Overcoming Spiritual Warfare: My Journey of Faith and Resilience

A Terrifying Night from My Childhood

Today, I want to take you on a journey back to a night that changed my life forever. It’s a night that I can never forget, filled with fear, confusion, and a supernatural encounter that left an indelible mark on my soul. As a child, I faced an experience so terrifying that it still sends shivers down my spine. This encounter taught me invaluable lessons about spiritual warfare, the power of Jesus, and the importance of being vigilant against the forces of darkness.

 A Night of Supernatural Encounter

I was only five years old, sound asleep in my room in Houston, Texas. My father and stepmom were still awake in another room. Suddenly, an unseen assailant entered my room. He put his hand over my mouth and nose, suffocating me as I slept. In my deep slumber, I sensed something was wrong. I couldn’t breathe and struggled to wake up, but it felt like I was trapped underwater, unable to reach the surface.

As I fought to wake up, I was paralyzed with fear, unable to move or cry out for help. The assailant pressed my head down into the pillow with increasing force. I managed to rock my head slightly and, with great effort, gained control of my right arm. But when I finally opened my eyes, I saw that the assailant was not a man—it was my own left hand, possessed by a malevolent entity.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

This terrifying experience was not an isolated incident. Throughout my life, I have had numerous out-of-body experiences and encounters with the supernatural. These experiences have deepened my understanding of spiritual warfare and the reality of demonic attacks. Later, I realized that the entity that took control of my hand was a demon.

This experience taught me the importance of being vigilant against the forces of darkness. It also highlighted the power of Jesus' name in overcoming these attacks. As a Christian, I have learned that spiritual warfare is a constant battle, and we must always be prepared to stand firm in our faith.

Biblical References: Understanding Spiritual Warfare

The Bible provides numerous insights into the nature of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 tells us, "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." This verse underscores the reality that our battles are not just physical but spiritual.

In John 9:2-3, the disciples asked Jesus about a man born blind, "Who sinned, this man or his parents?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." This passage reminds us that not all suffering is a result of personal sin; sometimes, it is an opportunity for God's power to be revealed.

Exploring Open Doors to the Demonic

One crucial lesson I've learned is the importance of closing any open doors that may invite demonic influence into our lives. These open doors can include sins within the family, involvement in occult practices, sexual immorality, unforgiveness, and bringing cursed objects into our homes. Deuteronomy 7:26 warns us, "Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction."

Generational Sins

The Bible speaks about generational sins, where the iniquities of the fathers are visited upon their children. This concept can be found in several passages, including Exodus 20:5, where it states, "You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me." In my own life, my father’s involvement with psychics and saints opened a door for the demonic to enter our home. This highlights the importance of parents being vigilant in their spiritual lives to protect their children.

Occult Practices

Involvement in occult practices is a significant open door for demonic influence. Practices such as divination, witchcraft, and consulting psychics are explicitly condemned in the Bible. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 warns, "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord." Engaging in such practices invites demonic entities into our lives and homes.

Sexual Immorality

Sexual immorality is another significant open door for demonic influence. 1 Corinthians 6:18 states, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body." Sexual sins create spiritual bonds that can allow demonic entities to gain a foothold in our lives. It is crucial to maintain sexual purity to safeguard ourselves from these influences.

Unforgiveness

Unforgiveness is a less obvious but equally dangerous open door for demonic influence. Holding onto grudges and refusing to forgive others creates bitterness in our hearts, which can be exploited by demonic forces. Matthew 18:34-35 explains, "And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart." Forgiveness is essential for maintaining spiritual health and protection.

Cursed Objects

Bringing cursed objects into our homes can also invite demonic influence. These objects can include items associated with occult practices, idolatry, or sinful activities. Deuteronomy 7:26 warns, "And you shall not bring an abominable thing into your house and become devoted to destruction like it. You shall utterly detest and abhor it, for it is devoted to destruction." It is essential to cleanse our homes of any objects that may have spiritual significance contrary to God's will.

