This is the first of a series of Discerning the Times articles which will investigate what appears to be a growing spiritual stronghold within US politics. In these articles, I want to invite you into the process of discerning the presence of a stronghold by looking at its formation in order to develop prayer strategies and tactics to see the stronghold pulled down.
Francis Frangipane defines a stronghold as follows:
A demonic stronghold is any type of thinking that exalts itself above the knowledge of God, thereby giving the devil a secure place of influence in an individual’s thought-life.1
Strongholds begin in individuals’ minds, but if the stronghold grows and the individual is able to influence others a corporate stronghold emerges. If it grows unchecked it can have
Is this Political or Spiritual?
My original title for this Discerning the Times was:
Discerning and Naming the Creative Minority of the Demonic Stronghold that is forming in the US Democratic Party
I believe this is a long overdue discernment project—the intelligence preparation of the battlespace—for what I suspect will be a series of prayer battles that we will very soon be called into. But when I sent this out to the core discernment team, I received a lot of feedback and push back. Rather than just assimilate all of this information and rewrite the Discerning The Times, I want to bring you into the dialogue that I have gone through so you can join in the discernment, especially when it comes to something as controversial as naming names of those in a particular political party. I know it is a minefield that I am walking into, but if we just stick with safe generalities, we will not be prepared to engage in the work of prayer that Jesus is calling us to—engagements that are always specific.
First Jon wrote:
To begin with, I think we do need to be careful how we address this issue without creating more division within the Body of Christ. A better title would be “Discerning the Strongholds within American Politics”. I agree that many within the Democrat Party have gone “off the rails” with political positions on immigration, socialism, abortion (infanticide), antisemitism, transgender-ism and other social issues. However, we cannot ignore the problems within the Republican Party of pride, deception and their own “sowing of discord” within the halls of Congress and media….
So. . . are there demons working in the Democratic Party? Yes! AND in the Grand Old Party (GOP). But only when Americans can see themselves walking in freedom in Christ with the power of the Holy Spirit will those demons be put in their proper place. I know I’m preaching to the choir here but we have the authority, let us engage in this battle with wisdom so that Jesus Christ will be magnified.
My response to this is, “Amen!” I recognize fully the potential to give Satan grounds to stir up disunity within the body of Christ, especially in the area of political parties in which Christians may have strongly held opinions that differ.
Pauline from the United Kingdom wrote:
Could it be helpful if once again, you prefaced this piece with the disclaimer that this is NOT a political piece per se. It is NOT about the fact that PRMI is anti-democrat. I know you’ve said it before but i think it needs to be said again.
Could you say something about the fact that Satan is building strongholds in all political parties, in all countries, with different emphasis at different times. There are good and bad policies, and people in both parties in the USA. No party or leader is exempt from the subtle attacks of the enemy.
Sorry to sound pedantic about this, but we cannot afford to alienate ourselves from our supporters and partners by letting misunderstanding or lack of clarity about our motives for writing articles get in the way. Satan loves to stir up strife.
Yes, I agree with this statement too. Before moving into this I want to state that this is NOT a political piece per se, even though we will be talking about the Democratic Party. This is a spiritual issue which impinges upon the political arena. I understand perfectly well that Satan does and is building strongholds in all political parties, in all countries, with
BUT this article is calling us to discern what Satan is doing at this time, especially in the leadership of the Democratic Party in the United States of America. As we receive guidance to engage in upcoming prayer battles of advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we shall no doubt be led to discern the growth of strongholds in other parties and political movements.
One more observation from a Canadian Intercessor:
Many very good insights in this string. It is important to keep free of vilifying one party or another, and a lot of things are wrong in the political realm on all sides in the United States and Canada, United Kingdom and the world. However, it appears right now that two strongholds have been built and perhaps are coalescing—the radical Left and radical Islam. This needs to be the focal point and we must guard against losing focus by an over emphasis on ALL that is wrong even as we do point out the picture is complicated… May the Lord grant wisdom as y’all get this finished.
Discerning What Satan Is Doing
Strongholds based on “struggle ideologies” are making dangerous inroads into the political parties in the United States of America, Canada, and the United Kingdom. These ideologies are rooted in the manufacture or deliberate escalation of conflict between races, religions, and other groups within society as a means of kingdom building. They are at their heart apocalyptic but the kingdom coming after their version of apocalypse is not God’s.
