SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(Matthew 16:18) “And I say also unto thee, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
(Matthew 10:1) "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease."
(Luke 10:19) "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."
(Matthew 18:18-19) (18) "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on Earth, shall be bound in Heaven and whatsoever ye shall loose on Earth, shall be loosed in Heaven." (19) "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on Earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in Heaven."
(Mark 16:17-18) (17) "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;" (18) "They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
PREFACE SUMMARY
Dear reader, it is a profound truth that believers, through the authority bestowed upon them by the Holy Spirit, have the power to transform lives and communities and shape the world. As the scripture reminds us, 'Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world,' a testament to the power we hold over the world, the flesh, and the devil. Let us not underestimate this truth, but rather, let us boldly and courageously exercise this authority.
Let us rejoice in the knowledge that God, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, has set us free from the fear and bondage imposed by the devil. We are now free to live in the liberty and freedom that was purchased for us on the cross. Therefore, let us understand and embrace the truth that Jesus has already triumphed over Satan, and we are now partakers of this victory.
It is important to remember that the word of God teaches us that Jesus has all authority over Satan and his kingdom. As God's people, we share the same authority delegated by the Father to Jesus, as found in Luke's Gospel chapter twenty-two verse twenty nine. (Psalms 22:29) "And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me."
Dearly beloved, we, who make up the church that will triumph over all evil, are the body of Christ on earth. We follow the head, Christ, for the body cannot go in one direction and the head in another. According to the gospel of Matthew, the church should be breaking down the gates of hell and invading the territory of the devil.
Dear Saints of God and fellow peers, we must become a move of God that will wake up the church. Let us be on the offensive, not the defensive, taking back what was stolen from us. Let us, like Paul, stand boldly declaring that “I fought a good fight and finished my course.”
It is not acceptable to end our race here and get to heaven having to watch someone else wear a crown throughout all eternity that should have been ours.
Beloved, we must endure the hardships and finish the race to hear the Lord say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things; enter into the joy of the Lord, and I will make you ruler over many."
In closing, the introduction to this message touches on the power of the believer's authority. I pray that God will use it to open your eyes to the spiritual battle between good and evil that is going on around us and to the part that God has chosen for us to play in it. This will not only deliver us from bondage but also help equip us to help others get free from theirs. So, let us rise and claim the authority given to us as the children of God and make a difference in this world.
"WHAT IS DELEGATED AUTHORITY?"
Delegated authority refers to giving someone else the power or authority to make decisions on your behalf. It is a delegation of responsibility from one person to another. The idea behind delegated authority is to allow individuals to take on tasks they are best equipped to handle, freeing up time and resources for other essential tasks.
This message is about knowing our delegated authority in Christ. I want to begin with an illustration we are all familiar with, such as being in a busy intersection and noticing a policeman holding his hands to stop traffic.
Although The policeman is no match for the 2,000-pound automobile headed his way, the vehicle's driver knows that the policeman represents the law, understanding that he or she has been sworn in as a civil servant and protector of the public in their jurisdiction.
Dear reader, let’s say a trained officer of the law is witness to a crime being committed, and instead of handling the situation, they call up the mayor or the police chief at 3 am and ask them what to do. How long do you think we would be able to keep their job?
The officer has been provided top of the line training from the police academy to handle any given situation that may arise and instead of acting on the authority and training, they freeze in fear allowing the perpetrators to harm themselves and others. The officer has the delegated authority to secure the situation and arrest the perpetrator committing the crime, but in fear they chose to not exercise that authority?
Dear reader, authority can be defined as the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. This power is often granted to individuals by those in higher positions, such as a supervisor, manager, or elected official.
I have just given you an example of a police officer who has the authority to let a lawbreaker go or arrest them because of the power or authority given to them by their Police Chief, who is in the Head Office of the Police Department. This power and authority are granted to the Police Chief by the President and the Constitution of the United States.
Similarly, a manager who has been hired and spent weeks in training has the delegated authority to do the job they have been hired to do, including the authority to make some tough decisions that could affect the future of the company.
Beloved, if they constantly seek guidance from their supervisor instead of making these decisions, their supervisor may start doubting their ability to handle the job and start looking for someone who can use the authority delegated to them. This could lead to a loss of trust, respect, and, ultimately, their position.
