Our service began with Debbie Fiddy leading a time of praise and worship singing with Jackie, who also played piano, Natalie and Natasha, accompanied by husband Jon (guitar), Reg (guitar) and Josh (drums). Pastor Ed Evans then delivered another powerful message continuing the subject of spiritual warfare. He re-iterated that the enemy (Satan) finds inroads into our lives when we allow fear and anxiety to take control. When we are gripped by fear, torment then ensues in our minds. Jesus himself (Luke 10 v 18-20) speaks of seeing Satan fall like lightening indicating the speed at which he was removed from his position in heaven. From this time, Satan has been the avowed enemy of the Church and the source of all that is evil in the world. Our battle is is not against corrupt and evil men and their systems, but the evil spirit that lies behind these things(Ephesians 6 v 12). However, Jesus tells His disciples that He has given them (and now us) His living church, authority to overcome all the power of the enemy, with the reassurance that nothing will harm them or us. Despite this, He emphasises that a greater source of rejoicing for believers should be not that the spirits submit to them, but that their names are written in heaven. Jesus broke Satan's power by His death on the cross and subsequent resurrection to eternal life. However, despite knowing the he is a defeated foe, he still tries to oppose believers, sometimes deceiving men that he can harm them. We must remember that we are held safe in Christ. Isaiah 54 v 17 states that no weapon forged against us will prosper. We need to believe these truths in order to walk in them, not losing site of the bigger picture which is the kingdom of God, awaiting the return of Jesus, when it will come into complete fullness. For now, we have the Spirit of Christ within us, which is greater than he that is in the world. Another area where Satan can find a crack in our minds and lives is through strife and unforgiveness. Where there is conflict and division within churches and their congregations, many fail to see the unseen player. In 2 Corinthians 2 v 4-11, we are warned not to allow hurts and un-forgiveness to overwhelm us, giving Satan an advantage over us. In Matthew 5, Jesus instructs His followers not to stay angry with a brother but to make every effort to be reconciled quickly. When we feel we have been wronged, simply out of obedience, we must take the first step in faith towards forgiving and being reconciled with the person who has hurt us. The forgiveness and the love of God heals wounds and sets us free. Proverbs 16 v 28 warns that gossip even separates close friends, whilst Proverbs 26 v 20 states that without gossip a quarrel dies down. When people have refused to guard their mouths, churches have been destroyed. Ephesians 4 v 26 tells us not to go to bed with unforgiveness in our hearts. We need to keep short accounts and be quick to forgive others thus retaining a spirit of unity within the body of believers, creating a place where God can command a blessing. Emmanuel Gospel Church, Manorbier, meets every Sunday morning at 10.30 am. The meeting ending with tea and coffee and time for a chat. Bible study is on Monday evenings at 7.30 pm. For more information our a pastoral visit, please 'phone (01834) 871975. Recordings of our meetings are available on CD or by visiting our website http://www.emmanuelgospelministries.org">www.emmanuelgospelministries.org