Propitiation and the World from Doctrine and Devotion
Six Reasons You Should “Go” to Church by Landon Coleman
Tim Chester– Enjoying God: Experience the Power and Love of God In Everyday Life from Equipping You In Grace
The new ESV Church Bible is on sale at WTS Books
Where Did Satan Come From? by Guy M Richard
Be Holy, for I am Holy: Why Peter Grounds Our Holiness in the Holiness of God by Daniel R Hyde
From the 1689 Society: What is truth?
Showing posts with label Satan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Satan. Show all posts
Friday, November 16, 2018
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Around The Web-March 7, 2018
Save 40% off these classic Banner of Truth books
Loving The Church by Jonathan Leeman
Christ and the Love of Neighbor by J.R. Vassar
The Incredibles, Cars … and The Pilgrim’s Progress: Interview with a Pixar Artist from Tim Challies
When We Understand The Text speaks with Costi Hinn about his book and how the Lord recused him from a false gospel
Church Members Who Believe in Abortion, by Denomination by Gene Veith
10 Things You Should Know about Church Discipline by Sam Storms
The Beautiful Monotony of the Gospel by Jared C Wilson
John MacArthur answers why Satan's lies are convincing
Loving The Church by Jonathan Leeman
Christ and the Love of Neighbor by J.R. Vassar
The Incredibles, Cars … and The Pilgrim’s Progress: Interview with a Pixar Artist from Tim Challies
When We Understand The Text speaks with Costi Hinn about his book and how the Lord recused him from a false gospel
Church Members Who Believe in Abortion, by Denomination by Gene Veith
10 Things You Should Know about Church Discipline by Sam Storms
The Beautiful Monotony of the Gospel by Jared C Wilson
John MacArthur answers why Satan's lies are convincing
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Should Christians Fear The Devil and His Demons?
The Bible says that Satan prowls like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Does this mean Christians should be afraid of Satan or does this mean we should be ready for when he and his demons attack?
John MacArthur tells us what power the devil and his demons have and where our ultimate victory lies:
Demons possess the great power of angels (Rom. 8:38; 1 Cor. 15:24), greater than humans but far less than their Creator. They have the power to carry out the following actions:
1.Indwell humans and animals (Mark 5:1–16)
2.Physically afflict people (Mark 9:17, 22)
3.Terrorize humans (1 Sam. 16:14–15; 18:10; 19:9; Acts 19:13–16; 2 Cor. 12:7)
4.Initiate false worship (1 Cor. 10:20–21)
5.Promote false doctrines (1 Tim. 4:1)
6.Perform false signs and wonders (2 Thess. 2:9; Rev. 16:13–14)
7.Deceive prophets (1 Kings 22:19–23)
8.Encourage idolatry (Deut. 32:17; Ps. 106:37)
9.Engineer death (Judg. 9:23, 56–57)
Demons work from a powerful heavenly hierarchy to execute their evil deeds. Words such as “angels,” “authorities,” “cosmic powers,” “dominions,” “powers,” “rulers,” and “thrones” can be used to describe the hierarchies of either holy or evil angels. In context, Romans 8:38; 1 Corinthians 15:24; Ephesians 2:2; 6:12; and Colossians 2:15 most likely refer to various ranks or levels among the evil angels, that is, the demon hierarchy. In context, Ephesians 1:21; Colossians 1:16; and 1 Peter 3:22 most likely refer to various ranks or levels in the holy angel hierarchy.
Scripture never elaborates on the specifics of these hierarchies to explain their order or function. Since Satan imitates and falsifies God’s character and kingdom characteristics, it is most likely that there is both an authoritative functional hierarchy for holy angels who worship God and a parallel counterfeit hierarchy for evil angels who give their allegiance to Satan.
However strong demons might be, they also have serious weaknesses and vulnerabilities:
1.They unwittingly serve God’s purposes (Judg. 9:23).
2.They were terrified of Christ and the gospel (Matt. 8:29; Mark 1:24; James 2:19).
3.They obeyed Christ (Matt. 8:32).
4.They obeyed the Twelve (Matt. 10:1–8) and the Seventy-Two (Luke 10:17–20).
