The Spirit of Prayer by Charles Finney

           
 

Spirit of Prayer by Charles Finney

THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER


TEXT. --Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints, according to the will of God. --ROMANS viii. 26, 27.
My last lecture[s] but one was on the subject of Effectual Prayer; in which I observed that one of the most important attributes of effectual or prevailing prayer is FAITH. This was so extensive a subject that I reserved it for a separate discussion. And accordingly, I lectured last Friday evening on the subject of Faith in Prayer, or, as it is termed, the Prayer of Faith. It was my intention to discuss the subject in a single lecture. But as I was under the necessity of condensing so much on some points, it occurred to me, and was mentioned by others, that there might be some questions which people would ask, that ought to be answered more fully, especially as the subject is one on which there is so much darkness. One grand design in preaching is to exhibit the truth in such a way as to answer the questions which would naturally arise in the minds of those who read the Bible with attention, and who want to know what it means, so that they can put it in practice. In explaining the text, I propose to show,
I. What Spirit is here spoken of, "The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities."
II. What that Spirit does for us.
III. Why he does what the text declares him to do.
IV. How he accomplishes it.
V. The degree in which he influences the minds of those who are under his influence.
VI. How his influences are to be distinguished from the influences of evil spirits, or from the suggestions of our own minds.
VII. How we are to obtain this agency of the Holy Spirit.
VIII. Who have a right to expect to enjoy his influences in this matter--or for whom the Spirit does the things spoken of in the text.
I. What Spirit is it that is spoken of in the text?
Some have supposed that the Spirit spoken of in the text means our own spirit--our own mind. But a little attention to the text will show plainly that this is not the meaning. "The Spirit helpeth our infirmities" would then read, "Our own spirit helpeth the infirmities of our own spirit,"--and "Our own spirit likewise maketh intercession for our own spirit." You see you can make no sense of it on that supposition. It is evident from the manner in which the text is introduced, that the Spirit referred to is the Holy Ghost. "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father, The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." And the text is plainly speaking of the same Spirit.
II. What the Spirit does.
Answer--He intercedes for the saints. "He maketh intercession for us," and "helpeth our infirmities," when "we know not what to pray for as we ought." He helps Christians to pray according to the will of God, or for the things that God desires them to pray for.
III. Why is the Holy Spirit thus employed?
Because of our ignorance. Because we know not what we should pray for as we ought. We are so ignorant both of the will of God, revealed in the Bible, and of his unrevealed will, as we ought to learn it from his providence. Mankind are vastly ignorant both of the promises and prophecies of the Bible, and blind to the providence of God. And they are still more in the dark about those points of which God has said nothing but by the leadings of his Spirit. You recollect that I named these four sources of evidence on which to ground faith in prayer--promises, prophecies, providences, and the Holy Spirit. When all other means fail of leading us to the knowledge of what we ought to pray for, the Spirit does it.
IV. How does he make intercession for the saints? In what mode does he operate, so as to help our infirmities?
1. Not by superseding the use of our faculties. It is not by praying for us, while we do nothing. He prays for us, by exciting our own faculties. Not that he immediately suggests to us words, or guides our language. But he enlightens our minds, and makes the truth take hold of our souls. He leads us to consider the state of the church, and the condition of sinners around us. The manner in which he brings the truth before the mind, and keeps it there till it produces its effect, we cannot tell. But we can know as much as this--that he leads us to a deep consideration of the state of things; and the result of this, the natural and philosophical result, is, deep feeling. When the Spirit brings the truth up before a man's mind, there is only one way in which he can keep from deep feeling. That is, by turning away his thoughts, and leading his mind to think of other things. Sinners, when the Spirit of God brings the truth before them, must feel. They feel wrong, as long as they remain impenitent. So, if a man is a Christian, and the Holy Spirit brings a subject into warm contact with his heart, it is just as impossible he should not feel, as it is that your hand should not feel if you put it into the fire. If the Spirit of God leads him to dwell on things calculated to excite warm and overpowering feelings, and he is not excited by them, it proves that he has no love for souls, nothing of the Spirit of Christ, and knows nothing about Christian experience.
2. The Spirit makes the Christian feel the value of souls, and the guilt and danger of sinners in their present condition. It is amazing how dark and stupid Christians often

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UNUSUAL MIRACLES

“Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.” (Acts 19:11-12)

I love the expression ”unusual miracles”. I’ve personally seen firsthand the extraordinary impact signs and wonders make as they accompany the preaching of the Word of God. Do we truly understand what Kingdom Advancement implies? The Apostle Paul did… and if we are to become ministry leaders who do the unusual in the eyes of the world, we will need to put on a lot more courage and tenacity.

