Sunday, February 6, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
What does the Bible really say about 'territorial spirits'?
I don't remember when exactly it was that I was first introduced to the teaching that there are territorial spirits that exist in every human habitation, whether villages, towns or cities which have to 'warred against' spiritually and be bound and defeated in order to allow the gospel to be preached effectively and for souls to be saved. I suspect it may have had something to do with books I read by someone in YWAM (not sure if it was Floyd McClung) and also by Neil Anderson as well as the book 'He Came to Set the Captives Free' by that truly kooky character, Dr Rebecca Brown. It may also have been listening to the testimony of someone like Mike Warnke, the former 'high priest of Satan', and similar stories. It may have been the subsequent teaching of men of God I respected greatly which informed me of these things.
And, yet, all the while in the inmost depths of my spirit, there was a disquiet - because I could find none of these teachings laid out in Scripture. Of course, you had all the various verses that are quoted by teachers of this ilk to support this theory but I am talking about a consistent and emphatic witness in Scripture of such things, like the good news of the kingdom of God, the coming, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, etc. Did Scripture teach such a 'doctrine' or did men dream this up and go looking for Scripture verses to tack onto their teachings?
So, to the Word I finally went - as I should I have from the outset. (*sound of self booing self*).
This is just a simple blog so I will not go into a detailed refutation here but, suffice to say, I find it next to impossible to see ANYWHERE in Scripture that we are told to fight against territorial spirits to make the way easier for people to accept the Lord - it's simply not in Scripture. Sure, the Bible clearly talks about Satan who is the 'prince of the power of the air' and of principalities and spiritual wickedness in the high places and that we have to put on the full armour of God to stand (Eph 6). But, don't take my word for it. Do this for yourself. Start in the New Testament and find out how many times Jesus 'warred' against teritorial spirits and taught his disciples to do the same. Read about all the times that the apostles, including Paul whose missionary journeys are clearly documented for us, taught and practised this doctrine. See how many times we are exhorted to be fighting against territorial spirits and bringing down the strongholds over cities, etc, to free up the effective preaching of the gospel.
That's right - none. Nada. Zilch. Not one single instance can be found. Now, would you agree with me that such a key doctrine, if true, would have been prominently taught in the New Testament? So, perhaps, it's not so key after all! Perhaps, it's not even a true teaching.
I mean, think about it. How many times have you heard someone pray, or even prayed yourself (I've done both in the past) for Satan to be bound? With so many praying in this manner, ya gotta wonder - WHO'S THE JOKER SETTING HIM LOOSE AGAIN???
What DO we see in the New Testament? When the apostles were taken before the Council and ordered not to speak about Jesus (Acts 4), they went back and started to 'come against the evil spirit over Jerusalem' and bind the strong man.....yeah, right. None of that nonsense! They gathered and prayed to the Lord - who is sovereign over any principality or power - and asked Him for boldness to continue declaring His Word!
And so on and so forth. Show me one instance of any of the New Testament believers doing this 'fighting against teritorial spirits' thing?
It's simply not in the Bible. And, if it's not in the Bible it must be.....false.
Elementary, my dear Watson.
PS. Perhaps, I should add that Mike Warnke's testimony, on which so much teaching about Satanism was based, turned out to be one huge lie - even though he continues to maintain its truth to this day without being able to put forward any evidence to support any of the 'facts' in his book. Rebecca Brown turns out to be one paranoid, delusional individual, stripped of her licence to practise medicine. Hmm, and these are the teachers we're following?? Now wonder the church is so confused.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Who is Joseph Prince?
If you live in Australia and, especially, are a believer who attends a pentecostal/charismatic church it is highly unlikely that you would not have come across Pastor Joseph Prince of New Creation Church in Singapore. I was introduced to this gentleman when visiting some dear Christian friends who suggested we watch a DVD in which he expounds very clearly what Paul means in 1 Cor 11:29 about 'not discerning the Lord's body'. Since we're always glad to hear good biblical teaching, we heartily agreed. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out what the fuss was all about. There was a lot of hype and he was quite a confident and engaging speaker but the teaching itself was, in my opinion, rather lightweight and vacuous. I was left wondering, at the end, just what exactly it was he was trying to say?
Anyway, since then, I've discovered that Joseph Prince's star is soaring high in the Christian TV/charismatic world. His weekly broadcast, called "Destined to Reign" is shown on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) as well as a number of other channels and beamed all over the United States, as well as his native Singapore and Australia (Australian Christian Channel). Every time I come across any of his material on the internet or in a Christian bookshop, I often wonder what exactly it is that he teaches. He comes across as a charismatic personality, well spoken, and wants everyone to enjoy the blessings of God. Plus, he's not American! All good points. However, that's the impression I used to have of teachers like Kenneth Copeland - until I started to delve into his teachings and came across stuff that is so unbiblical the mind boggles that any sane believer would accept it. So, whether rightly or wrongly, my 'heresy-sensor' is always on alert these days whenever I came across any prominent preacher.
It is high time therefore, that I did some digging around into Pastor Joseph Prince and understand exactly what it is he teaches, so that I can know for myself whether his teachings line up with Scripture or not.
Lest this sound like some sort of pitiful witchunt by an unknown trying to 'take down' 'God's anointed man', be advised that it is important to know what people really teach versus the Bible. We are commanded to test everything in the Word. No man is more important or greater than God's written Word. No matter how high or popular he is, if what he teaches is not in line with Scripture, we've got a problem.
Watch this space. To be continued.
Anyway, since then, I've discovered that Joseph Prince's star is soaring high in the Christian TV/charismatic world. His weekly broadcast, called "Destined to Reign" is shown on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) as well as a number of other channels and beamed all over the United States, as well as his native Singapore and Australia (Australian Christian Channel). Every time I come across any of his material on the internet or in a Christian bookshop, I often wonder what exactly it is that he teaches. He comes across as a charismatic personality, well spoken, and wants everyone to enjoy the blessings of God. Plus, he's not American! All good points. However, that's the impression I used to have of teachers like Kenneth Copeland - until I started to delve into his teachings and came across stuff that is so unbiblical the mind boggles that any sane believer would accept it. So, whether rightly or wrongly, my 'heresy-sensor' is always on alert these days whenever I came across any prominent preacher.
It is high time therefore, that I did some digging around into Pastor Joseph Prince and understand exactly what it is he teaches, so that I can know for myself whether his teachings line up with Scripture or not.
Lest this sound like some sort of pitiful witchunt by an unknown trying to 'take down' 'God's anointed man', be advised that it is important to know what people really teach versus the Bible. We are commanded to test everything in the Word. No man is more important or greater than God's written Word. No matter how high or popular he is, if what he teaches is not in line with Scripture, we've got a problem.
Watch this space. To be continued.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
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