Those Who Are With Us Are More Than Those Who Are With Our Enemy

THOSE WHO ARE WITH US ARE MORE THAN THOSE WHO ARE WITH OUR ENEMY

2 KINGS 6: 8 Now the king of Aram (Syrian) was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.” 9 The man of God (Elisha) sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” 10 So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. 11 This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” 12 “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” 13 “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” 14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. 16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 18 As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike this army with blindness.” So God struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.

INTRO: THOSE WHO ARE WITH US ARE MORE THAN THOSE WHO ARE WITH THEM.

We Welcome You All Tonight To This Crossing Over Into 2019. Illustration: The 1st War Against Iraq & Saddam Hussein Sometimes Codenamed “Operation Desert Shield, Persian Gulf War, 1st Gulf War, Kuwait War, 1st Iraq War” came about because Iraq invaded and occupied Kuwait in August 1990. It was met with international condemnation and in January of 1991 lead to a counter-attack by America (under Pres. George H. W. Bush) and 35 allied nations in defense of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The 2nd Iraq War Codenamed “Operation Iraqi Freedom” was launched by America against Iraq in March of 2003 under 2nd Pres. George W. Bush because it was believed that Iraq had Weapons of Mass Destruction. It was 21 days of major combat operations with combined troops from America, England, Australia & Poland. The interesting note here is that Saddam Hussein threatened that if America attacked Iraq, it would be the “Mother Of All Battles.”

But Saddam Hussein Was Wrong. A Scripture that describes the "Mother of All Battles" is Ephesians 6:12: "For our struggle is not against flesh & blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world & against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This is everyone’s battle – for our very soul. As we leave 2018 to enter into 2019, Satan’s warfare against us will intensify, not cease. The devil & his demons move with and await us in 2019.

1. John 10:10: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

2. 1 Peter 5:8-9: Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.

3. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

4. James 4:7: Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

5. 1 John 4:4: You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater…

6. Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me," declares the Lord."

7. Zechariah 4:6: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts.