Established in 1984 by the International INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF Student Leaders Coalition for Frontier Missions with the goal: “A Church For FRONTIER MISSIONS Every People By the Year 2000.”

October 1993 Published January, April, July and October by the: International Student Volume 10 Number 4 Leaders Coalition for Frontier Missions P.O. Box 27266, El Paso, TX 79926, Contents USA

157 Editorial: Spiritual Warfare and the Frontiers Publisher: Hans M. Weerstra Bradley Gill 159 Romans as a Charter for World Missions Editor: Thomas Schirrmacher Hans M. Weerstra Associate Editors: 163 World View Clash: A Handbook for Spiritual Warfare Richard A. Cotton Edward F. Murphy D. Bruce Graham

169 Managing Editor: Animism, Secularism and Theism: Developing a Tripartite Model Judy Martines Weerstra Gailyn Van Rheenen

173Satan’s Tactics for Building and Maintaining His Kingdom of Darkness The International Journal of John Robb Frontier Missions (ISSN 0743-2429) promotes the serious investigation of 185 frontier mission issues including plans Power Encounter: Toward an SIM Position for world evangelization, measuring and monitoring progress in world Howard Brant evangelization, defining, publishing and profiling unreached peoples, 195 coordination of world evangelization Intercessors and Cosmic Urban Spiritual Warfare endeavors and the promotion of biblical Viv Grigg frontier mission theology. The Journal seeks to promote intergenerational 201Prayer Profile: The Bihari of India dialogue between senior and junior Adopt-A-People Clearinghouse mission leaders, cultivating an international fraternity of thought in the 203 Spiritual Warfare: Should it be Included in a Mission Curriculum? development of frontier missiology and Charles Laughlin advocating completion of world evangelization by AD 2000. 207 The views expressed in the IJFM Reflections on the Adopt-A-People Consultation II are those of the authors and not Frank Kaleb Jansen necessarily those of the editors or publisher.

IJFM Editorial Committee Address all editorial correspondence, including manuscripts, to 7665 Wenda Gary Corwin Way, El Paso Texas, 79915 USA. SIM, USA Phone: (915) 779-5655, Fax: (915) 778-6440. Address subscription and Paul Filidis advertising matters to Managing Editor, Youth With A Mission Research Center, USA IJFM, P.O. Box 27266, El Paso, Texas 79926 USA. Todd M. Johnson World Evangelization Research Center, USA Subscription rates: One year (four Patrick J. Johnstone issues) $15.00, two years (eight issues) WEC International, UK $28.00, three years (twelve issues) $40.00. Single copies $5.00. Payment Bill O’Brien must be enclosed with orders. When Global Center, Samford University, USA giving change of address, please supply Edison Queiroz both old and new addresses. COMIBAM, Brazil Copyright © 1993 by the International Student Leaders Coalition for Frontier Cover photo: Courtesy of Caleb Project Missions. Editorial: Spiritual Warfare and the Frontiers

inally, be strong in the Lord and thinking regarding our view of reality, deny that we have lost the war? “F in the strength of his might. Put through the so called “scientific And what about world missions? It on the whole armor of God, that you thought” that would see our world as a would be safe to deduce that if the battle may be able to stand against the wiles of closed, self- contained natural system rages fierce for even the“normal the devil.” (Eph. 6:10,11) This well which would postulate Satan’s Christian,” how much more in the arena known Scripture indicates that the nonexistence, along with other of world missions as we seek to apostle Paul had first hand knowledge of supernatural beings, and somehow penetrate areas and peoples held in the exigencies of spiritual warfare for reduce our problems and the battles we bondage for centuries by “the prince of the church. He pointedly reminds his face to a natural plane of reality. the power of the air.” World missions, readers of “the prince of the power of It must be stated clearly, that this is and in a special sense frontier missions, the air, of the spirit that is now working not Paul’s view nor is it in anyway in must know as none other, and as never in the sons of disobedience” (Eph. 2:2). line with his theology, nor consistent before, that we are at war, that it is a He exhorts them “not to give place to with biblical theology generally. Paul conflict with “principalities and powers” the devil” (Eph. 4:27), and urges the would want to correct many of us in our of evil supernatural world-ruling spirit whole church that “the manifold wisdom “modern times” and show us that we do beings that must be taken seriously by of God might now be made known “not contend with flesh and blood,” that all engaged in world missions. This through the church to the rulers and the our conflict is not in the natural—with systemic evil needs to be disarmed in the authorities in the heavenly places,” all of people and forces in the visible realm of authority and power of our Lord Jesus this was in accord with “the eternal things—but rather is with spiritual Christ accomplished by the full armored purpose which he carried out in Christ beings in the supernatural and invisible soldiers of the cross who know how to Jesus our Lord.” (Eph. 3:10,11) Best of plane of reality. Paul understands this wield the sword of the Spirit. all Christians must know that the Lord spiritual reality and the battle fought “disarmed the principalities and powers there. What many of us do not see— The Theme of This Issue and made a public example of them, perhaps because we cannot see— Paul Because of the great import of this triumphing over them...” in the cross. clearly sees. It is none other than the subject and its significance for world (Col. 2:15). startling fact that we as Christians missions we are dedicating this entire These and other passages of Scripture individually, as well as the Body of issue to spiritual warfare. Virtually every clearly indicate that spiritual warfare is Christ corporately, are in a war, doing article is focused on this theme. In this light we could ask ourselves the not only a fact of life but that it is a very battle against the principalities (rulers), question why so many peoples are still serious matter which we as Christians against the powers (authorities), against unreached even in this late hour? Could need to heed lest we fail to stand. For the world rulers of darkness, against the it be because we today, and those who this reason Paul mandates believers to spiritual hosts of evil and wickedness in have gone before, have misunderstood “take up the whole armor of God, that the heavenlies. (Eph. 6:12) the spiritual nature of our mission and we may be able to withstand in the evil supernatural conflict of the task? Have day, and, having done all, to stand.” A Fierce Ensuing Battle Western missionaries been influences (Eph. 6:13) We could safely conclude that we in for secularism among many peoples of the West stand in need of a major shift the world as some Christian The Schemes of the Devil of perspective regarding ultimate world anthropologists claim ? Whatever our One of Satan’s deadliest tactics and life view issues. We along with answer, the truth is that we today, according to E.K. Simpson’s Paul, in accord with the whole biblical undoubtedly as never before, will be commentary is by “shamming dead,” as record, need to see the invisible involved in warfare with rulers and he says by “eliminating the frontier-lines non-empirical reality of our existence powers and authorities of wickedness of truth and falsehood under colour of and the relentless battle in which all of that must be conquered in order to finish broadmindedness, and in securing the us as God’s people are in fact involved, the task of world evangelization and ascendancy of ‘scientific thought’ or whether we like it or not. Also the plant the church of Christ among every rather its counterfeit, that has paved the warning stands: That unless we do unreached people on the face of the way for his most signal inroads of experience a radical supernatural earth. unbelief on the pale of true religion in “paradigm shift” of a deep proportion, modern times.” (Commentary of the we are in for serious trouble. What Focus and Direction Epistle to the Ephesians, E.K.Simpson, trouble? Great portions of the church The direction of this issue is set by a 1957:145) stand to loose the war! How? Because it fresh look at the letter of Paul to the Few can doubt that Satan has made will further erode our faith even to the Romans and how the whole letter, great inroads in our modern world, degree that the Lord’s warningmay well including its weighty theology, is including infiltrating our churches and apply in our times. He warned “Will the focused on missions, specifically playing havoc with our world view. Son of Man find any faith on the earth at frontier missions, of reaching the This has been accomplished largely by his coming.” (Luke 18:8) If the secular unreached peoples of the world. means of a slow but persistent shift of world view condition prevails, who can Although Shirrmacher’s presentation is INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS, VOL 10:4 OCT. 1993 158 Editorial not specifically focused on spiritual curriculum or training program. This all the other peoples of the earth. warfare, his article nevertheless sets the article, as well as the article by Van tone as we begin to look at the Rheenen were originally presented in The Adopt-A-People Consultation exigencies of spiritual warfare vis-a-vis March of this year to the Evangelical Frank Kaleb Jansen, the director of the unreached nation-peoples and their Missiological Society, at a Southwest the Adopt-A-People Clearinghouse, evangelization. Regional Conference in Dallas, Texas. writes the final article giving a report on Two articles by Murphy and Van Laughlin makes the case for including the Second Adopt-A-People Rheenen concentrate on the foundational spiritual warfare in a mission curriculum Consultation held this Summer in concern of the world view issue, since, among other things, in our day Colorado Springs. It is worthy of note including a comparison of Western and there is a marked increase in demonic that this Conference was a huge success non-Western world views, and activity. He reminds us of Paul’s and of significant influence, advancing comparing them with the biblical warning “that in latter times some will the Adopt-A-People concept. Though Christian one. Truly there is a “world depart from the faith, giving heed to the number of actual participants of this view clash” of deep proportions. We deceiving spirits and doctrines of conference may seem small, compared need to make every effort that our world demons.” (II Tim. 4:1) Laughlin to former meetings of the past, in which view as Christians be aligned with a concludes that for this reason alone we thousands gathered, the truly significant thorough-going Christian-biblical- should provide curriculum on spiritual feature of this conference was that all the theistic view of reality. warfare in our theological as well as participants were leaders in the mission Subsequent articles by John Robb and missiological training programs. industry focused to a large degree on the Viv Grigg take up the subject of the final frontiers of reaching the remaining tactics and schemes and organizations Concerted Prayer and Intercession unreached peoples of the world by the Satan uses to advance and maintain his Last but not least, we will be year 2000. David Dougherty present a kingdom of darkness here on earth, challenged to pray and intercede for response to Jansen in the form of a including his tactics in controlling the another people still unreached with the second perspective on this same urban centers of our world. We need to gospel—the Bihari of India—deceived consultation. know our enemy and his ploys at every and held in bondage for centuries by the It is with much prayer and confidence hand engaged “to steal, kill and false religious powers and authorities. that we send out this very special issue destroy.” (John 10:10) The full color photo (front cover) of this on spiritual warfare. We pray that it may A major article is written by Howard issue represents two young boys of the find wide dissemination in the Body of Brant on SIM’s position on spiritual Bihari people who are waiting for the Christ, both at home and internationally. warfare, power encounter and the liberating gospel. We are indebted to May it help us all to understand the miraculous as it pertains to missions. Caleb Project for the use of this great nature of the cosmic spiritual war in SIM realizes that by the very nature of photo. For the data on the prayer profile which we are all engaged as well as to their task as a mission they will in the article on the Bihari we are provide authentic support and strategy inevitably enter enemy territory , a indebted to the Adopt-A-People direction to all world mission efforts. virtual war zone, as Brant sees it, to Clearinghouse in Colorado Springs, May we all remember that although we engage in combat with the evil one. SIM CO. are at war, perhaps as never before, realizes this to be of vital importance to As editor I wish to encourage every nevertheless, we are not alone for the them both individually and corporately. subscriber of the IJFM, and every battle is the Lord’s. We might add that the same is true for Christian who receives this special every other missionary and mission issue of the Journal, to pray in an agency involved in world missions. extraordinary concerted effort for the Towards the end of this issue we are Bihari people with the view that they Hans M. Weerstra challenged by Charles Laughlin’s article may be reached in this decade with the October 1993 on the question whether spiritual warfare gospel, it being the very power of God El Paso, Texas should be included in a mission unto salvation for them as well as for

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS Romans as a Charter for World Mission A Lesson in the Relation of Systematic Theology and Missiology The biblical record leaves little doubt about the fact that theology is interrelated with classical missiology focused on the unreached peoples of the world. We need to hear the Word of God afresh on this important issue.

By Thomas Schirrmacher

hat is the topic of Romans? “It is collected money in the churches to help i.e., that the “obedience of faith” must W God’s plan for the world and the church in Jerusalem. From Jeru- be preached and be established how Paul’s mission to the gentiles fits salem he wanted to travel to Rome to among all peoples, as the Old Testa- into this plan.” (Stendahl 1978:42, use this church as the base for the next ment has prophesied (compare e.g. retranslated from German) step of his missionary strategy, i.e., the context vv.15-25 with Is.52:15 This close relation between the evangelization of Spain (Romans quoted in Romans 15: 21). The letter to the Romans and the missionary 15:27-31). parallels between Romans 1:1-15 and work of Paul has only rarely been taken Paul does not take much time in his 15:14-15,27 are striking and show into account by exegetes. Emil Weber letter to get to his future plans (Romans that Paul did not forget his mission did not get beyond Romans 3 in his 1:8-15). He wants to preach the gospel plans during the main body of the important study The relation of Romans to all men without exception. He does letter. 1-3 to the Missionary Practice of Paul not accept barriers of culture and race Too often Romans has been inter- (Weber, 1905) while other authors (“Greeks and Barbarians,” Romans preted as a theoretical– theological outlined the topic only (e.g. Russell 1:1-14), of education or social stratum treatise without taking the under- 1988; Minear 1971, esp. appendices pp. (“wise and unwise,” Romans 1:14) and lying missiological frame into 91-110; Alstrup 1977; Stendahl 1978; therefore wants to go to Rome (Romans account. Walter B. Russell III writes: McClung 1989). Nils Alstrup writes : 1:15). From this practical topic Paul “Most writers virtually ignore the switches immediately to the ‘proper’ introductory and closing statements Paul has been acclaimed as the first Chris- topic of Romans. The famous verses of and focus on the theological exposi- tian theologian and the greatest Christian missionary of all times. Scholars have, Romans 1:16-17 start with a “therefore tion of the letter’s body.” (Russell however, often failed to realize how ...”. So Paul wants to prove through 1988: 175) closely these two aspects are interrelated. biblical teaching what he is going to do (Alstrup 1977:70) according to Romans 1:8-15. There is World Mission and Theology At the same time, Romans played a no hint that Paul is changing the major role in the history of Protestant subject. Romans 1:1-15 is not just a I wrote a commentary on Romans missions (see examples in Walls 1970). redundant introduction but tells us the as a missiologist (Schirrmacher Especially Romans 10:14 ff. has been very purpose of Romans: proving to his 1993), on which this article is based. one of the most frequently used texts readers that the expansion of world The reason for this was that the most for missionary sermons (Walls 1970: mission is God’s very heart and plan. systematic and theological letter of 346-347). Through the Calvinistic Puri- One can see the same purpose at the Paul has been written with missions tans of England, and the USA of the end of the body of direct teaching in in mind including practical plans to 16th to 18th centuries the missionary chapter 15. Here Paul switches directly spread the gospel to new frontiers. spirit of Romans gained access to the from a list of quotations from the Old Paul in Romans wants to establish the Testament, which proves that all people right and necessity of world mission exegetical literature. But this was an through systematic theology and exception. Normally exegesis of will hear the gospel, to his practical plans of missionary strategy repeating through an intensive study of the Old Romans and the use of Romans in the Testament. In this light it is missionary movement never were inte- several item he already has mentioned in the introduction of the letter. warranted to draw the following grated and stayed miles apart. conclusions from this letter: This is even more impressive if one compares the whole concluding part of 1. Whoever wants to do missions and The Forgotten Frame of Romans Romans 15:14-16:27 with the introduc- in the process renounce theology, Paul wrote his letter to the Romans tion. This frame of Romans explains because this might hinder the prac- probably cerca 57 B.C., sometime the occasion and purpose of the whole tice, is doing mission in his own during the three month of Acts 20:3 letter and provides the platform of the commission and does not really care prior to his journey to Jerusalem. Thus topic of the letter in its first and last what God says about it. the letter was written after he had verses (Romans 1:1-6; and 16:25-27): 2. Whoever teaches systematic INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS, VOL 10:4 OCT. 1993 160 Romans as a Charter for World Mission theology, which does not focus on writes about this quotation in Romans Testament. When Paul and Barnabas world missions and does not lead to 15:9-12: wanted to prove that from now on they practical steps to reach the unreached, The common praise of God in which all should preach the gospel to the gentiles teaches in his own commission and peoples take part, is the goal of God that instead of the Jews they did not quote does not really care why God gave us Scripture proclaimed. In 2 Sam. 22:50 Paul the great commission Jesus had given his word and teaching in the first place. probably heard Christ speaking who will recorded for us in the Gospels, but the 3. Biblical and practical world mission confess God among the nations and sing great commission of Isaiah (Acts always will start with sound and thor- the psalm to his glory. It is the work of 13:46-49 quoting from Is. 49:6). Like- Christ through the Church doing this. ough biblical teaching and sound and wise Peter defends the conversion of Dtn.32:43 is quoted because this verse calls Cornelius by saying that all prophets of thorough teaching will always lead to the peoples together with Israel to the biblical and practical world mission. the Old Testament give testimony that the heathens will be saved (Acts 10:42- The Fulfillment of Parallels Between Romans 1:1-15 and 15:14—16:27 43). James also the Old Testament: finished the council World Mission of Jerusalem on the 1:1-6 The gospel has been foretold in the OT 16:25-27 Recently we have subject of missions begun to speak about 1:5 The obedience of faith has to be preached amongst all nations 15:18;16:20 to the gentiles not with a quotation ‘world missions’ and 1:7 Grace be with you 16:20 reaching ‘all peoples’. from Jesus, (or the At this point we want 1:8 The faith of the Christians in Rome is known in the whole world 16:19 Gospels) but from the Old Testament to highlight two 1:8-13 Travel plans: from Jerusalem to Rome 15:22-29 important messages (Acts 15:13-21 from Romans 15-16 1:11-12 Paul wants to be made strong spiritually by the Christians in Rome 15:14 quoting Is. 61:4; Ps. which further explain 1:13 Paul has been hindered to come to Rome inspite of his wishes 15:22 22:27-28; Sach. what world mission 8:22; Am. 9:11-12). 1:13-15 The gospel must be preached to all peoples is all about. The first 15:14-29;16:26 The promise to the is the importance of patriarchs, that all the Old Testament for people will be providing world blessed through mission with a solid biblical basis, the common praise of God. Ps. 117:1 proclaims their offspring second is that world mission first of all that all peoples without exception are (Gen. 12:3; 18:18; 22:17; 26:4; 28:14), is to reach the unreached peoples of the invited to the praise of God. Is. 11:10 estab- is again and again quoted and world, which is the main goal of the lishes the worship, which the nations will mentioned as proof for world missions letter to the Romans. bring, by their being under the lordship of (Luke 1:54-55, 72; Acts 3:25-26; Christ ... Paul builds his prayer on the Romans 4:13-25; Eph. 3:3-4; Gal. 3:7- Paul reminds the non-Jewish Chris- promise of Scripture. (Schlatter 1975:383) 9,14; Hebrews 6:13-20; 11:12). tians in Romans 15:8, that “Christ has become a servant of circumcision” Although many quotations from the Finally Jesus himself not only gave holding to the ceremonial law of the Old Testament speak to Jews – and this the great commission in the well-known Old Testament. Thus he “confirmed the till today (see Schirrmacher 1991) – versions according to Matthew, Mark, promises made to the fathers” (15:8). they are also meant for the gentile John and Acts, but in the version But Paul immediately speaks about the Christians who not only rejoice that according to Luke proving the world- same promises of the fathers they received salvation but are commis- wide preaching mandate of the gospel concerning non-Jewish peoples in the sioned to spread the gospel to all other from the Old Testament (Luke 24:43- Old Testament: “so that the gentiles gentile peoples. C.E.B. Cranfield 49): “And he opened their minds, that may glorify God for his mercy, as it is writes: they might understand the scriptures...: written ...” (15:9). As in Romans 9:11, ... neither the constant engagement with the Thus it is written and thus it behooved Paul reminds the Christian that salva- O.T. to be seen throughout the epistle, nor Christ to suffer, and to rise from the tion for the Jews and gentiles cannot be the use of the words ‘I speak to those, who dead the third day: And that repentance separated. know the law’ in 7:1, proves that Paul was and remission of sins should be writing to a predominately Jewish-Christian preached in his name among all nations In Romans 15:9-12 Paul cites five church; for the O.T. was the Bible of the beginning at Jerusalem...” (Luke quotations from the Old Testament Gentile, as well as of the Jewish-Christians, 24:45-47, emphasis mine). proving that all the nations will one day and it is significant that Paul also assumes praise the Lord. (2 Sam. 22:50; Ps. familiarity with, and reverence for, the O.T. 18:50; Dtn. 32:43; Ps. 117:1, Jer. in his letters to the Galatians and the Corin- Reaching Unreached Peoples 11:10). This is the final rapid thians. (Cranfield 1989; see also Michel 1978:36 and Murray 1984) It was not just any kind of “mission sequence of quotations from the Old Proving of the great commission – to work” that made Paul write the letter to Testament, which Paul uses to prove the Romans. World missions for Paul that the gospel and world mission does preach the gospel of Jesus to every people of the earth – from the Old was frontier missions, was missions not stand against the Old Testament but reaching the unreached regions, not just is backed up by it. Adolf Schlatter Testament is quite common in the New

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS Thomas Schirrmacher 161 reaching single unreached persons in an reached two whole provinces, Achaia and yet a lot of people want to have it otherwise reached area. Of course there and Macedonia (1Thess. 1:7-9). sooner! At the same time I can see the were fulltime people nurturing the new Nobody less than Rufus Anderson mission societies, like, Gospel Record- churches like Apollos or Timothy. Also (1796-1880) saw it as part of Paul’s ings International, speeding up the there were local evangelists. But the mission strategy to make the local process of recording the languages and missionary apostle Paul (apostle and church self- governing and self- dialects of the unreached peoples. missionary having the same meaning propagating as soon as possible and – (4273 languages and dialects being ‘the one sent’, the former word coming what is often forgotten – to free the recorded at the moment, see Schirr- from the Greek, the latter from the missionary to start work in new fron- macher 1992). This and hundreds of Latin) did not stick to the local church tiers (see Schirrmacher ed. 1993). other examples do not only show that or ‘his’ region but moved on as long as Again Paul proves this from the Old world missions is getting back its there were regions and peoples without Testament: “Rather it is written: Those proper place but also – if we take into Christ’s salvation. account the purpose Listen as Paul argues of Romans – that the why he needs the church What is the purpose of the letter to the Romans? theological base is of Rome as a new base Paul wanted the Roman church to join him in his properly being laid. for his mission to Spain: What was and is “So from Jerusalem all struggle to reach the unreached peoples which had the purpose of the the way around Illyr- letter to the Romans icum, I have fully no church in their midst. The best way to get the including its heavy proclaimed the gospel church going was to show them from the Old theology? Paul of Christ.” (Romans wanted the Roman 15:19); “But now that Testament that world mission is the essence of God’s church as he said “to there is no more place love and is the purpose of the Church of Christ. join me in my for me to work in these struggle” (Romans regions...” (Romans 15:30) to reach the 15:23). Was every man and every who were not told about him will see, unreached peoples which had no church woman in the provinces where Paul and and those who have not heard will in their midst. The best way to get the his coworkers had been working a understand.” (Romans 15:21, emphasis church going was to show them from professing Christian? Had everyone mine). Why is it the honor, pride and the Old Testament that world mission is heard the gospel? Of course not, but glory of every missionary that he/she is the essence of God’s love and is the Paul had established churches every- reaching the unreached (e.g. those who purpose of Christ’s Church. where which were able to continue the cannot be reached by a church)? work of Christ in those regions. Because it is God’s plan in salvation Thomas Schirrmacher, Th.D. in missio- Paul states it beyond doubt: “It has history to bring salvation ultimately to all peoples. logy and Ph.D. in cultural anthro- always has been my honor (or glory) to pology, is director of the Institut fur preach the gospel where Christ is not I am happy to witness the develop- Weltmission and Germeindebau being named, so that I would not be ment of a new conscience within the (German Center for World Mission) building on someone else’s founda- worldwide church that frontier and teaches the science of mission and tion.” (Romans 15:20). mission is not just a new hobby for the science of comparative religions at Reaching the unreached was for Paul adventurers among the missionaries, the Free Evangelical School of the honor the glory, the pride (this and that mission is not just the self- Theology (FETA), Basel (Switzerland), being the meaning of the Greek word) chosen job of some mission societies. and Philadelphia Theological Seminary of the missionary and continues so In 1979 I attended the International (Philadelphia, PA) of the Reformed today. The unreached are not simply the Conference on Frontier Missions (and Espicopal Church. He is a missionary non-Christians within reach of an estab- its student counterpart) in Edinburgh with Gospel Recordings International. lished church, but rather non-Christians 1979, where we as Germans started the in areas and people groups (ethne) German Center for World Mission where there is no one naming and together with a network of similar insti- References praising Christ, where there are no tutions all over the world. I remember Alstrup, Nils., 1977 “The Missionary biblical witnesses at all i.e., where the that ‘frontier mission’ and ‘hidden Theology in the Epistle to the Romans”. church does not yet exist. people’ were just foreign words and pp. 70-94 in: Studies in Paul: Theology concepts in German missiology at that for the Early Christian Mission. Minne- The missionary strategy and vision of time. Paul was to start churches in the bigger apolis: Augsburg Publ. cities of regions and among peoples But things have changed since then Cranfield, C.E.B., 1989 A Critical and which did not have any church and to and the success of the German edition Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle pass on the task to reach everybody of Operation World adapted by the to the Romans. 2 vols. The International within the region to the new churches German Center shows that frontier Critical Commentary 11. Edinburgh while moving on to new regions. So the mission is widely accepted today. The (reprint from 1979): T & T Clark Christians in the city of Thessalonica new German edition will appear only two months after the English edition McClung, L. Grant, 1989 “An Urban

VOL 10:4 OCT. 1993 162 Romans as a Charter for World Mission Cross-Cultural Role Model: Paul’s Self- the Old Testament and Dialogue with Hanssler image in Romans”. Global Church the Jews and Muslims”. Calvinism Schaltter, Adolf, 1975 Gottes Gerectig- Growth (Corunna/USA) 26 (1989) No. 1, Today 1 (1991) 1 (Jan): 24-25,21,27, keit: Ein Kommentar zum Romerbrief. pp. 5-8 reprinted as: “Trinity in the Old 5th ed.. Stuttgart: Calwer Verlag Testament and Dialogue with the Michel, Ott, 1978 Der Brief an die Stendahl, Krister, 1978 Der Jude Romer. Kritisch-Exegetischer Jews and Muslims”. Field Update: Paulus und wir Heiden: Anfragen an Kommentar uber das Neue Testament 4 GR International (Apr/Mai 1991): 6- 8 and (Jun/Jul 1991): 5-8 das abendlandische Christentum. 5th ed. Gottingen: Vandenhoeck & Munchen: Chr. Kaiser Schirrmacher, Thomas, 1992 Gospel Ruprecht Walls, A.F., 1970 “The First Chapter of Minear, Paul S., 1971 The Obedience of Recordings Language List. Missio- logica Evangelica 4. Bonn, 1992: the Epistle to the Romans and the Faith: The Purpose of Paul in the Epistle Verlag fur Kultur und Wissenschaft Modern Missionary Movement”. pp. to the Romans. Studies in Biblical 346-357 in: W. Ward Gasque, Ralph P. Theology 2/19. London: SCM Press Schirrmacher, Thomas (ed.), 1993 Martin (ed.). Apostolic History and the ‘Die Zeit fur die Bekehrung der Welt Murray, John, 1984 The Expistle to the Gospel: Biblical and Historical Essays ist reif: Rufus Anderson und die Selb- presented to F. F. Bruce on his 60th Romans. The New International standigkeit der Kirche als Ziel der Commentary on the NT. Grand Rapids Birthday. Grand Rapids (MI): Wm. B. Mission. Edition afem: mission Eerdmans (MI): Wm. B. Eerdmans scripts 3. Bonn: Verlag fur Kultur Russell III, Walter B., 1988 “An Alter- Weber, Emil, 1905 Die Bezihungen von und Wissenschaft ('afem” is the asso- Rom. 1-3 zur Missionspraxis des Paulus. native Suggestion for the Purpose of ciation of evangelical missiologists in Beitrage zur Forderung christlicher Romans”. Bibliotheca Sacra 145(1988) the German speaking world) Theologie 9 (1905), No. 4, Gutersloh: 174-184 Schirrmacher, Thomas, 1993 Der c.Bertelsmann Schirrmacher, Thomas, 1991 “Trinity in Romerbrief. 2 vols. Neuhausen, 1993:

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS World View Clash A Handbook for Spiritual Warfare

Which is closer to reality, a traditional animistic world view or a Western naturalistic one? What is a biblical view of the world and how should it affect our spiritual warfare in world missions? This article is an excerpt from Murphy’s exhaustive study from his book entitled: The Hand- book for Spiritual Warfare.

By Edward F. Murphy he World Vision organization in The Universe Next Door defines convinced spiritualists. Tplanned to dig a well for a world view as “a set of presupposi- This common spiritualistic needy African village called Walamo.1 tions (or assumptions) which we hold world view gives the church a begin- They were warned not to go to the (consciously or unconsciously) ning point with most of humanity. village because the most powerful about the basic make up of our world.”4 Even the present occult explosion marabout, or witch doctor, of the The working definition of world within the Western world is region had cursed it. They were told view I will use is even more basic: advantageous at this point. We can something bad would happen to World view refers to “one’s basic them or their machinery if they tried to say to the occultist, “You are assumptions about reality.” basically correct in your view of dig a well in the village under so Everyone holds world view reality at one major point. strong a curse that people from other assumptions whether or not they are Humans exist as spiritual beings, and villages would not go there. reflective persons. All persons not merely as material ones.” The team went anyway. In time they believe their own assumptions about dug a well which filled with sweet, Second, the materialistic or natu- reality are the correct ones, or at ralistic world view affirms that pure water. The people of Walamo least the best ones, for the present. All were ecstatic. Nearby villages heard ultimate reality is material or phys- persons’ beliefs and behavior, in ical, not spiritual. This view of it and, convinced the curse had been that order, are based upon their world broken, resumed trade with assumes that all life generated sponta- view, whether or not they are neously from non-life and that by Walamo. When asked why nothing evil conscious of that fact. befell the workers or their equip- this process primitive single-celled ment, they responded, “Francois’s god While world view is closely life forms evolved over vast is more powerful than the mara- related to religion, the two are not iden- periods of time into the vast range of bout’s god.” tical. Paul Hiebert affirms that “a life as we know it today.6 world view provides people with their Francois, who led the drilling Five important implications result basic assumptions about reality. from this view of reality:7 crew, was tempted to dismiss their Religion provides them with the views as pure superstition. The well specific content of this reality.”5 If 1. The universe is a cosmic accident had come in by understanding and one holds to an atheistic world view, that has no ultimate purpose. working with the relevant scientific then atheism functions as a 2. Human life is a biological accident laws. The people, however, saw it as religion. that has no ultimate significance. evidence of the superior power of Francois’s god. Two world views had Aside from the agnostic position, 3. Life ends forever at death for each clashed.2 only two conceivable world views individual life form. exist. The spiritualistic world view 4. Mind has no separate existence or World View Clash affirms that ultimate reality is spiritual: survival apart from brain. immaterial, not physical or mate- I am a missionary. A missionary rial. According to this view, whether 5. Humanity’s intuitive, historic leaves behind his own familiar ultimate reality is looked upon as belief in an ultimate mind, spirit, culture and seeks to contextualize personal or impersonal, it is spiritual. or God behind, within, and outside of himself within a foreign culture.3 The vast majority of the world’s the physical universe is a form of He does this for the sake of the gospel more than five billion inhabitants hold self-deception. Thus, humanity’s and out of love for God and for the to some form of a spiritualistic corresponding belief in human people to whom he is sent. As fully as world view. Intellectually convinced uniqueness, dignity, purpose, and possible, he seeks to understand atheists are very rare even in survival beyond death is a non- their world view. He faces a serious Western and in Marxist societies. Ours real view of reality. problem, however: He carries with him his own world view. James W. Sire is not a world of philosophical No wonder life is so empty to materialists, but rather one of intellectually convinced but honest INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS, VOL 10:4 OCT. 1993 164 World View Clash atheists. The word honest is important Spiritual Warfare level of supernatural this-worldly beings here because most atheists do not How does all of this affect our and forces from my own world view. As a scientist I had been trained to deal want to honestly face the nihilistic study of spiritual warfare? Although we implications of their naturalistic with the empirical world in naturalistic Christians have rightly rejected terms. As a theologian, I was taught to world view. When they do, death would naturalism as an acceptable view of be better than life because it leads answer ultimate questions in theistic ultimate reality and hold faithfully terms. For me the middle zone did not to eternal non-existence. to historic theism, naturalism nonethe- really exist. Unlike Indian villagers, I Western theology has been influ- less deeply influences our view of had given little thought to spirits of this enced by the Western world view more the daily events of our lives. This influ- world, to local ancestors and ghosts, or than most of us are aware. By ence helps shape our view of the to the souls of animals. For me these Western theology I mean the broad, world of spirit beings, both benevolent belonged to the realm of fairies, trolls generally accepted and other mythical beings. Consequently, I had no interpretations of Scripture Figure 1.1 answers to the questions they embodied in main- raised. stream works of systematic A Western Two-Tiered View of Reality theology, covering the In “The Excluded broad range of theological faith Middle,” an article viewpoints and eccle- Religion miracles published in the MARC siastical groupings one other-worldly problems Newsletter, Bryant finds among all sacred Myers expands Hiebert’s believers who hold to a concept of a two-tiered world. He points out that high view of Scripture (Excluded Middle) and propagate a common “the most important historic Christian faith. feature of this Enlighten- ment world view is that By Western world view8 sight and experience the spiritual and real worlds I mean the view of do not touch.... This is reality that arose out of the Science natural order this-worldly problems the major difference when historical movement of we compare the Western the eighteenth century secular world view to how tradi- called the Enlighten- tional people understand ment. It is often summed their world.” Myers further up in one word, naturalism. Sire and evil. Anthropologist Paul G. Hiebert of Trinity Evangelical Divinity explains that most traditional relig- traces the historical swing from theism ions to naturalism, and by way of deism, School writes of his own struggles believe the world is a continuum to nihilism.9 One scholar defines in this area in an article entitle “The Flaw of the Excluded Middle.”12 between those elements of the world which methodological naturalism as “the are mostly spiritual in nature and those name for that characteristic of scientific John’s disciples asked, “Are You the which are mostly material.... There is no method which constructs its pattern Coming One, or do we look for gap between the two worlds. The spiri- of thought on the basis of natural causa- another?” (Luke 7:20). Jesus answered not tual and physical co-exist together as insep- with logical proofs, but by a demon- tion as distinguished from a super- arable parts of each other.14 stration of power in the curing of the sick natural or occult explanation.”10 and casting out of evil spirits. So much According to Myers, there is a This Western world view arches is clear. Yet when I read the passage as a “middle part” of the traditional over all of the scientific method. Such a missionary in India, and sought to world view, a level of reality method, when adopted as one’s apply it to missions in our day, I had a comprising witch doctors, shamans, model for reality, views the universe as sense of uneasiness. As a Westerner, I curses, idols, household gods, and the a uniform system based strictly on was used to presenting Christ on a basis of evil eye. This spiritual part of the cause-and-effect relationships rational arguments, not by evidences reality operates in the material world of Hs power in the lives of people who and is rejected, or excluded, by the between its constituent parts, each were sick, possessed and destitute. In in a determinate relationship one to the particular, the confrontation with spirits Western world view. other, utterly closed to any dimen- that appeared so natural a part of To traditional peoples there is no sions of reality that transcend the Christ’s ministry belonged in my mind to a natural-versus-supernatural dichotomy. natural. Sire observes that history separate world of the miraculous – far The supernatural directly relates to thus becomes a “linear system of events from ordinary everyday experience. the natural. Traditional peoples live in linked by cause and effect but Hiebert then presents a diagram the middle zone. That is why much without an overarching purpose.”11 which clearly reflects the Western of our preaching and teaching seem to Thus, naturalism explains every- Christian view of reality, a by- have little relevance to their daily thing on the basis of impersonal natural product of our Western theology: (see life. For instance, we explain sickness and therefore predictable causes figure 1.1) He comments:13 on the basis of germs, nutrition, and that account for and explain all of related factors. They on the other hand reality. The reasons for my uneasiness with the biblical and Indian world views should explain sickness on the basis of now be clear. I had excluded the middle curses, the evil eye, witchcraft, or

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS Edward F. Murphy 165 karma, all of which are set against and ‘the God of Francois.’ Their world and his followers engage evil supernat- them. view, needed to be challenged by a uralism intensely and triumph deci- Myers then applies this difference in biblical or kingdom framework, not a sively. Nor did awareness of such world views to evangelism and secularizing Enlightenment one.” dimensions of the spirit world and missions. He writes15 Francois explained that he did not own of conflict with evil spirits die with the a god or have any power of his apostolic church. The post-apostolic Christians in the west believe that God own. He was not a shaman; he had no fathers took the realm of the demonic and Jesus Christ are part of the world of magic. He was only a servant of the so seriously that they automatically high religion, and that others are wrong to believe in Allah or some other one true God, who was more powerful took new converts from paganism high god. This means we believe that than the shamans and Western through rites of deliverance from the critical question for evangelism is science. This God created a world that evil supernaturalism, a practice we have “Whose god is the true god?”... was rational and understandable, lost to our own detriment.18 For people who still Effective ministry hold a largely in our day traditional view of the Figure 1.2 demands that we world, the critical The Excluded Middle: must recover the question is not “What knowledge and expe- is true?” but Western and Traditional World Views Compared rience of the rather “Who is the most powerful?” spirit world that the Western Traditional early church After all, it is the stuff World View in the excluded World View possessed. We must middle that affects relearn the their lives for * God * God forgotten art of spiri- good or ill. This * Allah * Allah tual warfare. means that news * Angels * Angels Probably not since about a god whose the days of the Spirit is more *Witchcraft apostolic and patristic powerful than curses, churches has witch doctors and Excluded * Curses there occurred the demons is very attrac- Middle * Evil Eyes tive. This is one present revival of evil supernaturalism of the reasons the * Germs Charismatic and * Germs that we are expe- Pentecostal move- * Business * Business riencing today. The ments are * Deci- * Deci- Western world is growing as fast as being shaken by what they are today. Michael Green Francois, whom we met at the has called an “occult and created human minds with the opening of this article, found explosion.”19 himself in the excluded middle in the ability to figure out where the water was likely to be.”16 In missions the story is the same. well-drilling incident. He could Western missionaries gave birth to have reverted to the two-tiered view of In his explanation, Francois chal- most of the mother churches of Asia, reality in explaining the well of lenged both the Western world view Africa, Latin america, and Oceania. pure water to the people of Walamo. He and the traditional world view of These missionaries by and large could have told them that God was the Walamos. Neither is completely believed that demons were automat- not involved because the well was part harmonious with the biblical world ically kept in check by Christ’s defeat of the natural world of science, view. The traditional world view, while of Satan on the Cross and by His natural laws and technology. He could closer to the biblical view, is like resurrection. Evil supernaturalism, have dismissed their view as pure the Western world view, also filled with while recognized, was seldom superstition. He could have tired to error.17 It is polytheistic, pantheistic, openly challenged and defeated through impose his secular Western world magical, and animistic, and in these power encounter.20 In missionary view upon the traditional world view ways completely contrary to work among animists or spirit held by the villagers. He could biblical revelation. In spite of these worshipers, the first generation of have, but he didn’t. errors, the traditional view stands converts was and is often won through Francois understood the excluded closer to the biblical world view power demonstrations on the part of middle. He realized that the people because it fully acknowledge the God through His servants. Following probably now saw him as a shaman reality of the spirit world. conversion, however, no biblically more powerful than the sorcerer. He In the Bible the spirit world is nor culturally relevant theology of the had to bridge the two world views real, alive, and everywhere invading demonic world or power encounter and help the people understand, in daily life. It is portrayed in both the is usually developed for the new Myers’ words, the “difference Old and New Testaments but more converts. Most of the intuitive between the idea of ‘Francois’s god’ vividly in the New, where Christ recognition of and fear of the world of

VOL 10:4 OCT. 1993 166 World View Clash evil spirits, ghosts, and the spirits of the minister to believers who are still 7. For a critique of this view see Arthur ancestors or of animals held by the subject to abuse by the spirits, we C. Custance, The Mysterious host cultures is regarded as “supersti- Christian leaders must relearn the Matters of Mind, Grand Rapids, Mich.: tion.” It is thus relegated to the spirit world. We must remove our Zondervan, 1980. unreal and becomes something to be Western-world view biases, which 8. For an excellent discussion of the ignored in Christian living and blind us to the biblical view of the inescapable tension between one’s evangelism. National Christians often spirit world, and be willing to become limited personal or group world view, feel timid in speaking of “the old incarnate into the same world into Western world views and key ways.” Usually they did not receive which our Lord entered – a world of elements of a biblical world view, see from their spiritual fathers, the spiritual warfare, often deadly spiri- Charles Kraft, Christianity With missionaries, an adequate biblical and tual warfare. Power. functional theology of the spirit world, power encounter, and spiritual 9. Sire, 66. warfare. Essentially they were left References 10. Vergilius Ferm, ed., An Encyclo- unprepared for the spiritual warfare into 1. See Bryant Myers. “The pedia of Religion, New York: The which they were being thrust as Excluded Middle.” MARC Newsletter, Philosophical Library. Christians. June, 1991 11. Sire, 66. But today national Christians 2. World view has to do with one’s 12. Paul Hiebert, The Flaw of the everywhere are asking questions for personal or a group’s collective Excluded Middle, Missiology 10, which adequate answers are not view of reality. There are really only January, 1982, 35-47. forthcoming: “Can true believers be two basic realities. There is reality demonized? If so, what can be done as God has made it and sees it. Then 13. Myers, 3. to set them free? What can Satan there is reality as we finite and 14. Myers, 3. through his demons (Eph. 6:10-20) imperfect human beings perceive it. My 15. Myers, 4. do against true believers? Can believers friend Charles Kraft writes that “we be hurt by demons? Can Satan see the world (both physical and all 16. Myers, 4. severely injure believers physically, aspects of it) as we have been 17. Traditional world view is often emotionally, and even spiritually? taught to see it. It is part of our world described as not believing in germs or Can he kill believers? What about our view to assume that our way of science of any form but only in churches?” they ask. “Can evil seeing the world is right.... We from spirit forces operating directly, every spirits work their way into positions of Western nations bordering the moment of the day, in “nature” power and quench the flow of the North Atlantic have been taught or until nature has become almost totally Spirit and His gifts? Can they counter- allowed to assume that our percep- unpredictable. Bronislaw Mali- feit the gifts of the Holy Spirit? tion of reality is the same as the abso- nowski in his classic Magic, Science How can such demonic strongholds be lute REALITY itself.... This is the and Religion, Garden City, N.Y.: recognized and broken? What about problem of world view.” Christianity Doubleday Anchor, 1951, 17-36, denies the place of evil supernaturalism in With Power: Your World View and that the traditionalist holds to a evangelism? Do high level spirit Your Experience With the Supernatural, totally mystical world view. On the princes of evil rule territorially? Can Ann Arbor, Mich.: Vine Books, contrary, he says, traditional people they so oppress and control individ- 1989, 23-24. understand the difference between uals, communities, peoples, and even 3. Contextuatization is the process religion, magic, and science. By nations that the Word of God does observation they have created a true not take root, but rather is rejected or of adapting to a lifestyle or point of view different from our own to such science by which they also live expelled?”21 a degree that our behavior becomes their lives. While admitting malevolent These questions spring out of a host normal for the new context in spirits can interfere in the curse of of concrete experiences of our which we find ourselves. It is an essen- nature, they do not attribute all negative Christian brothers and sisters in other tial part of cross-cultural living and experience as necessarily coming cultures. The answers, however, ministry. directly from evil spirits or angry ances- can not only help non-Western Chris- tral ghosts. 4. James W. Sire, The Universe tians but also awaken us in the 18. J. Warwick Montgomery, “Exor- West to the cross-cultural reality of evil Next Door, Downers Grove, Ill. Inter- varsity, 1976, 371. cism: Is It For Real?” Christianity supernaturalism, whose manifesta- Today, July 26, 1974. Jeffrey Burton tion in the current occult explosion has 5. Paul Hiebert, Cultural Anthropology, Russell of the University of Cali- surprised many of us. Our surprise Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott fornia in Santa Barbara, California, only reveals our world view blindness. Company, 1976, 17. traces the development of sata- To see people who are immersed 6. For an excellent and scholarly nology and demonology up through the in demonized cultures be set free by presentation and critique of this process 5th century A.D. In his book Satan: the gospel; to truly and completely by a reputable Christian scientist, The Early Christian Tradition, Ithaca, deliver men, women, and children from see A.E. Wilder Smith. Man’s Origin N.Y.: Cornell University Press, the kingdom of Satan and bring Man’s Destiny, Wheaton, IL: 1987, he begins with the apostolic them into the kingdom of God and to Harold Shaw, 1975. fathers – Clement of Rome, Igna-

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS Edward F. Murphy 167 tius, Polycarp, Papias, and others –and begotten Son, the lord Jesus Christ Dr. Ed Murphy is known worldwide for post-first century Church of the (John 1:14,16; 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10). his training and counseling in the Order of Exorcists. Much is being written today about area of spiritual warfare. He presently 19. Michael Green, I Believe in power encounter. serves as Vice President of OC Satan’s Downfall, Grand Rapids, 21. The question of territorial spirits International (formerly Overseas Mich.: Eerdmans, 1981, 112. seems to be causing considerable Crusades), a worldwide missionary 20. Power encounter is a crisis point of controversy and opposition among outreach. He also is Associate encounter in the on-going spiritual Christians today. Some of it is justi- Professor of Bible and Missions at warfare between supernatural person- fied by the careless, unscriptural, and San Jose Christian College in San Jose, ages in which Christians are shallow way these spirits are dealt California, USA. directly involved. Its goal is the glory with by some Christian leaders. of God, the defeat of the “no-gods” However, the Bible does speak of (Gal. 4:8-9), and the obedience of men spirits who exercise control over to the one true God and His only peoples and geographical areas.

VOL 10:4 OCT. 1993 Animism, Secularism and Theism Developing a Tripartite Model for Understanding World Cultures

What do African Animists, Japanese Shintoists and American Secularists have in common? How do they differ from one another? Here is a preliminary discussion draft suggesting that theirs and theworld views of others can be classified by summing their animistic, secularistic and theistic components.

By Gailyn Van Rheenen n my book Communicating Christ lead to the belief that humanity, with its Animism is power—power of the I in Animistic Contexts I contrast scientific understanding, is self– ancestor to control those of his animism and secularism and evaluate sufficient, able to handle all obstacles lineage, power of an evil eye to kill a both on the basis of Christian theism in life, without any need of God. But newborn or ruin a harvest, power of (1991: 95–102). After studying these Jeremiah’s words call the secular planets to affect earthly destiny, concepts in my course on Animism, a person to dependence on the Creator power of the demonic to possess a creative group of graduate students God: “I know, Oh Lord, that a man’s spiritist, power of magic to control suggested that all world cultures could life is not his own; it is not for man to human events, power of impersonal be categorized by the extent to which direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). forces to heal a child or make a they are secular, animistic, and theistic. Four presuppositions of this secular person wealthy. They worked with me to construct what thinking are described by Diogenes Animists perceive that they are we called a tripartite model for catego- Allen in Christian Belief in a Post- living in an interconnected world. rizing worldviews. This model, first modern World: (1) The world is studied They are intimately connected to suggested by Yukikazu Obata of Japan, without any reference to God; (2) their families, some of whom are will be diagrammed in this presenta- living and some of whom have tion. Before the model is presented, Morality and ethics are rooted in reason rather than in a compassionate, holy already passed on to a spiritual realm. however, I will describe and contrast They are also connected to the the secular, animistic, and theistic God; (3) Progress is inevitable and would free humanity “from social spiritual world; the ambivalent worldviews. bondage and vulnerability to nature”; yearning of gods, spirits, ancestors, and (4) Knowledge is considered to be and ghosts impact the living. Secularism inherently good. But in what Allen Animists feel a connectedness with calls the postmodern age each of these nature. The stars, planets, and moon Secularists believe that God is either secular assumptions is being called into are thought to affect earthly events. non–existent or irrelevant to affairs of question (Allen 1989:3). The natural realm is so related to the this world. They divide the world into human realm that practitioners divine two large slices, the natural and the current and future events by supernatural. Only natural powers, Animism analyzing what animals are doing or which can be empirically analyzed, are Animism is “the belief that personal by sacrificing animals and analyzing thought to operate in the natural world. their livers, entrails, or stomachs. The secularists’ world is a “closed spiritual beings and impersonal spiritual forces have power over human Animists also believe that they are universe” because natural powers are connected with other human beings. thought to operate with no interference affairs and that humans, consequently, must discover what beings and forces They access the thoughts of other from any spiritual realm. Secularists, human beings through ESP or other consequently, tend to live for the here are impacting them in order to determine future action and, frequently, types of thought transfer. Thus the and now; are absorbed by material, animist believes that no person can this–worldly concerns; are extremely to manipulate their power” (Van Rheenen, 1991:20). This definition live as an individual separate and busy with earthly distractions; and are apart from his extended family, career consumed. Even Christians assumes that an interaction exists between the divine and the human, the spiritual powers, nature, or thoughts within secular societies reflect this of other human beings. While secular thinking. They often seek medicine and sacred and the profane, the holy and the secular. Personal spiritual beings and assumptions are increasingly being therapy for illness without relying on called into question in this post- the Great Physician. In other words, impersonal spiritual forces are thought to be everywhere shaping what happens modern age, various forms of prayer and healing are divorced as if animism have become viable options. God has little to do with life as a whole. in the world. Humans with this Many study the sciences without worldview employ divination to In many ways animism is the total reflecting on the Creator who created determine what powers are impacting opposite of secularism. Animists and sustains the universe. Science and their lives and manipulate this power perceive that all of life is controlled religion are thus disconnected. This can for their own benefit. The essence of by spiritual powers; secularists INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS, VOL 10:4 OCT. 1993 170 Animism, Secularism, and Theism believe either that there are no spiritual prophets to proclaim his message to A theistic worldview poses a moral powers or that these powers seldom kings and the people (Jer. 1:5–6; God in charge of His universe. Isaiah intervene in the natural realm. Animists 15:19; Amos 7:16; Ezek. 3:17), and called him “the Holy One of Israel live in fear of spiritual powers whose gave his son Jesus Christ, the Messiah, (43:8). God speaks through Isaiah to activities must be divined and frequently to die for humankind (John 3:16). He say, “I am the Lord, your Holy One, manipulated; secularists believe they can elected Israel to be his priest to the Israel’s Creator, your King” (Isa. chart their own courses by human inven- nations (Exod. 19:5) and now works 43:15). The heavenly host reflect this tiveness, and resourcefulness and through the Church as his chosen quality of holiness by proclaiming, through reason. Animists seek to live in people to call the nations out of “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God harmony with their world believing that darkness and into his wonderful light Almighty” (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8). The the forces and powers of the world are (1 Pet. 2:9). sacrificial system described in interconnected; secularists manipulate Contrary to the secular and Leviticus is based on a holy God their world by means of science and animistic worldviews, a theistic desiring to unite sinful people with technology. worldview acknowledges that God “is Himself. Therefore, God identifies Amazingly, however, many similari- always at his work to this very day” Himself as “the Lord, who makes you ties exist between animism and secu- (John 5:17). While not denying the holy” (Lev. 20:8). These two qualities– larism. Both are philosophies rooted in reality of spiritual powers, Christian –love and holiness––make God distinct power. While animists believe in theism acknowledges God as the from all other spiritual beings. spiritual powers, secularists believe in incomparable one, the God of gods God, although reigning as sovereign human power. This emphasis on power and the Lord of lords. Moses’ confes- Lord over his universe, allows people leads both worldviews to be essentially sion of incomparability describes how the freedom to choose their allegiance manipulative. Animists seek to manipu- God’s nature is distinct from that of in life. This is a main tenant of the late spiritual powers by means of magic; other gods: “Who among the gods is theistic view. In the Garden of Eden secularists manipulate their environ- like you, Oh Lord? Who is like you–– Adam and Eve could choose the way of ments by means of technology. Both majestic in holiness, awesome in life or the way of death––the way of the animism and secularism are amoral glory, working wonders?” (Exod. tree of life or the way of the tree of systems. Animists erect taboos to 15:11). Even though God is perfect, knowledge of good and evil. Human control power or believe that some just, faithful, and upright (Deut. 32:4), freewill is a testimony of God’s love. force, such as karma, will make one pay Israel followed various gods, who He desires that people follow him later for the sins of today. Secularists were demons in disguise (Deut. because they love and adore him. seek, by reason, to erect logical fences 32:17). These powers variously are of morality, but all such fences eventu- called gods in the Old Testament, ally fall before the strong winds of demons in the Gospels, or principali- A Radical Difference cultural forces. Both animism and secu- ties and powers in Pauline literature. As the above discussion illustrates, larism are extremely adaptable to the My contention is that, although these the essence of Christian theism is ebbs and flows of cultural tides. Neither powers take different forms and radically different from either secu- believe that there is such a thing as manifest themselves in different larism or animism. First, Christian ultimate truth. Animism is continually cultural ways, their essence is the theists acclaim a personal loving, holy changing form: one generation worships same in all ages. The names of powers God. Secularists either deny God or polytheistic gods, the next seeks answers who oppose God vary in different believe that he is not actively involved to life’s problems by following the biblical contexts, but their origin and in the world. Animists understand God patterns of the stars, the third believes essence are one (Van Rheenen 1991: to be (1) a distant, unapproachable that the stars and planets which their 99–124). Creator, (2) the Supreme Being whose fathers followed are really personifica- The predominant attributes of God, nature is refracted in lower spiritual tions of the personal gods of their grand- his love and holiness, demonstrate the beings to whom prayers and sacrifices fathers. Secularism is equally adapted central qualities of Christian theism. are made, or (3) the impersonal power and relativistic. One paradigm of truth God is characterized by “steadfast that permeates all of nature (Van takes the place of another paradigm love” (hesed). He is “compassionate Rheenen 1991: 243–246, 298). which is displaced by still a third. and gracious, slow to anger, Each of these perspectives is a abounding in love and faithfulness” contrast to the true nature of the Christian Theism (Exod. 34:6-7). This attribute is Creator God. Second, theists hold to demonstrated continually by God’s Christian theism stands in stark objective reality as defined by God who saving actions throughout the Old stands above changing earthly cultures. contrast to both animism and secularism. Testament (Num. 14:18; Neh. 9:17; Theism presupposes the God who Secular and animistic perspectives Psa. 86:15; 103:8; 145:8; Joel 2:13; change rapidly as old paradigms are created the heavens and the earth has Jonah 4:2). In the New Testament this always been a personal loving active replaced by new paradigms of reality. attribute is attested in the sending of Third, theistic morality is rooted in the God. God has raised up judges to deliver his divine Son to become flesh and die the Israelites (Judges. 2:10–19), insti- eternal nature of God, who rules over for sinful humankind (Rom. 5:8). human cultures and societies. Although tuted priests to intercede for the people God’s eternal nature is love (1 John of Israel (Exod. 28–29; Lev. 8–9), sent moral issues change, God’s attributes 4:7–8). God, who is love, is also holy. of love and holiness provide eternal