The Power of Jesus in Spiritual Warfare

Friends, I want to leave you with this: there is incredible power in the name of Jesus. This power is not a mere incantation but flows from His nature, character, and authority. James 4:7 instructs us, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Submission to God and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are critical in overcoming demonic attacks.

If you’ve resonated with my story and want to learn more, I encourage you to read my books, "Open Your Eyes: My Supernatural Journey" and "Overcoming Night Terror: Making the Demons Leave." These books delve deeper into the topics discussed today and offer practical advice for dealing with spiritual warfare.

Thank you for joining me today. If this  has touched you, please let me know. Connect with me on social media or join my email Inner Circle subscriber list. Until we meet again, dig deeper and go higher. God bless you.

Beyond the Church Walls: Rediscovering the True Purpose of Preaching

Challenging Traditional Views on Preaching: A Biblical Perspective

Today, I want to challenge our traditional thinking about preaching. It's a topic close to my heart, and I believe it's time we take a fresh look at what the Bible really says about this crucial aspect of our faith.

Introduction

Have you ever wondered if there's more to preaching than what we commonly see in our churches? I certainly have. The idea I want to explore with you today is this: preaching is primarily for unbelievers, not just for delivering a monologue to the same congregation repeatedly for decades.

I know this might sound radical to some, but bear with me. In this blog post, I aim to dive into the biblical foundation for preaching to unbelievers and challenge the conventional notion of preaching as a weekly monologue to the same audience. Let's embark on this journey together, with open minds and hearts ready to be shaped by God's Word.

The Traditional View of Preaching

Before we delve into what the Bible says, let's consider the common misconception many of us have grown up with. In many churches, preaching is seen as giving a monologue to the same congregation week after week. It's a familiar scene: the pastor stands at the pulpit, delivers a sermon, and the congregation listens attentively (or sometimes not so attentively).

But where did this idea come from? To understand this, we need to look at some historical and cultural factors.

The origin of this perception can be traced back to several key developments in church history. In the early centuries of Christianity, as the church became more institutionalized, there was a gradual shift from the house church model to larger gatherings in dedicated buildings. This shift naturally led to a more formalized structure of worship, including the sermon as a central element.

The Protestant Reformation, while emphasizing the importance of Scripture and personal faith, also inadvertently contributed to this model. The reformers' focus on the centrality of preaching in worship services reinforced the idea of a single speaker addressing a congregation.

In more recent times, the rise of mass media and the "celebrity pastor" phenomenon has further entrenched this model. Large churches and televised services have made it seem normal for one person to speak to thousands, reinforcing the one-to-many relationship in preaching.

Cultural factors have played a role too. In many societies, there's a tradition of respecting authority figures, which can translate into a passive acceptance of the preacher's words without much dialogue or questioning. The education system, with its lecture-based model, has also influenced how we perceive learning in church settings.

However, this model presents a problem. The focus on creating large congregations necessitates an uninterrupted monologue for information transfer, which is not the biblical model of discipleship. It can create a passive audience rather than active disciples, and it doesn't necessarily lead to the kind of transformative growth we see in the New Testament church.

Now that we've identified this issue, let's turn to the Bible to see what it really says about preaching.

Biblical Context and Examples

When we look at the Bible, we find a much more dynamic and engaging picture of preaching than what we often see in our churches today. Let's explore some key examples.

Paul's Preaching in Acts 20

One often misunderstood passage is Acts 20:9-11, where Paul is preaching, and a young man named Eutychus falls asleep and dies. Many say this as an example of long sermons, but a closer look reveals something different.

The King James Version says:

"And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead." (Acts 20:9, KJV)

The key here is the Greek word used for "preaching." It's "dialegomai," which means more of a discussion or dialogue, not a monologue. This word is usually translated as 'disputing' or 'reasoned' and is only used as 'preach' in Acts chapter 20. This is different from the word used in Romans 10, which we'll look at later. Paul wasn't just talking at people; he was engaging in a lively discussion that went on for hours!

