![]() ![]() The impression given is that we are in a continuum of divine revelation where what is "received" now is of equal or superior value and validity to the Bible. Nor is there any recognition that God has already spoken definitively in Scripture, and that this is our only objective, infallible and authoritative reference point in applying God's truth to our contemporary situation. No criteria are offered to verify that they are actually "hearing from Him". Thank God for the level of prophetic release that is already present, but we need to be sure we are hearing from Him constantly and that we are not following our own plans or schedules." (p.28) We must hear and obey what the Spirit is saying to us. "There is no other way for the work of God to go forward. In the "Watchmen Awake" manual under the heading "Prophetic Revelation", we are told, Not surprisingly, this approach to spiritual warfare relies heavily on supposed "prophetic revelation" to supplement the Scriptures and justify such an understanding of ministry. It creates a false sense of self confidence which denies the possibility of deception, something the Lord warns can and will happen, where people depart from the teaching of Scripture.įor example, the apostle Paul warns, "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." (1 Timothy 4:1)Ħ.2 Spiritual Warfare and Prophetic Revelation The declaration goes far beyond what the Scripture teaches about our role in relation to Satan, and has more in common with films like "Ghost Busters". Instead it reflects a view of faith similar to that taught by "Faith Movement" teachers such as David Yonggi Cho, Benny Hinn and Kenneth Copeland.Īdvocates of "Positive Faith" try to convince themselves that they have attained such a state of heightened spiritual sensitivity that they are invincible, immune to spiritual deception or physical harm, and because of such an affirmation God must act, and demons must flee. It has the appearance of biblical authority, but in fact far exceeds the language and promises given by God in Scripture. Such a declaration is actually quite dangerous. No weapon formed against me shall prevail." (p.5) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And so, I take authority over and tread down completely every serpent, every scorpion and every wicked device of Satan. "The Lord Jesus Christ has given me power over all the enemy. ![]() The section of the "Watchmen Awake" manual dealing with "personal preparation" clearly assumes this, and includes the following passage which participants are encouraged to pray. So what is wrong with that? The question is, "praying to whom?" and, "praying for what?" The objective it seems has more to do with "binding demons" than with praying that people hear and respond to the good news of Jesus Christ. I was asked recently to endorse a local project called "Watchmen Awake" involving prayer walking - a seemingly innocuous activity - walking around local streets praying. This is because the question people seem to be asking is a pragmatic one, "does it work?" rather than more fundamental theological questions like "is it true?" and "where does it come from?" I want to share with you several examples of current approaches to "spiritual warfare" that trouble me. Would you take a medication without reading the label? Would you take it just because someone said that it helped them and worked? The wisest thing is to read the label, and check the origin. ![]() ![]() How should we respond to invitations to join in local initiatives such as "prayer walking" or attend conferences on spiritual warfare? Let me ask you a question. What is the nature of the "war" in which we as Christians are engaged, against the world, the flesh and the devil? What does the Bible say about this vital aspect of Christian discipleship? Yonggi Cho and Spiritual Warfare, Christ Church, Virginia WaterĬHAPTER 6: "SPIRITUAL WARFARE" & DAVID YONGGI CHO ![]()
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