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS Gailyn Van Rheenen 171 principles for Christian morality. of conversation and is increasingly honor and praise. Secular morality, on the other hand, is less isolated from life. People, drawn from human philosophies, and however, are cynical about traditional Even in the lives of these Christians, animistic morality is based upon human religion which has empty forms but however, the acceptance of God and taboos and fear of spiritual retribution. little spirituality. This desire for spiri- other beliefs of the Christian faith has pß not necessarily displaced beliefs in Christian Theism gods, spirits, and ancestors. For A Tripartite Model for Classifying example, Dal Congdon has found that World Cultures the nominally Christian Zulu of South Secularism, animism, and theism Africa are still largely animistic at seldom stand alone as distinct world- heart. Fully 69.6% of all professing views. These worldviews are developed Christians continue to believe that by mixing together beliefs and practices ancestral spirits “protect” them and from various sources. This blending of “bring them good fortune.” Congdon’s cultural elements, called syncretism, is study found that “fewer professing common to every world culture and Christians affirmed the deity of Christ religion. 1 than expressed dependence upon the ancestral spirits for problems connected The triangular diagram provides a 7 with daily living” (Congdon 1985:297). model for charting the worldviews of Secular influences introduced by West- various cultures: 8 erners desiring to help Africa have also A Tripartite Model for Classifying become a reality in Africa. All too World Cultures: frequently Christianity revitalizes cultures which have been broken by 1— American Christians tu sin. Once revitalized, however, many 2— American Non–Christians begin to seek to satisfy their own felt 3— New Agers in North America needs and no longer are dependent on God or have time for worship 4— Western–Influenced Japanese 3 6 and prayer to Him. 5— Shintoists 2 New Age I pray that this model, although 6— African Traditional preliminary, might Religionists 4 5 stimulate 7— Japanese Culture ality significant discussion and African become useful in the Christians theology of missions Secularism , yet rejection of the forms of tradi- Animism and missiological 8— Secular tional religion, has opened the doors to training and strategy. influences radiating New Age perspectives, frequently out of Christianity introduced as true Christian spiritu- Americans tend to syncretize secular ality. References and Christian perspectives but are only Japanese have difficulty perceiving Allen, Diogenes. Christian Belief in a marginally influenced by animism. Two God as personal, loving, and involved Postmodern World. Louisville: West- simultaneous changes, however, are in human life. This inability to minster/John Knox Press, 1989. occurring in America. First, Americans comprehend the personal Creator God Congdon, G. Dal. “An Investigation have begun to question their secular partially explains the resistance of the into the Current Zulu Worldview and worldview. This present generation is Japanese people to the Gospel. Their Its Relevance to Missionary Work.” much more willing to believe that the worldview runs along the secular— Evangelical Missions Quarterly. 21 spiritual and the natural are interrelated. animistic line. Shintoists are highly (July 1985):296-299. Progress is no longer considered inevi- animistic while those influenced by Van Rheenen, Gailyn. Communicating table or even necessarily good. Second, the West have turned to secularism. Americans are searching for a deeper Christ in Animistic Contexts. Grand spirituality. To many seekers, our Chris- African worldviews on the other Rapids: Baker Book House, 1991. tianity appears empty. We have many hand follow the animistic—theistic religious forms but our hearts are not line. Thousands of Africans South of the Sahara have become Christians. Dr. Gailyn Van Rheenen is Associate committed. This is partially explainable Professor of Missions at Abilene by the fact that we focus on obtaining They accepted the Christian message that God is not distant or unapproach- Christian University, Abilene, Texas. knowledge rather than on worshipping He served as missionary in East Africa God and praying to Him. These two able, as they had supposed, but is the great I AM, the ever-present Creator for 14 years among the Kipsigis tribe of changes do indicate an increasing recep- Kenya. tivity to the Gospel in North America. who is dependable and faithful, the Religion is once again becoming a topic Incomparable One deserving of all

VOL 10:4 OCT 1993 Satan’s Tactics in Building and Maintaining His Kingdom of Darkness

Why are the unreached peoples still unreached? Is it because we haven’t understood Satan’s strategy, his schemes to blind and enslave whole peoples? If so, this article will help us understand our enemy and effectively hold his power in check and to liberate whole peoples on the face of the earth. By John Robb ost Christians feel a kind Satan’s Overall Program ence over government leaders, legal systems, educational systems, and M of reticence in considering Satan is a highly organized, intel- the operation of Satan and his religious movements. Admittedly, ligent spirit being dedicated to Scripture is not entirely lucid as kingdom. There is a hesitation, a destroying human beings made in kind of trepidation on our part to delve to how these spirits are organized or the image of the Creator he hates. He is how they operate, but there is into this unknown dark area of the master deceiver and the author reality we would prefer to avoid. None- enough Scriptural warrant to make of idolatry, seeking to bring the whole some conclusions regarding this. theless, it is part of the spiritual world under his dominion by warfare with which we must daily undermining faith in God, twisting Both Israel and the early church contend as believers, and so we values, and promoting false ideolo- perceived that God had given his would do well to understand as much gies. He does this through infiltrating angelic hosts a special role in the as we can since, in war, it may institutions, government adminis- administration of human affairs. prove disastrous to be without accurate trations, communications media, educa- The Septuagint rendering of Deute- intelligence of the enemy and his ronomy 32:8 says, “He set the forces. Granted that we do not want to tional systems, and religious bodies. He seeks to divert humankind bounds of the peoples according to give way to an unhealthy fascina- from worship of their Creator the number of the angels of God.” tion with this realm, we must still be through substitution of money, fame, Biblical scholar F.F. Bruce writes, willing to venture into it with the power, pleasure, science, art, poli- “The biblical evidence for the light of Scripture, the leading of the angelic government of the world is Holy Spirit and without fear tics, or religious idols. His three-point agenda is deception, dominion and early: it goes back to the song of because we have nothing to fear. Jesus Moses in Deuteronomy 32. . . .This said, “I have given you authority to destruction. The ultimate objective is to gain such control over nations and reading implies that the adminis- tread on serpents and scorpions and tration of the various nations has over all the power of the enemy governments so that eventually he can turn them against one another been parcelled out among a corre- and nothing shall be able to hurt you” sponding number of angelic (emphasis mine Lk. 10:19). His through the destruction of war and/or to powers.”1 In Daniel, these powers disciples returned from their first turn them against their own citizens in selective murder. We might think of reveal themselves as both good and encounter with the demonic realm evil. Michael the Archangel is joyfully exclaiming, “Even the demons the genocidal crimes of Hitler, Stalin and Saddam Hussein, or the “the great prince” who has charge of are subject to us in your name!” the people of Israel, looking after (Lk. 10:7) And the Apostle John massive killing of the unborn through legal abortion practiced their interests in the unfolding of encourages us that “Greater is he history (Da. 12:1). The messenger that is in us than he that is in the world” increasingly in our own and other societies. of the Lord, presumably Gabriel, is (1Jn. 4:4). True, we can live in detained by the “prince of Persia” blissful ignorance of our enemy and his against whom he must fight. The tactics like children too afraid to Satan Works Through Controlling prince of Greece is also venture into a darkened attic, but with Spirits mentioned. Apparently these last two the light of God’s word and faith in Although Satan is not omnipresent or high-level angelic powers were his guidance and protection, we will standing in resistance against the discover in a new way the power omniscient, he is a master networker who works through a vast revelation made to Daniel about and prerogatives Jesus has given his the future of God’s people Israel. followers to joyously and victori- organization of spirit beings who ously deal with the forces of darkness. apparently communicate with each Theologian Walter Wink wonders at the power of these evil beings who In this article we will endeavor to other and work in some sense coop- eratively to undermine humanity’s are able to hold God’s messenger better understand this opaque dimen- back for 21 days: sion in order to more effectively encounter with the kingdom of God combat it in light of Scripture and the in every way they can. Towards this The angels of the nations have a Spirit around the world. end evil spirits attempt to get influ- will of their own and are capable of INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS, VOL 10:4 OCT. 1993 174 Satan’s Tactics resisting the will of God. God is perhaps meaning of Molech, god of the armed forces to ensure continued omnipotent but certainly not able to Ammonites, is “ruler.” He managed American political and economic impose the divine will on recalcitrant to get such control over the people of dominance over weaker nations. powers due to God’s own self- Ammon that they offered their first- Commenting on the blind alle- limitation: God will not violate the freedom born children to him as sacrifices by giance so many citizens give to their of creatures.2 fire.3 Chemosh, the national god of national self-interest, he writes, How and why did some of the angels Moab, possibly means “subduer,” What makes nationalism so pernicious, so turn against the Lord their Creator? perhaps a reflection of the degree of death-dealing, so blasphemous is its We don’t know exactly but may dominion he had obtained over this seemingly irresistible tendency towards surmise that they joined Satan in his people, as well as of the successes idolatry. In the name of this idol, rebellion and since that time have he gave Moab in wars against their whole generations are maimed, slaughtered, become foes of God and the nations enemies.4 Heinrich Schlier writes of exiled, and made idolaters. One of humankind whom they seek to these fallen spirit beings: hundred million lives have been offered on hinder rather than to help. In much the altar of this Moloch, thus far in the Principalities do not merely possess 20th Century.8 of the Old Testament we probably see power; they are power. . . pure power. . . their baleful influence as the false capacity, dominion in person. . . these Wink, Berkhof and others help us “gods” of the nations the gods of Egypt, principalities exercise their being by taking to see that the powers of evil are still the Amorites, Canaanites, Edom- possession of the world as a whole and very much with us, injecting their ites, etc. whose worship, Israel was of individual men, the elements, political influence upon and in our culture, warned, would bring oppression, and social institutions, historical public opinion, ideology, coloring slavery, foreign invasion and poverty conditions and circumstances, spiritual and our assumptions, worldviews, values, 5 (Judges 6:6 and 10:6-16). The Lord religious trends. and behavior. As Christians who is portrayed as bringing judgement In referring to Paul’s teaching in want to rightly discern the activity of upon the gods of Egypt under Romans 8, Hendrik Berkhof the powers of darkness in our Moses (Ex. 12:12) and “driving out concurs with the idea that the principal- society, Berkhof helpfully suggests nations and their gods” from before ities and powers seek a totalitarian “The church’s great question is Israel during the conquest (2 Sam. form of control: always which Powers are now attempting to get life under their 7:23). Of course, in relation to Paul observes that life is ruled by a 9 Yahweh, the incomparable Creator, series of Powers. He speaks of time control.” they are not really gods but only (present and future) of life and death; demons impersonating deities of politics and philosophy; of public Are They “Territorial Spirits”? worshipped through the medium of opinion and Jewish law; of pious tradi- idols. “For all the gods of the nations tion and the fateful course of the stars. We might ask whether these are idols, but the Lord made the Apart from Christ man is at the mercy spirit powers are “territorial spirits” as heavens” (Ps. 96:5), and in 95:3, he is of these Powers.6 they have been described in current referred to as “. . .the great God, the Missionaries of today can also literature. Certainly geographical terri- great King above all gods.” Later the give testimony to the kind of control toriality is part of how Scripture apostle Paul acknowledges the that these spirit beings have over describes their influence. The Canaanite reality of these spirit beings and their pagan peoples. The late Ernest Heim- god, Baal, who was a continual deception of the Gentiles (the bach, formerly a pioneer missionary scourge to Israel because of Israelite nations), whose sacrifices to idols are to the Hmong tribe in Thailand, involvement in Baal worship, had made to demons (1Co. 10:20) and described for me how the chief several localities named after him, e.g., who are “slaves to those who by nature spirit of the tribe dominated it for centu- Baal-Peor, Baal-Gad, Baal- are not gods” (Gal. 4:8). Scripture, ries, using the fear of sickness, Hermon, etc. “The etymology suggests therefore, seems to indicate that these death, attack by evil spirits, and also that Baal was regarded as the owner corrupted angels have joined opium addiction to keep the people of a particular locality. . . . [Since] Lucifer in seeking to deceive the in his grip.7 these local Baals were believed to nations so that they will not recog- Lest we think these demon gods, control fertility in agriculture, beasts nize the true God. or these controlling spirits, these princi- and mankind. It was highly impor- palities and powers are only still tant to secure their favor”10 (emphasis operative in far off pagan tribes, we mine). This was accomplished Their Agenda: Achieving Dominion need to take a hard look at our own through ritual prostitution, child sacri- Domination and control appear to society and culture. Aside from Charles fice and other detestable activities. be the main objectives of these demon Manson, Jim Jones and the Branch (Ju. 2:17; Jer. 7:9 and 19:5) “gods” which the apostle Paul Davidians which seem more obvious Continually the Lord warned appropriately calls “principalities,” examples of demonic deception, Israel through his prophets to forsake “powers,” “thrones,” “dominions.” what about our own national policy and worshipping foreign gods like these The acquisition of power and influence culture? Theologian Walter Wink if they wanted to remain in their land, over human beings and their socie- urges us to discern the demonic otherwise God would bring the ties seems to be their obsession. This installed at the heart of our own peoples against them in judgment dominating nature may be revealed national policy, infiltrating the CIA, “against this land and its inhabi- in their very names. For example, the government administration, and tants. . . this whole country will become

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS John Robb 175 a desolate wasteland” (Jer 25:9). When Snakes and the handling of reptiles higher and lower levels who influenced judgement finally came upon them, were associated with the cults of events on earth. He also points out a primary reason God gave for this both these gods. An ancient coin from that Near Eastern nature religions of judgement was that “they have Pergamum shows the emperor, Paul’s day also believed in a hier- defiled my land with the lifeless forms Caracalla, standing before a great archy of demonic beings arrayed at of their vile images and have filled serpent twined around a tree and various levels between God and the my inheritance with their detestable saluting it in the manner for which the world. But he stops short of identifying idols.” (Jer. 16:18) Other nations Nazis later became known.11 Spiri- a definite hierarchical structure in who were guilty of enshrining false tual territoriality probably does take an Paul’s depiction of the powers since the gods on their territory also incurred urban form but a more subtle form functions and names of the various his wrath. The prophet Zephaniah than is often recognized in the spiritual terms Paul uses (“principalities,” mentions how God will be warfare movement. Whether we “powers,” “thrones,” “dominions”) awesome to the Moabites and Ammon- can identify the spirits over cities as are never clarified: “We rather have the ites when he “destroys all the gods “greed” for New York City, impression that Paul means to of the land” (Zep. 2:11). Philistine lords “power” for Washington, or “pornog- suggest broadly by the variety of were told that if they returned the raphy” for Los Angeles, as one expressions the number and diver- Ark of the Covenant to Israel, the Lord American evangelist recently did, is sity of the powers.”13 F.F. Bruce agrees. might “lift his hand from Commenting on Colos- you and your gods and your sians 1:16, he says, “They land” (1Sam. 6:5). At least Satan and his henchmen do not care probably represent the in the understanding of highest orders of the angelic Yahweh’s prophetic about real estate per se, but are realm, but the variety of spokesmen there was a link ways in which the titles are between the “gods” and the extremely interested in those combined in the New land which was activated by or Testament warns us against the reinforced by the worship who own and live on it. attempt to reconstruct a of false gods. fixed hierarchy from them.”14 In the New Testament Walter Wink has geographical territoriality is only hinted highly questionable. After all, demonstrated that the terms Paul used at. The mob of demons speaking aren’t these just the sins of some of the in describing the powers were the out of the Gadarene demoniac begged people who live in those places? same ones used to describe human Jesus that they “not be sent out of Couldn’t greed be equally applied to authority in the New Testament.15 the country,” perhaps because that was Los Angeles as to New York? Or Because human authority is generally the territory to which they had been pornography to Washington as well as organized in a hierarchical manner, assigned. (Lk. 8:26-39) In Acts 19:35 to Los Angeles? Undoubtedly, perhaps Paul also conceived of the the Ephesian city clerk attempted to much of the discerning of “territorial spirit world in an hierarchical quiet the screaming mob by affirming: spirits” is both oversimplified and manner, but we must not categorically “The city of Ephesus is the guar- naive. Satan may be having a good assume this to be the case. Are dian of the temple of the great Artemis laugh on us! there other models which may give us a and of her image which fell from better handle at understanding their heaven.” The fact that the mob had organizations? Given their anarchic been shouting in irrational unison Are They Organized self-centeredness and total for about two hours, “Great is Artemis Hierarchically? depravity as fallen spirit beings, could of the Ephesians,” may indicate I believe we must be careful of they instead operate like a band of some kind of collective possession by a making unwarranted assumptions about unruly guerrillas or an urban street “territorial spirit” though Scripture the way in which the principalities gang, terrorizing, vandalizing, and itself does not make this analysis. and powers are organized. One of the running on to the next place where an Other cities mentioned in the most frequent of such assumptions opportunity presents itself to vent Bible are described as having connec- is that they compose a hierarchy in a destruction? In this case they would be tions with Satan or demonic gods. pyramidal sense with Satan at the constantly deploying and rede- Pergamum, location of one of the seven top and various gradations of spirit ploying to take advantage of unfolding churches of Revelation, was “where beings ranked in descending order situations. Just as terrorists or Satan has his throne” and “where Satan down to “ground-level” spirits, the kind vandalists’ activities are affected by the lives” (Rev. 2:13). It was a known that oppress and possess individ- arrival of soldiers or the police so center in the ancient world for the uals. The idea of a possible hierarchy these roving bands of evil spiritual worship of the spirit of Rome. In stems from attempts to decipher the forces are put to flight by the inter- declaring allegiance to the emperor, apostle Paul’s understanding of the vention of God in answer to the prayers citizens burned incense at the foot principalities and powers. Berkhof of his people. Does not this fit more of his statue. Also, Dionysius, god of argues that the apostle was influenced with the apostle Peter’s description of vegetation, and Asklepios, god of by Jewish apocalyptic writings Satan as “prowling around like a healing, were worshipped locally. which conceived of classes of angels on roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1Pe. 5:8-9)?

VOL 10:4 OCT. 1993 176 Satan’s Tactics Clearly, as Heinrich Schlier has has identified the national principality who was prepared to sell his soul to demonstrated, the apostle Paul had that reigns over the whole country. authorities other than Yahweh.”22 no interest in speculating about the spir- It is a being known as Phra Sayam Instead of saying “the devil made me itual powers’ organization and oper- Devadhiraj, which means “greatest do it,” we may need to change the ation. (Perhaps that should serve as a of the guardian angels of Siam.” It is saying to “we made the devil do it!” caution to us as well.) He finds that believed this deity has kept Thai- The Israelites not only forgot the names Paul gives to the powers are land from being overrun by invaders. their God and served the Baals and “to a large extent interchangeable,” The king and queen preside over a Ashteroth, the gods of other that is, principalities, spirits, demons, royal homage-paying ceremony, with nations, they refused to listen to God’s gods, princes, etc. are all used of the whole nation joining in the prophets, despised His statutes and one another. Schlier finds only one worship of this spirit, whose image covenant and stubbornly opened the distinction emphasized among resides on a throne in the royal door for satanic occupation of their them. Whether demons, spirits or prin- palace.21 society. The Bible lays the blame cipalities, they are all subordinate to We can conclude that Satan squarely upon the Israelites them- Satan and manifest his power: “The works to exercise dominion through a selves rather than on Satan: numerous powers all derive from vast organization of other spirit All this took place because the Israe- one fundamental power which is called beings. But whether he and his spirit Satan; they may be regarded as lites had sinned against the Lord their henchmen operate as a network, God.… They worshipped other gods emanations and affects of that power.”16 hierarchy or a more free-flowing opera- and followed the practices of the nations.… He may be right. Perhaps we should tion, we cannot definitively surmise They did wicked things that provoked think of Satan and the demons as being from Scripture, though the beliefs of the Lord to anger. They worshipped idols more closely joined together. Most animistic peoples support a hierar- though the Lord had said, You shall likely, given their extradimensionality, chical point of view. Certainly, they are not do this. They would not listen and were they can be both many and one at stiff-necked… . They rejected his “territorial,” but I prefer to use the decrees and the covenant he had made…. the same time. How else could up to term “controlling” since the achieve- 6,000 demons (the size of a Roman They followed worthless idols and legion) inhabit the Gadarene demoniac ment of control is the essence of themselves became worthless…. They their purpose and since they seek and speak with one voice “My name forsook all the commands of the Lord control not primarily over their God…. They bowed down to all the is Legion for we are many” (emphasis geographical areas, but first and fore- starry hosts…. They sacrificed their mine, Mk. 5:9)? most over people and all that sons and daughters in the fire. They prac- Though we must be careful of concerns them politically, institution- ticed divination and sorcery and sold constructing a theology of the spirit ally, culturally, religiously, etc. In themselves to do evil in the eyes of the Lord (2 Ki. 17:7-17 emphasis mine). world based on pagan belief systems, other words, they do not care about real the possibility of a hierarchy of estate per se, but are extremely The same principle is operating today. spirits may be borne out by the percep- interested in those who own and live on John Dawson writes: tions of animistic peoples. Animists it. Both as many and as one, they Satan is an invader and usurper operating in believe in a hierarchy headed by a participate in the destructive agenda of our territory. God did not give demons supreme god, who is remote and the one Jesus said was a “liar and authority over your city. Demons have unknown, and in a pantheon of lesser murderer from the beginning.” For this infested the earth’s atmosphere since deities, superior spirits who exer- reason alone we need to gain a before the creation of mankind, but they cise great power over a wide range of better understanding of how they get can only extend their authority into a town or institution when people sin.23 affairs. Beneath these are the lesser control over individuals and socie- and the more immediate spirits of their ties and peoples. One Christian worker who served ancestors, and finally, the evil in Mauritania thinks the people there spirits.17 The Burmese, believe in nats, have opened the door to a “spirit of supernatural beings arranged hierar- Active Compliance of Human Beings divorce” through serial polygamy and chically with control over natural Since the original episode in the adultery. The tragic result is child phenomena, villages, regions, and garden (Gen. 3) where the original abandonment, leading to severe malnu- nations.18 The cult of guardian spirits in humans allowed Satan to get trition and death of many children. northeast Thailand involves both control over them through deception, The main obstacle to spiritual growth village and regional spirits, the village sadly the whole history of our race for the tiny number of Christians is ones being subordinate to the attests to human cooperation with Satan temptation through divorce and adul- regional.19 In India, Hindu goddesses and his evil spirits to gain control tery. Three national believers of the serve as “guardians” of villages and over individuals and societies. Indeed, estimated twenty in the country have regions. They are often associated with one theologian places the blame for already fallen away from the faith disease, sudden death and catas- the fall of angels on humanity rather for this reason, and the marriages of trophe.20 Kali, goddess of destruction, is than the other way around: “The expatriate Christians have also been a regional deity widely recognized fall of angels must not be seen indepen- troubled.24 to be over West Bengal and the Bengali dently from the sin of man. . .the After World War II, German people. two are interwoven. The angels fell pastors mentioned the role of the A missionary in Thailand believes he because they were tempted by man demonic in the events which befell