Open-Air Preaching in the Bible

When we look at Jesus and the apostles, we see them often preaching in open spaces, addressing large, diverse crowds. The Sermon on the Mount is a prime example:

"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying," (Matthew 5:1-2, KJV)

Jesus didn't confine His preaching to a synagogue or a select group. He went where the people were and spoke to them directly.

Similarly, we see Paul engaging with people in public spaces. In Athens, he reasoned with people in the marketplace and at the Areopagus:

"Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection." (Acts 17:18, KJV)

Preaching to the Lost

A crucial point we often overlook is that preaching in the New Testament is primarily directed towards those who have never heard the Gospel. Paul makes this clear in his letter to the Romans:

"Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:" (Romans 15:20, KJV)

And again in 2 Corinthians:

"To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand." (2 Corinthians 10:16, KJV)

The Greek Word 'Kerusso': To Publicly Herald the Gospel

The word 'kerusso' is used 61 times in the New Testament to indicate public proclamation. This isn't about speaking to a closed group of believers, but publicly declaring the good news to all who would hear. This is the same Greek word Jesus uses in the Great Commission passage found in Mark 16.  

In Romans 10, Paul emphasizes the importance of preaching to those who haven't heard:

"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14, KJV)

Biblical Model of Discipleship

While we've established that preaching in the New Testament was primarily directed towards unbelievers, it's crucial to understand how this fits into Jesus' overall ministry model. Jesus' approach provides a clear distinction between preaching to the masses and discipling believers.

When addressing large crowds of primarily unbelievers, Jesus often used parables:

"And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;" (Matthew 13:3, KJV)

These parables weren't straightforward sermons but thought-provoking stories that challenged listeners to engage with His message. This method of preaching to unbelievers invited reflection and personal discovery, sparking curiosity that might lead to deeper inquiry.

However, Jesus' approach to those who believed was markedly different. He focused on small group discipleship, pouring most of His time and energy into three key disciples—Peter, James, and John—while also mentoring the other nine, albeit less intensively.

This dual approach highlights an important distinction: preaching, in its purest form, was aimed at introducing unbelievers to the Gospel, while discipleship was reserved for believers who sought to deepen their faith.

By recognizing this difference, we can see that the common practice of delivering weekly sermons to the same congregation doesn't align with the biblical model of preaching. Instead, it more closely resembles discipleship, which Jesus conducted in smaller, more intimate settings.

This realization challenges us to rethink our current church structures. Are we truly engaging in biblical preaching if we're primarily addressing the same group of believers week after week? Should we not, like Jesus and the apostles, be focusing our preaching efforts on reaching those outside the church, while reserving more intensive, relationship-based teaching for those already in the faith?

By understanding and applying this biblical model, we can more effectively fulfill both the Great Commission to preach the Gospel to all creatures (Mark 16:15) and the command to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). It's about striking the right balance between reaching out to unbelievers through public preaching and nurturing believers through intimate discipleship.

Historical Context: Whitefield and Wesley

To bring this into a more recent historical context, let's look at George Whitefield and John Wesley. These two great preachers of the 18th century revolutionized how the Gospel was shared, particularly through their embrace of open-air preaching.

Initially, John Wesley was hesitant about preaching outside of church buildings. He considered it a breach of church order and was uncomfortable with the idea. However, his friend George Whitefield saw the potential to reach those who would never darken the door of a church.

In his journal entry for March 29, 1739, Wesley recounts his pivotal decision to join Whitefield in open-air preaching:

"I could scarce reconcile myself at first to this strange way of preaching in the fields, of which he [Whitefield] set me an example on Sunday; having been all my life (till very lately) so tenacious of every point relating to decency and order, that I should have thought the saving of souls almost a sin if it had not been done in a church."

