The Three Realms
Doug Witherup
Which realm are you living out of?
According to Scripture, you and I move through three realms, whether we realize it or not.
1. The Realm of Sight — What We See
This is the first realm—the world of the five senses. It’s the realm of circumstances, terrain, visible obstacles, and physical reality.
Bills. Doctor’s reports. Traffic. Deadlines. Bank accounts.
The stuff in front of your face.
2. The Realm of Emotion — What We Think & Feel
This second realm is the unseen world of our thoughts, feelings, and inner atmosphere.
Hope or despair. Peace or panic. Security or insecurity.
It’s the realm where your internal weather patterns form.
And for most people, life is simply a constant oscillation between these first two realms. Sunny circumstances? Sunny disposition. Storm-cloud circumstances? Storm-cloud emotions.
It’s human. It’s common. It’s real.
But here’s the danger: the enemy knows this. And that is exactly why the second realm is where he aims his attacks.
Paul calls Satan “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2)—the master manipulator of atmosphere. He stirs the “passions of our flesh” and “desires” (Ephesians 2:3). He exploits thoughts. He inflames emotions. He weaponizes worry. He amplifies fear. He whispers anxiety.
The enemy doesn’t have to change your circumstances if he can change your interpretation of them.
And that is why spiritual warfare often feels like you’re battling a storm you can’t see but can certainly feel.
So what’s the solution?
3. The Realm of Authority — What We Know
This is the third realm—the realm most believers forget to access. It is the realm of your position, not your emotions. The realm of your identity, not your instability. The realm where Christ is seated—and where Scripture says you are seated with Him.
“By grace you have been saved… and raised up with Christ, and seated with Him in the heavenly realms.” — Ephesians 2:5–6
This realm isn’t swayed by how you feel. It isn’t vulnerable to atmospheric pressure. It isn’t dictated by your circumstances.
Authority is not emotional. Authority is positional.
And when you operate from this realm, everything shifts:
- You stop speaking from your emotions and start speaking from your throne-seat.
- You stop reacting to the storm and start commanding the storm.
- You stop living under circumstances and start living over them.
This is why Scripture says, “We walk by faith, not by sight.”
Faith pulls you out of the lower realms.
Authority anchors you in the higher one.
So let me ask you:
What circumstances are in front of your eyes today?
What emotions are swirling inside your soul?
What atmosphere has been pressing against your mind?
The Holy Spirit is extending an invitation: Come up higher.
Come out of the realm of reaction and into the realm of authority.
Don’t speak from how you feel—speak from where you’re seated. Don’t carry yourself according to your emotions—carry yourself according to your position in Christ.
You may feel shaken, but in Christ, you are seated. And seated people don’t strive. Seated people rule.
How Biblical Fasting Fires on All Four Cylinders of Human Renewal Fasting has often been misunderstood as a fringe, extreme, or archaic practice—something reserved for hyper-spiritual saints or health fanatics. But fasting is actually a timeless and holistic habit woven into the design of the human body, spirit, and psyche. The Bible doesn’t say, “ If you fast,” but rather, “ When you fast” (Matthew 6:16). Perhaps that's because we were created for this ancient rhythm of reset, repair, and reconnection. In this post, we’ll unpack the four dimensions of fasting—the mind, body, soul, and spirit—and discover how abstaining from food can restore us on levels we’ve forgotten we even have. 1. Fasting and the Mind: Mental Clarity & Emotional Reset Your brain is the most energy-demanding organ in your body. When you fast, it gets a rare chance to switch out of constant glucose-fueled processing and tap into a cleaner-burning source— ketones . Mental Benefits of Fasting: Increased clarity and focus Reduced anxiety and mood swings Improved memory and neuroplasticity (your brain’s “flexibility”) Fasting gives your brain a break from the constant churn of digestion and blood sugar regulation. It’s like switching off notifications for hours and finally being able to go deep on that big idea, lingering wound, or God’s whisper you've been too busy to hear. “Be still, and know that I am God.” —Psalm 46:10 Fasting helps you finally find the stillness that leads to true knowing. 2. Fasting and the Body: Cellular Cleanup & Strength Renewal When you stop eating, your body is forced to flip the switch from using quick-access carbs to slow-burning stored fat. But more happens than just fat loss—there’s a biological spring cleaning party happening at the cellular level. Key Physical Benefits: Autophagy: Your cells recycle and remove damaged proteins and toxins. Reduced inflammation and disease risk Stem cell activation (after longer fasts), fostering cellular renewal Lower blood pressure, improved heart health, and better insulin sensitivity It’s no wonder medical researchers are calling fasting a “ miracle therapy in disguise. ” But as Christians, we know the physical is just one part of the story... 3. Fasting and the Soul: Realigning Desires & Breaking Bondage The soul—the place of your emotions , will, and desires —is deeply shaped by habits. And few habits are as powerful (and as sneaky) as your relationship with food. Fasting exposes what really controls us. “Do I really need this, or am I just bored?” “Have I trained myself to believe I can’t function without caffeine?” “Am I eating to satisfy my stomach—or to soothe my soul?” Fasting reveals where comfort has replaced calling, where cravings become chains. But it also gives the soul space to heal, to surrender, and to breathe deeply again. “I beat my body and make it my slave,” Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:27. Fasting reminds your soul who’s in charge—not your appetite, not your habit— you , in Christ. 