The Christian Broadcasting Network (“CBN”) published an article today (2/23/2025) by Billy Hallowell discussing Pastor Jonathan Pokluda of Harris Creek Baptist Church, Waco, Texas, who is tackling the topic of ‘spiritual warfare’ head-on. Pokluda recently published a book titled “Your Story Has a Villain: Identify Spiritual Warfare and Learn How to Defeat the Enemy”.
Beyond a ‘Pentecostal thread’ which is seemingly very comfortable with the unseen realm, Pokluda says that a large majority of churches are not comfortable discussing demonic oppression, possession and other related matters, with many in church leadership considering the issue of demonic activity in the world to be ‘gray’ and prefer to simply ‘live in the mystery.’
The CBN article may be read in its entirety HERE.
My brothers and sisters, the world we live in is a fallen world, ever since the original sin in the Garden of Eden. The Bible tells us that Satan and his fallen angels were cast out of heaven to the earth. Scripture is clear that until the second coming of Jesus, we will face the ramifications of evil here on the earth, but we have the victory in Christ Jesus!
The key, of course, is to not become imbalanced or deceived in our Christian walk by giving the evil one too much credit, presuming that everything that goes wrong in our lives is somehow the direct result of a demon or demonic influence. This is not always the case.
Sometimes God allows us to be caught up in the sins of others – but with Christ, we have the wisdom and means to persevere. Sometimes we sin (i.e., think and do things contrary to the will of God) and bring trouble upon ourselves, because sin has consequences! However, it is also true that the evil one hates you and me, and he especially hates Jesus, and his purpose on this earth is to steal, kill and destroy.
Accordingly, we must stay in the will of God and seek His wisdom in properly discerning and then overcoming an attack of the evil one. Repent. Pray. Read the Bible. Seek godly advice from fellow believers. Speak the word of God out loud. Worship (especially in rough times). And, always put your full trust in Jesus – not looking to your circumstances, but in faith that God’s word is alive, powerful and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart!
Never forget, the battle belongs to the Lord! It has already been won upon the cross and by the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, with Jesus becoming the once-and-for-all sacrifice (propitiation) for our sin. Praise God that those who name Jesus as Lord are promised eternal life and victory over the deceit and treachery of the evil one! Praise God for the blood of the Lamb!
The Bible tells us that the word of God is alive and powerful, and brings us godly discernment:
Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
The Bible tells us that Satan and his fallen angels were cast out of heaven and to the earth:
Revelation 12:7-9 (ESV)
Satan Thrown Down to Earth
“Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him [emphasis mine].”
The Bible tells us that Satan exists to steal, kill and destroy:
John 10:10 (NKJV)
“The thief [the devil or Satan] does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
The Bible tells us that when Jesus dispatched the 12 disciples, He gave them power over evil spirits (demons):
Matthew 10:5-8 (NKJV)
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Disciples
Jesus sent out the twelve and commanded them, saying: “[d]o not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘[t]he kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons [emphasis mine]. Freely you have received, freely give.”
The Bible also tells us that as believers with the Holy Spirit living within us, we have the privilege, ability and power in Christ (when applied wisely and in solid faith) to bind evil and to loose good in the world:
Matthew 18:18 (NKJV)
“Assuredly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
