The Kingdom of God Confronts the Kingdom of Darkness

Ephesians, The Church Confronts the Powers of Darkness

Believers today are hungering for a vibrant faith that has the passion, joy, authority and power they see in scripture. Ephesians is rich with teachings that lay out this overcoming life, which every believer is entitled to.

There is a great deal more to Ephesians than the Armor of God. This series will be a combination of an examination of the letter to the Ephesian believers and a study of the Spiritual Warfare elements which are part of the context and fabric of life of these believers.

Several translations of the Bible will be used as well as multiple Bible software tools and books. A variety of web sites, written articles and other sources will also be referred to.

Why not get started today by quickly reading the letter to the believers in Ephesus in your favorite translation.

Artwork above : Michael Overwhelming the Demon, by Raphael

Although academic in nature the following book is excellent.

Ephesians Power and Magic by Clinton Arnold"Power and Magic is one of those few books which literally cannot be ignored by any serious bible student. In fact, it makes the classical commentaries on Ephesians that I am familiar with virtually obsolete.
Clinton Arnold has done us all a great favor by throwing vital new light on our understanding of what really motivated the Apostle Paul to write one of his most important epistles." Peter Wagner, Fuller Theological Seminary

For more info please go to http://equipperstoolbox.blogspot.com/

Hayford's Bible Handbook,by Jack Hayford is a more comprehensive Bible Study tool and another great resource for this study.

This first-of-its-kind Bible handbook offers charismatic and Pentecostal Christians a major reference tool that provides easy access to a wealth of biblical and practical information. With an informative Survey (with Kingdom Life Insights(tm)) for each book of the Bible, the unique Spirit-Filled Life(tm) Encyclopedic Dictionary, the Visual Survey of the Bible, and Kingdom Keys for applying the principles of the Spirit-filled life, Hayford's Bible Handbook will enrich Bible study and help readers discover practical insight into living their faith.
http://www.nelsonministryservices.com/nms/product_detail.asp?sku=1418502154

Global Initiatives Foundation

This Weeks's Featured Ministry is
The Global Initiatives Foundation.

I am excited to spotlight this awesome ministry:

Global Initiatives Foundation is a pioneering organization - paving new ground for God's Kingdom agendas - catalysts for change in a time of growing discontinuities.

Global Initiatives Foundation was established by Morris and Carol Ruddick to serve, encourage, build up and develop strategy for believers globally at the forefront of God's marketplace agendas and faith-based initiatives programs, as well as serving as ambassadors of God's light and truth in arenas where God's light is dim.We invite you to explore our site to discover more about our ministry.

GOD'S ECONOMY, ISRAEL AND THE NATIONSBY MORRIS E. RUDDICK

God's economy operates against all odds - not an option in lands of persecution and distress or in today's post-9/11 environment. The biblical roots linking business and ministry are releasing Kingdom-building initiatives.

Book Summary
Genesis 26 describes the dynamic of God's economy. It says: "there was famine in the land and the Lord appeared to Isaac and said, 'Dwell in this land and I will be with you and will bless you and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father.'" God's economy operates against all odds, which is not an option for those living in lands of persecution and distress and it is emerging as a chief strategy for operating a business or ministry in this post-9/11 environment.God's economy is based on God's Kingdom rule and embraces not only the realities of God's spiritual riches, but the community (social) and economic riches outlined throughout the Word of God. It is the reemergence of the ancient biblical principles of entrepreneurship, business and Kingdom wealth.

THE JOSEPH-DANIEL CALLINGBY MORRIS E. RUDDICK

Modern-day Josephs and Daniels will serve strategically as instruments of God's purpose in secular positions of influence within seats of power of this world. This book addresses the dynamics of this calling, God's economy, and the preparation, character, and challenges of these uniquely called Josephs and Daniels.

Book Summary
In the face of political instabilities, economic reversals, fear, and uncertainty, Kingdom opportunities not obvious to the world are quietly on the rise. These Kingdom agendas reflect an interlinking of secular enterprises with overriding ministry objectives.What is emerging is a move of God in the marketplace that will parallel the rise of the parachurch ministry movement of the early fifties. At the forefront of this movement is a group of men and women of God called in the same way as Joseph and Daniel of the Bible. Modern-day Josephs and Daniels will serve strategically as instruments of God’s purpose in secular positions of influence within seats of power of this world. This book addresses the dynamics of this calling, God’s economy, and the preparation, character, and challenges of these uniquely called Josephs and Daniels. Among other agendas, they will be facilitators of the release of the wealth of the wicked into Kingdom initiatives.