These ideologies include Marxism, Intersectionality, and Islam, and they assume many other names and guises throughout the realms of politics, education and the universities, commerce, media, and art. They are destroying and replacing the Judeo-Christian values and the Greek-born power of reason upon which the West and America were founded.
Identifying a Creative Minority forming within the Democratic Party
Having made these general statements, we turn to discerning the very real and particular evil that appears to be taking root in the Democratic Party in the United States of America.
There seems to be either the leadership core or the creative minority of a very powerful demonic stronghold taking root in the Democratic Party and daily growing in strength.
I believe that this may be configured around the following people who are forming an “Axis of Deception.” To encourage you to do your own research, I am going to take the risk of naming these people.
- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.
- Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn
- Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s, D-Mich
- Linda Sarsour, Palestinian-American political activist
They are being named in a number of discerning articles that I have been reading.
Why Democrats are so Dangerous
Kellyanne Conway: There’s ‘Trouble in Pelosi Paradise’
Here is an affirmation from Liz Cheney who makes the following statement pointing to the reality of this “Axis of Deception”
Freshman lawmakers pushing socialist agendas are directing the Democratic Party even further left than the progressives, Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., laments.
Rep. Liz Cheney: Socialist Voices ‘Driving’ Dems’ Agenda Now
“You see an embrace of socialism,” Rep. Cheney, the No. 3 Republican in the House, told “The Cats Roundtable”according to The Hill. “You see an embrace of policies that would fundamentally steal power from the American people and give it to the government. They would essentially make us slaves to socialism.”
“Those voices right now are driving the agenda of the Democratic Party.”
Rep. Cheney pointed to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) pushing her Green New Deal; Rep. Ilhan Omar’s (D-Minn.) Muslim rebuke of Israel; Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s (D-Mich.) “impeach the motherf–er” call to oust the U.S. President.
“Right now they’re letting the most radical voices, including Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar and Tlaib, they’re letting them to set the agenda and they’re following them,” Rep. Cheney told host John Catsimatidis. “And I think that’s very dangerous for the nation. I hope that that will stop, but unfortunately I don’t see any signs that it will.”
As I looked at the pictures of these smiling ladies, I can see why they are so winsome. But if we pay attention to what they are actually saying and doing, we find that they are comparable to a “Trojan Horse” embodying these “struggle ideologies,”
Discerning the Archetecture of a Stronghold
The following video explains how a stronghold can begin to form in a person and then expand through a creative minority.
Discerning the various components which together form a demonic stronghold is helpful in identifying and naming the stronghold. As well as providing the information needed to effectively pray for its dismantling and destruction.
These components are shown in the following map of a demonic stronghold. Identifying the various components is one of the first steps of discernment. But before that can effectivly happen, the demonic cloaking needs to be pierced.
This demonic cloaking hides what the enemy is doing so that people, in general, are unaware of the stronghold’s influence. It provides protection for the stronghold, and keeps its activities hidden as it continues to grow.
Ways To Pray
- Pray for a piercing of the demonic cloaking that is hiding both the ideology and the people who are behind these four winsome faces.
- Pray for clear guidance to be able to name the elements of the demonic stronghold that is being built.
- As a first step to receiving the guidance as to the prayer strategy to overcome this demonic stronghold, pray for the development of a complete stronghold map.
For months intercessors have been discerning the growth of this stronghold, but I feel strongly that it is now time to mobilize intercession and spiritual warfare to defeat it.
Share Your Discernment with us
Please join us in doing the work of discernment. You can download a stronghold worksheet using the link below. Please share your discernment by helping to fill these in. Wherever possible, please back up your discernment with internet links to the news reports or opinion pieces that support your discernment conclusions.
You can share your discernment with Martin and Dr. Long at martinb@prmi.org and bradlong@prmi.org
Learn More: Presbyterian-Reformed Ministries International
Those 4 are only the tip of the iceberg. The leadership of the party tried to take God out of the equation at their national convention when they chose Obama, and have been embracing evil. for quite awhile. I don’t know how far back it goes, but it is deeply entrenched. Maxine Waters, Chuck Schumer, Adam Schiff, etc. are just a few, pretty much any of them in leadership positions carry the taint. At the last State of the Union address it was strong enough to feel pockets of evil in the chamber.
