Friday, November 04, 2005

spiritual warfare

This is the thing I've been studying lately, as well as going through the book of Acts. It's funny, because I already went through this phase quite a few years ago so I didn't expect to be at it again. What I believe hasn't changed that much but I am examining how important it is, especially in the context of evangelism and church planting.
One of my gifts I thinks is discerning of spirits, but it is a gift I think has been withering away since we've been here. We've had no teaching at all in this area, and the one time I distinctly remember mentioning that I thought there was demonic activity going on in a situation, the person we were talking to pretty much laughed it off. This really disturbed me, to say the least. I don't think you can minimize the importance of dealing with sin issues that give the enemy a foothold, but you can also not pretend there is no enemy apart from sin. Sin is not a person with a plan to devour us and take our souls to hell. Sin is all we need to qualify us for hell, but in the life of a Christian, sin is more of a tool in Satan's hands to render us useless in the building of God's kingdom.
At least, these are some of my thoughts lately. We've been meeting with JW's now for a few months , going through one of their studies and debating in a mostly friendly manner. I actually hold out some hope for their souls, but not apart from a supernatural intervention of the Holy Spirit, and a demonstration of power accompanying the gospel. I suppose this is true in some ways with all unbelievers, but some people are definately more under demonic control.
I wish we had someone teaching and doing this kind of ministry so we could learn from them. We are headed for a land steeped in witchcraft and superstition. I know God will provide all the tools we need for ministry. I guess it comes down to trusting Him, as it always does.

4 comments:

Dan Bowen said...

This is a really interesting subject and one that is in my thoughts too - having just finished Derek Prince's biography. Also having been hugely affected by the "Transformation" videos and the connected book "Informed Intercession" by George Otis.

I don't think SGM or even Newfrontiers would buy into this kind of advanced spiritual warfare - I'm not sure.

But my question (and I think yours) is ... well what are we doing as an alternative?

Demons haven't left the planet!! So more disturbingly - where are they?

You might be interested in Sam Storms latest set of Reflections on the film "The Exorcism of Emily Rose": http://samstorms.com/listcat2.asp.

He might surprise you with his conclusions!!

Blessings,

Dan

jul said...

Thanks! I'll check it out. I would love to talk with Dave Fellingham sometime about it but I don't see him very often. I know that he and his wife Rosie do some deliverance ministry at CCK.

Dan Bowen said...

Thats one of the things I just love about Newfrontiers - that they are always advancing into new ministry and stretching themselves - Terry Virgo in healing etc. Wow I didn't know the Fellinghams were in deliverance. I'd love to know what they think.

jul said...

That is from memory but I'm pretty sure. I wouldn't want to tell you something that isn't true though! It makes me think I should double check. Having 3 little ones turns the brain to something like fermented oatmeal.