A large proportion of the Bible deals with warfare in the spirit realm. The Apostle Paul said that our battle is not with flesh and blood, but with dark spiritual power Ephesians 6:12.
The Bible begins with warfare in paradise and ends with warfare in the book of Revelations.
If we are to be successful in our battle against the darkness of this world we must understand something of spiritual warfare.
The Church today is dangerously ignorant of the schemes of the Devil. Some pride themselves in not knowing much about the Devil inferring that all you need is to focus on Jesus and not on the Devil. While our primary focus must always be upon Jesus, The apostle Paul said; Lest Satan should get an advantage over us; we ought not to be ignorant of his devises 2 Corinthians 2:11.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
These scriptures make very clear the fact that Christians are involved in a cosmic struggle with evil forces, headed up by the devil himself.
We are told to resist these evil forces and fight a good fight.-James 4:7; 1 Tim 6:12; 2 Tim 4:7
Where Did It All Begin?
Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, 0 Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Ezekiel 28:12 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum. full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone [was] thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.14 Thou [art] the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee [so]: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.15 Thou [wast] perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, 0 covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.
It seems clear from Rev 12:4 that Lucifer was able to deceive a third of the Angels and persuade them into following him in rebellion against God.
To create us in His image, God gave us free will. To have done otherwise would have been to make us puppets or hollow mannequins. Yet to give us free will God had to forgo the use of force against us. We do not have free will when there is a gun at our back … in agony He must stand and let us be.
This Cosmic Rebellion Reached Earth Soon After Man’s Creation
The evil this brought affected two spheres. The natural and the moral. The conflict is seen in nature in storms hurricanes and any other violent manifestations of nature.
Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
The conflict is seen in a moral sense, in fallen humanity.
Warfare In Paradise
God created man in His own image, sinless and perfect. When the theatre of warfare shifted to the Earth, Adam and Eve were obviously the first target. The tragedy and aftermath of Adam losing the battle is reflected in the horrific history of mankind.
Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Warfare And Moses
We have a classic example of spiritual warfare in the conflict between Moses and Pharaoh. The setting is that of over two million people held as captives and slaves by Pharaoh
In reality Moses was challenging the ruling spirits over Egypt. Pharaoh was only the physical channel for these spirits.
We understand that the Egyptians worshipped ten deities that governed the land. It would appear that the ten plagues were a direct attack on the power and influence of each of these ruling spirits.
Truly this was a spiritual conflict which finally was won by Moses and his obedience to God. The results liberated over two million people.
Joshua
The conquest of Canaan is a most graphic example of spiritual warfare. The literal conquest of these nations is an object lesson for us today; it shows us how a nation is taken for God
The giants in the land have to be conquered. It is evident to us in reading the accounts of the conquest of Canaan, that in conquering the land by military force had a secondary affect, that of dislodging the ruling evil spirits over those nations.
Numbers 33:52 Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:
In the New Testament setting the opposite seems to be true. First we are to conquer the evil spiritual forces over a nation then the social fabric of the nation changes
Paul the Apostle clearly stated that these Old Testament examples are examples which we ought to follow today. The literal warfare in the Old Testament is a picture and pattern for our spiritual warfare today
I Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
David
Much of the life of David is a picture of Spiritual Warfare, from the slaying of Goliath to the taking of the stronghold of Zion.
New Testament Examples
Jesus clearly taught we are in a spiritual conflict which requires warfare on our part.
Matthew 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with [his] word, and healed all that were sick:
Matthew 9:33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.
Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers. raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
The Apostle Paul
Paul was very familiar with spiritual warfare. As his life drew to a close he said this.
I have fought a goodfight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith: 2 Tim 4:7
Paul continually reminded us that we are in a spiritual conflict and we have to fight, we have to defend ourselves, we have to know our enemy.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
II Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Peter said this … I Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
The New Testament closes out with a colossal spiritual conflict in the book of Revelation. Revelation 12:11 tells that we Christians have to overcome the enemy which is spiritual.
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
It is important to win the battle on the inside first before we begin to wage war externally. If we have major unresolved problems in our lives, we need to seek to resolve them before we become active in external warfare.
We realize that we are not yet perfect; however we need to be walking in the light and be free from major spirit based problems.
If the enemy has ground in us we will be vulnerable.
John 14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
II Corinthians 10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
Personal Negative Emotions Need To Be Dealt With
Such things as: Anger, Fear, Resentment, Unforgiveness, Jealousy, and Pride.
These things give ground for the enemy to knock us out of the battle.
You need to be grounded in a good understanding of your authority in the Lord, and the legal defeat of Satan.
Don’t Be Ignorant Of Satan’s Devices
The Church today is dangerously ignorant of the schemes of the devil. Some pride themselves in not knowing much about the devil and his devices, saying they focus only on Jesus. Apparently the apostle Paul did not feel that way.
II Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
The Unseen World Of Spirits
The Biblical Cosmic view of the universe is that of this.
