The Fight in the Church: When the House of Prayer Becomes a Battlefield
The Fight in the Church: When the House of Prayer Becomes a Battlefield
A call to action in the Body of Christ. Time waits for no one...
Introduction:
The Church is meant to be a place of revival, transformation, and edification — a sanctuary where believers are refreshed, empowered, and blessed. It is the gathering of true worshippers, established by Jesus Christ, not for strife or contention, but for our spiritual growth and sober reflection before God.
Yet, as the Scripture says,
“But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.” — Matthew 13:25
While men slept — spiritually and morally — the enemy crept in unnoticed, sowing seeds of discord, pride, and selfish ambition. Spiritual slumber and neglect of the Word have created dangerous vacuums in the house of God.
Fighting did not begin in a day; it is the result of gradual negligence — a slow fading of spiritual sensitivity that opens the door to carnality. And today, we see brethren striving and contending for positions in the Church rather than seeking the presence of God.
The Church must awaken again! The fire of revival must be rekindled. Our focus must return to Christ and His purpose — to build up one another in love, unity, and truth.
I have seen members gagging up against the Minister of God, as well as seeing a minister of God neglecting his role as the arrowhead of the Church to mind the things of the carnal mind. Conspiracy, fighting, among the brethren against each other in the same church. These are people expected to stand in the Gap in the prayer room for the growth of the Church, but rather turn the praying Church into a battlefield. This is an awakening for the Churches today; it is high time to return to serving God rather than serving our carnal mind for things that will perish in no time.
For what will a man profit if he loses his soul.....
"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matt.16:26
The focus of many brethren has been shifted away from the true reason for gathering in the House of God. Men are now lovers of themselves rather than the Lover of God who sees all and created all. The followers no longer see their shepherd as God's chosen for them, and this has become a bigger problem than expected. It is high time to devote ourselves to God and more often to the word of God. This will constantly shower our hearts with good reports.
The Carnal Mind and the Division in the Church
The carnal mind is a deep wound — one that cannot be healed instantly. It takes repentance, the Word of God, counselling, and above all, God’s mercy to bring true restoration.
Sadly, many churches today have been torn apart because of this same carnal mindset. Believers now choose who they want to listen to, instead of listening to what God is saying to them. This has created various versions and factions within the Body of Christ.
One says, “I am for Pastor A,” and another says, “I am for Pastor B.” The Church is being silently divided before our very eyes — yet many have chosen to remain silent. We cannot afford to fold our hands any longer.
We have forgotten the true purpose of our gathering — not to exalt men, but to exalt Christ. The Church must return to unity, humility, and the centrality of God’s Word.
Let us be careful, watchful, and intentional to restore the Spirit of love and truth among us. For only in unity can the Body of Christ fulfil its divine calling..
Everywhere today, we see growing conflict within the Body of Christ — not of swords or blood, but of pride, power, and control. The place meant for prayer has, in many places, been turned into a field of competition.
Yet, in the midst of this chaos, God is calling His people back — to purity, to prayer, and to purpose. But yet we still can't hear the call because of our carnal mind.
The voice is calling, and still yet we are not grabbing it; people are falling every day because they fail to yield to the voice of repentance. Repentance is not of the mouth but of the heart.
The Minister who ought to direct the followers in the right direction is also full of carnality. Where are we going in the Body of Christ? This is a call to action and repentance of our souls.
Tomorrow may be late, but today is the right time for repentance.
The Danger of Carnality
The danger of carnality is that it shifts the focus of believers from what truly matters to what holds no eternal value. It blinds the heart, dulls spiritual sensitivity, and replaces passion for God with the pursuit of self.
Carnality draws people away from the cross — away from truth, holiness, and purpose — into endless distractions and divisions. When the mind becomes carnal, the things of the Spirit lose their importance, and what doesn’t matter begins to take centre stage.
> “Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.” — James 4:2 (KJV)
The Power of Prayer in Restoring the Church
We have identified the first and most important step in addressing the issues facing the Church: prayer.
Prayer cannot be overemphasised when it comes to matters of the Church. It is the lifeline of the believer and the strength of the Body of Christ. Any Church that neglects prayer will eventually lose its fire and collapse under spiritual pressure.
