C. Peter Wagner continues his teaching: "The other time Jesus uses nidao is in one of His references to dealing with the 'strongman,' or with an opposing demonic force.
In Luke's Gospel, He speaks of overcoming (nikao) the strongman so that his palace can be invaded and his goods spoiled.
This not only is a significant spiritual warfare passage, but it could reasonably be taken to apply to multi-leveled demonic activity.The incident begins with grand -level
spiritual warfare as Jesus casts a
demon out of a mute (Luke 11:14).
But Jesus then goes on to talk about Satan's kingdom (Luke 11:18) and a palace (Luke 11:21) and Beelzebub who is a high prince of demons but ranked under Satan himself.
This could be seen as an escalation of Jesus' scope of conquering or overcoming.
In the parallel passages on the strongman in Matthew and Mark, Jesus does not use the word for 'overcome,' but the word for 'bind' (see Matt. 12:29 and Mark 3:27).
It is the same word used in Matthew 16:19 where Jesus says, 'Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven.'
We are justified, therefore, to use interchangeably the terms 'overcome,' 'conquer' or 'bind' when we describe our activity in taking the offensive against the enemy in spiritual warfare.
The churches in the seven cities are to overcome or conquer the forces of evil preventing the glory of God from shining in their cities.
I take that as Jesus' desire, not only for the first century, but for us in the twentieth century as well.
For example, I feel a responsibility for conquering my city of Pasadena, California, for Christ.
I have the privilege of participating in a larger group of Christian leaders called 'Pasadena for Christ.'
At this point we are only in the beginning stages of launching a massive effort at warfare prayer for our city. We sincerely hope that eventually we will be able to identify the strongman or strongmen over Pasadena and to overcome in obedience to Jesus' directive."
#33 Overcoming the Strongman
By C. Peter Wagner
By C. Peter Wagner
(pgs. 60, 61) Regal Books
Some quotes from Mark I. Bubeck's book - The Satanic Revival:
"The desire for revolutionary revival springs up in people who see their accountability to God. Such awareness breaks hearts concerning personal sin, and repentance quickly follows. Intimate fellowship with God is restored; the joy of that new relationship overflows and revival is in process.
Witnessing to the lost through the power of God occurs. When people are won to Christ, a whole culture begins to change. Sinful people are transformed and they become God's people who desire holy living." (pgs. 209, 210)
"The real presence of revival begins when God's Word penetrates hearts and becomes intensely personal to every believer. When that happens, revival is on its way." (pg. 210)
Pray with me:
Father, We sure need the Holy Spirit's prodding us to read and revere Your Word.
When our teachers and preachers speak Your Word, may they have our full attention, much as the Israelites did in old times when Moses' scrolls were read to them hours at a time...
May we realize that we have the Bible at our disposal any day, and at any time we wish, and are available 'most anywhere at a great range of costs.
There are folks in parts of the world where the Bible is not allowed, but are read secretly by believers, at the possible cost of their lives. A single page is revered, cherished, and shared with much care.
We must learn to come against what the evil one is doing in our area, and we must gather together to pray for our cities and towns.
Impress this on our hearts I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
A popular post: What is Meant by Suffering for Christ? Our Daily Bread 9/6/11
The Message Bible rendition relates Apostle Paul's experiences: “All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! he comes alongside us when we go through hard times..."
Jean's blog (save)
Some quotes from Mark I. Bubeck's book - The Satanic Revival:
"The desire for revolutionary revival springs up in people who see their accountability to God. Such awareness breaks hearts concerning personal sin, and repentance quickly follows. Intimate fellowship with God is restored; the joy of that new relationship overflows and revival is in process.
Witnessing to the lost through the power of God occurs. When people are won to Christ, a whole culture begins to change. Sinful people are transformed and they become God's people who desire holy living." (pgs. 209, 210)
"The real presence of revival begins when God's Word penetrates hearts and becomes intensely personal to every believer. When that happens, revival is on its way." (pg. 210)
Pray with me: Father, We sure need the Holy Spirit's prodding us to read and revere Your Word.
When our teachers and preachers speak Your Word, may they have our full attention, much as the Israelites did in old times when Moses' scrolls were read to them hours at a time...
May we realize that we have the Bible at our disposal any day, and at any time we wish, and are available 'most anywhere at a great range of costs.
There are folks in parts of the world where the Bible is not allowed, but are read secretly by believers, at the possible cost of their lives. A single page is revered, cherished, and shared with much care.
We must learn to come against what the evil one is doing in our area, and we must gather together to pray for our cities and towns.
Impress this on our hearts I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Today’s Bible verse: (Ps. 27:1) "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
Today’s quote:
Bob Gass Ministries - "Prayer is foundational to your individual Christian life, and also to the life and ministry of your church. Like a foundation that secures a building, prayer gives you something trustworthy on which to rest. No wonder Satan works overtime to keep you busy and distracted so that you lose regular in-depth communication with your heavenly Father".
(Daily Devotional Jan. 3/15)
Bob Gass Ministries - "Prayer is foundational to your individual Christian life, and also to the life and ministry of your church. Like a foundation that secures a building, prayer gives you something trustworthy on which to rest. No wonder Satan works overtime to keep you busy and distracted so that you lose regular in-depth communication with your heavenly Father".
(Daily Devotional Jan. 3/15)
Some thoughts today: It takes faith that Jesus is alive! History proves it, so you can believe it!
- Christ had a public death. It was physical and brutal. (see John 20:24-29). He proved it to His doubting friend, Thomas.
- The resurrected Christ wants a personal relationship with you. You are never alone, once Jesus comes in to stay. (see Matt. 28:20b).
22nd- Thursday’s post: #34 Satan's Strategy
C. Peter Wagner
24th- Saturday's post: I Am Resolved
James H. Cagle
25th- Sunday evening's post: We All Have a Part
Jean Oathout
27th- Tuesday's post: #35 Binding Three Billion Minds
C. Peter Wagner
- Christ had a public death. It was physical and brutal. (see John 20:24-29). He proved it to His doubting friend, Thomas.
- The resurrected Christ wants a personal relationship with you. You are never alone, once Jesus comes in to stay. (see Matt. 28:20b).
22nd- Thursday’s post: #34 Satan's Strategy
C. Peter Wagner
24th- Saturday's post: I Am Resolved
James H. Cagle
25th- Sunday evening's post: We All Have a Part
Jean Oathout
27th- Tuesday's post: #35 Binding Three Billion Minds
C. Peter Wagner
The Message Bible rendition relates Apostle Paul's experiences: “All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! he comes alongside us when we go through hard times..."
Jean's blog (save)
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