PULLING DOWN SATANIC STRONGHOLDS

‘’ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's’’ (2 Corinthians 10:3-7).

The concept of pulling down satanic strongholds is indeed a crucial aspect of spiritual warfare, aimed at breaking the power of demonic influence and oppression in the lives of believers and within the body of Christ. It's essential to recognize that the devil is not a benign figure but a malevolent entity whose ultimate aim is the destruction and ruin of mankind. Even his seemingly benevolent intentions are ultimately ruinous, as his sole purpose is to thwart God's plans and lead humanity astray.

In various aspects of life, we witness the manifestations of Satan's influence: families torn apart by strife and distrust, husbands neglecting their responsibilities to their wives and children, political leaders disregarding the sanctity of human life, and false prophets leading many astray. These are all areas where Satan seeks to exert his influence and sow chaos.

However, as children of God, we have been given authority over Satan and his cohorts through the victory won by Christ on the cross of Calvary. In Jeremiah 1:10, God declares to Jeremiah, "See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant." This signifies our authority to uproot and destroy every plant that God has not planted in our lives.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to actively engage in pulling down satanic strongholds in our lives, our churches, and our communities. Through prayer, fasting, and standing firmly on the promises of God's Word, we can dismantle the works of the enemy and establish God's kingdom rule in every area of our lives. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we declare victory over every scheme of the enemy and proclaim freedom, healing, and restoration in every sphere of influence.

MANIFESTATIONS OF DEMONIC INFLUENCE

The realities of satanic strongholds are indeed profound and impactful, affecting individuals, communities, and even the contemporary church. These strongholds, akin to fortified fortresses, serve both protective and offensive purposes in spiritual warfare.

Protective strongholds are constructed around those already in Satan's bondage, ensuring they remain under his perpetual domination. Meanwhile, offensive strongholds are deployed to attack and oppose those who have not yet come under his control, aiming to wound or intimidate them into captivity.In examining the lives of many individuals and observing Satan's activities in communities and churches, we encounter various manifestations of these satanic strongholds:

1. A pervasive spirit of suspicion, confusion, and discouragement in local churches, hindering the salvation of sinners, the edification of saints, and the overall progress of the church despite pastoral efforts.

2. Stagnation and lack of progress in life, regardless of efforts made to rectify the situation, as illustrated in the account of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10.

3. Regular and unexplainable occurrences, such as mysterious deaths of family members, which can instill fear and uncertainty in individuals and communities, as seen in the story of Job in Job 1:6-22; 2:1-7.

4. Unreasonable and overpowering compulsive habits that defy reason and willpower, leading individuals into destructive behaviors, as exemplified in the story of Amnon and Tamar in 2 Samuel 13:1-20.

These examples underscore the tangible and detrimental effects of satanic strongholds in the lives of individuals and communities. However, as believers empowered by the authority of Christ, we have the ability to identify, confront, and dismantle these strongholds through prayer, fasting, and the proclamation of God's Word. By standing firm in faith and relying on the strength of the Lord, we can overcome every scheme of the enemy and experience freedom, healing, and victory in Christ.

TOOLS FOR SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY

In the spiritual battle against the devil, we rely not on carnal or physical weapons, but on the spiritual resources and armor provided by God Himself. These include:

1. The Whole Armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17): Our spiritual armor comprises six essential elements: (i) The belt of truth, (ii) The breastplate of righteousness, (iii) The sandals of the gospel of peace, (iv) The shield of faith, (v) The helmet of salvation, (vi) The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

2. The Name of Jesus (1 Samuel 17:45-51): The authority and power inherent in the name of Jesus enable us to confront and overcome the enemy's schemes.

3. The Blood of Jesus (Revelation 12:11): It is through the blood of Jesus that we are redeemed and protected from the accusations of the enemy. The blood has cleansing and purifying power, and it serves as a testimony to our victory over sin and death.

4. Effectual, Fervent Prayer (Matthew 16:19; 18:18; James 5:16-18): Prayer is a potent weapon in spiritual warfare. It aligns us with God's will, activates His power, and releases His authority into the spiritual realm.

5. The Believer's Confession of Faith (Revelation 12:11): Our testimony and confession of faith in Jesus Christ serve as powerful weapons against the enemy. By declaring the truth of God's Word and our victory in Christ, we thwart the enemy's attacks and advance God's kingdom.

