Rules of Engagement

“…The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8, NASB.

Pastor Al* has a weathered, but kindly face; a face that has seen decades of faithful service for Christ among the poorest of the poor. In the course of ministry Pastor Al has encountered spiritual warfare on many levels. He has cast out demons, worked healings, and faced the hostility of witchdoctors in the power of Christ. Over the years Pastor Al has learned three basic rules of spiritual engagement.

Number one: You must absolutely believe that Christ’s power and authority is greater than anything you may encounter. “When you are casting out a nasty demon, there is no room for doubt,” said Pastor Al.

Number two: You must be right with the Lord and have no unconfessed sin. A believer living in sin is an open target for spiritual attack, and when you are walking through the enemy’s front door, it is best not to make yourself an easy mark. “The enemy is an accuser,” said Pastor Al. “If you give him an opening, you can be sure he will use it against you. Personal holiness is essential.”

And number three: Prayer alone is not always enough. Christ Himself taught that some spiritual strongholds and demons can only be defeated by prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). “Whenever I am asked to face a spiritual stronghold or cast out a demon, if possible I like to take a day to prepare myself by praying and fasting,” said Pastor Al. “This helps me to cover rules one and two, and to walk with confidence in the authority of Jesus.”

Few Christians understand that the authority to pull down strongholds and cast out demons is available to every child of God. “People often think I have some special spiritual gift, or magic,” said Pastor Al. “I tell them that the power I have is available to any Christian who will take God at His word and trust Him!”

*Name changed for security reasons.

Pray that:

Pastor Al will continue to walk in faith and holiness and that he will display the power of Christ so that many people will be saved.

Believers living in Last Frontier areas of the Pacific Rim will understand and exercise their authority in Christ to destroy the works of the enemy.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.