Setting the Captives Free

Our remarkable journey with the Lord began back in 1975 when Tommy and I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Atlanta, Georgia. It was during the height of the Charismatic Renewal sweeping through the United States. At that time, I was teaching elementary school and Tommy was working as a licensed stockbroker.

Five years later we were called to serve the Lord in the ministry. So, we packed up our belongings, sold our property and followed the Cloud/Lord to Liberty Bible School in Pensacola, Florida. After Tommy graduated and was ordained, we were asked to serve as elders and home group leaders at Liberty Church.

In 1991 we founded a counseling ministry called Tree of Life Ministries and were ordained with Christian International Ministries Network.

In 1994 we became counseling ministers and trainers in the Healing House Network. We have been 'setting the captives free' for over 35 years by providing healing and deliverance to hundreds and hundreds of people.

Therefore, today's word is not a message of hope or encouragement. It is an equipping lesson meant to train God's people for works of service -- so you can experience more freedom in your own life from demonic strongholds and-- be equipped to set others free.

Lesson Objectives:

1. To teach some basic principles on deliverance and how to be set free from demonic oppression.

2. To encourage you to do additional reading and studying on the topic of healing and deliverance.

3. To encourage you to begin to practice what you have learned to help set other Christians free.

Our Messiah's Great Commission

Isaiah 61:1-3 (and Luke 4:18-19)

61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord (God) has

 anointed me (Jesus) to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind

 up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from 

darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor (the day

of salvation) and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and 

provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty 

instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise 

instead of a spirit of despair. 

Was this prophetic scripture meant just for Jesus to fulfill?

No. It was also meant for all his disciples down through the ages, because

we represent Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God. We are called to 

be mature sons and daughters of God proclaiming freedom for the

captives and releasing prisoners from darkness! 

The Great Commission for Christ's Disciples

Mark 16:15-20. 15. He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all  

creation. 16. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not

believe will be condemned. 17. And these signs will accompany those who believe:

In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18. they will

pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will 

not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will

get well."

In Jesus' day poisonous snakes, such as a viper, and deadly poisons put in 

a drink, were two common ways people would try to kill someone. Jesus 

knew his disciples might encounter such a deadly attack by their enemies.

Today, we can take authority over any type of poison that enters

our body and pray for healing. For example, chemotherapy to destroy

cancer also destroys the immune system.

19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and

he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached 

everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the 

signs that accompanied it.

The Great Commission is not about getting people saved and building

big churches. Our assignment is to preach the gospel message of Jesus Christ 

and train people how to see the kingdom of God manifest on earth. The 

Lord's prayer written for his disciples says, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be

done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Definition of a Commission- noun

1. a formal written warrant granting the power to perform various acts or duties.

2. an authorization or command to perform prescribed acts.

3. authority to act for, on behalf of, or in place of another.

4. group of persons directed to perform some duty.

Is the Lord's commission in Mark 16 just a suggestion for believers-- if we feel like doing it?  

No. It is a command, an authorization, an assignment given to believers in the body of Christ.  Particularly, those in leadership should understand and practice Mark 16 in their own personal life, and ministry to others, just like Jesus did.  Disciples of Jesus Christ are called to preach and teach God's Word … and to set the captives free so the kingdom of God can be manifest in them.

Did you know that in Jesus' time, no one was sent out to evangelize without first being filled with the Holy Spirit and commissioned to deal with evil spirits? (Derek Prince) (Mark 16:15-20, Acts 1:8).

Saved, Salvation & Delivered (the Greek words and meanings)

1. Saved- "sozo" #5392- means to save, rescue, heal and deliver.

Rom. 10:13, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (The Passion Translation- "rescued and experience new life").

2. Salvation- “soteria” #5401- means to rescue and deliver.

Acts 4:12, Salvation is found in no one else for there is no other name by which we must be saved.

3. Deliver, delivered, deliverance- “rhyomai” #4861- means to rescue or deliver. Webster's definition- To set free. The act of setting captives or slaves free.

Example. The Israelites were delivered from their enemies.

Matthew 6:13, “and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Is the Lord's commission in Mark 16 just a suggestion for believers-- if we feel like doing it?  