Author Profile
MORRIS E. RUDDICK is a business executive, consultant, entrepreneur, missionary, intercessor, conference speaker, board member, and writer. He is at the forefront of mobilizing a unique group of anointed marketplace leaders, referred to as modern-day Josephs and Daniels. As head of a market planning consulting firm serving an array of clients from Fortune 500 firms to respected ministries, his expertise includes business planning, forecasting emerging markets, developing business strategies, funding initiatives, modeling entrepreneurial bypass strategies, and applying principles of biblically based businesses. He was chief architect in two successful corporate turnarounds. His ministry activities target strengthening the brethren in locales ranging from Afghanistan to Israel. But the foundation of both his business and ministry activities is his role in leading a global intercession ministry known as SIGN (Strategic Intercession Global Network), which has as its purpose targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis.Please click the link below for more information.http://strategic-initiatives.org/

Submit to God and Be at Peace With Him

Job 22:21-30 "Submit to God and be at peace with Him; in this way prosperity will come to you. 22 Accept instruction from his mouthand lay up his words in your heart. 23 If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored: If you remove wickedness far from your tent 24 and assign your nuggets to the dust, your gold of Ophir to the rocks in the ravines, 25 then the Almighty will be your gold, the choicest silver for you. 26 Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God. 27 You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. 28 What you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways. 29 When men are brought low and you say, 'Lift them up!'then he will save the downcast. 30 He will deliver even one who is not innocent, who will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands." NIV

ARTWORK: Guide My Spirit O Lord http://www.majesticartworks.com/ID21guide.htm

The Journey from Success to Significance

I would like to recommend this small book and this quote from Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/140410111X/104-1431762-5275119?v=glance&n=283155 Best-selling author and nationally renowned motivational speaker John Maxwell looks beyond a worldly view of what matters to find a deeper call and a greater purpose in life. Stripping away the myths of success touted by our culture, he boldly and confidently asserts that true significance is only found by living in relationship with God and by using one's energy and influence to pass along God's love to others. Written in Maxwell's straightforward style punctuated with engaging stories and anecdotes, The Journey from Success to Significance is right on target.

Thanks Jesus!

Thank you Jesus for your provision! We delight in your presence, your majesty and grace!

The Power to See, Understand or Perceive Correctly (revised)

What’s Your World View?
Maybe that is a question you never thought about or even realized was a question. Our world view is the set of lenses through which we comprehend the world in which we live and move and have our being.

Acts 17:28
8' For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' NIV

It used be said that there were three types of world views;
The Eastern world view
The Western world view
The Biblical world view

These were defined as follows:
The Eastern world view was understood to be that world view that included the spiritual world as a part of every day life. This view would also be seen as spiritualistic as it understood the spirit world to be involved in every aspect of life. Some would say that it was superstitious or filled with myth and legend.

The Western world view was thought to be the world view that embraced knowledge and the scientific method. This world view had eliminated the need for spirits and superstitions. This was the world we could measure and understand with our five senses.

The Biblical World view is the correct understanding of the world in which we live and move and have our being. It comprehends both the spirit world and the world of our senses revealed by the One true God who created it and all that exist. It understands the proper order and nature of all that exist.

You may be wondering why the first two world views are wrong and the third one correct. The answer is that those people who see things according to the first two have had there understanding darkened by sin which in turn has separated them from God.

Rom 1:18-23
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. NASU

Those people with the Biblical world view have accepted Christ and the mind of Christ. Their understanding is no longer foolish or darkened.

1 Cor 2:14-3:1
14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: 16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ. NIV

Col 1:12-14
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. NIV

We who have received Christ as our savior or Messiah no longer have our minds darkened and therefore may begin to understand the true order and workings of God’s creations, both natural and spiritual. It is His light and His Spirit that brings us into all truth and allows us to see as he sees this world in which we live and move and have our being!