It is of utmost importance to understand that authority is not just a position of power but also a position of responsibility. When we are granted authority, we must accept the fact that our actions and decisions affect not only ourselves but also others. We must, therefore, take this responsibility seriously and act accordingly. It is essential to recognize that authority is not just a benefit but also a privilege that comes with an obligation to use wisely and responsibly. This means that we must carefully consider the consequences of our decisions, be accountable for our actions, and ensure that our actions align with our values and ethics. By doing so, we can positively impact the lives of others and, ultimately, make our world a better place to live in.
Beloved, we must also understand that authority is not permanent and know that a manager has delegated authority only while they hold the management position. If they resign, they no longer have the authority to speak as a representative for the company.
Similarly, a policeman with a uniform has authority only as long as they are employed by the city government that hired them. When they are no longer used as a police officer, they must turn in their badge and no longer have recognized authority to perform their duties as an officer of the law.
Delegated authority is a fundamental aspect of our lives that helps to maintain order and structure. It refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. In essence, it is the ability to control or command others, and it is essential to comprehend the significance of authority in our lives.
People in positions of authority may include parents, teachers, bosses, or government officials. They are entrusted with the responsibility to make decisions that can significantly impact others. Therefore, it is crucial to use this power wisely and responsibly.
As individuals, we must be accountable for our actions and decisions and use the authority delegated to us wisely. This means making decisions in the best interest of those affected by our choices. It also means understanding that authority is not permanent and can be removed if we misuse it.
In summary, delegated authority is a vital aspect of our lives that must not be taken lightly. We should recognize the responsibilities that come with it and use it responsibly to make positive changes in our lives and the lives of others.
The scripture in the book of Luke twenty-two informs us that the same delegated authority or power given to Christ has been granted or delegated to the believer, and believers who operate in faith have power through the Holy Spirit to operate in the courts of heaven.
(Matthew 18:18) "Whatsoever we bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven. and whatsoever we lose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.
We can further our study by going to (Proverbs 3:3-6), which speaks of binding mercy and truth about thy neck, which means to tie together. Then, we can study (Isaiah 58:6), where the writer speaks of losing the spirit of wickedness, which means disassembling or breaking apart.
Beloved, the Holy Scriptures are the ultimate authority for Christians, providing guidance and wisdom on living a fulfilling and purposeful life. The Bible offers insight into God's character, His plan for humanity, and how we can have a personal relationship with Him. It is a powerful tool used for centuries to transform lives, bring hope to the hopeless, and comfort those hurting.
"THE BELIEVERS AUTHORITY."
"The Believer's Authority" is a powerful authority that can transform your life. It refers to the authority that every believer has been given through their spiritual identity as sons and daughters of God.
This authority enables believers in Christ to overcome any challenge that comes their way granting them the privilege to live a life of abundance and success. When believers learn how to tap into their spiritual identity, they gain access to a new level of power and confidence to help them achieve your goals and fulfill your dreams.
When we learn how to apply the principles of our delegated authority, we can experience a life of joy, peace, and fulfillment overcoming any obstacle that comes our way by speaking the Word of God with authority and confidence.
We can exercise and use the keys to our faith which grants us access to the courts of heaven where we as sons and daughters of God can walk in divine health, experience financial abundance, and enjoy fulfilling relationships.
Dear reader, Jesus is the doorway to God, and Jesus has already defeated Satan. God’s church shares the same authority as Jesus. (Colossians. 1:18) “And he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
Beloved, we discover in the above verses that Jesus is the head of the body, which is the church, and we, as the church of Jesus Christ, are under the authority of Jesus; therefore, because we have surrendered our life to the lordship of Jesus Christ, we are no longer under the authority or rule of Satan, and because we now live a surrendered life to Christ, we are not under the control of superstitions, curses, and charms.
(Ephesians1:21-23) (21) "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world but also in that which is to come." (22) " And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church," (23) " Which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all."
Dear Saints, although Satan is the god of this world, we are no longer under his authority or control, thanks to the finished work of Christ on the cross. In (Ephesians 1:21), we learn that "all things being put under his feet" refers to the various orders of angels, demons, and powers. Furthermore, in (Ephesians 1:22), we see this is unrelated to church affiliation.
