#32 Conquering a City

C. Peter Wagner asks this question:
"What did Jesus have to say to His
followers about strategic-level spiritual 
warfare?

Some of His most direct instructions are found not in the Gospels, but rather in the book of Revelation.

It is not unusual to forget that more than two full chapters in Revelation are the literal words of Jesus. My Bible reminds me because they are printed in red ink.

The content of the letters to the seven churches in Asia is one of the few parts of the Bible that apparently were literally dictated by God to the human author.

The seven different churches receive seven different messages. Nevertheless, they have some things in common.

For example, each letter begins with some descriptive phrases about the author, Jesus Christ. Each letter affirms that its contents are 'what the Spirit says to the churches.'

And, most importantly for us here, only one command-type verb is used in each of the seven letters; overcome.

In fact, some rather extravagant promises are attached to overcoming in each of the letters.

If we overcome, as Jesus desires us to, we will (1) eat from the tree of life, (2) not be hurt by the second death, (3) eat of the hidden manna, (4) have power over the nations, (5) be clothed in white garments, (6) be a pillar in the temple in the New Jerusalem, and (7) sit with Jesus on His throne.

Big-time rewards await those who comply!

But what does it mean to 'overcome'?

Since this seems to be such a crucial item on Jesus' agenda for the ongoing church, a word study is in order.

The Greek word for overcome is nikao, the root of the common Greek name, Nicholas or Nick. It means 'to conquer' and is a prominent warfare term.

When Jesus calls us to overcome, He calls us to spiritual warfare. The Dictionary of New Testament Theology says that in the New Testament, nikao 'almost always presupposes the conflict between God or Christ and opposing demonic powers.' (W. Gunther, 'Fight,' Vol. 1, p.650)

Other parts of the New Testament record Jesus using nikao only to other occasions. One is in John 16:33 where Jesus affirms 'I have overcome [nikao] the world.'

This is a tremendously reassuring passage because it reminds us that the war itself is over and the winner and the loser have already been determined.

It is not our job to win the war, Jesus did that on the cross. Ours is the mop-up operation.

But Jesus still expects us to overcome."

Warfare Prayer

#32 Conquering a City
By C. Peter Wagner

(pgs. 58, 60) Regal Books

Today’s Bible verse: Daniel 5:21b "The most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will."

Prayer for your pastor's wife: "Pray that God will protect your
pastor's wife from bitterness when her husband is criticized. Pray 
that her prayer and devotional life will be consistent, and that she 
will guard her mind and heart. (Heb. 12:15; Prov.4:23) 
www.lifeaction.org

Our quotes today: Max Lucado - "It’s time to let His (Christ's) love cover all things in your life. Every promise broken, every cross word, and harsh word. His love covers all things. Let it! Do it for His sake. For the peace of your heart. And do it for their sake. For the people in your life. Let His love fall on you so yours can fall on them."

"The only place to hide sin is under the blood of Christ." 
     Our Daily Bread (1/2/15

Dave Brandon - "Not everyone feels comfortable talking to strangers, and there is no one-size-fits-all method. But God will use our personalities and His light in us to spread His love."

My Prayer for Peace

Sometimes, my life is in turmoil.

When I turn to You, Lord, I find peace

You know me so well

You know exactly what I need

And You always provide

I am learning about the seasons of my life

 Some are easy

Some are so difficult

I am learning that I need to wait on You

To expect things to happen

in Your time

Not mine

That can be so hard to remember

I have so much to learn

So far to travel

To become Your child

As I was meant to be

But I trust in You

And I know You will be there for me at all times

Just please give me more patience, Lord

Debbie McEwen

10th- Saturday’s post:  A Live-Saving Drop in

Sue Carloni

11th- Sunday evening's post:  Dancing Over Me

Rhett Wilson

13th- Tuesday's post:  #33 Overcoming the Strongman

C. Peter Wagner

15th- Thursday's post:  #34 Satan's Strategy

C. Peter Wagner


A popular post: Taking Cities and 
Nations for God: Prayer Note #125 
Dutch Sheets shares his thoughts: “I 
have focused most of my attention in 
this book, (Intercessory Prayer, to intercession for individuals. 

I would now like to comment briefly on intercession for cities and nations..." 
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