Spiritual Warfare - Thought Control!

Slide # 1

The battle field of our mind!

(Note: This sermon was one of the most impacting, insightful and helpful I have written, and resulted in much fruit for the Kingdom - restored relationships, dedication to God, repentance and holiness! Please excuse the New Zealand application :-)

Did anyone else read this morning about the Terrorist attacks planned against NZ?

Apparently, Jihad – full open warfare - has been openly declared against New Zealand.

Allied forces have infiltrated one enemy stronghold and released documents that show the full extent of the threat.

One particular item that should make each one of us here today ‘sit up and take notice’, is the terrorist statement that they are:

‘especially targeting the ‘Infidel born again Christians’ of this country whose nation was founded upon Christian principles of abomination!’

However, like the terrorist warfare of late, the plans of the enemy are not what we would expect.

Gone are the days when armed warheads and marching troops are the foundation of warfare.

The plans of this 21st century warfare are a lot more subtle and damaging than traditional ‘hand to hand’ combat.

The outline of this terrorist plan of attack – are more along these lines:

· They already have in place personal to infiltrate central government and local body elections.

· They already have set in place policies and procedures that will undermine the foundational structures of this society – family and marriage.

· Propaganda is their number one line of attack – you may even have seen a recent documentary of ‘terrorist bloopers’ where they video ‘botched’ assassinations and torture – turning it into humorous videos that are freely available on the net.

· And last but not least – their number one line of attack and fury – is leveled at the established churches of New Zealand.

Even within Te Atatu Peninsula!

This is like nothing we have seen before, and it’s time for each of us to ‘wake-up’, shake off our apathy, and prepare for battle.

Because – whether we like it or not,

…despite how inconvenient it is to our life styles – we are now in a battle – for our lives and the lives of our loved ones!

If you don’t think this is the case,

…then you are amongst the most vulnerable and at-risk of all!

Today I will uncover several of the tactics of the enemy,

…and apply them directly to your life,

… and help you understand the steps you must take to protect both yourself, your family – against attack and annihilation!

I am even going to help you identify – how to discern and recognize the propaganda and lies that the enemy tries to destroy us with.

In fact – I want to read to you – the exact words I came across this morning, that has prompted me to bring you this warning and this message.

You need to listen carefully – because your life literally hangs in the balance with these words!

Actually – before I do – I want to clarify something first – and make it very clear.

In case you haven’t realized, I am not talking about Jihad or terrorism that comes from Iraq or Iran.

What we are discussing today is not the threat from extremist Muslim militants.

It is something far, far worse than that!

What we are discussing this morning makes these people look like ‘kittens wrapped up in Candy Floss’.

The terrorism we will uncover this morning is far more dangerous and real –

…than a bunch of fanatics who are enjoying the limelight of world media and politics.

The threat we are talking about is so dangerous and malicious,

…so clever and deceptive, that even George Bush in Washington DC, even Tony Blair and Helen Clark –

…have failed to uncover, or discover the extent of their destructive actions throughout the entire world as we know it today!

This truly is the ‘silent enemy’ behind all enemies.

Slide # 2

Let’s turn in our Bibles to Ephesians chapter 6.

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 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.

I want you to know that we can trust God’s Word.

What the Bible has to say, its promises and concepts – are true!

It is a Rock we can build our lives upon!

Before we ‘unwrap’ this passage of Scripture, we need to understand it in the context of 2nd Corinthians 2:11.

Slide # 3