Simply ChurchIs there a spiritual realm, an unseen dimension to what happens here on earth? Is spiritual warfare just our imagination? Does what we do spiritually make any difference to what happens here on earth? Understanding the reality of an unseen dimension that affects what goes on here on earth jolts us out of religious complacency and… Read More
For the past two months Tony and I have been engaged in some of the most intense spiritual warfare of our lives. We were in Taiwan when we received a phone call detailing a situation very close to the heart of our family. God challenged us to be willing to pray and intercede over it,… Read More
I often picture spiritual warfare like storming a castle in medieval times using a battering ram to destroy its gates. You cannot break through with one blow; it has to be done repeatedly until eventually the gate yields. When our business looked as though it might go bankrupt a few years ago, praise was one… Read More
I suffered from many diseases when I was in medical school–all of them imaginary, and all based on the most painful and potentially fatal conditions I happened to be studying at the time. But the fear was not imaginary–it was frequently crippling and overwhelming. I had a spirit of fear. One day, the realization came… Read More
Picture this: A police officer stands at the center of an intersection, directing the traffic. Even giant eighteen-wheelers obey his signals. Now imagine that same police officer, but this time in his regular clothes attempting to do the same. People would assume he was crazy. The uniform indicates that the person wearing it carries the… Read More
It’s 1981, and race riots are spreading across London. One of the riots is centered on the East End where we live. The fear in the air is palpable. Listening to the radio, where a reporter is on the ground, we realize that the riot is coming our way–rapidly. I glance out of our living… Read More
Mozambique, in the year 2000. Photo Credit: babasteve (Creative Commons) Half the country is under water because of massive flooding. We are working with Rolland and Heidi Baker doing medical relief work. (Tony and Rolland went to school together, so when news of the floods come, it’s a natural reaction to go help.) A team… Read More
I’ve often heard it said that the battleground in spiritual warfare is for our minds. That’s certainly true, although I’m not convinced it’s the whole truth. Jesus tells us that our enemy is a liar (John 8:44), that he seeks to steal, kill and destroy (Jn 10:10). This can certainly affect our minds. For example:… Read More
Here are two apparently contradictory statements: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. (Acts 17:24) We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one (I John 5:19) I once asked the Lord how… Read More
Spiritual warfare is real–sometimes very, very real. We were in India, and it was hot! Our church planting conference was taking place on a rooftop under a canvas awning. Below us was the living accommodation of a pastor and his family, including a small, basic kitchen. We were sharing, along with Victor Choudhrie, a good… Read More