A Different Kind of Battle

<p>When God calls us, he has already taken our stupidity into consideration. When I first got saved, I experienced many healings. But since then there have been many different results. </p><p>The Joys of Salvation!</p><ol><li>The transition from death to life, darkness to light, renewing of the mind, </li><li>forgiveness, cleansing, confidence of eternal life</li></ol><p>The Excitement of Discovery</p><ol><li>What it means to be filled with the Spirit of God</li><li>Greater works</li></ol><p>The Surprise of Conflict</p><ol><li>It ought to be no surprise at all – Jesus met with the devil after the Holy Sprit fell on him</li><li>His unusual promise: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”” John16:33NASB</li><li>Later Paul would write: “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans5:3-5NASB</li><li>The promises of God do not always present clear sailing, neither in the early church, in the history of the church, or even in our own lives.  The devil is real, sin is real, and as Billy Sunday said: “One reason sin flourishes is that it is treated like a cream puff rather than a rattlesnake</li></ol><p>The Battle on THREE Fronts: three areas of conflict where Christians must overcome</p><ol><li>The battle without: open attacks from non Christians, from intimidation, lies deceptions, aggressive behavior, attacks, and persecutions</li><li>The battle within: from brothers and sisters of the faith, jealousy, positions, authority, power struggles, personal desires, power plays, and control.</li><li>The battle of the mind: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but