SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(I Peter 5:8) “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
(James 4:7) “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
(Job 1:7) “And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.”
(1 Corinthians 15:55-56) [55] “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” [56] “The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.”
(Hebrews 2:14) “ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.”
PROLOGUE
Have you observed a consistent effort in today's society to remove God from everything that was once treasured? This message underscores the profound importance of acknowledging the incredible power and authority we possess through the name and the blood of Jesus.
It challenges us to face the devil's hardships and encourages us to confront our doubts and fears without fear. We are not merely believers but spiritual warriors, given an important role in the fight against dark forces.
God’s indwelling Spirit empowers us to confront the sources of fear, doubt, and intimidation that the enemy may use to block our spiritual and personal growth.
I believe that is what David was talking about when he made the statement found in Psalm 23:5, where he speaks of God, stating that God prepares a table before him in the presence of his enemies. Spiritually speaking, I think he was referring to our past, our fears, our doubts, our failures, and so on.
This message clearly explains the tactics of an enemy determined to destroy us. One who uses fear to deceive and intimidate, aiming to weaken our faith and prevent us from reaching our full potential and fulfilling God's purpose in our lives.
When we face this challenge directly, we realize that the enemy's power is limited over a Christian who understands how to walk in and assert the authority given to us as the body of Christ on earth.
In summary, I confidently declare that when we realize we are more than conquerors through Christ, we can face our vulnerabilities with assurance and emerge stronger on the other side of the trial.
"THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A LION."
The lion is well known for its impressive appearance and commanding presence, which is why it is often referred to as the "king of the jungle." Its roar and majestic mane symbolize strength, courage, and dominance in the animal kingdom.
Lions demonstrate remarkable patience and stealth as they stalk a herd of prey. They may spend days observing the herd's movements, carefully searching for any signs of weakness among its members.
This includes targeting stragglers or those who are physically impaired, like those with a limp. It's a testament to the lion's strategic approach to picking the most vulnerable prey for a successful hunt.
When the lions decide to charge at the herd, they do so with great speed, targeting the strongest individuals. As they stampede the herd and pursue the strong, they are careful to keep their eyes on those they have already identified as the weak members of the herd.
After creating chaos among the herd, the lions circle back to take their prize from the vulnerable targets they had seen before.
As lions age, they may lose some physical strength and agility, which can impact their ability to lead the pride during hunts. However, older lions still contribute to the pride by offering guidance and wisdom based on their extensive experience.
The older lions maintain their mighty roar, which commands attention throughout the jungle and ensures they stay valuable for their pride's survival. As lions grow older, their physical condition declines, and a clear sign of this decline is the decay that develops in their teeth.
The younger lions use the intimidating presence of the older lions to instill fear in the prey through their mighty and thunderous roars.
This causes the prey to panic and become confused, causing them to unknowingly fall into the ambush of the physically stronger younger lions waiting nearby.
How often have we tried to avoid trouble, only to find that our efforts to escape it have unintentionally led us into even worse situations?
If the prey had chosen to run toward the old lion instead of the younger ones, the old lion, despite having a mighty roar, wouldn't have been able to cause harm because of his weakened teeth and reduced strength compared to the younger lions.
As stated in 1 Peter 5:8, the Apostle Peter warns us about the devil, describing him as a "roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." Peter emphasizes that the devil is portrayed as a roaring lion, not a strong one, but as an older lion who lacks the strength of younger lions.
The devil's power isn't as frightening as it appears. After his defeat at Calvary, the devil's strength is only in his roar. If we face the devil courageously, claiming the victory of the cross and not being afraid of his roar, we can be confident of victory over him.
His power is limited, and our confidence in God's victory is our shield. This reassurance of Jesus' triumph over the devil fills us with hope and strengthens our determination in spiritual warfare.
Understanding spiritual warfare deeply is crucial to walking in victory. It's not enough to know that we're in a battle; we must understand the enemy's strategies and tactics.
Putting on the whole armor of God involves embracing spiritual strength and protection. Confronting our fears directly means acknowledging and dealing with them head-on.
It's essential to recognize that Jesus has already defeated and overthrown the powers of darkness. We must also learn to stand firm in the victory already achieved and actively resist the devil.
A young boy decided to play a prank on his friend. He caught a large bumblebee and carefully removed its powerful stinger. The bumblebee is known for its distinctive yellow back, large wings, and formidable stinger, which allows it to drill holes in wood.
