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Bible Question: What does the Bible say about "spiritual mapping?" This seems to be one of many so called "new revelations" in the body of Christ, taught by sincere ministers of God. Churches seem to be hungry for change and more salvation results. But it is THE GOSPEL which is the power of God! Though I believe that in Christ I also have authority to stand against any strongman coming on my path, I cannot see any scriptural confirmation for the practice of trying to find an enemy over an area. When this new ministry does away with a strongman over an area, the danger is that he might return and take 7 more evil spirits with him. I seem to stand so alone in this. Am I wrong?
Bible Answer: "Spiritual mapping" is a new approach to evangelizing one's community. Advocates of this concept research the spiritual condition of their community, city, state of nation for the purpose of evangelism. They propose to do this by 1) researching the spiritual condition of the churches in the area, 2) attempting to determine the major patterns of sin common to the area, 3) determining the demonic activity for the area, and 4) identifying the names of spiritual principalities and powers of the area for the purpose of conquest. Courses are being provided in "Spiritual Mapping."
Rejoice That Christ Is Preached. The desire to evangelize our community, city, state, nation or the world is what our Lord commanded us to do. From a biblical point of view, there is nothing wrong with investigating the spiritual condition or discovering the sin patterns of a group of people in an area. If this helps Christians understand their community better and motivate them to share Christ, then we should praise the Lord. This was the attitude of Paul the apostle in Philippians,
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Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice. (NASB) Philippians 1:15-18 |
Resist But Do Not Attacked. Many are seeking power in the Christian life and in ministry. Once one starts seeking power, that becomes the goal. It is interesting that Jesus' brother, Jude, had this to say,
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Yet in the same manner these men . . . Revile angelic majesties. But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” (NASB) Jude 8-9 |
The message of this passage is clear. Do not be aggressive towards angelic majesties (Satan and his followers are fallen angels), but defer to God. Then the Lord's brother, James, command us to resist Satan.
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Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (NASB) James 4:7-8 |
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