5.They cannot separate believers in Christ from the love of God (Rom. 8:38).
6.They can be restrained by the Holy Spirit (2 Thess. 2:6; 1 John 4:4).
7.They have been judged already by God (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6) and will be again in the future (Rev. 20:10).
Adapted from Why We Should Not Fear Satan and Demons which is based on MacArthur's book, Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth
John MacArthur tells us what power the devil and his demons have and where our ultimate victory lies:
Demons possess the great power of angels (Rom. 8:38; 1 Cor. 15:24), greater than humans but far less than their Creator. They have the power to carry out the following actions:
1.Indwell humans and animals (Mark 5:1–16)
2.Physically afflict people (Mark 9:17, 22)
3.Terrorize humans (1 Sam. 16:14–15; 18:10; 19:9; Acts 19:13–16; 2 Cor. 12:7)
4.Initiate false worship (1 Cor. 10:20–21)
5.Promote false doctrines (1 Tim. 4:1)
6.Perform false signs and wonders (2 Thess. 2:9; Rev. 16:13–14)
7.Deceive prophets (1 Kings 22:19–23)
8.Encourage idolatry (Deut. 32:17; Ps. 106:37)
9.Engineer death (Judg. 9:23, 56–57)
Demons work from a powerful heavenly hierarchy to execute their evil deeds. Words such as “angels,” “authorities,” “cosmic powers,” “dominions,” “powers,” “rulers,” and “thrones” can be used to describe the hierarchies of either holy or evil angels. In context, Romans 8:38; 1 Corinthians 15:24; Ephesians 2:2; 6:12; and Colossians 2:15 most likely refer to various ranks or levels among the evil angels, that is, the demon hierarchy. In context, Ephesians 1:21; Colossians 1:16; and 1 Peter 3:22 most likely refer to various ranks or levels in the holy angel hierarchy.
Scripture never elaborates on the specifics of these hierarchies to explain their order or function. Since Satan imitates and falsifies God’s character and kingdom characteristics, it is most likely that there is both an authoritative functional hierarchy for holy angels who worship God and a parallel counterfeit hierarchy for evil angels who give their allegiance to Satan.
However strong demons might be, they also have serious weaknesses and vulnerabilities:
1.They unwittingly serve God’s purposes (Judg. 9:23).
2.They were terrified of Christ and the gospel (Matt. 8:29; Mark 1:24; James 2:19).
3.They obeyed Christ (Matt. 8:32).
4.They obeyed the Twelve (Matt. 10:1–8) and the Seventy-Two (Luke 10:17–20).
5.They cannot separate believers in Christ from the love of God (Rom. 8:38).
6.They can be restrained by the Holy Spirit (2 Thess. 2:6; 1 John 4:4).
7.They have been judged already by God (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6) and will be again in the future (Rev. 20:10).
Adapted from Why We Should Not Fear Satan and Demons which is based on MacArthur's book, Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Can The Elect Be Deceived By Satan?
This is a question that many Christians have wondered for many years? Satan has been called the accuser of the brethern and he has deceived many since the beginning of creation. He deceived Adam and Eve. He even tried to deceive Jesus through temptation.
Jesus prayed for His Father to keep us from the evil one (John 17:15) and gave us the model to protect us from evil (Matthew 6:13). We are also told in Scripture that "the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one" (2 Thessalonians 2:13) and "everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him" (1 John 5:18).
The Bible also says the world in the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19) so the question is can Satan deceive someone who has been redeemed by Christ and no longer under any condemnation. Sinclair Ferguson answers this question:
In Matthew 24:24, Jesus warns His disciples, “False Christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
These words appear to refer to the events surrounding Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70. But the deception Jesus has in view is part of an ongoing pattern. From the beginning, Satan has been deceiving God’s people (Gen. 3:13). He will continue to do so until the lawless one is revealed “with all power, signs, and lying wonders” (2 Thess. 2:9–10). John’s vision of the millennium ends with a worldwide rampage of deception on Satan’s part (Rev. 20:8). Jesus’ warning is therefore relevant to us.