The boy then put the bee into his friend's clothes, causing him to panic and run as he tried to remove his clothes to avoid being stung. The boy then caught up to his friend and reassured him that the bee couldn't hurt him because he had taken out its stinger. The illustration of the bumblebee powerfully symbolizes the importance of Jesus' actions for his church.
This victory is expressed in (1 Corinthians 15:55), which asks, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” The power of sin is found in the sting of death, and the authority or strength held by sin is derived from the law. (Hebrews 2:14)
Christ, through his death, destroyed the one who had power over death, identifying him as the devil. This is a powerful testament to the triumph of good over evil and the role Jesus played in overcoming the forces of darkness.
"IDENTIFYING OUR FEARS."
It is essential to acknowledge that throughout history, the enemy's strategy has been to sow division and create discord. As we explore the history of the church, we see that persecution of the saints has consistently led to a mighty spiritual revival.
Reflecting on the story of God's intervention through Moses to free his people, we see that Moses needed years of preparation to face a determined leader who refused to release the Israelites.
Upon Moses's return, the ruler's harsh actions unintentionally brought the people together despite his intentions. This serves as a potent reminder that even in tough times, God's people can grow stronger and find unity through their shared faith and perseverance.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did you notice that the government seemed to enforce different standards on activist groups compared to houses of worship?
The truth is, world governments are working to establish a global order. They have been planning for years how to create divisions and instill enough fear among their citizens so that they voluntarily give up their rights in the name of safety, without realizing they are being manipulated into submission.
Just like the Lions who stampeded the strong to reevaluate and conquer the weak, the word of God tells us that a house divided against itself cannot stand, and Satan's primary strategy has always been to divide and conquer.
I have seen God perform incredible miracles, and I believe that if pastors had spent more time with God and remained steadfast in their faith, we would be witnessing extraordinary acts of God just like in the days of the Bible.
The question we should ask ourselves is this: Should we fear the men and women in government who have been bribed and some of whom have been blackmailed, or should we fear God, who can make physical laws submit to spiritual laws?
In a way similar to the biblical story of Daniel, people tried to undermine him by attacking his faith in God. During the 1960s, a notable event occurred when newspapers ran a headline declaring "God is Dead." This led a songwriter to create a powerful song asking, "If God is dead, who is this living in my soul?"
The Beatles, arriving from London, released the song "We All Live in a Yellow Submarine," which was seen as a reference to the experience of taking psychedelic drugs.
Hollywood began producing films that featured explicit content, challenging traditional family and moral values. These films were distributed not only across America but also broadcast internationally.
Benjamin Franklin, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, believed that a supreme being played a significant role in the founding of the United States. He stressed the importance of remembering and honoring this influential figure.
The feeling of fear caused by Satan's influence and darkness should motivate us to turn to the Lord and align with His divine plans, prompting us to act.
The scriptures mention that one person can chase a thousand, and two can chase ten thousand. They also tell us that during Christ's one-thousand-year reign on earth, it will only take one Angel of God to bind the prince of the world and cast him into a bottomless pit.
In summary, our problems are towering mountains of challenges or opportunities for growth and transformation. When we pray, we have the chance to express the immense power and majesty of our God, and view fear as a chance for personal growth and resilience, using these experiences to strengthen our faith in God's love, authority, and divine protection.
MY CONCLUSION
God actively brings together individuals who have endured tumultuous trials and tribulations yet have emerged with unwavering strength and resilience.
Despite their qualifications and readiness for battle, these warriors have had to fight for every inch of ground because of past mistakes and setbacks. Still, their confidence and determination remain strong, a testament to their resilience and unwavering faith.
Their journey through God’s school of grace has earned them their degrees in knowledge and strengthened their spirit; it is a testament to their resilience and unwavering faith, a quality that inspires admiration in all who hear their story.
The 'Forgotten Church of the Hedge' is a group of warriors, regardless of their background or past social status. They will play a key role in the final effort to rescue as many people as possible from Satan's rebellion.
Often unrecognized by society, these chosen people are selected during the final days of the end-time battle against the kingdom of darkness to participate in spiritual warfare, lead worship, and guide the clergy during this crucial period that will bring about the second coming of our Lord and Savior to claim His church.
The divine validation of their mission serves as strong proof of their worthiness and significance in the fight against evil. It is a calling that infuses their work with a sense of divine purpose, making their efforts even more meaningful.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the Forgotten Church of the Hedge is approaching, and each member has dedicated countless hours, days, and years to sharpening their skills and preparing for upcoming challenges. Their dedication and effort have not gone unnoticed. In His infinite wisdom, the Spirit of God has acknowledged and selected them for this crucial mission.
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