This is a primary teaching on the road to understanding the spiritual realm and in exercising our authority as people of the Way, as believers are called in Acts before they were called Christians or followers of Christ.
Note: In recent history 'the way' was indeed a sect or group of people who have used this Biblical term in an unhealthy manner, and who have not accepted a complete understanding of Biblical Christianity.

Acts 24:14-16
14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. NIV
Acts 11:26
The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. NIV
Artwork "Alpha & Omega." On page three at the link below.
http://www.allposters.com/gallery.asp?aid=1592821654&c=c&search=14071

The Jesus Connection

The Jesus Connection gives us the Power to Turn the World Upside Down

When we examine the New Testament we find a world very much like our own. There was a mixture of cultures, values, religions and beliefs. The demonic spirits which had lied to each culture were at war to gain dominance as the peoples of the world mixed with each other.

Demonic principalities and powers did all they could to stop the spread of the Good News. The demonic powers used fear, magic, politics and racial hatred to stop the Gospel and all who were apart of the Way. (John 14:6) Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me

When we study the NT we also find the wisdom of God and the Holy Spirit’s power allowed the believers in the Early Church to transform their world despite all of these elements which were aligned against them and the Good News they carried. It is obvious that the Gospel or Good News which Jesus brought engaged every level of society, culture and spirituality. Many see the message of Jesus as a weak and useless outdated philosophy; others see it as a threat to their chosen path, beliefs or culture. It is however God’s Good News to all people groups and has the power to transform lives, families, and nations!

Word Study Note: When you look up the word power in a concordance you will find that it occurs 250 times in NT

UNDERSTANDING THE SETTING
We can see the priority Jesus gave the receiving of the Holy Spirits power which would be necessary if the believers were to continue ‘to do and teach all that Jesus began to do and teach, Acts 1:1-8.’ To gain a good comprehension of the world into which the Gospel (Good News) came after the death and resurrection of Jesus we can read Romans 1:1-32. We also see that for the Jew who rejected Jesus as the Messiah, Christians or the people of the Way, were seen as turning their world upside down, Acts 17:1-10. The Gospel was Good news for all who would believe, but for those who made their living from the demonically inspired religions of the day it caused a great disturbance, Acts 19:1-20:1!
It is important that you read the entire Biblical text referenced so I have provided links to online Bible sites. http://www.biblegateway.com

You Shall Receive Power
Acts 1:1-8 There are two related and key truths in this passage.
7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." NIV
Mankind takes a rebellious path from which the Gospel alone has the power to deliver.

Power for Those Who Believe
Rom 1:1-32
16 I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." NIV

Power to Turn the World Upside Down
Acts 17:1-10
6: These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; KJV
The Gospel (the Way of Christ) causes a great disturbance to the world’s way of thinking and doing things!

Power to Cause a Great Disturbance
Acts 19:1-20:1
23 About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. NIV

No where in the NT is this battle more clear than in area known as Asia Minor
It was a land bridge between Asia and Europe which was often the battle ground for those seeking to impose their way. politically, spiritually or morally on others.

"A peninsula, also called Anatolia, situated in the extreme western part of the continent of Asia. Asia Minor was bounded on the north by the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles; the Aegean Sea on the west; and Syria and the Mediterranean Sea on the south.
Roughly identical with the modern nation of Turkey, Asia Minor was a high plateau crossed by mountains, especially the Taurus Mountains near the southern coast. In the New Testament, the term Asia is ambiguous, sometimes referring to the peninsula of Asia Minor as a whole (Acts 19:26-27), but more often referring to proconsular Asia, situated in the western part of the peninsula (Acts 2:9; 6:9). The writer of Acts appears to use the term Asia to describe the region of the province of Asia around Ephesus. He refers to other regions of the province as Phrygia and Mysia (Acts 2:9-10; 16:6-7). "(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Truths with Power
In this study we will learn the powerful truths that are provided in Galatians, Ephesians, and Colossians to help us win our battles against evil and turn or world upside down. We will also learn what magic is, who the powers are, and why is it important for us to know about them? What is Spiritual Warfare, is it important in scripture, do we all need to fight spiritual battles, what are our weapons, and from whom do we have authority to win any spiritual battle?

Check back each week for the next article in this study. Or if your in the Denver area, hear it in person on Sunday Mornings 9:15 a.m. at Calvary Temple on University Blvd in the
' Connections Class'. Ministry Center room 1.

