A Reflection on Today’s Challenges
In our world today, it often feels like truth is hard to find. Many people experience confusion, mistrust, and division. When we talk about widespread deception, we’re referring to the ways in which ideas, attitudes, and beliefs can lead many away from what is good, honest, and unifying.
The Seven Churches of Asia Minor: A Mirror for Today
The idea of the seven churches comes from the Bible’s Book of Revelation (Chapters 2-3). These were real Christian communities in what is now Turkey: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. They were located along a major Roman road and received letters from Jesus through the Apostle John, who was on the island of Patmos. In these letters, Jesus praised them for their strengths, corrected their mistakes, and warned them about dangers like cultural pressure, persecution, and losing their spiritual passion.
Even though these were actual churches, many people see them as symbols for all churches throughout history. Each one faced different problems—some lost their love for truth, others gave in to compromise, and some were misled by false teachings. Their stories challenge us to look at our own communities and ask: Are we staying true to what we believe, or are we drifting away?
What Are Spiritual Strongholds?
Spiritual strongholds are stubborn habits or ways of thinking that keep us stuck and prevent us from living freely and happily. They’re built from believing things that aren’t true, and these false beliefs can act like a barrier, blocking us from positive change. These strongholds can show up as things like addictions, constant fear, pride, or anger. Often, they start because of something painful in our past or from ideas that aren’t helpful or truthful. The good news is, they can be broken down by facing them honestly, praying, reading uplifting words from Scripture, admitting where we’ve gone wrong, and choosing not to believe the lies anymore.
Strongholds: More Than Just Buildings
A stronghold isn’t just a big, sturdy building with thick walls; when we talk about strongholds in a spiritual sense, we mean beliefs or attitudes that quietly settle into our hearts and minds, shaping the way we think and act. These strongholds can start to guide our decisions and feelings without us even realizing it. Here are four strongholds that many people deal with:
· The Religious Spirit: This isn’t about faith or devotion, but about empty rituals, harsh judgment, or putting rules before people. It can make religion feel cold and push people away from genuine love and understanding.
· The Political Spirit: When politics becomes more about power, division, or winning at all costs, it can blind us to what truly matters—caring for one another, seeking justice, and working together for the common good.
· The Spirit of Racism: This is the belief that some people are better than others based on their race or background. It’s a deeply harmful stronghold that divides communities, causes pain, and goes against the dignity of every person.
While only three are named, a fourth might include any attitude or belief that keeps us from seeing each other as equals and loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Recognizing and Resisting Deception
These strongholds can creep into our lives almost unnoticed. They shape how we think, act, and relate to others. Widespread deception isn’t just about obvious lies; it’s about subtle shifts that lead us away from kindness, unity, and truth.
So what can we do? We can reflect honestly on our attitudes, challenge beliefs that divide or harm, and choose to treat others with respect and love. By learning from the lessons of the seven churches and recognizing these strongholds, we can work together toward a more truthful, just, and compassionate world.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 