Today, many rise to criticise and oppose God’s ministers, believing that attacking them is a form of discernment or a way to express their understanding. But true spiritual maturity does not fight authority — it intercedes for it.
Instead of murmuring or gossiping about our leaders, we must return to the altar of prayer, asking God for wisdom, guidance, and direction for His ministers. For when a servant of God is weak, the people suffer; but when the servant is strengthened through prayer, the entire Church is lifted.
“Touch not my anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” — Psalm 105:15
A Call to Action in the Body of Christ
The Sanctity of God’s Ministers and the Fire on the Altar
The people in authority within the Church must understand that the office of the Minister of God is sacred and should never be handled carelessly. Many have brought curses upon themselves in the name of “fighting for the right cause.”
“And when they came to Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.” — 2 Samuel 6:6–7
You are not the one to determine whether a minister is still hearing from God or not. That authority belongs to God alone. Let God be the Judge, not man.
Sadly, many church leaders have been forcefully removed from their assignments because of internal conspiracies and power struggles. This is a call to sober reflection and repentance.
The greatest danger in the modern Church is not the devil outside, but the distractions inside. Many ministers today are weighed down by conflicts, comparisons, and complaints — rather than being focused on the growth of the Church and the salvation of souls.
“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.” — Romans 1:28
When prayer is replaced with endless meetings, political arguments, and gossip, the altar begins to lose its fire. The anointing that produces great results starts to dry up because the presence that sustains the power is no longer there.
God’s power cannot dwell in the midst of unrepentant sin.
“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear.” — Isaiah 59:2
We are witnessing a painful shift: prayer rooms are empty while committee halls overflow. Many are unknowingly quenching the fire of revival they were meant to ignite — all because of carnality and misplaced priorities.
When planning replaces praying, we stop being led by the Spirit and start operating by strategy alone. Strategies have their place, but without the Spirit of God, they are empty. It is like a man going to a stream with a basket to fetch water — all effort, no result.
When the pulpit becomes a place of debate instead of divine direction, the flame begins to fade. The Church loses her voice when she stops listening to God.
Never refuse to hear the Word of God simply because you are not on good terms with the pastor. You are not serving the pastor — you are serving God.
The Word of God carries no bias. It proceeds from the mouth of God through His chosen vessel to His people. To reject the messenger is to reject the message.
The Roles in the Church
The Minister of God
A pastor is not a boss — he is a shepherd.
This truth must stay alive in the heart of every minister of God. The pastoral office is unlike any other; it is a divine assignment that requires wisdom, humility, and constant dependence on God’s direction.
A true minister is called to feed, guide, and guard the flock of God — not to rule over them, but to lead them with love and understanding. Yet in fulfilling this sacred duty, every servant of God must beware of three silent enemies: pride, fatigue, and frustration.
When these find a place in the heart of a minister, the work of the ministry begins to suffer. Pride blinds, fatigue weakens, and frustration opens the door for discouragement. Therefore, a wise minister constantly checks his spirit, renews his strength in prayer, and keeps his eyes on Jesus.
And when criticism arises — as it surely will — a true servant of God must remain humble and remember this timeless truth:
“The battle is the Lord’s.”
You are called to serve, not to strive. Your strength is in your submission to God, and your victory is in your quiet confidence in His purpose.
Elders, deacons, and church board members are not owners of the ministry; they are stewards.
Their power is not for manipulation but for support. When influence turns into control, the Holy Spirit quietly withdraws.
Members are not spectators — they are living parts of the Body of Christ.
Every believer has a role, a function, and a responsibility in the growth and health of the Church. We are not called to sit and watch, but to serve and build together in unity.
Unfortunately, many have become trapped in offence, gossip, and division. The enemy doesn’t always need the back door to enter a church — he often walks right in through offended hearts.
When offence is allowed to linger, love grows cold, unity is broken, and the presence of God is grieved. That is why a wise member prays before reacting and seeks truth before judging.
A true member understands that the Church is a family — not perfect, but loved by God. We must bear with one another in love, forgive quickly, and keep our hearts free from bitterness.
“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” — Ephesians 4:3
When members choose prayer over gossip, love over offence, and service over complaint, revival is inevitable. The strength of the Church is not in her numbers, but in her unity.
The Role of Carnality and Distraction
“For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal?” — 1 Corinthians 3:3
When the Church becomes carnal, focus shifts from the altar to the audience.