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS John Robb 177 their fatherland: “You cannot under- Through Deception And False speak their will. Clan members fear to stand what has happened in Mindsets leave the clan territory without Germany unless you understand that we In keeping with his character as the asking the permission of these spirits were possessed by demonic arch liar and the father of lies, and must wear charms for protec- powers... We let ourselves be Satan’s major strategy for the world tion, and continue appeasing them daily possessed.” (emphasis mine.) Theo- involves massive deception. “He wherever they happen to be living.28 logian Walter Wink believes that has blinded the minds of unbelievers to Referring to 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, demons became “the actual spiritu- keep them from seeing the light of Francis Frangipane says, “There are ality of Nazism manifested in the polit- the gospel of the glory of Christ.” (2Co. satanic strongholds over countries and ical forms of the Hitler Youth, the 4:4) His most pernicious attacks are communities. There are strongholds SS [Hitler’s bodyguard], Gestapo, the directed at the minds of people, and in which influence churches and individ- unwitting cooperation of churches, this effort he “masquerades as an uals. Wherever a stronghold exists the ideology of Aryan racial purity, and angel of light” (2Co. 11:14). Time it is a demonically induced pattern of the revival of Norse mythology.” Magazine, in reviewing the film thinking (emphasis mine)... a He also mentions the “collective The Exorcist, observed that the devil ‘house’ made of thoughts which has possession” prevalent in modern become a dwelling place of satanic times in which “the demonic has taken activity.”29 Culture is made up of many the form of mass psychosis,” when commonly held patterns of humankind en masse gives itself up to Far more dangerous thinking, developed through genera- evil.25 tions and passed down to children The reverse of the above is also true. and destructive are the as the normative way in which a society McCandlish Philips writes: operates. For example, the Japa- “Fidelity to God and his Word breaks shared wrong notions nese, though outwardly highly techno- the power of evil spirits and erects logical and materialistic, are still barriers to Satan. This can be true in a about reality with which bound up with occultism. Two-thirds of life, in a home, in a nation.” He the population attend Shinto relays the story of the failed attempt by shrines, every school child carries an the Theosophical Society in 1926 to hundreds of millions of amulet, and Shinto priests dedicate bring the Hindu guru, Krishnamurti, to each new building.30 The recent corona- prominence in America as a “world human beings live. tion for the new emperor called for teacher” who would combine all relig- ritualized intercourse with the sun ions into one and make radical goddess, the national deity of the presented therein was an “easy changes in American civilization. After country.31 he arrived in New York harbor, he devil.”27 Far more dangerous and complained of “electrical atmospheric destructive are the shared wrong The Bozo people of Mali believe intensity” and said he doubted he notions about reality with which it is necessary to sacrifice animals and would be able to meditate successfully. hundreds of millions of human deformed people, such as albinos, Plans to speak throughout the beings live. The apostle Paul warns to ensure the blessings of the spirits for country were cancelled when he both the Galatians and Colossians abundant harvests. When twins are became incoherent, stripped of the about being “taken prey” by deceptive born, they kill one or both of them powers that had worked for him in philosophies and becoming slaves since, in their belief system, two India, and complained of “bad again to the “elemental spirits” (Gal. people cannot share one spirit. An atmospheric conditions prevailing in 4:3 and Col. 2:8-9). The book of animistic Bantu population in this country.” He ultimately went Revelation depicts worldwide Satanic Somalia believe the land will not yield into seclusion and renounced his preten- deception which results in gath- an abundant harvest without the sions as a new messiah. God had ering all the nations for that last great shedding of human blood. To guarantee put a hedge about America with his battle of Armageddon. (Rev. 16:12- the fertility of a field, all the men people’s faithfulness and general 14) rush to meet each other at its center to commitment of the wider society to Richmond Chiundiza describes beat each other with clubs. Thus, numerous injuries and deaths provide keeping His ways.26 how in Zimbabwe the demonic powers came to inhabit the Shona people’s enough blood to bring a good Would that this were still the case in harvest.32 our society! Unfortunately the legends concerning the Nehanda and general unfaithfulness and disobedience Chaminuka, two of their heroes Cindy Jacobs, a noted intercessory to God’s ways have opened the way from the past. Through the phenom- prayer leader, characterizes the Western for a literal invasion of evil spirits in enon of spirit possession, the spirits mind-set as being: various forms of Eastern mysticism, of these heroes are now being consulted a stronghold that Satan has built within the the New Age Movement, and especially by Zimbabwean government offi- culture of the United States and other through declining moral standards cials. Other demonic spirits inhabit the countries that denies the supernatural and relating to honesty, integrity and sexual legends of the Shona clans relegates reality to what can be proven purity. requiring animal sacrifices, festivals scientifically or what can be known by the and the possession of individuals to physical senses. The result upon the Western church is one of disbelief of the

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work of territorial spirits, thus Satan’s Pol Pot exterminated two million of his Ed Silvoso mentioned a spiritist kingdom is protected from attack by own Cambodian people. Hitler, group in Argentina who made a disbelieving Christians.33 Stalin, Saddam Hussein, Jonas pact to break up a church by praying Indeed, this may be one of the Savimbi, Slobodan Milosevic and for strife among its leaders. In my devil’s most effective subterfuges, many others could also be mentioned. own community of Upland, California, blinding Western Christians to the Spirit mediums are Satan’s efforts have been made by spiritists way he operates by getting us to buy “hatchet men,” human instruments by connected with a New Age cult to curse into an unbiblical, materialistic which he extends his dominion and local churches and their pastors in worldview valued by the rest of our tightens his control in a society. Simon order to bring division or other harm to culture. the sorcerer was an instrument of the congregations in this area. Satan to get control over the people of Fortunately, the presence of praying Specific Ways Satan Maintains Samaria. “All the people both high Christians interrupts, or breaks alto- And Strengthens His Control and low gave him their attention and gether, the link of mediums with their exclaimed ‘this man is the divine controlling occult powers. Mediums 1. Through Animistic Practices power known as the great power’ as he in the Malaysian town where I served Animism, which Philip Steyne calls amazed them with his magical as a missionary were unsuccessful the “basic underpinning of all non- powers” (Ac 8:10). Elymas, a sorcerer in calling the spirits to possess them biblical religions,” is the search for and false prophet, used his influ- during the period a Chinese Chris- power sources by which man may ence to oppose proclamation of the tian worker was waiting for the bus manipulate the spirit world to get what Good News to the proconsul of outside their festival grounds. The he wants and to control his environ- Paphos by Paul and tried to turn him mediums eventually came out and ment and destiny so that he becomes, as from faith in Christ (Ac 13:6-11). appealed to her to leave the area so it were, his own god (cf. Gen.3). In Peter Wagner mentions the case of a that the spirits could come into them! A all religions and cultures animists former high ranking occult leader Ghanaian pastor told me that the manipulate spirit beings to make in Nigeria known as “St. Thomas the witch doctor in the area they were evan- rain, get abundant crops, get a new job, Divine” to whom Satan assigned gelizing lost his occult abilities get healed, become fertile or pass control of 12 spirits, each of which once the local Christians began to pray school exams. Employing shamans, controlled 600 demons, a total of in unity for the area. More will be charms and rituals, they seek over 7,000. Occult practitioners played said about the power of this kind of protection from disease, evil spells, a part in the early rise of Hitler and praying. catastrophes, and witchcraft. Baal Nazism. Erik Hanussen was a dealer in worshipers of old, and modern-day 3. Through Places or Objects Set Apart astrology who ran “The Palace of for Infestation by Spirits New Agers alike, seek success, the Occult” and was known as the happiness and security through the “prophet of the Third Reich” A missionary friend from Thailand, involvement and manipulation of because of his influence over its devel- Joy Boese, described the increasing spirits, often not realizing they are the opment.36 Filipino shamans or spiritual oppression she felt, accompa- real ones being manipulated.34 babylon are experts in things relating to nied by an inexplicable apathy on 2. Through Human Intermediaries spirits. They claim the power to the part of the people with regard to the Satan uses political leaders to heal or kill, to prepare amulets for gospel. “Spirit pillars” had just been carry out his agenda for a whole warding off evil spirits and erected in her town. She writes, society. Leaders of Israel such as procuring blessings. From our local people I’ve learned Jeroboam “drove Israel from following According to Cindy Jacobs, that many cities have a protective and the Lord and made them commit Satanists and witches, a Western form ruling/controlling spirit residing in a great sin” (2 Ki. 17:21-22). On the part of spirit mediums, send people to recognized pillar. The provincial governor of his people he created an idola- purposefully seduce pastors and leaders decides to erect a pillar and invites a spirit to come and inhabit that pillar to trous cult involving the worship of two of Christian churches. In so doing protect his city or province.39 golden calves which launched the they use spells, love potions and northern state of Israel into a downward charms. They use magic to “hunt Pam Seaward, another missionary spiral, culminating in its destruction the souls of men” (Eze 13:17-23) friend from Nepal working among by Assyrian invaders. It was widely through divination. They also use Tibetan Buddhists, described her known that Ferdinand and Imelda the tools of unholy intercession and the confrontation with a “god” of Marcos of the Philippines were deeply unholy fast to unleash demonic Tibetan Buddhism, who appeared to her involved in the occult through daily powers to distress Christians. Very as she was praying for the people. consultations with a soothsayer and that dedicated to their lord, they serve She rebuked its ugly image, but it Cory Aquino did not want to live in him either through fear or a desire for remained because as it explained, the same palace because she felt there power. The higher their rank in the “My things are here.” Seaward discov- were evil spirits there. Is it any satanic church the more demonic ered Tibetan Buddhist religious wonder then that the Marcoses powers they control. In cooperation paraphernalia which her landlord had exploited their own people of with the spirits they can bring curses left in a nearby closet. Until she got billions of dollars, intensifying the upon the unsuspecting, even rid of the demon’s “things,” it would poverty and suffering of millions. harming the physical body.37 not leave.40

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An Argentine woman during a deliv- order to increase Satanic power.44 the lives of several of his first erance session revealed how spirits Ted Gunderson, former FBI converts.46 had obtained a right to control her. Her director for Los Angeles, shocked the In order to keep us from interfering doctor had sewed microscopic participants of a seminar on occult with his dominion, Satan seeks to fetishes inside her flesh through which crime with his claim that the FBI has neutralize the power of God’s people spirits connected with the Brazilian over 100,000 “missing persons” in by attempting to “wear out” the Macumba temple influenced her by their files, half of which he estimates saints through discouragement, infir- “spiritual remote control.”41 Peter have ended up as victims of occult mity, discrediting ministers and Wagner concludes, “Real demons do sacrifice.45 Even if he is only ten ministries, and especially bringing divi- attach themselves to animals, idols. percent correct, it is cause for grave sion in the church. He also seeks to . . trees, mountains, and buildings as concern. destroy our family relationships. As well as to any number, or variety of Hector Torres, an Arizona pastor manufactured and natural objects.”42 If 5. Through Blocking God’s People from Interfering With His Dominion puts it, “I believe Satan’s tactics are to spirit beings are “extradimensional” destroy the three institutions estab- as we saw above, attaching themselves As we have already noted in lished by God: the family, the church to any number of objects at the passing, the prophet Daniel faced a and the nation.” Torres especially same time because they have been set “great conflict” as powerful spirit emphasizes Satan’s attack on families apart for this purpose, should since they are “the founda- present no problem to them. tion for all relationships.”47 No wonder God through Prayer and the power of the Moses commanded Israel not to bring any detestable things Holy Spirit are used by God to Ways to Overcome Satan and into their homes because of the His Tactics destructive effects they More than one Biblical expos- would bring upon them. The overthrow demonic forces seeking to itor has interpreted the book ruthless actions of reformer of Joshua as portraying in the kings like King Josiah to rid the gain or maintain control over physical realm what the land of the high places, church is to do in the spiritual. shrines and other occult objects individuals and societies. Just as Joshua and the people used in the worship of of Israel took the “territory” foreign gods now become fully under- beings sought to prevent his receiving a which God had given them in the standable. (Dt. 7:25-26 and 2Ki. 23) revelation which would cast a spot- land of Canaan, so God’s people today light on the purposes and plans of the are to take back “territory” from 4. Through Rituals of Worship—At principalities and powers in their Times Involving Human Sacrifice Satan and the forces of darkness. Jesus future interaction with political realms. has told us,“Occupy till I come.” Rituals of worship to the spirits are It was a word which also revealed The implication is that we are to be an one way their control is strength- God’s sovereignty over all these future influence for him in our jobs, in our ened. In parts of West Africa, human events, as well as a warning to his communities, wherever we find sacrifice is sometimes used to gain people Israel regarding the dangers of ourselves. As Kraft has put it: stronger power with the spirits. The deception and the need to prepare Lebu of Senegal are believed to for persecution (Da. 10-12). We are involved in the battle. Jesus enlisted make such sacrifices on an island off us to fight taking territory away from As we have already intimated, the evil one. This fight is, however, the coast. They are perceived by the controlling principality of Ephesus other tribal groups as having, as a primarily on the individual level. worshiped as Artemis may have There is also territory to take relationally, result, inordinate degree of polit- stirred Demetrius the silversmith and ical, economic and spiritual power. The socially, organizationally, geographi- his trade union members to cally, and perhaps in other transindividual Dionka tribe of Mali worship provoke a riot in order to hinder the areas.48 Komo, the god of killing. Local Chris- spread of the truth. Also, Satan is tian workers told me that in some spoken of as hindering Paul’s mission Joshua’s question could well be areas strangers have been killed in plans (1Th. 2:18) and throwing asked of us also, “How long will sacrifice to this god.43 Christians into prison and tribulation you wait before you begin to take Lest we think that our culture is more (Rev. 2:10). And in 1 Peter 5 he is possession of the land that the Lord advanced or immune from such portrayed as the roaring lion, who has given you?” There are at least four practices, Dianne Core, founder of brings suffering to the saints. ways which we as Christians can overcome Satan and his tactics in order Child Watch, writes of Devilfish, a A YWAM missionary from Principe, coven of satanists connected with the to take back territory from his Sao Tome reported an encounter domain. Ordo Templi Orientis, a national with a demonic prince. This spirit being organization in the United States with threatened him and the fledgling over 40 branches. Their book, the church to stop their missionary activi- Through Intercessory Prayer Secret Rites of OTO, gives instructions ties in his area. Subsequently, an on how to do human sacrifice in There is considerable evidence outbreak of cholera tragically claimed both biblical and in the history of the

VOL 10:4 OCT. 1993 180 Satan’s Tactics church that prayer and the power of the Wesley Duewel described to me the invites us, “Ask of me and I will make Holy Spirit are used by God to agonizingly slow work of his the nations your inheritance and the overthrow demonic forces seeking to mission’s church-planting efforts in ends of the earth your possession” (Ps. gain or maintain control over indi- India during its first 25 years. Only 2:8). Ezekiel reveals that God looks viduals and societies. One key to one church per year came into being as for someone to “stand in the gap” for Joshua’s victory over Israel’s a result of all the missionaries’ the land. (Eze. 22:30) And through Canaanite enemies, all of whom relied efforts. As a result of heart-searching Isaiah the Lord says he has posted upon demonic gods, was his evaluation, the mission recruited watchmen on Jerusalem’s walls prayerful dependence on the Lord’s 1,000 people in their home countries to who will “never be silent day or night,” intervention on Israel’s behalf at pray 15 minutes per day for the giving themselves and the Lord no Jericho, Ai and in other crucial battles. work. He reports that this prayer effort rest “till he establishes Jerusalem and It was the intercession of Samuel turned the tide, and in the next few makes her the praise of the earth” that brought God’s thunderous response years, the number of churches went (Isa. 62:6-7). against the Philistines, throwing from 25 to 550 and the number of Why does God, the Almighty, them into such a panic that they were believers from 2,000 to 73,000. One routed before the Israelites. The “limit” himself by reliance on his national leader told him afterwards, people’s prayers? Admittedly, it is a territory the Philistines had captured “All of us are seeing results beyond from Israel as well as neighboring mysterious matter, but I believe it goes anything we could have back to his giving humankind territory was restored to God’s people imagined!”52 (1Sam. 7:7-14). Judges like Gideon, dominion of the earth. This dominion, and kings such as David, Jehoshaphat, The great revival and ingathering as we have seen, both at the fall of and Hezekiah experienced God’s among the Telugu “outcastes” of India man and subsequently, has been surren- deliverance and the reclamation of terri- is linked with what happened on dered to Satan and his demonic tory due to their dependence on “Prayer Meeting Hill,” an elevated area cohorts. But through Christ’s redemp- God through prayer. overlooking the city of Ongole. In tion, this dominion is being 1853, when their mission board was on restored. And through prayer, we as his Prayer in the power of the Holy the point of abandoning the work redeemed people, reassert our God- Spirit always undergirded and extended for lack of response, a missionary given dominion over the world, ruling the missionary outreach of the early couple and three national and reigning with Christ “far above church. In the book of Acts alone coworkers spent the night in prayer for all authority and dominion” (Eph. 1:21 prayer is mentioned over 30 times, the Telugus. They battled through and 2:6). Through believing prayer, usually before major breakthroughs in to a sense of shared assurance that their we open the door for God’s interven- the expansion of the first church. prayers had prevailed. Gradually tion in our troubled world. The Looking back over the history of Chris- the opposition to the gospel broke and Holy Spirit shows us how to pray, tianity, Robert Glover observed, when the outpouring of the Spirit indeed, prays through us in accor- “All the mighty spiritual revivals which took place, 8,000 came to Christ in a dance with God’s will. (Rom. 8:26-27) constitute the mountain peaks of six-week period. In one day over Indeed, Jesus has given us a virtual missionary annals had their roots in 2,000 were baptized and the church blank check to exercise through united prayer.”49 Jonathan Goforth, there became the largest in the prayer with other believers: “Again missionary to China, described the world.53 I tell you, that if two of you on earth powerful spiritual awakenings agree about anything you ask for, it which brought many tens of thousands David Yonggi Cho, pastor of the world largest church, recounts the will be done for you by my Father in to Christ in Korea and China during heaven.” And “I will do whatever the early part of this century. It was demonic oppression over the Korean village where he pioneered you ask in my name. . . . You may ask “intense believing prayer that had me for anything in my name and I so much to do with the revival which in during his early ministry. The key to the breaking of spiritual bondage will do it” (Mt. 18:19 and Jn. 14:13-14, 1907 brought 50,000 Koreans to emphasis mine). Christ. We are convinced too that all was months of prayer, culminating movements of the Spirit in China in the casting out of a demon from a In Mark 9, when confronted by the which have come within our own expe- woman who had been paralyzed for need to exorcise an evil spirit, Jesus rience may be traced to prayer.” He seven years. With her healing and told the disciples, “This kind cannot be relayed how one missionary remarked deliverance, the church exploded driven out by anything but by to him, “Since the Lord did so with growth. As he puts it, “The sky prayer.” (v. 29) If this holds true for the much with our small amount of above the village was broken open demonization of individuals, does it praying, what might he not have and the blessings of God began pouring not also hold true for the spiritual done if we had prayed as we ought?”50 down.”54 oppression of societies? That is Hudson Taylor, founder of the why united, believing prayer by God’s China Inland Mission, wrote to people is so important for the Goforth, as he was planning to Why does God Require Prayers? breaking of demonic bondage over launch a new work in Honan Province We learn from Scripture that the cities and nations. In this connec- in China, “Brother, if you are to prayer of intercession is key to the tion, Hendrik Berkhof speaks of the gift win that province, you must go forward fulfillment of God’s gracious purpose of the discerning of spirits which on your knees.”51 for the peoples of the earth. He God gives to his people as they pray:

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“This involves especially the discerning by the cross of Jesus?. . . that when a bound territorial spirits over Russia of the Powers which hold the hearts person turned to Jesus the power of during special prayer meetings at and actions of men under their sway in Satan was bound in that person’s life. That Red Square and, by implication, made specific times and places.”55 when a city experienced revival Satan possible glasnost, peristroika and could no longer rule in that city.58 Dick Eastman described the part the great Russian revival! Glamorous focussed prayer played in a litera- It seems reasonable that such an stories of this kind often appear in ture distribution effort which Every exceedingly important matter would glossy newsletters usually sent out to Home for Christ carried out. In one have been taught more openly and raise funds for the activities they community where they distributed liter- modeled clearly for us somewhere in describe. ature, they experienced a ten the New Testament. Instead we see The downfall of Communism in percent response without prayer. Jesus and the early disciples focusing the former Soviet Union and the Another place their energies on ministry to people amazing spiritual where the staff openness involving prayed for the Spiritual warfare for Paul meant a battle millions is, I am community as a convinced, God’s whole, there was for the souls and minds of human beings that they sovereign answer a 55 percent response to the prayers of tens rate. In a third of thousands of community, where might be saved, brought from darkness to light Russian Christians the staff prayed who suffered and for each home as they and made into all that God meant them to be. prayed for decades distributed the while imprisoned literature, eight out of in Stalin’s gulags. ten families responded.56 One of these, Pastor Nikolai, told and only when necessary dealing with me of his many long years in a cell demons as they manifest them- without sunlight and without a A Word of Caution and Critique selves, normally in individuals. Their Bible or book to read. When I asked focus is never intentionally on the what he spent his time doing, he Though we mention the importance demonic. It always seems incidental to of the discerning of spirits in said, “I prayed for this city.” Is it any their main mission, the proclama- wonder that the city for which he connection with intercessory prayer, we tion of the Good News of the Kingdom need to exercise caution when it poured out intercession is now an to human beings. Paul urges that epicenter of spiritual revival? comes to focusing offensively against the subject of prayer be people, espe- or “binding” principalities and cially for kings and others in Of course, the Lord can and will use powers. Scripture never explicitly authority so that “all men will be saved the prayers of American jet-setters teaches that we do this nor do we and come to the knowledge of the as he will those of any of his people see examples of this in the ministries of truth” (1Ti. 2:2,4). As we have seen who pray. However, let us not be Jesus, Paul or other biblical figures. above, this kind of praying has guilty of oversimplifying the deliver- Tom White, a writer on “spiritual brought astonishing results in terms of ance of spiritual bondage, providing warfare,” shares his own hesitation spiritual revival and the reclama- instant, easy solutions so in keeping about this aspect: tion of individuals and whole societies with our American culture of I am aware of no explicit model from from the dominion of darkness. convenience when local believers have Scripture that depicts a servant of God not only travailed in prayer but also moving in direct confrontation with a The pain-free, easy approach to suffered great hardships over many high-level supernatural power. In light of putting “territorial spirits” to flight years. this, I come at the topic with more advocated by some Western, especially questions than answers.57 American, prayer leaders who see We should also carefully heed Jude’s themselves as operating on the “stra- warning about those who “slander B.J. Willhite, of the National Prayer celestial beings” (Jude 8). Even the Embassy, has written: tegic level” can be presumptuous and dangerous. Presumptuous because Archangel, Michael, spoke respect- It does not seem that the apostles spent we can make unwarranted claims fully to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you,” much time teaching people about these for a one-to-one correlation of our not daring to “bring a slanderous unseen forces. Not once that I am prayers and a specific political or accusation against him” (v.9). If God aware of did Peter, Paul, James, or John. . leads us to bind principalities of .instruct that Christians were to iden- historical change, taking credit for that tify these spiritual forces and command change, when in reality the evil in prayer, it must be done carefully them to be bound… . How can we dynamic interplay between Divine, and respectfully. The safest posture account for this lack of understanding on human and demonic factors in the absence of clear Scriptural the part of the early disciples? Had involved in every such change is much warrant is to take a cue from the Jesus left them in the dark about such more inscrutable. And the danger Archangel. Like him, ask the Lord to do things? Were they too immature for of spiritual pride, the very sin of which the binding and the rebuking. After the Holy Spirit to reveal things of this Lucifer was guilty, is always all he is “Lord of hosts,” the only one nature to them? Or did they perhaps present. For example, some American whom Satan and the demons fear believe that Satan’s power had been broken intercessors have declared that they and must obey.

VOL 10:4 OCT. 1993 182 Satan’s Tactics Spiritual warfare for him meant a battle ture of the territorial spirits. . . The Proclaiming Christ’s Good News for the souls and minds of human church must preach a liberating beings that they might be saved, gospel and be involved in the subse- It is clear from the Gospels that the brought from darkness to light and quent power encounter.”62 primary purpose of Jesus’ ministry made into all that God meant them to was the itinerant proclamation of the be (Ac.26:17-18 and 2Co.2:12-15). Good News of the kingdom. He In this pursuit, the aim of Paul’s Living God’s Way was always hastening to move on to preaching was to demolish “strong- Obedience to God and his standards other towns which had not yet holds,” wrong patterns of thought in his is a potent part of spiritual warfare. heard his message for, as he explained hearers which were due to Satanic Often we define spiritual warfare in too to the disciples, “That is why I have deception (2Co. 10:3-4). This task narrow a sense. Actually, Scripture come” (Mk. 1:38-39). It was only in the involved persuading people course of preaching and out of seems to take a much broader, more through reasoning with them from holistic view. The apostle Paul compassion for their victims that he God’s truth. took on the demonic realm. His looked back on his entire life as a work of exorcism usually happened in a Jesus made it clear that filling the servant of Christ as being a “good reactive, responsive way when vacuum in a person’s life after an fight” (2Ti. 4:7). He describes his demons manifested themselves and in evil spirit is evicted must happen to struggle to serve God as requiring order to free those who were held in avoid worse demonization in the “great endurance; in troubles, hardships bondage. His focus was clearly on liber- future (Lk.11:24). Tom White reflects, and distresses; in beatings, impris- onments and riots; in hard work, sleep- ating people, not getting embroiled What good does it do to push back the in a “strategic level” confrontation with enemy if the territory is not occupied? less nights, in hunger; in purity, the powers of darkness. The Indian Penetration of strongholds that understanding, patience, and kindness; missionaries of the Friends Missionary loosens the grip of false gods and procla- in the Holy Spirit and in sincere Prayer Band told me they never go mation of the truth that leads to salva- love; in truthful speech and in the looking for the demonic, it always finds tion must go hand in hand…. Before we power of God; with weapons of them as they busy themselves with plunge into active resistance and righteousness in the right hand and in proclaiming the Good News. When it weakening of ‘territorial spirits’ (in the the left (emphasis mine); through hopes that success here will inevitably confronts them, as it invariably glory and dishonor; bad report and result in a positive change in the human good report; genuine, yet regarded does, they deal with it in the course of populous), we must consider that the as impostors. . .beaten and yet not their evangelism efforts. B.J. Will- greatest point of bondage may rest with the hite agrees: wickedness of the human heart killed; having nothing and yet 60 possessing everything” (2Co. 6:4-10). What is this war about? Is it not taking itself. Spiritual warfare for Paul encom- souls which have been held captive by Charles Finney, the American Satan? We do not release them by revivalist, often insisted that prayer passed all these things as all were speaking to Satan. We release them when together with the sharing of necessary in his war against the prince of darkness to win the peoples to we tell them the truth about Jesus… . Christ’s truth is the combination that It seems to me that there is a danger in Christ. making the binding of such spirits the God uses to bring spiritual revival. prerequisite for harvest. Jesus did not tell God uses our prayers to restrict forces The apostle enumerates here in 2 his disciples to go into all the world of evil and our proclamation of Corinthians, and elsewhere in his and bind demonic powers in the heavenlies. Christ’s Good News to fill the vacuum epistles, his manifold struggles. These He said preach the Good News to left by their departure. demonstrate the costliness of true every person.59 It is through preaching the Good spiritual warfare as opposed to the very The apostle Paul had a similar News of Jesus Christ that the prin- narrow idea that has recently been approach to ministry. He spent two cipalities and powers are exposed for promulgated by some American prayer years in preaching and teaching at what they are. Their power of illu- leaders who have it down to essen- Ephesus until “all the Jews and Greeks sion by which they seek to control tially a “no fuss, no muss” approach. In living in the province had heard the humanity is broken. As Berkhof their thinking spiritual warfare word of the Lord” (Ac. 19:10). This states: consists only of “strategic level” preaching led to deliverance of praying against spirits. But in people from the power of darkness Unmasked, revealed in their true taking this line, could we be guilty of when many burned their sorcery nature, they have lost their mighty grip on oversimplifying and over spiritual- books and articles publicly. Only later, men. The cross has disarmed them; izing the matter of spiritual warfare in a when Demetrius and the other wherever it is preached, the unmasking and way it was never meant to be? Isn’t craftsmen felt threatened and were the disarming of the Powers takes it strange that we hear of no “high-level provoked into rioting against the place. Though they are still present, where intercessors” being dispatched to Christians was there anything Christ is proclaimed and believed in, the areas of the world which are being approaching a confrontation with a they are limited in what they can do.61 most ravaged by the murderous “high-level spirit” (vs. 23-41). The Richmond Chiundiza agrees that schemes of the principalities and apostle’s concern was to proclaim our focus must be on reaching people: powers, namely Somalia, Sudan, the gospel of Christ and spread the “The mistake churches sometimes Angola, or Bosnia? These are the kind knowledge of him everywhere. make is to attack the system and struc- of difficult places where the apostle