No. It is a command, an authorization, an assignment given to believers in the body of Christ.  Particularly, those in leadership should understand and practice Mark 16 in their own personal life, and ministry to others, just like Jesus did.  Disciples of Jesus Christ are called to preach and teach God's Word … and to set the captives free so the kingdom of God can be manifest in them.

Definition of Demons

“Demons are invisible spiritual entities with minds, emotions and wills of their own, in league with, and under the control of Satan. They are out to do his bidding and to torment the people of God.” (Derek Prince).

John 10:10. The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Derek Prince- (1915–2003) was educated as a scholar of Greek and Latin at Eton College and Cambridge University, England. He also studied Hebrew and Aramaic, at Cambridge University and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He is the author of over 80 books, 600 audio and 110 video teachings, many of which have been translated and published in more than 100 languages. He preached at many Christian conferences worldwide. He was regarded as one of the dynamic voices in the Charismatic Renewal (www.derekprince.org).

Scriptures on Deliverance

How Jesus dealt with demons.

Derek Prince tells us in his book, They Shall Cast Out Demons, that one-third

of Jesus' ministry was spent doing healing and deliverance with signs

and miracles following.

1 John 3:8. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 

In order to establish the kingdom of God here on earth, Jesus had to destroy the 

devil's plans to kill, steal and destroy the people of God.

Matthew 12:22. Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. (Sozo- rescued or delivered him)

Matthew 12: 28. Jesus said, But if it is by the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Mark 1:39. So he continued preaching in their synagogues and expelling evil spirits throughout the whole of Galilee.

A Key Point to take notice of in these scriptures: Deliverance was accomplished by the Lord Jesus working with the power (anointing) of the Holy Spirit to set people free from demons and demonic strongholds.

Colossians 1:13,For he (Jesus) has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son (of light) he loves.

How did Jesus do that? By delivering us from the demons we brought with us from the dominion of darkness before we experienced salvation in Christ. Or by casting out the demons we picked up through our own sinful behavior since we were saved. 

Once the Lord Jesus rescues us out of Satan's kingdom of darkness and translates us into the kingdom of Light, He wants to deliver us from the demons that came with us. For example, if a Christian had a practice of playing with occult games, had engaged in adultery, or homosexual behavior, they would need to have those evil spirits cast out to be set free from those bondages. Demons do not automatically leave just because someone receives Christ as their Savior.

Matthew 28:18-20. This is Matthew's version of The Great Commission.

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth 

has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all 

nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the

Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. 

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

How did Jesus deal with demons?

By taking authority over them, commanding them to leave, driving them out or 

expelling them. 

The Authority of the Believer

Matthew 10:1 and 7.1. Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. Verse 7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, and drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Matthew 16:19 (Matthew 18:18). I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Mark 6:7 and 12. Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by 

two and gave them authority over impure spirits. AND verse 12 They went out 

and preached that people should repent. 13 They drove out many demons and 

anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

Luke 10:17-18.17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the 

demons submit to us in your name.” 18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like

lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and 

scorpions (evil spirits) and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing 

will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but

rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Acts 10:38. 38. God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, 

and [how] he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power 

of the devil, because God was with him.

1 John 3:8. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 

Jesus was commissioned to destroy the devil's work; his disciples had that same commission and so do we today. If we have experienced being born-again and filled with the Holy Spirit, then we are the sons and daughters of God!

What should Christians be doing with the authority Jesus has given to us?

We should be driving out demons, healing the sick, overcoming all the power of the enemy, destroying the devil's work, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead and generally speaking …  setting the captives free!

Successful Deliverance Ministry

A. Seven Steps to Victory

1. I confess (repentance) the sin of: (write the name of the specific sin or curse. (Example. Anger) _____________________________________________

2. I forgive and release the people involved. (Call out their names, write them.
Ex. Parents, spouse, pastor) ___________________________________

3. I ask you, Lord Jesus, for forgiveness of this sin.

4. I choose to forgive myself.

5. I renounce the sin of (from line #1) and break agreement with it. I take authority over the demonic spirit and command it to leave me now in Jesus' Name. (Continue to command and expel the spirit until you experience freedom. Quote Bible scriptures to run demons out. Use the Name of Jesus and plead His blood over yourself.)

