The Unseen Battle Around Us - Ron & Nathele Graham -
There is an unseen battle raging around us. Every person is involved in this war, but not everyone recognizes it. The effects are very visible everywhere, but most people only have eyes to see this natural world we live in and are blind to the supernatural forces all around. This blindness might be understandable for secular people, but Christians have no excuse. Christians believe God's word, which talks of such supernatural events as Jesus being born of a virgin, walking on water, healing leprosy, and much more. The things of Christ are good and beneficial, but don't be willfully blind to the fact that there is supernatural evil around us too. God has provided us with weapons to fight this unseen battle, but it's up to us to learn to use them. "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)" 2 Corinthians 10:3-4. People have ignored the enemy, Satan, for thousands of years, and he is just about to unleash the full brunt of his evil on an unsuspecting and foolishly ignorant of this world. By ignoring him, Christians are aiding and abetting the enemy.
On occasion we can observe this battle through the actions of others and the manifestation of supernatural forces. Demon possession is becoming more prevalent, but is labeled mental illness or drug induced (though drugs usually aren't present when a person is tested). It only takes a little research to find reports of people wandering naked and growling, exhibiting supernatural strength, and attacking others. To the Christian these reports should cause us to remember the demon possessed man in Gadera. Jesus travelled there by boat "And when he went forth to land, there met him a out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs." Luke 8:27. This unfortunate man was naked, had super-human strength, cut himself, and was a danger to anybody passing by. Jesus recognized the problem for what it was and sent the demons out of the man and into a herd of swine. There was no fancy ritual involving so-called holy water, or chanting, or any other hocus pocus that "exorcists" do today. The weapon Jesus used was His authority over demons, and He empowers us with the same weaponry. "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." Luke 10:19. The serpents and scorpions Jesus refers to here are Satan and demons. Christians have authority, but don't think you can just say "I'm a Christian, so get out of here Satan". Satan is subject to authority through Jesus, but if you are just pretending to be a Christian don't play with fire. Demons seek embodiment, and just as those demons in Gadera entered into the herd of swine, you could easily be overcome if you're not walking close to Jesus.
Christians must take the blame for allowing our enemy to erect strong holds within our lives. Our silence and a "so what" attitude have allowed his presence in our nation. Every time we don't stand strong for Biblical truth we weaken our defense. This is a worldwide happening and Christians everywhere are being silenced. Every time a law is enacted that legalizes things which God abhors, shame on Christians who remain silent and side with Satan by condoning evil. Jesus told us to spread the Gospel, and some Christians are doing just that, which is a very good thing. Oddly enough, it seems as if we think we are only to go to foreign countries to spread God's truth. No matter where you live, you live on a mission field. Be sure you are armed for the battle taking place right in your own neighborhood.
The supernatural battle rages in every land. God has not become weak, but Christians have. If we don't stay sharp and study God's word we become blind to the enemy's wiles. Instead of standing strong against the evil around us, we fight amongst ourselves. Instead of understanding the importance of salvation through Christ alone, we argue about petty things, like "Is music acceptable in a worship service" or "Are the kids having fun when they come here". Instead of fighting against demonic evil, many Christians practice yoga which invites the demons in. Instead of arming themselves with the weapons of war found in God's word, how many rely on secular TV to interpret the Bible? The enemy is using all of this as his weapons to defeat us. Shame on us for giving him the ammunition. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" Ephesians 6:12. Start learning right now to use the weapons of God. Recognize the enemy and fight the battle with God's power.
Are you allowing the enemy to build strong holds in your life? What does an enemy strong hold look like? Anything that is not of God is of the enemy. Pride, anger, lust, hate, envy, strife, despair, loss of joy, loving money, lying, alcohol abuse, drugs, yoga, and pornography are just a few of the strong holds that the enemy uses. If these are allowed to fester they will grow and take over your life. Temptation comes to everyone, but God always gives us a way out. "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren." James 1:14-16. One of the weapons of war that God has given us is "...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17b. If you study God's word you will be equipped to recognize Satan's attacks and fight against them. Turn off the television and study God's word.
A battlefront that Christians have given to Satan is our public schools. Instead of requiring our schools to teach truth according to God's word, humanistic secularism is the religion taught. We allow perverse lifestyles to be condoned and taught as normal. God's truth is laughed at and mocked, yet we send our children to public schools to learn lies. Then we wonder why our children are rebels and turn against God. God will not withhold His anger much longer. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness" Romans 1:18. It's understandable for heathens to be blind to God's truth, but it's inexcusable for Christians. Arm yourself to recognize the enemy attacks and teach your children God's truth. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6. If you're a Christian parent you have a responsibility to God and to your children. Our very young are easily swayed so Satan makes sure they are taught lies. And the battle rages.
Only God can remove the enemy's strong holds but He will not act without our willing participation. Only through God's intervention will any country survive and only through the ardent prayers of God's children will He act. Prayer is another weapon God gives us to fight the spiritual battle. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel." Ephesians 6:18-19. You and I are the voices God wants to hear; His own children voicing their concerns through prayer and speaking the Gospel boldly.
Peter understood the battle. He, like the other Apostles, suffered many satanic attacks that were meant to stop the Gospel of Jesus Christ from reaching lost sinners. On one occasion he was arrested and warned to keep silent. That wasn't Peter's style. Peter knew the truth and knew that others needed to hear it. When brought before the High Priest and questioned as to why he was still preaching about Jesus, Peter had a perfect answer. "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men." Acts 5:29. The battle raged in the first century and it rages still. Whether it's individual believers being attacked or the Body of Christ as a whole, we are all equally capable of being proactive participants in a battle that rages 24/7. You need to use the weapons of war that God provides.
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11. A good warrior knows each weapon and how to use it. It's our responsibility as believers in Christ to know our weapons and to seek God's help. If we stay silent we'll reap what that silence has sown. The silence of Christians allows enemy strong holds to grow. The enemy is putting up a fight and it's up to us to mount a counterattack against those "...principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" Ephesians 6:12. Satan is no match for God.
The Apostle Paul was well aware of the unseen battle and he urged us in his letter to the Ephesians to fit ourselves for battle. "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:13. When he came to the end of his life, Paul could look back and say "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7. Can you say that you've fought the spiritual battles that rage all around, or have you given in to the enemy? Learn to use the weapons of war skillfully in order to fight a good fight...a fight for God and against Satan. God wins in the end, so you might as well join the winning side now.
The unseen battle rages. Will you take the challenge to make yourself fit for battle? Or will you defect to the enemy camp? Put on your armor and fight a good fight.
God bless you all,
Ron & Nathele Graham
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.