“The universe is governed by the spirit world”
Jesus made it very clear that “the kingdom of God” is a spiritual kingdom …John 8:38 John 18:36
Jesus also made it clear that “His kingdom rules over all”. 1 Chron 29:11; Psalm 103:19
Evil Spirits Also Rule And Influence Nations-Revelation 18:23 Dan 10:13
Fallen Angels And Demons
The Angels that fell with Lucifer are still Angels. Revelation 12:9 speaks of the Devil and his Angels.
The Bible also refers to the existence of Demons and Evil spirits. We need to be clear that fallen Angels and demons are not the same thing as some would suppose.
Firstly fallen Angels do not need to inhabit people in order to express themselves. There is only one instance of this in the Bible, When Satan entered into Judas Luke 22:3.
Secondly fallen Angels inhabit the heavenlies. That is their abode. Rev 12:4-9
Demons are, Earth bound, they roam the earth. They don’t look like fallen Angels nor do they have the power of fallen Angels
Demons are disembodied spirits and seek a body to live in and express themselves through. Fallen Angels are not disembodied they still have their spirit body.
This distinction is important, because as we will see later, they have to be dealt with differently.
There is no incident anywhere in the scripture of a Christian casting out fallen Angels.
Where Do Demons Come From?
Many Bible scholars believe that demons had their origins in a pre-Adamic age.
“The Gap Theory”
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth became without form, and void; and darkness [was] upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
The earth was first created by God. Verse one. Then later became without form and void. Verse two.
Here we have a gap or period of time between these two events.
Gods command to Adam was to “replenish” the earth.
Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth,
The same word is used when God told Noah after the flood to replenish the earth. Genesis 9:1.
Isaiah 24:1 Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.
Unseen World
If there was a former creation in the earth prior to man, and Lucifer was over that creation before he fell, that creation would have fallen with him, just as all of humanity fell in Adam.
If at the fall of Lucifer the world he ruled over was judged and became without form and void, (possibly the ice age) then that creation as disembodied spirits would have been left in the Earth.
Jeremiah 4:23 I beheld the earth, and, lo, [it was] without form, and void; and the heavens, and they [had] no light. 24 I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly.
Jeremiah 4:26 I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place [was] a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the LORD, [and] by his fierce anger. 27 For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end.
However, we know that demons exist and are the enemy of God and man, and we have to deal with them.
After Lucifer fell he became known as the Devil or Satan. 1 Chron 21:l.; Mat 4:l.
Jesus summed up his mission in the earth like this: John 10:10 To steal, kill, and to destroy.
He is our adversary and he governs a vast kingdom in the spirit world. We must not be ignorant of his devices, we must resist him steadfastly.
James does not say: Ignore the enemy and he will flee from you.
We are to resist the enemy. James 4:7
I Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Heavenly
In order to reach our cities for Christ, the Church must engage and defeat the occupying army of demons under Satan and his fallen Angels command who are blinding the lost to the light of the gospel. See 2 Cor 4:4; 10:4-5
Where Is The Battle Zone
The book of Ephesians above all other books of the Bible, give us a window into the spirit world and Spiritual Warfare, it is the handbook as it were for Spiritual Warfare. It contains more power words connected to warfare in “the heavenlies” than any other book in the Bible.
The epistle to the Ephesians was addressed to a church that succeeded in reaching its entire city for Christ.
Heavenly Places
This phrase is used five times in the book of Ephesians, so it must be an important phrase: What does it mean?
The average church member in the Western world has no idea what this expression really means, or where this so called place “heavenly Places” is.
The believers in Ephesus evidently understood this term “heavenly places” Paul did not explain it to them. Our western mind set is so closed to spiritual things and the spirit world; we find it difficult to comprehend the seeming intangible world of spiritual things.
The Greek word for this term “Heavenly Places” is Ouranios Lit “The heavenlies”.
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our-Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:
Ephesians 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places],
Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
We are blessed with all things in heavenly places. Jesus is seated in heavenly places .We are seated in heavenly places. Evil principalities and powers are in heavenly places
Where Are These Heavenly Places?
It is not just a place we call heaven, because we see that evil powers are there too.
The term Heavenly Places or “The Heavenlies” is The Realm of the Spirit. It is a term that encompasses the whole of the spirit world.
In active warfare, the most critical information is not what you know, but what you don’t know. Especially if your enemy knows that you don’t know it. It is fatal to step into a war zone unawares. The worst mistake in war is to not know where the battleground is located.
Heavenly places
The Apostle Paul made it very clear that this is where the battle zone is. It is not in our physical world, it is in the spirit world.
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE GRASP THIS: If we do, God will not be a million miles away.
Your spirit lives in this realm. Jesus has absolute authority in this realm and you are seated with him in that realm. You must let that sink in.
Ephesians 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places], :21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:
The unsaved are captives of that realm, Imprisoned in “heavenly places” and you have authority in that world to release them. We are called to release the captives, to set the prisoners free, to proclaim the good news, to declare it to principalities and powers.
John 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you [of] heavenly things?13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven.
While on earth Jesus said He was in Heaven. How can this be?
Jesus operated in the realm of spirit “heavenly places”
To bring change, change must first be accomplished in the spirit realm before it is manifest in the natural realm.
Our problem in getting people saved is a spiritual problem. Deal with it there and we will see results in the natural realm.
Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven and whatsoever you bind on earth must be already bound in heaven: and whatsoever you loose on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven.
Things have to be changed in the spirit realm first
The fourth dimension, that of spirit controls the third dimension that of the physical. When Jesus turned the water into wine we see the spirit realm controlling the natural realm.
Plundering
The book of Ephesians gives us a graphic picture of Jesus plundering Satan’s domain.
Ephesians 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.
Jesus through His death paid the price of man’s sin. When He rose from the dead he started a new race of people who were free from the dominion of Satan.
These people (born again ones) now have the responsibility of freeing those still held captive by Satan.
Satan cannot dispute the position of Jesus over him. So he now works against the believer as an accuser, He works on three fronts.
1 By Deception… Keeping the believer in the dark. Satan does not want you to know that you have authority over him.
2 By Sin… Satan will seek to cause you to sin in order to disqualify you. When you as a Christian sin you are brought back under Satan’s jurisdiction.
3 By Division… Satan will seek to divide Christians and greatly weaken their place of authority in the heavenlies.
THE WEAPON SATAN USES TO DO THIS IS ANGER.
Anger of Christians directed at each other. This seems very simple, but it is not. Our understanding of this is crucial. THIS IS A MAJOR KEY.
The book of Ephesians is a book on warfare and it is of prime significance that in the middle of this book on warfare Paul says this.
Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath::27 Neither give place to the devil.
PAUL IS SAYING THAT WE GIVE PLACE TO THE DEVIL BY ANGER.
IT IS EXTREMELY SIGNIFICANT THAT PAUL STATES THIS IN THE CONTEXT OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE
HE IS SAYING THAT ANGER GIVES “PLACE” TO THE DEVIL
THE WORD “Place” in the Greek here is the word “topos “ Form which we get the English word “topography.” It can also be translated “office.” This suggests an area of jurisdiction or a sphere of influence.
This jurisdiction in the heavenlies is created by ANGER which brings division. This in turn gives back to Satan authority in the heavenlies.
When Satan has the upper hand in a city, we always find a Church that is deeply divided with members, congregations and denominations angry at each other.
Consequently it is futile to try and win a city for Christ without first to resolving the anger expressed in divisions among Christians in that city.
The Trigger
What is it that causes so much anger among Christians? Without doubt, it is most often something that is said. Paul again in the context of spiritual warfare states this.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Corrupt Communication without Grace
Every major relational tragedy is set in motion by “unwholesome words” or corrupt communication.
Criticism is a form of judgment and we are commanded not to judge. When someone says something critical about us that we know is true, or partially true we become angry, we feel judged, condemned. Telling the truth without grace is devastating.
WE MUST FIRST WIN THE BATTLE ON THE INSIDE BEFORE WE TAKE ON THE BATTLE ON THE OUTSIDE
Love, Forgiveness, Acceptance, Encouragement. These are the things that have to be ministers to each other. We have to put away … Anger, Malice, Wrath, Bitterness, Unforgiveness.
If we don’t we lose our authority over Satan, and we cannot displace him.
Paul says we must minister grace to people. If there is not grace our communication is corrupt, damaging and destructive.
Open Heaven
Isaiah 25:6 And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto ail people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things fill of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.:7 And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations. 8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it].
Isaiah tells us:
1-That there is a covering over all nations.
2- That there will come a time when God will break it.
3-When that covering is removed, there will be victory over death – tears – sorrow – the enemy will be rebuked.
What Is That Covering
Satan was called the covering cherub before he fell. Eze 28:16.
Satan is also known as the “prince of the power of the air.”
Satanic Power Sits over Nations as A Covering
Fallen angels rule over nations keeping them in darkness.
Dan 10:12-14. Makes it clear that a satanic prince ruled over Persia. It would seem that the power of this prince had to be broken before Israel could be free to return home. See Zechariah Chap 1.
An Open Heaven
Genesis Chap 28: Gives us our first picture of an open heaven. We see here the church under an open heaven.
Johns Chap 1:51: Here we see Jesus under an open heaven.
Isaiah Chap 25: We have a picture of a nation under an open heaven.
Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. 29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man ‘s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
Luke 11:21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: 22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him ail his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
Pharaoh is a classic example of a strong man ruling a nation. This strong man of pride kept over two million people captive. When that power was broken those two million or so people experienced salvation. (Passover)
An open heaven occurs when the ruling power over a nation or city or an individual, is displaced. When this happens the influence of the Prince of the Power of the Air Satan is broken and the prevailing blindness to the gospel disappears, God’s grace is poured out and people come to the lord in large numbers.
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
Strong man over nations. Strong man over cities. Strong man over churches. Strong man over families
We have to dispossess the enemy; fight for what is rightfully ours.
JESUS SAID THE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM ARE LOOSING AND BINDING.
Mathew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
JESUS SAID HE WOULD BUILD HIS CHURCH AND THE GATES OF HELL WOULD NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT.
THEN JESUS SAID I WILL GIVE YOU THE KEYS TO THIS.
