David O. Oyedepo (born September 27, 1954) is a Nigerian preacher, Christian author, businessman, architect and the founder and presiding Bishop of the megachurch Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, and Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners' Chapel International.
The Winners' Chapel International network of churches is located in over 300 cities, in all states of Nigeria, and in several cities in 45 African nations, Dubai, the United Kingdom and the United States. Oyedepo has been seen as one of the pioneers of the Christian charismatic movement in Africa and has been referred to as one of the most powerful preachers in Nigeria. He is the Chancellor of Covenant University and Landmark University. He was named in 2011 by Forbes magazine as being the richest pastor in Nigeria.
"The Christians who will make it this end-time are soldiers. You cannot be child forever. A child is no better than a slave, because he remains under governors and tutors until he grows. Even though all things are his, he doesn't enjoy them as long as he remains a child (Gal. 4:1-2)." (David Oyedepo, Winning Invisible Battles)
The Bible says, "for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses" (2 Corinthians 10:4). The author teaches that we are in a war, but it is not a physical war, but a war in the spirit. In this book, he shows us weapons that are available to the believer. Our war is not with people, it is with satan and his cohorts. Yes, satan may use people, but ultimately, it is the devil behind their behaviour. He says, "Your enemy is the devil; not that witch, not that herbalist, nor colleague in your office. No! It is the devil. Many people find it difficult to believe this truth, because their minds have been so programmed to believe that other people are responsible for their problems." He helps us to see the root of many of these problems are not people, but the devil at work in and through them. The author opens up the spiritual war chest that has been given to us by God and teaches on how to use these weapons.
Some of these spiritual weapons that the author teaches on in this book include:
- Knowing who you are in Christ through the Word of God (Your identity in Christ) - Knowing your real enemy - the devil - Knowing the covenants that God has made with His people, including, the Abrahamic Covenant of Freedom - Dreaming Bible Dreams (Having God-given vision) - Guarding your mind - Rebuking contrary winds - Engaging the force of prophecy - Using your tongue aright - Engaging the ministry of angels - Using the anointing oil - Using the blood of Jesus - Using mantles (a.k.a. prayer cloths) - Taking communion - The word of your testimony - Exercising your divine authority - Resisting the devil - Prayer and making biblical declarations...
We have so many spiritual weapons available to us as believers; however, we need to to know how to wage warfare with them and win. This is attained by studying the Word of God and reading books like these which allows you to be equipped for the work of the ministry and the edifying of the saints. I have good news for you. We are on the winning side if you are in Christ. The end of the story is Jesus wins and you will too if you stay in Him! If we persevere to the end, we will be saved. (See Matthew 24:13; Matthew 10:22; Mark 13:13)
Faith building book. I enjoy reading Bishops they are practical and easy to apply and understand. One thing also when reading Bishops books you will definitely encounter the anointing and the grace God has placed on this earthly vessel.
True to the Word of God, packed with power and life giving and deliverance-bringing insights, this book is a must read for every Christian. I could hardly put it down! Definitely going back through it again.