In the city of Ephesus, a shift in the Spiritual Realm was occurring. The Kingdom of God; which is the government of heaven, was gaining influence over all areas of life from the religious practices to the daily routine. Beliefs were changing and faith was being engaged in unusual ways as people stepped into the supernatural, as if unleashed from natural law. Jesus said when you abide in My Word, you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free (Jn. 8:31-32). The Apostle Paul; like Jesus, was pulling them into revelation rather than letting them stay bound to natural limits.

Whom the Son sets free is free indeed (Jn. 8:36). Freedom implies the ability to move, without hindrance or limitation and it brings fresh perspective on the future. Unusual miracles change the way you think about your reality, limitations and possibilities.

Conflict with Darkness:

The immediate result of the Apostle Paul’s experience however, was that evil spirits were driven out into the open. Conflict is first and foremost a spiritual battle that makes every leader do an inventory of their gifts and training. Are they equipped to handle the battle? Their experience and character set the standard for how they will address visible opposition in the spiritual realm. Perhaps most important is a person’s awareness of spiritual authority. Some do well, some flounder, but every leader must get their skills sharpened by their identity in Christ and their experiences in the field.

“Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call upon the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches. Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, over powered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” (Acts 19:13-16)

This account is like a backhanded compliment. In effect Satan’s agents were saying, ‘This preacher is achieving something’. Yet, the victories of our advancement must be maintained and enforced by radical followers who know who they are and what they carry. These sons of Sceva were trying to be helpful without the tools or experience.

Paul’s preaching was breaking through and crushing the occult practices in the city of Ephesus. What also seemed to be happening was that many people became very nervous about the incredible beating those without spiritual authority had just experienced. Believe me when I say the word gets out. But God will get the last word, if we are truly doing unusual miracles by His hand.

“This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified, And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.” (Acts 19:17-19)

Even in the church world today, we see a lot of folks having one foot in the Kingdom of God and the other in the enemy’s camp. These folks need to see the reality of these kingdoms in conflict. When the Apostle Paul preached, the believers brought the books and tools of their witchcraft and burned them publicly. What an impact that would make on a region. The value of the books was fifty thousand pieces of silver. Each silver coin was a day’s wage… this is estimated at $2,500,000 in today’s market.

Unusual Miracles are only unusual in the sense that they reveal an extraordinary shift from the natural limitations we consider normal. When we begin to see through the eyes of faith, what seems common will change and the impossible will become ordinary.

Resurrection Power

 Experiencing the Resurrection Power

Paul loved to  experience the power of the resurrection. We need to note the order that was inspired by the Holy Spirit. That I might know Him comes before the power of His resurrection. It is important that we have a close relationship with God, have His character worked into our lives, so we can handle the power of His resurrection.

Over the years we have seen too many people come into a level of ministry and power they could not handle. When we begin to experience God’s power we become targets of the enemy. One Leader said “The Lord warned me early in my ministry, the fact that anyone must come into a relationship with God higher than their office or the very office could destroy them. I’m not saying before we can experience God’s power flowing in our lives, we have to be close to God and be Christ like, but it is certainly a great safeguard”. Fact is God does use powerfully, people lacking in character.

Scripture teaches God will demonstrate tremendous power on the earth through His people in these days.  Resurrection was one of the most dramatic and powerful events in all history. Out of death came life, from defeat came victory. If you are facing loss, defeat, despair, take courage, you can experience resurrection power in your life and circumstances.

Isaiah 60:1-2

Arise, shine;
For your light has come!
And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
And deep darkness the people;
But the Lord will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you.

God has placed resurrection power in every believer

Romans 8:11

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

God's power working for us is exactly the same degree of power that raised Jesus from the dead.