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65 Paul would have been found in his day. and her cohorts. 17. Philip Steyne, Gods of Power Rather we hear much about warfare Like the children of Lewis’ (Houston, TX: Touch Publications, going on in safe, easy areas such as imaginative series, we also have 1989), p.72 Argentina, North America, and nothing to fear because our Lord 18. Melford Spior, Burmese other relatively comfortable, secure has “all power in heaven and on earth” Supernaturalism (Philadelphia: Institute environments. and gifts and enables those who for the Study of Human Issues, Israel was continually told their join the fray against the dark powers of 1978) primary responsibility was to obey our world. There is no doubt who 19. S.J. Tambiah, Buddhism and the Lord, to be careful about following has ultimate power and control and the Spirit Cults in Northeast Thailand his ways, and he would take care of where true victory lies in spite of (New York: Cambridge University their enemies. “If my people would the tactics employed by the evil one. Press, 1970), pps. 263-284 May God give us true discernment listen to me, if Israel would follow 20. David Kinsley, Hindu my ways, how quickly would I subdue and childlike boldness in taking up Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Femi- their enemies and turn my hand these weapons he has put at our nine in the Hindu Religious Tradi- against their foes” (Ps. 81:13-14 cf Ex. disposal. Hallelujah! Christ is Victor! tion (Berkeley: University of California 14:14 and Dt. 1:30). McCandlish Press, 1986), pps. 197-98 Philips believes that obedience to God Reference 21. In a letter from Frank Schaftner in and his word is the main bulwark of 1. F.F. Bruce, The Epistle to the August 1989 defense Christians have against the Hebrews (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerd- 22. Rob Vander Hart, The Theology of devil. He notes that satanic takeover mans), pps. 32-33 Angels and Devils (Notre Dame: of a nation begins with its people being Fides Publishers, 1972), p. 87 drawn away from faith in God and 2. Walter Wink, Unmasking the 23. John Dawson Taking Our his word. Secondly, it moves on to Powers (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1986), pps 90-91 Cities for God (Lake Mary, FL: Crea- increased indulgence in sin; thirdly, tion House, 1989), p. 79 false worship and supernaturalism; and 3. Merrill C. Tenney, ed., fourthly, tyranny and dictatorship. Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia 24. From a conversation with David He suggests that America is in the third (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Robinson in the fall of 1990 stage now. How important it is for Publishing House, 1975), Vol 4, p.269 25. Wink, Unmasking the Powers, us as Christians to live as God would 4. Ibid, Vol. 1, p.786 p.54 have us live. It may be the most 5. Heinrich Schlier, Principalities 26. McCandlish Phillips, The Spirit potent form of spiritual warfare we can and Powers in the New Testament World (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, practice! As Heinrich Schlier puts (New York: Herder & Herder, 1962), 1970), pps. 21-24 it: pps 19-20,67 27. Quoted in Lynn Buzzard’s The struggle against the principalities 6. Hendrik Berkhof, Christ and the “Introduction” to Montgomery, J.W. fundamentally begins with and in myself. If Powers (Scotdale, PA: Herald ed., Demon Possession (Minneap- I am to resist and drive out the devil Press, 1977), p.22 olis: Bethany Fellowship, 1976), p.22 and not merely to strengthen his power, the 7. From a conversation with 28. Richmond Chiundiza, “High- struggle can only be waged by Ernest Heimback November 27, 1990 Level Powers in Zimbabwe” in denying myself to him, and choosing and 8. Wink, pps. 50-52 Wagner, Peter, ed., Territorial abiding in truth, justice, peace and Spirits (Chichester, England: Sovereign 9. hope…. The evil one is powerless against Berkhof, p.63 World Ltd, 1991), p.123 the sacrifice of ourselves in godly 10. Zondervan Pictorial Encyclo- 29. Francis Frangipane, The Three living and, if necessary, in death for pedia, Vol. 1, pps. 431-32 Christ’s cause.64 Battlegrounds (Marion, IA: River 11. Ibid, Volume 4, p. 702 of Life Ministries, 1989), p.21 12. From a personal conversation 30. Conclusion From a conversation with Paul with Hugh Ross on September 17, Ariga, a Japanese evangelist in the In C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of 1993. For discussion of “Extradimen- spring of 1990 Narnia, four children crawl timorously sionality” see his book, The Finger- 31. Carl Schoenberger, “Akihito and through a wardrobe into a whole print of God (Orange, CA: Promise Final Ritual of Passage” Los new dimension of reality they were not Publishing Co., 1989) Angeles Times, November 23, 1990, aware of before. It is a world domi- 13. Berkhof, pps. 14-16 Vol. 109, p. A4 nated by the evil White Witch, who 14. F.F. Bruce, Commentary on 32. From a 1990 an unpublished holds all its creatures in bondage the Epistle to the Colossians (Grand through the cold winter of fear. The paper by Bruce Brandshaw of Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1965), p. World Vision International, Monrovia, four children themselves initially 198 feel intimidated by her dominion. But CA 15. later they realized that Aslan, the See Walter Wink, Naming the 33. From unpublished notes of Cindy Power (Philadelphia: fortress Press, great lion, has the ultimate power and is Jacobs sent to the author in 1984) for an extensive analysis of November 1990 their friend, ready to deliver them these terms. and to gift them so that they can join 34. Steyne, pps. 17,46 16. him in the battle against the witch Schlier, pps. 14-15 35. Peter Wagner “Territorial Spirits”

VOL 10:4 OCT. 1993 184 Satan’s Tactics and unpublished paper for academic 46. From a conversation with dean 56. From an oral presentation by Dick symposium on Power Evangelism, Sherman of Youth With A Mission Eastman to the Spiritual Warfare Fuller Seminary, December 13-15, in August, 1990 Network consultation in 1991 and to be 1988, p.4 47. From unpublished notes sent mentioned in his upcoming book, 36. Phillips, p.27 to the author by Hector Terres in “The Jericho Hour” to be published in 1994 37. Cindy Jacobs November, 1990 57. Tom White “Considerations for 38. Ed Silvoso, “Spiritual Warfare in 48. Charles H. Kraft “Two Kingdoms Argentina and the Plan Resistencia” in Conflict” a paper originally Discernment: Developing a Metho- an unpublished paper from the Spiritual presented in the Spiritual Warfare dology for Identifying Spiritual Strong- Track of Lausanne II July, 1989, holds” an unpublished paper for the Warfare Track of Lausanne II July Spiritual Warfare Network consultation 1989, p.2 pps. 13-14 November 30, 1990, p. 1 39. In a letter from Joy Boese 49. Robert H. Glover, The Bible 58. B.J. Willhite, “Dangers and March/April 1987 Basis of Missions (Chicago: Moody, 1946), p.180 Pitfalls of Spiritual Warfare” an 40. From a conversation with Pam unpublished paper for the Spiritual 50. Seaward in Kathmandu, Nepa in Jonathan Goforth, By My Spirit warfare Network consultation January 1991 (New York: Harper and Brothers, November 30, 1990, pps. 4-5 1930), pps. 184-185 41. Silvoso, p.1 59. Ibid, p.5 51. Quoted in Wesley Duewel, 42. Peter Wagner, Warfare 60. White, pps. 3-4 Mighty Prevailing Prayer (Grand Prayer (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 61. Berkhof, p. 39,43 1992), p. 79 Rapids: Francis Asbury Press, 1990), p. 250 62. Chiundiza, p. 126 43. From a conversation with Enoch 63. Phillips, pps. 20-21 Coulibaly in Southern Mali during 52. From a telephone interview March, 1991 with Wesley Duewel in September, 64. Schlier, pps. 61-62 1990 65. 44. Dianne Core “We are in the C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the middle of Spiritual Warfare” The new 53. Glover, p. 181 Witch and the Wardrobe (New York: Collier Books, 1950) Federalist, October, 1989, p. 15 54. Paul Yonggi Cho “City 45. From a workshop on occult crime Taking in Korea” in Wagner, Peter put on by the Ontario, California Territorial Spirits, pps. 117-118 John Robb works with World Vision Police Department in 1990 55. Berkhof, p.47 International, in Southern California,

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS Power Encounter Toward an SIM Position

The intent of this article is to spell out SIM’s position on spiritual warfare, power encounter and the issue of the miraculous in their ministry. SIM will not withhold the request that God would stretch out His hand “to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders” in Jesus’ name.

By Howard Brant ike many other mission societies, Fellowship, focusing on signs and Dealing with the Demonic L the Society for International wonders, is growing rapidly. Indeed, a From our collective experience and Ministries (SIM) has been raised up by movement identified as “The Third study of Scripture, several important God as a religious mission order to Wave” calls upon the evangelical world principles emerge: plant the church of Jesus Christ to accept that signs, wonders, and mira- throughout the world. By the very cles, as seen in the miracles of Jesus * The ability to expel demons is not nature of our ministry, we are called and the apostles, are to be expected in related to any spiritual gift, but has to upon to enter enemy territory and today’s church. do with the believer’s position in Christ engage in spiritual warfare. In this war and His authority over the principalities It is the intent of this paper to spell and powers (Ephesians 1:19-21; 2:4-6). zone we often find ourselves challenged out SIM’s position in these areas. To by the spiritual forces of darkness. How We deny anyone’s claim of being espe- this end, we have studied the Scriptures cially gifted as an exorcist. we deal with spiritual power encounter and sought input from a study group is of vital importance to us individually composed of SIM missionaries and * We do not actively seek out oppor- tunities to exorcise demons, but when and corporately. C.S. Lewis, author of SIM-related national church leaders. Screwtape Letters, commented that confronted in ministry, we should not Our findings were carefully scrutinized hesitate to respond (Acts 16:16-18). there are two common mistakes that by a group of SIM theologians as well one can make in dealing with the as by several prominent pastor-teachers * Because Jesus “disarmed the enemy. The first is in giving him too who are deeply involved with SIM. this powers and authorities” at the cross, much emphasis; the other is in not paper was then approved by SIM’s and because we are granted a position giving him enough. International Council and noted by the over them in Christ, we believe that The dilemma which faces the evan- Board of Governors. What is repre- ultimately they must obey direct gelical world in general and conserva- sented in this paper is an attempt to commands given in the powerful name tive evangelical missions like SIM in clarify SIM’s position on this important of Jesus (Colossians 2:15, Acts 16:18). particular is precisely that of which C. topic. * We recognize that there may be S. Lewis warned. For on the one side, if incidents when an individual may have we ignore our enemy, we cannot wage to deal with such encounters alone. We war effectively. But on the other, if we PART 1: SPIRITUAL WARFARE strongly advise, however, that this become unduly preoccupied with these In SIM, we do recognize the reality should be a group ministry (Matthew issues, we will find ourselves detracted of the spirit world. One phrase in our 17:21). from our ultimate purpose or embroiled doctrinal statement states that we in paralyzing controversies. * Sometimes the demonized have believe in “the personality of Satan, more than one evil spirit troubling The related subject of the miraculous who is called the devil.” No one can be them. For this reason, it may be helpful in Christian ministry is currently a member of SIM without accepting to discern the name of the dominant receiving unusual attention. Contempo- that reality. Furthermore, SIM mission- spirit and deal with it first (Luke 8:30). rary Bible colleges and seminaries are aries and related national church leaders rapidly adding courses on spiritual are not strangers to spiritual encounters * Great care must be given to those warfare, power encounter, and sign and with the demonic world. National who have been delivered. They must be wonders to their curriculums. Current church leaders report incidents of spiri- urged to confess Christ as their personal Christian books and magazines of both tual attacks on national Christian Savior. They should be taught how to popular and scholarly variety are workers. Our missionaries relate case pray in the name and authority of Jesus. flooded with discussion on this topic. studies in which they have seen those They should be surrounded by loving Popular lecturers crisscross the conti- once bound by Satan delivered from Christians who are aware of their spiri- nents to expound the issue. A new demonization through the powerful tual authority (Luke 11:24-26). denomination, Vineyard Christian name of Jesus. * Those involved in this ministry

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS, VOL 10:4 OCT. 1993 186 Power Encounter should do so realizing that all ministry theological terms it is difficult to deter- For in dealing with the demonized, is through the grace of God. They mine the exact degree to which an evil we are usually dealing with isolated should examine their own hearts to see spirit can influence, control, or possess incidents. Dramatic as exorcism may if there is unconfessed sin, any desire a believer. On this continuum, some be, our missionaries and church leaders for self-exaltation, or any gap in their would draw the line between influence are involved essentially in turning the spiritual armor through which they can and control. Others would draw it hearts of whole ethnic groups from be attacked (Ephesians 6:10-19). They between control and possession. “darkness to light and from the power must beware lest they be lifted up with Note the three words which we have of Satan to God.” (cf. Acts 26:16-18) pride and thus fall into the temptation used: possess, influence, control. We Indeed, exorcism as described above of the devil himself (1 Timothy 3:6; 1 resolutely deny that Satan or any evil may be seen only as one visible expres- Corinthians 12:7). spirit can possess a believer in the sense sion of the much larger cosmic battle. * If such incidents are recounted of ownership. Believers belong to God. Far more serious are the pervasive publicly, great care must be taken to Jesus knows His own (John 10:14). No powers of darkness which have blinded give all the credit and glory to Christ, at one can take them out of His hand whole people groups to the light of whose name the demonic world trem- (John 10:28, 29). But no one would God. We are concerned about those bles (Acts 14:15; 15:12). doubt that Satan and his demons do “powers and authorities,” about those have power to influence believers, at Influence, Control and Possession world forces of darkness, those spiritual least to the degree of serious temptation forces of wickedness which stand Within this consensus there are areas (Acts 5:3ff). Where believers are not opposed to the advance of the gospel where we have honest questions among walking in fellowship with the Lord, and the spreading of God’s kingdom on ourselves. For instance, not all of us are where they are not filled with all the earth (Ephesians 6:12). agreed as to the degree to which evil fullness of God, where they have given spirits can affect believers, particularly place to the devil, we know that the We want our missionaries, our those in a back-slidden condition who demonic can gain a strategic foothold related churches, and all Christians knowingly, or unknowingly, dabble in (Ephesians 4:27). Whether this can everywhere, to recognize that there are the occult. include outright control is an area of dark spiritual forces which have enor- question. mous power over entire clans, villages, We all agree wholeheartedly that towns, ethnic groups, and even over every believer receives the Holy Spirit As in other issues where controversy nations (Daniel 10:11-13). It is as we at conversion and is indwelt by Him could threaten our unity, those who learn to take up the weapons of our (Romans 8:9). But we also note that entertain such questions must agree not warfare and attack these strongholds of Paul and John encouraged church to make them a point of division. wickedness that God’s Spirit will be leaders to “test the spirits and see if One further word of clarification: released to turn men and women to they be from God” (1 Corinthians 12:3; When we speak of someone being himself, bring salvation to the lost, and 1 John 4:1). Is it possible that some demonized, we are speaking of an evil revive His church. believers, while claiming that they had spirit taking control of someone in such spiritual gifts from God, were unwit- Biblically, spiritual warfare includes a way that the evil spirit speaks through both resisting the devil as well as tingly manifesting the influence or or otherwise affects the faculties or control of evil spirits? standing firm in our faith (1 Peter person of that individual. 5:8,9). Often our struggle is not so One of our number related that when We know of those who see demonic much a deliberate focusing on evil he applied such a test to a person manifestation in all sorts of sins and powers in conscious resistance as in claiming spiritual utterance an evil shortcomings of the flesh. But we see living a life of disciplined responsive- spirit manifested itself and was cast out no Biblical precedent for casting out ness to the Lord, who has power over in the name of Jesus. Do we then ques- demons of anger, lust, hatred of one’s them. In Ephesians chapter 6, the Chris- tion the salvation of the person so mother-in-law, etc. We know of deep tian’s resistance to evil powers is afflicted? crippling damage which has been done effected by the disciplines of truth, a Several members of our study group to Christians who have been dealt with life of righteousness, readiness to have witnessed incidents in which evil in this way. We believe that the Biblical witness, faith, and giving attention to spirits spoke through professing method for dealing with such sins is to the Word and intercessory prayer. believers and openly confessed that repent and confess them to God. Any other teaching relieves sinners of their We are called to take up the weapons these backsliders belong to Jesus, and of our warfare, which are really God’s that the spirits had come back to trouble personal responsibility to confess their own sins to God (1 John 1:9). weapons of warfare (cf. 2 Corinthians them because they had become 10:4 and Ephesians 6:11). We should involved again with worshiping Satan. Spiritual Warfare at a Deep Level be greatly encouraged as we see that When such persons repented and Even though many within SIM have these weapons are the same ones with confessed their sin, they were immedi- had experiences and theological which our blessed Lord did battle while ately released. insights of the type discussed, this was upon the earth. (Note Isaiah 11:5; 39:2; From a practical point of view, if one not an area of major emphasis or 52:7; 59:17.) It should encourage us to is confronted by such a situation it must concern. In fact, dealing with the know that He used these weapons when be dealt with even if all the theological demonized is not where most of us feel sharing our humanity so that “... he implications are not understood. But in the heat of spiritual battle. might destroy him who holds the power

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS 187 Howard Brant of death” (Hebrews 2:14). spared from the lions that Darius might wonders in their ministry among the At the cross, Jesus “disarmed the know that the Lord reigns in heaven Gentiles. It would seem that they used powers and authorities” (Colossians (Daniel 6:27). this argument to prove that the Gentiles 2:15). We are challenged to get into the * On the day of Pentecost, Peter were just as much a part of the church battle, to take up God’s full armor reminded the multitude that the as were the Jews. (See Acts 15:12) against a naked and defenseless foe, ministry and message of Jesus was * Similarly, when Paul’s authority as and wield the offensive weapons of attested to by signs, wonders, and mira- a true apostle was challenged, he went praise, the sword of the Spirit, and cles (Acts 2:22). In the same discourse, to great lengths to explain how he had intercessory prayer. Through faith, he stated that many signs and wonders preached the gospel freely, suffered for mighty faith, and by prevailing prayer, were performed by the apostles imme- the gospel intensely, and had performed we shall be numbered among the over- diately after the day of Pentecost (Acts signs and wonders among them, as any comers (Ephesians 6:16, 1 John 2:22,43). true apostle would have done (2 Corin- 2:13,14). * In the early church, the people thians chapters 11 and 12, especially prayed: “Sovereign Lord... enable your 12:12). PART II: SIGNS, WONDERS AND servants to speak your word with great * From 1 Corinthians 12:9 and Gala- MIRACLES boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal tians 3:5 it would appear that miracles and perform miraculous signs and were not uncommon in the early “Powers encounter” is a church; and not necessarily at general term which includes the hands of the apostles “spiritual warfare” as well as only, but rather as part of the “signs, wonders, and mira- We are challenged to get into the battle, spiritual gifts which God cles.” Spiritual warfare refers gave sovereignly to believers. to the confrontation which to take up God’s full armor, and wield takes place between a *Finally, God will use believer, as God’s agent on the offensive weapons of praise, the signs and wonders in the earth, and the forces of future. Joel prophesied about demonic darkness. In signs, sword of the Spirit, and intercessory “wonders in the heavens and wonders, and miracles on the earth” (Joel 2:30; cf. (works of power), the focus Acts 2). Many of these are yet is not so much on direct prayer. Through faith, mighty faith, to be fulfilled. Further, we are confrontation with the warned that when the demonic as on supernatural and by prevailing prayer, we shall be “lawless one will be displays of God’s power over revealed,” he will come the natural elements of our numbered among the overcomers. displaying counterfeit mira- fallen world. In either case, cles, signs and wonders (2 God’s power is visibly Thessalonians 2:9). displayed. wonders through the name of your holy It would appear that God The Purpose of Signs and Wonders servant Jesus” (Acts 4:24-30). uses the miraculous in many ways. Sign and wonders validate His message and God’s purpose in signs, wonders, and * Stephen the deacon and Philip the His messengers. They can create a miracles (the miraculous) appear to be evangelist both performed signs and sense of awe in believers and foster many: wonders (Acts 6:8; 8;6). We learn from faith in unbelievers. They can also be * In the days of Moses, God the latter account that, whatever the used to chasten those who attempt to displayed His power in signs and purpose of sings may be, it certainly is obstruct His purposes. They come at wonders in order to convince Pharaoh not something to be purchased with particular times and seasons when God, of His sovereign reality as well as to money for personal gain. Peter sternly for whatever reasons, chooses to make draw attention to Moses as His servant rebuked Simon the sorcerer, who himself manifest. (Acts 7:26). sought such power with money and warned him, “You have no part or share Some have attempted to give precise * In the days of Elijah, God demon- in this ministry, because your heart is definitions to the use of signs and strated himself by fire to show himself not right before God” (Acts 8:21). wonders and then go about showing as superior over all the prophets of Baal why God must or cannot do such things (1 Kings 18). * Signs of power were present as today. But any attempt to confine or Paul, Barnabas and Silas went their limit their use would require a full * God used Naaman’s healing missionary journeys. They were used to through the word of Elijah to prove that understanding of all that God is doing. silence the opposition of Elymas the In this regard, Paul exclaimed: “Oh the no god in all the world is equal to the sorcerer and so amazed Sergius Paulus God of Israel (2 Kings 5:15). depth of the riches of the wisdom and that he believed, “for he was amazed at knowledge of God! How unsearchable * In the days of Daniel, God spared the teaching about the Lord” (Acts his judgments, and his paths beyond the three Hebrew children to cause 13:12). Later when Paul and Barnabas tracing out! Who has known the mind Nebuchadnezzar to recognize His sove- addressed the Jerusalem Council, they of the Lord? Or who has been his coun- reign power (Daniel 4:2). Daniel was told how God had used signs and selor?” (Romans 11:33, 34).