These spiritual weapons are not to be underestimated. They are divinely appointed and empowered to dismantle the strongholds of the enemy, demolish every argument and pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). As we wield these weapons in faith and obedience, we can stand firm against the schemes of the devil and emerge victorious in every spiritual battle.

PATH TO SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY

‘’ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you … put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified’’ (James 4:7; Isaiah 43:26). From the verses of the scripture above however, our spiritual resources are not mere ornaments for display; they are essential tools to be wielded in the ongoing spiritual conflict and warfare in which we are engaged (2 Corinthians 10:3-7). The fight of faith demands that we confront the adversary, the devil, the arch enemy of our souls, with all available resources, skill, and strength.

We are called to put on the whole armor of God and stand firm against the schemes of the enemy (Ephesians 6:12-18). By doing so, we resist the devil, and he must flee from us (James 4:7). We have been given authority to bind evil spirits using the powerful name and the precious blood of Jesus (Matthew 16:19; 18:18).

In prayer, we approach the throne of grace with confidence and fervency, declare the word “it is written” with faith and earnestness (Isaiah 43:26). We hold fast to our confession of faith, declaring victory over Satan and his devices, knowing that our words have power to shape reality (Revelation 12:11; Numbers 14:28; Hebrews 10:23).

In this ongoing spiritual warfare, let us not be passive spectators but active participants, wielding our spiritual weapons with boldness and determination. By standing firm in faith, wielding the sword of the Spirit, and maintaining our confession of faith, we can overcome every obstacle and emerge victorious in Christ, and victory is our portion in Jesus name!

OUR REDEMPTION BY CHRIST’S BLOOD

Adam and Eve though still physically in the Garden of Eden after eating the forbidden fruit,were consequently spiritual dead and become alienated from God and from the commonwealth of His kingdom. This verdict they could not set aside which emphasizes the insufficiency of man’s works and personal endeavor in gaining salvation,except he’s born again (John 3:3). It needed a Messiah one qualified, sure and a high integrity to meet the divine standard and thus satisfy God’s imperative judgement.

Christ, therefore become the sin bearer, based on the fact of God’s provision and what the scripture says, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood,to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God…And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.For where a testament is,there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth” (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 9:15-17). God’s covenant demanded that someone would die in our place. Christ surrendered His life and died for us so that we could ‘receive the promise of eternal inheritance’.

From the time of the fall of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, it has been practiced repeatedly that an innocent one must bear our guilt of sin and punishment before we could be pardoned from sin and set free. Redemption alone never brought forgiveness;there must be atonement through the blood. The sacrifices with the blood of animals of the Old Covenant were in practiced until Christ came. Jesus came as the final “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the whole world” His blood cleanses us from all sin. Remissions of sins and the provisions of the New Covenant are now ours through the Blood of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.He has certified the New Covenant with His own Blood, just as the Old Covenant was certified by Moses with the blood of animals. “And without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22).Although Christ’s atonement on the cross guarantees universal provision of salvation for all mankind, but could be appropriated only on a personal basis, there is yet a needful element for it to vail one through faith in Christ Jesus.

The sinner who seeks salvation must take the necessary step of faith in the blood of Jesus Christ for atonement.We were to face the judgement of God for the sin we had committed. Through faith in Christ, our sins are forgiven and will never be remembered, our hearts are cleansed and we are made righteous. We have passed from judgement unto life. Christ, through His dead and blood has obtained redemption, remission of sins and righteousness for us. Believe in Christ and be made righteous today.

OPEN DOOR OF SALVATION

There are many problems in the world today most especially in this end time. Although peace, joy, happiness, and love are desired by many, only very few know what the true freedom and abundant life means. The Word of God declared that, God loves you and me, and He wants us to have abundant life. Therefore, He has a wonderful plan for you in particular if you give Him a chance to do so, as He won't force you to do anything out of your own will. God love you because everything about His nature is love. There are many today that are not enjoying the love of God. Are you one of them? Here is the reason: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

Man was created in God’s image and was meant to have dominion and enjoy abundant of life, man lost the privilege because of sin.Sins like a cancer separate man from God. It also hinder fellowship and enjoyment derive from the love of God. From time immemorial, man has adopted many efforts in order to be at peace with God. But all human made efforts have not helped man. Sin is a great barrier which separates man from God. And with this barrier, the problem of man will remain. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God...for wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23; 6:23).

