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‘How much of what happens in the spiritual world do you think impacts on your day-to-day living?’
Judging by the number of horror movies out there, our society seems to have quite the fascination with the spiritual realm. While some find it fascinating, others find it scary, thinking that perhaps we shouldn’t meddle with things outside of our understanding. Christians know that there is a spiritual element to our existence, but we don’t always know what to do about it. So how do we work out what is really going on without getting caught up in the speculation and horror stories? And is any of it relevant for our everyday life?
Michael Dutschke is a pastor and educator who shares insights into what the bible says about the spiritual realm and what we need to know about the spiritual nature of the Christian faith.
Key takeaways from this episode
The spiritual realm is real and active. Pastor Michael Dutschke explained that, according to Scripture, unseen spiritual forces influence our daily lives, whether or not we recognise them.
Believers live in two realms at once. Christians exist both on earth and in the heavenly realms. Ephesians teaches that God has already seated believers with Jesus in the heavenly places — a present, not future, reality.
Every believer shares in Jesus’ power and authority. Through faith, we have access to the same spiritual authority that Jesus demonstrated — the power to nurture good, resist evil, and pray with confidence.
The battle is spiritual, not physical. Our struggle is ‘not against flesh and blood,’ but against unseen powers and spiritual forces. Yet the outcome is already decided: Jesus’ death and resurrection secured victory over evil.
Our choices have spiritual impact. Acts of forgiveness, peace, and love influence not only our earthly relationships but the spiritual realm as well. For example, refusing to hold onto anger denies the devil a foothold in our lives (Ephesians 4:26–27).
Prayer activates God’s power. Paul prayed that believers would know the ‘incredible greatness’ of God’s power within them. Prayer allows God to work through us, shaping our hearts and transforming situations.
Hope and strength come from divine power. Christians are called to live confidently, knowing that God’s Spirit is at work in and through them — doing ‘infinitely more than we ask or imagine’.
Spiritual understanding grows through faith and guidance. When faced with questions or struggles, believers are encouraged to seek trusted mentors, pray, and continue learning what it means to live in the hope of God’s ultimate power.
Episode transcript
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Related booklet
Today’s media features many stories on angels. The New Age Movement suggests that each of us has a ‘personal angel’ and encourages us to get in contact with it. Do angels really exist? Can we see them? What is their purpose? Explore the Biblical evidence of angels and their purpose inside this booklet.
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