BIBLICAL DESCRIPTION OF A SOOTHSAYER

A soothsayer is a person who claims to predict the future through supernatural means, often relying on spirits, divination, or occult practices. The Bible consistently condemns soothsaying as an abomination and a practice associated with paganism and rebellion against God. Soothsaying is contrary to God’s will because it seeks guidance apart from Him and aligns with the works of darkness.

Key Characteristics of a Soothsayer in Scripture

1. Fortune-Telling Through Divination

Soothsayers rely on divination to reveal hidden knowledge or predict the future. This practice is condemned as it seeks to bypass God’s sovereign will. Example: The young girl in Philippi who used a spirit of divination to tell fortunes and bring profit to her masters (Acts 16:16–18).

2. Association with Pagan Practices

Soothsayers are often linked to idolatry and the worship of false gods. Their practices are rooted in rebellion against God’s commandments. Example: The pagan nations surrounding Israel used soothsayers, sorcerers, and diviners, which God explicitly warned His people not to imitate (Deuteronomy 18:9–14).

3. Use of Enchantments and Magic

They often employ magical rituals, charms, or spells to deceive others and claim supernatural authority.

Example: Pharaoh’s magicians, who imitated Moses’ signs with enchantments (Exodus 7:11, 22).

4. Deception Through False Prophecy

Soothsayers may masquerade as prophets of God but are motivated by greed, power, or the influence of demonic spirits.

Example: Balaam, who sought to profit from his ability to pronounce blessings or curses, was ultimately rebuked by God for his deceitful ways (Numbers 22:1–6; 2 Peter 2:15–16).

The Bible is clear: God does not speak through soothsayers, sorcerers, or anyone operating under demonic influence. Such individuals may present themselves as prophets or spiritual guides, but their practices reveal them as agents of darkness. Believers must discern and avoid these deceivers, aligning themselves only with the truth of God’s Word.

Balaam: A False Prophet Disguised as a Servant of God

Balaam is often referred to as a prophet, yet his actions revealed him as a soothsayer. Though he claimed to speak for God, his heart was bent on personal gain, even at the expense of God’s people. His story warns us of the dangers of spiritual compromise (Numbers 22:1–6; 31:8; Joshua 13:22). Peter and Jude further expose Balaam’s greed and deceit as a cautionary tale for believers (2 Peter 2:15–16; Jude 1:11).

A soothsayer operates in opposition to God’s truth, relying on forbidden practices that align with Satan’s deception. God calls His people to reject these works of darkness and trust in Him alone as the source of wisdom and guidance. As believers, we are to stand firm in the light of Christ, exposing falsehood and declaring the truth of God’s Word.

Simon the Sorcerer: A False Man of God

In Samaria, Simon deceived many by portraying himself as a great man of God, yet he practiced sorcery (Acts 8:9–13). While he outwardly embraced the faith, his heart was not surrendered to Christ. His story reminds us that miraculous signs do not always signify God’s presence; they must align with His truth.

Elymas the Sorcerer: A False Prophet Opposing the Gospel

Elymas, also known as Bar-Jesus, opposed the apostles by attempting to turn people away from the faith (Acts 13:6, 8). Though his name implied association with God, his actions revealed him as a false prophet empowered by sorcery. This example warns against those who use spiritual deception to hinder God’s work.

The Spirit of Divination: Deceptive Appearances

In Philippi, a young woman followed Paul and Silas, proclaiming them as servants of the Most High God. However, her declarations came from a spirit of divination, not the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:16–18). While her words seemed true, the source of her power was demonic. Paul rebuked the spirit, affirming that God’s truth cannot be mingled with the works of darkness.

Sorcery and Its Allies: Works of Darkness

Sorcerers, diviners, and those who consult with familiar spirits or practice witchcraft are condemned throughout Scripture. They operate through enchantments and magical powers, bringing deception and destruction (Exodus 7:11, 22; Deuteronomy 18:9–14). God calls His people to expose and reject such unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11).

A Scriptural Warning

“And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?”. Today, many still use the guise of spirituality to deceive. They may claim to predict the future, perform miracles, or possess divine insight, but their practices reveal their allegiance to Satan. “Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.” Therefore, such individuals are not mouthpieces for God but agents of deception (Isaiah 8:19; 1 Samuel 28:7).

