SPIRITUAL WARFARE

The Devil knows his time is short and right now God’s people need the Power of the Holy Spirit to face the coming battles. Ephesians 6:11 ~ “Put on the whole armour of God so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the enemy.” The armour of God enables you to stand against the wiles of the enemy. Wiles means “to outwit or deceive”. In Ephesians 6:12 Paul draws our attention to the unseen world, for our combat is not against men, but against spiritual forces. The spread of the Roman Empire was partly due to the fact that they conquered many countries, because their men were well equipped and highly trained for battle. The first thing that a Roman soldier was taught to do, was to walk in line (disciplined in unity) for 26 kilometres a day. (Read Ephesians 4:1-6 and walk in unity). The soldiers wore their armour and carried their food and tents through the waters which prepared them to be ready for action at any time. Everyone who has accepted Christ as their Saviour, has received the SPIRIT of Adoption and the Holy Spirit beareth witness that we are the children of God (Roman 8:15-16). Jesus said in John 14:16,17 to His disciples, “You know the Holy Spirit, for He dwelleth with you and shall be in you.” Ephesians 6:10 ~ “Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” The Greek word here for power is “kratos”, exerted strength, power shown effectively in reigning authority. Your equipment is “Power from on High” (Luke 24:49). There is no doubt that we are living in the last days and the Lord has planned a specific task for each one of us in His army. THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is power for service and it is a gift for every believer. The chief purpose of the Holy Spirit is to endow men with POWER. The first gift you can use and experience right away is speaking in tongues. Acts 2:4 ~ “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Ephesians 5:18,19 ~ “Be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” Notice the word, “speak”, for manifestation comes through the mouth. Your part is to do the speaking and the Holy Spirit will give you the utterance. The Holy Spirit is the Fountain from which we are continuously being filled. John 7:37 ~ Jesus said, “If anyone THIRSTS, let him COME to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, out of His heart will flow rivers (streams) of living water.” Sit down in your chair or kneel down beside your bed and begin to pray:“Dear Lord Jesus, I come to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. I ask You to fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit. I receive the infilling now. I believe that You have baptized me in the Holy Spirit as You promised in Your Word.” Do not speak in your own language, but say the first word that comes to your mouth and start using your new prayer language. 1 Corinthians 14:2 ~ “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God.” Speaking in tongues is for private self-edification and SPIRITUAL STRENGTHENING.