There is an amazing story in the Old Testament about how God displayed His awesome power by visiting ten plagues upon Pharaoh and the Egyptian army that had been keeping the Israelites captive—and His display was undeniable. God had made a promise to the Israelites that He would take them into a land flowing with milk and honey. It was called the Promised Land.
Only one problem: The land was already occupied. How amazing that God will promise you a victory, but you must go and fight for it—even though the victory is already won. It sounds like an oxymoron. Not only is God testing your faith, to see if you take Him at His word, but He wants to see if you, too, will step out in faith to accomplish the mission.
As the Israelites went out and fought for their land, their God-given territory, so it is today for believers in Jesus. Today, we as the Church have been given a promise for the cause of Christ, and we must fight for our Promised Land. We fight for our purpose, our destiny, our salvation, our families, our loved ones and even for the unbelievers in the world so they, too, can have an opportunity to make it to the cross. We are soldiers and ambassadors of an army so elite that words cannot adequately describe it. In the coming chapters, I will teach you how to fight spiritually as a part of this elite army.
God has not called us to be a Moses generation that dies in the desert, yet many churches today are dying in the wilderness of their calling. Every month, pastors by the hundreds are closing churches because the devil has worried them —and they refuse to fight back.
One thing I have learned in my life of walking with Jesus is that storms do not last. Often in the battle I feel like the woman with the issue of blood—spiritually weak at times, exhausted in a hundred ways, even tasting discouragement. But I have learned to push my way through in the power of the Holy Spirit, touch the hem of His garment and get my victory. In my crazy thinking as a young believer, I signed a vow to the Lord in 2002 that read: I’m going to do life in Jesus Christ, and I want no parole.
I am in it to win it and I am in it for life.
When Jesus Christ wakes me up every morning, I know the devil is in trouble. I am God’s secret weapon. And so are you. Let us thank Jesus together. Thank You, Jesus!
As the Church of Jesus Christ, many of us are sitting with our hands folded or wishfully thinking that the devil will go away. We may even bring our situation into pity parties—thank God this is not the case in all churches. But for the Church, it is time to take a stand. No more patty-cake games with the devil.
Later in this ebook you will learn how to understand the patterns and cycles of the evil one against your life, and how to dismantle and destroy them.
Because we are the Church of Jesus Christ, God has called us to be spiritual snipers and bring it to the devil like he has never seen before. We have the authority and the mandate to destroy his works because “the Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8 NASB).
Are you ready to fight?
1
The Unarmed Church
The ultimate question I always ask myself is this: Why are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ taking such a pounding from the forces of darkness?
It should not be this way. In my travels around the world I have seen something that disturbs me and saddens my heart. Again and again, I see the Church in this dark condition. When Jesus Christ said at the cross, “It is finished,” He gave us the victory (see John 19:30). But what I see is a Church lying bleeding on the battlefield.
The early Church in the book of Acts was a force to be reckoned with spiritually. The Church was respected and held in high regard. Hell trembled when it heard the names of the apostles.
Jesus has given us everything we need to be victorious against the wicked schemes that the enemy and his cronies throw at us. When Jesus told Peter that the gates of hell will not prevail against His Church, it was settled (see Matthew 16:18). Why have we, and the Church-at-large, cowered from this calling and tried to be politically and spiritually correct instead? Could it be that we are overdosing on the study of theology, or focusing too much on spirituality, yet in denial about the power that we carry in Jesus?
The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy about people who have “a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof,” warning him, “from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5). He could have been writing about many of us.
Why do we deny the power that we carry in Jesus? Why are we so afraid to talk about the devil, or expose him, or even talk about spiritual warfare? We act like we are committing blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and walk on eggshells, as if we, the Church, have committed the ultimate sin.
The devil has put that fear in the Church today. Do you really think that if you do not expose the devil or talk about spiritual warfare, the enemy will not mess with you? Think again.
Let us wake up and be the true Church of Jesus Christ: armed and totally dangerous.
**2. Rediscovering Our Spiritual Arsenal**
As we delve deeper into our spiritual journey, it becomes imperative to recognize and harness the spiritual tools at our disposal. The Church was not designed to be a passive observer in the spiritual realm but an active force, combating the wiles of the enemy and advancing the Kingdom of God.
Throughout scripture, believers are depicted as warriors armed with divine weapons. The Apostle Paul delineates this in his letter to the Ephesians, urging them to "put on the full armor of God" (Ephesians 6:11). This armor, including the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, isn't merely allegorical. It symbolizes the resources we, as the Church, possess to fend off spiritual adversaries and champion our faith.
Yet, how many of us actively equip ourselves daily with these tools? In an era riddled with distractions, it's alarmingly easy to neglect our spiritual readiness, leaving us vulnerable.
**3. A Church Reawakened**
It's not too late for a resurgence. The Church, in its essence, still harbors the same power that caused tremors in hell during the times of the Apostles. Our mandate is clear: to reclaim our spiritual fervor and stand resolutely against the forces aiming to deter us.
Revival starts with individual hearts. It commences with personal encounters with God, fervent prayers, and a relentless pursuit of His will. When each member of the Church reignites their passion for Christ, collectively, we become an indomitable force.