VOl 10:4 OCT 1993 188 Power Encounter Perhaps the most we should say is The claim of this new movement is Suffering is a fact of our fallen that God performs the miraculous when that today’s disciples have the same world. God’s incredible wisdom is it suits His purposes and when He authority to heal, cast out demons, and displayed when He uses suffering as a chooses to reveal His own glory. We do work other miracles as did the earth tool to refine character, teach us truths need to make the point, however, that disciples in the days of Jesus. They about himself, and, as in the case of the miraculous is not always overt. argue that as Jesus gave authority to the Paul, make us weak so that His grace There are periods in sacred history first disciples to heal the sick, raise the and power may be all the more evident when the waters of the miraculous go dead, cleanse the leper, and cast out in us. We must not forget that it pleased underground only to spring up again at demons in His pre-resurrection God to bruise His own Son on the some other time and in another place as commission, (cf. Matthew 10:8) that cross: “It was the Lord’s will to crush God sovereignly directs the flow of His same authority is to be passed on to all him and cause him to suffer” (Isaiah eternal plans. (cf. 1 Samuel 3:1) believers as part of their birthright 53:10). From His suffering comes our The Spiritual and Natural Worlds today. They point out that the same salvation. Our theology is often colored disciples who received authority in with the desire to escape the disciplines If we believe that Christians are posi- Matthew chapter 10 were later of the cross and reach too quickly for tioned in Christ with authority over the instructed to teach their disciples all the crown. Paul, however, reminds us demonic world, what about authority to that the Lord had commanded them. that we shall rule with him, if we suffer heal, work miracles, and demonstrate (cf. Matthew 10:8 and Matthew 28:19- with Him (2 Timothy 2:12). Any God’s power through signs and 20) Thus, we, who are Christ’s disci- theology which fails to recognize God’s wonders in the natural or fallen world ples today should expect the miraculous purpose in suffering is sub-biblical. about us? in our ministries. The point of departure for some Spiritual Dimension in Various This teaching, however, needs to be World Views modern practitioners is not through balanced by the fact that those pre- “gift” theology, or through “healing in resurrection commands to the early Much of the current literature on this the atonement” theology, or in the disciples are specific as to their time topic points out that our Western world- popular “prosperity” theology. Rather, and situation. In Matthew chapter 10, view tends to be highly rationalistic and it is through “kingdom of God” those early disciples were also secularistic. Conversely, in our non- theology and more particularly through instructed not to take money with them, Western world people are much more the issue of “spiritual authority.” to take no change of clothes, to stay in aware of the spiritual dimensions of life With regard to God’s kingdom, some one place only and not to move from and are more open to accepting super- assume that because Jesus came to set house to house. Moreover, they were natural phenomena. This is certainly up the kingdom of God, and since we commanded not to go to the nations true, but as we consider this we need to believers are part of that kingdom, we (ethos) but only to the “lost sheep of beware lest we fall into the trap of already have all the rights and privi- Israel” (Matthew 10:5). No honest becoming animists ourselves, that is of leges of that kingdom. This has led to interpretation of these passages could adopting practices and beliefs of the confusion over what some theologians assume that all these commands would animistic world-view which sees every- refer to as “already” in God’s kingdom apply to the missionaries (apostles are thing as related to the spirit world. and what is “not yet.” “sent ones”) of our day. Animists try to manipulate their We need to recognize that our world Suffering in our Fallen World world through placation of the evil spirits. Western rationalism tries to is still under the Adamic curse. Though Another error we need to avoid is Christ came to inaugurate His kingdom, control its world through the applica- believing that all pain, sorrow and tion of certain laws of science. Both that kingdom is yet to be fully imple- calamity can be directly attributed to mented. Jesus acknowledged this when systems overlap in their attempts to the evil one. The division between the control their world. Animistic spiritu- He taught us to pray, “your kingdom demonic and the fallen aspects of our come.” alism and Western secular rationalism world is not always clear. We know, for both need to come under the judgment The apostle Paul teaches that all instance, that sickness is part of our of Scripture. fallen creation is presently “groaning as fallen world. Some sicknesses, as in the in the pains of childbirth right up to the case of Job, can be inflicted by Satan. If we are not careful, we can become present time” (Romans 8:22). Though Even there, permission had to be like the animists who see spirits behind our world is subjected to frustration, it obtained from God himself. It certainly everything. Like: the copy machine is subjected in hope (Romans 8:20). We does not follow that all sickness is doesn’t work; so you need to cast out eagerly await the day when all sorrow, demonically induced. Paul encouraged the demon. The car won’t start; and suffering, pain, and death will be done Timothy to take medicinal wine for his there’s another demon. You run the red away as God establishes His eternal stomach’s sake. He did not prescribe light because the devil made you do it. kingdom. But it is not until the new exorcism. The man born blind in John And worse, you are ticketed by a Jerusalem comes down out of heaven chapter 9 was afflicted, “that the work policeman – a messenger of Satan to that the loud voice from the throne of God might be displayed in his life.” buffet you! This kind of thinking gives cries, “There will be no more death or At the burning bush God said to Moses, altogether too much emphasis to the mourning or crying or pain, for the old “Who makes (man) deaf or dumb? Who demonic. It causes one to treat every order of things has passed away” gives him sight or makes him blind? Is natural phenomenon as if it were of (Revelation 21:4). it not I the Lord?” (Exodus 4:11). diabolic origin.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS 189 Howard Brant We Christians, and missionaries in miraculously in the affairs of men or and does heal, but on the basis of His particular, will pave the way for syncre- nature, we come to our sovereign Lord sovereignty, not on the basis of our tism if we teach that we can manipulate and present our requests, not our authority. God’s Spirit to do our bidding (Prior commands, before Him. We are not With regard to the question of the 1987:38-40). All we would be doing demanding our rights, but rather place of the miraculous in our ministry, would be substituting the manipulation exerting the privilege which He has SIM bases its position on three timely of evil spirits for manipulation of the given us to come before Him confi- principles of Scripture: the sovereignty Holy Spirit. God forbid! The harmful dently in our time of need (Hebrews of God; the primacy of the gospel; and effects of such doctrine could be enor- 4:16). the unity of the body. mous, especially in animistic societies. The Sovereignty of God A Key Theological Distinction PART III: THREE TIMELY PRIN- The principle of God’s sovereignty is Our position is that believers do, CIPLES absolutely fundamental to our under- indeed, have authority over demonic Seventy years ago, SIM founder and standing of all signs and wonders and principalities and powers because of first General Director, Rowland distributions of the gifts of the Holy their position in Christ (Ephesians chap- Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Paul ters 1 and 2). listed nine spiritual gifts, including But it needs to be debated whether “gifts of healing” and “working of and to what extent that same authority miraculous powers,” i.e., miracles, and extends into our natural world into Our position is that then concluded by saying, areas such as healing and performing All these are the work of one and the same miracles in the same ways as the pre- believers do, indeed, spirit, and he gives them to each man, just resurrection disciples to whom Jesus as he determines (1 Corinthians 12:11). have authority over gave such authority! In Hebrews 2:1-4, the writer speaks One thing is sure: all authority in about our “great salvation” and then heaven and earth now belongs to Jesus demonic principalities proceeds to explain how this salvation came down to us: (Matthew 28:19). We move at his and powers because of command. We do not command Him. This salvation, which was first announced Jesus taught us to pray, “Your will be by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those done on earth as it is in heaven” their position in Christ. who heard him. God also testified to it by (Matthew 6:10). Too many people signs, wonders and various miracles, and today want to change that prayer to gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed read, “My will be done in heaven as I according to his will. want it on earth.” We must never Bingham, took issue with the teaching In our discussion of signs and wonders become confused over who is master. of his day that divine healing was in the we must avoid extreme positions on God will not be manipulated into doing atonement and therefore “every true both sides. On the one side there are our will. Even the Lord Jesus, prayed Christian had a right to take healing in those who deny God performs signs “Yet not as I will, but as you will” the same way as they accepted salva- and wonders today. Conversely, some (Matthew 26:39). tion.” According to this teaching, if true give them such emphasis that they are How is it then, that a believer may Christians were sick, they were living in danger of neglecting other important have authority to expel evil spirits, but “below their privilege.” Thus healing aspects of Scripture. may not have the same authority to heal was taught as the right of the believer. We do well here to recall that heresy and perform other miracles? The In his book, The Bible and The Body, is not so much the acceptance of error distinction is that in Christ we have Bingham argued that though the motive as it is the taking of a doctrinal truth to been granted a position above the prin- of wanting to see healing for a suffering an extreme position. With regard to the cipalities and powers (Ephesians chap- world was commendable, this doctrine topic at hand, it is a dangerous thing to ters 1 and 2). We have authority over simply was not supported in Scripture tell God what He must do. By the same them and command them in the name nor in true experience of ministry. token, it is undoubtedly equally as of Jesus. But we are not placed in a Indeed, Bingham argue, that such dangerous to predetermine what He position of authority over God to teaching was really a deterrent to the cannot do. gospel because it held out false hope. command Him. The prophet Isaiah SIM has chosen a position “between declared: He cited numerous incidents where such teaching left behind a wake of the shoals of denying the possibility of This is what the Lord says – the Holy One disillusioned people whose faith was miracles in our day, and the rocks of of Israel, and its maker: Concerning things crushed when God chose not to provide presumption that demand miracles to come, do you question me about my chil- the miraculous. according to our need and schedule.” dren, or give me orders about the work of (Smedes 1987:17) We acknowledge my hands? (Isaiah 45:11). This does not in any way imply that that God can and will do whatever The obvious answer is, “You’d better Bingham, or SIM, deny God’s power or pleases Him in any given situation. not, for He is God.” willingness to heal and perform mira- cles. Bingham’s point was that God can SIM’s stand is like the three Hebrew When we desire to see God intervene children who told Nebuchadnezzar:

VOl 10:4 OCT 1993 190 Power Encounter If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, by the Lord Jesus himself. and miracles in his book, The Bible and the God we serve is able to save us from it, It is argument and rebuttal like this the Body. He wrote: and he will rescue us from your hand, Oh king. But even if he does not, we want you which have caused some to take strong ...miracles of healing, however much they to know, Oh king, that we will not serve issue with the assumption that all such may have decreased after the Apostolic age, never entirely ceased, and that in the your gods or worship the image of gold you demonstrations were limited to the records of the Church, and the memoirs of have set up (Daniel 3:17,18). authentication of Scripture. In fact, some current writers declare that there her saints, accounts of supernatural healing Some argue that signs and wonders are by no means uncommon. (Bingham is nothing in Scripture that indicates and miracles were authenticating signs 1921:13) and limited to those through whom God that signs and wonders were meant to stop after the early days of Christianity. Bingham also readily affirmed that was granting “normative revelation,” signs are present in our world today: i.e., the Scriptures. They say, such signs They contend that theories about the and wonders terminated with the termination of certain spiritual gifts all In most of the foreign fields there have come from human interpreters under been such displays of His power for a sign. inscripturation of God’s special revela- Missionaries could duplicate almost every tion in the New Testament. the influence of Western world views and not from God’s Word. scene in the Acts of the Apostles during the Some who take this position hold past hundred years of their activities. that the “signs and wonders” were Others make the same point by Where, for the glory of the Christ, for the certain enablements given to certain suggesting that theories of cessation are establishment of his Word, for the further- ance of the Gospel, signs are necessary or believers for the purpose of authenti- theological judgments rather than historic observations. expedient, there He gives the signs, cating or confirming God’s word when according to His own will. (Bingham it was proclaimed in the early church The historical evidence would seem 1921:66) before the Scriptures were penned. to indicate that signs, wonders, and miracles of all kinds did not end with Note that Bingham saw no cessation They believe that these sign gifts were of signs when God saw it would be temporary. Once the Word of God was the death of the apostles or with inscrip- turation. Some writers press this point useful for His purposes. The bottom in Scriptures, the sign gifts were no line with Bingham, and with SIM today longer needed and they ceased. by quoting extensively from Irenaeus is the sovereignty of God. who, about 180 A.D. wrote: This position, however, has come We would like to make it clear that In Christ’s name the Christians are driving under increasing attack from both although there may be some who feel out devils...Others have foreknowledge of exegetical and historical perspective. that such signs have no place in our For instance, some take 1 Corinthians things to come; they see visions, and utter prophetic expressions. Others still heal the present day, SIM has never taken any 13:8-10 to show that gifts such as official position that signs, wonders, prophecy, tongues, and knowledge sick by laying their hands upon them, and they are made whole. Yea, moreover, as I miracles, or any specific gifts have would “cease” and “pass away” “when have said, the dead even have been raised ceased. Today, seven decades after perfection comes.” They argue that up, and remain among us for many years. Bingham took this stand, we affirm his “perfection” must refer to the comple- (Against Heresies by Irenaeus as quoted in words as our position: tion of revelation and thus think they Williams 1989:134) Where, for the glory of the Christ, for the have proof that certain gifts have It is well known that Tertullian, ceased. establishment of His Word, for the further- Cyprian and Origen, all of whom lived ance of the Gospel, signs are necessary or The problem, however, is that in the third century, after the canoniza- expedient, there He gives the signs, equally competent Bible scholars have tion of Scripture, testify to the miracu- according to His own will. argued that “perfection” does not refer lous in the early church. Origen (200- The Primacy of the Gospel to inscripturation at all, but rather to the 258 AD) wrote that he personally second coming of Christ. If that posi- witnessed “many delivered from Faulty theology is to be avoided, but tion is correct, it would argue strongly equally dangerous is a faulty emphasis. serious ailments, and from mental Many proponents give such emphasis to that such gifts are indeed valid distraction and madness, and countless signs and wonders that they overlook throughout the whole church age and other diseases, which neither man nor the real purpose to which Christ’s prove exactly the opposite of this demons had cured.” (Quoted in Smedes followers are called. (Recall C.S. negating position. 1987:36) Lewis’s concern, lest we give the Others point to Hebrews 2:4 to make Some of the greatest revivals of enemy too much emphasis.) the case that it was only at the first, i.e., history have had displays of signs and As we compare the Gospel record we at the beginning of the church age, that wonders very similar to those being see that there is only one comment God used signs, wonders, miracles claimed today, especially the revivals regarding the place of signs and (work of power) and distributions of of Wesley, Whitefield, the Great Awak- wonders in evangelism. That is the His Holy Spirit to confirm the word. ening of the 18th century and the Welsh disputed passage in Mark 16:17 where The problem here also is an exeget- revival. (Cf. John White, When the we read, “And these signs will accom- ical one, for there is no certain proof Spirit Comes with Power, especially pany those who believe....” Though the that the word “first” applies to the signs chapters 2-6.) textural debate is beyond the scope of and wonders. Many would interpret it SIM founder and the first General this study, we make the point that as applying only to the fact that our Director, Rowland Bingham, had much whether or not this passage was opened great salvation was “first announced” to say about the role of signs, wonders, by Mark, and not added later as some

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS 191 Howard Brant suggest, the thrust of the text is not from the dead” (Luke 16:31). On church. Here is what he laid down for signs and wonders are necessary to another occasion He said it was a the Corinthians in his First Epistle to bring people to faith, but that the life “wicked and adulterous generation” them: and ministry of the new community of that was always looking for a miracu- 1. Recognize that God gives all believers will be confirmed lous sign (Matthew 16:4). Paul said, His gifts sovereignly (12:11,18). (“demonstrated to be standing”) by “Jews demand miraculous signs and supernatural signs. Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach 2. Gifts in public must be for the edification of all (14:3-5). This phenomenon is not uncommon Christ crucified: a stumbling block to in the mission fields of the world today. Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to 3. All should be done in peace and Many times, when the gospel comes those whom God has called, both Jews without confusion; properly and in into a stronghold of Satan, those who and Greeks, Christ the power of God an orderly manner (14:33,40). first accept it are held suspect by the and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:22-24). 4. Those who are acting outside unbelieving majority. Sometimes God Scriptural guidelines should be allows the miraculous to take place so We need to concentrate on and ignored (14:37,38). the rest of the community can see that emphasize what God has given us to do. It is given to us to preach the 5. All gifts, miracles, or signs the new teaching about Christ is indeed should be open to the examination something of divine origin. As time gospel. That must be done whether or of others (14:29-32). passes, the life and testimony of the not there are signs and wonders. If God believers becomes its own authentica- sovereignly chooses to perform signs 6. Genuine gifts and ministry tion. SIM can point to numerous places and wonders, that is wonderful and we should not be forbidden (14:39). where large numbers of people have will thank Him. If He chooses not to 7. Everything should be done believed after they have had time to perform signs, we will also thank Him, undergirded with selfless agape watch the first converts and see the for the gospel itself is the power of God love which never fails (chapter power of God in their transformed through faith unto salvation. Whichever 13). lives. The gospel’s greatest attestation way He chooses, we will concentrate on what he has told us to do: preach the It is of interest that Paul made a is a transformed life. distinction between what was done While it is true that some have gospel, disciple believers, and teach His Word. privately and what was done in public ignored the possibility of the miracu- or in the church. As a Mission we have lous, others argue that evangelism If evangelists go into a town or no desire to make rules which preclude should be preceded and undergirded by village thinking, “If only a miracle the possibility that God may indeed supernatural demonstrations of God’s would occur here, the whole town work in miraculous ways. Rather, we presence, so that resistance to the would come to Christ,” their emphasis must make sure that what happens gospel is overcome by the demonstra- is on the miraculous. Rather, they within our Mission family or in the tion of God’s power. should go saying, “Christ has church body at a public level conforms Though no one should deny that God commanded us to preach the gospel. to our common understanding of that is able to bring spectacular displays of We will do that with all the energy and which pleases God. His power to bear at the time of enabling which He gives us. And if He should grant some miracles of power, As SIM missionaries we are all preaching the gospel, we should not fall all the better. We will thank Him for volunteers who have set aside our into the trap of thinking that displays of that.” particular doctrinal distinctive to work power will automatically accompany in an interdenominational mission. We the gospel. They may or they may not. The Unity of the Body have rallied around the common goal of If we follow our first principle that What then shall SIM Do? Should we preaching the gospel and planting the signs are given sovereignly, it must encourage the use of signs and wonders church throughout the world. The follow our first principle that signs are in ministry? Should we forbid it? We diverse nature of our organization given sovereignly, it must follow that can gain some perspective from Paul’s means that its members must agree to God alone decides if and when signs instruction to the Corinthian church in allow one another liberty in expression are useful to encourage faith. the use of spiritual gifts, for there were and experience. Signs, wonders and miracles can be people who considered themselves By the same token, being a member used as a temporary means to enhance “spiritual” and yet were abusing the of such a mission means agreeing to faith. But that which is lasting and gifts. (cf. Hemphill 1988:43ff) work within a broad consensus. If a builds faith is the preaching of God’s Paul avoided what may have seemed person’s conviction or over-emphasis Holy Word. “Faith comes from hearing the easy road: outlawing the use of threatens to break our consensus, the the message, and the message is heard specific gifts in the church altogether. mission’s unity is threatened. We must through the world of Christ” (Romans Under the guidance of the Spirit he never allow that to happen. 10:17). It would be a huge mistake to chose the delicate balance of not assume that God must work miracles to quenching the Spirit by forbidding the cause receptivity and foster faith. On use of genuine gifts, and by giving clear SUMMARY one occasion Jesus said, “They will not teaching that would correct errors and *We encourage our missionaries and be convinced even if someone rises direct the proper use of gifts in the all true saints of God to put on the

VOl 10:4 OCT 1993 192 Power Encounter armor of God and to take up the We believe with all our hearts in a London: Herder and Herder, 1962. weapons of spiritual warfare and get God who is powerful and willing to Smedes, Lewis B. (ed.), Ministry and into the battle for the souls of lost men show himself mighty in His good time. the Miraculous. Pasadena, Fuller Theo- and women. We will preach the gospel with fervor logical Seminary, 1987. * We believe that God is sovereign for it is the “power of God for the salva- tion of everyone who believes: first for Torrey, R.A. What the Bible Teaches. over all. When it serves His purposes Old Tappan, NJ: Revel, 1984. and brings glory to His name, He has the Jew, then for the Gentile” (Romans performed and can perform signs, 1:16). We will pray, as did the early Wagner, C. Peter. On the Crest of the wonders, and miracles according to His church, that He would enable His Wave: Becoming a World Christian. will. We do not believe, however, that servants to speak the Word “with great Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1983. we as believers and His servants have boldness.” Nor will we fear to include ______. The Third Wave of the the right or the authority to demand the request that God would stretch out Holy Spirit. Ann Harbor, MI: Servant such miracles. His hand “to heal and perform miracu- Publications, 1988. lous signs and wonders” through the * We believe that God has clearly name of His holy servant Jesus (Acts Walker, Andrew. Restoring the commanded us to preach the gospel, 4:29,30). In so doing, we will also Kingdom. London: Hodder and disciple the nations, and teach His make every effort “to keep the unity of Stroughton, 1988. Word. We will continue to make this the Spirit through the bond of peace” White, John. When the Spirit Comes our emphasis. If God in His sovereignty (Ephesians 4:3). with Power: Signs and Wonders among allows the miraculous to take place, we God’s People. Downers Grove, IL. will praise Him. If not, we will still Inter Varsity Press. 1988. praise Him, for the gospel itself is the BIBLIOGRAPHY power of God unto salvation. Williams, Don. Signs, Wonders and the Bingham, Rowland V. The Bible and Kingdom of God: A Biblical Guide for * We believe that God has called us the Body, Toronto: Evangelical the Reluctant Sheptic. Ann Harbor, MI: to disciple believers into churches Publishers, (originally published in Servant Publications, 1989. equipped to fulfill Christ’s Commis- 1921) fourth ed. 1952. sion. As an interdenominational Wimber, John. Power Evangelism. San Bridge, Donald. Signs and Wonders Francisco: Harper and Row, 1986. mission, we cannot allow any one to Today. Leichester, England: Inter over-emphasize secondary or tertiary Varsity Press, 1985. distinctives of doctrine or practice in ARTICLES such a way as to threaten our unity or Coggins, James R. and Paul G. Hiebert bring division to our Mission. We do editors. Wonders and the Word. Bingham, Rowland V, “Why Work welcome, however, all who can work Winnipeg, MB Kindred Press, 1989. Internationally?” in The Evangelical within our consensus. Flynn, Leslie B. 19 Gifts of the Spirit. Christian, January 1913. * In short, we accept the miraculous Wheaton, IL. Victor Books, 1974. Searles, Ken, “All Power & Signs.” in in ministry where: Hay, Ian M. Unity and Purity: Keeping Kindred Spirit, Summer 1989. the Balance. Toronto: SIM Canada, Tippet, Alan R., “Possessing the Philos- 1. It is in harmony with the Word 1983. ophy of Animism for Christ” in Donald of God. Hemphill, Kenneth S. Spiritual Gifts: A McGravan, Crucial Issues in 2. It brings glory to the Lord Jesus Empowering the New Testament Missions Tomorrow. Chicago: Moody and not to an individual. Church. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1972. Press, 1988. 3. It calls attention to the gospel and not to a person. Houston, Graham. Prophecy: A Gift for UNPUBLISHED PAPERS Today? Downers Grover, IL. Inter Baker, Ken, “A Case for Power 4. It does not impinge on the sove- Varsity Press, 1988. reignty of God. Encounter as a Part of Church Planting Kraft, Charles H. Christianity with Strategy.” Trinity Evangelical Divinity 5. It is subject to the judgment of Power. Ann Harbor, MI: Servant Publi- others. School, 1988. (Available: SIM Interna- cations, 1989. tional Resource Center). 6. It does not pursue or over- MacArthur, John. The Charismatics. Corwin, Gary R., “Power Encounter: emphasize in a manner which Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1978. The SIM Experience.” Trinity Evangel- could threaten the unity of our Mission. Prior, David. Jesus and Power. ical Divinity School, 1989 (Available: Downers Grove, IL. Inter Varsity Press, SIM International Resource Center). 1987. Parshall, Phil, “Power Theology and In Conclusion Rahner, Kar Spiritual Experiences.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS Intercessors and Cosmic Urban Spiritual Warfare

Taking our cities with the Gospel is one of the greatest challenges facing us in the ‘90s. It will require intense intercession, sacrifice and prolonged spiritual warfare. Although this article focuses on cities rather than peoples, the author believes “the warfare for the unreached peoples will largely be fought in the cities.”

By Viv Grigg

his morning my friend, a political But I asked where was a national in from around the globe is that almost Tleader in exile from an Asian city, leader of sufficient political standing to every one of these cities already have told me that God wanted him to destroy carry the spiritual warfare into the very churches. The gospel must go to the the prostitution trade in his city. I wept centers of power. This morning I wept ends of the earth. But none of these to myself in the quiet of my office. For for I had my answer. Eight years of cities have sufficient numbers of eight years I had waited for God to carrying the burden of a city in my believers and churches to effectively answer prayer (1) and raise up such a spirit (6). evangelize each major sector of the man. This paper is about intercession and city.3 It had been eight years since I first its impact on issues of completing the Today we are moving into what Dr. entered that city. On that day I had sat unfinished task of reaching cities. For Paul Pierson calls the fourth era of the on my bed in the guest house and many years it has been a privilege to modern missions - reaching the cities. waited in the presence of God (2)1 He walk with my family behind the Lord in In the last decade over 1 billion people took my hands and used them to form the dark side of the mega-cities slums have careened down rural roads into the shape of the spirit over that city. A of the third world and to intercede for multiplying concrete highways to be spirit that was deeply sensuous, and one many of these cities. disgorged and disoriented into the city giving power to the very kingdom over Out of intercession has come the and its slums. the land had entered. Later I went out, emergence of movements, missions and Most mission leaders are aware that and there on the sidewalk saw the churches. These have not been the almost all population increase in the images of this goddess. result of any particular charisma, nor next decades will be both urban and We read that “Jesus became a man because of massive resources, for we urban migrant (rural population growth and dwelt among them.” Peter, later in have lived as poor people, without will remain static), that the majority of life said simply “we touched him.” Out significant resources, just daily bread this will be in the slums and squatter of the incarnation, came the warfare (7) and what he has provided to cata- areas and that these will increase far (3). There is no intercession unless we lyze each new work. These movements faster than the rate of industrialization die for a people. So I asked God for a are the result of the sovereign hand of of these cities. person (4) for someone who would go God moving in answer to prayer (8). to this city and rescue the victims of the Therefore, the penetration of these prostitution trade—for the Kingdom of cities and these receptive urban poor Strategic Focus for Intercessors in communities define the target of God is manifest in service to the poor. the Next Decades missions for the next decades and will And God spoke to a woman. Within probably require more energy and more a few months of her arrival, and the Where do we strategically focus prayer? As coordinator of the Cities suffering than has been seen in the beginning of her evangelistic ministry, whole of the modern Protestant era. We the wives of some of the rich in the city Resource Network of the AD 2000 came to her asking how they could Movement, some very simple compari- can foresee that the future of missions help. For their husbands were part of sons of existing research has resulted in is urban, and that it is to the poor. the structures that perpetuated the trade, an estimate of 1736 such unevangelized and they were ashamed. Spiritual cities. By AD 2000 there will be over 400 cities over 1 million, and over 300 Intercession Involves Entering the encounters now moved to a second Sufferings of the Poor level, beyond the victims to the people of these could be classified as unevan- in power in the structures. A level of gelized. Some 30-90% of the popula- Any cursory look at worlds A, B, C, authority had been earned through tion of each of these live in highly or the 10/40 Window, shows that the incarnation, evangelism and service to responsive slums, colonias, favelas, least evangelized are the poor of the the poor (5). Gradually other ministries bustees, bidonvilles, shantytowns, earth. As Bryant Myers has pointed formed. A city prayer movement was squatter areas...2 out, “the poor are the lost.” developed. The exciting thing as data has come As an intercessor, I have to call you INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS, VOL 10:4 OCT. 1993 196 Intercessors and Cosmic Urban Spiritual Warfare to enter into the poverty of the poor, for fruit to the families of those hurt by wide responses. Wagner and others that was the model of him who now these events. As he did the people saw intercedes for us. As a strategist it is God come among them. evident that the responsive migrant And the first bustee in another city is poor are the key to the cities - bibli- A lot of people are talking about penetrated with the gospel. What was taking cities today. cally, historically, sociologically, and in the cost of initial penetration? One terms of church planting and growth. worker lost her hearing, one worker lost * What do they mean? * How do we measure success? her health, fifteen workers gave from * What do we mean by closure in The Great Mission of Jesus three to seven years of their lives with this comic urban warfare? * What is the role of intercession? Given these contexts of massive severe sicknesses, frequent demonic urbanization, globalization and impov- activities (12) surrounding them. And erishment of city populations, what is behind it, several hundred people our goal in praying? Let us look to our praying (13). Today in six bustees there Master to find the answers. relate the success to spiri- tual mapping (15), and spir- He came preaching the itual warfare. Kingdom of God. Preaching, teaching, healing and deliv- R.A. Torrey, preached ering were his primary activi- back in 1904 in my home ties. He trained his disciples city of Dunedin, New in the same central issues of Zealand. It was a city methodology. We are to pray founded by a shipload of for laborers who can do the Presbyterians to be a city of same (9) (Matthew 9:37,38). God. When he preached, the city closed down. Shops In Luke 4:18 He declares were closed with signs His mission and ours, the “gone to the crusade.” great mission. It is to preach Trams full of people would good news to the poor. The burst out into singing of central activity is not giving hymns. Torrey saved a city bread. The central focus is by a revival in the power of not the middle class. An the Holy Spirit. Old men apostolic focus, on the poor, kept a city under the sove- in a holistic context and reign grace of God by their manner to the apostolic consistent prayers (16). Is ministry needs to be central. this taking a city? Luke 4:18 is the heart of the great commission of Matthew Nehemiah, soaking in the 28, and Mark 16 which define the are emerging groups of worshipping word of God (17), prayed for a city. extent and further expand on metho- people. And what will be the cost of a God gave him the opportunity of dology. movement? Somebody giving 15 to 20 rebuilding Jerusalem after a godly years of their lives for this people, manner. Is this what we mean by building upon the penetration. Every taking a city? Penetrating the Least of the Least step bathed in prayer (14). Evangelized Cities Jonah was reluctantly spewed up to a city. His prophetic word (18) stayed He had been a language helper for a In this city of 12 million we estimate the hand of God for 400 years, all foreign man of God. One day he there are 150 movements needed to repented from king to slave. The story refused to give money for the puja, the penetrate each major sector of the city. is told of St. Francis of Assisi, that celebration of worship of the goddess, So far in the last 18 months we have wandering Pentecostal evangelist of “I have been reading this holy book and prayed in three pioneer teams. Some earlier years, as to how he saved Assisi. it says we are to have only one God.” 60,000 people have prayed for a month The city was in civil war. He sent Then he fled from the bustee (slum). for the city. Every month we have Bernardo ahead of him to declare to the He gave his life to the only one God. asked God to send in an intercessory spirits over the city (19) that Francis of During those days a train smashed into team of pastors. He has answered in Assisi was coming and to depart and to the community, two houses caught on diverse ways. gather the leaders of rich and poor. fire. The people said it was because he They then sat down and negotiated a had turned against their goddess – How Long Has it Been Since contract that saved the city. The perhaps it was, they would know. Someone Took a City? Wesleys saved cities and nations The one to whom he taught language Wagner has popularized the work through preaching a holistic gospel of was a man of prayer, and a man who done by Ed Silvoso and Harvest Evan- the Kingdom to the poor. Is this taking walked among the poor, and in prayer gelism4 with stories of cities that evan- a city for God? God spoke (10,11) to take flowers and gelistically have had significant city- Jesus, like Abraham, looked forward

