Children of Light

Pastor Phil Derstine  10-31-21

Halloween: Regardless of how this holiday came about, and attempts at All Saints Day, it is a day that darkness and fear is celebrated, and witches and warlocks are tapping into the demonic spirit realm.

Ephesians 5:8-18 “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the LORD. Live as children of light.”  

·      WAKE UP, O SLEEPER! – Neutralize the darkness & fear of Halloween (Faith over Fear)

·      Understand what the Lord’s will is… Be filled with the SPIRIT! (Walk by FAITH, not by SIGHT)

·      We don’t need another VISITATION, but a HABITATION (Christ in YOU, the hope of Glory)

·      God is shaking the world so that only what cannot be shaken will remain! (The Spirit Realm, Heavenly)

John 8:12 “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

·      Context: Woman caught in adultery, brought before Jesus, in the temple.

·      Light neutralizes darkness… without drama, without debate (Just the Power of His Presence).

·      “Ye are the Light of the world… a city (Kingdom) set on a hill… let your Light shine” (Matt. 5:14-16)

Mark 5:1-20 - Jesus healed a demon-possessed man

·      The man saw Jesus coming from a distance and ran to him, falling on his knees (forced worship)

·      “What do you want with me Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” (He knew who Jesus was)

·      The pigs rushed down a steep bank into the lake and drowned (devil’s nature: to kill, steal, destroy)

·      John 10:10 “The thief comes to… but I have come that ye might have Life, Life more abundantly.”

·      The delivered man became a witness of Christ to 10 cities (the Decapolis)

·      II Corinthians 5:20 “We are Ambassadors of Christ…”

Luke 4:1 “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert where he was tempted by the devil…”

·      “If you are the Son of God…”  (after a glorious baptism, devil tried to make him question His identity)

·      V. 14 “Jesus returned in the POWER of the Spirit…”  (Passing the tests brings promotion)

·      V. 17 He found the place in Isaiah, and began to DECLARE… “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me…”

·      Matthew 7:28 “The people were astonished at his doctrine.  (29) He taught as one having authority…”

·      Why do these tests come in our lives? (My Strength is made perfect in weakness)

Matthew 10:1 - Jesus called and sent his 12 disciples

·      He gave them AUTHORITY to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

·      V. 7 “As you go, preach saying the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” (8) Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”

·      V. 9 “Don’t take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts…” (Live by faith)

·      Matthew 28:19 (Last words of Jesus) “Go ye into all the world and make disciples…”

·      Disciple: A follower who learns from his teacher through imitating Him in word, thought, and deed.

II Corinthians 3:6 “Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”

·      The letter has no forgiveness, no grace

·      V. 18 “We are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

·      Isaiah 60:1-3 “Arise, Shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.”