As we truly serve the Lord each day, and not just trust in the false lawless-grace that is being preached, our head (mind) will be protected from the attacks of Satan. If we really are walking in Christ we have the assurance that we are saved and acceptable to God. If we are living in the appetites of the flesh and soul we do not have scriptural assurance that we are right in the sight of God, even though we name the name of Christ.

The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit, and there is none other like it in the universe. By the Word of God the elements were brought into being and fashioned. By the Word of God they will be removed and a new creation brought into existence.

However, we must remember that the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit, not the sword of the Christian. As the Pentecostal-Charismatic churches become increasingly sophisticated in the current unfoldings of the Word of God, many efforts are made to utilize our newfound knowledge to our own ministerial or personal advantage, or to heal the wounded of mankind.

This approach is not scriptural and will lead only to the False Prophet.

We are not to attempt to move mountains by faith, or to cast out demons, or to perform any of the other acts of authority and power that are the inheritance of the sons of God. Neither are we to try to command the angels or the Holy Spirit. We are not even to pray to the Holy Spirit!

Our task in the present hour is to seek the face of Christ to find out what He desires that we do. When we do what Jesus commands us to do, then the Holy Spirit always will be present to wield the Word of God. God gives His Spirit to those who obey Him.

There is no problem of power as far as the Christian churches are concerned. Jesus Christ retains all authority and power in the heavens and upon the earth.

The problem is one of righteousness, holiness, and obedience to God. If we are not living in a righteous and holy fashion before the Lord, He doesn't even know us. It is possible to work miracles in Jesus' name and still not be known by Him. This is what the Scripture teaches.

Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?" Then I will tell them plainly, "I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" (Matthew 7:21-23—NIV)

We have to do God's will if we are to enter the Kingdom of God. Many believers who prophesied, drove out demons, and performed many miracles, all in the name of the Lord Jesus, will be driven from His Presence because they did not live righteous lives.

What good does it do us if we have a tremendous worldwide ministry of powerful miracles and then are driven into the outer darkness? We receive the acclaim of people while we are alive but after we die we are rejected. We of the Charismatic movement of today need to think deeply about this issue.

To be continued.