Christ is the risen head of the church, and all its members are subject to him. This means that, as Christians, we can break Satan's hold over us through spiritual warfare by using the name of Jesus. Because we are under new management and leadership, we have been given authority and power. This authority and power are not earthly but rather spiritual in nature.
As believers, we have been delegated the authority and power to cast out demons, heal the sick, and perform other miracles in Jesus' name. By relying on Christ's authority and power, we have a personal, ongoing relationship with him and can overcome any obstacle and break free from Satan's hold.
Ephesians 1st Chapter says that God hath given him (Jesus) to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, and those of us who are part of the body of Christ have been purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. Our authority is delegated to us by the Father, just as it was delegated to Jesus, making him both Lord and Christ, and as the body of Christ, we follow Jesus as our head. The body must move in the same direction as the head, as going in different directions would confuse and weaken the body.
"Dear readers, I want to remind you that God's church is not defeated or powerless. There may indeed be some unbelievers who attend a local church, but when Christ speaks about his body on Earth, he is referring to those who have accepted him as their Lord and Savior. These are the born-again believers who are members of his body."
May we remember that Paul, in this setting, is not talking about the local church or a denomination that we see today; the key to having and exercising spiritual authority in our lives is not head knowledge but heart knowledge, understanding, and knowing the word of God and the Authority of Christ and then applying that knowledge in our everyday lives.
Beloved, the devil believed that he had succeeded in getting rid of the Son of God when Jesus was crucified. However, Jesus had to leave the Earth to ascend to heaven, but not without leaving behind a physical body on this planet. The physical body of Jesus exists today in his church, which is made up of all the believers in Jesus Christ.
It is not Jesus himself who is physically present on the Earth today, but he lives and operates through the members of his church who believe in Jesus as savior and Lord. God desires us to realize that the same authority He placed on Jesus Christ is now walking with and working through us. Beloved, Jesus made the statement in (John 16:7) that he must go away, or the comforter would not come.
Dear reader, to receive something from Jesus during his time on Earth, one had to be in close proximity to him. However, upon studying the scriptures, we come to understand that God is omnipresent, meaning He is present everywhere at all times. His throne resides in Heaven, while His wrath fuels the flames of hell. This is a powerful testament to God's greatness.
Beloved reader, Jesus defeated Satan on the cross, taking the authority or (keys) of death, hell, and the grave out of his hands and placing him under his feet. We find in (Colossians 2:15) that “Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers and made a public example of them, triumphing over them on the cross.”
Jesus came to liberate us from the fear and enslavement caused by the devil. Therefore, as the body of Christ, Satan must now contend with the church, which represents Christ on Earth. Instead of dealing with just one man who performed good deeds and cast out devils, Satan must now confront the collective power of the church.
"When an invading army overruns a city, they take the strong into captivity and enslave them, leaving the weak and elderly behind. To ensure that the conquered city cannot regain its strength, the invaders would often salt their land, making it impossible to grow crops.
Dear reader, Jesus is the doorway to God, and Jesus has already defeated Satan. God’s church shares the same authority as Jesus. (Colossians. 1:18) “And he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
Beloved, we discover in the above verses that Jesus is the head of the body, which is the church, and we, as the church of Jesus Christ, are under the authority of Jesus; therefore, because we have surrendered our life to the lordship of Jesus Christ, we are no longer under the authority or rule of Satan, and because we now live a surrendered life to Christ, we are not under the control of superstitions, curses, and charms.
(Ephesians1:21-23) (21) "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world but also in that which is to come." (22) " And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church," (23) " Which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all."
Dear Saints, although Satan is the god of this world, we are no longer under his authority or control, thanks to the finished work of Christ on the cross. In (Ephesians 1:21), we learn that "all things being put under his feet" refers to the various orders of angels, demons, and powers. Furthermore, in (Ephesians 1:22), we see this is unrelated to church affiliation.
Christ is the risen head of the church, and all its members are subject to him. This means that, as Christians, we can break Satan's hold over us through spiritual warfare by using the name of Jesus. Because we are under new management and leadership, we have been given authority and power. This authority and power are not earthly but rather spiritual in nature.
As believers, we have been delegated the authority and power to cast out demons, heal the sick, and perform other miracles in Jesus' name. By relying on Christ's authority and power, we have a personal, ongoing relationship with him and can overcome any obstacle and break free from Satan's hold.
