Why do I love the information below? Mainly because God is using it and many other bible passages, along with friends to remind of the bigger picture of ministry. Lately, I feel like I have been in a fight that just wont come to an end. Things are difficult, I am tired, frustrated at times. I have wanted to give up, act out in the flesh and just lash out at others. " God's purposes will prevail and the kingdom of hell will not prevail" is what I keep telling myself. It seem right at the moment me and a co laborer of mine began a bible study in the projects, excuse me, but, all hell has begin to break lose. Slander, rejection, manipulation is on a rampant. The Big picture is that there is someone who wants to throw us off course, yet, there is a God who wants to reveal Himself, my heart and advance His kingdom. I am learning so much. My prayer lately has been that God would use my life in the midst of persecution and rejection to, honor Christ, give His church continuous boldness to preach the Gospel no matter what and that God will continue to advance his kingdom. Below is John Piper's Handbook of Enemy Strategies:
A wartime mindset must include shrewd knowledge of enemy tactics: Ephesians 5:11, "Take no part in unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."
Christianity stands or falls with the reality of Satan and demons. Why? Because Jesus spent his whole ministry fighting them. If they are not real he is reduced to a comic figure.
What is Satan's aim and his strategies?
- He is the Father of lies. John 8:44
His nature is falsehood! He only speaks the truth in order to deceive.
- Therefore, his chief enemy is truth - he opposes God's word. Genesis 3:1-5
- He casts doubt on God's goodness. Genesis 3:1-5
He destroys the obedience of faith.
- He hinders missions strategy. 1 Thess. 2:18
He opposes the truth reaching and converting people.
- He distorts and prevents effective Gospel ministry. Acts 13:8-9
- He avoids inner need by removing external trouble. 1 John 3:12
- He uses the fear of death to hold men in bondage. Hebrews 2:15
The fear of death doesn't lead them to God because it leads them to get as many kicks here as possible.
- He causes people to stumble over bad Christian attitudes. 2 Tim. 2:24-26
- He blinds the minds of unbelievers. 2 Cor. 4:4
- He exploits a lack of understanding. Mt. 13:19
- He suggests ways that don't involve suffering. Mt. 16:23; Mt. 4:1-11
- He imitates religious roles. 2 Cor. 11:14-15; Mt.13:28,30; Rev. 2:9
- He misuses Scripture. Mt. 4:6
- He imitates signs and wonders. 2 Thess. 2:9; Mk. 13:22
- He offers exotic occult alternatives. Rev. 2:19-24
- He attacks faith. 1 Thess. 3:5; 2 Cor. 11:3
- He brings persecution. Rev. 2:9; 1 Pt. 5:8; Lk. 22:31
- He brings sickness. Job 1:11; 2:5; Lk. 13:16.
- He causes dissension over doctrine and causes rifts. Rom. 16:17-20
- He tempts saints with sexual allurements. 1 Cor. 7:5; 1 Tim. 5:15
- He takes advantage of unresolved anger. 2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 4:27
- He promotes pride. 1 Tim. 3:6