Christ. From devotional moments to in-depth teachings, we're committed to bringing you resources that both inspire and equip…
Here's what you can look forward to this week:
Morning: Awakening Faith!
Welcome to "Morning" inspires you to walk in the Spirit and remember that faith comes from believing. Join us in making each day an opportunity to live for Him and fulfil His purpose. We look forward to seeing you each morning. God bless...
Something to Think About?
Our "Something to Think About" playlist offers brief, thought-provoking reflections on Christian living. Each video presents meaningful topics designed for contemplation and spiritual growth, encouraging viewers to examine their faith more deeply. Whether you're seeking inspiration or wrestling with questions, these concise messages provide valuable insights to carry with you throughout your day and spark meaningful discussions with fellow believers….
Shorts: messages from the Outpost!
Discover the truth of God's Word. We're addressing the erosion of Biblical teachings in today's world and inviting everyone to join us on this journey. Our mission is to uphold the true teachings of Jesus, challenging misleading interpretations, and promoting accountability…
Write this Down…
Our Write This Down playlist features essential Christian teachings and biblical insights you'll want to remember. Each video highlights key principles for your faith journey that are worth noting down for future reference and spiritual growth….
Back to Basics: Christian Living
…Laying the foundation for a Christian life…
Back to Basics: Christian Living guides viewers through core principles of faith. Each video explores essential topics like prayer, scripture and community, offering practical advice and spiritual insights. Whether you're new to faith or deepening your understanding, this series provides key teachings for a life rooted in Christian values…
Our YouTube content features these playlist series:
Back to Basics: Christian living Q&A - A question-and-answer format addressing viewers' faith-related inquiries.
Let's Read the Word Together! - A series dedicated to Scripture study and its practical application to daily life.
What's on my Heart: Unfiltered Faith! - A playlist featuring brief spiritual insights where I share God's wisdom on specific topics with practical applications for your Christian Walk.
Archive Collections: Under the Tree! - Building a solid foundation for a Christian life -Reflecting Christ, Overcoming Challenges, and Standing Strong in Faith offering insightful discussions on several topics related to Christian living & spiritual growth.
Subscribe to our channel and tune in to strengthen your faith today! Perfect for listening whilst commuting, relaxing or seeking daily inspiration...
Note: Remember, these schedules are subject to change, but we're committed to bringing you content that enriches your spiritual journey….
Blazing Apostles & Saturday Conversations Podcasts…
Ignite Your Faith: Explore Our Podcasts
Watch on YouTube to connect visually with our teachings. Whether yo
're new to faith or well-established, these podcasts offer practical biblical applications to deepen your spiritual life.
Discover our podcasts "Blazing Apostles" and "Saturday Conversations" with hosts Dave and Elaine. Through engaging discussions, stories and practical teachings, we explore foundational Christian principles that refresh your faith.
Back to Basics: Christian living - Unscripted!
Whether you're a long-time believer or just starting your spiritual journey, our podcast will inspire and challenge you to live a life that truly reflects your Christian values. Discover practical ways to apply biblical truths in your daily life and gain a renewed sense of purpose and connection with your faith...
Subscribe to our channel and tune in to strengthen your faith today! Perfect for listening whilst commuting, relaxing or seeking daily inspiration...
Note: Remember, these schedules are subject to change, but we're committed to bringing you content that enriches your spiritual journey….
NEWS! Updates and announcements about Back to Basics: Christian living, including content changes, newsletters, website updates, and valuable information for our audience…
Taking a Quick Family Break!
We'll be taking a short family break from Thursday 19th through Sunday 22nd February 2026.
During this time, we'll continue sharing Christian Compass content and the Sunday Round-up, but our other regular posts will be on pause. We'll resume our full schedule on Monday 23rd February.
Thank you for understanding while we take this brief break! We truly appreciate your patience and look forward to returning with our complete content line up.
In the meantime, you can still connect with us on all our social media platforms. We'll be back soon with more daily inspiration, podcasts and YouTube videos about the fundamentals of Christian living.
God bless,
David & Elaine
Back to Basics: Christian Living - Your Faith Journey. We're excited to share insights and practical guidance to help strengthen your faith journey in 2026…
The Work of Satan: Part 2 - Breaking Through the Darkness
How God's power overcomes satanic blindness
The Gospel's Power to Penetrate Darkness
Whilst Satan works actively to blind minds, we serve a God whose power infinitely surpasses the enemy's schemes. The same passage that reveals Satan's blinding work also declares our hope: "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6 KJV). The God who spoke light into existence at creation can speak light into any darkened heart, no matter how thoroughly Satan has blinded it.
The Gospel isn't just another message competing for attention—it's "the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Romans 1:16 KJV). When proclaimed faithfully, God's Word has inherent power to penetrate spiritual blindness. As Isaiah declared: "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).
Our Weapons Against Satanic Blindness
God has equipped believers with powerful weapons for this spiritual battle. Paul instructs: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV). Our weapons are spiritual—prayer, Scripture, and the proclamation of truth—and they're mighty through God to demolish Satan's strongholds.
Prayer is particularly crucial in this battle. Jesus taught us to pray: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" (Matthew 6:13 KJV). We must intercede for those blinded by Satan, asking God to open their eyes. Paul's prayer for the Ephesians models this: "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling" (Ephesians 1:18 KJV).
Living as Light in Darkness
Beyond prayer and proclamation, believers combat satanic blindness by living as light in a dark world. Jesus declared: "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid" (Matthew 5:14 KJV). Our transformed lives serve as visible evidence that contradicts Satan's lies about the Gospel. When people see genuine love, joy, peace, and righteousness in believers, it challenges the blindness Satan has imposed.
Paul commanded: "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Ephesians 5:11 KJV). We must not only avoid sin ourselves but also expose it for what it truly is, helping others recognise the deception Satan uses to keep them bound.
Our Confidence in Victory
Ultimately, we can face Satan's work with confidence because Christ has already secured victory. John declares: "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8 KJV). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus destroyed Satan's power over humanity. James encourages us: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7 KJV).
Satan's time is limited, and his defeat is certain. Revelation promises: "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone" (Revelation 20:10 KJV). Until that day, we continue the work of proclaiming truth, praying fervently, and living as light, confident that God's power breaks through every satanic blindness to bring people from darkness into His marvellous light…
With Christ's love,
Dave & Elaine
