Chapter 2 The Unseen World: a Biblical Study of Spiritual Dynamics

The book of Daniel allows us to peek into the spiritual climate of the last three and a half years before the return of Christ, which is actually the second half of a period of time referred to as “Daniel’s seventieth week”. During this time two witnesses (prophets) will be prophesying with incredible power accompanying their words. During this same time it is prophesied that the “saints” will do exploits in the Spirit. It may be thought, upon a casual reading of the prediction of these events, that these things are just going to happen, but as we look at the dynamics of spiritual works it will be easy to understand why these great events will be taking place. Understanding the objectives of the spirit world, the tactics it uses, and the parameters of operation that restrain it gives to us an ability to “see” a dimension that otherwise would remain a mystery. Seeing will give us a tremendous advantage over our enemy for we will understand his motives, movements, and operations. However, it is not just the enemy we need to understand; for there are forces moving on our behalf as well as those that move against us. God has allowed enough insight in the scripture to equip us with knowledge for the battle. When the topic of the unseen world of the spirit is brought up, too often the discussion becomes an anecdotal discourse of details. Some of this is credible but some is suspect to the wildness of imagination. The scripture, rather than reporting story after story of the spirit world for us to be intrigued by, gives to us a glimpse here and there of things that can be useful in erecting an accurate framework of truth concerning this mysterious subject. This is the approach we will take in considering the spirit world… putting the scriptural puzzle together, while keeping the global view as our primary objective. Sorry, this won’t be an assortment of Ghost stories.

The Unseen World: a Biblical Study of Spiritual Dynamics (Chapter One)

The unseen world of spiritual activity has untold influence over the world and its events. In fact, that which is seen is really a physical response to spiritual activities; which cannot be seen. Few people are aware of the dynamic forces working continually in the world we live in and how they affect every aspect of our lives. When politicians promise change they are only able to make good on their promise if the spiritual conditions of a nation move toward that change first. While most people are aware that a spiritual climate does exist, they are not aware of the almost total influence it exerts on an individual, a family, a region, a nation, and even the world itself. It is imperative for people to understand these forces, as well as their objectives, if they are going to be an influence for good in any age. The age we find ourselves is of utmost significance and we should do all that we can to become aware of the dynamics of spiritual powers that are at work. Indeed, there is war in the heavens as we speak and the outcome of the battles of that war is going to shortly be declared to us in the form of events in our lives. While scriptures do not give lengthy exposés on the subject, there are enough pieces of this spiritual puzzle scattered throughout God’s Word to form a fairly complete framework of understanding in regard to the spiritual realm. An examination of these puzzle pieces, as well as of the overall picture that they reveal, is the purpose of this writing. Hopefully, a heightened awareness of these activities and their effects will cause us to become more dynamic ourselves as we move from the passiveness of religion into the “violence of the Kingdom”. For, “the kingdom of God suffereth violence and the violent take it by force”. May this book be a call to battle for the reserve soldiers of God’s army, who may have found themselves somewhat detached from this violent warfare of unseen kingdoms. It is not time to sit fearfully under the pomegranate tree fretting for an answer (as King Saul did when Goliath bellowed his intimidating daily challenge). It is time to go to the brook to pick up five smooth stones and rush to the challenge of the enemy. It is time to smite him between they eyes with the sure shot of a sling… by the hand of a godly warrior. Who will the Lord call to do exploits? What child of God will answer the call to battle? Where is the David of our day? Where is the Paul of our hour? Are there spiritual minutemen ready to take up the weapons of Holy Ghost battle? …Not physical weapons of man’s war… but spiritual weapons of God’s war? Those that answer the call of God in this last day are those who will see the unseen and will prepare as they accept the challenge that the final days of our age will issue. Lord, open our eyes.