Condemnation of Soothsaying

The Bible unequivocally condemns soothsaying as a sin and an act of rebellion against God. Here are some specific passages:

1. Old Testament Prohibition

God explicitly forbids His people from engaging in soothsaying or any related practices, associating them with pagan nations.

“There shall not be found among you anyone who practices divination, or tells fortunes, or interprets omens, or a sorcerer” (Deuteronomy 18:10).

2. Condemnation of Pagan Nations

Soothsaying is cited as one of the reasons for God’s judgment on the nations.

“For the customs of the peoples are vanity: a tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman” (Jeremiah 10:3, referring to idolatrous and superstitious practices).

3. False Prophets and Deception

The Bible warns against false prophets who act like soothsayers, leading people astray with counterfeit signs and wonders.

“Do not listen to the dreams that they dream, for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 29:8–9).

Why Soothsaying Is Condemned

1. It Rejects God’s Sovereignty

Soothsaying undermines trust in God and seeks forbidden knowledge apart from Him. Scripture reminds us that only God knows the future (Isaiah 46:9–10).

2. It Opens Doors to Demonic Influence

Many soothsayers operate through the power of familiar spirits or demons, aligning themselves with Satan's kingdom (Isaiah 8:19).

3. It Leads to Spiritual Deception

Soothsayers often provide partial truths or lies that lead people away from God’s truth (2 Thessalonians 2:9–10).

4. It Violates God’s Commandments

Seeking guidance from soothsayers reflects disobedience to God’s Word, as it directly opposes His will for His people (Leviticus 19:31).

Christian Response to Soothsaying

1. Reject and Avoid It

Believers must have no association with soothsaying or related practices. “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).

2. Seek God Alone for Guidance

Trust in the Lord for direction and wisdom. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5–6).

3. Pray for Discernment

Ask God for spiritual discernment to identify and avoid deception. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1).

A Prayer for Discernment

May God open your eyes to recognize these agents of darkness, protecting you from their schemes. Pray for wisdom and discernment to align with God’s truth and remain steadfast in His Word. As we grow in spiritual maturity, let us expose deception and cling to the light of Christ.

“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). May the Lord guide you in His truth, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

THINGS THAT GOD CALLED US TO REMEMBER

God called the attention of the elects to "REMEMBER" as a sundry warning to be watchful for several important reasons, each tied to the spiritual health and faithfulness of His people. Here’s a deeper exploration of why "remember" is so crucial in God’s warnings:

1. Preventing Backsliding and Forgetfulness:

God knows that human nature tends to forget, especially during times of prosperity, comfort, or spiritual stagnation. Throughout Scripture, when God calls His people to remember, He is urging them to recall their relationship with Him, the blessings they've received, and the consequences of sin. Forgetting God's past acts of deliverance and faithfulness often leads to backsliding. This forgetfulness causes a weakening of faith, neglect of obedience, and drifting into sin. By commanding the elect to remember, God provides a safeguard against spiritual decline:

Deuteronomy 8:11-14 reminds Israel to remember their dependence on God, so they don’t fall into pride and idolatry when they become prosperous. Psalm 78:40-42 illustrates how Israel’s failure to remember God’s works led them to grieve and provoke God.

2. Encouraging Repentance and Returning to God

When God calls His people to remember how they have fallen or turned away from Him, it is often an invitation to repentance and restoration. This remembrance is not just intellectual but deeply spiritual, prompting the elect to compare their present condition with the spiritual heights they once enjoyed. It is a call to recognize their need for repentance and return to their first love and devotion to God:

Revelation 2:5 calls the church of Ephesus to remember how far they have fallen, repent, and return to their former devotion. God, in His mercy, consistently offers the opportunity for His people to turn back to Him. Remembering is key to this process of repentance, helping believers see how far they have drifted and encouraging them to realign their hearts and lives with God’s will.

3. Remember Lot's wife

In Luke 17:32, Jesus gives a brief but powerful warning, reminding His followers of Lot’s wife, who looked back at Sodom and was turned into a pillar of salt. This serves as a caution against backsliding and returning to sin after being delivered.

