“Skilled” Soldiers are masters of the basics of warfare.

2 Timothy 2:3 – “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier”

It is the foundation principles of warfare in a life & death combat that have been properly understood and applied that will determine the outcome of the battle.

As disciples of Jesus Christ we have already won the war, however, we must exercise the authority given to us to fulfill God’s will.

Hebrews 6:1-2 describes the foundational doctrine of Christ. The emphasis on these verses is to move on from the foundation towards biblical maturity, however it is presumed from this text that the church has the foundations established. In modern times the kingdom of God in America is still divided on these essential doctrines:

1. Repentance
2. Faith in Jesus Christ
3. Water Baptism – under the plural “baptisms” from the verse
4. Baptism of the Holy Spirit – under the plural “baptisms” from the verse
5. Laying on of Hands
6. Ressurection of the Dead
7. Eternal Judgement

These principles should be understood, internalized and able to articulate or demonstrate in every believer’s life. Unfortunately if these fundamentals are not properly understood or realized then it leaves a disciple vulnerable to the warfare that they experience from the kingdom of satan.

Repentance:

Matthew 4:17 – “From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” Context is that the prophecy of Isaiah came to pass after Jesus defeated satan’s temptations in the wilderness during his fast of 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus went to land of Zabulon and Nephthalim described as people which sat in “darkness” and they saw “great light” this is Jesus (remember John 1 where it describe Jesus as the life and light of men). These men lived in the shadow of death, but Jesus was the light among them. The immediate requirement to be with God is to “REPENT” for anyone who lives in the shadow of death or in darkness

Luke 3:7-9 -” Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worth of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”
Luke 15:11-32 – Prodigal Son story
Mark 1:14-15 – “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye and believe the gospel.

Acts 2:36-41 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in thier heart and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Acts 3:19-20 “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord AND he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:”

Acts 26:20 “But shewed first unto them of Damascus and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance”

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise as some men count slackness: but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that ll should come to repentance.”

Faith in Jesus Christ:

1 Peter 1:20-21 – “Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God”

1 Corinthinians 15:2-8 “By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.”

Acts 16:30-34 -“And brought them out, and said , Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed thier stripes: and was baptized he and all his straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them and rejoiced believing in God with all his house.”

Hebrews 11:6 – “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a re-warder of them that diligently seek him.”

Romans 4:24-25 -“But for us also to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead. Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”

Baptisms

John 3:5 – “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God”
Mark 16:15-18 -“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

Acts 22:16 – “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

Gal 3:26-27 – “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ”

Colossians 2:10-12 -“And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God who hath raised him from the dead”

Acts 2:37-41 – “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Romans 6:1-8 -“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:”

1 Peter 3:20-21 – “Which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is eight souls were saved by water. The like figure where-unto even baptism doth also now save us(not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ;”

1John5:6-8 ” This is he that came by water and blood even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and blood: and these three agree in one.”

Baptism of Holy Spirit:

John 3:5 – “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God”

John 14:16-18 – “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”

Acts 8:9-24 -“But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Phillip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon say that through laying on of the apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money. Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the fight of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter” for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.”

Acts 2:1-4 “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:16-18 -“But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, i will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pout out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy”
Acts 2:33 -“Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having recieved of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.”

Acts 2:37-39 – “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart and said unto peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”

Acts 19:1-6 – “And it came to pass, that , while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him that is on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”

1John5:6-8 ” This is he that came by water and blood even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and blood: and these three agree in one.”

Reference to praying in the Spirit

Ephesians 6:18 – “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
1 Cor 14: 1-4 – “Follow after charity and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men but unto God: for no man understandeth him: howebeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.”
1 Cor 14:14-15 – ” For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with understanding also.”
1 Cor 14:39 – “Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.”

Laying on of Hands:

Mark 16:17-18 – “And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt the; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
James 5:14-15 – “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”
Acts 8:15-21 – “Who when they were come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of the: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands o them and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hand, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.”

Acts 19:5-6 – “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues and prophesied.”
1 Tim 5:22 -” Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure” – context of this verse is meant ordaining others for ministry.
1 Tim 4:14 -” Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.”
2 Tim 1:6 – “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God which is in thee by the putting on of my hands”

Resurrection of the Dead

Psalm 16: 8-11 -” I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither will thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at they right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Psalm 71:20-21 -” Thou, which hast shewed me great an sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.”
Job 19:25-27 -“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consume within me. “
Isaiah 26:19 – “Thy dead men shall live together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of the herbs and the earth shall cast out the dead.”
Luke 21:16-18 – “And ye shall be betrayed both by parents and brethren and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish.”
Luke 24:39-40 – “Behold my hands and my feet that it is I myself: handle me and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.”
John 20:27 – ” Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.”
Romans 8:11 -“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you , he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

1 Cor 15:51-53 ” Behold I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on in-corruption and this mortal must put on immortality.”

Eternal Judgement

1 Samuel 16:7 -” But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

Psalm 58:11 -“So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.”

Psalm 119:160 -“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgements endureth for ever.”

John 5:22-23 -” For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgement unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.”

John 5:26-27 -“For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself. And hath given him authority to execute judgement also because he is the Son of man.”

John 12:47-48 -“And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and recieveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Romans 2:16 -“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”

Romans 14:10-12 -” But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ”
1 Cor 4:5 -“Therefore judge nothing before the time until the LOrd come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”
2 Cor 5:10 -“For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

Hebrews 4:12-13: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing event to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

1 Peter 4:17-18 -” For the time is come that judgement must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”

Rev 20:12 -“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”

Foundation must be laid properly and then we build from that foundation so that we can correctly minister the word and work of God to fulfill the great commission.

Build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ

1 Cor 3:11-15 -“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”