AN UNDERSTANDING OF THIS IS VITAL TO OUR SPIRITUAL WARFARE. WE MUST KNOW WHAT JESUS HAS ACHIEVED THROUGH HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION AND HOW WE ENFORCE IT IN THE EARTH.
Binding is contracting with God. Not binding with cords or chains. I am saying: “Father, what you have willed, I call forth upon earth!”
We are dealing with a spiritual principle, not an earthly cord or chain. We are dealing with a contract which is legal and signed by God, in His blood, which authorizes us to transact certain functions in the spiritual realm.
A contract has to have two signatories to make it a reality. We place our signature on the contract that Jesus signed with His blood, with the words we speak in enforcing that contract. Our words make the contract BINDING.
WE ARE NOT CHASING DEMONS ALL OVER THE PLACE. WE RULE BY FAITH AND WORDS WHICH AGREE WITH THE WILL OF GOD SEALED IN HIS BLOOD.
IT IS VITAL TO UNDERSTAND THAT WE CONTINUE TO AGREE WITH WORDS THAT ARE BINDING UNTIL WE SEE THE REALITY OF IT ACHIEVED.
The Kingdoms Of This World Are Ruled By Satanic Power
This planet has been taken over by spiritual evil forces. God in His Word makes this very clear. We also see evidence of this in human history.
II Corinthians 4:3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Our authority does not rest in some position we hold in the church. Our authority comes out of understanding our position in Christ and what He has achieved for us through the cross. As we co-operate with Him and His will in the earth we are more than conquerors, through Christ Jesus.
Whatever you may at any time encounter (of hell’s counsels which I am declaring my church shall prevail against), you will then face a decision as to whether you will or won’t bind it. What transpires will be conditional upon your response. If you do personally and consciously involve yourself in the act of binding the issue on earth, you will discover that at that future moment when you do, that it has already been bound in heaven!
II Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Adam gave away this world to Satan. Adam also gave away his authority to Satan.
JESUS CAME AND LEGALLY REVERSED THAT SITUATION.
The mandate of the church is to retake this planet for God and bring in the Kingdom of God by displacing the Kingdom of Satan. We must enforce Christ’s victory in this earth. When we begin to do this we enter into a conflict with the powers of darkness that is often very violent.
LET’S LOOK AT THIS IN THE MINISTRY OF PAUL
ACTS 13:6-12 Paul ran into a strongman of sorcery, which governed the region of Paphos. This spirit had direct access to, and influence over the governor of the region.
ACTS 16:16 Paul runs into a spirit of Python which influenced the whole area. Note: the massive reaction v 22-23.
ACTS 19 Paul runs into the goddess Diana. This too was a ruling spirit over that area. Note: again the massive reaction v27-29. Note also the results. v10 19-20.
We see that each time Paul ventured into a new area with the gospel; he encountered opposition from the ruling spirit over that area. We need also to note that in each case there was a correlation between the ruling spirit in the heavenlies and a human representative on the earth.
Territorial Spirits
The reality of ruling territorial spirits is evident from passages of scripture such as Daniel Chap 10. Judges 5:19-20. ACTS 19.
In the Old Testament there is much mention of Specific Hills and High Places, where spirits lived and presumably ruled from. The different nations each served different gods. Israel was specifically ordered by God to destroy all semblances of them. This was necessary if they were to possess the land.
Deuteronomy 12:1 These [are] the statutes and judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the LORD God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth. 2 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: 3 And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place
The Importance of Timing
There are two Greek words that are used for time, chronos and Kairos.
CHRONOS is a word that is used to describe general time, the normal passing of time. KAIROS … is used to describe a “special time” a “critical time” the “fullness of time”
To displace fallen angels, timing is crucial.
These ruling evil powers can only be disposed of in God’s timing and with intercession and warfare.
Genesis 15:7 And he said unto him, I [am] the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.
Genesis 15:l5 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites [is] not yet full.
God said to Abraham, I have given you this land to posses. But this land will not be taken until the fourth generation in about 160 years from now. WHY? Because the iniquity of the Amorites (those who possessed that land) was not yet full.
LATER GOD SAID THIS TO MOSES CONCERNING THESE AMORITES
Deuteronomy 9:4 Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out from before t hee, saying, For my righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee.5 Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
God does not bring judgment on these spirits until their cup of iniquity is full.
This was the case with Sodom and Gomorrah, When the evil cry of those cities reached a certain level God came down to see. God wiped out those cities destroying the rule of those territorial spirits over them.
THEIR TIME CAME TO FULLNESS Kairos, and God moved.
The Plan Comes Together
The sins of Sodom and Gomorrah are now prevalent in most major cities of the world today. This surely is a sign that the major population centers of the world today are coming ripe for harvest. The iniquity of those ruling spirits is now full and God is in a position to righteously judge them. This coupled with the rising prayer and warfare movement, will trigger unprecedented breakthroughs in God that will impact on the gathering of the harvest.
BINDING THESE SPIRITUAL STRONGMEN REQUIRES RIGHT TIMING, INTERCESSION AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Possessing The Gates Of The City
TAKING THE GATES OF THE CITY IS EQUATED WITH TAKING THE CITY.
