(Every year I spend 3 to 5 weeks in India leading pastors’ conferences and ministering to people and churches. I teach about spiritual warfare, which is very real in India, as this blog shows. Prayers for my ministry there would be greatly appreciated. For more information see India.ChristianTrainingOnline.org) Spiritual Warfare in India 12
What a contrast between doing spiritual warfare in India and in America. I’ve shared many of my personal experiences. There are more but I think I’ve said enough for now. What I was aware of was the contrast between ministering in spiritual warfare in the USA and in India. I kept a list going when I would think of something else. Here is a summary of what I wrote:
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AMERICA |
INDIA |
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IGNORANT, SKEPTICAL of demonic activity |
AWARE, CONVINCED of demonic activity |
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Demonic LAST RESORT |
Demonic ALWAYS CONSIDERED |
|
USA founded in LIGHT, turning to DARKNESS |
In past DARKNESS, now LIGHT coming |
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SUBTLE, HIDDEN work of Satan |
OPEN, OBVIOUS work of Satan |
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CAMOUFLAGED activities, GRAY to hide it |
OVERT EVIL evident, DARK clearly shown |
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Christians UNTRAINED, FEARFUL of demons |
Christians UNTRAINED, FRUSTRATED by evil |
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Demons, Satan GROWING STRONGER |
Demons, Satan slowly LOSING GROUND |
Because of our ‘Christian’ heritage and culture, even to today, Satan’s work in the country is far more subtle and underground. Few even recognize that he exists. He works behind the scenes and in more “socially acceptable” ways. Yet is bondage is just as great and in many ways he is more dangerous here because he does work unrecognized. It’s harder to deal with a sneaky, sly, hypocritical child who pretends on thing but really is another way than it is with an in-your-face rebellious child; at least I certainly think so. That’s the difference between demonizing in the USA and in India. Any disease that isn’t recognized is more dangerous than one whose symptoms are clear and obvious.
Paul says we should not be unaware of Satan’s ways and traps (2 Corinthians 2:5-11). In this country most Christians don’t recognize Satan’s tactics and work; many don’t even believe he exists. There is no way they are prepared to fight against him. At least in India they know he exists and what he can do. They may not know how to fight either, but they know they need to learn and want to learn. In that they are ahead of many in this country.
The most sobering observation I made is that in this country Satan’s power is slowly growing as we turn further from Jesus while in India his power is slowly fading as millions are coming to salvation every year. While demons are losing ground little by little in India they are gain it little by little in America. No one can deny the direction our country is going. I thank God for the privilege of taking a little of what He has shown me here and being able to transplant it into India. May God continue to bless and use His Word as it brings fruit for His Kingdom.
(If you would like a free copy of my Spiritual Warfare Handbook, in English, email me and I’ll send you an electronic copy. If you’d like to donate to help print more copies, for we have used up our first printing of 6,000, send your donation to me or Main Street Baptist Church. Please keep praying for India’s pastors and our ministry there.) (Friday, March 18, 2011)
Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
Where do you see sin increasing in this country and righteousness fading? What must happen for those things to be changed? Pray specifically for each one you think of. Then pray and ask God what YOU can do to make a difference in those areas.
(If I can answer questions or offer personal counsel, or if you would like a free copy of my Spiritual Warfare Handbook, email me at Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org or download it from http://sw.christiantrainingonline.org/. My next book, Spiritual Warfare in the Bible, which is a more advanced treatment of spiritual warfare, is also available for free.)