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS Viv Grigg 197 to a city but was brought to the notice of thrown out from a city the Western nations the for which he did battle strategic place of Iraq in prayer (Matt. (Babylon) and Iran (the 23:37), and to which Kingdom of Persia) in he prophesied (20). the Biblical end time The outcome was its scenarios, as being destruction 40 years strongholds of two later. Did he take a immensely powerful city? Did Abraham spirits. While hesitant when he prayed for about George’s unique Sodom take a city? We interpretation of Revela- cannot preempt the tion, the reality of these judgments of a sove- two powerful spiritual reign God by some centers seems verifi- model of success in able. There are other how we take cities. centers of tremendous Intensive Goals for power in the 10/40 Prayer region. I would identify at least five - Calcutta (center of I would propose specific Kali and Brahmanic Hinduism), prayer goals for cities that have Varanassi, Iraq, Iran and the different levels of spiritual life Tibetan region. Penetrating and resources: these is done only through death *Penetration evangelism in (21). These powers are centered cities less than 0.5% evangel- in cities, control countries or ical.5 whole regions and extend their *Kingdom movements influence through the “isms” of (including discipling move- philosophy and religion. The ments, churches, and new level of demonic activity in the denominations) within major context of these centers of princi- sectors of cities less than 3% palities could be far greater than evangelical. that of past Protestant missions focused on tribes. It is certainly *Saturation evangelization of greater than in easily accessible cities resulting in revival move- countries or Christianized or ments in every major sector and Catholicized contexts. urban poor mission-sending thrusts in cities from 3-20% At the same time as we face a evangelical. higher level of intensity of oppo- sition, the world is moving to the *Discipling of whole cities, cities, where all the depravity of bringing whole cities under the man coalesces in giant grotesque socio-economic-political princi- forms that enable the spiritual ples of the Kingdom of God, powers to wreak great destruction transforming the very struc- in increasing levels. And so in tures and culture of the cities general, reaching and trans- where there are more than 10% forming the cities becomes evangelicals (Jesus and Paul did not High Intensity Intercessory Warfare increasingly difficult. have this opportunity, but many Not only demographically but theo- through history have). logically many are aware that the final Biblical battles are battles between A Biblical Theology of Cosmic cities, between God’s people in the Spiritual Urban Conflict Extensive Goals for Prayer: cities (the bride of Christ, which is the Biblical history is a history of a city of God) and biblical Babylon as it *3500 cities over 100,000. cosmic spiritual conflict between two represents the emerging interglobal cities – the city of God, and the city of *Focus in on 1736 Cities Less than network of cities – the global city itself. man – of power struggles taking place 3% Evangelical.6 The casualties will be greater than in two centers of demonic powers – (the *Primary focus on 51 cities over 1 even in these least unreached cities. rich and the poor): The principalities million and less than 0.5% Chris- The level of direct confrontation with over the military elites who rule the tian. the powers will be more intense. world’s city-states from the mega-cities George Otis7 in his artistic style has (for most countries have only one city

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to which the nation’s resources flow. Cities As Centers of Demonic many forms of restrictions on human There are few true democracies even Principalities sexual practices that are necessary for today). The powers are manifest in the Jacques Ellul8 in perhaps the most holding the family together. New urban slums, where the victims of the significant theology on the city since York is known for the financial philos- oppression, violence, corruption and Augustine’s City of God, grippingly ophies and the structures they produce mismanagement of countries and cities portrays this theme from the first city around the globe, while Washington is find their dwellings. built by Cain in rebellion against God. known around the world for the misuse His descendants built Babylon. Which, of power and oppression of poor in the Scriptures begins as the name of nations. Cities as Covenants Between Peoples a city but takes on the meaning of a and God It seems that each city has a philo- principality far larger than any city, and sophical focus that defines it. Frequent- Jerusalem was a city built from a becomes representative of a world ly the powers are “isms” that seem to covenant with a patriarch whose eyes urban system warring against God. In a have a territorial center. This seems were fixed on a heavenly city. Cities similar manner, Jerusalem comes to logical when considering the finite today frequently retain some of the represent not just the geographical loca- nature of demonic beings in contrast effect of covenants made in former tion of the city of God, but a picture of with the omnipresence of our God. days. the universal city where God dwells. Through the proclamation of the When I was a child, there was a Today in the same manner, we find gospel, the Kingdom impacts the very group of old men who used to pray for Bangkok, the “city of the angels” and in structures of the cities. The Scriptures our city in York Place Hall in the center regular daily ceremonies, every portion are consistent that working for justice of the city. They were the fruit of the of its land is dedicated to the spirits, for in society is both part of a righteous revival lead by R.A. Torrey in 1904. In whom small houses are constructed. person’s lifestyle and lays the basis for my 14th year they died. That year the Kalikata or Calcutta, is named after a intercession. Colossians tells us that Presbyterian churches of the city goddess. This city of death, is a servant Christ is the integrator of the structures founded by migrant Presbyterians to be of the goddess of death and destruction. of the universe.10 He holds cities a city of God. Later however, sensuous together. Romans tells us to obey the dancing was started in the churches. Discernment of these spiritual instituted authorities for they have been By the end of the year the youth were powers helps in preparation for the appointed by God.11 dancing into sexual relationships in the battle. It occurs by the preaching of the But what of the institutions not town hall, and had left the churches. word, the word of our testimony, the founded by God, such as slavery of That year the spiritual life of the city signs that follow, and “loving not of our much of North Africa and many Asian died. The city has never recovered. lives unto death.” As Luther under- cities, or the structures of prostitution or Even today I can count on one hand the stood, “He who would true valour see, child labor and abortion? This tension spiritual churches in that city. God let him come hither...there’s no discou- of “City of God, City of Satan” to use upheld covenants made with Torrey and ragement can make him once relent his Robert Linthicum’s term12 is one that with these men throughout their life- first avowed intent to be a pilgrim.” requires constant discernment. Struc- time as they prayed. It was here I was While the nature of principalities tures are not usually neutral. They may first struck to the floor by the Holy dwelling over territories may be be ethically corrupted, or ethically Spirit into a wonderful sense of his inferred from the Scriptures, Berkhof, good. Or they may have life birthed presence. They were praying in another Walter Wink,9 and others coming from into them at points by the Holy Spirit, room, nevertheless, such was the power a variety of theological perspectives, or death by demonic powers. of Holy Spirit in their prayers. indicate that the primary biblical cate- For example we may break down Taking cities has to do with re- gories are not simply geographical into components the educational struc- establishing the covenants of the cities thrones and dominions but the warfare ture of a city-state. The policy (1) set (22), destroying the covenants made is against the philosophies and religions by the governing parliamentary with devils and re-establishing cove- of the people. Thus Hollywood has chamber (2), under the leadership of a nants with God. As for Torrey it began been the name not only for a place but secretary of education (3), is then set with the preaching of the gospel which for a demonic intrusion into the homes into operating procedures (4) by is the power of God for salvation. of millions, propagating licentiousness, bureaucrats (5), and implemented (6) adultery, immorality and undermining by educators (7). At any point demonic

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS Viv Grigg 199 activity or the life of the Spirit of God A few weeks ago as I spoke with the the Spirit. Choosing suffering with the can enter into individuals and through pastors of one city, and as I looked poor produces the character of the individuals into the policy, philosophy, around the room, I realized I had heard Spirit, enabling an outflow of his or administration. Aspects of this struc- negative stories about every one of power. ture can be demonized. them. In their culture people say nice 7. Intercessory Leadership Begins In Cities may be ethically good (1) , bad things about others but then end with Reaching The Poor cutting comments. As I began to talk (2) or neutral (mixed (3)) , governed by From the ministry of preaching godly people by God’s principles (4) or about this, some 50 pastors then cove- nanted together to never cut down among the poor emerge those with truly infiltrated on the other hand by pastoral hearts. Again and again we demonic powers (5) operating through another. It had taken seven years of people and philosophies. suffering and work to bring us to this find the spiritual leaders here of the city point. began with planting the church among the poor. We find that God raises up The riots in Los Angeles were the those who work among the poor to be Strategic Issues in Intercession for key to catalyze the unity of the church Cities the spiritual leaders of the pastors of of that city. After the riots Korean and cities. Jackie Pullinger-Chan began 1. Common Progressions in City Black pastors, Hispanic and Afro- with drug addicts in Hong Kong and Partnering Processes Americans and Anglos publicly today thousands in that city owe spiri- confessed their sins to each other (23) For each city God has a purpose. tual life to the ripples of her ministry. and began to work on issues of transfor- Roger Forester began by taking needy And for each city God has a battle plan. mation of the city together. It is our task to discern it. It then is our people into his home and is being used task in unity to walk with him in the 4. Prayer Movements across London and the world. obedience. Listening, unity and timing Prayer births visions of what God “Why?” we might ask. One reason is are crucial factors. can do in the city (24), and builds that a qualification of an elder is that We need to know the processes mutual trust and relationship (25). It is they not be greedy.14 Perhaps also involved in partnering churches a common denominator around which other pastors see that these are not hire- together for establishing of the many diverse Christian groups can lings but truly care for the sheep. Kingdom in every sector of a city. work in unison. Thirdly, being among the poor proves Every step in such a process is of neces- Citywide prayer, prayer walks, to be a training ground for under- sity the working of the Spirit, as we prayer marches, neighborhood prayer standing the structures of the city, work with him. Every city is different strategies, prayer triplets (26) are some which oppress the poor, and cause and will follow a different pattern with of the components of such movements poverty, and leads us into the emer- a different time frame and style. Every of prayer, that are included in the Cities gence of a prophetic powerful ministry. battle is different. Strategy Manual.13 Concerts of Prayer Luke 4:18 tells us that God unleashes 2. Spiritual Unity of the Church Key to are effectively working in many cities. his Spirit especially on such servants. Spiritual Warfare The Intercessory Prayer Manual devel- 8. People Group Thinking: Necessary oped by John Huffman of “Christ for but Not Sufficient In most evangelized cities (with a the Cities in Latin America” is one of significant number of churches), there the best tools for integrating prayer and We need to mobilize massive move- will be a movement of the Holy Spirit research at a local church level. ments of prayer (29) in Latin America that brings pastors of the city together. for the unevangelized cities in Asia. To There may be many networks of 5. Released From Worldly Powers do this requires city profiles, profiles of pastors, Christian interest groups, Many sins prevent effective intercession “peoples in cities” and profiles of “the prayer networks, women’s networks (27). Some stand out. Penetrating cities of the mega-peoples” to be devel- etc., scattered across the city. Linking centers of affluence (cities), requires the oped and disseminated along the lines the leaders of these together around Biblical renunciation of wealth (28). St. of people profiles. some common goals is a central Francis of Assisi has been the universal element of reaching a city. It also requires changing the format model of apostolic poverty. It was his of people group profiles so that the This must be birthed by the Holy release from the powers of greed of his cities of the peoples become focal, for Spirit. The spiritual unity of the leaders times that enabled him to move into they are the entrance point to most of the Church is a key to spiritual levels of spiritual power and save peoples. For while the people group power (see Acts 2, 4). The Holy Spirit whole cities. movement has picked up steam, (and may not work significantly in a situa- 6. The First Issue In Spiritual Authority rural peoples will remain a major item tion where he is grieved due to their for world evangelism), the unreached disunity. Out of our sufferings God has given a level of authority for part of the people groups have been moving to the 3. A Shared Theology of Brokenness warfare in this city. Jesus gave an abso- cities. The warfare for the unreached If there is not significant unity, the lute principle that “unless the grain of peoples of the world will largely be first step is to bring together the pastors wheat dies it does not bear fruit”. He fought in the cities. in prayer or in renewal and teaching modeled it, for, “Jesus became a man Some would contend that people until there are reconciliations and and dwelt among us...” Incarnation group thinking is all that is needed to brokenness occurs between each other. among the poor releases the power of strategically reach them. But this is a

VOL 10:4 OCT 1993 200 Intercessors and Cosmic Urban Spiritual Warfare reductionist error. Citywide thinking is who know how to plant the church community in the city (e.g. suburbs in required to reach cities. Part of this is to among the urban poor in the power of America). develop an analysis of the people the Spirit and are able to live simply, 4Wagner, Peter, Warfare Prayer, groups in each city. But while cities going from economies that are begin- Regal Books, 1991. have linguistic groups, and ethnic ning to have sufficient support base to 5 The percentage levels are purely rule communities, they also have networks, sustain them. In such a statement I am economic and class, and caste barriers also predicting that the Lord will stabi- of thumb. It seems that around 3% and many other forms of social groups. lize several Latin economies as the evangelical in a city some kind of Diversity, not reductionism, is the way church begins to move from simple sustainable processes begin to take to urban evangelization. evangelism to transform the structures shape. It seems that beyond this point of those nations, and that they will have increasing levels of transformation of Is There Still a Place for Western society begin to occur. Missions? the economic base for sustained mission sending. 6We could redo this ranking on the There is new power in the “Charis- basis of Barrett’s % Christian. His matic” leaderships from the West. The resources are available. The potential workers are available. Pres- figures are based on an integrity of Unfortunately they do not know the sociological definitions. Percentage issues of poverty. They have heard the ence among the poor, proclamation with power and prevailing prayer Evangelical from Patrick Johnstone is Lord speak about the poor, and are an estimate, also with integrity but seeking to obey, but so far have been remain the methodologies to bring about closure, to bring about a disci- measuring a variable more readily unwilling to pay the price of changing perceived by front-line evangelists. their lifestyles, structures and message. pling movement in every major sector Decadence and greed take their toll. in 3500 cities on the globe. We need to Basing a ranking on Barrett’s model Yet there are pockets of significance – move from Penetration to Church- gives roughly the same rankings but such as the commitment of the New planting to Movements of Transforma- leaves out re-evangelization of Catholic Zealand churches to the poor that has tion of these cities, and before the Lord and Orthodox cities. resulted in seven missions now sending returns. Mobilized, strategically 7Otis, George, The Last of the Giants, long-term teams to the slums of Asia. focused, informed, trained and incarna- Chosen Books, 1991. tional intercession is our starting point. 8 Apart from teams in the slums of Ellul, Jacques, The Meaning of the City, Eerdmans, 1977. Manila with International Teams and End Notes the commitments of Action Interna- 9An excellent summary can be found tional, and the growing focus of 1Principles of intercession are in in McAlpine, Thomas, “Facing the YWAM and O.M. on the urban poor, it italics and with a (number) beside them. Powers: What are the Options,” is difficult to find a large U.S. mission 2See Grigg, Viv, “Cry of the Urban MARC, 1991. society with a strategy for sending Poor,”chapter 2. MARC, 1992, for a 10Colossians 1:16-20. teams of church planters in to the slums more extensive summary of research on 11Romans 13:1-7. of the cities. If they do not reach the the extent of the slums. 12Linthicum, Robert, City of God, poor of these cities, how will they know 3 As a rule of thumb we are looking at City of Satan, Zondervan, 1991. A the issues of the city? And if they do major sectors as any people group (as not suffer with the people, how can they Biblical theology of the city from the defined by a people themselves) perspective of Christian community pray for a city? and so how will the consisting of over 100,000 people. This cities be reached? is generally based on language and organization. 13Available from Urban Leadership, The Lord is turning to others. ethnic background, but also by occupa- Perhaps the future is with missionaries tion, and to some degree by economic 127 N. Madison Ave, #20, Pasadena, from newly developed countries to the status (e.g. street children, slum CA 91101 ($20 incl. tax, P&H). cities of the poorer nations. People communities), and to some degree by 14 1 Timothy 3:3.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS The Bihari Of India: A People Still Unreached with the Gospel Prayer Profile Supplied by the AAPC had a vision that the spirit of A Hopeless Present A Confusion of Languages “I darkness sits on a throne and waits Bihar has a proud and powerful The Bihari speak three major to see your weakness,” a missionary “ history and her capital city of Patna (2 languages: Bhojpuri (46 million), writes about Bihar. This is different million) is the third oldest in India. The Mithili (25 million) and Magahi (12 from anywhere in India. This spirit is state is one of the most densely popu- million). The majority also speak Urdu shrewd and cunning. You can’t tell lated in India; it has seen empires rise or Hindi. Mixed with the languages are when it will hit or where it may come and fall; has spawned major religions, countless religions. Bihar and Patna are from.” yet Bihar is regarded as the backward strongholds of the “god obsession” of A Religious Past and depressed stepchild of India. (90% India. of Bihari’s are rural, with only 26% Little remains of their past glory – all The home of the Bihari people is adult literacy). Bihar is long ceased to bisected by the famous Ganges river that is left are broken down buildings, be an advanced culture or center of while their children play in littered and is the birth place of enumerable power. tribal beliefs and three world religions. streets. The lowest female literacy rate Pilgrims of Jainism, Buddhism and and the highest infant mortality rate in Hinduism flock to Bihar in Eastern India reveals a picture of a people in India to worship at numerous shrines spiritual darkness, deep bondage and and holy sites. Jainists, an offshoot of enslaved by poverty. Hinduism, claim Pavapuri as their Bihari Unreached with Christianity center, while Hindu’s worship at Gaya The introduction of Christianity has as a holy place. Sikh’s revere Patna City been nearly impossible – the price is as the birthplace of the 10th and final too high. Bihari believers write: Sikh guru, Gobind Singh and Bodhgaya is the holiest site for Buddhists – where “My family disowns me and neigh- Buddha allegedly gained enlightenment bors persecute me,” “My grandfather under a Bo tree. refers to me as his dead son,” “I cry and cry because I am all alone!” A Christian faces the loss of social solidarity and The Muslim Majority/Minority oneness with his people. Seemingly the Some 50% of Bihari’s are Muslim. small church and nominal Christianity Although the majority live in the state cannot make up for the loss of support of Bihar you will find them scattered all provided by the extended family. It is over India as well as in Nepal and not surprising that 9 out of 10 Muslim Bangladesh. There are three main converts revert back to Islam. groups: Wealthy Sunnis, the middle The church is scattered, weak and class and poor Sunnis and Shiites. fragmented. (Less than 20,000 or One million Bihari Muslims fled 0.02% of Bihari’s are Christian) India to East Pakistan (now Bangla- Bihari's reputation as a graveyard of desh) when it was set up as a Muslim missions is well earned. State in 1947. They sided with Pakistan during the civil war which gained Bible Status Bihar became the center for the Bangladesh its freedom and are now Only the Magahi language has a spread of Buddhism throughout Asia considered traitors to Bangladesh. They portion of the Bible. But it was trans- when King Ashoka (269-232 B.C.) live in refugee camps and have waited lated in 1826 and is now out of print. ruled over all of the Indian subconti- in vain for 20 years for help from Paki- There are translations currently in nent. In the 1850's Bihar was a hub for stan.Today only 20% of Patna and 12% progress for the other two major mutiny against the British. Mahatma of the state of Bihar are Muslim so they languages: Bhojpuri and Mithili. Very Gandhi launched his passive resistance have little power to unite as a people. A few Scriptures are available in Urdu or movement, satyagraha from Cham- dominant 85% of the state of Bihar are other Indian languages. paran in Northern Bihar. Hindu. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS, VOL 10:4 OCT. 1993 202 The Bihari of India

For Further Study power. * Pray that as Bihar has been seedbed R.R. Diwakar (ed), Bihar Through The * Muslims rarely have white collar jobs for other world religions it will in the Ages, 1959, or good pay. last days become a fountain of Christian awakening in India and a Caleb Project,That They May Know sign to Hindus everywhere. (2 Him —Prayer Booklet For Muslims in Samuel 7:18-26; Neh. 6:15-16) Patna, India, 1989, * Pray for Christian workers in Bihar Sir John Houlton, Bihar: The Heart of by name, that they will not grow India, 1949, weary in the spiritual war they wage. Church Growth Research Center, A (Isa. 62:1-9) Portrait of India— Study Material for * Pray that the religious Bihari will see Lausanne II, 1989, that salvation does not come by law William S. Ellis, “Bangladesh Hope or works, but only through the Lord Nourishes a New Nation,” National Jesus Christ and faith in him. (Gal. Geographic, Sept. 1972, p. 295-333. 2:16) * Pray for new missionaries who would bring the gospel in its fulness The State of Bihar to the poor and needy in Bihar, as * Area: 173,877 Sq Km— a little well as to the poor in other Indian smaller than Sweden. states and in Bangladesh. * Capital: Patna. * Average Rainfall – 40-60 inches. * Bihar is divided by the Ganges River. * Bihar is a leading industrial area of India. Religion: * Bihar accounts for 40% of the mineral * 56% Muslim. production of India. * 40% Hindus. * Cash crop are chili, sugar and tobacco. * 4-12% Tribal. * Less than 0,02% Christians.

The Bihari People Population: Pray for the Bihari * Pray that the power of principalities * 83 million. (the gods of Hinduism, Buddhism, * Besides the three major languages, Islam) keeping the people in spiritual 90% speak Urdu (the official Muslim bondage will be broken. (Read Dan. language) and 44% speak Hindi (the 9:11-19; 10:10-14; 2 Cor. 10:4-5) official language of India). * Pray that the churches in Patna will * Literacy – 26%. be strengthened and revived so they * Minority populations include: will reach out and become evangel- Muslims, Jains, Sikhs, Christians, ists and missionaries to their own and numerous tribal peoples. people. (Eph. 6:10-20) * Pray for unity among the churches of Bihar. Pray that the Bihar church can Life in Bihar: be the source of peace between * 10% urban, 90% rural. Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists. * Bihari have voting rights, though (John 17:6-23) Muslims and other minorities lack

“After this I beheld a great multitude, which no man could number from all nations, and kindreds, and peoples and tongues.” (Revelation 7:9)

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS Reflections on the Adopt-A-People Consultation II