The gates were the weak link in a city’s defenses. If the gates were taken, for sure the city would fall.
THE PROMISE TO ABRAHAM’S SEED.
Genesis 22:17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
Genesis 24:50 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou [art] our sister, be thou [the mother] of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
Gates in the city were places where: Business was transacted. Legal affairs were dealt with. Access to the city was gained.
JESUS IMPLIED THAT THE BATTLE WOULD INVOLVE THE GATES OF HELL.
Mathew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
GATES: BOTH NATURAL AND SPIRITUAL
Gates can be a port, a town, a bridge. In other words a geographical entrance to the city.
Gates can also be a spiritual gateway opened by sin or occult ritual and practice.
Just as there are gateways to the heavenly kingdom of God realm, which can be opened by the church. Genesis 28:12; Revelation 4:1; John 1:51. So also, there are gates to Hell Gk hades. These gates open up spiritual traffic from the kingdom of darkness.
Revelation 9:2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. 3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
These are obviously demonic powers that are released. Rev 2:9 is descriptive of a volcano.
THE QUESTION NEEDS TO BE ASKED
Do volcanoes release spiritual powers into our world?.
When St Helens volcano erupted in the U.S.A., many notable ministers reported that a spiritual darkness covered the nation for many months.
Just as volcanoes throw a literal cloud into the atmosphere, I believe there is a spiritual unseen cloud that emerges into our world.
Revelation 11:7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
THESE GATES HAVE TO BE LOCATED AND CLOSED
GATEWAYS ARE ALSO CREATED IN CITIES THROUGH EVIL PRACTICES.
CASINOS. Open gates. DRUG TRAFFICKING BROTHELS. etc.
LEGISLATION. Opens gates. When a local or national government legalises abortion, it opens a gate for spirits of murder to enter the city.
Legalise Homosexuality and you open a gate of debauchery.
WE HAVE TO POSSESS THE GATES OF THE ENEMY
Isaiah 28:4 And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.
The Syrians placed teraphims over the gates of their cities to guard them. In New Zealand often there are Maori Tikis over gateways into towns and cities.
They are just outward symbols of the reality of that in the spirit realm. The Maori tiki is an outward visible projection of a curse.
Summary
Gateways are created in the heavenlies (spirit realm) and through these gateways angelic assistance flows or demonic powers flow.
John 1:51; Deut 32:17.
Jesus specifically spoke about the gates of hell (hades) as an enemy of the church, and Jesus was not speaking symbolically, He was speaking of literal spirit gates.
The New age Movement understands this, and tend to congregate for their festivals around these gates. (Stone Henge) is a good example of this.
WE HAVE TO POSSESS THE GATES OF THE ENEMY. TO DO THIS WE HAVE TO SPIRITUALLY MAP THE AREA WHERE WE ARE WORKING.
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Why Are Things The Way They Are?
Have you ever entered another city or country, and begun to sense an intangible unease or oppression. In many cases, what we are encountering is the prevailing atmosphere of another kingdom. Unbeknown to us we have crossed a spiritual boundary.
Other situations are more obvious. There are certain areas of the world today where spiritual darkness is more pronounced. The question is why?
Why has Mesopotamia put out such a long string of tyrannical leaders?
Why is the nation of Haiti so demonised?.
Why do the Andean nations of South America have the highest homicide ratings in the world?
Why is there so much overt demonic activity in and around the Himalayan mountains?.
Why has Japan been such a hard nut to crack with the Gospel?
The answer to this is not a simple one. However we do have some clues.
Out Of Babel
When God scattered the people of the earth at Babel, there began a migration of peoples across the earth. When these people faced huge obstacles or traumas, they made pacts with the spirit world for help. It may have been for protection, or the ability to transcend huge mountain ranges. Whatever the pressing need was, often these people made pacts with the spirit world seeking the help of demonic power.
It is through the placement of these ancient welcome mats that territorial demonic strongholds are established.
Because many of the oldest pacts between peoples and demonic powers were transacted in Asia, Asia now hosts the planets greatest population centres, and dominates the great unreached frontier known as the 10/40 window.
HOW ARE THESE TERRITORIAL STRONGHOLDS MAINTAINED?
How do these territorial spirits maintain their tenancy rights across the centuries?
RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS, CEREMONIALS AND PILGRIMAGES
During religious festivals, ceremonials and pilgrimages, great spiritual power is released. These festivals, ceremonies and pilgrimages are taking place somewhere in the world every week of the year.
These ceremonies and festivals are not benign, quaint, cultural events. The significance of these events should not be underestimated.
They are an opportunity for the current generation to reaffirm the choices and pacts made by their forefathers and ancestors. They are laying out the welcome mats all over again.
Hundreds of thousands of children are born into these demonic systems around the world. They grow up hearing about the lie of the enemy. Often during the course of puberty rites and initiations, they are introduced to the power of these demons. This is called tradition, and by these traditions, territorial dynasties are sustained.
There are myriads of festivals and ceremonies going on all the time that fuel the power of these ancient demonic strongholds.
We may understand that territorial demonic strongholds exist. The question we have to ask is why? Where did they come from? How were they established?
