Session 2 The Co-Existing Spiritual Realm

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1 Session 2 III. The Co-Existing Spiritual Realm A. As stated earlier there are basically three dimensions or realms of existence that we are aware of: 1. The Earthly Realm The 1 st Heaven This is the physical existence that we experience as we live out our lives. You interact with this realm through your natural senses and emotions. 2. The Demonic Realm 2 nd Heaven This is the spiritual dimension where satan rules as the prince and the power of the air. You become aware of the realm through the use of your spiritual senses but have protection from the evil and destruction of this Satanic Empire. Eph 2:1-3 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others (NKJV) 3. The Heavenly Realm The 3 rd Heaven This is the realm of Heaven where God resides. Your spiritual senses and gifts give you access to this realm through the power of the Holy Spirit. 15 P a g e

2 Paul alludes to these divisions in 2 Corinthians. He says: 2 Cor 12:2-4 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago -- whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows -- such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows -- how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. (NKJV) B. Spiritual Access and Conflict 1. Angels and demons are fighting in the sprit realm all around us all the time. 2. Prayer and the use of spiritual gifts affect the battles around us even when we are unaware of the events of the spiritual realm. a) Daniel fasts and prays for understanding which brings the angel Gabriel through a battle with the demonic Prince of Persia. Dan 10:12-14 Then he said to me,"do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your 16 P a g e

3 people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come." (NKJV) b) Like Daniel we have an obligation to be in tune with the Holy Spirit, using our gifts in order to see the will of God done here on earth. 3. When mankind chooses darkness over light, demonic forces begin to build strongholds in the spirit around that area of the earth. a) Prophetic ministry can reveal the plan of the Father to bring light into the area. b) Continue prayer and consecration to God will begin to break up the darkness by releasing more light in the spirit. 4. When mankind chooses to follow God s plans and purposes light begins to dominate the area and if continued an Open Heaven will develop. a) An Open Heaven is when the presence of God flows freely from His throne unhindered by demonic & fleshly things. b) God s presence is felt by believers and non-believers alike. Healing, deliverance, signs and wonders increase as His glory intensifies. c) The earth itself begins to respond and the very atmosphere changes. Increase, blessing and abundance become the norm. 17 P a g e

4 5. Spiritual Warfare happens as we submit to God and consecrate ourselves to Him. a) As we cry out for His presence and loose the things He s already loosed in Heaven, He will raise up a standard against the enemy. b) Our focus should be on our relationship with the Father, conforming to the image of Christ and winning the lost everywhere we go. Home Work Exercises for this week. 1. Find a quiet place. The beach, a park, your couch, your bathtub, backyard, etc. Moving autos usually are not quiet places. Go to the same place often this week to hear God. Journal about your place and why you chose it. 2. In your quiet place, do nothing for at least 10 minutes, 30 minutes is better but probably unrealistic if this is new. Do not ask God for anything. Do not sing. Do not read. Sense your body relaxing. Sense your spirit resting. Focus on the Holy Spirit. Journal about your experience during this time. How long did you sit? How hard was it for you to focus? Did you enter rest? 18 P a g e

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