This moment marked a significant turning point in Wesley's ministry. Despite his initial reservations, he soon saw the profound impact of this approach. In the same journal entry, he continues:

"In the evening I reached Bristol, and met Mr. Whitefield there. I could scarce believe he would suffer me to declare, as I had determined, if it were permitted me, the glad tidings of salvation, in the highways and hedges, to all who would hear. But he did not say a word against it; so on Monday, April 2, I began expounding our Lord's Sermon on the Mount, in a place called the Brickyard, to about three thousand people."

Whitefield's influence and Wesley's willingness to step out of his comfort zone led to a revolutionary approach to evangelism. Their open-air preaching was considered scandalous at the time. The established church frowned upon preaching outside of consecrated buildings. But these men saw the need to reach people where they were, just as Jesus and the apostles had done.

Their open-air preaching had a significant impact during the Great Awakening. They reached thousands who would never have set foot in a church, bringing the Gospel to the masses in a way that hadn't been seen since the early church. Wesley himself would go on to preach over 40,000 sermons in his lifetime, many of them in the open air.

This historical example reinforces our earlier points about the nature of biblical preaching. Like Jesus and the apostles, Whitefield and Wesley took the message to the people, focusing on reaching those who were outside the church. Their approach challenges us to reconsider our modern methods and to ask ourselves: Are we truly following the biblical and historical model of preaching?

Conclusion

As we've explored the biblical and historical evidence, it becomes clear that our traditional view of preaching needs to be challenged. Preaching, in its purest form, is not about delivering weekly monologues to the same group of believers. It's about reaching the lost, engaging in dialogue, and fostering deep, personal discipleship.

I want to encourage you to rethink your approach to preaching and consider the biblical examples we've discussed. Here are some practical steps you can take:

Prioritize evangelistic preaching: Look for opportunities to share the Gospel with those who haven't heard it.

Engage in dialogue: Don't just preach at people, but create opportunities for discussion and questions.

Focus on discipleship: Invest deeply in a few people, following Jesus' model.

Be willing to go where the people are: Don't limit your preaching to church buildings.

Use stories and parables: Engage people's minds and hearts, not just their ears.

Remember, the goal of preaching is not to create passive listeners, but to make disciples who will, in turn, make more disciples. As we align our practices more closely with the biblical model, we may see a revival in our churches and communities that rivals the Great Awakening.

Let's be bold in our proclamation of the Gospel, innovative in our methods, and always grounded in the truth of God's Word. The world is waiting to hear the good news. Will we deliver it as Jesus and the apostles did?

I pray that this exploration has challenged and inspired you. May we all grow in our understanding and practice of true biblical preaching, for the glory of God and the expansion of His kingdom.

From Novice to Master: Cultivating Your Calling in Christ

The Importance of Deliberate Practice

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, emphasizes the importance of diligence and practice in our spiritual lives:

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV)

This verse underscores the need for deliberate effort in our spiritual growth. It's not enough to merely read the Bible; we must study it, meditate upon it, and apply its teachings to our lives. This requires intentional practice and a willingness to stretch ourselves beyond our comfort zones.

Consider the analogy of learning to drive a car. One doesn't become a proficient driver by simply reading the manual or watching others drive. It requires hands-on experience, practice, and a willingness to face challenging situations on the road. Similarly, our spiritual growth demands active participation and consistent effort.

The Journey from Novice to Master

Let's explore the stages of spiritual growth using the analogy of learning to drive:

1. Philosopher (The Manual Reader): At this stage, we're acquainted with the basics of faith. We read the Bible, attend church, and have a general understanding of Christian principles. However, our knowledge is largely theoretical.

2. Initiate (The Learner): Depending on what our gifting is, we start stepping out and applying it under the guidance of a mentor. Or we may exercise this gift in the marketplace, learn from it, and then discuss it with our mentor later.

3. Disciple (The Practitioner): At this stage, we're actively living out our faith. We're not just hearers of the Word, but doers also, as James 1:22 (KJV) instructs: "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." We're developing our spiritual gifts and finding ways to serve in the church and community.

4. Master (The Mentor): Having matured in faith and practice, we now guide others. We're fulfilling the Great Commission as stated in Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV): "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you."