Halloween, Islamic Hajj, are well recognized examples. Intercession and spiritual warfare, assisted by accurate spiritual mapping is able to make the difference.
Breaking through the covering veil and dispelling the ruling demonic spirits, opening the area to the light of the gospel, cutting through the blindness and deception, thus giving those people an opportunity to be saved.
The Sins Of The Forefathers
Nehemiah 1:6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned.
Daniel 9:5 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:
Daniel 9:11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that [is] written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.
Part of Gods strategy to take a nation, is in dealing with national sin and the sins of the forefathers.
Daniel 9:20 And whiles I [was] speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;
Note the context of these passages of scripture.
The context in both passages is restoration and revival.
Corporate sin, and the sins of the forefathers had to be dealt with in order to clear the way for God to move.
The fact that curses are a reality, is well established in so called third world countries. However in many western nations, the thought, of curses as being real is looked upon with scepticism or with down-right unbelief. Those who work on the frontline of evangelism or counselling readily from experience, accept that, curses are the cause of many problems that people face today.
IN MINISTERING TO THE SICK
We find that often in ministering to the sick and oppressed that a curse is behind the reason for their affliction. Sometimes this is so over entire family lines. If you don’t deal with the root cause, healing and deliverance is not effected.
Curses and blessings are the result of, words spoken, or are the result of certain actions taken by us or our forefathers.
Blessings By God
Genesis 22:16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son]: 17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; 18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed: because thou hast obeyed my voice.
THIS BLESSING WAS TO GO ON FOR MANY GENERATIONS
Blessings by Man
Genesis 27:27 And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son [is] as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed: 28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: 29 Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother’s sons bow down to thee: cursed [be] every one that curseth thee, and blessed [be] he that blesseth thee.
Even though Isaac had blessed the wrong person, he could not change it !.
NOTE. verses 39-40 are still so today of the Arab nations. They live in the desert and Islam is known as the religion of the sword.
Curses By God
Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
THESE SCRIPTURES TELL US THAT GOD PRONOUNCES CURSES
A Seven Fold Promise
1 Make you a great nation 2 Bless you 3 Make your name great 4 You shall be a blessing 5 I will bless those who bless you 6 I will curse him who curses you 7 In you will all the families of the earth be blessed
I will bless those (Plural) who bless you.
I will curse him (singular) that curses you.
The Hebrew Reads: “The one that reviles you I will curse”.
ONE OF THE MAJOR CAUSES OF CURSES TODAY IS ANTI-SEMITISM
There is still much Anti-Semitism in the church today. There are many historical reasons for this. One is the theology handed down from the 4th century onwards.
Some statements of theologians were frightening and horrific. Not the least among them was Martin Luther.
The Nazis in their campaign against the Jews really did not need much more ammunition than Luther provided.
It is worthy of note that: That the World Council of Churches during the Yon Kippur war sent large amounts of money to the Arabs for the war effort and none to Israel. The Red Cross refused to treat Israeli soldiers but treated the Arabs.
British Prime Ministers
At Least Four British Prime Ministers Since 1939, Turned Against Israel And Disappeared From Office Within Weeks. Some Within Days, Some Within Hours.
Churchill: In 1945 he said “I want nothing more to do with Israel”. Within two weeks he was out of office.
Chamberlan: Brought out a white paper against Israel. Within weeks he was mortally ill.
Alex Douglas Hume: Turned against Israel became seriously ill.
Edward Health: During the Yon Kippur war in Israel. Edward Heath’s Government, cut off Israeli ammunition and spare parts, even though they were paid for and loaded on Israeli ships in London. He refused to let them sail for Israel. He also refused to let American planes which were carrying supplies for Israel, land and refuel in Britain. This action Nearly cost Israel the war. One day later he was out of office.
Canadian Prime Minister Joe Clark: Made an election promise that he would move the Canadian Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This got him the Jewish vote and got him into office. Eight months later he broke his promise and was out of office one week later.
WE NEED TO REPENT OF ANY PERSONAL ANTI-SEMITIC ATTITUDES. WE ALSO NEED TO REPENT OF THE SAME ATTITUDES THAT MAY HAVE BEEN PREVALENT IN OUR FAMILY LINE.
Generational Curses
Deuteronomy Chap 27:15-26. Gives us a list of curses. The cause of these curses are listed.
V 15 Occult involvement. v16 Dishonouring parents.
Ephesians 6:2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;:3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
The great rise in teenage suicides are linked to this curse.
Cheating Swindling v17 Taking advantage of the helpless. v18 Incest. v20 Bestiality. v21
It is frightening, when you realize that those who revile the descendants of Abraham. God will curse.
Murder. v24 Hit man, mercenary activity. v25 Rebellion. v26 Backslider. Jer 17:5-6 Fraud. Zeck 5:3 Rebuilding something that God has cursed. Josh 6:26. See 1 Kings 16:34 Rewarding good with evil. Prov 17:3 For not tithing. Ma1 3:8
Curses That Come Trough Relational Authority
Husbands to wives. Parents to children.
