The Three Most Powerful Evil Strongholds: Spiritual Warfare Revealed Part 3

But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron,” (1 Tim. 4:1-2)

In earlier post I wrote about the three most powerful evil strongholds pointed by author Rick Joyner. Additionally, to the spirit of racism, witchcraft, and religion, I will add a fourth. The political spirit is working together with the other three. I believe this is destroying America’s democracy. I have often felt that something greater is consuming the hearts of many Americans. It is causing great turmoil.

The Bible warns of the end-time deception and spiritual warfare. It also provides a way of living through this challenging time by faith. Faith is the substance of what we hope for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). We hope for racial reconciliation. We aspire to end America’s race problem. We must continue to make strides towards freedom and equality for all of God’s children.

Before going further let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say about nations. Understanding God’s intent when He created humanity provides insight on His intention when He created man. He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the earth. He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation. This was so they would seek God, if they feel around for Him and find Him. Though He is not far from each one of us, for in Him we live and move and exist. As even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His descendants.’ Thus, since we are the descendants of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver. We should not think it is stone. It is not an image formed by human skill and thought. God is now proclaiming to mankind. He calls all people everywhere to repent. He has set a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness. He will do this through a Man whom He has appointed. He has furnished proof to all people by raising Him from the dead” (Acts:17:26-31).

The word stronghold is found once in the New Testament, used metaphorically by Paul in a description of the Christian’s spiritual battle: “Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses [strongholds]” (2 Cor. 10:3-4, NASB).

What are these “strongholds” or “fortifications” we face? In the very next verse, Paul interprets the metaphor: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor.10:5). The “arguments” are the philosophies, reasoning, and schemes of the world. The “pretensions” have to do with anything proud, man-centered, and self-confident. Strongholds are rooted in pride because they rely on the self. They lead to a prideful heart, unhealthy thought patterns, and habitual sins that we just can’t seem to overcome. Anything that we trust in besides the Lord can become a spiritual stronghold.

Let’s first look at the stronghold of racism.

“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.” (Matt. 24:7-8).

The word translated “nation” in this verse is the Greek word ethnos, from which we derive our English word “ethnic.” The Lord gave this discourse. It was in response to a question the disciples asked him. They inquired about the end of the age while sitting on the Mount of Olives. He stated that a prominent sign at the end of this age and His return would be ethnic conflict. One of the greatest issues the church has faced has been ethnic conflict. America has struggled with the issue of race since the first slaves were bought here many, many years ago. Yet the church has neglected to address this issue adequately within its own ranks. It has also neglected to take spiritual authority over it. As we can see, the problem has not gone away with time. Instead, it has increased. For many years, Politian’s have used race as a means to an end to obtain political power.

“\We are witnessing right now a massive and unabashed assault on voting rights unlike anything we’ve ever seen since the Jim Crow era. This is Jim Crow in new clothes.
Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock

I’ve been studying and have written a few posts on the issue of racism in America. As a Black American, it is difficult to read about the horrific struggles Black Americans have experienced. These challenges have persisted since the founding of this nation. What brings comfort is knowing there have also been great successes too!

Racism is not just a demon or principality — it is a “world ruler.” It is one of the most powerful strongholds on the earth. Racism has sown more death and destruction than any other one. Just consider the racial conflicts that have gone on recently in this nation alone! Books on topics like race, gender, American history, and LGBTQ+ identities face an escalation of bans and censorship. This occurs in classrooms and school libraries across the United States. Several states have gone so far as to implement legislation. Their efforts aim to limit the political power of Black Americans and other voters.

Author Rick Joyner noted in Overcoming Racism¹ that racism is a spirit of death. It is one of the most powerful strongholds on earth. It has sown more death and destruction than any other one. The most deadliest wars in history, including the American Civil War and World War II, were ignited by racism. What is the source of these quarrels and conflict?

James asks chapter 4, “What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you?” He goes on to explain, “Is the source not your pleasures that wage war in your body’s parts? You lust and do not have, so you commit murder. And you are envious and can’t obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not get. You ask with the wrong motives. You do this so that you spend what you ask for on your pleasures. You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God (James 4:1-4)? When we can see that many wars have been fought over man’s craving for power, control, and possessions.

Minister A. Francine Green

Notes: Unless otherwise identified, scripture quotations are taken from the New American Standard Bible.