10/10/13

Overcoming the Enemy Through Testimony




They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Rev. 12:11


In the revelation given to John we see believers overcoming the power of Satan by the blood of Jesus and by their testimony.  The Greek word for ‘word’ here is ‘logos’ meaning the communicated, declared word. There is POWER in a spoken testimony grounded in the finished work of Jesus. When we speak it to the enemy we overcome every negative defeatist arrow he may sling at us.  We overcome doubt and blended beliefs and bring forth the clarity of God’s Kingdom in us. 

Note that it was our own testimony that helps overcome the enemy. Our testimony authenticates the work of the cross and the resurrection. Our testimony carries power that angers, yet defeats the enemy. Our testimony solidifies our own confidence and faith to the point we no longer shrink from the enemy’s threat of physical death.  Supernatural power resides in OUR testimony of who Jesus is in US.  It is always the testimony of Jesus, the Name above every other name, that imparts fear and failure in the enemy.  You have the testimony of Jesus in you. Speak it forth! It is the reality of the cross, the redemption of your soul, the power of the Spirit, and the eternal nature of who you are in Christ forever and ever!  

We see just a few verses later in Rev. 12:17-- Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against her offspring—those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus. The devil hates the testimony of Jesus and wars against those(past, present and future) who carry that testimony. Welcome to the battle! But you win!! The testimony of Jesus represents his defeat firmly established at the cross and the empty tomb. It represents the Truth of God’s kingdom as he attempts to deceive with his own kingdom. It represents his destiny in the lake of fire. It represents your victory! Your testimony of Jesus overcomes his every tactic. 

Anytime you openly testify to what God is doing or has done in your life you will be attacked by the enemy; an attack of thoughts, of doubt, of circumstances, from someone near you being used to undermine and cast a shadow on your testimony. Don’t be surprised at or alarmed by the battle. You have the victory. Stand in that victory. Triumphantly carry the banner of victory through the battlefield! ‘… thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him’(2 Cor. 2:14).

Your personal testimony grounded in the Truth of Jesus has God leading you in victory over the enemy’s assault.  And in it all you will smell good! The words you speak are a fragrant aroma of His kingdom. The right people in the right place at the right time will be drawn to that aroma and His kingdom will be advanced.  

Every word of God’s goodness in your life is a winner for you and for the Kingdom of God. Fear not. Live it. Speak it. Believe it. 

10/4/13

Testimony - Validating the Truth of the Kingdom of God




Jesus said in John 5:33 ‘You have sent to John and he has testified to the Truth. Jesus is saying here that the Pharisees sent people to listen to John who had testified to the Truth about Jesus. 

I have written in my previous posts that there are 3 attributes of a Kingdom testimony.  It is (1) personally witnessed or experienced, (2) declared openly, and (3) validates a Truth of the Kingdom of God.  Now I will speak to the third attribute: validating Truth. Truth by definition is the state or character of being true, conformity with that which is factual and real’

Jesus said John the Baptist testified to the Truth.  John had a revelation of who Jesus was; Messiah, Lord, and King of Kings. John the Baptist declared an inviolate Truth given directly by the Father that this man, Jesus, was the fulfillment of prophetic hope going all the way back to Abraham.

In the spiritual context ‘truth’ is bigger than fact or evidence. Facts and evidence can support Truth, but facts and evidence by themselves are not Truth. Truth encompasses all things of the Kingdom of God, many of which are intangible, yet are all infallible and true. Scripture says God desires those who will worship Him ‘in Spirit and in Truth’. (John 4:24) Truth is Jesus Christ resurrected and reigning in the hearts of believers. Truth is the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Truth is the return of Jesus as ruler of the universe. Truth is the finished work of the cross unto healing, deliverance, prosperity of soul, salvation, and abundant life. Truth is eternal life through Jesus for those who believe. Truth is the Word of God. Truth is salvation by grace and not by works, and on and on and on. 

Truth is bigger than a simple tangible fact. However when we testify to a Truth with personal evidence, our testimony brings forth the tangible reality of God’s intangible Kingdom. We validate what we pray in ‘your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’. We bring forth personal evidence of Truth. We declare authentic reality to the living Jesus and His kingdom.

Anyone can testify to a fact, but when we testify to Truth we activate the power of Holy Spirit to use that Truth to move the hearts of those who hear; to move the hearts of people to BELIEVE. When a testimony validates Truth, the kingdom of God is no longer just words on paper; a statement of faith, a hope of future glory, or a desire to be fulfilled. It is real, tangible, personal, and the human extension of God’s eternal kingdom.

You have testimonies of God’s truth in your life. Declare them. Allow the Holy Spirit to use them as a catalyst for others to BELIEVE. All those who hear and take it to heart will be blessed! (Rev. 1:3)