Colorado Springs, August 16, 1993

By Frank Kaleb Jansen ill history repeat itself? It was dissenting votes. Truly it is a rare docu- mission agencies. A group consisting a fairly courageous statement ment of unity in spirit, purpose and of Luis Bush (AD 2000), Bruce that the 230 participants from 107 goal. (Note: that document was printed Camp (Ev. Free Church), Ron organizations made when they, at the in extencio in the summer issue of Rowland (SIL), Clark Scanlon Adopt-A-People Consultation II earlier IJFM.) (Southern Baptist, FMB) and Ralph this year, made their unanimous declar- The center piece, and actually the Winter (WCIU) with Frank Kaleb ation:“An Appeal to Disciples Every- main reason for AAP Consultation II, Jansen (AAPC and the MC for the where” echoing the petition from D. L. meeting) ex officio labored through was the presentation of the compilation the whole gathering as an editorial Moody and A.T. Pierson at the mission of a comprehensive list of “unreached conference in Northfield 1885. committee. Another group of about and adoptable peoples” and the conse- 30 acted as a “review committee” The declaration from Colorado quences this would bring about for while the AAPC board members Springs 1993 was even more daring mission agencies and churches. The were collecting input from every- than the original, because, we knew survey is called: “A Church for Every body. The final draft was then that these great men failed in their People” and caries on the back cover discussed in a plenary session before attempt to see the world evangelized Jesus’ words (John 17:21): the final edit. It was exciting to see before the turn of the century. In 1895 …that they may all be one; the unity among the participants A.T. Pierson had to announce - “I ...that the world may believe... when the “Appeal” was endorsed despair of hope!” The reason was the unanimously. lack of prayer and unity in the Body of These words became in many ways Christ. The bloodiest and most destruc- the spiritual theme for every presenta- The 230 participants at the Confer- tive of all centuries, that was about to tion, and undergirded the whole consul- ence might seem few and insignifi- dawn did prove him right. Although for tation. Several intercessors had been cant compared to the 6000 at the many other reasons, the twentieth praying and fasting 40 days for the conference in Northfield. However, when one looks at who this consulta- century caused a whole mankind to gathering, one group prayed day and despair of hope. tion represented and their sphere of night during the entire time we were influence, they by far surpass the Back then was there a link between meeting. Point #4 of the “Appeal” says: influence of the first meeting some the failure of the church and the global We recognize that we have not done all 100 years ago. rise of evil? We shall of course never that we could in making Christ known know, but I tend to believe that Chris- to the unreached peoples. For this we The Format tian unity and a global mission thrust repent. Another noticeable difference was might have resulted in a revival that It was therefore just natural as Dick the format of the conference. Because would have changed the history of our Eastman (EHC) lead in prayer that the it was planned and executed as a live century. conference ended on bended knees, in TV production, every presentation was shorter and more “visual” with The April Consultation repentance, seeking new strength before we were dismissed with E.V. graphs and illustrations. Everyone What happened at the April Consul- Hill’s powerful poem: kept within their time frame and tation that made the present group of mission leaders did in ten or fifteen mission executives standing, in defi- Go on! minutes what normally might have ance of both history and our giant fore- Go ON! taken forty-five. All the speakers fathers, to declare that we believe it is GO ON! were informed beforehand of the possible to proclaim the Gospel to content of everyone’s presentation. every person and to see a viable church Some things were done differently at Therefore the consultation was run established among all peoples, even this conference compared to others we like a relay race with minimal over- before AD 2000? The conclusions of have hosted. First of all, much effort laps, with one speaker passing the the meeting carrying the same title as was put into making it a consultation, baton to the other. The “TV format” the declaration from a hundred years not only for the Adopt-A-People Clear- with its short and to the point presen- back came in one accord, with no inghouse, but also for churches and tations also made it possible to INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS, VOL 10:4 OCT. 1993 208 Reflections on the Adopt-A-People Consultation II produce a nearly complete, condensed Highlights the exiting story on how a smaller version of the whole unreached peoples To select highlights from this congregation of 250 members had concept as it is viewed by our leading meeting is like presenting golden adopted the Susu of West Africa. These missiologists and mission executives of nuggets from Fort Knox, one can just two cases studies are in and of them- today. (As a matter of fact, when we pick and choose from almost every selves sufficient for anyone to grasp the tried to edit this conference to one hour presentation and speaker. But here are whole idea of our goal of A Church for presentations it was not possible simply some outstanding points: Joy Craw- Every People by AD 2000. because every speaker packed so much ford opened by saying: “I’m just an wisdom and knowledge into every Seeing events like the above ordinary housewife and I feel terrified happening at an ever greater speed, I sentence that it was hard to delete standing before you guys with all your anything.) felt led to share right from the opening knowledge and expertise”. of the conference that the concept of When historians are going to view Then she went on to present a bril- adopting people groups has reached its this conference in hindsight they will liant case study on how her church had point of critical mass. It is an idea appreciate the videos which make it selected, adopted and sustained the whose time has come, and it will possible to see even the facial expres- adoption until they had really change the face of mission forever. As I sions when a point is made by “tongue “reached” that people group. Down to see it, it was meant, not so much a in cheek” humor - and there were a lot earth, void of missiological “slang” prophecy, but as a statement of fact. of those. she gave us all a lecture on how God Local churches in network with How I wish I had made videos of national Christians will partner with Ralph Winter’s speech at Lasaugne’ 74, Local churches in mission agencies and take a LEADING or the meetings called Dallas I and II, ROLE in reaching the unreached Chicago 1982, GCOWE 89, the consti- network with peoples of the world. tution of AAPC 89 etc. Then the many national Christians The mission agencies that understand misconceptions and even unsolvable this will thrive, those who don’t will conflicts based on differences in opinion will partner barely survive. “The times they are on what really took place at their meet- with mission agencies achanging,” sang Bob Dylan. Western ings could have been avoided and the mission and missiology will be God given inspiration that created those and take a changed as well. events could have been preserved for posterity. The quality speeches delivered LEADING ROLE Clark Scanlon, Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board and Rick at the AAPC are now available for in reaching the Stroller from Interdev emphasized the everyone, and they really will serve as a unreached peoples paradigm shift taking place through the resource in every mission library. For non–resident missionary program (CSI) the AAPC these tapes have become our of the world. and regional Partnerships. Their guidelines for the future and historic summing up of years of practical expe- documents to which we feel obligated and accountable. rience and highly professional presenta- tion of networks and partnerships put A third point was that the participants “flesh on the skeletons of theoretical expressed their appreciation for the low missiology” and will probably be the price and that they could walk away language that launch the baby boomers with documents like the book “A into missions. Church for Every People” and a data- Terry Riley, presented the AAPC base for Unreached and Adoptable follow up, a practical application with Peoples. After years of loose numbers global, regional and local networks. and guesstimates many felt that they The AAP Challenge is that American were given something tangible that they churches are assigned a people could focus on. One participant said: according to their zip code. This is one “The fog has finally lifted. I feel that I way we can secure every people to be can see the targets now!” adopted, even though it will only be The exhibits, that were all carefully one of many ways the concept of selected and invited to the conference, adopting peoples will be promoted. were done so because they represented Although Riley’s presentation was the practical hands and feet to what was virtually drowned between the “big presented by the speakers. They there- in His sovereignty can and will lead guns” and never was debated, it will fore became much more an integral part those who honestly seek to serve Him. nevertheless be a working plan for of the conference than usually has been To me she was a voice of the future of AAPC how to best serve our constitu- the case. We tend to forget that it is mission and mission mobilization. ency and the unreached peoples of the often the exhibitors that carry confer- Along the same line Stan Yoder world. ences through both with regard to prac- from the Missionary Church gave us Also it can be said that the high tical content and finances. quality workshops were practical and INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS Frank Kaleb Jansen 209 down to earth. Five different workshops buzzing when I closed by challenging Bible”, and then documented from his were repeated every hour on the hour our popular theology which is our global vantage point why he had during the conference, but even so it was greatest hindrance to meet the chal- reasons to believe that his dream of a difficult for every one to participate. lenges of the future. church for every people by the year Marv Bowers (ILS) and Kent Schroder What about the “big guns” like Luis 2000 would come true. Ralph Winter (SIL) covered data programs on the Bush, Don Kammerdiener, Dale illumined us with his State of the writing of Peoples Profiles. Mark Kietzman, Ralph Winter and Ron World Address, and Dale Kietzman Patterson (GMI) lectured on E-Mail and Rowland – the keynote speakers? First echoed D.L. Moody as he gave a 1990 from Galcom we learned how to facili- of all when the experts are asked to version of: tate portable FM radio stations. speak they all come prepared and bring It can be done. The workshop that especially with them oceans of wisdom. This It must be done. captured my attention was Jay Gary’s consultation was no exception. Don It will be done! presentation, where he showed us from Kammerdiener gave us the background Ronald Rowland and his presentation the literature on the AD 2000 and and development of the concept of of the Peoples Information Network Beyond Movement, five trends on what unreached peoples and the cooperation among Evangelicals from Lausanne and the research that gave the scientific to expect at the turn of the millennium. foundation for the listing of all the Jay is probably the most versed person ‘74 to Colorado Springs ‘93. Most 12,000 ethnolinguistic peoples of the in our Christian community on this interesting though was his insight in world, as well as the 5,310 unreached subject regarding the future as he leads how this has changed and still is ones, was one of the two pillars of the the organization Celebration 2000. My changing the Southern Baptist Conven- whole Conference. special interest in his lecture was tion and their Foreign Mission Board, because I spoke on the same topic enti- regarding their thinking, strategy and A panel of a newbreed of mission tled: “The 15 Trends at Work Today and actions – even their research which executives, Dave Dougherty (OMF), Where Will They Take Us in The Year from now on will be submitted to their Paul Filides (YWAM) and Gary 2020?” I am a little ashamed because I theology. He made us all rejoice when Corwin (SIM) probably was the most was the only speaker (even though as he in the spirit of “glasnost and peres- provocative and challenging as they MC I had made the rules) that spoke too troyka” declared that their research opened up the conference for interac- long, I had no visual aid and I only was for the whole Body of Christ to tion from the audience by asking ques- touched three of my intended fifteen use. tions like: Are mission agencies a points. Even so after a 12 hour day with Luis Bush in his unique way blessing or a bottleneck? What about massive information input, one could revealed to us how he as a “dreamer facts and fictions in our research. Are literally hear a needle drop and minds was related to the dreamers of the we manipulating the truth to fit our

VOL 10:4 OCT 1993 Spiritual Warfare: Should It Be Included In A Missions Curriculum?

From biblical, missiological and contemporary perspectives should we train missionaries, especially ones from the secularized Western world, in the art of spiritual warfare? Professor Laughlin makes a good case for the point that “we should do nothing less.”

n their introduction, the editors of Scriptures and their applications. ical education provides the atmos- I Wrestling with Dark Angels state When we connect this imperative phere in which students can be that, “If the real battle for the advance- with Paul’s command to the Ephesians equipped to be those transmitters of ment of the kingdom of God is to, “. . . take . . . the sword of the Spirit, truth. spiritual, we need to learn as much as which is the Word of God,”4 we can These two imperatives with their we can about the rules of the war, the sense how essential it is to successful objectives, in harmony with other battle plans, the nature of our enemy, spiritual warfare that the believer biblical imperatives and objectives the resources at our disposal and the understands and applies God’s Word relating to spiritual warfare, find their 1 best tactics for employing them.” with discernment. In fact, the context in ultimate objective in pleasing our Few, if any, would debate this which Paul encourages Timothy’s Heavenly Father. We are to be assertion. Yet we know that issues exist diligence describes the consequences of diligent in precisely handling God’s related to spiritual warfare that generate not precisely handling the Scriptures. Word so we may be “. . . approved by debate. One debate-generating issue Ruined hearers and ungodliness are not God,” and as soldiers be able to among Christian educators centers on the goals of the servant of Christ and discharge our duties so that we, “. . . the need to design a curriculum which are counter-productive to successful may please him who enlisted us . . .” would include spiritual warfare. spiritual warfare. This paper affirms that such a Theological education, Contemporary Necessity need exists today. Three sections are therefore, must equip students to handle presented: First, a review of biblical precisely God’s Word so they under- Once biblical imperatives and imperatives and objectives, second, the stand and apply the Scriptures with objectives are ascertained, we seek to contemporary necessity, and third, the discernment. Successful spiritual understand the contemporary specific placement of such a curriculum warfare depends in great part on this necessity of including spiritual within a mission orientation. discernment for it is the Word of God warfare curriculum in Christian that provides our armament for battle. education. All would agree that spiritual warfare has been, and will Biblical Imperatives and Objectives The second imperative with continue to be, a necessary topic to which Paul exhorts Timothy calls for be taught. LeRoy Ford states that, “A curric- him to entrust to faithful men those Traditionally spiritual warfare ulum design reflects appropriately the things which he had learned from great foundation disciplines.”2 From a has been incorporated into other Paul.5 The larger objective of this Christian perspective, nothing is more imperative is to transmit truth from related courses like Spiritual Life or a foundational than the Scriptures. generation to generation. course in Angelology. For some, this Therefore, one of the first steps in is sufficient. But others believe that considering a spiritual warfare curric- Paul follows this imperative contemporary necessity warrants ulum is the consideration of biblical with the image of a soldier engaged in designing a curriculum that addresses imperatives and objectives related to warfare. The spiritual warfare of the the current trends, practices, and such a curriculum. believer demands, among other require- teaching associated with spiritual ments, that what is learned is to be The task of theological/ warfare. entrusted to others. Therefore, it is missiological education is captured in crucial that what is taught to students two imperative statements the Apostle who will teach others must reflect the SIM Position Paper Paul makes to Timothy. First, Paul eternal truth of God. exhorts Timothy to be diligent in We read the following from an SIM presenting himself to God as a laborer Continued success in spiritual position paper on power encounter: who handles the Word of God warfare requires the faithful transmis- The related subject of the miraculous precisely.3 The objective here is careful sion of God’s truth from generation to in Christian ministry is currently exegesis of the discernment of the generation. Theological and missiolog- receiving unusual attention. Contempo- INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS, VOL 10:4 OCT. 1993 204 Spiritual Warfare: Should It Be Included in a Missions Curriculum?

rary Bible colleges and seminaries are better generated from this focused the need for designing a curriculum rapidly adding courses on spiritual warfare, approach. focused on spiritual warfare. If we power encounter, and signs and wonders to Biblical parameters as to what answer affirmatively the question, their curriculums. Current Christian books “Should there be a spiritual warfare and magazines . . . are flooded with discus- constitutes genuine spiritual warfare should be determined by exegetical curriculum,” then the question which sion on this topic. Popular lecturers criss- the title of this paper raises remains. study and integration with other theo- cross the continents to expound the issue. A The question assumes that a relation- new denomination . .. is growing rapidly. logical disciplines. Exegesis enables the Indeed, a movement identified as “The student to better understand what God ship exists between spiritual warfare Third Wave”calls upon the evangelical says, and does not say, about this issue. and the equipping of men and women world to accept that signs, wonders, and Exegesis informs and validates our for mission. I believe that this assump- miracles, as seen in the miracles of Jesus experience. Rather than relying on the tion is correct. and the apostles, are to be expected in 6 “arm of flesh” which will fail, we lay a Although this curriculum could today’s church. strong foundation with the truth of very well fit into a theology or pastoral Observations of the contempo- God’s Word. orientation, the missions orientation is rary church informs us that the demand Integrating what one believes entirely appropriate. Both in Scripture for credible training and application of and in church history, when men and truth is multiplying. Today's church about spiritual warfare with other areas of systematic mission theology enables women involved themselves in mission, faces a new epistemology, a new secu- they were spiritually opposed and larism, and new definitions of familiar the believer to see the effect of that teaching on other doctrines. Hence the needed to do spiritual battle. 7 terms. With such an infusion of new determination of biblical parameters Christ was opposed, the apostles ideas and ways of thinking, it is my establishes the plumb line by which the were opposed, ministers and mission- belief that a specialized class on discussion of related issues and the aries have been, and are, opposed. spiritual warfare is necessary. development of practical strategies Responses to that opposition have Another reason I believe such a must be measured. differed in different periods of God’s curriculum is needed is that as worldli- The discussion of related issues work. Nevertheless the principle stands: ness increases, there is a correlating will be, to a large degree, open-ended. Mission begets spiritual opposition as increase in demonic activity. Paul However, two important issues to Hesselgrave observes, warned, “. . . that in latter times some include are the role of various theolog- will depart from the faith, giving heed . . . the sobering fact is that the ical viewpoints and their effect on twentieth century has been characterized by to deceiving spirits and doctrines of understanding spiritual warfare (e.g. a terrible outcropping of opposition to the 8 demons.” Living in a post-Christian pentecostalism, dispensationsalism) and cause and people of Christ. Moreover, there era in America it becomes essential we the dynamic relationship between are few signs of abatement . . . Rather, prepare for increased demonic activity mission activity and spiritual warfare in there are many signs of an increased oppo- and train believers for authentic bibli- other cultures. sition directed especially to those involved cally based spiritual warfare. in the spread of the Christian faith.10 Developing practical strategies In addition to determining the prepares the student for the application contemporary necessity of designing of the lessons learned through this In addition to this principle, three such a curriculum, it is vital to evaluate curriculum. Strategizing provides for reasons suggest that inclusion of what objectives the curriculum should the effective integration of Scriptural spiritual warfare curriculum within a seek to fulfill. These objectives will truth with particular issues and needs missions orientation is appropriate. reflect why the curriculum is being which the student could encounter in First, mission agencies support this designed in the first place: contempo- cross-cultural settings as well as in the assertion. Position papers, requests for rary trends in epistemology, secularism, student’s personal life. The study and help, and concern for present and future and terminology. evaluation of case studies can assist the missionaries evidence the need for a Another objective to be carefully student in developing strategies that are curriculum that focuses on spiritual considered relates to the practice of true to God’s Word in responding to the warfare within the context of mission.11 what is learned in the classroom. In one mandate to evangelize the lost and Second, the intensity of demonic controversial situation, a prominent equip believers for a life of victory. activity in areas of mission ministry seminary discontinued a class on Contemporary necessity, then, support this assertion. “Work among spiritual warfare because the practice of favors the designing of a spiritual the unreached peoples reveals at least what was taught became disruptive.9 warfare curriculum that will respond to one reason why the unreached peoples This experience serves to alert us to current needs and anticipate future have been unreached—acute spiritual issues that are very much a part of the developments with biblically sound bondage ...”12 Therefore the effects of rationale for designing this curriculum. strategies. long term occult practices among the One advantage of such a curric- “hidden peoples” require that those who ulum is that it can restrict its focus to reach out to them are adequately material relevant to spiritual warfare. A Mission Orientation equipped for what they will encounter. Determination of biblical parameters, From the standpoint of both Third, contemporary missions discussion of related issues, and devel- biblical imperatives and contemporary have been a major contributor to the opment of practical strategies can be necessity, I have sought to demonstrate shift in the way many think about and

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS Charles Laughlin 205 practice spiritual warfare. To be certain (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1991), 36. Summer 1992. that this change, or any change, is 3. 2 Timothy 2:15 12. Michael Pocock, Class Lecture biblical rather than just pragmatic or 4. Ephesian 6:17 (NKJV) Notes, Missions 847, Summer 1992. expedient, or more Western cultural 5. 13. Matthew 7:24-27 baggage requires adequately trained 2 Timothy 2:2 mission leadership. Such training must 6. Howard Brant, “Toward an SIM 14. Thomas Ice, “Demon Possession include two basic elements: a Position on Power Enconter” and the New Clinical Deliverance,” grounding in the Word of God and an (Charlotte: SIM, n.d.), 3. Biblical Perspectives (May-June 1992): understanding of contemporary 7. The new epistemology is really the missions. A failure to equip leadership old existentialism masquerading in BIBLIOGRAPHY with a proper biblical foundation can evangelical cloth. Rather than Scripture result in mission which runs the risk of being sufficient for knowing truth, Brant, Howard. “Toward an SIM being built on sand instead of the solid some evangelical leaders appeal to Position on Power Encounter” rock.13 A failure to equip leadership experience and other extra-biblical Charlotte: SIM, n.d. with a proper understanding of contem- disciplines for authoritative teaching as porary missions can result in mission well. Empiricism and pragmatism vie Hesselgrave, David J. Today's Choices which inadequately engages in with Scripture as the basis for what is for Tomorrow's Mission. Grand Rapids: fulfilling the Great Commission. believed. Academie, 1988. Believing that missions begets The new secularism, “... stressing that God is peculiarly present in this Ice, Thomas. A Holy Rebellion. Eugene, opposition and recognizing the OR: Harvest House Publishers, 1990. increased requirements in missions for (the miraculous), as distinct from natural healings, borders dangerously confronting spiritual opposition today, ______. “An Examination of False I believe that a curriculum for spiritual on an unbiblical dualism.” Ben Patterson, “Cause for Concern”, Chris- Spiritual Warfare Cliches.” Biblical warfare fits best within a mission orien- Perspectives. (March-April, 1992). tation and training program. tianity Today (August 8, 1986): 20. There is a rethinking as to what is ______. “Demon Possession.” “sacred” and what is “secular”. Biblical Perspectives. (May-June, Conclusion New definitions of familiar terms 1992) Thomas Ice writes, produce confusion. Important distinc- The call for today is to let the Bible tell tions have been blurred. Attempts to Kraft, Charles. Defeating Dark Angels. us who our enemy is, what our battle plan define demon possession confront one Ann Arbor: Vine Books, 1992. involves, and how to carry it out. As with several choices. Which is right? believers we must be completely submis- See Thomas Ice, “Demon Possession MacArthur, John. How to Meet the sive to Jesus Christ and His Word.14 and the New Clinical Deliverance,” Enemy. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1992. I believe the imperatives and objec- Biblical Perspectives (May-June 1992): tives of Scripture, the contemporary 2. “Missionary Stress - The Role of necessity, and the character of mission 8 2 Timothy 4:1 (NKJV) Satanic Opposition.” Wheaton: TEAM, necessitate the designing of a curric- 9. Ben Patterson, “Cause for Concern,” n.d. ulum focused on spiritual warfare Christianity Today (August 8, 1986): offered in the context of a mission 20. Patterson, Ben. “Cause for Concern.” Christianity Today (August 8, 1986): orientation. In view of Satan’s 10. David J.Hesselgrave, Today’s 20. increased and persistent attacks, we Choices for Tomorrow’s Missions, should do nothing less. (Grand Rapids: Academie, 1988), 199. Pocock, Michael. Class Lecture Notes. 11. Admittedly, opposition to mission Missions 847. Dallas Theological Charles Laughlin teaches at the Texas is not a new and novel idea. Opposition Seminary. Summer 1992. Bible College in San Antonio, Texas. has always existed to the mission of God. However, due to changes in the Sarles, Ken L. “A Theological Evalua- way evangelicals think about spiritual tion of the Prosperity Gospel.” Biblio- References warfare, the apparent increases in overt theca Sacra (October-December, satanic activity in areas not thought to 1986): 329-352. 1. C. Peter Wagner and F. Douglas be problematic, and the outreach to the Pennoyer, ed., Wrestling with Dark unreached peoples who exhibit acute ______. “An Appraisal of the Signs Angels, (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, spiritual bondage, a renewed emphasis and Wonders Movement.” Bibliotheca 1990), 10. on the biblical response regarding this Sacra (January-March, 1988): 57-82. 2. LeRoy Ford, A Curriculum Design matter is necessary. Michael Pocock, Manual for Theological Education, Class Lecture Notes, Mission 847, Stafford, Tim. “Testing the Wine from

VOL 10:4 OCT 1993 AAPC Consultation II A Second Reflection

By E. David Dougherty

t was a privilege to participate in the Audience sions and thrust of frontier missions. I April Consultation on the Though Kaleb noted that Colo- In his reflections, Kaleb refers to Adopt-A-People movement in Colorado rado Springs 1993 attracted a different “misconceptions and even unsolvable Springs. The timing of the meeting kind of audience then Northfield conflicts based on differences in was especially appropriate in moving 1885, he did not point out explicitly opinion on what really took place at the toward a comprehensive approach what that difference was. At North- meetings.” My observation is that to world evangelization based on fron- field, the meeting consisted mostly of many of those so called “misconcep- tier missiology. Earlier meetings pastors gathered from throughout tions and conflicts” arose from had to focus on other aspects of the unshared assumptions, more than from task—now we are ready to focus on the Northeastern U.S. At Colorado Springs, it was mission agency failure in the communication mobilization—the specific purpose for executives, denominational leaders and process, or the lack of videotapes of the which Adopt-A-People has been key mission mobilizers who came meetings, etc. Second, these differ- designed. from across the U.S. and around the ences sometimes originate in the * In the 1970's and early 1980's world to consult about mobilizing personal and organizational the theoretical foundations of the churches for a major assault on the agendas of those involved. And finally, people-group-based strategies final frontiers of missions. highly committed, strongly gifted for world evangelization were and powerfully effective leaders can be established. The involvement of key leaders sets this meeting apart from previous expected to experience personal * In the decade of the 1980's meetings, and emphasizes the strategic conflicts as they work together to effect frontier missiology became the importance of its conclusions. It a major paradigm shift in the way dominant force guiding strategy would be good to note that the AAP we “do missions” as evangelicals. and tactics for evangelization Clearinghouse has scheduled a What is different in this instance for both mission agencies and meeting more like the Northfield is that, while there has been differences churches—largely through the meeting, designed specifically for of opinion and conviction—without efforts of Dr. Ralph Winter and the local church leadership, in April 1994. which previous consultations would U.S. Center for World have been sterile and boring—the Mission, as well as the efforts of Format major directions and definitions have IFMA, EFMA, World Vision’s Although Kaleb found the “televi- been developed through consulta- Marc, and others. sion” format of the meeting highly tions and consensus. * Now, in the decade of the positive in adding focus and clarity to However, it should be noted that 1990's the application of frontier the proceedings, as well as at the April meeting, some major missiology to the mobilization preserving the presentation for poste- changes in definition and direction rity, many participants however felt of resources (prayer, personnel and were introduced, not through the funding) has captured the the format was unnecessarily restric- consultation process, but arbitrarily imagination of many churches and tive. A major impact of the format by the conveners. One of these major mobilizers led by the Adopt- was to totally eliminate interaction and changes relates to the definitions A-People program, ACMC, the discussion from all but two behind production of the list of AD 2000 Movement in the sessions. There was very little opportu- “unreached and adoptable” peoples. U.S. and others. nity for“consulting” in this consul- For instance, it appears that these arbi- In his report Kaleb Jansen has tation. trary changes do not necessarily already highlighted many of the bene- Continuity move AAP forward, in the frontier fits and blessings of the consulta- In the sweep of recent history, there missions movement, but may lead it tion—which occupied his time and have been a number of national and backward in terms of clear thinking energy for many months. All those international consultations focused on about the target for church planting. attending owe a debt of gratitude to him the idea of the final frontiers of It seems to me that the conceptual for undertaking this herculean task missions. From Dr. Winter’s presenta- breakthrough which made frontier on relatively short notice. I would like tion at Lausanne 1974 to Edinburgh missiology the dominant force it is to emphasize some of the points in 1980, through the AD 2000 meeting in today was due to defining the target retrospect, and perhaps provide an alter- Singapore 1989 there has been for proclaiming the gospel in terms of nate perspective on aspects of the substantial agreement on the dimen- the desired result (a viable, indige- conference. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS, VOL 10:4 OCT. 1993 211 AAPC Consultation II nous, evangelizing church) rather than example of changing the ground rules social structures and communication in terms of the necessary activities by fiat, apparently without the networks rather than operating on (presence, proclamation, persuasion, benefit of consultation or mission the basis of geographic location. If it etc.) to achieve the result. In missio- consensus. I understand that took us 150 years to learn the logical terms, this has implied defining Kaleb’s own background and organiza- importance of this in our evangelism the audience in terms of culture and tion is Bibles for All end that he has strategy and planning, let’s hope it society, the structures and channels a particular concern for translation and won’t take us another 150 years to through which communication publication of the Scripture in every apply the same principle to our flow, rather than defining the audience language. However, I’m not sure that mobilization strategy and planning. in terms of language and location— the addition of these elements is To one observer, a key leader of the boundaries which define the very helpful to the concept of identi- a mobilization organization—the missionary’s activities of preaching, fying unreached people groups for consultation had a negative meeting, sharing, etc. world evangelization. impact—losing much of the excitement However, on page i-iii of the list AAP Strategy and enthusiasm for reaching the published by the AAP Clearinghouse Kaleb describes the AAP challenge peoples of the world for Jesus Christ in and introduced at the consultation, proposed by Terry Riley, Associate the clutter and woodeness of Kaleb provides his rationale for rede- Director of the Clearinghouse, in which “staged” speeches. However, on fining the concept of unreached each U.S. church is assigned an balance, I saw a spirit of contagious peoples in terms of ethnicity and loca- unreached people group according to its optimism throughout the meetings. The tion, rather then in terms of social zip code, as “the working plan for worship team made a tremendous structure and culture. Instead of being a AAPC, how we can best serve our contribution to the meetings, as did the breakthrough on the cutting edge, constituency and the unreached opportunity for interaction and this change appears to me to be a rever- peoples of the world.” Kaleb notes that encouragement between sessions, at sion to the mission thinking which “Terry’s plan was... never debated.” mealtimes and at breaks. But there dominated the scene in the pre-frontier- However, as a new member of the just wasn’t enough time allotted for mission era. For example, my own Clearinghouse board, I distinctly these essential components. agency (OMF-formerly the China recall that Terry’s proposal sparked Adopt-A-People is no longer an Inland Mission) has pamphlets and animated debate and discussion unproved strategy for mobilizing articles, dating back 100 years which among the board members. It is my resources for world evangelization and listed target audiences for our further recollection that the board the Colorado Springs consultation ministry in terms of ethnicity and loca- explicitly agreed not to pursue this has helped this program grow toward tion. While the new list is certainly strategy, at least not at this time. maturity. more comprehensive than anything The problem with the zip code produced to date, it does not reflect strategy is that it not only ignores, continuity with current frontier missio- but essentially counters the basic prin- logy, so much as continuity with a ciple of partnership which has David Dougherty is director for public by-gone previous generation of become so important for churches and ministries for OMF International. missions thinking. mission agencies. In other words, He also serves on the board of the The addition of the concept of the strategy ignores the very principles AAPC, the ISFM and on the “adoptable” groups to the idea of which frontier missiology is Mission Mobilization Task Force for “unreached peoples” is another founded on—that of using existing the AD 2000 Movement in the U.S.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS