What is the other half of the story?

Welcome back!  In the blog post for November titled ‘What Have I Been Missing”, I stated the following:

What I discovered (by purposeful examination of the Bible) turned out to be a major turning point in my life and transformed what had previously been a pathway to frustration and eventual defeat into an unexpected revelation.  I had only been focused on half the story!  Oddly enough, it was not until I uncovered what the Bible taught about evil, (it’s source, it’s tactics, and it’s agenda), that I could genuinely begin to pursue a victorious Christian lifestyle.  For me, unveiling the complete truth and application of scripture was made possible by probing and understanding the depths of spiritual warfare.  

When discussing spiritual warfare, what I have discovered over the years is that very few Christians engage in the topic or give it much consideration.  Therefore, they don’t know how Satan attacks, how to effectively engage the enemy in battle, or how to ultimately win the war.  If you read your Bible (and that is a big if for many Christians) there is perhaps no stronger reference to this opposing spiritual kingdom than in Ephesians – Chapter 6.  

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  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 6:10-12)

Even though this message was written centuries ago by the apostle Paul to an infant church body, the same truth applies to us and the world we live in.  Many of us (new and mature believers alike) are ignorant of the spiritual battle taking place all around us, much less its negative effects on all of humanity.  The full maturity necessary to see and understand the things that Paul knew to be true takes time and deep spiritual discernment.  However, the importance of Paul’s message in Ephesians is just as vital to us and our world today as it was to the church in Ephesus.  That generates an interesting question.

What does modern society think about the devil?

Consider for a minute this reference from the Layman’s Bible Commentary.

There is a tendency in modern society to dismiss evil spirits as incompatible with a scientific and sophisticated view of reality.  Consequently, the devil has become the subject of jokes and cartoons rather than given serious consideration.  Even among many evangelical Christians there is a reluctance to express belief in Satan as a personal being.  However, the Bible is very clear about the reality of evil spirits and weaves that teaching into the sum and substance of its doctrine.  

If one is to dismiss such biblical teachings about the devil, is it not also necessary to do the same for all teachings about the spiritual realm?  If there is no devil, why should we believe there are angels?  And if we rule out the devil and angels, why should we think there is a heaven or hell?  

If we question the teachings of Jesus about Satan, do we also question the other things he taught?  And how do we explain the foolishness, empty pride, cruelty, and selfishness of human beings that exceed anything else found in the animal kingdom?  Like it or not, what the Bible says about Satan is important to a complete understanding of human and spiritual reality. 

Stop for a minute and read that last sentence again.  The entire purpose of this study is an attempt to offer a ‘complete understanding of human and spiritual reality’, by describing our plight and exposing the enemy’s battle plan.  You see, most of humanity considers themselves as physical beings searching for some kind of spiritual pragmatism, while others don’t believe in the spiritual facet of life at all.  That is exactly what Satan (the father of lies) would want you to believe.  However, the Bible shares a true perspective of our humanity.

I look forward to revealing that truth with you in January’s blog post.  In the meantime, share our resources with family, friends, and co-workers.  This ministry is growing by leaps and bounds because of kind referrals by our Christian brothers and sisters.   

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