4. Avoiding the Repetition of Past Mistakes

God often uses remembering as a way of warning His people not to repeat the sins of the past. By recalling past failures, the elect are reminded of the consequences of disobedience and rebellion, which motivates them to stay vigilant in their walk with God. This is particularly true when remembering instances of divine judgment or discipline that were brought about by sin:

Deuteronomy 9:7 calls the Israelites to remember how they provoked God’s wrath in the wilderness due to their rebellion, warning them to avoid repeating such behavior. Luke 17:32 reminds Jesus’ followers to remember Lot’s wife, who perished because of her backward glance to her old life of sin. By reflecting on these past examples, believers are reminded to be watchful and guard their hearts against the temptations and sins that could lead them down the same destructive path.

5. Remaining Grateful and Humble

God calls His elect to remember as a means of fostering gratitude and humility. When they reflect on God’s past faithfulness, provision, and protection, they are reminded that everything they have is by God's grace. This remembrance helps guard against the pride and self-sufficiency that can lead to sin: Deuteronomy 8:18 urges Israel to remember that it is God who gives them the power to gain wealth, ensuring they do not become prideful and forget His role in their success. Remembering God's blessings and acts of deliverance cultivates a heart of thanksgiving and humility, which keeps believers in a posture of reliance on God rather than on themselves.

6. Strengthening Faith and Hope

By calling the elect to remember His past acts of salvation, miracles, and faithfulness, God strengthens their faith and trust in Him for the future. This remembrance serves as an anchor in times of trials, encouraging believers to remain steadfast and hopeful, knowing that the same God who acted in the past will be faithful in the present and future:

Psalm 105:5 urges the elect to remember God's marvelous works, His wonders, and judgments, strengthening their confidence in His continued faithfulness. By remembering God’s faithfulness in history, the elect are encouraged to persevere through challenges and remain watchful, knowing that God’s promises are true.

7. Remaining Watchful for the Return of Christ

In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles often call the elect to remember as part of being spiritually alert and watchful for His return. This is a warning to avoid complacency and to live in a state of readiness, keeping their hearts pure and their eyes focused on eternal things:

Luke 17:32 reminds believers of the danger of looking back longingly at worldly things, as Lot's wife did, which serves as a warning to remain watchful and forward-focused on Christ’s return. The command to remember keeps the elect vigilant, maintaining a holy lifestyle and avoiding distractions that can pull them away from God’s purpose.

Overall, God's call to remember is a vital part of His strategy to keep His people from spiritual failure, backsliding, and sin. It serves as a reminder of His past faithfulness, a call to repentance, and a warning to avoid past mistakes. Through remembering, the elect are encouraged to remain humble, grateful, and watchful, fully relying on God for their spiritual growth and protection. Remembering helps believers stay rooted in the truth of God’s Word and maintain a steady course of obedience and devotion, ensuring that they are prepared for His ultimate return. "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;" (Eclessiates 12:1). This verse warns young people to remember God early in life, urging them to stay faithful and avoid a life of regret, which comes with turning away from God in later years. These verses emphasize the importance of remembering God’s commandments, past deliverance, and warnings as a way of avoiding backsliding into sin.

UNLOCKING DIVINE POTENTIAL: ALLOWING CREATIVE ENERGY TO MANIFEST

''Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth..And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her...which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?'' (Psalm 104:30; Matthew 6:27; Luke 1:38). In the timeless wisdom of the scriptures, we find a profound truth echoed throughout the ages: the power of divine creation resides within us, waiting to be unleashed. As we delve into the sacred texts, from Psalm 104:30 to Luke 1:38 and Matthew 6:27, we uncover the keys to harnessing this creative energy and transforming our lives in alignment with divine will.

Consider the poignant question posed in Matthew 6:27: "Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch?" Here, Jesus challenges us to transcend the limitations of human effort and recognize the futility of relying solely on our own strength. Instead, he beckons us to tap into a higher realm of consciousness, where the power of faith and divine providence reign supreme.

In the journey of spiritual growth, we come to understand that thoughts are not mere ephemeral whispers but potent forces capable of shaping our reality. This profound truth underscores the essence of creation itself: all that exists in the material realm first takes form in the realm of thought. As we align our minds with the divine will, we become co-creators with the Source of all existence, participating in the grand symphony of creation.