6. I receive God’s freedom from this sin and confess God’s Word over it.
(Write out a scripture to stand on, or positive confession you can pray over yourself. Ex. Instead of anger, I have the fruit of patience and kindness abiding in me).
_________________________________________________________

7. Maintain your victory with prayer and worship. Pray your blessing over yourself for the next two weeks to insure your victory.

B. Maintain your healing and deliverance (Derek Prince)

• Yield to the Lordship of Jesus in every area.

• Be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit. Eph. 5:18

• Live by the Word of God. Luke 11:13, Acts 2:4, Matt. 4:4, 7 and 11.

• Put on the whole armor of God. Eph. 6:10.

• Cultivate godly relationships.

• Fellowship with other believers.

• Make Jesus central in your life. John 12:31-32.

• Practice the spiritual disciplines of: regular Bible reading, prayer, worship, fasting, and attending a Spirit-filled, Bible-believing church.

C. Sample Scriptures to personalize and confess to get victory over demonic spirits are:

Fear- God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and a sound mind. 2 Tim. 1:7.

Overcoming- I have overcome Satan by the blood of Jesus, the word of my testimony and that I do not love my life unto death. Rev. 12:11.

Sexual sins- It is no longer I that live, but Christ that lives in me. Gal. 2:20. I choose to live a life of sexual purity.  

When engaging the devil, Jesus confessed God's Word over the temptation. (Matthew chapter 4). Just like he did, we use the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) to overcome our enemy (Eph. 6:10).

Compile a list of scriptures you can use to overcome sin, the temptations of the world and Satan for different issues. There are Bible Promise booklets you can purchase from bookstores.

D. Using wisdom and the power of agreement

Having a particular sin or spirit could be a blind-spot you have not recognized. Therefore, you need to pray in the spirit and ask Holy Spirit to show you any spiritual strongholds on which you need to work. Denial, doubt, unbelief are common strongholds that you might need to bring before the Lord.

Going to see a counseling minister may be necessary to identity strongholds and help you work on personal issues. Experiences that were traumatic or extremely painful will require you see an experienced, Christian counselor rather than try to deal with them by yourself.

It is also highly recommended you ask your pastor or another minister you trust to pray with you. Having the power of agreement increases your authority, anointing and confidence. Whenever, two or more agree on anything according to God's will, it shall be done by our Father (Matt. 18:19).

Let's Review:

• The Great Commission given to us by Jesus was a commandment to all believers, not just missionaries and pastors.

• Jesus Christ gave us the authority to cast out demons and destroy all the plans of the evil one. Jesus did all he needed to do to break the power of the enemy when He died on the cross, was buried and rose again. 

• God's plan of salvation (“sozo”) includes: saving us from our sins, healing our diseases and delivering us from all demonic oppression so that we might be transformed into the image of Christ.

• Jesus Christ came to announce the arrival of the kingdom of God, to destroy the works of Satan and... to set the captives free.

• The mature sons and daughters of God are called to work with the Holy Spirit to destroy the work of the evil one and manifest the kingdom of heaven here on earth.

I pray this introductory lesson will get you started off right and motivate you to go deeper into the study of healing and deliverance. I can recommend the writings of Derek Prince who is the most well-known and highly qualified teacher and minister in this field. 

To see his books, materials and copies of his lessons on many different topics, go to www.derekprince.org. Many of his public teachings can be found on Youtube.

God's Amazing Grace

 The Amazing Grace of God

I. In the Old Testament. The rule of first mention in the Bible.
The very first time an important word is mentioned in the Bible, which is usually in Genesis, we find the most complete and accurate meaning for that concept and foundation for greater development in later parts of the Bible. 

The word “grace” is mentioned 159 times in the King James version. The understanding of the grace of God was highly important to New Testament Christianity, but is little understood in the church today. Most pastors, ministers and Christians can quote one very common definition of grace- the unmerited favor of God which leads us to experience salvation through Jesus Christ. Let us take a deep dive into the fuller meaning of the amazing grace of God.

Dr. Denver Cheddie wrote that “God's grace is one of the most fundamental doctrines of our Christian faith. Without God's grace, Christianity does not exist. Through God's grace we have salvation, forgiveness, a relationship with God, access to God's throne, the ability to endure trials and sustaining power for our Christian walk.” (Denver Cheddie, What is Grace? www.bibleissues.org).

A. Genesis 6:8, (KJV) 8. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. (NIV- favor).

Hebrew- 2834, root word “Hanan”- to show mercy, kindness, favor, grace. IE. To find favor in the eyes of God.

