For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 4:12
There is a song entitled, The Battle Belongs to The Lord. It’s an indication that life in this world for the Christian is one of war. Paul uses a lot of war imagery in his writings. This is something we need to be aware of rather than thinking war with a spiritual enemy is rare or out of the ordinary.
Jesus announced that the King of God has come and we enter by His grace through faith alone in Jesus Christ. Upon entering the Kingdom of God, the prince of darkness incurs an immediate loss, and he then makes it his goal to bring trouble to the new Christian at every opportunity. (The Kingdom of the Occult, Walter Martin)
As Christians who belong to the Kingdom of God, we struggle with two areas of life. The tremendous benefits of being a
Christian, such as, power, signs, miracles, healings, wonders, forgiveness, joy, peace and absence of the fear of death. The other area is tribulation, trials, temptation, hardships, frustrations, illness and spiritual war.
While life can throw us some powerful problems Jesus promises to be by our side with His grace, strength, faith and wisdom. We have the Holy Spirit who comforts, provides discernment, resistance, and so much more that is beyond ourselves. Satan takes great delight in attacking weak Christians who have not taken the time to study and learn the Word of God. It is the bible where we learn about God and all He has for us now and tomorrow as well as how to spot the enemy and how to respond and prepare.
Jesus’ primary weapon when attacked in the wilderness was the Word of God – the bible. Luke 4:1-4 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone. The word of God is powerful because the Holy Spirit inhabits it and comes to our aid. While Satan was defeated in the wilderness, we know he came back many times to attack Jesus. That is true for us too, Satan with his lies will return.
However, we are not held captive to his threats as scripture points out God is far greater: 1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
September 13, 9:00Sunday morning worship. Sermon: No Grudge Genesis 50:15-21
Please continue praying for our nation and the upcoming election. Vote your values.
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