The First 2 Chapters of Power Evangelism

Written By Patrick Jordan

1. Spiritual Warfare and the Kingdom of God

The book presents the Christian life as an ongoing battle against spiritual strongholds. Believers are depicted as soldiers actively participating in spiritual warfare, engaging in a struggle against the kingdom of Satan (Matthew 16:18). Entering God’s kingdom is likened to enlisting in the military, implying discipline, commitment, and combat readiness.

Satan’s attacks come in three forms:

  • The Flesh: Internal struggles, temptations, and sinful desires (Romans 7:18).

  • The World: Distractions and influences that pull believers away from their divine mission (2 Timothy 2:4).

  • Direct Assault: Spiritual opposition from demonic forces.

Christians are given authority and power through Jesus to overcome these challenges. However, this power must be exercised actively to be effective.

2. Satan’s Defeat and the Ongoing Battle

While Satan is ultimately a defeated enemy due to Christ’s victory on the cross, the battle persists. The book draws an analogy to World War II: although D-Day marked the turning point ensuring victory, the war continued with significant losses before V-E Day. Similarly, though Christ's death and resurrection guarantee victory, believers must continue to fight until His return.

There are no neutral zones in spiritual warfare; the battle is lifelong, and Christians are expected to remain vigilant.

3. The Power and Authority of the Believer

Jesus grants His followers both power and authority:

  • Power: The strength given by the Holy Spirit to perform divine tasks (Acts 1:8).

  • Authority: The right to exercise that power in spiritual matters (Luke 9:1-2).

An analogy is drawn to a traffic cop: the officer lacks the physical power to stop a car but has the authority to do so. Similarly, Christians operate under the authority of Jesus to cast out demons, heal the sick, and advance the kingdom.

The story of the Centurion (Matthew 8:5-13) is used to illustrate faith in Jesus' authority. Just as the Centurion recognized authority and trusted Jesus' command, believers must operate with confidence in their spiritual authority.

4. Living Under God's Authority

The Christian life is about being aligned with God rather than merely being “good.” Obedience to God’s commands is essential, as believers are not the kingdom itself but instruments of it. This obedience allows them to become vehicles of divine signs and miracles.

The book emphasizes that spiritual victory requires active faith. If Jesus is the invader of Satan’s dominion, then believers are His soldiers, reclaiming territory and redeeming lives.

5. Power Encounters and Spiritual Conflict

A significant theme in the book is the idea of "power encounters"—moments where the kingdom of God directly confronts the kingdom of Satan. These encounters can manifest as:

  • Miraculous signs, healings, and deliverances.

  • The battle against unbelief, which is equated with Satan’s kingdom.

  • Conflict between opposing spiritual forces, compared metaphorically to natural phenomena like storms, lightning, and tornadoes.

One of the most profound power encounters occurred at Christ’s crucifixion: the veil in the temple tore, the earth shook, and the dead were raised—symbolizing the clash between two kingdoms, with Jesus emerging victorious.

6. Victory Through Christ’s Death and Resurrection

The book parallels Christ’s victory over Satan with the Allied victory in World War II. Just as D-Day ensured the eventual defeat of the Nazis, Christ’s death and resurrection ensure the ultimate triumph over evil. However, the spiritual battle continues until Christ’s return.

7. The Role of the Holy Spirit and the Church

Western Christians often struggle with supernatural experiences because they operate within rational frameworks. The book introduces the concept of "transrational" power encounters—supernatural events that go beyond human reasoning and control.

The church, at times, has resisted the movement of the Holy Spirit, "quenching" its power. To fulfill its mission, the church must fully embrace the Holy Spirit’s work, inviting Him to move freely.

8. The Great Commission and Authority in Christ

The book concludes with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), reinforcing that all authority belongs to Jesus. Since Christ has full authority, believers have access to the power needed to fulfill His commands—making disciples, performing miracles, and spreading the gospel.

…“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)

Conclusion

Power Evangelism emphasizes that Christian life is not passive but involves active spiritual warfare, power encounters, and obedience to God’s authority. Victory is assured through Christ, but believers must remain engaged in the battle, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and committed to advancing the kingdom of God.

Patrick Jordan

Patrick is the lead guitar instructor and songwriting instructor at Rosendale’s 88 Keys Academy.

Originally from Lexington, South Carolina, Patrick has lived in several places including Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, California. Patrick now resides in Woodland, California with his family.

Patrick first began his journey with guitar when he was 10 years old, and has now been playing guitar and writing songs for 26 years. Patrick originally taught himself guitar. Patrick has performed his original music throughout the years for churches, audiences at Potbelly restaurants in Washington, DC, Sony Music talent agents, busking at the Santa Monica Pier, touring in the Los Angeles region, and throughout a musician residency with the House of Blues on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. Patrick was also a Worship Pastor while living in Los Angeles.

Patrick began teaching music and guitar after graduating from Clemson University with a BA in Production Studies in Performing Arts. Patrick created his own guitar teaching business, was a music teacher for an alternative school, and taught music, guitar, acting, and film production at a performing arts center in Lexington, South Carolina. Patrick is also a School Outreach Educator for the Woodland Opera House and teaches Musical Theatre.

Patrick teaches guitar and songwriting for all levels, starting at age 7, exclusively at Rosendale’s 88 Keys Academy in Woodland, California. Patrick teaches lessons on Tuesday, and Thursday, as well as Music Circle on Friday evenings.

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