Freedom from Evil

July 25, 2024

Read about this class:

In a passionate and thought-provoking class, Bishop Benjamin urged his listeners to boldly approach God, live with divine freedom, and reject the mindset of smallness. Drawing on rich scriptural insights, he challenged everyone to stay laser-focused on God’s precepts, overcome distractions, and rebuild their lives with the promise of the Kingdom of Heaven coming down to earth.

Boldly Approaching Our Heavenly Father

Bishop Benjamin began by reminding us that we can confidently enter the throne room of our King. He explained that when we call God “Father,” we are invoking the intimate term “Abba”—a word that not only signifies our close relationship with Him but also echoes the very source of our DNA. Unlike the fear-filled approach seen in the Old Testament, where people hesitated to approach kings (think Esther’s uncertainty), our Lord teaches us that it is His good pleasure to give us the Kingdom. In our modern lives, we must remember that our Heavenly Father is ready to listen when we call Him.

Walking in Liberty by Seeking God’s Precepts

Reflecting on Psalm 119:45, Bishop Benjamin declared, “I will walk at liberty for I seek thy precepts.” Our freedom is not arbitrary—it is rooted in the knowledge of God’s truth. In a world where information is often suppressed, knowing and embracing His word empowers us to live without fear. This liberty means that, when we follow God’s precepts, no enemy or distraction can cut us off from the path He has set before us.

Enlarging Our Territory: The Prayer of Jabez

One of the most stirring moments of the class was the call to reject small thinking. Bishop Benjamin brought to light the powerful prayer of Jabez (from First Chronicles 4:9–10), urging us to ask God to "enlarge our territory." Jabez’s prayer is not about our circumstances being sorrowful but about boldly declaring that we refuse to be limited. In a time when many forces try to make America—and us—small, this prayer is a call to step into the greatness God intends for us. Ask boldly: “Enlarge my territory, and may Your hand be with me!”

Staying Laser-Focused Amid Distractions

In our daily lives, distractions can come from every direction—just like trying to drive while staring at the rearview mirror. Bishop Benjamin used this vivid analogy to remind us that while a quick glance at the past is fine, we must keep our eyes on the road ahead. The enemy uses deception to lead us astray, as warned in Matthew 24, so our focus must remain fixed on God’s path. Whether it’s the lure of past mistakes or the constant noise from the world, staying laser-focused on His precepts prevents us from being derailed.

Rebuilding and Enduring in Troubled Times

Bishop Benjamin also touched on the importance of rebuilding—both personally and within our society. He acknowledged that while our government and systems, including the medical field, face serious challenges, we must not discard what works. Instead, we are called to rebuild and reform with wisdom and truth. Just as our bodies require exercise and care, our spirit and community need continual nurturing. “If we suffer with Him, we shall reign with Him,” he reminded us, emphasizing that endurance through hardship ultimately leads to divine victory.

Bringing Heaven Down to Earth

At the heart of Bishop Benjamin’s message is the call to bring the Kingdom of Heaven into our everyday lives. This means:

  • Approaching God Boldly: Knowing that our Father delights in our coming to Him.
  • Living in Liberty: Walking freely as we seek His wisdom and truth.
  • Rejecting Smallness: Praying for enlargement in our lives, just as Jabez did.
  • Staying Focused: Keeping our eyes on God’s precepts rather than being distracted by past mistakes or worldly deceptions.
  • Enduring and Rebuilding: Trusting that every challenge is an opportunity to rebuild with God’s guidance.

As we face personal struggles, societal challenges, or even systemic issues in fields like healthcare, Bishop Benjamin’s words remind us that our strength comes from God. With a focused mind, a bold prayer, and a heart that refuses to shrink, we can overcome any obstacle. Let us step forward with renewed faith and determination, embracing the fullness of the Kingdom that is already at work within us.

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