Five Spirits that Handcuff the Church A Bible Study to Set the Church Free Bishop Ron Hill 2015 Five Spirits 1
That Handcuff The Church Foreword Bishop Ron Hill It seems that many times and in various aspects of our lives, we find ourselves functioning at less than full capacity, encumbered by the weight of the world and asking ourselves why. You might say that we sometimes feel bound up and unable to effectively extract ourselves from situations or spiritual ruts. The Bible says that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Since most all organizations, be they government, non-profits or the private sector, are comprised of individuals and often having both internal and external competitive and venal elements, they experience a litany of combative forces. These forces are often spiritual in nature and can detract from an organization s mission, goals or core values. The church is no different. In fact, it is at greater risk of being the target for derailment and spiritual bondage. 2
Pastor Ron Hill, a spirit filled man of God with a profound insight into God s word through many years of prayer and study, is able to help us better understand what forces are at play that tend to handcuff the Body of Christ. God chose to reveal to us through His scriptures that there is a very real and present spiritual war taking place for the souls of man. It is obvious who our enemy is, but he is not always easily recognizable in the theater of battle within our own minds. We have the fortune to know how the Bible ends and who wins this spiritual war for humanity. But it is important for Christians to not be content in just winning the war, but rather to strive to defeat the enemy in every battle that lies ahead. One of the most studied military books in history, The Art of War, emphasizes the importance of knowing your enemy as an effectual tool in defeating your enemy. Pastor Hill uses this book to elucidate our unseen enemy and give us a clearer understanding of the hierarchy and military strategies the enemy employs in the realm of spiritual warfare so that we may better defeat Satan s army and remove the handcuffs from not only the church, but from our individual lives as well. Jonathan D. Sweet, ICMA-CM County Administrator Grayson County, Virginia 3
Introduction The realm of the demonic is just as real as heaven and the realm of the angelic. In fact, these two realms are in constant warfare against one another. The Bible is a written record of that conflict and a prophetic picture of its conclusion. But at this present time the war rages on. The nature of warfare is attack and counterattack. This book is intended to encourage each of God's spiritual warriors to "fight the good fight of faith" until the Captain of our salvation puts our foe under our feet once and for all. The Scripture that inspired me to record these thoughts is First John 3: He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. (verse 8) The works of the devil are evident among sinners. However, the works of the devil were destroyed in each believer when we confessed our sins and accepted Jesus as our Savior. Does that mean our battles are over? Obviously not! In fact, the real battles are just beginning. The "Good News" is that we are equipped to fight and win those battles and continue to see the works of the devil destroyed. 4
The Scriptures are given as encouragement and to serve as our battle plan. This book will compile many of those Scriptures for you and hopefully, inspire you to "fight the good fight of faith" and "destroy the works of the devil." As I have stated in previous books, I will be using the King James Version of the Bible for Scripture quotations, not so much because I believe it to be the only version approved by God, but because I want to appeal to those who do hold that view. Scripture quotes are indented for easy identification. Words in italics indicate my emphasis. My views on those Scriptures are subject to mistake, but the Word is infallible. My intention is to expose our enemy so we may more readily defeat him. It is my prayer that the Word will empower you to overcome in every spiritual battle. When David went out against Goliath, he rejected King Saul's weapons and instead picked up five smooth stones out of the brook (First Samuel 17). Many have speculated that the four unused stones were for Goliath's brothers and family members in case they came to his rescue. I suppose that speculation comes from First Chronicles 20 where four of Goliath's family members were killed by David's army. It is my opinion, however that the demonic principalities are organized in five regiments. Thousands or maybe millions of demons serve under orders from Satan as delivered by these five demonic generals. Their primary objective... HANDCUFF THE CHURCH! 5
Handcuffs are not a part of the whole armor of God. The equipment that assures our victory is found in Ephesians chapter six: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:10-20) 6
The whole armor of God is basic equipment for our spiritual warfare but we have to undergo basic training and advanced individual training. Hopefully, this book will be helpful toward that purpose. The five generals are: Control-Unforgiveness-Revenge-Shame-Ego Their objective: to bring a curse upon you, God's plan for your life and ministry, and to handcuff the church. 7