It is not possible to really talk about church health without taking a closer look at the activities of the devil and demons in our world today. The supernatural is always a strong factor in church growth and health, especially in African context. You must also understand that one of the most insidious diseases of churches, be it denominational or independent, is the fifth column the secret penetration of the agents of the enemy inside a church in order her powerless from within.
1. Scriptural foundation and Basis -Rev. 2:11-13
Jesus specifically noted that a church is located at the seats of Satan. The more reason for stagnation, look-warmness, coldness and ungodliness inside the church. (Matt. 16. 18).
- Gates of hell are militating against churches
- Satan and his agents target and mark out churches
- Satanic power boosters in every community
- Demonic darkness to blindfold people-(IICor. 4.3-4)
- Dedication of land and community to demonic strongholds
- Jesus did warfare before starting his ministry (Matt. 4.1-11)
- Every street and community has an assigned angel-good or bad
There is no reason why churches should not be healthy and growing Jesus is still building His church (Matt. 16:18). God doesn’t want any person to perish (1 Tim. 2:3-4). The Holy Spirit is still in the world, bringing many sons to glory
The hindering factor is seats of Satan inside churches.
2. Evidence of Seats of Satan
There are numerous evidences to show that seats of Satan in a community and church are in operation:-
- Small growth despite years of toil
- Grave yard of churches
- Rise and fall of pastors
- Anaemic Christians
- Internal wrangling
- Calamity and crisis
- Discouragement and dejection
- Hardship and poverty
- Violence and sinfulness
- Death and negative incidents
- Resistant to the gospel
- Empty churches and barrenness
The empty churches despite must programmes are clear evidence of satanic victory against us. The indifference to the gospel and ungodliness of those who even professed faith in Christ are clear signals of seats of Satan in control.
Recommended Reading
30 Tips To Creating An Amazing Marriage
Overcoming Generational Curses: Freedom Through the Cross
PRAYER & SPIRITUAL WARFARE: PRAYER-WALKING: KEY TO EXPLOSIVE IMPACT
3. Open Door For Seats Of Satan
How does a church or community become a place where Satan dwelleth?
- Pact and covenant by founding fathers
- Dedicating land to a particular deity or strongman
- Open worship of idols
- Cults, invocations, shrines and rituals
- Polluted altars/foundational problem
- Condoning sin, evil and wickedness
- Prayerlessness
- Fornication, Immorality and sexual pervasion
- Allowing demonic people to lead and minister
- Christo-paganism by minister
These are some of the major ways through which the devil gars a foothold and eventually established his kingdom in a church and community
- Story of a church where all the pastors must fall into sin
- Story of the church where everyone did vigil in Adam’s (nakedly)
- Story of the church where youths conjugate on the altar in vigil
- Story of the church that is covered in thick darkness
- Story of the church where nobody must prosper or will die
4. Uprooting The Seats Of Satan Rev. 2:17. I pet. 5:8, 9, Jam. 4:7
Amazingly. Jesus didn’t ask the church to run but to stay, fight and overcome the enemy
There should be no enemy ground in your life-John 14:30
- Seek the Lord for a battle plan
- Open repentance and restitution
- Set up a powerful prayer base
- Leaders and pastors praying together
- Rededicate church and land back to God
- Employ the best prayer strategies such as
- Vicinity warfare
- House to house prayers
- Street to Street warfare
- Community praise marches
- Prophetic anointing and pronouncements
When these are prayerfully done under the unmistakable guidance of the Holy Spirit, there cannot but be a result However, it cannot be a once and for all event, rather it must be consistent and continuous until victory is assured.