Missing the Point
“Fortunately,” we may say to ourselves, “the elect are in no danger. For Jesus’ words imply that we are incapable of falling prey to Satanic deception.” But to read the text in this way is to miss the point, for two reasons:
It fails to take account of the evidence of history. Christians have been, and are, capable of being deceived. Have none of the elect been deceived in recent years into supporting “ministries” that have proved so tragically different in reality from what they professed to be? Sadly, we are more easily addicted to the spectacular (“signs and wonders”) than to the substantial, to novelty (“false prophets”) than to a wholesome orthodoxy. If we think Christians cannot be deceived, the deception has already begun.
It misunderstands the nature of the impossibility. Jesus did not say the elect were incapable of being deceived. We are all only too capable of it. Nevertheless, we are given this assurance: God will protect and preserve His people. Like Simon Peter, they will be shielded by the prayers of Christ and the power of God (Luke 22:31–32). This is accomplished through the activity of faith (1 Peter 1:5).
Guarded
But how can we guard ourselves against spiritual deception?
By developing sensitivity, we become aware of Satan’s strategies in our lives (2 Cor. 2:11).
Have you learned what they are?
By developing self-knowledge, we recognize how weak we are. Since nothing good dwells in our flesh (Rom. 7:18), we need constantly to depend on the Lord.
Do you?
By developing an appetite for God’s Word, we are “trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil” (Heb. 5:14, ESV), and we grow in discernment.
Is that true of you today?
Jesus prayed for His Father to keep us from the evil one (John 17:15) and gave us the model to protect us from evil (Matthew 6:13). We are also told in Scripture that "the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one" (2 Thessalonians 2:13) and "everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him" (1 John 5:18).
The Bible also says the world in the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19) so the question is can Satan deceive someone who has been redeemed by Christ and no longer under any condemnation. Sinclair Ferguson answers this question:
In Matthew 24:24, Jesus warns His disciples, “False Christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
These words appear to refer to the events surrounding Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70. But the deception Jesus has in view is part of an ongoing pattern. From the beginning, Satan has been deceiving God’s people (Gen. 3:13). He will continue to do so until the lawless one is revealed “with all power, signs, and lying wonders” (2 Thess. 2:9–10). John’s vision of the millennium ends with a worldwide rampage of deception on Satan’s part (Rev. 20:8). Jesus’ warning is therefore relevant to us.
Missing the Point
“Fortunately,” we may say to ourselves, “the elect are in no danger. For Jesus’ words imply that we are incapable of falling prey to Satanic deception.” But to read the text in this way is to miss the point, for two reasons:
It fails to take account of the evidence of history. Christians have been, and are, capable of being deceived. Have none of the elect been deceived in recent years into supporting “ministries” that have proved so tragically different in reality from what they professed to be? Sadly, we are more easily addicted to the spectacular (“signs and wonders”) than to the substantial, to novelty (“false prophets”) than to a wholesome orthodoxy. If we think Christians cannot be deceived, the deception has already begun.
It misunderstands the nature of the impossibility. Jesus did not say the elect were incapable of being deceived. We are all only too capable of it. Nevertheless, we are given this assurance: God will protect and preserve His people. Like Simon Peter, they will be shielded by the prayers of Christ and the power of God (Luke 22:31–32). This is accomplished through the activity of faith (1 Peter 1:5).
Guarded
But how can we guard ourselves against spiritual deception?
By developing sensitivity, we become aware of Satan’s strategies in our lives (2 Cor. 2:11).
Have you learned what they are?
By developing self-knowledge, we recognize how weak we are. Since nothing good dwells in our flesh (Rom. 7:18), we need constantly to depend on the Lord.
Do you?
By developing an appetite for God’s Word, we are “trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil” (Heb. 5:14, ESV), and we grow in discernment.
Is that true of you today?
Friday, July 12, 2013
Book Review: Did The Devil Make Me Do It? by Mike McKinley
Mike McKinley's latest book, Did The Devil Make Me Do It?, is from a series of books called Questions Christians Ask which is published by The Good Book Company. This book serves as an introduction to those who are unfamiliar with the works and person of the devil and his demons. The book begins McKinley's conversations with friends who have worked in other countries where they have been real demonic forces at work. What is sad is that many Christians in America, 60% to be exact, do not believe the devil is real, but a lot more Christians outside the U.S. do believe he is real.
