From the Elder's Pen SPIRITUAL WARFARE Past/Future Articles

Since the beginning of man the prince of this world (John 12:31) has used his cunning ways to corrupt man’s thinking and draw him away from God.  Satan’s ultimate goal is to destroy man.  Is the devil powerful?  Yea, his power is second only to God’s.  Is he deceitful?  Yea, able to change himself into an angel of light. (II Cor. 11:14).  Does he care about man?  Yea, not one “wit”.  He only wants to grieve God who loves man.

As we view the sorrow and sin around us coupled with the knowledge that it all comes from the prince of darkness, let us be cognizant of the fact that he will destroy us.  In Job we read where Satan came in with the sons of God to discuss Job’s fate, showing he is ever present (Job 1:6).  The Schoolmaster tells us of the many who could have been great soldiers for God, but due to the powerful deceptiveness of the evil one, fell under his wicked influence and were caught in the cesspool of life to forever be lost.

On the other hand let us through the knowledge of the scriptures know that we can escape this fate by living faithfully to God’s Word.  Knowing through the eye of faith that what is righteous, good and honorable all come from God, and  if we live in obedience to Him who giveth life we shall live eternally with Him where there will be no more deception, struggle or sorrow (Rev. 19:20).  Which way will we walk?  Let us walk circumspectly (Eph. 5:15-16).

Walter Bishop, Elder