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I have always been fascinated by old Western movies and of course my hero was John Wayne riding on a black stallion going after the bad guys. One could always tell the good guy from the bad guy. As the plot thickened and the excitement built, the hero and the bad guy had their six guns out as they blazed across the screen, riding at a breakneck speed. It was evident that there was going to be a “Showdown”. One of these guys was going to walk away the victor and the other would be left in the dust. There are no “ties” in Western movies. There is only the Victor and of course the Victim.

Good and evil are treated the same in scripture. There is God and then there is the devil. There is good and there is evil. There is light and there is darkness. There is an anointing that comes from the Holy Spirit and an anointing that originates in darkness.

Today as Christians we are faced with more trials and temptations than maybe any other generation in history. Today’s youth are faced with temptations, often beginning in grade school, that can easily destroy their lives before they are teen-agers.

Current events taking place around the world today tend to lead today’s Christian to the knowledge that we truly are “living” Bible prophecy. Our eyes are witnessing and our ears hearing the very things prophesied by prophets of old, such as Nehemiah, Malachi and Daniel. `

Now we are beginning to get a glimpse of what John saw on the isle of Patmos as he was given a revelation of things to come. September 11, 2001 will be a day forever etched in the heart of all of America as we slowly try to recover from the shock of seeing Airplanes running through huge buildings. It was terrorism at it’s worst, seeking to instill fear in the heart of every citizen and to bring about chaos to our world in general.

Thank God for a Christian President and a people who stood united in a city as large as New York. What a blessing it was to hear about all of the unsung hero’s of “the day”, that will go down in history as the blackest day America has ever known, as witnessed on our TV screens. Many Christians have observed this as a Spiritual Showdown with faith in God winning over terror.

Every day of our lives we must be prepared for a “Spiritual Showdown”, the enemy will confront us with temptations, tests, and trials. We will either become the Victor or the Victim. As a child of God we have every right to claim victory in every test, trial or temptation.

Acts 13: Verse 2-3 - As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Paul and Barnabas were faithful to a church (Acts 13: 1) their home church was in Antioch. Church members today think they are doing God a favor if they make it to church once a week. Every Christian needs to have a “home church” where they fellowship together and have a Pastor that is leading the flock according to the Word of God.

Paul and Barnabas allowed the Holy Spirit to direct them in their worship. We would do well today to follow their example. Notice in the same passages of scripture the importance put on fasting. Not many people fast anymore, but there are still spiritual battles to be won in the Spiritual Realm by fasting. We must learn to deny the “flesh and feed our spirit” with the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 17:21 – Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

When the disciples could not cast out the demon spirit, Jesus reminded them that praying and fasting was the “key”. It is still the key today to be an effective tool in ministering to hurting people. If you are having a battle in the flesh, try praying and fasting.

Today’s church as a whole are ready at 12:00 noon to leave Church and hurry to the nearest restaurant or to get home to eat. As Christians we love our prayer breakfasts, our Fellowship dinners and Homecoming dinners. Give us an “eatin meetin” and the whole body of believers for the most part will show up. We must come to the realization in our spiritual walk that there is a “time to feast” and a “time to fast” and we must be able to discern the difference.

Paul and Barnabas did not go on their journey until they had fasted and prayed. They knew they were going on the “Battlefield”, so they took time out to become “spiritually prepared”. We might have a mighty anointing upon us, but we must fine-tune it with prayer and fasting.

Acts 13:11 – Paul and Barnabas embraced their ministry. They did not try to deny the call. We all have a ministry gift of some kind and God will not keep us in the dark but He will let us know what it is. He “anoints and appoints”, but we have to be willing to get busy, so that the whole body of Christ may be edified. They are no “Lone Rangers” in the Kingdom of God. Even the disciples were sent out in pairs. We need each other.

We are to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God wherever and whenever the opportunity presents itself. We must learn to “start where we are and grow where we are planted”. Minister to those around you.

In Acts 13:9-11 we find Paul and Barnabas having a showdown with a sorcerer – of course the sorcerer was receiving his power from the powers of darkness but Paul and Barnabas had the Holy Ghost.

Now your “Spiritual Showdown” might not be this dramatic. Paul wasn’t calling judgement down because Elymas was resisting him personally but he was trying to prevent others from receiving the gospel.

There are different types of “Showdowns”

1. When God told Pharaoh to let His people go and Pharaoh said no - there was a “Showdown”.

2. When Elijah said - Let the God that answers by fire - Let Him be God - There was a “Showdown”.

3. When the King said no praying or you will be thrown in the lion’s den – Daniel said I am going to pray anyway.

4. When the King said you have to bow to the idol or go into the fiery furnace – There was a showdown.

5. When Jesus was suspended between Heaven and Earth upon a cross and buried in a tomb – There was a “Showdown”.

Be sure the world is watching you today – They might be afraid to step out during the “Showdown” but they are watching you. Be aware that your victory may open doors for others to come to God.

Are you in a battle today? If so before you come up against the forces of evil, you better make sure you charge up your anointing with prayer and fasting and be filled with the Holy Ghost. The devil has been kicking dirt in the face of the Church long enough – It is time for a “Showdown”. Are you ready for victory? Are you serious about the enemy fleeing from you? Then have yourself a “Spiritual Showdown” and be about the Father’s business of winning souls for the Kingdom of God.