ANNOUNCEMENT: WE ARE IN A WAR!

Ephes. - "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Just in case you weren't aware of it, child of God – we are in a war!  Paul let us know that in no uncertain terms. I know there are wars and rumors of wars, just as Jesus spoke of, but I believe that He was not just referring to wars in the natural, but in the spiritual; in the heavenlies. Indeed, it is even very possible He was referring more to the war in the spirit realm, for it was Jesus, in reference to the Kingdom, who said in Matthew 11:12 – "…the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force."

So, let's get it straight. If you are a part of the family of God, you are automatically enlisted as a soldier in God's Kingdom, which means you and I are in a war!

We are to be engaged in a battle to replace man's defective program with God's perpetual kingdom agenda in our church, our community, and in our nation.

When you and I walk in our God-given power, we can quite literally influence the spiritual climate wherever we go – even (let go of your religious thinking) in If we will just go in, realizing who we are in Christ, we can change the spiritual climate.

Yes, I know Paul said that a man is "…not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." (Romans 12:3b)  It is plain that he meant for us not to be conceited and self-important, but to take a sane view of ones self. However, it is alright to see and say what God says about us as His child, and walk confidently (not cocky) in that.

We are God-carriers!  When the Spirit of God dwells in you, your very presence can alter the atmosphere!  God told Zerubbabel in Zech. 4:6 –"This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." (emphasis added)  What spirit will you carry with you throughout your day?

God help us to remember that we are not warring against people or human institutions, and make this a part of our daily prayer. We are battling against the wicked spirits that motivate them. We are to be enforcing God's Kingdom rule in the heavenlies, fighting against spiritual adversaries, not human flesh. Only the Spirit of the Lord can win this battle, not our own might or power. We must march to win in the Spirit and not in the flesh and we will do so, in the mighty name of Jesus, our Lord!

God bless you and grant you victory in advancing His Kingdom!

Pastor Michael Parnell, A.Th.