Day Six
Chapter 7 Evangelism Praying of the Offensive
Ephesians 6:19-20
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Page 93
While Satan is working feverishly to take everybody to hell with him, must Christians sit helplessly by and let Satan keep all those people who were born into his kingdom? Is there nothing we can do except protect ourselves defensively from him while he tightens his grip on those already lost? Or is there an OFFENSIVE battle Christians can – and should—take up.
I wonder how many people really care about sharing the gospel with others. When you think about everything shared in this book it fills me with an urgency to get out there and share Christ’s love with family, friends and whoever God places in my life. God has provided the tools that we need to stand tall and follow him.
Page 95
Peter explained that our offensive battle for souls is in the power of the blood of Jesus shed on the cross.
“You were not redeemed with perishable things like silver and gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”
But what are our offensive spiritual Weapons? What is the offensive spiritual power available to Christians? P-R-A-Y-E-R!
Hearing and believing the Gospel of Jesus, of course, is the only way people can get out of Satan’s captivity.
Chapter 8: Pre-Evangelism Praying
Luke 8:11-12
“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.”
Page 103
There is much praying we need to do before we actually try to introduce people to Jesus. Sometimes long, extended prayer is needed to prepare the heart and mind of a person captive in Satan’s kingdom. This too is offensive prayer, but it is not the same as the claiming the blood and name of Jesus as we lead someone to Jesus. This is asking God to become involved before we do. It is the praying that makes lost people receptive to the Gospel and able to accept Jesus.
Page 105
How can we get God to open the hearts of those we are trying to win to Jesus? By praying. Though God is sovereign and moves as He pleases, prayer definitely activates God’s working in unbelievers.
God has called me to be an author/speaker. I travel around sharing my life testimony called, Who’s Knocking At My Door. Of course, I do pray for the people where I go, but do I pray enough? I have noticed that the more people I have praying, the power of God is released in exciting ways.
Evelyn was a very wise woman. When God began using her to travel the country she knew that prayer was the most important thing she could do. United Prayer Ministry was started. Many women would pray for Evelyn wherever she would go. Their prayers would unleash God’s power in amazing ways. I am so thankful when I think about the faithfulness of the pray-ers who stood together with Evelyn.
Page 107
What Can I do?
Are you asking, “This seems so complicated? What can I do?” The answer is that you don’t have to be a full-time expert in spiritual warfare to get involved in offensive praying for souls. The prayer of ordinary Christians can be, and usually is, the power behind people being led to Christ. Every time you pray for those still in Satan’s kingdom to come to Jesus, you are entering into spiritual warfare with God against Satan.
I am overwhelmed. This is the only way I can describe how I feel right at this moment. This book has so……much in it that I want to share with you, but I cannot write the whole book out. You must buy this book and read it if you care at all about people you know that do not have a relationship with Jesus.
I find myself moved to tears thinking about how much I would have loved following Evelyn Christenson around as she traveled. Not that I wanted to do anything, I would have loved to watch her and learn from her. She was an amazing woman. All the people that prayed for her (I was one.) were her lifeline. The United Prayer Ministry women dedicated their lives to being Evelyn’s Prayer Power Team. All I can say is, lives were changed by the ministry of Evelyn Christenson. The prayers of many were answered.
This past year has truly been an incredible Journey with Evelyn. I have learned so much and this is why I feel overwhelmed. What can I do with all that I have learned? I honestly need to spend a day in prayer.
NOTE: I have been reading this book thru this week. In some ways I am sorry I did it this way because this book has been incredible. I am sorry that I have not been able to share with you all that I have learned because there is so much. I honestly do not know what I am really feeling, but God is trying to speak to me in some way. Please pray for me.
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