What is the way out of man's problem? Is there a way out today? Yes, God knew that we would not be able to find a way out through our own efforts. Therefore, He provided the solution for us through Jesus, His only begotten Son. His love for the depraved man caused Him to draw the plan of salvation. He allowed His Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer and died for our sins. Through the suffering and sacrifice of His Son, we can pass from death to possess the gift of life. God loves us and "...commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). And "Jesus saith unto him,I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). Man has the plan to play in other to benefit from God's love. You cannot benefit unless you respond personally.

Salvation is God's free gift but it’s not cheap. Jesus paid for it with His own life. Hence, you need to receive this gift before you can enjoy it. Here is the right step to receive the free gift of God : "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved....But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons (daughters inclusive) of God, even to them that believe on his name" (Romans 10:9; John 1:12).

Are you ready to respond? Are you willing to receive God's free gift of God right now? Will you decide to receive Christ now? If so, admit that you are a sinner now, be willing to repent now, Believe that Jesus died for your sins, then go to God in prayers, repent and invite Jesus into your life. Please pray this prayer: Almighty God, I thank you because you love me. When I was lost in sin, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to die for me on the cross of Calvary. I believe that the blood of Jesus shed wash away my sins and pardon me. Right now, I repent of all my sins and ask for forgiveness. Lord Jesus, come into my heart at this moment. And I accept you as my Lord and personal Savior. Thank you for coming into my heart to set me free.In Jesus mighty name I have prayed, Amen! After taking all these steps, it is important to: Read the word of God every day (Psalm 119:9, 11).

You need to spend some time in prayer every day (Philippians 4:6). It is imperative to fellowship with other believers of precious faith in the church that could care for your spiritual well being continually (Hebrews 10:25). Finally, yield your life to God, witness for Christ daily and bring others to Him (Mark 1:17). God bless.

There are many problems in the world today most especially in this end time. Although peace, joy, happiness, and love are desired by many, only very few know what the true freedom and abundant life means. The Word of God declared that, God loves you and me, and He wants us to have abundant life.Therefore, He has a wonderful plan for you in particular if you give Him a chance to do so, as He won't force you to do anything out of your own will. God love you because everything about His nature is love. There are many today that are not enjoying the love of God. Are you one of them? Here is the reason:"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Man was created in God’s image and was meant to have dominion and enjoy abundant of life, man lost the privilege because of sin. Sins like a cancer separate man from God. It also hinder fellowship and enjoyment derive from the love of God. From time immemorial, man has adopted many efforts in order to be at peace with God. But all human made efforts have not helped man.Sin is a great barrier which separates man from God. And with this barrier, the problem of man will remain. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God...for wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23; 6:23). What can we do to get man's problem solved? Is there a way out today? Yes, God knew that we would not be able to find a way out through our own efforts. Therefore, He provided the solution for us through His only begotten Son. His love for the depraved man caused Him to draw the plan of salvation. He allowed His Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer for us. Through the suffering and sacrifice of His Son, we can pass from death to life. God loves us and "...commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). And "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). Man has the plan to play in other to benefit from God's love. You cannot benefit unless you respond personally.Salvation is God's free gift but it’s not cheap. Jesus paid for it with His own life. Hence, you need to receive this gift before you can enjoy it. Here is the right step to receive the free gift of God : "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved....But as many as received him,to them gave he power to become the sons (daughters inclusive) of God, even to them that believe on his name" (Romans 10:9; John 1:12).

Are you ready to respond? Are you willing to receive God's free gift of God right now? Will you decide to receive Christ now? If so, admit that you are a sinner now, be willing to repent now, Believe that Jesus died for your sins, then go to God in prayers, repent and invite Jesus into your life.

Please pray this prayer:

Almighty God, I thank you because you love me. When I was lost in sin, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to die for me on the cross of Calvary. I believe that the blood of Jesus shed wash away my sins and pardon me. Right now, I repent of all my sins and ask for forgiveness. Lord Jesus, come into my heart at this moment.And I accept you as my Lord and personal Savior. Thank you for coming into my heart to set me free. In Jesus mighty name I have prayed, Amen!

After taking all these steps, it is important to: Read the word of God every day (Psalm 119:9, 11). You need to spend some time in prayer every day (Philippians 4:6).It is imperative to fellowship with other believers of precious faith in the church that could care for your spiritual well being ontinually (Hebrews 10:25). Finally, yield your life to God, witness for Christ daily and bring others to Him (Mark 1:17). God bless as you obey.