If the bull in the bull fighting arena knew that the real enemy was the matador and not the red flag, the matador would be in trouble! Many times we do not realise that our real enemy is the devil and not people or circumstances. Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers of darkness. We should learn how to handle these invisible attacks with our spiritual weapons.Grace
How to handle the attacks of the enemy
Apostle Andre Pelser
Sunday morning, 20 October 2002

Grace is not something you try to obtain. It is a state of being. You move into the country of Grace. It is not an outward thing like the law. I can give you the law ? it is an external thing. But I cannot give you grace. It is a state.

When Israel left Egypt all their problems did not disappear. In the Promised Land you still have to work, plant, and conquer. It doesn?t happen automatically because you believe in Jesus! You must still find your function in God?s kingdom.

When you move to Holland, are you free of South African mistakes? You can still get a speeding ticket in Holland. Your problems won?t disappear.

Nola and I are doing research on the future of our country. We are at the point of recognizing Siener van Rensburg as a true prophet. He had 4 months of schooling and only read the Bible. Many of his prophecies came true. We are past the point of only having personal prophecies. We should tap in to prophecy on a national level. Siener van Rensburg was a national prophet.

David?s testimony about his father?s death (Mel): Doctors gave him 3 months to live. Six month would?ve been exceptional. Twelve months ? unheard of. Mel lived 14 months after being diagnosed with this kind of cancer ? without pain. It is a miracle.

Maree?s testimony about Mel: This whole week has been so special. I felt sad when I heard. But then I felt ?Peace at last?. When Jesus died the enemy thought he won. When Mel died it was a seed falling to the ground. All the healing and other prayers will now bear fruit in the rest of the family. My faith grew in an awesome way.

How to handle the attacks of the enemy

When Satan attacks, he attacks in such a way that you do not always know it?s him. We tend to look at ourselves, or external reasons. How many times do you ask ?What have I done wrong to cause this?? Ask God to show you the matador behind the flag. The bull thinks the red flag is the enemy, while the matador is holding the flag.

James says ?Where there?s selfish ambition and jealousy, there is confusion.? So, with the staff of your company, when there is confusion in the office, find out who is the ambitious one. A tale-bearer separates friends. Look for the spirit behind the story.

Lack of direction is a sign of being under attack. Look at our nation. We should speak direction and hope into our nation.

Depression ? Proverbs 12:25 says ?Anxiety in the heart causes depression?. When you feel depressed, find out what fears you are hiding in your heart.

We live in a state of grace on this earth. The safest place in South Africa is to live a holy life ? close to God. We trust God with our lives, although we cannot see him. Don?t trust your senses more than you trust God. When God says ?I can help you?, do we say ?Is there any body else??

In high school I had to run a hurdle race once. I put the right foot first. The opponent was left-footet. At the first hurdle our spikes connected. He stumbled. I fell. When I was on the gravel the first thought was to walk off the field ? the desire to quit. Then I saw the finish line and dashed for it. I came second.

The devil speaks in the first person: ?I want to quit.? Job?s wife said ?Curse God and die?. Who do you think said that? The devil. Even David, the anointed one, had to flee from his son, Absalom. And at Ziklag, David encouraged himself in the Lord.

People come to church saying ?We don?t want to commit now. We are waiting for God to send us somewhere else?. Don?t deceive yourselves if it?s against the scriptures. Don?t neglect the gathering of the saints. Being looked after spiritually. Home cells and church meetings.

Fasten your mind to the word of God when you go through an attack. Let the weak say ?I am strong?. You are in a state of grace. How do you pay for health, a good night?s sleep, etc.

The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but spiritual. We sang it this morning. Know your weapons.

In wartime the enemy attacks your supply line first. That?s how Napoleon lost in Moscow. Without money you can do nothing. I?m completing the story of C.T. Studd ? a feature film ? about a cricketer who became a missionary. God is our supply line that will never run dry.

See the cycle of Philippians 4. In the time I needed supplies through you, you gave. Now may the same God also supply your needs.

Phil 4:13 ~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me continually. There?s nothing He can?t solve.

Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.

The angel says to Mary ?In your womb will be born the Saviour of the world. The Holy Spirit will come over you to conceive this child?. Her reply: ?Let it be with me according to your word?. What she spoke was the seed for God to act, to bring the promise to fulfillment.

Now is not the time to give up, but to stand up and declare that God is in charge. Pieter Burger, an advocate in the church, testifies of major crimes dropping in the Cape Peninsula. He receives less and less murder dockets every week.

It is because we are praying. Our children must have hope for this country. We must give it to them. I want to see politicians in the church.

Offering message:
I?m leaving for Europe to assist with church plants soon. Invest in that too.

Thank you Lord for every testimony this morning and for strengthening us today. I pray for Your blessing on these people. Let us live as apostolic people.

Words of knowledge:
Who has an ear ache (behind or inside): It was the left ear. We trust God for healing and miracles for this ear. Let the pain leave. Also Ann standing proxy for Jonathan.

Dry throat: Cathy

High up behind your head, pain on both sides: Several people

Who fears a stomach ulcer: Several people