Yet, this process is not one of striving or forcing outcomes through sheer willpower. Rather, it is an act of surrender and receptivity, as exemplified by Mary's humble acceptance of God's plan in Luke 1:38. Just as Mary opened herself to the divine will, so too must we relinquish the need for control and allow the creative energy of God to flow through us.

Central to this transformative journey is the practice of concentration and focused intention. When we discipline our minds and streamline our thoughts, we create a fertile ground for the manifestation of divine blessings. However, it is essential to understand that concentration is not about coercion but about alignment with the divine flow. As we concentrate our attention, we open ourselves to the effortless unfolding of divine abundance and blessings in our lives.

This profound truth is not merely a philosophical concept but a practical reality that has the power to revolutionize every aspect of our existence. By permitting the creative energy to take form, we step into our true potential as spiritual beings, co-creating a reality imbued with love, abundance, and harmony.

In conclusion, the invitation to permit creative energy to manifest is a call to transcendence, a beckoning to rise above the mundane and embrace the miraculous. Through faith, surrender, and aligned intention, we unlock the boundless potential that lies dormant within us, ushering in a new era of joy, fulfillment, and divine manifestation.

THE DANGER OF SILENT SAINTS!

First and foremost, every believer in Christ is called saint (Psalm 30:4; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Romans 8:27; Ephesians 6:18)

. Silence, though seemingly innocuous, can cloak a multitude of sins. When the voices of the righteous are hushed, injustice flourishes unchecked, and the forces of darkness gain ground. The complacency of silent saints is akin to providing fertile soil for the seeds of oppression and apathy to take root. The peril of silent saints is a sobering reality illuminated by Ezekiel 3:17-19; ‘’ Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul’’.

God, in His divine wisdom, has ordained saved souls to be vessels for the propagation of the Gospel to the unsaved masses. Each believer bears the solemn charge to proclaim the Word tirelessly, whether the timing seems opportune or not (2 Timothy 4:2). When the vibrant chorus of praise and proclamation falls silent, the fervor of faith diminishes, and the flames of revival flicker weakly. Inaction and passivity become the norm, stifling the transformative power of the Gospel. But perhaps the greatest danger lies in the missed opportunities for witness and testimony. The silence of the saints robs the world of the light of Christ, leaving hearts in darkness and souls adrift. In a world hungering for hope and truth, the silent saints withhold the very message that can bring redemption and restoration. In Luke 19:40; ‘’ And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out’’. In this context, the declaration of Jesus conveys a powerful truth: the worship and praise of God are non-negotiable, and if humanity fails to fulfill this sacred duty, creation itself will rise up in proclamation. It highlights the cosmic significance of worship, demonstrating that it is not merely a human activity but a universal mandate ordained by God. And this statement serves as a rebuke to the Pharisees' hypocrisy and hardness of heart. While they sought to suppress the praise of the disciples, Jesus reminds them that even if the disciples were silenced, the very stones would cry out in worship. It underscores the futility of trying to thwart God's purposes and the inevitability of His glory being proclaimed.

From a doctrinal standpoint, this statement reaffirms the sovereignty of God and the intrinsic value of worship in His sight. It echoes the sentiment expressed in Psalm 96:11-12, which declares, "Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and all its fullness; let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord." Ultimately, "if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out" serves as a solemn reminder of the privilege and responsibility bestowed upon humanity to offer worship and praise to our Creator. It underscores the eternal truth that all of creation exists to glorify God, and nothing can hinder the proclamation of His greatness. Consider the saint as a coin: until set in circulation, its worth remains dormant. Likewise, as the light of the world, if a believer conceals their light beneath a bushel, surrounding darkness ensues. Soul-winning is not an optional pursuit; it is an imperative mandate. As Paul ardently declares, the compulsion to preach the Gospel is overwhelming (1 Corinthians 9:16). ‘’ For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!’’ We are bound by duty to disseminate the message of salvation and uphold the Great Commission entrusted to us by God.