B. The priestly blessing is found in Numbers 6: 22-27.

22. The Lord said to Moses, 23. “Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 24. “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25. the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26. the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” 27. So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

C. Hebrew for “gracious” is #2858 in the Kohlenberger's Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, NIV.

Hanan- to show favor, to be kind, to show mercy. Describes God's character and actions toward mankind. Yahweh is gracious toward His people.

Webster's Dictionary- Grace is the root word of gracious and is a noun. Gracious is an adjective used to describe someone who is merciful and compassionate. We serve a God who is full of mercy, compassion and kindness.

Isaiah 26:10. But when grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and do not regard the majesty of the Lord.

Zechariah 12:10. Prophesied about the days after Jesus was crucified on the Cross. “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication.

Hebrew- #2834.- to show mercy, kindness, favor. Could be written, the Spirit of grace referring to the time when Jesus would pour out the Holy Spirit at Pentecost in Jerusalem.

II. Meaning and use of the word “grace” in the New Testament

Greek- #5921, charis which means: favor, gift, benefit, credit and blessing.

Charisma- a gracious gift. IE. A highly charismatic minister is abundantly blessed with God's favor and anointing. Additional meanings based on context of the scriptures: divine enablement, power and anointing.

Grace (charis) is used in the following ways:

A. As a greeting or closing in Apostle Paul's letters to the 8 chuches: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians.

Paul pronounced a blessing of God's favor and mercy on the churches in his epistles. It was not just a casual greeting. He must have thought it was an important thing for him to do as their apostle. When we bless people with grace and peace, God watches over his words to perform them. Many pastors, priests or other clergy pronounce blessings over their people today.

One can't help but wonder how different children would be if their fathers pronounced a blessing upon them each morning or when they put them to bed at night. The blessing of a father carries great weight and influence upon the future success and development of a child. 

Romans 1:7. To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 13:14. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

2 John 1:3. Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.

Personal example. Say a blessing over myself. “I am blessed and highly favored.” or for others, “May you be blessed and highly favored.”

Luke 1:28, The angel went to her (Mary) and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

B. Spiritual Gifts given by the Holy Spirit- “grace gifts”.

1. Grace Gifts. Romans 12:6-8 (TPT) 6 God’s marvelous grace imparts to each one of us varying gifts. So if God has given you the grace-gift of prophecy, activate your gift by using the proportion of faith you have to prophesy. 7 If your grace-gift is serving, then thrive in serving others well. If you have the grace-gift of teaching, then be actively teaching and training others. 8 If you have the grace-gift of encouragement, then use it often to encourage others. If you have the grace-gift of giving to meet the needs of others, then may you prosper in your generosity without any fanfare. If you have the gift of leadership, be passionate about your leadership. And if you have the gift of showing compassion, then flourish in your cheerful display of compassion. 

2. Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit- I Corinthians 12: 7-11, 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a word of wisdom, to another a word of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

3. The fruit of the Spirit is a gift of grace also. We cannot produce the fruit of the Spirit by ourselves; it is impossible. It is only by the grace of the Lord Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit can we be transformed into the image of God and the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Remember-- we are not under the law, but we are blessed with the grace of God.

4. Tongues is a grace gift that came at Pentecost.

Acts 2:4, All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. A gift given to believers by the Holy Spirit.

Acts 19:6, When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Ephesians 6:18, And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Intercessors need this power gift so the Holy Spirit can pray through them to bring about tremendous changes in the heavenlies and in the natural world.

Important Note. If someone is having trouble receiving their prayer language,

1. It may be because they have not completely surrendered their heart, soul and mind to the Lord Jesus. They are still trying to be in control of their life and make their own decisions. They do not want the Spirit of Holiness being in control of their character and life.

Matthew 22:37, Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

2. They are being double-minded about receiving their prayer language. God will not give them His gift of tongues until they want it completely and without reservation. Having doubt, unbelief, fear, confusion over the question, will keep people from receiving their prayer language.

James 1:6-8. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

5. Five-fold Ministries- Ephesians 4:7 and 11-12. 7. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. … 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.

These ministers are God's gift to the body of Christ to provide leadership, teaching and training. God has graced them with divine enablement to answer the call on their lives.