Ephesians 1st Chapter says that God hath given him (Jesus) to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, and those of us who are part of the body of Christ have been purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. Our authority is delegated to us by the Father, just as it was delegated to Jesus, making him both Lord and Christ, and as the body of Christ, we follow Jesus as our head. The body must move in the same direction as the head, as going in different directions would confuse and weaken the body.
"Dear readers, I want to remind you that God's church is not defeated or powerless. There may indeed be some unbelievers who attend a local church, but when Christ speaks about his body on Earth, he is referring to those who have accepted him as their Lord and Savior. These are the born-again believers who are members of his body."
May we remember that Paul, in this setting, is not talking about the local church or a denomination that we see today; the key to having and exercising spiritual authority in our lives is not head knowledge but heart knowledge, understanding, and knowing the word of God and the Authority of Christ and then applying that knowledge in our everyday lives.
Beloved, the devil believed that he had succeeded in getting rid of the Son of God when Jesus was crucified. However, Jesus had to leave the Earth to ascend to heaven, but not without leaving behind a physical body on this planet. The physical body of Jesus exists today in his church, which is made up of all the believers in Jesus Christ.
It is not Jesus himself who is physically present on the Earth today, but he lives and operates through the members of his church who believe in Jesus as savior and Lord. God desires us to realize that the same authority He placed on Jesus Christ is now walking with and working through us. Beloved, Jesus made the statement in (John 16:7) that he must go away, or the comforter would not come.
Dear reader, to receive something from Jesus during his time on Earth, one had to be in close proximity to him. However, upon studying the scriptures, we come to understand that God is omnipresent, meaning He is present everywhere at all times. His throne resides in Heaven, while His wrath fuels the flames of hell. This is a powerful testament to God's greatness.
Beloved reader, Jesus defeated Satan on the cross, taking the authority or (keys) of death, hell, and the grave out of his hands and placing him under his feet. We find in (Colossians 2:15) that “Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers and made a public example of them, triumphing over them on the cross.”
Jesus came to liberate us from the fear and enslavement caused by the devil. Therefore, as the body of Christ, Satan must now contend with the church, which represents Christ on Earth. Instead of dealing with just one man who performed good deeds and cast out devils, Satan must now confront the collective power of the church.
When an army invades a city, the strong are often taken captive and enslaved, while the weak and elderly are left behind. To prevent the conquered city from regaining strength, the invaders may salt the land, rendering it unfit for farming, and believers that make up the body of Christ on earth, are called to be vigilant and aware of the enemy's tactics. We are like the salt that preserves and protects, preventing the enemy from regrouping and gaining strength.
In closing, it is up to us to stay grounded in our faith and keep our eyes fixed on God to resist the enemy's attacks. We can do this by relying on prayer and supporting and encouraging one another. In this way, we can be a strong and effective force for good in the world, keeping the enemy under our feet and advancing the cause of Christ.
MY CONCLUSION
Dear reader, as believers, we know we are in a spiritual battle against the "accuser of the brethren," who seeks to bring accusations against us before the heavenly courts. However, we can take heart in the fact that we have an advocate in Jesus Christ, who intercedes for us before the Father (1 John 2:1). Through the Holy Spirit, we have access to the throne of grace, where we can receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need
(Hebrews 4:16).
The enemy may hurl us with his accusations, but we stand firm in the unbreakable bond of love between us and God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39). We have the power to capture every thought and bring it into obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), knowing that our victory is assured through Him.
Beloved, let us be emboldened to approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that we have a High Priest who comprehends our weaknesses and empathizes with our struggles (Hebrews 4:15). Let us stand resolute in the truth of God's word, knowing that He who initiated a good work in us will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).
Some of us are called to operate in more than the signs that follow those who believe. God is moving us into a special place for the final clash with the kingdom of darkness now upon us. My prayer is that God will use this message to bring revival to a confused, hurting world. In my closing conclusion, let me state that we, as the body of Christ making up the church here on Earth, must never forget why we are saved.
Beloved, I rejoice in the knowledge that God recognizes those who are His which instills in us a hope that acts as the Anchor of our soul. This hope is especially comforting when we consider that if our earthly bodies were to perish, we have a heavenly abode, not crafted by human hands.
