A message of hope, inspiration and challenge.
America’s only hope for restoration is for men, women and children to turn their hearts toward God. This Sunday message is one that is good for every day of the week.
*** Dr. Don Brentro ***
Jesus made it clear in the book of Revelation chapters two and three that the promises of God are for those who overcome. To overcome is to conquer over barriers or obstacles. This is why the Israelites went through the wilderness before reaching their promised land. It was there they learned to trust God, to fight the enemy and to win.
As Christians we wage war in three areas. We battle against the world, the flesh and the devil. 1. Jesus said, “Because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19). 2. Paul said, “In my flesh nothing good dwells, for to will is present within me, by how to perform what is good I do not find” (Romans 7:18). 3. Ephesians 6:11 tells us to, “Put on the whole armor of God that you may stand against the schemes of the devil.”
The area most difficult to overcome is the flesh. To overcome the flesh we must surrender or die to self. Jesus says, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:14).
Christianity is the only army in the world where in surrendering to God we win!
The reason for surrendering is that we can not overcome in our own strength, but do so in Jesus. Paul said, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” In John 16:33 Jesus said, “In Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Jesus has conquered! Our task is to remain at peace, trusting in Him, staying close to Him daily in worship and prayer.
The Bible tells us that the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds of the enemy. (II Corinthians 10:3).
Revelation 12:11 gives three keys to overcoming. “They overcame Him (Satan) by the blood of the lamb, the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”
The blood of the lamb speaks of the shed blood of Jesus on the cross. He gave His life for us. The blood of Jesus not only forgives our sins, but heals our diseases, and gives us access to God. Because of the blood we can come boldly before Him in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16).
The word of our testimony is telling others what God has done for us. We find a review of what He has done for us in the Bible. Jesus, Himself, overcame Satan by quoting and standing on the word of God in the midst of temptation.
Lastly they overcame by their dying to self. “They loved not their lives unto death.” They chose God’s life for them in Jesus above pleasing their own flesh. In overcoming we exchange His life for ours. There is victory in Jesus!
