Break Every Chain
Finding Victory in Christ
Dr. Clayton Ford
Summary and Reflection
There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
To break every chain
Break every chain
Break every chain
The worship team led the congregation in this song by Jesus Culture, and it captured the heart of Dr. Clay’s message. “Our mission as Christ’s ambassadors is to do all we can to bring God’s kingdom and power and glory from heaven to earth.” The implications are clear as Christ followers for us.
One implication is that the battle is in the spiritual realm. Ephesians 6:12 states
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but
against the rulers, against the authorities, against the
powers of this dark world and against the spiritual
forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (NIV)
Satan is wily and clever. He knows our weaknesses, our egos and our desires to put ourselves or others on the thrones of our hearts. When we take Jesus off the throne, we are like Adam and Eve who listened to satan’s deception.
Another important implication is that “We are warriors called to fight, to break every chain and win the battles in the spiritual realm.” Last week Pastor Clay shared about the two realms earthly and heavenly. Do we live in the earthly realm and bring the heavenly into it on Sundays or do we live in the heavenly realm? We cannot break every chain if we are rooted in the world. Only by being deeply rooted in the LORD and His Word can we be warriors in this spiritual battle. We must “seek ye first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 (NIV) It is all about priorities, priorities, priorities. Jesus first!
Is the average American Christian on vacation or is she/he a warrior for the LORD? To be a warrior for the LORD we need to learn from Paul’s words to the Ephesians. Ephesians 6:13 states “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” It is not an if but “when the day of evil comes.” We have been forewarned and therefore have no excuse.
What is the full armor of the LORD? Ephesians 6:14-17
“Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around
your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes
from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up
the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the
flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (NIV)
The first pieces of armor include the belt of truth. “Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.” John 14:6. David Chadwick stated in his devotional Moments of Hope,”Every other piece of armor of God is attached to the belt of truth.” Practically then we must pursue the truth in studying, praying, and memorizing the Word. The next piece of armor is the breastplate of righteouseness-Jesus’ righteousness and the righteousness we share with others as we reflect the light of the LORD in our daily lives. Though we are easily tempted, may we pray for a spirit that is sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Then there is the fitting of our feet with the gospel of peace. Satan loves to rob us of our peace. How easy it is to worry and fear, but the LORD is love and casts out fear. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit. May we cling to the LORD instead of succumbing to fear and anxiety.
The next three pieces of armor include the shield of faith, which is kept ready for battle as we are steeped in the Word of the LORD. Just as soldiers keep their weapons ready, we must also since we are in a spiritual battle. The fifth piece is the helmet of salvation. Salvation occurred when we accepted the LORD as our Savior and then as we become more and more like the LORD as we study the Word and follow His examples of sacrifice, humility, love, and forgiveness. Finally is the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. Study! Study! Study! Put the Word in your heart. (https://www.christianity.com/)
Two other weapons that are significant in the spiritual battle are “the power of the name of Jesus” and “the power of the blood of Jesus.” Today at the Baptism at the Bay at Crown Point, we saw person after person obey the LORD and follow His example of being baptized in His name. From young children to teenagers to young adults to seniors, the power of Jesus’ name was evident on their faces as they were submerged and raised. Tears of joy and love streamed down so many faces. Some shouted for joy! Some were overwhelmed. All were obedient!
Concerning the power of the blood of Jesus Pastor Clay read the “Confession of Faith in the Power of the Blood of Jesus Christ.”
“Through the blood of Jesus, I am redeemed from the hands of the devil.
Through the blood of Jesus all my sins are forgiven.
The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is cleansing me NOW from all sin.
Through the blood of Jesus, I am saved, justified, made righteous,
‘just-as-if-I’d’ never sinned.
I am reconciled and brought near to God by the blood of Jesus Christ.
And through His blood I have boldness to enter into the very presence of God.
Through the blood of Jesus I am sanctified, made holy, set apart for God.
Through the blood of Jesus I have victory over satan and all the forces of evil.
My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, redeemed, cleansed and sanctified by the blood of Jesus Christ. Therefore satan has no place in me and no more power over me.
I now claim my rights as a child of God, and testify of my victory over the devil
through the BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST.
I renounce you, satan, and all your works, in Jesus’ Name. You have no place
in me and no power over me. I command you to leave me and my family and our
church right now, in the name of JESUS CHRIST.”
“There is power, power, wonder working power in the blood of the Lamb.
There is power, power, wonder working power in the precious blood of the Lamb.”
Please continue to share your praises and concerns with us.
6/19-Next Chapter at 6:30 in the Activity Center.
6/21-LB potluck at 6:00 in the Activity Center. Bring your under-thirty pictures in an envelop for an id activity.
By Larry and Annette Linthicum
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