Before Jesus went to the cross He made amazing statement in John 14-12. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

Because of the resurrection there is a greater power available to us today than there was before the cross. God’s will for us is to experience the same anointing that was on Jesus but to a greater measure.

The apostles experienced some of it, Peter’s shadow healed the sick, and Paul’s handkerchiefs healed diseases. But in these days we are going to see whole communities and nations blanketed with the resurrection power of God, multitudes will be saved. We must maintain a steadfast vision for this, keep praying, 24-7, until the Spirit be poured out with power from on high.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,  that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

This is a power greater than what we are seeing in the church today. But in the last days the church will experience a far greater power than the early church experienced. Will be the same resurrection power that Jesus experienced.

God’s resurrection power is available in all areas of life where it seems there is death and despair. Available to restore marriages, relationships, failure, habits, sickness, finances. Is anything too hard for the Lord?

How To Experience Resurrection Power

1. Read daily and personalise Ephesians 1:17-20

¹⁷ that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, ¹⁸ the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power ²⁰ which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.

There is a story of an outstanding miracle worker, with a tremendous revelation in the Word. It tells how, for many months, these verses were prayed for daily, it significantly impacted his ministry as God answered the prayer. Gave him tremendous revelation and faith as to the mighty power available to him. We need the Holy Spirit to give us a true revelation of resurrection power that is in us. Once we see it, we will experience it. 

2. Meditate on verses about God’s power in you.

Romans 8:11

“Same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you”.

Micah 3:8

“I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord”.

1 John 4:4

“Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world”.

Mark 16:17-18

“These signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils, lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Philipians 4:13

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength”.

Keep reading them until you get the revelation and they are a reality.

3. Philemon 1:6

that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing, which is in you in Christ Jesus.

Your faith will become effective as you acknowledge what God has placed in you. Say repeatedly everyday, 100 times – I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord. The same power that raised Jesus from dead is in me.

4. Don’t grieve, quench, or vex the Holy Spirit.

Grieving the Holy Spirit is considered the greatest sin of the modern day church. We grieve him by critical words, sin, compromise, harshness, and bitterness. The Holy Spirit is very gentle and sensitive.

5. Total dependence on God

The more we realise we can do nothing, don’t try to do it, make it happen, get ourselves out of the way the more the Holy Spirit will flow through us. Dependence is power.

6. Acts 1:1

In the first verse of Acts Jesus began to DO. He had to begin to act.  Book of Acts is full of action, stepping out. To experience resurrection power we have to begin to act, step out, risk, pray for the sick, and witness.

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is in each of us. The resurrection power of God that defeated sin, sickness, depression, fear, the devil and all the powers of darkness is in each of us. Paul’s heart cry that I might know Him and the power of His resurrection. Expect to minister in resurrection power. When we were born again we were born to win.

THE ANOINTING UPON AND WITHIN BY SID ROTH

The Anointing Upon and Within

We see clearly in Scripture that the Spirit of the Lord rested upon Jesus during His earthly ministry. Isaiah the prophet speaks of the seven manifestations of the Holy Spirit that would rest upon the Lord. “The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD (Isaiah 11:2).” There are not seven Holy Spirit’s. There is only one Holy Spirit, yet He is displayed through these seven manifestations which rested upon Jesus. The Spirit of God can also rest upon the believer in order to anoint that person to function in their assigned calling. The anointing upon a person can be increased through obedience to God and time spent in the Word and prayer.

In Luke the fourth chapter we read of the time when Jesus went and preached in the synagogue of His hometown of Nazareth. Jesus was handed the scroll of Isaiah and he deliberately found and read the text of Scripture which we identify as Isaiah 61:1, and the first part of verse 2. Jesus read to the people, saying, “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me.” This famous portion of Scripture was prophetically speaking of the coming Messiah. After reading those verses He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The story in Luke tells us that all the eyes of the people in the synagogue were fixed on Him.

When reading this story we can’t help but be curious as to why the people’s eyes were fixed on Him. When you study Jewish customs and traditions, you find an interesting practice that took place in Jesus’ day, and can still be observed in some synagogues today. The Jews reserve a special seat in their synagogues which is kept for the appearance of the Messiah. That special chair always remains empty and no one ever sits in it. Well, after Jesus finished speaking He sat down! He actually sat in that reserved chair and it caught all the attention of those in attendance. Jesus spoke to those in the synagogue and said, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” He basically told them, “That Scripture is talking about Me.” Jesus knew He was the Anointed One.

