Spiritual Warfare for Your City and Home (Part 17)

A few years ago, I had a dream about me walking through a dense, fast growing jungle. I used a machete to chop my way forward a few feet at a time. Then, as soon as I stepped into the newly cleared area, the jungle’s foliage quickly grew in behind me. I knew if I ever stopped chopping, the foliage would overcome me, sealing me into that spot of the jungle.

All around, I heard cries from people who had been overcome by the foliage. “Larry, help me get free. Please help me, Larry.”

Their cries hurt, but I knew if I stopped to help, the delay would seal my doom. I would end up like them, overcome by the jungle.

My only hope was to continue on, freeing myself from the jungle. Later, I could return and help others.

I felt the dream had to do with spiritual warfare and how believers need to get as free as possible from demonic influences before attempting to help others.

 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;  and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:13-15)

There is a vast difference between reading the above truths and then being able to triumphantly walk in them.

For instance, almost every believer knows Jesus defeated Satan at the cross, right? Yet, how many of us Christians actually walk in that revelation so demons tremble when they see us coming. Probably, not many of us.

Why not?

For the most part, we have stumbled over bad teaching and high sounding nonsense offered to us  by leaders who are intellectually trained by Bible schools but have no spiritual insight whatsoever. They are blind guides leading blind people into spiritual battles.

The truth is Jesus invaded the strong man’s house (earth) at the cross and took away Satan’s armor. Then, what did He do?

Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.” (Ephesians 4:8)

The gifts in Ephesians 4:8 refer to the callings of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These callings are supposed to prepare us believers to fight spiritual battles, not do all the fighting for us.

But are we prepared?

Not too long ago, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart: “Your leaders will end up killing you.”

(Continue in Part 18)