Stephen Manhanga about to introduce Sam Poe
Sam recapped what strongholds are: wrong thinking that we hold in our heart – things that are not true. The cultures we grow up in can bring thinking that is not aligned with God word. Every culture has good that can be helpful e.g. Zimbabwean culture has a warm, welcoming way and an appreciation for genuine relationships and friendships. There are also things prevalent in cultures that don’t align with God’s word e.g. In the West, people hold on to possessions. They feel secure through having lots of things. African culture has fear. As Christians we can be set free.
Sam then told the story of Balak and Balaam found in Numbers 22 – 25 & 31: 15 – 16; 2 Peter 2:15, Revelation 2:4 and Jude 11. Judgment came on God’s people because of sexual sin. It’s deadly.
Sex is in the Bible. God created it and it was His idea. Adam and Eve were joined together to have a wonderful time in all aspects of life including sex. God intended sex to be for husband and wife. It is so precious and it’s for the marriage relationship. Any sexual relations outside marriage is deadly. 1 Corinthians 6: 18 – 20 “Flee sexual immorality…………For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” The Apostle Paul is telling us how much damage is done through sexual sin. Sexual sin is a sin against your own body as well as the other person. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. As Christians, sexual sin weakens us so that we wind up preaching a false gospel – a false message about God’s relationship with us. When we are trapped in the stronghold of sexual sin we live a lie but God can set us free when we believe the truth. Our bodies are to be used as instruments to show how good god is.
Many people are abused sexually, even by people in their own families. They are victims of sin rather than those who committed the sin. Abuse damages the heart. Abused boys link sex with violence while abused girls link it with oppression and pain because of the stronghold. Jesus can heal us, take away the stronghold and restore us.
Romans 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
Summarised by Molly Manhanga
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