Empowered for Victory: Spiritual Warfare and Community Growth
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the growth and impact of our City Blessing churches in Indonesia, which have expanded from 71 to 78 locations, reaching both urban and remote areas. This growth is a testament to the power of faith and the work of God through our community. My recent trip to Indonesia, alongside Bishop Bud Pierce and Pastor Coralie, was a whirlwind of ministry and meetings, yet I returned energized and healthy, thanks to your prayers.
Upon returning, I was thrilled to witness the progress of our church building project, which symbolizes not just physical growth but also the spiritual and generational development of our community. The recent Daughters Conference was a powerful experience, filled with the tangible presence of God, uplifting worship, and inspiring teachings. I am grateful for the dedication of those who served, including Matt and Sarah, and the unique hospitality provided by Ewan, Lisa, and others.
Our theme for this year is the Great Harvest, and we are embarking on a new series about spiritual warfare. This topic, though challenging, is crucial for understanding the battles we face both spiritually and in the natural world. Spiritual warfare is real, and it requires us to be vigilant and equipped with the armor of God. The battleground is often in our minds, where internal struggles and external pressures can lead to turmoil.
We explored the enemy's strategies, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in our faith. The devil's tactics are aimed at penetrating our minds with lies and confusion, but we are called to put on the whole armor of God and stand strong. This involves hosting the presence of God in our lives, allowing His Spirit to empower us to overcome challenges.
As we continue this journey, let us remember that we are not alone. Jesus has already won the ultimate battle, and we are His occupational troops, called to transform the world around us. By putting on Christ and hosting His presence, we can live victoriously and fulfill our God-given potential.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Community and Growth: The expansion of City Blessing churches in Indonesia from 71 to 78 locations highlights the impact of faith and community. This growth is not just about numbers but about reaching diverse areas and building a strong spiritual foundation. [01:12:11]
- Spiritual Warfare and the Mind: Spiritual warfare is a reality that affects both the spiritual and natural realms. The primary battleground is the mind, where internal struggles and external pressures can lead to turmoil. Understanding and equipping ourselves with the armor of God is essential to overcoming these battles. [01:22:21]
- Standing Firm in Faith: The repeated emphasis on standing firm in Ephesians 6 reminds us of the importance of resilience in our spiritual journey. Despite challenges, we are called to stand strong, equipped with the full armor of God, and to resist the enemy's tactics. [01:31:41]
- Hosting the Presence of God: Hosting the presence of God in our lives is crucial for victorious living. By welcoming the Holy Spirit and putting on Christ, we are empowered to overcome challenges and fulfill our God-given potential. [02:06:39]
- The Role of the Church in Transformation: As believers, we are called to be occupational troops, transforming the world around us. This involves changing structures, cultures, and behaviors to align with God's kingdom values. By putting on Christ, we can be effective ambassadors for His kingdom. [02:04:34]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:12:11] - Growth of City Blessing Churches
[01:12:58] - Health and Gratitude
[01:14:23] - Church Building Progress
[01:15:08] - Daughters Conference Highlights
[01:18:18] - The Great Harvest Theme
[01:20:02] - Introduction to Spiritual Warfare
[01:22:21] - Battleground of the Mind
[01:24:36] - Internal and External Factors
[01:26:28] - Ephesians 6: Armor of God
[01:31:41] - Standing Firm in Faith
[01:34:06] - Overcoming Weariness
[01:39:04] - Enemy's Strategies
[01:46:52] - Mind as the Primary Battleground
[02:06:39] - Hosting the Presence of God
[02:14:55] - Invitation to Receive Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 6:10-18
2. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
3. Matthew 24:6-7
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Observation Questions:
1. How many City Blessing churches are there now in Indonesia, and what does this growth signify for the community? [01:12:11]
2. What are the two main factors that contribute to the battleground of the mind as discussed in the sermon? [01:24:36]
3. According to Ephesians 6, what is the purpose of putting on the whole armor of God? [01:26:28]
4. What role does the presence of God play in overcoming spiritual warfare, as mentioned in the sermon? [02:06:39]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the growth of City Blessing churches in Indonesia reflect the power of community and faith? How can this be applied to other communities? [01:12:11]
2. How does the sermon describe the enemy's strategies in spiritual warfare, and what is the significance of understanding these strategies? [01:39:04]
