FABcast

FABcast #421 - Bedtime Bible Reading to Kids by RBAR

GotQuestions.org -> "What are territorial spirits?"

Answer: “Territorial spirits” is a term some Christians use to identify demonic occupation of a specific geographic location. Ironically, it is also a term pagans use to describe an otherworldly presence believed to be residing in a specific geographical location.

The Christian concept of territorial spirits comes from passages such as Daniel 10; John 12:31; John 14:30; John 16:11; Mark 5:10; and Ephesians 6:12. All of these passages imply that fallen angels have been given some type of responsibility over a certain area. Thus, they seem to be territorial. However, we need to remember that this teaching is inferred; the Bible never explicitly delineates a hierarchy of demonic authority in the world. What the Bible is clear about is that demons are at work in the world and that believers are very much involved in a battle against them.

In Daniel 10, for example, an angel struggled against a demonic adversary the entire time Daniel was praying and fasting. It wasn't until the end of Daniel's spiritually focused time that the angel finally broke away and came to Daniel. Ephesians 6 exhorts believers to stand firm against our spiritual adversaries and to remain alert and ready for battle. There is no doubt that our struggle on Earth is mirrored in some way in the spiritual realm.

The problem inherent in the term “territorial spirits” is that some Christians believe it is their duty to engage territorial demons in spiritual warfare. This, however, cannot be justified by Scripture. There is not a single instance in the Bible where someone actively sought out a demon in order to engage it. Demon-possessed individuals were encountered, and some were brought to Jesus and His disciples for healing, but the disciples didn't go looking for demons to cast out of people. No one in the Bible ever prayed that the “demon princes” of a town be “bound” from working their will against the residents of that town.

Territorial spirits, although not explicitly a scriptural idea, may very well exist, as seen in the previous passages. Whether or not a spirit is “territorial” is really not that important, though. What is important is our response. A believer in Christ has no biblical support to engage in prayer-led spiritual warfare against demons. Rather, a believer needs to be aware that there is a spiritual battle and to take it seriously (1 Peter 5:8). Our lives need to be focused on prayer and on growing in faith. Should we ever encounter a demon, we definitely have the Christ-given authority to deal with it, but we should not go looking for them, territorial or otherwise.

Recommended Resource: Angels: Elect & Evil by C. Fred Dickason

Christianity means taking one for the team. It means dying to self. Why pray against the moldy box when I can pray, "Thank God I've died to myself. I no longer live. Hence, I no longer wish to have a "great day" with no moldy boxes." It's time to take the moldy box and consider others before yourself. That is the abundant life. Freedom from self.

Episode 418 - Pre-Airport Prayer by RBAR

Episode 417 - Thanksgiving Sermon Reflection by RBAR

I believe true thanksgiving comes when I realized I don't need Jesus because I have Jesus - and there's a big difference. I pray that this concept spread like wildfire. Too many christians are walking around saying the need something that they already have; namely, Jesus, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, healing, restoration, love, joy, peace, etc. etc. If we have been crucified with Christ, buried with him, resurrected with him, seated in the heavenlies with him, then what am I lacking? I submit that we (believer) lack nothing because we have everything. We have been given every spiritual blessing in Him.

Hillsong sang it well: I found my life when I laid it down. I found life when I died to myself. I hope you find the same freedom....

See Vlog here: https://youtu.be/TYsPpu8L0ug

The morning is the perfect time to hush the rush of the day or set the tone of rushing from one thing to the next. Lets choose to hush that morning rush.

The Present Future is broken down into six “New Realities” that all reiterate the fact that “the present makes clearest sense in light of the future.” [5] The past 500 years have predominantly perpetuated the idea that we are headed toward the future when the reality is the future is headed toward us (the Church).

On repeat, the book alludes to the fact that the Church is primarily a means to an end; that is a kingdom end. In Genesis, there was no Church and when the New Heaven and New Earth are ushered in, the Church does not exist. McNeal appropriately concludes that it must be a means to a kingdom-end. Thus, the kingdom culture is preeminent to the Church.

The books strategic objective serves as a “polemical volume,” which galvanizes church leaders “to action before it’s too late.”[6] McNeal is clear in stating a tactical objective as well: “My goal is to provoke and to frame conversations that lead to action, to risk, to rediscovery of mission.”[7] “Provoke” and “galvanize” are great descriptions of what McNeal does. He gives his readers an “out” at the outset of the book: “me do not read this book if you are looking to bolster your opinion that the way to the future is charted through the past… if you fit any (or all) of these categories, take my advice and don't read this book. It will just agitate you.”[8]

The major themes throughout this book are the overemphasis of Church culture and the comeback of kingdom focus. The first Reformation focused on setting the Church free from (corrupt) people whereas this New Reformation is focused on setting the people free from (what has become) the Church/institution. Basically, out with the old and in with the new. We’ve been building up the Church for 500 years now let’s get with Jesus plan of preaching the good news of the Kingdom!

The gospel of the kingdom is about proclaiming the prison doors have been unlocked. A kingdom culture prevents the church from being competitors with one another. With a kingdom mindset, we become “one team one fight.”

Tweetable Quotes

“As he hung on the cross Jesus probably never thought the impact of this sacrifice would be reduced two an invitation for people to join and support an institution.” @ReggieMcNeal #ThePresentFuture Page 1.

“The Church needs a mission fix.” @ReggieMcNeal #ThePresentFuture Page 10.

“…deliverance is not just from something but to something.” @ReggieMcNeal #ThePresentFuture Page 13.

“Street Church where people are already hanging out. We need a church in every mall, every Walmart SuperCenter, every Barnes& Noble.” @ReggieMcNeal #ThePresentFuture Page 35.

"The power of the gospel lost on church members who can sign off on doctoral positions but have no story of personal transformation” @ReggieMcNeal #ThePresentFuture Page 36.

“The first Reformation was about freeing Church. The new reformation is about creating gods people from the church (the institution).” @ReggieMcNeal #ThePresentFuture Page 43.

“The test for orthodoxy typically focuses on doctrinal stances, not character in spiritual connectedness to God and others.” @ReggieMcNeal #ThePresentFuture Page 55.

“To live abundantly is To borrow the future into the present.” @ReggieMcNeal #ThePresentFuture Page 73.

I'm beginning to realize the more people talk about how jacked up other people are the more they may be hiding (or ignorant of) their own stuff. Maybe the infatuation with everybody else's faults is just a cover up for their own insecurities. We all know calling out someone else is much easier than confessing our own faults and using "I statements." I think I'll just spend my time talking about how relevant Jesus is in my life and how he's invited me into his life to be on mission with him and how gracious he is toward me. I'll confess my sins as well and set an example for others to follow. Might as well get real since God knows us all anyways! :)