C. To show the favor and blessings of God on Jesus and his disciples.

Luke 2:40. And the child (Jesus) grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. #5921- charis means favor or blessings that comes through obedience to God's commandments and love for the Lord. It does not mean “unmerited favor” was given to the son of God. Jesus was perfect and without sin. Jesus was God's only son whom He loved.

John 1:14. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

*John 1:16-18. 16. From the fullness of his grace (Jesus), we have received one blessing after another. 7 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

D. To show the power of God displayed in Jesus' ministry and that of the disciples and apostles. Because of the grace upon them, they were able to do signs, wonders and miracles.

Acts 4:33. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.

Acts 6:8. Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.

Acts 14:3 So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.

E. God predestined us before our birth to pour out His grace on us.

Galatians 1:15. But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased

2 Timothy 1:9. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.

F. God gives us above and beyond what we need.

1 Timothy 1:14. (Paul said)The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:7. in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

G. To extend grace to others. Just as God has poured out abundant grace on us, we need to extend grace to others when they disappoint us, offend us, or don't measure up to our expectations. We give others grace by manifesting the fruit of the Spirit toward them.

Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 

III. What does the number 5 Mean in the Bible?

God’s grace, mercy, and favor

Number 5 is mentioned in the Bible a total of 318 times. This number is directly linked to God’s grace, mercy, and favor. The grace of God is described as an unmerited favor that comes as a result of God’s love. The New Testament is seen as the perfect tale of God’s grace. (internet source not copied).

Transformation of Man

In the Bible, number 5 is used to symbolize divine transformation. This is the number that takes men from nobody to somebody according to God’s will.

Miracle

Another show of God’s favor was in the miracle of the 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes. With the power in symbolic 5, Jesus only had to give thanks to God and suddenly, 5 loaves of bread were enough to feed 5,000 people.

IV. Quotes by other Christian ministers.

A. What is Grace? The definition and meaning of God's grace (www.bibleissues.org)
Written by Dr. Denver Cheddie. An ordained minister and Bible teacher with the Church of God in Cleveland, TN.

"God’s grace is one of the most fundamental doctrines of Christianity. Without God’s grace, Christianity does not even exist. Through God’s grace, we have: salvation, forgiveness of sins, a relationship with God, access to God’s throne, the ability to endure trials, and sustaining power in our Christian walk."

6 Points we need to understand about the grace of God.

1. Saved by grace (Only a few scriptures were chosen to illustrate each point.)

Ephesians 2:8-9. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace (#5921) with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

2. Grace vs law

John 1:17, For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:14. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

3. Frustrating the grace of God (IE. Living according to the law, insulting the Holy Spirit, holding on to a bitter root of judgment, being proud, religious spirit)

Galatians 2:21, I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Hebrews 10:29. How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?

Hebrews 12:15. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Bitter root judgments causes us to reap what we have sowed toward others.

James 4:6. But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Other examples of sinful behavior includes: liars, thieves, being hypocritical, judgmental, evil thoughts and intentions, occult activities, witchcraft or giving place to religious spirits.

Biblical illustration from Acts 5:4. The story of Peter dealing with Ananias and Sapphira on how much money they sold their property for to give to the church. Satan filled his heart and they lied to the Holy Spirit. We frustrate the grace of God when we lie and try to cheat others.

God does not withdraw His grace from us, but we take ourselves out from under His grace which leaves us vulnerable to temptation, attack from the enemy and without God's divine enablement.

4. Grace for trials

2 Corinthians 12:9. But he (the Lord) said to me (Paul), “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power (#1539) is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power (#1539) may rest on me.

Greek #1539- dynamis- dynamite. supernatural power, ability, miracle working power.
When did Jesus Christ get filled with this dynamite power? At the River Jordan when he was baptized by the Holy Spirit after-- he was baptized by John the Baptist.
Through God's grace, we are given strength to endure trials. When we are weak, Jesus, anointing and power will flow through us.

1 Peter 5:10. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

5. Grace calls to ministry

Romans 1:5. Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake.

Ephesians 3:7. Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

God’s Grace does not just call us to salvation, but our call to ministry is also by the grace of God. His gifts are distributed according to his grace. We are saved solely on the basis of Christ’s atonement on the cross and through no merit of our own.