The first chapter is about who is Satan and where does he come from. McKinley does a great job addressing Genesis 3 as Satan came in the form of a serpent and even addressed that Satan was not a self-sufficient being as God the Father. Satan was created by God an angel who worshiped God until one day he decided to be God, started a war with God, and was cast out of heaven. Satan is a also a real person and not a personification of evil as many people, including some Christians believe.
The second chapter addresses Satan's activities. The Bible tells us how God works, so does it tell us how Satan works. He is a liar, he promotes false worship, and even tries to prevent salvation. McKinley makes it clear that Satan is not like God. God does not need anyone's permission to do whatever He wants. Satan on the other hand is a limited creature that needs God permission to do what he needs to do such as the case in the book of Job.
Chapter 3 addresses a tough subject that many try to answer and that is on demon possession, which McKinley did a great job looking through the Bible and help the reader understand it. He even answered the question, can Christians be possessed by demons, which the answer is no. Once we are in Christ, we cannot be possessed by demons though they may tempted to cause to disobey God.
Chapter 4 deals with how Jesus defeated Satan which for most Christians, sad to say, know that answer. Jesus defeated Satan through His finished work on the cross taking our place for our sin to suffer the wrath of God. In this chapter, McKinley addressed that the ransom Jesus paid for, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 2:5-6 and Mark 10:45, was not a ransom from Satan, but from God Himself. All of us owe a debt to God that we could not pay for unless we lived a perfect life which none of us could.
Chapter 5 is about how Christians need to fight to Satan. The Bible says the devil roams like a lion (1 Peter 5:8), therefore Christians need to be ready and alert when he tries to come against us. McKinley tells us there are three things Satan cannot do: take away our salvation, make us do anything, nor read our minds. Remember Satan is not powerful as God though some Christians have made him look that way. McKinley even took the time to address if the devil makes us sin because there is that famous expression, "The devil made me do it" that people have used to excuse what they have done. McKinley says while Satan can tempt us to do evil, we are the ones who do the act.
This is a great little book that all Christians must have. This will be a great resource in using when talking about the devil and his demons. McKinley does his usual stuff with adding humor in teaching theology truth.
Thanks Good Book Company for allowing me to review this book.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Does Satan Know?
Jesus said, concerning his coming, that no one, man or angel knows the hour (Matthew 24:36). Before Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples asked, are going to restore the Kingdom. Then Jesus said, times and seasons you are not to know (Acts 1:6-7). Paul mentioned after talking about how we will meet the Lord in the air as he returns, he said about times and season, I do not need to write about them (1 Thessalonians 5:1).
Some churches are going through spiritual warfare and many Bible teachers see how messed up this world is that they have said, Satan is running a muck because he knows his time is short. This can imply two things, first, he knows his time is short compared to eternity because he is trying to fight God and get people to hell and he does not know when Jesus will return to take him out. Second, this can imply that God secretly told Satan when Christ will return. I believe there are some Christians that think God told Satan when the end will happen.
If Satan was told when the end will happen, then Jesus' words in Matthew 24:36 are not true. Also some common sense would come into play: Why would God tell Satan and leave Jesus in the dark? Why are some Christians making Satan more powerful than he already is? Does Satan know when Jesus will return? Personally, I don't.
Some churches are going through spiritual warfare and many Bible teachers see how messed up this world is that they have said, Satan is running a muck because he knows his time is short. This can imply two things, first, he knows his time is short compared to eternity because he is trying to fight God and get people to hell and he does not know when Jesus will return to take him out. Second, this can imply that God secretly told Satan when Christ will return. I believe there are some Christians that think God told Satan when the end will happen.
If Satan was told when the end will happen, then Jesus' words in Matthew 24:36 are not true. Also some common sense would come into play: Why would God tell Satan and leave Jesus in the dark? Why are some Christians making Satan more powerful than he already is? Does Satan know when Jesus will return? Personally, I don't.
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