Episode #21: Strongholds – Part 2 1. Entering into the Presence of the Lord Daily We must enter into the Lord's presence on a daily basis. A relationship with God requires consistency and intentionality. Psalm 91:1 – "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." The five-fold ministers (Ephesians 4:11-12) are responsible for equipping the saints. Their job is not to do all the ministry, but to teach others how to do the work of the Kingdom. To be productive in the Kingdom, you need a relationship with the King. You cannot serve God effectively without knowing Him personally. 2. The Battle for God's Presence Entering into the presence of the Lord takes work. It requires focus, discipline, and perseverance. We have an enemy working to keep us from His presence. Distractions, sin, and busyness pull us away from intimacy with God. 1 Peter 5:8 – "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 3. Sin Begins in the Mind Jesus took sin from the physical to the spiritual. Matthew 5:28 – "Whoever looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery in his heart." The sin is in the thought before it ever becomes an action. You cannot sin without first thinking about it. We must guard our thoughts. Proverbs 4:23 – "Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life." 4. The Exchange: Power of God vs. Entertainment We have taken the power of God and exchanged it for entertainment. Many churches and believers focus more on entertainment than experiencing the true power of God. Set no unholy thing before your eyes (or ears). Psalm 101:3 – "I will set nothing wicked before my eyes." Be intentional about what you watch, listen to, and engage with. 5. True Spiritual Warfare – Worship in the Storm Spiritual warfare is worshiping the Father despite the circumstances. Example: Paul and Silas worshiped in prison, and the chains broke (Acts 16:25-26). True peace comes from casting our cares on Jesus. 1 Peter 5:7 – "Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." Jesus said, "Take My yoke." Matthew 11:28-30 – "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." When we take His yoke, we are no longer burdened by our own. Peace comes from walking in His strength, not our own. 6. Understanding the Word – The Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:14-20) The seed is the Word of God. The four types of ground represent how people receive the Word: Wayside (v. 15) – Satan steals the Word before it takes root. Stony ground (v. 16-17) – Excited at first but no depth, so they fall away under pressure. Among thorns (v. 18-19) – Cares of the world and deceitfulness of riches choke the Word. Good ground (v. 20) – Those who receive and nurture the Word bear fruit—30, 60, and 100-fold. Lesson: We must guard our hearts against distractions, worries, and false riches. The Word only produces fruit when it is cultivated. (14) The sower soweth the word. (Mark 4:14-20) (15) And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. (16) And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; (17) And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. (18) And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, (19) And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. (20) And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. 7. The Purpose of the Church – Discipleship, Not Just Growth We are not called to build big churches—we are called to make disciples. Matthew 28:19-20 – "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations." Are you pointing people to Jesus or to yourself? Ministries should not draw people to personalities but to Christ. The goal is to raise mature believers, not just gather crowds. 8. Willingness to Unlearn Wrong Teachings If you are unwilling to admit you were taught wrong, you may be deceived and not know it. Many believers hold onto traditions rather than seeking biblical truth. True humility is being willing to adjust when God reveals deeper truth. All Scripture should be interpreted through Genesis 1 and 2. The original intent of creation shows us God's perfect will. Everything after the fall must be viewed in the light of God's original design. Final Thoughts We must enter God's presence daily and reject distractions. Sin begins in the mind—guard your thoughts carefully. We should seek God's power, not just entertainment. Spiritual warfare is about worship and trust, not just rebuking the enemy. Peace comes from casting our burdens on Jesus and walking in His strength. Discipleship, not church growth, is the true mission of the church. Be willing to re-examine your beliefs and align them with Scripture.