Silence holds the potential to obscure the radiance of God's truth and impede the advancement of His Kingdom. At its core, the silence of saints signifies a withdrawal from the battlefield of spiritual warfare. It is a retreat from the frontlines of evangelism and a surrender to the forces of darkness that seek to engulf the world in spiritual darkness. When the voices of the faithful are muted, the adversary gains ground, and the light of Christ dims in the hearts of humanity.

Scripture resounds with the clarion call for believers to be bold witnesses, heralds of the Gospel, and agents of transformation in a fallen world. The Great Commission, entrusted to us by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, mandates us to go forth and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Yet, in our silence, we neglect this sacred duty, allowing souls to languish in ignorance and sin.

Moreover, the silence of saints carries dire consequences for the spiritual vitality of the body of Christ. It stifles the flow of spiritual gifts and quenches the fire of revival that should burn brightly within the Church. When the voices of praise grow faint, and the fervency of prayer wanes, the vibrancy of spiritual life ebbs away, leaving behind a lukewarm faith that neither satisfies nor glorifies God.

Yet, perhaps the most profound danger of silent saints lies in the betrayal of our divine calling to be salt and light in the world. Our silence speaks volumes to a watching world, conveying a message of indifference and complacency in the face of sin and suffering. It obscures the beauty of God's love and mercy, leaving souls to wander in darkness without the guiding light of truth. Therefore, let us heed the exhortation of Scripture to "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

Let us break the silence with the proclamation of God's Word, the demonstration of His love, and the power of His Spirit. For in our bold witness and unwavering obedience, we fulfill our sacred duty as ambassadors of Christ, shining beacons of hope in a world desperate for the saving grace of our Lord and Savior. In the spiritual realm, saints assume the role of watchmen, entrusted with divine insight to discern looming dangers. Yet, if they shroud themselves in silence, they betray not only God but also conspire with the forces of darkness to withhold eternal life from those in peril.

Silent saints forfeit their position of spiritual advantage, neglecting to sound the alarm and warn the heedless. Their reticence renders them complicit in spiritual robbery, denying both sinners and themselves access to God's redemptive provision.Furthermore, their silence is akin to laborers who idly withhold their sickles, squandering the harvest. In doing so, they deny sinners the opportunity of salvation in the present age and eternal life beyond.

Ultimately, silent saints bear the weight of accountability for the blood of those who might have repented if only they had broken their silence and rob themselves of the joy and crown of soul-winning and forego God's mercy in their own time of need. Let us heed this warning and embrace our calling with fervor, lest we be found wanting before the throne of grace. Therefore, arise today and ‘’cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins’’ (Isaiah 58:1).

PULLING DOWN SATANIC STRONGHOLDS

‘’ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's’’ (2 Corinthians 10:3-7).

The concept of pulling down satanic strongholds is indeed a crucial aspect of spiritual warfare, aimed at breaking the power of demonic influence and oppression in the lives of believers and within the body of Christ. It's essential to recognize that the devil is not a benign figure but a malevolent entity whose ultimate aim is the destruction and ruin of mankind. Even his seemingly benevolent intentions are ultimately ruinous, as his sole purpose is to thwart God's plans and lead humanity astray.

In various aspects of life, we witness the manifestations of Satan's influence: families torn apart by strife and distrust, husbands neglecting their responsibilities to their wives and children, political leaders disregarding the sanctity of human life, and false prophets leading many astray. These are all areas where Satan seeks to exert his influence and sow chaos.

However, as children of God, we have been given authority over Satan and his cohorts through the victory won by Christ on the cross of Calvary. In Jeremiah 1:10, God declares to Jeremiah, "See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant." This signifies our authority to uproot and destroy every plant that God has not planted in our lives.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to actively engage in pulling down satanic strongholds in our lives, our churches, and our communities. Through prayer, fasting, and standing firmly on the promises of God's Word, we can dismantle the works of the enemy and establish God's kingdom rule in every area of our lives. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we declare victory over every scheme of the enemy and proclaim freedom, healing, and restoration in every sphere of influence.

MANIFESTATIONS OF DEMONIC INFLUENCE

The realities of satanic strongholds are indeed profound and impactful, affecting individuals, communities, and even the contemporary church. These strongholds, akin to fortified fortresses, serve both protective and offensive purposes in spiritual warfare.