The pursuit of God is replaced with the pursuit of attention, and the sacred becomes a stage for competition.
Suddenly, the questions change:
Who sings better?
Who preaches longer?
Who gets the microphone more often?
Ministers begin to compete for followers online instead of winning souls offline. The pulpit becomes a platform for performance rather than a place for power.
And the result?
We lose sight of eternity while chasing temporary applause.
We measure success by numbers, not by transformation.
We begin to entertain people rather than discipline them.
Carnality is a silent thief — it steals the fire of devotion and replaces it with the desire for recognition. The Church must wake up and return to the simplicity of Christ, where the goal is not to be seen by men but to be approved by God.
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” — Colossians 3:2
Ethnicity, Division, and Diabolical Control
How painful it is when the Church — the very Body of Christ — becomes a tribal zone instead of a spiritual home.
When committees are formed along ethnic lines, and love is measured by language, culture, or origin, the essence of Christianity is lost.
In such moments, we cease to reflect Christ and begin to reflect the world we were called to transform. The Church is meant to be one — a family bound not by tribe or tongue, but by the blood of Jesus.
Even more alarming is when some resort to diabolical means — using dark powers to gain influence, control, or destroy others within the Church. This is not Christianity; it is rebellion against the Spirit of God.
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.” — 1 Samuel 15:23
No charm can keep what God has not ordained, and no conspiracy can stand where truth and righteousness prevail.
The Church must return to purity, to love without bias, and to unity without condition. The Spirit of God will never dwell in a place ruled by tribalism, manipulation, or envy.
Let every believer remember — Christ cannot be divided, and neither should His Body be.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek… for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28
In every generation, and in every storm that sweeps through the Church, there are always a few who remain faithful — the remnants.
They are those who choose to pray instead of plot, who intercede instead of interfere, who serve quietly while others seek recognition.
They do not gossip; they stand in the gap.
They do not fight for titles; they fight on their knees.
They may not be the loudest in meetings, but they are the strongest in the secret place.
Their names may never appear on the notice board, but heaven recognises their sacrifice.
While others argue over positions, they carry the burden of the Church in their prayers.
When the Church loses its light, they are the hidden candles still burning — unseen, yet sustaining the flame.
They are the watchmen who refuse to sleep, the intercessors who refuse to be silent, the faithful who refuse to be discouraged.
Through them, God preserves His work and reignites His fire.
“Yet I have reserved to Myself seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal.” — 1 Kings 19:18
May you be counted among the few who remain faithful — those who keep the fire burning until the glory returns.
The Danger of Ganging Up in the Church
Whenever people unite against truth or rise up against God’s servant, the consequences are never light.
God does not bless division — He withdraws from it.
Here are the results that follow when the Church turns against itself:
1. Spiritual Dryness
When rebellion and strife take root, the presence of God quietly departs.
The songs may continue, the meetings may hold, but the fire on the altar begins to die out.
2. Loss of Trust
When leaders and members start opposing one another, suspicion replaces unity.
Instead of building together, people begin to watch each other. Love grows cold, and the enemy finds room to operate.
3. Divine Judgment
Remember Miriam and Aaron, who murmured against Moses — they thought they were right, yet judgment came.
“And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and behold, Miriam became leprous.” — Numbers 12:1–10
To speak or act against God’s chosen servant is not a light matter. God Himself defends His own.
4. Delay in Destiny
While the Church fights itself, souls outside perish.
The energy meant for evangelism becomes wasted in arguments and division.
The Church may win the argument, but it will lose its assignment.
We cannot fulfil the Great Commission while tearing down one another.
Let every believer remember — the enemy’s greatest weapon is not persecution from without, but disunity from within.
“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation.” — Matthew 12:25
Leadership Misled by Trusted Voices
Many pastors do not fall because of external enemies, but because of internal advisors.
Sometimes, the most dangerous voices are not those shouting from afar, but those whispering from within.
Judas sat close to Jesus — proximity does not always mean purity. Not everyone near you carries good intentions; some draw close only to influence, mislead, or destroy. When leaders begin to listen more to gossip than to the Spirit, the result is spiritual confusion. Manipulation soon replaces revelation, and human opinion begins to overshadow divine direction. That is how many ministries lose their fire — not through persecution, but through polluted counsel.
