The Power of Prayer - RECAP

Last week we finished out our three part series on prayer with a powerful reality:  Our primary calling as Christians is to be present, and active in the kingdom work of God to reach the lost with the life changing gospel message of Jesus Christ.  It is our purpose!

But working against us is the enemy of God, and the enemy of our soul; Satan, and his legion of fallen angels.  He is the god of this age who works to blind the lost to the gospel of the glory of Christ (2 Cor 4:3-4), and the tools of his trade are lies, theft death, and destruction (John 8:8, 10:10).  We also learned that one of the most effective strategies that Satan has is to keep Christians bogged down and enslaved with every sin and problem and issue that he can lure us into. And know this: Satan isn’t interested in keeping you down just to be mean, he wants to immobilize you from your purpose and calling in the kingdom.

This understanding of Satan’s strategy helps us to realize the importance of a strong and faith-filled Christian walk: Our marriages need to be strong, our relationships need to be right, and our walk needs to be spirit-filled so that we can be ready and available for the role that God has for us in His kingdom.  When we become consumed with “our problems” and “our issues” and “our struggles,” we are unavailable for God’s purpose in our lives. We cant run a race with chains tied to our feet.  That’s why the writer of Hebrews wrote:

…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Heb 12:1)

Guys the race isn’t just about running, it isn’t just about getting to heaven;  It is about finishing well, with our glory being the people that will surround us in heaven as we stand in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, for all eternity. 

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy. (1 Thess 2:19-20)

That is why our prayer life is so important:

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ… (2 Cor 10:4-5)

• Praying in the Name of Jesus; according to His nature, His character, and His will.
• Praying in faith; Believing God is who He says He is, and that He will do what He says He will do.
• Praying with authority; based on our position of authority under Jesus Christ
• Praying scripture: The truth and promises of God.
• Having a life of constant, open communication with God, praying always!
• Praying for our unsaved friends and family:  that God would break through and strongholds or arguments to the light of the gospel, and for an open door of opportunity to share Christ.

 So, what’s next in our LevelUpCCW series?  Well now that we’re strengthened by the word of God, and the power of prayer, now we need to look at our gifts and calling, and how God wants to put those gifts and calling to use in His kingdom.

Join us Sunday at 9:30 or 11:30 AM, for the next installment of our LevelUpCCW series: “Engage”

… till the whole world hears,

Pastor Clay