Chapter 1 Introduction to a Hidden War

What do we mean by Spiritual Warfare? Spiritual Warfare is not related to things of this world. It is not about protests, political action or physical warfare. It is not related to flesh and blood or the techniques associated with normal warfare. Spiritual Warfare relates to a war between God and his enemies. Gods enemy (Satan, Lucifer, and the fallen angels) knows they can not win in the end (Matthew 12:31, Mark 3:28, Romans 16:20). Their goal is to destroy or pollute as much of Gods creation as possible. They know they will lose, so they want to cause a much damage as they can before the end. Every person that doesnt come to Christ is a victory to them. Every Christian that falters and stumbles is a victory. Every person that remain mired in sin is a victory. Every person that is prevented from being what God created them to be is a victory (Mark 4:15, 2 Corinthians 2:11). This war takes place in spiritual realms not physical realms. We see the results of the warfare in how people are manipulated and influenced. The agents of this war in the spiritual realm are Gods Angels and Unclean Spirits of various types. Humans also play a part in this war. If we pretend the war doesnt exist, we become victims of the war without any hope. Some of the side effects of the war are illness and lack of control of our own emotions. Have you ever lost control of your emotions? Have you ever had an unexplained illness? Have you ever had some object break 9

just when you had decided to do something for God? Have you ever had a friend suddenly attack you for something silly just when you were about to do something for the Kingdom of God? These are just of few of the weapons that Gods enemy uses to derail Gods plans and purposes. If we acknowledge the war, we can play an active part and avoid most of its consequences. If we understand when we are being attacked, we can defend ourselves. If we understand what types of endeavors the enemy will attack, we can preempt the attack and rob it of its power. The choice is simple, do you want to be a victim or a participant in the war. If you chose to ignore the war, it wont go away. You will be attacked even if you keep your head down and never admit that you know Jesus. The enemy wont care if you are a lukewarm Christian. The enemy wants to inflict pain and misery on Gods Creation. You may be totally useless to God, but that wont save you. Some of you may say, Im not a Christian; this war is not about me. Just because you are not a high priority target doesnt mean you arent a target. The enemy and his minions hate all humans. Humans can be forgiven, but unclean spirit beings can NEVER be forgiven (Matthew 12:31, Mark 3:28). All humans are targets, period. Some may think it unfair that the unclean spirits can not be forgiven. Before you become too sympathetic to these spirits, remember the Garden of Eden. Satan deceived Eve and Adam. If it were not for the actions of Satan, there would be no: death, disease or misery. We would all still be in the Garden of Eden communing with God. So, Satan and his followers are the root of all human suffering. God gives us free will, but Satan tricked us into making bad decisions. For all the pain and suffering we have suffered throughout the ages, Satan deserves no quarter or mercy. 10

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