Satan and the kingdom of darkness (his agents) operate with the acts of the sinful nature, namely, sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like (Galatians 5:19-21). Where the acts of the sinful nature prevail, the kingdom of darkness is in full operation and apostle Paul warns, “…those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
However, Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God (light) operate with the fruit of the Spirit, namely, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Anywhere the fruit of the Spirit prevail, the kingdom of God is at work.
Anytime Satan shows up, the acts of the sinful nature are displayed beyond the norm or excessively. In addition, self-pride (opposite of humility) rules, and, confusion and disorder set in as evidence of lack of self-control and lack of voluntary submission to God, or rejection of His authority.
Sadly, many Christians often mistake lack of self-control in church services for evidence of the “anointing” or the Spirit of God moving in the congregation -Here commotion is equated with the “anointing”.
Please note that the only evidence of the Holy Spirit’s moving through a congregation is the accompanying manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit and congregants turning to God in repentance. It is important to note that healings and Miracles could be, and often are, misleading as Satan and his agents specialise in counterfeit, but they cannot counterfeit the fruit of the Spirit, especially love.
Whilst most people nowadays seek for a church with signs and wonders, we submit that it is better, and spiritually safe, to be drawn to a church because of the consistent evidence of the fruit of the Spirit in abundance. However, a spiritually healthy church is one with both, namely, signs and wonders in an environment marked by the fruit of the Spirit. Undoubtedly, such a church will be contributing to the expansion of the kingdom of God on earth.