Remember, Jesus didn't just offer us salvation; He granted us authority. When He asserted that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against" His Church (Matthew 16:18), it wasn't a mere consolatory statement but a proclamation of our spiritual dominion.
**4. The Call to Arms**
To all the believers reading this: it's time to respond. Cast aside complacency and apathy, for they are the real enemies. When the Church unites, praying and acting in harmony, even the fiercest challenges crumble.
Commit to daily spiritual disciplines. Dive deep into the Word, fortify your spirit with prayer, and connect authentically with fellow believers. Only then can we truly reclaim our position as the triumphant Church Christ envisioned.
In the chapters ahead, we'll delve into practical strategies to bolster our defenses, engage effectively in spiritual warfare, and emerge victorious. Let's journey together, with Christ as our guide, and make the enemy rue the day he ever challenged the Church of the living God. The battle may be intense, but the victory is assured. Are you prepared to rise to the occasion?
**5. The Power of United Prayer**
History is replete with instances where collective prayer transformed dire circumstances. When Peter was imprisoned, the early Church did not despair. Instead, they "were earnestly praying to God for him" (Acts 12:5), resulting in his miraculous release. This highlights a fundamental truth: when the Church prays in unity, heaven takes note.
In our battles, we must remember that our strength lies not only in our numbers but in our unity. When we, as the body of Christ, raise a singular voice in prayer, the spiritual realm is set into motion.
**6. Spiritual Training Grounds**
Every soldier undergoes training, and as spiritual warriors, we are no exception. The trials and tribulations we face aren't just random occurrences; they are opportunities to grow, refine our faith, and learn how to wield our spiritual weapons with precision.
Consider James's exhortation: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance" (James 1:2-3). These trials are our training grounds, preparing us for bigger battles ahead.
**7. Overcoming the Deceiver**
The devil is aptly called the "father of lies" (John 8:44). His primary tactic is deception, aiming to sow doubt, discord, and despair among believers. However, the Church is not defenseless. With the belt of truth firmly in place, we can dispel his falsehoods and stand firm in our faith.
In upcoming sections, we'll delve deep into discernment, understanding the ways the enemy seeks to deceive and the tools we can employ to counteract his schemes.
**8. Harnessing the Power of Worship**
Worship is more than just songs and hymns—it's a potent weapon in spiritual warfare. In the face of adversity, when the Church turns to praise, chains are broken, and atmospheres shift. Recall the story of Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16:25-26). Their songs of praise led to an earthquake that shattered their chains.
Let's rediscover worship as a conduit for God's presence, a means to welcome His Kingdom here on earth, and a tool for victory in battle.
**9. Onward to Victory**
The journey ahead will be challenging, but we march forward with Christ as our leader and His promises as our assurance. Armed with divine wisdom, fortified by the power of the Holy Spirit, and united as the body of Christ, we are unstoppable.
Together, let's embrace our calling, stand firm against the forces of darkness, and advance God's Kingdom on earth. The victory is not just a distant hope—it's our present reality. Let's claim it, together.
**10. Engaging with Spiritual Armor**
Too often, believers consider the Armor of God as a mere metaphor. However, this armor is tangible in the spiritual realm and essential for our protection. Like a knight meticulously putting on armor before battle, each day, we must deliberately dress ourselves with God's protective gear. Embracing the shield of faith helps us quench the fiery darts of doubt, while the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, provides offensive prowess against falsehoods.
**11. The Role of the Holy Spirit**
While Jesus left us with the mandate to advance His Kingdom, He didn't leave us unequipped. The Holy Spirit is our Counselor, Guide, and Empowerer. Engaging in spiritual warfare without relying on the Holy Spirit is akin to venturing into battle blindfolded. By cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit, we gain insights, wisdom, and the supernatural ability to confront and overcome spiritual challenges.
**12. Intercessory Warfare**
One of the Church's most potent weapons is intercession. Standing in the gap for others, especially those who can't pray for themselves, demonstrates Christ's selfless love and releases spiritual power. As we lift others in prayer, we build a wall of defense around them and pave the way for God's intervention in their lives.
**13. Community as a Fortress**
God designed us for community. When believers unite, not only in prayer but also in purpose, there's an amplification of spiritual power. The enemy often seeks to isolate believers, making them more susceptible to attacks. Therefore, staying connected, fostering genuine relationships within the Church, and upholding each other in times of struggle is vital.
**14. Standing Firm in Trials**
Though we are promised victory, it doesn't mean the road will be devoid of challenges. There will be moments of weariness, doubt, and seemingly insurmountable odds. But recalling the saints of old who endured and overcame gives us courage. Their testimonies remind us that with God on our side, no trial is too great.
**15. Preparing for the Endgame**
Our battles here are temporary. With our eyes fixed on the eternal prize, we are reminded that our warfare has a purpose and an end. Every victory, no matter how small, brings us closer to that day when Christ will establish His Kingdom fully, and every tear will be wiped away.
In the concluding messages, we will explore strategies for maintaining our spiritual momentum, celebrating our victories, and preparing for the glorious return of our King. The best is yet to come. Let us press on, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. The victory is of the Lord JesusChrist.
My name is Cesar and I’m A Voice In The Desert
www.avoiceinthedesert.net
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