4. Fasting and the Spirit: Deep Communion & Divine Power Fasting isn’t just a detox for the body or a reboot for the mind—it’s an accelerator for spiritual intimacy and authority. Spiritual Benefits: Heightened sensitivity to God’s voice Greater dependency on the Holy Spirit Increased power in spiritual warfare Revelation, breakthrough, and clarity in prayer Jesus fasted. Moses fasted. Esther fasted. The early church fasted before sending out leaders and making decisions. Why? Because fasting doesn’t twist God’s arm— it tunes our hearts . Fasting is a declaration: “God, I want You more than anything else—even more than my daily bread.” “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” —Matthew 17:21 There are levels of spiritual authority you can't reach while feeding your flesh. The Holistic Power of Fasting Fasting isn't just deprivation—it's divine design. It’s where: The mind gets still The body gets clean The soul gets aligned The spirit gets revived Your body heals, your habits weaken, your spirit sharpens, and your purpose rises. All because you emptied yourself to allow God to fill what food never could. Final Encouragement If you're feeling spiritually dull, physically sluggish, or emotionally overstimulated—fasting might be your next step of obedience and breakthrough. We don’t fast to get God’s attention —we fast to give Him ours. Whether it’s a 24-hour fast, a 3-day fast, or a Daniel fast, let your hunger for food be a reminder of your hunger for God. He’s still the Bread of Life—and fasting simply clears the table of distractions so we can feast on Him.
Why Christians’ Involvement at the Gate of Government Is Not Christian Nationalism Dismantling the Lies That Keep Christians, Pastors, and Churches from Engaging at the Gate of Government My Story I’ll admit it — I had fallen for the lies. At nineteen, I was a student at a conservative evangelical Pentecostal college. It was an incredible environment — chapels filled with the Holy Spirit, professors who genuinely cared for their students, deep theological training, and lifelong friendships. But no college is perfect. Just like there’s no perfect church, family, or person. As a naive young man studying for ministry, I absorbed everything I was taught. A few professors, however, began subtly introducing ideas like: America was inherently racist. The Founding Fathers weren’t really Christians — they were Deists — so our foundations weren’t truly Judeo-Christian. Evangelical Christians had fallen into “Christian Nationalism,” trying to establish God’s Kingdom politically in America. The worst part? These ideas were wrapped in Bible verses and presented as “the real truth,” making young, impressionable students question their upbringing, their churches, and their faith. It took me years to realize what I had been taught wasn’t true. Still wounded, I spent the next fifteen years convinced pastors and churches should steer clear of anything that even appeared political. But over time, through Scripture and prayer, I regained both my theological footing and my voice. It all began with one crucial shift — a truth I’ll unpack in this first blog. The Primary Theological Shift The biggest lie keeping Christians, pastors, and churches from engaging at the Gate of Government is the accusation of “Christian Nationalism.” The claim goes something like this: “Jesus wasn’t political, and you shouldn’t be either. You’re trying to make America the new Israel and turn the gospel into a political kingdom.” In this model, the picture looks like this:
In Acts 19 , we see a striking contrast between the ministry of Paul and the ministry of the Seven Sons of Sceva . Paul walked in true spiritual authority —demons fled, the sick were healed, and Jesus was exalted. The Sons of Sceva, however, while recognized and itinerant in ministry, lacked the substance of power. They had platform , but not presence . They had recognition , but not revelation . They tried to confront darkness, but darkness confronted them. There is a line being drawn today —not just between the world and the church, but between the true church and those who merely perform religion . The difference? Authority. And Jesus tells us how we receive it: “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” — Matthew 17:21 As Keenan Clark says: “God unlocks things for those who fast that He does not unlock for those who don’t.” Years ago, I read Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough by Dr. Elmer Towns , based on Isaiah 58 —God’s blueprint for fasting that produces real power. Below is that foundation, expanded and adapted. As you read, ask the Holy Spirit: What are You calling me to fast for? The 12 Biblical Fasts (from Isaiah 58) 1. The Disciple’s Fast – Breaking Bondage & Generational Curses Isaiah 58: “To loose the bonds of wickedness” (v. 6a) “I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father” (v. 14c) “You shall raise up the foundations of many generations” (v. 12b) Purpose: Break sin patterns, addictions, and generational strongholds—shifting your spiritual inheritance and blessing future generations. 2. The Ezra Fast – For Guidance and Solutions “To undo the heavy burdens .” (v. 6b) Scripture: Ezra 8:21–23 Purpose: Seek God’s wisdom when facing overwhelming decisions or challenges. 