I couldn’t get your worksheet to download, but have been and will continue praying.
what comes to mind as I read all these responses is fear vs wisdom. I don’t want to be reacting in fear, the “What ifs” coming into play. Instead praying for and recognizing the need for great wisdom as you are writing and discussing these issues. Sometimes we can negate our voice by delving into or speaking about something with fear as the driving force rather than the wisdom that comes from the Lord.
I see the media(some not all) very fearful of these women and even though they know what they are saying is wrong. Fear seems to be what is driving people to remain silent in the face of great atrocities and words and actions that are clearly evil; being allowed to not only speak but to act unchecked with great consequences
Having said that I found myself praying about these 4 women and what the Lord led me to pray was to dispatch warrior angels to deal with these women. I saw huge warrior angels with huge swords that were light up or had a holy light blue glow. They took the sword and cut the women in half,,,revealing what was within…and when I looked there were many black writhing snakes. Even as I write this I am experiencing nausea and a deep gut reaction to how ugly they are. When I asked the Lord if I need to know the names of these snakes I heard a language that I could not understand. Names in a language that I have never heard before. I sent this message to Ron Sharpe(even though he is in the hospital) I felt that he had a piece of this that is needed. This really feels like a team battle; each prayer warrior bringing their piece and engaging as the Lord leads.
Hmmm. The image of snakes is interesting. It caused me to recall, once at this time of year I saw a large ball or knot of garter snakes in the ditch by my house. I later learned that is how they mate and then they spread out to the region to grow their families. I believe a good strategy might be good to pray that the gathered snakes be contained and made infertile. I’m not sure what that would look like, but sense that the wrong approach may in fact help or allow the vipers to spread far and wide to claim more territory.
Hello Brad, I have just read the DTT of April 23rd 2019. I am glad that you found this so important, as part of a cohort I see we are praying into parts of this issue more and more. “Be careful how we address this Issue, Division and Fear”. They are correct to express fear and concerns. They are concerning but we need to address them, pray and discern and form a strategy to defeat the enemy. I agree that there can be a backlash from so many sides, if, we don’t get the right way forward. I thought that the “Trojan Horse” was so important, as it can give entry, without knowing the consequences of allowing things in. I understand the problems it is causing in the USA, but I also see the real damage it is doing in the UK. This is almost a global move of the enemy, reaching most of the governments around the world. How we tackle such a huge move and recognise all the intricacies, is a great task ahead of us. I look forward to reading this next book and finding solutions and discernment to problems where the Lord leads us. From time to time we say “Nothing is too great for the Lord” and He responds in great ways and moves and we say thank you Lord for answered prayers, again! JOHN FORBES
Thank you Brad for exposing radical and demonic tendencies in the Democratic Party. In the mighty name of Jesus, i pray they will be defeated and that Christ will Be lifted up as Lord. It may be helpful to examine the attack tactics of republicans like Ann Coulter, There is a destructive mean streak there.
We all need to humble ourselves and pray for our country and world.
Please take time on May 2, National day of Prayer to call on the Lord to purify and redeem us. We need to focus on sharing the gospel. Lord, please have mercy upon us.
I find it interesting and possibly important that the 4 people you listed are all women, who, if they were in their own countries, would not only not have a voice, but would be thought of as less than human and more as chattel. Is it possible that Satan is purposely using women instead of men as a way to make disagreements against them impotent BECAUSE they are women? I feel that Satan has changed his battle strategy to an area where we are hesitant to go because of the huge upswing in feminine rights that are being constantly put in our face. God has a plan for this. We need to ask Him what it is.
Hello Brad,
The National day of Prayer for purification and redemption is needed for push back, yet the parliamentary pressures to win at any cost is still there, through all parties. In the UK it is also elections the same day and European elections on the 23rd of May, there are elections throughout most of Europe over the next month or two. We need to pray that the people of God vote for the right representatives and God moves through His people. Infiltration came to mind, this and coercion in strength, which is exerted by the enemy to cause maximum damage. There is no limit to the enemies endeavours to cause damage, even at the cost of the voices that speak for him. Money and power are strong forces for the enemy, to push greed and division where he can, pray against the abilities to collect finances for evil use. Discerning the Times and Prayer Strategy both use the demonic stronghold strategy when praying against Radical Islam The stronghold of deception within the mind and heart of the leader. Leader of the country, party, or finances and power structures they are all bases for a move of the enemy.
