Sermon Tone Analysis

Gates

We don’t have physical walls around cities anymore.

So when we think about the Gates of a city, we might think of a castle with gates that close to protect a city from enemies.

In the past, Gates were opened to give entrance to a city, or entrance to a territory.

The Bible describes many different things that happened in the Gates of a city or Kingdom.

“Lot was sitting in the gates of Sodom,” to us, the description “in the gates” sounds odd because we don’t have physical gates anymore.

In the Gates

From this place “in the gates”, which was a position of recognized authority, Lot received these strangers and offerred them refuge, knowing the evil in the city.

'Gates' in biblical Israel Gates were opened to give entrance to a city, or entrance to a territory.

But the Gates weren't just a doorway into the city.

The Gate was not just a passageway through the defensive wall surrounding the city.

It was typically a massive and often complex structure, consisting of an outer gate and an inner one providing a second line of defense, with a space in between.

It was in this space between the inner and outer gates, which was sometimes just a corridor with recessed guardrooms, and sometimes a more spacious courtyard – that the Bible calls “in the gates.”

Based on biblical references and archaeological finds, much life took place within that area, called “in the gates”.

That space served as a combination of town hall, ad hoc law court, something like our “National Mall” in Washington DC, as a marketplace, and as a park bench.

Archeologists discovered a Gate like this in the ancient city of Dan (Abraham rescued Lot, taking him back from the marauding army at Dan).

City Gates were made of Stone, Iron, Wood, Bronze and were strong to resist assault and protect when closed.

In Israel, the Law was read at the Gates.

It was also true, that Pagan Religious services were held at the city gates.

While we no longer have physical gates with connecting walls between them, the activities that happened “in the gates” are still part of Governments and relationships between people and societies.

Can we recognize these gates of power and influence today?

Government

Federal: executive, legislative, judicial

State: executive, legislative, judicial

Local: executive, legislative, judicial, police, fire, first responders

Church: Board, Pastor, Elders

Military

Courageous and wise leaders

God’s protection

Continual dependence on God

Media

Communicators of truth

Sharing inspirational stories

Respecting others

Business

Leaders of honesty and integrity

Creators of economic blessing

Helpers and givers to local community

Education

Highly values truth

Expects excellence

Prepares students to win

Church

Biblically-based, Christ-centered

Holy Spirit-empowered

Great Commission-driven

Prayer for the Church

There is a time set aside for prayer

Family

Follow the Bible

Practice forgiveness

Love one another

Eastern Gate

This is the gate Jesus Christ will return through.

This gate was closed, sealed and closed to prevent entry.

In Ezekiel's vision, he says.

Revelation 12:11...

And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

"We declare by the Almighty power of the Blood of Jesus Christ, His enemies within this territory are overcome, they are utterly defeated, their power to rule is broken and their ability to stand against the righteous is nullified.

Hebrews 9:22 ...And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.

"We declare, because of Christ's shed Blood, the sin in the land has been remitted.

Therefore, we declare this land loosed from the defilement of sin and the dark forces which drew upon these defilements for their power."

"We declare this land cleansed and sanctified and this gate closed to the powers of darkness."

Colossians 2:15...Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

"We declare through His Blood sacrifice Jesus Christ has made a public spectacle of His enemies, totally disarming them, totally defeating them, and totally triumphing over them through His obedience and death on the Cross."

Philippians 2:9-11...Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the Name which is above every name, so at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in Heaven, and of those on Earth, and of those under the Earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

"We declare every principality, power, ruler of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in heavenly places and every name which has been named in Heaven, in the Earth, and under the Earth shall bow their knee to the all-powerful Name of the Lord Jesus Christ."

"We declare the power of darkness' legal right of access to this land and their rule over this Eastern gate is nullified and broken.

Therefore, we declare they can no longer blind and bind the minds and hearts of the people within this territory."

Western Gate

No mention is made of a western gate, there was one in Solomon's temple; for there were porters appointed westward by David, and fixed by Solomon, ( 1 Chronicles 9:24 ) ( 1 Chronicles 26:16 1 Chronicles 26:18 )

Leviticus 20:6

"We declare God has set His face against those who turn to and interact with wizards and familiar spirits – against those who have sold themselves for demonic power, riches, or influence.

We agree all such persons will be cut off from their demonic power source and their eyes and ears will open to His all-powerful voice."

Leviticus 20:27 '…Now a man or a woman who is a medium or a spiritist shall surely be put to death.

They shall be stoned with stones, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.'"

(NASB)

"We declare with the Judge of all the universe His decree of a death sentence upon every person who has chosen to be a wizard or who entertains or joins with familiar spirits."

"We pray as these persons taste various dimensions of death they will abandon the evil spirits which have taken them captive."

"We stand against the evil spirits behind their foolish actions and declare their access to this territory is closed down and they have no legitimate right to remain here."

Matthew 3:10 "The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire….”

(NASB)

Scriptures and Declarations Applied in Closing the Gates to the Occult Page 4

“We declare the axe has been laid to the root of any occult activities which took place on this land as practiced by the ancient peoples of this Region.

We declare the transference of any occult spiritual residue from those past abominations is cut off by the by the all-powerful Blood of Jesus Christ.”

"We declare the all trees of unrighteousness which have sprung forth from this root shall wither with no demonic resources to empower them.”

"We declare all wicked powers influencing the lives of any people who dwell in this territory have been nullified in their ability to continue to captivate their hearts and minds."

Matthew 15:13 But He answered and said, "Every plant which My Heavenly Father did not plant shall be uprooted….”

(NASB)

"We declare any defiling plant is uprooted and forbidden from spiritually influencing the people of this territory or this nation."

"We declare in its place the Word of God shall be the principle guide for every thought, behavior, and character of the people dwelling in this territory and Christ and His Kingdom will be their covering from this time forward.”

Psalm 125:3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land of the righteous, so the righteous will not put forth their hands to do wrong.

(NASB)

"We declare the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land allotted to God's people in this territory."

Southern Gate

Psalm 7:9 O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; for the righteous God tries the hearts and minds.

(NASB)

"We declare the wickedness of the wicked has come to end and their ability to operate and have dominion within this territory has ceased."

“We declare God will establish His people – the just – in the land – to rule and have dominion over every realm of jurisdiction – spiritual, civil, educational, governmental, social, financial, and the arts."

Psalm 37:17 For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD sustains the righteous.