3. The Samuel Fast – For Revival and Awakening “To let the oppressed go free .” (v. 6c) “And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt… restorer of streets to dwell in .” (v. 12) Purpose: Intercession for the lost and revival in homes, churches, and cities. 4. The Elijah Fast – To Break Fear, Depression, and Discouragement “To undo the straps of the yoke .” (v. 6d) “Then you shall take delight in the Lord .” (v. 14a) Scripture: 1 Kings 19:4–8 Purpose: Replace emotional heaviness with renewed joy and strength. 5. The Widow’s Fast – Releasing Provision through Compassion “To share your bread with the hungry .” (v. 7a) “You shall be like a watered garden , whose waters do not fail.” (v. 11c) Scripture: 1 Kings 17:8–16 Purpose: Generosity in fasting opens supernatural provision. 6. The Saint Paul Fast – Revelation & Calling “And the Lord will guide you continually .” (v. 11a) Scripture: Acts 9:9–19 Purpose: Spiritual clarity, vision, and divine assignment. 7. The Ziklag Fast – To Recover What Was Stolen “And satisfy your soul in scorched places.” (v. 11b) Scripture: 1 Samuel 30 Purpose: Restoration of what the enemy has taken. 8. The Daniel Fast – Health, Healing, and Strength “Your healing shall spring forth speedily.” (v. 8b) “And make your bones strong .” (v. 11c) Scripture: Daniel 1:8–20 Purpose: Renew physical strength and health. 9. The John the Baptist Fast – A Pure and Powerful Witness “Then shall your light break forth like the dawn.” (v. 8a) Scripture: Luke 1:15–17 Purpose: Alignment of lifestyle with calling to influence others for Christ. 10. The Esther Fast – Favor, Influence, and Deliverance “And I will make you ride on the heights of the earth .” (v. 14b) Scripture: Esther 4:16 Purpose: God-given influence to bring deliverance to others. 11. The Daniel Fast (Part 2) – Breaking Territorial Strongholds “To break every yoke .” (v. 6d) Scripture: Daniel 10:12–13 Purpose: Spiritual breakthrough over regions and cities. 12. The Antioch Fast – Multiplying Disciples and Churches Scripture: Acts 13 Purpose: To raise leaders and release kingdom multiplication. Practical Tips for Fasting Plan ahead (calendar + family conversations matter). Write down your purpose— aim gives power. The first 36 hours are often emotionally and physically difficult— push through . Let hunger become worship. Reduce intense physical activity. Use Scripture, prayer, journaling, and silence. A Call to Faith and Action Fasting is not about earning something from God—it’s about making space for Him to move. It is the yielding of our strength so His strength can be revealed. The world does not need: more clever sermons more polished ministries more Christian content The world needs Christians who carry the fire of God. So I ask you: What is God calling you to fast for? Freedom? Healing? Revival? Your children? Your city? Your calling? The invitation is simple: Return to hunger. Return to the altar. Return to power. The same God who answered Paul, Elijah, Esther, and Daniel still answers today . Set your fast. Set your faith. Step in. Breakthrough is near.
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Okay, confession time: the title is a little clickbaity. But I also really do mean it. And I think it matters. Here’s why. First off, let’s clarify: the word eschatology is not in the Bible. That’s not necessarily a problem. After all, neither is the word Trinity , and that doctrine is foundational to the Christian faith. And just because Christmas trees don’t appear in Scripture doesn’t mean having one in your living room is wrong. (Unless it’s February. Then it’s very wrong. Take it down. Seriously.) But back to the point — eschatology , as a term, didn’t exist in the vocabulary of early Christians. It wasn’t introduced until around the 17th century , during the rise of post-Reformation theology in Europe. The word gained real traction in the 19th century , especially among Protestant systematic theologians. Again, the problem isn’t the word’s late arrival. The issue is the meaning it carries. Eschatology = “The Study of the End” The word combines: Eschatos = last, final -logy = the study of So, eschatology quite literally means “the study of last things” or “the end times.” But here’s where I push back: Revelation isn’t the end. It’s not a wrap-up or a closing chapter. It’s a re-beginning. It’s Eden restored. The garden becoming a garden-city. The curse removed. Heaven and earth reunited. It’s not the end — it’s the again . And sure, I realize this might sound like a matter of semantics. But let’s not forget: semantics shape theology, and theology shapes how we live. If my framework is built around endings , I live clinging to this world. I fear death. I avoid Revelation because it seems scary and unfamiliar.
But if my theology is rooted in re-beginnings , then I’m filled with hope. I long for a better land. I ache — in the best way — for the ultimate homecoming. A Better Word and a Better Way: Palingenesiology Let me humbly propose an alternative: palingenesiology. It's built on the Greek word παλιγγενεσία (palingenesia), meaning rebirth or regeneration . Palin = again Genesia = birth or genesis It appears in Matthew 19:28 , where Jesus promises “the renewal of all things.” This word captures not just the personal transformation of salvation, but a cosmic one — the full-scale renewal of everything broken. Palingenesiology = the study of new beginnings.
The study of Genesis again .
The study of Eden again . The study of a restored world where Christ is King, the curse is no more, and all things are made new. So Let Me Ask You: Would you rather study a theology of endings that feels fearful and heavy?
Or a theology of re-beginnings that breathes life and hope into every part of your soul? Me?
I’ll take palingenesiology — every time.