Back in 1986, Christian novelist Frank E Peretti wrote a book called This Present Darkness endeavouring to paint a picture of two worlds interacting in the drama of daily life. Heaven and earth. Light and darkness.
The book, which has an engaging multi-layered plot, has not been without its criticism. However, through the power of a story, fictitious as it is, it helps us to see how the natural and the spiritual world interact. As a result, it encourages us to live more spiritually discerning lives.
Peretti's sequel Piercing the Darkness (1988) accomplishes a similar thing. Together these two books have sold over 3.5 million copies. If you haven't read them, I recommend them to you. If you have, maybe a re-read is worth your time.
The Apostle Paul summarises our topic well …
"A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." [Ephesians 6:10-18. NLT]
You might also like to check out Frank Peretti's web site.
Good stuff Mark.
During part 1 I kept expecting you make some kind of Stargate reference too.
I’m actually a fan of the TV show Supernatural (yes, I am really a Christian). The entire series is built upon the whole interaction between the physical universe and the spiritual one (specifically demons & hell). The current series has seen the introduction of an angel (and not the “Touched by an Angel” kind, but a, smite first, ask questions later, kind).
I’d be interested to know, have you seen any of the show? I think it could be a really interesting way of communicatings the battle that we’re all a part of.
Read both books a long time back. Still remember I couldn’t put them down once I started because they were so gripping and very compelling reading. I agree they open up your eyes to see there is a spiritual backdrop we are often unaware about.
The first time that I tried to read one of these books, it scared the bejeevers out of me by about page 25. I put it down and didn’t try to read it again for years. Although I was a Christian, I never allowed myself to think of the reality of the kingdom of darkness because it was terrifying to me. Until I received some help in the area of deliverance, those books remained on the shelf at the library.
I read these many years ago as well, I just read some of the critics and had a laugh! They wanted Frank to get it perfect! Shame on them. I thoroughly enjoyed them and found them un-put-downable! I particularly liked the imagery of a demon sitting whispering into someone’s ear as they gossiped on the phone, I remember at the time it made me stop and think whenever I spoke. My favourite part in Piercing the Darkness (I think) where the girl is surrounded by angels at the point of surrender and the lamb of God enters. I remember weeping and being filled with such a sense of joy! You are right Mark, they deserve a re-read, shame I lent them to someone years ago! O well, back to the book shop.