Prayer and the Kingdom
Johannes emphasizes the vital connection between prayer and the realization of God's kingdom on earth. He begins by referencing scriptures from Matthew, highlighting that when believers agree in prayer and exercise authority through God's Spirit, the kingdom of God manifests geographically—areas where demons are cast out become liberated zones reflecting the kingdom's presence. He stresses that the kingdom is not only future but begins now, as God's people exercise authority in their localities. Johannes underscores the importance of building up the spiritual house of believers as a holy priesthood, functioning through intercession to oppose the enemy's activity. He shares testimonies of how prayer has liberated areas, prevented ungodly laws, and hindered demonic schemes, illustrating the power of praying the prayer of the kingdom. He advocates for Christians to act as ambassadors, seeking divine guidance and authority from heaven before confronting spiritual battles. Unity and agreement among believers are crucial for effective prayer, and the church must move beyond mere knowledge to power-filled intercession. Johannes concludes with a call for God's people to rise in faith, recognize Christ's sovereignty, and engage in priestly prayer to establish God's dominion on earth, trusting in His promises and authority to bring about His kingdom now.
Main Points Outline:
Prayer and God's work: binding and loosing, agreement in prayer
The kingdom's geographical reality: casting out demons signifies the kingdom's presence
The present and partial realization of the kingdom through victorious spiritual warfare
The building of God's spiritual house: living stones and the priestly ministry of intercession
The church's role in liberating areas and confronting enemy activity
Power of corporate prayer: testimonies of liberation and divine intervention
Evangelism hindered by spiritual bondage; need for prayer to break strongholds
Authority of Christ as King over heaven and earth: believers as ambassadors
Practical principles for effective prayer: divine guidance, unity, and agreement
Call to action: rise in faith, engage in priestly intercession, and establish God's dominion
18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