3. What does it mean to "stand firm" in faith according to Ephesians 6, and how is this concept emphasized in the sermon? [01:31:41]
4. How does hosting the presence of God empower believers to overcome challenges and fulfill their potential? [02:06:39]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the growth of City Blessing churches. How can you contribute to the growth and impact of your own community of faith? [01:12:11]
2. The sermon emphasizes the battleground of the mind. What are some internal or external factors that currently challenge your mental peace, and how can you address them? [01:24:36]
3. Consider the armor of God described in Ephesians 6. Which piece of the armor do you feel you need to focus on strengthening in your life right now, and why? [01:26:28]
4. The sermon discusses the importance of standing firm in faith. What practical steps can you take to ensure you remain resilient in your spiritual journey? [01:31:41]
5. Hosting the presence of God is crucial for victorious living. How can you create an environment in your daily life that welcomes and hosts God's presence? [02:06:39]
6. Reflect on the role of the church as "occupational troops" in transforming the world. What specific actions can you take to align your life with God's kingdom values and influence your surroundings? [02:04:34]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of being vigilant against the enemy's strategies. How can you stay alert and protect your mind from negative influences in your daily life? [01:39:04]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Impact of Faithful Expansion
The growth of City Blessing churches in Indonesia from 71 to 78 locations is a powerful testament to the impact of faith and community. This expansion is not merely about increasing numbers but about reaching diverse areas, both urban and remote, and building a strong spiritual foundation. The community's dedication and faith have allowed them to touch lives in various regions, demonstrating the transformative power of collective belief and action. This growth reflects the work of God through His people, as they continue to spread His message and love across the nation. [01:12:11]
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the growth of your community, both spiritually and physically, in your daily life?
Day 2: The Mind as a Battleground
Spiritual warfare is a reality that affects both the spiritual and natural realms, with the mind being the primary battleground. Internal struggles and external pressures can lead to turmoil, making it essential to understand and equip ourselves with the armor of God. The enemy's strategies often involve penetrating our minds with lies and confusion, but by standing firm in our faith, we can resist these tactics. Being vigilant and spiritually equipped allows us to overcome these battles and maintain peace and clarity in our lives. [01:22:21]
"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: What negative thoughts or lies have you been battling in your mind, and how can you replace them with God's truth today?
Day 3: Resilience in Faith
Standing firm in faith is a recurring theme in Ephesians 6, reminding us of the importance of resilience in our spiritual journey. Despite the challenges we face, we are called to stand strong, equipped with the full armor of God, and resist the enemy's tactics. This resilience is not just about enduring hardships but about actively engaging in our faith, trusting in God's strength, and remaining steadfast in our beliefs. By doing so, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope. [01:31:41]
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to stand firmer in your faith, and what steps can you take to strengthen your spiritual armor?
Day 4: Hosting God's Presence
Hosting the presence of God in our lives is crucial for victorious living. By welcoming the Holy Spirit and putting on Christ, we are empowered to overcome challenges and fulfill our God-given potential. This involves creating an environment in our hearts and minds where God's presence can dwell, allowing His Spirit to guide and strengthen us. As we host His presence, we become more attuned to His will and better equipped to navigate the complexities of life with grace and wisdom. [02:06:39]
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: How can you create space in your daily routine to invite and host the presence of God more intentionally?
Day 5: Transforming the World Around Us
As believers, we are called to be occupational troops, transforming the world around us. This involves changing structures, cultures, and behaviors to align with God's kingdom values. By putting on Christ, we can be effective ambassadors for His kingdom, influencing our surroundings with His love and truth. This transformation is not just about external changes but about embodying Christ's character and values in our interactions and decisions, ultimately leading to a more just and compassionate world. [02:04:34]
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to reflect Christ's light and transform your immediate environment for His glory?