When we abide in Christ and learn how to use the delegated authority granted unto us, we will be ready to be used by God. Like King David said, "Let us look to the hills of the Lord from which cometh our help and strength." He was not speaking about the mountains around him where he could see the campfires of his enemies.
Dear readers, I cherish my walk with God and appreciate that He is interested in me. When He wakes me up around three to pray, I respectfully approach Him. I wear a shirt, wash my face, brush my teeth, and comb my hair before the King of the universe.
I get a Bible from my bookcase, turn on some soft worship music, and place a pillow before my chair where I have carefully placed my Bible. I begin to talk to God, asking Him to guide me into His plan and purpose for my life.
Sometimes, my God is so real to me that when I cut myself a piece of cake, I find myself cutting Him one, too. The Holy Spirit seems excited because God stated in His Word that He would withhold no good thing from us declaring that it is His good pleasure to give us the mysteries of the Kingdom.
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
MY CLOSING PRAYER
Dear Almighty Father, as I come to You today, I am deeply troubled by the persecution, hatred, and unrest that Christians are facing around the globe. It is disheartening to see innocent people being targeted and harmed for their faith.
Lord, I pray that You will intervene in this situation and bring peace, understanding, and compassion to those who are causing harm to others. Lord, help them see the value of diversity and appreciate the unique qualities that each individual brings to the world.
Father, please provide comfort and strength to those who are suffering because of their faith. Give them the courage to stand firm in their beliefs and continue to spread love and kindness in the face of adversity.
Lord, I ask that you stir our hearts to seek true revival, not just in our own lives but in those around us. Let us be beacons of hope and love in a desperately needy world. May this revival break out in every country around the globe so that people from all walks of life can experience your grace and mercy.
Dear Lord, you are the unchanging God, and your word declares that what you were yesterday, you are today and will be tomorrow. I am grateful for your past demonstrations of steadfast love and faithfulness. I pray that this revival will serve as yet another testament to your unwavering presence and guidance. May it be a reminder to us all that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, you are always with us, guiding us towards a brighter future.
I thank you, Father, for hearing my prayer and for your constant presence in my life; I come before your throne, Lord, to pray for my books and social media messages distributed and mailed without charge throughout the inner cities of America and many countries worldwide.
Father, I pray that you assign an angel to each of my books to enlighten those who are seeking a closer walk and a deeper understanding of the truths embedded in your word. I wrote these books and messages under your inspiration and guidance and not for personal gain or recognition.
Dear God, I humbly pray that we can learn from the exemplary practices of the old pulpit masters. They were known to obtain their messages by spending long hours praying, often kneeling with tears in their eyes, and seeking your divine guidance.
Lord, please keep reminding us of their intense concentration and deep spiritual urgency, as they groaned over the texts, feeling the weight of your message in their hearts, and Lord, their sincere prayer was the fuel that warmed their hearts. Their delivery was nothing short of remarkable as the Holy Spirit brought conviction and spiritual awareness of their sin to all in attendance.
Dear Lord, as these consecrated servants spoke with authority, their words came alive, and their messages touched the hearts of the listeners. Lord, I pray that we can emulate these great masters. Lord, may we, too, be moved by your Spirit, and may our messages be delivered with the same passion and authority they displayed.
Lord, please grant us the ability to understand the challenges that those who are lost and in need of your light may be facing; help us provide them with the necessary support and guidance they require. Guide us in our efforts to reach out to them in a way that they can understand and relate to so that they may open their hearts to your love and grace.
Father, we know that we cannot do this alone and ask that you be with us every step. Help us be a light in the darkness, shining your love and grace upon all those in need. Give us the strength to overcome any obstacles or challenges we may face and the patience to continue even when it seems like we are making no progress. Bless our efforts so that your message of hope and love reaches those who need it the most.
Dear Lord, I thank you in prayer for the tender mercy, love, and grace you have bestowed upon us. I am grateful, Lord, for your supreme sacrifice of becoming the substitute for our sins so that we could be reconciled to you and have eternal life. We ask that you help us remember this always and demonstrate to all those around us that we are indeed the body of Christ.
Father, I pray that you help us be shining examples of your love so that others may see your light in us and be drawn to you. Lord, please guide us in times of trouble and remind us that you are always there to help us, even when we cannot see a way out of the darkness. Father, I ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