JOHN FORBES
Thanks for everyone’s profound discernment on this. I have gotten lots of personal notes as well coming in. Brad
As we are moving toward naming the archons (high level demons) who are behind this stronghold. Jon sent me the a bible study of some that I am sure are involved. This gives us a strong biblical basis.
As I look at the various parts of the “map” to define the battleground we face regarding the spiritual strongholds within the US politics I don’t know where to place all the players but I certainly see many who are involved. So here are some of the “Principalities, Powers, Rulers of the Darkness of this Age, Wicked spirits in heavenly places” that I see:
First and foremost, I recognize lawlessness as a very active spirit in the struggle we face on so may levels.
Jesus signified that one of the signs of the end of the age “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12 ) To me this explains why many of the policies and activities within culture as a whole and politics in general are so full of hate and so willing to kill innocents and exalt sinfulness.
John wrote that “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4)
Paul wrote to the Thessalonian Church “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. (2 Thessalonians 2:7) Actually all of this chapter deals with the works of darkness and the great “falling away” we see within the church and culture of America. I see the work of Intercession as one where we who have authority restrain that spirit in these last days.
A second ingredient is that of deception and lying.
Jesus said “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” (John 8:44) The Amplified version translates that last part as : When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,” (1 Timothy 4:1-2) The Message Bible says “These liars have lied so well and for so long that they’ve lost their capacity for truth.”
This propensity to lie has become so pervasive within our culture that even when caught in a lie politicians and the media not only do not repent, retract nor correct but add other lies to perpetuate their deceptions. Along this line I am reminded of a statement made by Jonah while he was in the belly of the fish “They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.” (Jonah 2:8 KJV)
This reminds me of Paul’s writing “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who in their wickedness suppress and stifle the truth,” (Romans 1:18 AMP)
A third spirit that is prevalent within our culture I would label as “Demonic Wisdom” or the “Wisdom of this age”. This goes to the very core of the thinking within the “politically correct” of our age. In the New testament we see two types of wisdom contrasted several times.
In Romans 1 we find the statement “Professing themselves to be wise they become fools”
Later Paul wrote: “However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,” 1 Corinthians 2:6-8
Also note: [ Avoid Worldly Wisdom ] Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. (1 Corinthians 3:18)
James defined that wisdom as demonic: “13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual demonic., 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:13-17)
The forth spirit that seems to be working overtime in today’s culture and political arena is the spirit of Antichrist. This spirit is most clearly seen in those who deny Christianity as the truth.
John had the most to say about this in the following verses:
Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many Antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. (1 John 2:4)
Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is Antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. (1 John 2:2)
. . .and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. (1 John 4:3)
For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an Antichrist. (2 John 1:7)
We certainly live in an age where many of our leaders go out of their way to lift up Antichrist thoughts and doctrines and suppress Christian thought.
As we continue to discern this Axis of Deception forming in the Democratic party here is an excellent discernment piece from Canada Free Press that exposes what we already know and that is the role of Bernie Sanders. While there are many people involved in this demonic stronghold we must try to focus on naming the core leadership and the creative minority .
Here is the link: https://canadafreepress.com/article/bernie-sanders-the-fertilizer-in-aocs-poison-ivy-growth
By the way I highly recommend the Canada Free Press as a very good source of intel. https://canadafreepress.com/
Responding to what Brad said earlier ( see next lines):
‘This propensity to lie has become so pervasive within our culture that even when caught in a lie politicians
and the media not only do not repent, retract nor correct but add other lies to perpetuate their deceptions.
Along this line I am reminded of a statement made by Jonah while he was in the belly of the fish “They that
observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.” (Jonah 2:8 KJV)’
I just finished reading the book written by Jonathan Cahn “THE HARBINGER: The Ancient Mystery that holds the Secret of America’s Future. Cahn (a messianic Jew) make the connection between Isaiah 9:10 and 9/11!!
with as bottom line the lack of repentance that causes a countries’ collapse. Could this be part of the political drama being played out in the US as we speak? Please read this book as it is a systematic approach how lack of persistent repentance is the underlying cause of what w are seeing played out in the North- America continent if not throughout the world. How can we lead our countries in a time of repentance1?.
I just realized as a Canadian that the US has today, May 2, as a National Day of Prayer. This special Day of Prayer could be used as a Day of Repentance.