The anointing that is upon you is for service. God anoints you with His Spirit to empower you to do the work He has called you to do. For example, the Lord has placed an anointing upon my life for miracles of healing. This gift, which is a special anointing He gave to me, has taken me around the world in the work of the ministry. When that anointing comes upon me and others release their faith to receive that anointing the results are always the same miracles! I’ve seen it happen in America and all over the world with creative miracles occurring and all types of diseases healed. Just as there is an anointing upon, there is also an anointing within. “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things (1 John 2:20).” “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him (1 John 2:27).”

Notice we are told where the anointing abides. “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you.” The anointing is within us. This anointing teaches us concerning all things. Some have taken this scripture out of context and misuse it to imply that we do not need instructors or teachers. However, Jesus is the head of the church and He established the five ministry offices as gifts to the church. The ministry office of the teacher is one of the five offices mentioned in Ephesians the fourth chapter. So, we need teachers. To reject the biblical ministry of the teacher is to reject a precious gift from God.

The anointing within you is for guidance and protection. It teaches you what is from God and what is not. “These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you (1 John 2:26).” The anointing within you protects you from deception, just as a virus software program protects your computer from malicious infections. When corrupt teaching is presented the anointing within you goes off on the inside of you like an alarm. The anointing says, “Watch out, something is not right there!” When something is wrong you have an uneasy feeling on the inside. When something is right you should have a peaceful, velvety smooth feeling on the inside.

The anointing within helps you to know all things. The more sensitive a person becomes to the anointing within, the more success they will have in making the right decisions in life. We should use our brain and utilize the best of our mental abilities. However, the anointing resides within your spirit, not within your physical brain. Yes, the anointing of God certainly affects the brain which influences us to think godly thoughts. But some decisions we have to make in life go beyond the ability of one’s brain to solve. Who to marry? Where to work? Where to go to church? What color should I paint the house? The answer to these types of questions should be measured through the anointing that resides within us.

Other questions such as, “Was that prophecy that person gave me from God, or not?” or, “How do I know if God has called me to the ministry?” The Holy Spirit will guide us through the anointing that God has placed within us. There’s no need to be in the dark when it comes to knowing God’s will and purpose. Let the anointing within you help settle the perplexing questions and choices you face. You can always trust the anointing of the Holy Spirit that abides within you to point you in the right direction.

The better developed you become to recognizing the inward anointing, the greater will be your ability to carry the glory of God. Understand that the anointing within you is what supports the potential anointing that can rest upon you. For example, some ministers have had a strong anointing upon them. This anointing initially came through God’s grace in which He bestowed spiritual gifts through His own choice. The gifts and callings of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). These spiritual gifts were received by men and women through an act of God’s grace. But some individuals have had failures, with some falling from ministry and never fully recovering. How does a tragedy like this happen?

The reason a spiritual collapse takes place is because the inward anointing comprised of biblical morals, holy character, humility, and other spiritual attributes was deficient in that person’s life. The inward anointing was not valued or developed, so such an individual could not support the weight of the anointing of God that is able to come upon a person. We see this clearly in the life of Samson. What a mighty anointing that he had that would come upon him! The nation of Israel had never seen anything like it before. But we all know the unfortunate outcome of his life. Its how we finish that’s important, not necessarily how we start out.

It is up to us to train ourselves to be diligent and instantly obedient to following the inward anointing. By doing so we will partake of the fruits of obedience which God richly brings forth. May the Lord bless you as you walk in His anointing which is upon you, and within you.

All Nation's Congress-Lagos Nigeria

APOSTOLIC SHIELD BY APOSTLE JONAS CLARK

Stopping Wizards in Prophetic Disguise

Are you ready for apostolic ministry? God's first apostolic team confronted wizards in prophetic disguise in the Book of Acts. Let's get inspired by their apostolic lifestyle.

Barnabas, Saul and John Mark faced false prophets, demonic guards and territorial opposition to their ministry. Barnabas and Saul entered the apostolic dimension when sent from the local church in Antioch around 45 AD. John Mark also accompanied them as an assistant. "And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews and they had also John to their minister" (Acts 13:5).