Quotes
1. "And we have a people that have big faith, amen? And I do believe that it is not only about building the building, but building the people, and building the next generation, amen? So, I'm so excited. And I, again, I joined the Daughters Conference online, and on the second day I came here and joined the Daughters, the last session, and it was good. The presence of God. Can you say the presence of God? That is the most important thing. You know, the presence of God was so tangible. The praise and worship was so electric. The preaching, the sharing, the panel, they are all good. They are amazing. And I know that you all, the women that joined, you, you not only blessed, I believe you were built up." [01:15:08] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And talking about spiritual warfare, somebody, somebody, an innocent man has paid the price and faced the spiritual warfare on the cross, that innocent man died on the cross. And we need to understand that the only way we can come into the kingdom of God and be saved. And be cleansed from our sins, from our shame, from our brokenness, is only through the man, the innocent man that was crucified on the cross, died and then raised again. And his name is Jesus. That is the only way." [01:20:02] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And we are going to look at the Bible that our war, our battle is not against flesh and blood. Can you say amen to that? Amen. And talking about spiritual warfare, say that again, spiritual warfare. We need to understand that spirits are illegal on the earth and require a host to operate. And I will explain later on. And before I finish. After I finish the preaching, what does it mean to be, to, to, to have, to be a host? Again, spirits are illegal on the earth and require a host to operate." [01:22:21] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And the topic today is the battleground of the mind. And we need to realize that whether you are Christian or non-Christians alike, we struggle mental peace with, despite material success. So when we are talking about battleground of the mind, we, we all struggle with this, this mental piece and the causes of trouble minds. basically there are two things the first one is internal can you say internal the internal factor the internal factor includes spiritual struggles sinfulness you live in sin you're trying to hide your sin you're trying to cover your sin and you forgot that there is Almighty God that knows everything even when your loved one don't know God knows even your your family or your friends don't know it but God knows and you know it so that can be a internal factor that is an internal factor internal factor such as failures or weaknesses but the second one is the external factor external factor like Wars what is happening in the Middle East right now and also in different parts of the world how about famines how about calamities how about hurricanes and Stein just read the Bible you should read the Bible and have more and Helene. How about that? You know, those are the external factor, and we need to be rooted in our relationship with God rather than material concerns. Can you shout amen to that? Amen." [01:24:36] (104 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And the word overcome, you know, you cannot overcome something without a battle to overcome, right? So for many years, after 44 years, I followed Jesus. It's always, always great. Always, always, even today. I'm not exaggerating at all. No, no, no. But you need to put on. Can you say put on? When you put on, that means it is a decision that you have to make. When you put on your clothes, your t-shirt, your pants, your shoes, you need to make a decision. Are you with me? You have to make a decision and then you put it on. You cannot expect like, okay, you look at your closet and just think, okay, I am going to wear this shirt, this pants. No, no, no. And then suddenly it's on you. No, there's no such thing. You have to make a decision to pick it up and then put it on. So what we need to do, if we want to overcome, we need to put on Christ. We need to put on Christ. And Christ has won the war for us. The war has been won. Jesus paid the price. He died on the cross and on the third day He rose again from the dead. Come on now." [02:03:06] (88 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Now the question to all of us right now is, who do you want to host? If you want to host the presence of God, you will become victorious. Talking about victorious living, we cannot have victorious living without the spirit of God. It is the spirit of the living God that makes you victorious. And it is available for every one of us so long as you welcome Him. Let's all stand up. Father right now in the name of Jesus. Oh God, oh God, oh God. Oh yes. Sharon, you want to sing something before I pray for the people? I pray right now in the name of Jesus. The spiritual warfare is more real than the natural warfare." [02:08:40] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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