Text: Mathew 16:19, Matthew 18:18

Introduction

Physical law is no obstruction to spiritual realities especially to those that know their God. Bolts and bars and prison gates open at their volition for Peter the Apostle: Acts 12:8-10. Joshua obstructed nature (Sun and Moon): Joshua 10:10-13. Hungry lions could not devour Daniel in their den: Daniel 6:16-24. Elijah commanded fire to consume stones and water: I king 18:24-38. In human perceptions, these are impossible but really they are realities. It therefore implies that no place can be so dismal, no cave can be so deep and dark, no inquisition cell so hidden and fetid, no fortress so strongly guarded, that a child of God can not find quick and easy access to.

Do you wonder how come those realities happened? It was because the persons mentioned above have the keys and connected to the spiritual realities.

Facts in our Texts

‘Thee’: this is not peculiar to Peter only but to every believer. Mat. 17:20, John 14:12-15, Mark 16:15-20.

‘The keys: This is not a single key. Perhaps, a bunch of keys that the numbers could not be known, but within the measure of your capacity, service and cordiality with God. Key is a symbol of authority-Isaiah 22:22. That is, authority and power to do the works of God. Whatever He (God) binds or looses is the true idea.

Conditions for Connecting to Spiritual Realities

1. Make Christ the centre of your life: Mat 6:33

David said, ‘Truly my soul waited upon God..for Him commeth my salvation…’ – Psalm 62:1-2. Christ said ‘I am the bread of life..’ – John 6:35. The kingdom of God is an embodiment of all power and authorities. Christ said ‘..But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God then the kingdom of God is come unto you’.  – Mat 12:28, Luke 11:20.

Mat. 13:44-46 tells us about what the kingdom of God is like. For you to be able to connect to spiritual realities, Christ has to be at the centre of your life.

2. Live with eternity in view: Mat.6:19-21.

This is related to seeking the Lord’s kingdom. To lay up treasures in Heaven is to be consecrated fully unto God and to help all men who are in need. Mansions and furnishings in heaven are secured from moth and thieves. Apostle Paul gave an advice in Col. 3:1-4, I Cor. 9:24-27. The preaching of the cross is foolishness to those that will perish. I Cor. 1:18.

We understand the zeal of the early Christian missionaries: every congregation was a missionary society and every believer was a missionary, inflamed by the love of Christ to convert fellow men. Apart from converting souls, they demonstrated power in their world then and people recognized them. Acts 5:12-16.

3. Put on the whole armour of God. Eph.6:8-10.

To be able to connect and operate at the frequency of spiritual realities and unlock your spiritual world, you need to put on the whole armour of God.  Truth, righteousness and faith are defensive weapons, while the word of God would give you an edge in attacking. By faith you see God in evangelism and this would be counted as obedience; you must obey completely because it is the same God that gave all the commandments. You need to rely totally on God who is capable of strengthening you. Isaiah 40:29-31.

4. Operate in Higher Spiritual Realm. Eph. 6:12.

Principalities and powers dwell in high places hence there is need for you to operate above them in order to be able to connect to spiritual realities. Psalm 101:1, Deut.12:2-3.

5. Move in the Path of Personal Revival: James 4:4-8.

You are saved by His Grace and once you stand for Christ, daily examine yourself where necessary and make amendment. Speak to the dead things in your life, after all Ezekiel spoke to dry bones and they lived. Ezekiel 37:1-10.

6. Be uncompromising like Daniel and co. – Daniel 3:16-18, Daniel 6:4-17.

7. Move in the path of Holiness by resolving any known conflict, removing any known beset and being faithful. Heb.12:1.

8. Do not sleep like others. I Thes.5:6-7.

Any Christian that will wait to listen to God will not sleep like others. Beside, Christ told a parable in Mathew 13:24-25 which should be our guide.

9. Listen and obey God’s instruction. Acts 8:26-35.

Remember, Phillip was preaching to a large congregation when he heard from the angel to go to the wilderness. Acts 8:1-25.

Others

Keep yourself in God’s love-Mark 12:30, Psalm91:14. Wait upon the Lord always in fasting and prayers-Isaiah 40:30-31. Be humble-James 4:10, Isaiah 57:15. Fellowship always with fellow Christians-I John 1:7, Eccl.4:9-10, Prov.27:17, Mat.18:20. Submit always to constituted authority- I Tim.6:1-2, Eph.6:1-2, Heb.13:7.

If you are able to fulfill all the above conditions, your spiritual life will never remain the same.

Remain Blessed,

Deacon Wole Bodunde