Artwork by Manifold Majesty by William hallmark at http://www.majesticartworks.com/GB%20228.htm

Dying to Self by Ray Beeson

The brief article below comes from Ray Beeson at
Overcomers Ministries http://www.overcomersministries.org/

Dying to Self
It’s an ancient term—forgotten, neglected, and even annoying to some. At the same time it is one of the most valuable truths in Scripture when understood properly.

An unknown writer penned the idea well:
1. When you are forgotten or neglected or purposely set at naught, and you don’t sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, that is dying to self.
2. When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advise disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving silence, that is dying to self.
3. When you are content with any food, any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God, that is dying to self.
4. When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or record your own good works, or itch after commendation, when you truly love to be unknown, that is dying to self.
5. When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy or question God, though your own needs are far greater and you are in desperate circumstances, that is dying to self.
6. When you can receive correction and reproof from someone of less stature than yourself, and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no resentment or rebellion rising up in your heart, that is dying to self.

Just a Thought,

Ray Beeson
Overcomers Ministries
7357 Wolverine St.
Ventura, CA 93003

Ray's Ministry Schedule is below and check out his site for other great resources!
http://www.overcomersministries.org/

Ministry Schedule:
June 4: Valley Community Four Square Church. Santa Paula, CA Morning and Evening.
June 11-14: Calvary Christian Center. Hanford, CA. Prayer Conference.
June 18-21: Church of the Nazarene. Newberg, OR. Prayer Conference.
June 25: Rogue Valley Fellowship. Medford, OR. Morning Only.
June 28: Bethel Church. Medford, OR. Wednesday evening only.
July 2-5: Church of the Nazarene. Hood River, OR. Prayer conference.

Artwork: It is Finished by William Hallmark http://www.majesticartworks.com/detail.aspx?ID=2597

To Mend and Bring to Maturity

There is a great deal of conversation and commotion in the Body of Christ today about the reality of having Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors and Teachers as described in
Ephesians 4:11-13.

Some say these gifts do not all function today while others believe they are still functioning in the church today but under different names. You’re Wineskin (church government and structure) along with the point in history and context of the birth of your fellowship, or church group will greatly determine how you understand the meaning and function of these gifts.

It is not my objective to argue this point today. Instead, I would like to look at the purpose or responsibility of these 'gifts to the church' and all who are called into the leadership of God's people. These verses when examined in a variety of translations and the Greek in which it was originally written help us to understand that 'the gifts' God has given have the responsibility to 'Equip believers to do the work of the ministry(taking the good news to others outside of the church) and to build up the believers and bring them into a place of full maturity.'

When we examine the words and their meaning in context we see that a part of this equipping is the mending or making whole of individual believer.

We also see that another part of being equipped, is to be properly fit (taking ones proper and unique place) into the body of Christ according to the individual’s, gifts, skills, maturity and experience.

The death and resurrection of Jesus was designed to make us whole and make maturity in Him possible

Artwork, The Road to the Cross by Graham Braddock
http://www.christian-artprints.com/

Jesus is The Way at Turning Points

We often encounter turning points in life. When we come to these turning points we are tempted to waver or we have our faith and hope challenged.
In the Old Testament when the people of God encountered overwhelming enemies or situations where their faith and hope were challenged there is a consistent pattern of victory in these times and a pattern that leads to defeat.
The pattern for victory includes calling out to God while humbling oneself and even calling the nation to times of fasting and humbling themselves before God.
Those who did so out of an honest and contrite or repentant heart received the victory. They were given God’s solution or plan. Within this victory or plan there are two key elements; God timing and God’s strategy.
When we come to such turning points or crises in our lives these principles work for us today. We must humble ourselves and call out to God. When we do, we can expect him to bring us the answer we need by His strategy and in His time.
Queen Ester’s story is one example of following this pattern to victory.King Saul on the other hand did not follow this pattern, but took things into his own hands and lost not only the battle but his kingdom. Today, if you are at a turning point, humble yourself (fasting is a way to do that), call out to God and He will hear your voice and give you the victory with His strategy and His timing! Picture by Graham Braddock's Christian art works.
The artwork, featured above is Manifold Majesty by Graham Braddock
http://christian-art.biz/