About the Book
This book will prepare you to be victorious in a conflict that you cannot avoid -- your battle against demonic forces that oppress, seek to infest, and even possess the souls of men. There are many conflicts that are best ignored but this is not one of them. Turning your back on the demons oppressing you could well cost you your possessions, your health and even your life; for Satan -- their commander -- having been expelled from heaven, came to earth, with great fury, intent to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). But, we need not become his victims. There is a better way. Christians often speak about the power of the demonic forces, and how they personally are being attacked, or oppressed. Some believe that they should engage in spiritual warfare, actively engaging these demonic forces, while others follow the 'live and let live' -- the leave them alone and hope that they will leave us alone -- philosophy. Still others believe that the existence of demons is but a myth, but if this were true, why would the Apostle Paul, leave this counsel to the church: "Finally, grow powerful in union with the Lord, in union with his mighty strength! Use all the armor and weaponry that God provides, so that you will be able to stand against the deceptive tactics of the Adversary. For we are not struggling against human beings, but against the rulers, authorities and cosmic powers governing this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm. So take up every piece of war equipment God provides; so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist; and when the battle is won, you will still be standing" (Eph 6:10-14 CJB). The battle is real -- a battle between spiritual entities taking place in the heavens (the spirit realm) -- which we, having become Christians, becoming one through spirit-to-Spirit union with Christ -- have become engaged in. Thus, the question for each Christian, is not whether or not to participate in spiritual warfare; but whether one will be a victim or a victor. There is an old cliche' which says, "Knowledge is Power." Understanding spiritual warfare, the necessary preparation; the battlefield; the enemy's identity and strategic battle plan, will spell the difference between whether one is victorious or victimized. Satan's Kingdom of Darkness is well organized and prepared for battle -- a battle which began in heaven and is now being carried out upon the earth and in the heavens. The Apostle John, speaking prophetically in his later years, described this, saying: "There was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down - that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him" (Rev 12:7-9). The Old Testament Prophet understood this and knew that individually we are no match for this organized enemy -- this army of evil. Thus, inspired by God, he counseled us to: "Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all the fighting men draw near and attack. Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weakling say, 'I am strong!' Come quickly, all you nations from every side, and assemble" (Joel 3:9-11). In Volume One of this series -- "Prepare for War" we provided guidance for personal preparation for all those called to this battle -- and that is every Christian. In this volume, "The Synagogue of Satan & Its Ruling Powers" we introduce you to the demonic strongmen that govern specific categories of spiritual oppression, and the subordinate demons that they direct. Remember knowledge is power. Going through life without knowledge results in powerlessness, which makes one a victim: in this case a victim of demons!
About the Author: James V. Potter, Ph.D., & Paula M. Potter, MA are Christian Authors, Educators, Pastoral Counselors & Ordained Ministers. The Potters retired from their Clinical Pastoral Counseling practice established in 1995, in 2003. Prior to their move to Northern California, they resided in Hawaii, on the Big Island. While there, they served on the staff of the Family Ministry School, University of the Nations, a Division of Youth With A Mission; As Associate Pastors with the Gospel of Salvation Churches and the New Covenant Church; & were engaged in private Clinical Pastoral Counseling. Dr. James & Paula Potter, founded the Hawaii Family Care Centers - a network of community based, Christian Counseling Centers, serving at-risk individuals & families, ministering to substance abusers, addicts, domestic violence perpetrators & victims, & individuals struggling from various mood & personality disorders. Returning to California in 1995, Dr. Potter and Paula founded Agape Family Care Services & the Alliance Recovery Service, carrying on the clinical practice they had begun while in Hawaii. After retiring from clinical practice in 2003, Dr. Potter & Paula founded Advocare Ministries, & its divisions: Advocare Publishing Co., to publish Christ-centered counseling resources, self-help guides & spiritual guidance materials; & Advocare Family Skills Institute, to carry on the work of training & equipping Christian Counselors. Through their affiliations with Vision Bible College and Vision International University, Dr. Potter & Paula mentor students in their bachelor & masters studies worldwide, through on-line instruction. Dr. Potter & Paula are Certified Christian Marriage & Family Therapists; Certified Clinical Pastoral Counselors; Certified Domestic Violence & Abuse Prevention & Treatment Specialists; Certified Substance Abuse & Addiction Prevention & Treatment Specialists; & Certified Prepare/Enrich Counselors & Trainers. Dr. Potter has been listed in numerous directories, including: Marquis, Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in Religion, & Who's Who in Education; Men of Achievement; the International Biographical Centre; Association for Christian Therapists; & the National Christian Counselors Association. Dr. Potter is a member of the World Association for Online Education; both Dr. Potter & Paula Potter serve as adjunct faculty for Vision International University, & teach in the Advocare Family Skills, Educational Programs, Redding, California.
