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Spiritual Warfare |
Dear Brethren,
Where is Satan focusing his attention
today? The great deceiver is focusing his attention on us,
God’s sheep, trying by any means possible to pull us out
of Christ’s flock. He is not concerned with the whole world
which is already deceived. Satan is stalking God's people.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the
devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may
devour...Satan,... deceives the whole world." (1Peter
5:8, Revelation 12:9)
The result of the apostasy that the Church went through
during the late 70’s through the early 90’s was that many of
God’s sheep went to sleep, spiritually. Others, scattered
and without proper guidance, sought refuge among flocks
which have proven to be quite dangerous due to doctrinal
error or mistreatment of the brethren. Some few sheep,
however, have become more rooted and grounded in the faith.
How can we ensure that we are safely among God's sheep and
that we will continue to take the right path? Or, as Paul
put it:
"...Holy and unblamable and
unreprovable in his sight: If ye continue
in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away
from the hope of the gospel." (Colossians 1:22-23)
What caused so many to forsake doctrines that they professed
to hold at one time? Is it possible that those who have
gone elsewhere did not fervently believe, and were not
grounded on the firm foundation - Jesus Christ? Everyone
needs to be aware of the spiritual warfare
that is being waged against the brethren by Satan. How does
a Christian prevent being caught up in false doctrines
and led out of the Body of Christ? This war is not easily
discernible. If we are not thinking and living in a
spiritual way, we may not even be aware that we have been
targeted by the devil. His devices are so seductive
because he knows our weaknesses and proclivities. Satan
appeals to our carnal nature at our weakest point - while
seemingly representing God's way!
"Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be
transformed as the ministers of righteousness."
(2Corinthians 11:14-15)
In appealing to a person's sense of pride, arrogance, vanity
or the like, Satan is able to cause self-righteousness to
appear as true righteousness. He is able to cause his false
doctrines to appear to be “new understanding” from God.
With many who left the Body of Christ, Satan preyed upon
their innermost desires to “fit in” with the world around
them. He enticed them to believe that they were holding
onto Biblical teachings by tricking them into accepting his
counterfeits. For example, brethren were deluded into
believing that Christians no longer needed to keep the Holy
Days of Unleavened Bread. They became satisfied with the
good feeling of "Putting evil out of their hearts," a
sentimental version of "putting sin out." Satan's trick of
not keeping God's Feast days, and "putting leaven out"
caused them to soon forget God's principle entirely. And
then, step by step, they rejoined their friends in the world
as they twisted God's teachings to conform to old Babylon's
ways.
"And changed the glory of the
incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible
man." (Romans 1:23)
Satan gives an opportunity to anyone who desires to
substitute self-centered motives for the will of God. If
someone seeks his own security over that of the brethren -
Satan will provide the circumstance. When someone does not
wish to honor his parents - Satan will give him an
excuse which will justify his reasons for not doing so.
Some brethren succumb to the seduction of being more special
than others. Satan works on their sense of egotism and
causes them to believe that God is choosing a few from the
overall Church to receive "special Knowledge" for a
purpose that omits the other brethren. How many have joined
groups that believe that their group alone is going to the
place of safety? These people have accepted that they are
the “very elect”, and have gone on to assume a superior
attitude toward other brethren. If we desire to be elevated
above others, Satan will provide a way.
"But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor
handling the word of God deceitfully, ...In whom [Satan] the god of this world hath blinded
the minds of them which believe not." (2Corinthians 4:2,4)
It is critical in these times of separation and confusion that we be aware of our own weaknesses
and know that Satan is also aware of them. If we crave fitting in with our unconverted
families and friends, Satan sees that and will try to get us to "let down" and&
compromise so that we can be accepted by them.
We must not seek the easy way or the way that is self-serving. We need to be continually
examining ourselves, going to God for insight into our weaknesses, lest we too be drawn away.
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Sermon: |
"Military Service and War" |
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