JACOB AND RACHEL
Genesis 31:31 And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me. 32 With whomsoever thou jindest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what [is] thine with me, and take [it] to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them. SEE GEN 36: I6-18 Rachel died.
THE JEWISH LEADERS
Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but [that] rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye [to it].25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood [be] on us, and on our children. John’s rendition reads “we have no king but Caesar”. Caesar was a type of cruel gentile rulers. Barabbas was a type of criminal and violent men.
John’s rendition reads “we have no king but Caesar”.
Caesar was a type of cruel gentile rulers. Barabbas was a type of criminal violent men.
This curse by the Jewish leaders put the Jewish race under the Caesars and Barabbases of this world.
For 1900 years this has been their destiny, climaxing with Adolf Hitler.
The Camp David Accord Treaty which, culminated in dividing the land God had given to Israel. This was jointly negotiated by Answar Sadatt and Jimmy Carter. Saddat was assassinated shortly after and Jimmy Carter went out of office.
Satanic Curses
Emotional revilings come through people who get mad at you and curse you. Common in European and Middle East countries. Gipsies are quick to curse.
Arabic people also.
Learn to protect yourself. Neutralise these curses by blessing. Rm 12:14.
1Cor 4:12. 1Pet 3:9.
Professional Curses
These arise from occult witchcraft groups, and target anyone who is really effective in the Lord’s work. These have to be discerned and broken.
Hitler’s life expressed a philosophy that was initiated by a man called Ashwald Spangler. Who’s theme was, “we need another Caesar”. That philosophy brought Hitler to power. He literally opened the jails, freed the Barabbasses in Germany and put them over the Jewish people. That curse went back 1900 years.
Blessings And Curses
Curses
Humiliation Mental sickness Miscarriages Poverty Defeat Depression, failure
Blessings
Exaltation Health Fertility Prosperity Victory Gods favor
Experience Has Shown
Mental emotional breakdowns in a family line are usually the result of a curse. ♦ Repeated chronic sickness, especially without clear medical diagnosis, is often caused by a curse. ♦ Repeated miscarriages, especially when this happens in a family line, again often caused by a curse. ♦ Poverty. ♦ Accident prone.
Release From Curses
Through the atonement, provision was made through what Jesus accomplished on the cross.
Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree:
Our substitute Jesus took upon Himself all the curses you will ever come across.
Curses are alive and have to go somewhere, upon Jesus on the cross.
He was cursed so we can be free from curses.
Jesus was made a curse according to the law of Moses. Deut 21:23.
Isolate the cause of the curse. Prov 26:2. All curses have a cause. ♦ Repent if it is appropriate. ♦ Break the curse by firm commands, in faith.
Freemasonry is a scourge of our day. Any involvement in it brings powerful curses into play. Masonry in the family line will bring curses on succeeding generations. It must be renounced and all curses broken.
Discerning
I Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
The Gift Of Discerning Of Spirits
The world in which we live is governed by spirit forces, good and evil. A vast unseen world orchestrates the affairs of men.
In order to penetrate this world spoken of in the Bible as “heavenly places”, we need to have that world opened up to us. The gift of discerning of spirits helps in this regard.
This is the most needed gift in the church today, yet it is the most lacking. This gift gives us supernatural insight into the realm of spirit.
The Scope Of Discerning Of Spirits
It reveals the source of any supernatural manifestation: Divine, Satanic or Human. ♦ It reveals the spirit behind an action or word. ♦ It exposes the working of Satan.
II Corinthians 11:13 For such [are] false apostles, deceit&l workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.15 Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
It identifies the source of miracles. ♦ It identifies false doctrines. lTim.4:1-2 speaks of doctrines of demons. Like any other gift of the Spirit, it can be a ministry. We all can move in the gifts of the Spirit, but sometimes these gifts become a ministry. In this case the gift is greatly heightened and is in use continually.
A least two third of the ministry of Jesus was spent in casting out demons.
All spirit beings emanate energy which can be felt. (vibes) Spirit beings constantly transmit what they are (their nature) fear, lust, joy, peace.
In the natural, energy is transmitted in various wavelengths.
Radio: Short wave. Fm. Am. etc. Television: Sound and pictures Mircowave: Music:
SO IT IS IN THE SPIRITUAL
Angels, Demons, Human spirits, have differing frequencies.
As in the natural you have to be tuned in, to see or hear.
YOU MIGHT SAY HOW DO I KNOW THIS?
Well the Holy Spirit is our teacher. Through the years I have come to understand how this gift operates.
POWER: The greek word for power is “dunamis” Lit Force.
We know that all power flows as an energy with a specific frequency.
The Gift Of Discerning Of Spirits
The gift of discerning of spirits, tunes you into what frequency the Holy Spirit wants you to see or hear.
THERE IS AN ANOINTING THAT TUNES YOU INTO THIS REALM
That opens you up to the various frequencies that the spirit world flows in.
THE GIFTS OPERATE DIFFERENT WAYS
I Corinthians 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
There are lower forms of operation and higher forms, all are valid. This is true with all the gifts.
IMPRESSIONS This operates like a word of knowledge. It can give the name and operation of a certain spirit. In Acts 8:23 Peter said “I perceive that you are in the gall of bitterness”. How did he perceive? Probably the perception came in the form of a strong impression.