6. Grow in Grace As we come to understand more about God's grace and repent of those things that frustrate his grace, we will be given more grace to help in time of need.

2 Peter 3:18. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. Increase, mature in Christ, greater power, greater wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

How do we grow in Grace?
1. Staying humble before the Lord and with people.
2. Not frustrating the grace we have been given.
3. Repenting to God and asking forgiveness of people we have offended.
4. Praying for more grace to be manifested in our life.
5. Extending grace to others even when they don't deserve it.

B. What is “The Grace of God?” (Notes from a sermon by Bill Johnson pastor of Bethel Church, Bethel, CA on the internet. Posted on March 13, 2013 by cmardern).

1. The apostate church out of the Protestant Reformation through the teachings of Calvin and Luther subtly perverted the concept of “grace”, just as they perverted the Sovereignty of God. Why did they teach this heresy? So they could live in sin and still be counted righteous before God. Today it is referred to as “cheap grace.” Where people call them Christians, but they have never repented of their sins. They want to escape hell and go to heaven without turning away from their sinful lifestyle.

2. The biblical definition of “grace” is the power of God, not the unmerited favor of God. GRACE is HIS power that is imparted to us by the Holy Spirit. We are saved by grace (“the power of God”) through faith….meaning; We through faith have the “gift” of the power of God to live righteously.

John 1:14, And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Jesus Christ was not full of “unmerited favor.” He was full of power, peace and truth.

Bill Johnson says, “The false understanding of grace has put the congregations to sleep, as it produces the bad fruit of a passive faith.

Galatians 1:6. I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel. According to Johnson, The false teaching of grace today as being UNMERITED FAVOUR is another gospel.

3. Derek Prince, Foundational Truths for Christian Living. 2005.

a. In order for a sinner to avail himself of God's grace, there must be a definite, personal transformation by faith-- between the sinner and God. (p. 175). He must be born-again and filled with the Holy Spirit.

b. Grace and living in sin are mutually exclusive: If we have counted ourselves dead to sin and alive to Christ, then we are living and walking in God's grace (favor, blessings, power). If we are not dead to sin (unrepentant), then we have not availed ourselves of God's grace. For it takes the grace of God, to live the life of holiness and purity God requires of us. When we have truly availed ourselves of the grace of God, sin no longer has any power over us. (This is what Bill Johnson was referring to. Thinking you can be saved without true, sincere repentance and asking for forgiveness for your sins).

c. Grace and works are mutually exclusive. A person either is operating by his own natural works trying to be saved and in relationship with God, or he is living by God's grace (favor and blessings). You can't have it both ways.

Romans 11:6. And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were grace would no longer be grace.

4. According to Graham Cooke, grace is not merely God's unmerited or undeserved favor. “Grace is the empowering Presence of God that enables you to become the person that God sees every time He looks at you.” (p.150). God's grace opens us to the incredible future that belongs to us in Christ. For we have been predestined to walk in the riches of His grace, which He has lavished on us” (21^st Game Changers, Aglow International, 2013).

5. Pat James' definition- Grace is God's divine enablement abiding in us that helps us to accomplish His will and His purposes in His kingdom. By God's divine enablement, Jesus was able to lay down his life to be crucified for our sins so He could be raised to new life by the power of the Holy Spirit. This definition has been derived from years of experience in ministry, studying the ways of God and reading the works of countless other seasoned ministers. 

1 Corinthians 15:10. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Grace is used four times as divine enablement in the scripture below: 1. the grace of God given to the churches. 2. an act of grace by the people in Macedonian church. 3. financial generosity was the grace of giving. 4. the grace of our Lord Jesus.

This passage is clearly not talking about unmerited favor, but divine enablement on God's part toward the people of God.

2 Corinthians 8: 1-9. 8. "And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4. they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6. So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7. But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 8. I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."

Conclusion. To quote Dr. Denver Cheddie again, “Through God's grace we have salvation, forgiveness, a relationship with God, access to God's throne, the ability to endure trials and sustaining power for our Christian walk.” 

We can do all things, overcome all things and be transformed into His likeness from glory to glory-- through the amazing grace of God. Would you like to have more of God's abundant grace in your life? That's simple. Ask for it. We have not, because we ask not. It is our Heavenly Father's desire for us to walk in more favor, kindness, blessings, mercy, power and the gifts of the Spirit.