Spiritual Warfare

Strategic Level Battle – Warfare

So often we skip right over the matter of battle and war taking place within the constructs of what we believe as Christians. Having walked with God now for much of my life, now over 40 years (2020), I can look back and clearly see that we are indeed at war. In some instances, it is even clear to see where this enemy of God has been engaged and clear to see his efforts in attempting to de-saddle me from ministry – and even life.

There are numerous books and messages out there on “Spiritual Warfare.” But, it seems as I consider what I’ve heard, read and experienced over a half a century, I realize that we have really only begun the discussion, and sadly never really engaged the enemy at the strategic level. We loosely use the words and terms of “spiritual warfare,” without really understanding, much less realizing that we are painting a blanket picture over something that happens at both the strategic (warfare) and the tactical (combat) levels. “…for this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil ( 1 John 3: 8). That’s pretty direct. It’s pretty clear.

Many well-intentioned preachers, as well as teachers delve into this mysterious valley of the shadow of death without ever realizing that the enemy is watching, listening, and engaged. Remember, in John 10, Jesus said, “The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy.” I have come that they may have life…” (v.10). Consider that as you read on… As we set our priorities in life, we must consider whether politics, our philosophical biases and beliefs, or our faith in God is the top priority. It seems at times, many good-meaning Christian make the mistake of buying into the subtle schemes of the devil and combine their faith and politics, because they “feel” like they should go together. It might be good to remember, that without the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and without the Old Testament recordings of the lives and times of Israel and God’s people in ancient times, there would be no Declaration of Independence. There would be no U.S. Constitution.

Our generation is a generation of chaos and toxic social substance. The scriptures that speak of the end-times as well as the last days are unfolding right in front of our eyes – yet, we fail to see. Much like the stories of old in the Old Testament of the Bible, we have missed the very substance of what is going on all around us. What we see with our physiological eyes – and what we see with our spiritual eyes are not mutually exclusive. If we are to survive these days and if America is to continue moving forward into the future, then we will have to revisit much of what we have been taught and much of what we believe. It’s safe to say that not much of what has been claimed as truth has had an impact on the Kingdoms of Darkness in this world. Let’s walk this pathway together and learn about how we can take the fight to the enemy. Let’s learn to draw back from talking so much and learn how we can begin DOING what needs to be done to win more battles (combat) and maybe even see some major spiritual impacts in our lifetime. When you engage as a Christian, especially as a new Christian, the enemy will begin working to deceive you into believing deceptive doctrines and narratives that sound “righteous” and feel like something that the American Church would want to prop up as “Gospel.” The crossover and hybridization that is occurring between the ideologies of “Chirstian” and “Conservative” is just one such example in our generation. Please reason with me on this and don’t fall prey to the enemy’s schemes or that trap.

These articles might provide a good source for discussion and thought! You might consider sharing them with your pastor, family, and friends. It’s important we talk about these things together.