Protective strongholds are constructed around those already in Satan's bondage, ensuring they remain under his perpetual domination. Meanwhile, offensive strongholds are deployed to attack and oppose those who have not yet come under his control, aiming to wound or intimidate them into captivity.In examining the lives of many individuals and observing Satan's activities in communities and churches, we encounter various manifestations of these satanic strongholds:

1. A pervasive spirit of suspicion, confusion, and discouragement in local churches, hindering the salvation of sinners, the edification of saints, and the overall progress of the church despite pastoral efforts.

2. Stagnation and lack of progress in life, regardless of efforts made to rectify the situation, as illustrated in the account of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10.

3. Regular and unexplainable occurrences, such as mysterious deaths of family members, which can instill fear and uncertainty in individuals and communities, as seen in the story of Job in Job 1:6-22; 2:1-7.

4. Unreasonable and overpowering compulsive habits that defy reason and willpower, leading individuals into destructive behaviors, as exemplified in the story of Amnon and Tamar in 2 Samuel 13:1-20.

These examples underscore the tangible and detrimental effects of satanic strongholds in the lives of individuals and communities. However, as believers empowered by the authority of Christ, we have the ability to identify, confront, and dismantle these strongholds through prayer, fasting, and the proclamation of God's Word. By standing firm in faith and relying on the strength of the Lord, we can overcome every scheme of the enemy and experience freedom, healing, and victory in Christ.

TOOLS FOR SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY

In the spiritual battle against the devil, we rely not on carnal or physical weapons, but on the spiritual resources and armor provided by God Himself. These include:

1. The Whole Armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17): Our spiritual armor comprises six essential elements: (i) The belt of truth, (ii) The breastplate of righteousness, (iii) The sandals of the gospel of peace, (iv) The shield of faith, (v) The helmet of salvation, (vi) The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

2. The Name of Jesus (1 Samuel 17:45-51): The authority and power inherent in the name of Jesus enable us to confront and overcome the enemy's schemes.

3. The Blood of Jesus (Revelation 12:11): It is through the blood of Jesus that we are redeemed and protected from the accusations of the enemy. The blood has cleansing and purifying power, and it serves as a testimony to our victory over sin and death.

4. Effectual, Fervent Prayer (Matthew 16:19; 18:18; James 5:16-18): Prayer is a potent weapon in spiritual warfare. It aligns us with God's will, activates His power, and releases His authority into the spiritual realm.

5. The Believer's Confession of Faith (Revelation 12:11): Our testimony and confession of faith in Jesus Christ serve as powerful weapons against the enemy. By declaring the truth of God's Word and our victory in Christ, we thwart the enemy's attacks and advance God's kingdom.

These spiritual weapons are not to be underestimated. They are divinely appointed and empowered to dismantle the strongholds of the enemy, demolish every argument and pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). As we wield these weapons in faith and obedience, we can stand firm against the schemes of the devil and emerge victorious in every spiritual battle.

PATH TO SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY

‘’ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you … put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified’’ (James 4:7; Isaiah 43:26). From the verses of the scripture above however, our spiritual resources are not mere ornaments for display; they are essential tools to be wielded in the ongoing spiritual conflict and warfare in which we are engaged (2 Corinthians 10:3-7). The fight of faith demands that we confront the adversary, the devil, the arch enemy of our souls, with all available resources, skill, and strength.

We are called to put on the whole armor of God and stand firm against the schemes of the enemy (Ephesians 6:12-18). By doing so, we resist the devil, and he must flee from us (James 4:7). We have been given authority to bind evil spirits using the powerful name and the precious blood of Jesus (Matthew 16:19; 18:18).

In prayer, we approach the throne of grace with confidence and fervency, declare the word “it is written” with faith and earnestness (Isaiah 43:26). We hold fast to our confession of faith, declaring victory over Satan and his devices, knowing that our words have power to shape reality (Revelation 12:11; Numbers 14:28; Hebrews 10:23).

In this ongoing spiritual warfare, let us not be passive spectators but active participants, wielding our spiritual weapons with boldness and determination. By standing firm in faith, wielding the sword of the Spirit, and maintaining our confession of faith, we can overcome every obstacle and emerge victorious in Christ, and victory is our portion in Jesus name!