This is probably the same John Mark that would later author the Gospel of Mark. His mother Mary was a prominent woman in Jerusalem where many believers gathered during Peter's imprisonment by Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:12). John Mark joined Barnabas and Paul after delivering famine relief to those in the Jerusalem church. John's ministry on the team probably included:

• Meeting the personal needs of the team.
• Praying for the team and mission.
• Making travel arrangements.
• Securing food and lodging.
• Perhaps some teaching.

TIMES OF PREPARATION

This was a time of training and ministry development for him. After being sent by the Holy Spirit from the Antioch church Barnabas, the Apostle Paul and John Mark began what is commonly referred to as "Paul's first missionary journey." Actually this was the first apostolic team sent on assignment from the Antioch church. These were the Antioch apostles, they were a team.

The spread of the Gospel had been the result of persecution, but now its advancement is by apostolic design. Apostolic ministry is strategic and impacting. Half of the world's population is gathered in gateway cities. Gateway cities are recognized not only by large population, but their influence in the nation. This standing can be measured in many ways including:

• Commerce
• Travel
• Historic significance
• Cultural and musical influence
• Education
• Politics.

As the Spirit of God continues restoring apostolic ministries the ability to identify gateway cities and important territories will increase. We can expect the Holy Spirit to set up Antioch model governing churches in these places. Apostolic churches are ministries of influence. Apostles are spiritual architects and master builders that carry strong governing authority. This team of Antioch apostles traveled inland to the seacoast town of Seleucia, then sailed on to Barnabas's homeland, Cyprus (Acts 4:36). Cyprus was a bridge for international trade and travel. It was a spiritual hub and would become the home base for Barnabas's ministry (Acts 11:19-20, 15:36-39).

At Salamis, the team preached the word of God first in Jewish synagogues. They established this as a pattern for ministry --preach to the Jews first, but not exclusively (Romans 1:16). This would be impractical for us today and Paul later changed this. "Then the Apostle Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, it was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing you put it from you and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation unto the ends of the earth" (Acts 13:46). Even though Paul and Barnabas stopped taking the Gospel to Jews first does not imply we should restrict evangelism. The Gospel is for all both Jews and Gentiles alike.

WIZARDS IN PROPHETIC CLOTHING

At Cyprus the apostolic team met occult opposition. In Paphos, the capital city of Cyprus, they faced a sorcerer Bar-Jesus. His name translates Son of Salvation. He was a prophetic mystic, false prophet and a Jew.

In Paphos was the great temple to the Goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of Jezebel. False apostles and prophets, religious spirits and the spirit of Jezebel will be the three main demonic powers to oppose the apostolic Church in the last days. Apostolic teams must be prepared to meet these demonic territorial representatives.

Since they are sent ones they have the grace and anointing on their lives that cause these dark territorial rulers to manifest. Apostles are not peacemakers when it comes to spiritual opposition. Apostolic teams are sent by the Holy Spirit as instruments used to challenge demonic strongholds. The objective of spiritual warfare is to remove hindrances to the Gospel. "And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus" (Acts 13:6).Satanic government resides in various territories for the purpose of influencing its leaders. Demonic rulers seek positions of power and influence. The false prophet Bar-Jesus was influencing Sergius Paulus the Roman ruler of the island of Cyprus. Apostolic churches are called to influence their territories and are divinely equipped to hit Satan's leadership hard. Bar-Jesus was about to meet his match.

SELL ME YOUR SECRETS

Facing demonic territorial guards is part of apostolic ministry. When Philip preached in Samaria he too faced opposition from a sorcerer. Simon. "But there was a certain man, called Simon, which earlier in the same city used sorcery and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, this man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because for a longtime he had bewitched them with sorceries" (Acts 8:9-11). Simon accepted the preaching of Philip and joined the ministry team. Philip, however, could not see that spirit still operating in Simon's life. Could it be possible that it takes apostolic anointing to deal with this? "Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen on none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost" (Acts 8:14-19).

