Spiritual Conflict - 1

 How Conflict Began The Pre-Adamic Period Part 1 A 00:01

The Nature of Conflict in Life 00:06

"Life is full of conflict, struggle, and war."

• The speaker reflects on the inherent conflict present in life, acknowledging that many people come to accept war, struggle, and contention as normal.

• This acceptance raises important questions regarding the reasons behind such conflict: why is it considered ordinary when it might be viewed as something that should be abnormal?

• The speaker has spent years contemplating these questions, seeking answers through meditation, prayer, and Scripture.

Spiritual Warfare as a Normal Aspect of Christian Living 01:20

"Conflict and warfare are a regular, normal part of Christian living."

• Upon examining the New Testament, the speaker notes that conflict and spiritual warfare are depicted as inevitable for all Christians, not just a select few.

• The concept of Christians engaging in warfare is emphasized, suggesting that believers should take an offensive stance against spiritual adversaries rather than merely defending against them.

• The First Timothy passage is highlighted as Paul instructs Timothy to "war a good warfare," further affirming the notion that being a Christian involves active engagement in spiritual battles.

Scripture References Supporting the Idea of Warfare 04:02

"The New Testament does not place the Christian on the defensive, but on the offensive."

• The speaker provides various scriptural references to illustrate that Christians are to view their lives through the lens of military engagement.

• In passages from 2 Timothy and Ephesians, the responsibilities of soldiers and the nature of spiritual struggle are explored, reinforcing the view that believers must operate actively and competitively in their faith.

• The speaker effectively contrasts the life of a soldier with that of a civilian, underscoring the special calling and challenges that accompany the Christian journey.

God's Role as a Military Commander 08:40

"The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is His name."

• A reference to the Old Testament demonstrates how God is characterized as a military commander, reinforcing the notion of spiritual warfare.

• The speaker cites instances from Jewish history, such as the defeat of the Egyptian army during the Exodus, portraying God as a figure who achieves total victory over enemies.

• This depiction of God as a warrior serves to illustrate the broader narrative of conflict within the Christian faith, encapsulating themes of divine intervention and triumph.

The Captain of the Lord's Hosts 11:14

"Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy."

• This excerpt discusses an encounter between Joshua and a divine figure, who identifies Himself as the "captain of the army of the Lord." This moment highlights a significant realization for Joshua, as he shows reverence by falling on his face and worshiping. The instruction to remove his shoes emphasizes the holiness of the location, indicating that Joshua is in the presence of a divine authority.

Manifestations of God as a Military Commander 11:31

"I have no question in my own mind that this is the One that was manifested in human history as Jesus of Nazareth, the Eternal Son of God."

• The speaker suggests that the figure encountered by Joshua is likely Jesus, presented here as a military commander with a drawn sword. This reinforces the concept that God is involved in warfare, reflecting the military aspects found throughout Scripture. The speaker articulates a view of God that exists beyond the gentle, nurturing image often associated with Him, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of divinity.

Biblical Military Imagery 12:16

"Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle."

• The text connects the military portrayal of God to Psalm 24, emphasizing His strength and capability in battle. This connection draws on historical military experiences to illustrate God's mightiness. The recounting of the British 8th Army's retreat and subsequent victory at El Alamein serves as a modern historical parallel, exemplifying how divine intervention and leadership can influence the outcome of a conflict.

Rebellion as the Root Cause of Conflict 17:48

"The root cause of all unrest, conflict, war, can be summed up in one single word—and that word is rebellion."

• The speaker addresses the nature of conflict, positing that rebellion against God's moral governance is the underlying cause of all unrest in the world. This insight expands the understanding of personal and societal issues as manifestations of this rebellion, asserting that many problems stem from a failure to submit to divine authority. The analogy of a tree is employed to illustrate the need for deeper examination of issues—focusing not only on visible symptoms but on the underlying causes.

The Importance of Community in Prayer 21:24

"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven."

• The speaker highlights the communal aspect of prayer as expressed in the Lord’s Prayer, emphasizing a collective relationship with God rather than an individualistic one. This distinction encourages shared experiences among community members and stresses the importance of reverence towards God. The phrase "Hallowed be thy name" underscores the necessity for honor and respect in one's approach to prayer, which is often lacking in contemporary expressions of spirituality.

The Coming of God's Kingdom 23:14

"When I say, 'Thy kingdom come,' I am lining myself up with God’s purposes."

• The phrase "Thy kingdom come" is not merely a religious expression; it's an active alignment with God's intentions for the world.

• By expressing this prayer, individuals are taking a stand to participate in the realization of God's kingdom on Earth.

• The subsequent request, "Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven," highlights the desire for God's will to manifest perfectly, similar to how it is understood to operate in heaven, with no obstacles or delays.

Submission to God's Will 24:12

"When I pray, 'Thy will be done in earth,' it has to begin with me!"

• Acknowledging the intention of the prayer involves personal accountability. Submission to God's will is essential for individuals wishing to partake in God's plans.

• The prayer invites self-examination and requires an individual's readiness to yield fully to God's guidance and direction.

The Conversion of Charles Finney 24:23

"Finney's ministry achieved a remarkable conversion retention rate of over sixty percent."

• Charles Finney was a significant evangelist renowned for leading countless individuals to genuine conversions, a trend supported by statistical data showing a high retention rate of Christians among his converts.

• In contrast, other evangelists like Moody had a notably lower retention rate, which raises questions about the depth and effectiveness of their respective ministries.

Finney's Path to Salvation 25:07

"Finney recognized that he was a polite, respectable, law-abiding, religious rebel."

• Finney, a respectable lawyer at the time, grappled with the idea of personal salvation and initially sought private prayer to avoid public embarrassment concerning his spiritual state.

• His moment of realization came during the recitation of "The Lord's Prayer," particularly when he faced the phrase about God's will being done, prompting him to confront his own readiness to submit to God's authority.

The Holy Spirit's Impact on Finney 26:51

"I received a mighty baptism of the Holy Spirit."

• Following his profound recognition of personal rebellion against God, Finney experienced a powerful transformation through the Holy Spirit, leading to an intense outpouring of emotion and expression.

• This experience solidified his future ministry, evidenced by his conviction and the subsequent anointing he received, allowing him to communicate with an extraordinary impact.