When opinion begins to overrule anointing, the altar grows silent, and the oil stops flowing.
Every leader must guard their ears and their circle. The people you listen to can either build your faith or bury your calling.
“Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.” — Proverbs 19:27
A wise leader seeks counsel, but only after seeking the voice of God. True direction doesn’t come from noise — it comes from the secret place.
Identifying the Self-Centred in the Church
Not everyone in the Church is Christ-centred — some are self-centred, and their motives silently corrupt the unity of the Body.
They may appear zealous, but their zeal is often rooted in ambition, not submission.
Beware of those who:
1. Seek recognition more than service.
2. Boast of “my ministry” instead of “God’s mission.”
3. Silence others just to remain relevant.
4. Resist correction but demand loyalty.
5. Gather sympathisers instead of prayer partners.
Such attitudes weaken the flow of the Spirit and turn fellowship into competition.
Paul warned us clearly:
“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud…” — 2 Timothy 3:2
A true servant seeks God’s glory, not self-promotion. When the self takes the throne, Christ is pushed aside. The Church must once again raise men and women whose hearts beat for Kingdom advancement, not personal applause.
The Cost of Delay and Distraction
1. Every quarrel in the Church delays revival.
2. Every gossip postpones someone’s salvation.
3. Every unhealed offence becomes a barrier to prayer.
The devil doesn’t always need to close the Church — he only needs to make the Church too busy to pray. When believers become too distracted to pray, too divided to fast, and too proud to repent, they have already surrendered without realising it. The enemy’s goal is not always destruction, but distraction. He knows that a distracted Church is a powerless Church.
Let us return to the altar of prayer. Let forgiveness replace offence, and unity replace division. Revival tarries not because God is unwilling, but because His people are unprepared.
“If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray… then will I hear from heaven.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14
Solutions: Healing and Rebuilding the Church
It is not enough to identify the problem — we must become the solution.
The Church can heal again if we return to what truly matters. As follows
1. Return to the Altar of Prayer
Let intercession replace politics. Let fasting return. Revival always begins on our knees.
2. Promote Transparency and Accountability
Let every decision, fund, and leadership move be open and Spirit-led.
3. Rebuild Trust
Through forgiveness, humility, and honest communication.
4. Focus on Souls, Not Seats
Jesus left the ninety-nine to seek one. Let outreach replace rivalry.
5. Train and Teach
Build maturity through the Word. A trained Church cannot be easily divided.
6. Celebrate Diversity
Different tribes, one Kingdom. Different callings, one Christ.
7. Raise Intercessors
Every strong church stands on the knees of praying saints.
If these pillars are restored, the fire of unity and revival will return.
Standing for What Jesus Stands For
Jesus did not die for denominations; He died for redemption.
He overturned tables because men turned His Father’s house into a market.
Today, the Spirit is calling us to overturn modern tables — the tables of pride, politics, and prejudice within the Church.
When holiness returns, miracles will return.
When truth leads again, power will follow.
When love replaces competition, revival will break forth.
Let the Church arise again, not as an organisation, but as a living body full of grace, truth, and power.
The Church Will Rise Again
Yes, there is conflict in the Church — but there is also hope for the Church.
There may be shaking, but what is of God cannot be destroyed.
“I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” — Matthew 16:18
To the ministers who are wounded — your tears are not wasted.
To the members who are weary, your prayers are not forgotten.
To the leaders who still stand — do not bow to pressure; heaven records your faithfulness.
The fire may seem dim, but the flame still burns.
God is not finished with His Church — He is preparing a remnant that will rise in purity, power, and purpose.
And through them, the glory of the latter house shall be greater than the former.
God is still watching.
He will separate the wheat from the tares.
And when He is done, His glory will return.
Until then — keep praying, keep forgiving, and keep serving.
The church is not a building; the church is you and me.
Let us not fight one another — let us fight for the faith that saved us.
Final Call to Action
If this message touched you, share it with a friend, your pastor, or your church group.
Let us remind one another that the battle is not against flesh and blood, and that unity in Christ is stronger than every division of man.
Together, we can rebuild the altar, restore love, and make the Church what Jesus died for — a house of prayer for all nations. 🙏🔥
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