Recently I preached what I have been told is a groundbreaking message. And like many of the truths I have come to understand over the years, especially those addressing spiritual warfare issues, there has been a good deal of time and pain involved in the process of discovering and understanding the principles.

Yet as soon as I preached this message I felt a great release from the burden I had been carrying for months – obviously something had really been addressed in the spirit realm.

Years ago I was ministering in a series of churches in a modern, western nation. The churches were charismatic/Pentecostal, with a faith background. Their worship was highly developed, they were people of devotion to the Lord Jesus, and they did not lack in any of the usual gifts and graces.

For many years I made regular trips into Asia. These began in 1991, and by 1998 I had made 15 visits to the Philippines alone, aside from other journeys to Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, India etc. I used to go four or five times a year; often I would be home for six weeks, and then away for two, in regular cycles.

We have been discussing the demonic powers that, as religious controlling spirits, infiltrate denominations. Another matter of great moment is the spirit of the Masonic Lodge.

Recently I preached about something I had never before thought to go public on, because I thought it would be too controversial, and I did not want to offend other Christian leaders. But having come into more understanding, and realising that the problem is far more extensive than I had thought, I knew I had to address the issue. For the freedom of believers and the body of Christ, the truth has to be told. It has since proven to be a powerful and important truth.

THE GREATER BATTLE - REBELLION & SUBMISSION

The progressive influence of these spirits and protecting the Church

There is probably no greater spiritual issue in church life than the problem of lawlessness, and no greater need than for people to understand the true spirituality of Jesus Christ, which is submission.Many in the church are exposed to the gravest imaginable dangers because of the spirit of lawlessness at work in them. Many believers are still by nature "lawless". Some become lawless through pride and independence. Earlier this year we had cause to seek the Lord concerning a serious matter, where a Christian woman was completely deceived, and was deceiving others.

Prayerlink asks Apostle John Alley - What are the major issues arising in our nation (for a prayer focus)?