PHYSICAL PRESSURE This occurs when your physical body becomes sensitive to a particular vibration. (Not to be confused with oppression).
SMELL Often spirits give off a smell. The spirit realm is real and has all the attributes that the physical real has and more. Sometimes I am aware that the lord has entered a room by His smell. Example: The spirit of poverty, has a very distinctive smell.
HEARING The anointing tunes you in to hear particular spirits as they talk.
TASTE ♦ THROUGH A DREAM ♦ THROUGH VISION (Seeing and hearing, together) This is the highest level. This can take a number of forms.
Seeing in the spirit (reflected on the screen of your mind) or through open vision. Often this is triggered by catching movement in the corner of your eye.
Our spirit sees and what it is seeing is transferred to our imagination, or the veil lifts and we see it outside of ourselves.
THROUGH TOUCHING This is triggered as you touch a person. Suddenly you are in spirit and the gift operates.
THROUGH PROPHECY
FINALLY: Spirits often give themselves away. When a person is always talking about, lets say sex. That is a sign of spirits coming through. Spirits are obsessive.
Authority And the Spoken Word
II Corinthians 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
AUTHORITY IS THE EXERCISE OF OUR POSITION IN GOD
Authority has to do with functioning in what God has called you to.
Authority comes from God, you do not have authority in areas that God has not called you to.
Leaders need to know by discerning of spirits what is going on in a service. What spirits are operating. What Angels from God are present and why, in order to co-operate with the holy Spirit in what He is seeking to do.
As a husband and wife you have spiritual authority in your home and family. You must exercise it and control the enemy’s inroads.
The problem is a lot of people have been appointed positions in churches that God has not sanctioned. When they exercise authority in that role it quickly becomes controlling, manipulative and demonic. It then begins to oppose the true God given authority.
We operate spiritual authority not in the flesh, but in the spirit, by God given words in a prophetic flow.
Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: The word (rhema) of God
Music
Praise And Spiritual Weapons
King Jehosophat was in real trouble. The enemy surrounded him and he was outnumbered. Read 2 Chron 20:1-22.
God instructed them to praise Him with music, and to do it loudly.
SPIRITUAL WARFARE IS NOT A QUIET PASTIME
It is aggressive, often violent and noisy.
Sometimes we have to make a loud noise.
II Chronicles 15: 14 And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets.
II Chronicles 20:19 And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Korhites, stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel with a loud voice on high.
II Chronicles 30:21 And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, [singing] with loud instruments unto the LORD.
Psalms 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
Psalms 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
Psalm 150:1PRAISE THE Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in the heavens of His power!
2 Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness! [Deut. 3:24; Ps. 145:5, 6.]
3 Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp!
4 Praise Him with tambourine and [single or group] dance; praise Him with stringed and wind instruments or flutes!
5 Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)
We see that we are told to praise the Lord with a loud voice.
Is God deaf ? No, but He is not nervous either.
When we get anointed by God and begin to praise with a loud voice, that anointed praise has great penetration into the enemy’s camp.
Numbers 23:21 He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God [is] with him, and the shout of a king [is] among them.
The Shout Of A King Is Among Them
Music
Music in corporate warfare is very important.
Satan uses music in his kingdom extensively. Why? Because he understands spiritual principles.
All heathen cultures use music to harness spiritual power.
North American Indian War dances. The Maori Haka.
In all heathen cultures, Chanting, Drums, Rhythm, plays a major role in their spiritual activities.
They invoke the help of demonic spirits, they call up ancestral spirits.
How Much More Should We, The People Of God Understand The Power Of Music.
II Chronicles 5:13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers Iwere] as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifed up [their] voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endurethl for ever: that [then] the house was filled with a cloud, [even] the house of the LORD;
GOD RESPONDED TO THIS KIND OF PRAISE BY FILLING THE PLACE WITH HIS PRESENCE.
Psalms 22:3 But thou [art] holy, [O thou] that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
Joshua And Jericho
Joshua Chap 6. They had to march round the city in unison. They had to shout. Trumpets had to sound.
This released the power of God.
Satan Knows The Power Of This All To Well
Have you ever seen those old news reels of Hitler standing on a balcony with the people shouting and chanting for hours. That released a power across the whole world.
The same thing took place in the book of Acts When Paul was in conflict with the territorial Spirit over Ephesus Acts 19:34
Acts 19:34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great [is] Diana of the Ephesians.
REMEMBER THE ISLAMIC FURORE AGAINST THE U.S.A. AFTER THE TOPPLING OF THE SHAH OF IRAN.
THEN THEY TOOK AMERICAN HOSTAGES. The American rescue mission failed miserably, why? They did not realise what they were up against and the power that had been released against them, through chanting, singing, and demonstrating.
They took to the streets in their thousands chanting anti American slogans. That released a tremendous force of demonic power.
Physical Actions And Warfare
God told Israel to march around Jericho. Joshua 6.
He told Moses to hold up his hands. Exodus 17: 11
He told Moses to stretch forth his rod over the sea. Exodus 14:16