Summer 2001
The Urgent Need for Spiritual Warfare
Wade E Taylor

“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the
mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath
been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ”

“To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers
in heavenly places might be known by the church the
manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose
which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord” Eph 3:9-11.

The nations of this world are dramatically influenced by principalities and powers - the rulers of darkness. We the Church, at this present time, are commissioned by the Lord to both hinder and replace their influence and control.

The Lord is “present” where two or three are gathered together. This “gathering” is more than our being present together. It is a unity of heart, intent, and purpose. When this unity is present, the Lord said “I am there.”

When we sing and worship together “as one” in unity, there is a release of divine energy and power which we feel, and to which we should respond. In this “quickening” presence, our faith builds and we can (should) speak words of authority that will hinder, and push back these powers of darkness. This will release an even greater manifestation of the Lord’s presence in our midst, with greater authority.

We rightly believe that principalities and powers are to be brought down by the Church. Then we say that “some day” this will become a reality.” But the word tells us that “now” unto the principalities and powers might be known …”

All too often, we look for some gifted minister to do this, but the word tells us,

“For consider, brethren, God's call to you. Not many who are wise
with merely human wisdom, not many of position and influence,
not many of noble birth have been called. But God has chosen the
things which the world regards as foolish, in order to put its wise
men to shame; and God has chosen the things which the world
regards as destitute of influence, in order to put its powerful things
to shame” I Cor 1:26-27 Weymouth.

This is you and I – seemingly ungifted (the enemy loves to tell us this) - who are seeking more from the Lord and are willing to step out and act on what the Lord has said.

We pray that the Lord will soon visit our Nation. But first, the dark clouds of spiritual doubt and confusion must be pushed back, that the Lord might reveal His power and His glory to His people. Therefore, we must begin to reach out in faith, “now,” to push back all that could hinder this visitation that is so urgently needed.

Many years ago, during a meeting in South Carolina, I received a word from the Lord that I was to reside in Washington, D.C. and that my son, who is presently the president of Pinecrest, was to take my place. At the time, this seemed totally impossible of ever being fulfilled. But through a progression of circumstances, all this has happened. I have come to understand that my being in Washington DC has to do with affecting the principalities of darkness that rest upon our nation.

“To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers
in heavenly places might be known by the church the
manifold wisdom of God,.”

After the resurrection, two discouraged disciples were walking toward Emmaus. Jesus came and began walking with them, asking why they were discouraged. They responded that all which they had hoped for had come to an end, as Jesus had been crucified.

Jesus began in the law and the prophets and spoke to them all things concerning Himself. When they came to the gate that led into their place of abode, Jesus made as though He would go further. But they constrained Him to come within. He broke bread, and their eyes were opened. When they recognized Him, He vanished from their sight.

When they realized that it was Jesus who had walked with them, they made a very profound statement, “Did not our hearts burn within us?” Because they were hearing “all things” concerning Jesus, they might have said, “Did not our brain, or, our doctrine, burn within us.” But what they felt had nothing to do with their understanding, but with the realm of the spirit.

The Lord Himself spoke to them, and there was an “impartation” into their being, as they were quickened within. They should have responded to this impartation which they felt, while Jesus was speaking to them. Had they done so, their understanding would have opened and they would have recognized Jesus, as they walked together.

Paul was brilliant, but he did not place value on this aspect of His being. Rather, he said,

“And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words
of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the
power of God.” I Cor 2:4-5.

This “demonstration of the Spirit” is the result of the intervention of the Lord - His manifest presence - which will result in our being empowered to speak a present word in burning authority, which will be productive.

I have learned a principle of obedience that goes beyond my present condition, or feelings. Several years ago, I was asked to speak at a 25th anniversary Church service. I had pneumonia and could hardly talk, but I knew that I was to be there, and speak. When I began, my voice was so raspy that I could hardly get the words out. I then said, “In a minute my voice will clear and I will be able to speak clearly.” It suddenly happened and the words began to flow. I spoke as if nothing was wrong.

The “demonstration of the Spirit” was effectual in my speaking. We can depend on the power of the Lord to manifest, no matter how we feel. We simply respond to His presence and speak forth the creative word of the Lord. So also, when we are in a spiritually darkened situation in which there is no indication of any open heaven, or freedom to minister, we can speak into that situation and push back the hindrance, and the anointed word will begin to flow.

We are living in the last days, during which the Lord’s presence will greatly increase. The time is at hand when the Lord Himself may come and walk with us, waiting for us to recognize and respond to His presence.

“The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto Him,
Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. And he said
unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox;”

“Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and
the third day I shall be perfected.” Luke 13:31-32.

The “third day” refers to our present time, as we are at the end of the second day, or two thousand years of the Church. This “perfection” has to do with Jesus taking His place “manifestly” as the Head of the body.

When Jesus walked with these two discouraged disciples, He was not recognized because they thought He was in the tomb. In this present time, at the end of the second day, we are failing to recognize Jesus as being present with us. We rightly view Jesus as being here with us, spiritually, but His third-day “perfection” is far more than this. Jesus is beginning to come and walk with us, seeking to take His place as our Head.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and
opens the door, I will come in and sup with him, and he with Me” Rev 3:20.

Jesus is saying this at the end of the messages to the seven Churches, in the beginning of the 3rd day. He is at the door, looking for those who will recognize His presence and invite Him to come within.

May we be among those who will recognize His presence, then respond to what Jesus is saying and speak forth this word, which will release visitation.