Simon was a false prophet who attached himself to Philip's ministry. It's common for evangelists, revivalists and others to have people with selfish ambition latch on to their ministries. Simon's heart was not right and was exposed in the presence of the apostolic team Peter and John. Simon saw something happen when the apostles laid their hands on believers. The people spoke in other tongues and prophesied. Simon pulled out his money, excited, and said, "Sell me your secret! Show me how you did that! How much do you want? Name your price" (Acts 8:18 Message Bible). They were able to see what Philip could not and the Apostle Peter revealed Simon's motives and rebuked him. Apostolic teams will confront these territorial guards.

In many parts of the world false personal prophecy and judgmental cursing given by spirits of divination is causing confusion in the body of Christ by mystifying the purpose of prophetic ministry. Prophetic ministry is not mystical, confusing, ambiguous, self-serving, enchanting or bewitching. If it is, it's not prophecy its sorcery! There are many modern sorcerers that have hijacked the prophetic ministry. The restoration of the apostolic church will bring fearless men who will not tolerate these demonic wizards that some label as God's prophets.

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NEXT LEVEL PROPHETIC MINISTRY TRAINING
WHAT EVERY PROPHET NEEDS TO KNOW

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DEMONIC OBJECTIVES

Apostolic ministry teams are sent into gateway cities to open a way for the Gospel. On the isle of Paphos, Sergius Paulus wanted to hear the word of God and called for Barnabas and Saul. "Elymas (the sorcerer) was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul and desired to hear the word of God" (Acts 13:7).

Elymas was a demonic guard that wished to keep the governor of the Island from hearing the Gospel of Christ. He opposed the apostolic team. "Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith" (Acts 13:8). The Greek word withstood is anthistemi, meaning to set against, withstand, resist and intensely oppose. This reveals Elymas' demonic objectives:

• Guard the territory from Christ' truth.
• Keep the people in spiritual ignorance.
• Influence the governing leadership.
• Oppose Christ' ministers.
• Turn hearts away from Christ and His truth.

Elymas postured himself as a prophetic voice to deceive the people. He was a voice, but a demonic one. Facing one another in fierce opposition were God's apostolic team and Satan's territorial representative. Governing authority verses governing authority. Elymas challenged Barnabas and Saul just as the magicians in Pharaoh's court withstood Moses and Aaron. scri pture describes demonic guards as men that resist truth with corrupt minds and reprobate concerning the faith" (2 Timothy 3:8). scri pture makes clear there are unseen battles raging in the spirit realm for the souls of mankind. Apostolic teams, however, are God's battle-ax to reach a lost and dying world with the truth of the Gospel (Jeremiah 51:20). Apostolic teams...

• Face demonic guards.
• Claim new territories for Christ.
• Restore forgotten truth.
• Preach the resurrection of Christ.
• Impart spiritual gifts (Romans 1:11).
• Demonstrate that the Kingdom of God has arrived.
• Spearhead Gospel operations.
• Equip believers for battle and victorious occupation.
• Get people baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Apostolic leaders are not ignorant of the devil's devices and have been gifted to see beyond the natural and into the spiritual. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12).

Saul dealt with Elymas. Saul, filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on Elymas. Saul was not trying to be a nice statesman for Jesus when dealing with this false prophet. He called Elymas a child of the devil and an enemy of righteousness. This is Holy Ghost boldness and apostolic authority in demonstration. "Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, And said, O full of all subtlety (subtlety means difficult to detect) and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is on thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand" (Acts 13:9-11).

This was a demonstration of the Spirit of God that sent this apostolic team into battle. Demonic government cannot stand against the purpose, power and plan of God.

Paul "set his eyes on Elymas." The Greek word set is atenizo meaning to look steadfastly. The word is taken from the Greek root word teino meaning to stretch. Paul, empowered by the anointing on his life and the will of God locked onto and targeted Elymas resulting in temporary blindness for this false prophet. Paul later declares, "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God" (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). We can always stand fearless in spiritual battle as scri pture declares, "And they went forth and preached everywhere the Lord working with them and confirming the word with signs following" (Mark 16:20).

The Roman deputy, Paulus saw God's apostolic power in manifestation and believed being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. It wasn't just a power demonstration that turned this deceived ruler's heart toward Jesus but the teaching of sound doctrine. The apostolic team made such an impact on Sergius Paulus' life that for two generations his descendants served the Lord. Apostolic teams have lasting fruit and their ministries affect future generations. "Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord" (Acts 13:12).