SPIRITUAL WARFARE – GADARENES (MARK 5) (Conference Sessions 7)
God has been preparing and training me for a ministry in spiritual warfare since I was a young man. It’s nothing I ever expected or thought I would be involved in, but 30 years ago I found myself immersed in it. Since then I’ve been learning and serving in any way I can. It’s become a large part of my ministry (https://www.christiantrainingonline.org/our-ministries/spiritual-warfare/). In my early years I developed a “Spiritual Warfare Handbook” which I used to educate those wanting to know more about this subject. I have updated and improved it several times over the years. It’s still my basic tool in helping others understand spiritual warfare and find freedom from Satan and his forces. It’s also been printed in book form for the pastors in India. We have given thousands of books to pastors and Christians there. I have added a book that goes deeper in the subject while tracing the theme of spiritual warfare from Genesis to Revelation called “Spiritual Warfare in the Bible.”
I teach about spiritual warfare at each and every conference in India, both for new pastors and for those conferences which are for returning pastors. It is always the last session of the conference, for that is the best attended, and I want them to have it fresh in their minds when they leave. I use the passage in Mark 5:1-20 about the demonized men in Gadarenes. After teaching the basics I apply it to them by closing in a prayer for deliverance and freedom. I do this as a group to teach them how to pray for themselves and for others, and because it gives me an opportunity to pray for them to have victory over the demons that work against them. Demonic work is very prevalent and open in India. This session is always a very moving time as we sense God’s presence, power and freedom.
There are many, many comments afterwards about how they appreciate this lesson and book. Satan and demons are very real and open in their manifestations in India, but many Christians do not know they have this power and authority in Jesus. They are very glad to understand these truths. Reports often come back about how this has helped them in their lives, ministries and churches. I know Satan would stop these conferences for many reasons, but especially because of our teaching on this subject, but God’s is greater and His Word brings victory! Spiritual warfare isn’t just an important tool for pastors in India, it is crucial for all God’s people to understand it and be able to use it when necessary.
2 Corinthians 2:5-11 For we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices.
Luke 10:17-19 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
Are you educated enough in spiritual warfare to know when you are being attacked, and what to do about to have victory? Do you have security in Jesus and not fear of demons? Learn more about spiritual warfare if need be. (see my web site ChristianTrainingOrganization.org, click on “Spiritual Warfare”)
(For a free copy of the book I give to pastors, go to ChristianTrainingOrganization.org, then to India and click on “Download Books.” There is also “Spiritual Warfare in the Bible” where I trace what the Bible says about it from beginning to end. To listen to an audio recording, watch a video recording or read the manuscript of the session click on “Conference Sessions.”)
If you like this blog perhaps you’d be interested in my other weekly blog on spiritual warfare. You can sign up at https://www.christiantrainingonline.org/our-ministries/spiritual-warfare/ Half way down the right side of the page you can add your email address to receive the Spiritual Warfare blog and click “Subscribe.” Or just send me an email and I’ll subscribe for you. Thanks!
by Rev. Dr. Jerry Schmoyer, Christian Training Organization