This progression mirrors not only our personal growth but also our responsibility to make disciples. As we grow, we're called to help others along their spiritual journey.

Identifying and Nurturing Your Calling

Each believer has a unique calling and spiritual gifts. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (KJV):

 "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all."

To identify and nurture your calling:

1. Pray for guidance and discernment.

2. Study the Scriptures to understand spiritual gifts.

3. Reflect on your passions and the areas where you feel most fulfilled when serving.

4. Seek feedback from mature believers who know you well.

5. Try serving in different capacities to discover where you're most effective.

Once you've identified your calling, it's crucial to work on it daily. This could involve:

- Studying relevant Scriptures

- Practicing your gift (e.g., praying for people for healing or words of knowledge)

- Seeking opportunities to serve using your gift

- Reflecting on your experiences and learning from them

The Role of Mentors

Mentorship is a crucial aspect of spiritual growth. A good mentor can guide you, challenge you, and help you develop your gifts. When seeking a mentor, look for someone who:

1. Demonstrates the signs of a believer as mentioned in Mark 16:17-18 (KJV): "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

2. Is gifted in the same area as your calling. If you're called to healing ministry, seek a mentor with a proven gift of healing. If your gift is words of knowledge, find a mentor who excels in this area.

3. Exhibits spiritual maturity and a Christ-like character.

4. Is willing to invest time in your growth and development.

Remember, mentorship is a relationship. Be open to guidance, willing to learn, and ready to apply what you're taught.

Taking Action: From Knowledge to Practice in the Marketplace

As we conclude, it's crucial to emphasize that knowledge without action is fruitless. James 2:17 (KJV) reminds us, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." Here are practical steps to move from knowledge to action with the gift of words of knowledge:

1. Set Specific Goals: Identify areas where you want to grow spiritually and set measurable goals. For example, aim to step out in faith with a word of knowledge in a public setting once a week.

2. Create a Daily Practice: Dedicate time each day to work on your calling. This could be through study, prayer, or practical application of your gift.

3. Seek Opportunities in the Marketplace: Look for divine appointments in everyday places like grocery stores, parks, or your workplace.

4. Start Small: Begin by sharing simple impressions, like sensing someone needs encouragement about a specific situation.

5. Reflect and Adjust: After each attempt, reflect on what happened. What did you learn? How can you improve?

6. Stay Accountable: Share your experiences with a mentor or trusted friend who can provide guidance and encouragement.

7. Embrace Challenges: Growth often comes through challenges. Don't be discouraged by mistakes or misses. Each attempt is a learning opportunity.

Practical Example

Imagine you're at a coffee shop and feel prompted that someone nearby is struggling with a shoulder injury. Here's how you might approach the situation:

1. Pray silently, asking God for confirmation and wisdom.

2. Look around for someone who might be favoring their shoulder or showing signs of discomfort.

3. Approach the person kindly and say something like, "Excuse me, this might sound strange, but I felt I should ask if you're having trouble with your shoulder. I believe God wants you to know He sees your pain and wants to heal you."

4. If they confirm, offer to pray for them right there. If not, graciously thank them for their time.

Conclusion

The journey of spiritual growth and discipleship is ongoing. It requires deliberate effort, consistent practice, and a willingness to stretch beyond our comfort zones. As we progress from philosophers to initiates, from disciples to masters, we not only grow in our own faith but also become equipped to guide others.

Remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV): "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Let these words inspire you to press on, to stretch yourself daily, and to actively pursue the calling God has placed on your life. As you do, you'll find yourself growing in faith, impacting others, and experiencing the joy of walking in God's purpose for your life.

Now, armed with this knowledge and encouragement, it's time to take action. What step will you take today towards growing in the gift of words of knowledge, or healing? How will you stretch yourself and move from merely reading about this gift to actively using it in the marketplace? The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Take that step today, and watch as God works through your faithfulness to transform not only your life but the lives of those around you.