Messages on Satan
Beware of the Wiles of the Devil
by Pastor John Khng
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:11; Isaiah 14:12-15
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." - Ephesians 6:11
Theme: A Christian must Not be trapped by the Wicked One.
Ayer Manhattan.jpg
Book Cover of God's Man in Manhattan
This 1950 book the Biography of Dr William Ward Ayer. It was the First Prize Winner In Zondervan's $2,500 Christian Biography and/or Missionary Book Contest. A photo plate of William Ward Ayer is across the title page. "We do not claim to have had access to God's verdict on the work of William Ward Ayer. However, as we have studied him and his life, we have concluded that God is on his side. God must be on his side. How else can the blessings which have flowed through him to multitudes of people be explained?" From the preface of this book.
Many of the teaching points in this message will be taken from the article “Satan, Demons and World Chaos” written by Dr. William Ward Ayer which was originally published in Faith for the Family, May/June 1973 and republished by proclaimanddefend. org in their October /November 2013 issues.
The original Faith for the Family bio:
Dr. William Ward Ayer is a well-known evangelist, broadcaster, and author. For 36 years Dr. Ayer has pastored important Baptist churches in Illinois, Indiana, Ontario (Canada), and New York City. His best-known ministry was a 14-year pastorate at the internationally known Calvary Baptist Church of New York City. During the latter days of his New York pastorate a radio poll voted Dr. Ayer to be one of the city’s most influential citizens, Dr. Ayer carries on an evangelistic and Bible-teaching ministry in many churches in this country as well as abroad.
Ayer Calvary BC 1.jpg
Ayer Calvary BC 2.jpg
Pictures of Calvary Baptist Church in NYC
The Words above the Door is Message of the Church - "We Preach Christ - Crucified, Risen and Coming Again."
https://calvarybaptistchurchnycxxxs.wordpress.com/
My family visited Dr. and Mrs Ayer in the summer of 1985. The Ayers were staying in Florida upon their retirement. We became their close friends because at our first visit, Nathaniel called Mrs Ayer, "Por, Por". Mrs Ayer asked what is the meaning of "Por, Por" and we said it means grandma and so they said Nathaniel will be their grandson. This began our close friendship with the Ayers and they were such a great blessing to us.
Dr. Ayer was 92 years old in 1988 and he was promoted to glory the next year in 1989 at the age of 93 years old.
When we were there in our first visit in 1985, Dr. Ayer gave us a tour of his library and showed us the many preaching tapes and manuscripts of work in progress messages. He was very alert and often stopped at a certain place in the tape and said, listened up, something interesting is coming.
As I was looking for suitable articles for our church bulletin, I came across his writing on “Satan, Demons and World Chaos” written in 1973 for Faith for the Family Magazine. Although it was written in 1973, the message is very, very relevant to us today.
It reminded me of Hebrews 11:4, "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh."
By his sacrifice that was acceptable to God in that it foreshadows the coming of Christ to die for our sins, Abel's faith still speaks to us today. I believe if we will to serve God faithfully, our labour of love, our work of faith and our patience of hope will continue to speak to the future generations especially now we have the internet that can record our ministry for the Lord and keep it there so that we "being dead yet speaketh." Pastor Elbert Lim and Pastor James Phoa, both have passed away but each still has a webpage that shares about their lives and ministry.
Indeed, this morning, I would like to quote some of the teaching points from Dr. Ayer's article and let all of us look at the present day's happenings to see for ourselves how Dr. Ayer's teachings are very relevant today even though his message was written in 1973 which is about 50+ years ago.
Our church is named after Calvary Baptist Church in New York City.
We could not use the Calvary Baptist Church in Singapore because another church already has this name, so we named our church Mount Calvary Baptist Church.
I. There is Only One Devil but there are Many Demons.
Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Isaiah 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
Isaiah 14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Isaiah 14:15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Revelation 12:4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth:
A. There is only one Devil which is Lucifer/Satan but many demons who are fallen angels.
B. “Satan is powerful, but not all-powerful. His power and comparative broad knowledge is obtained through demon forces — myriads (countless) of them. These demons are a reality, though science generally denies their existence, attributing to other forces and conditions that which Bible students believe to be definite manifestations of demon powers.” – Dr. Ayer, Article Pt 2.
Demons are described as principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:12 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.
“Thus, we learn the terrible reality of Paul’s affirmation that our basic conflict is not with flesh and blood (human personalities), but against a whole universe of powerful, evil forces who rule the world’s darkness, against an innumerable host of completely wicked beings whose purpose is to thwart God and His people. The Bible seems to indicate that the very atmosphere around our planet is filled with a hostile race of beings superior in knowledge and power to ourselves. They have the advantage of being invisible, and as spiritual intelligences are probably able not merely to judge us by our words but are often able to read the innermost thoughts of our hearts. These beings are directed by a “super-being” of consummate knowledge and evil design.” – Dr. Ayer, Article Pt 1.
"The meaning of today’s happenings is known only by discerning the powers and spirits behind them. The Bible teaches that evil conditions are the work of Satan. . . .
Suffice it to say that originally Satan was God’s highest creation, who rebelled against the Almighty. He lost his first estate but has not yet been deprived of either his title or his power. He is still the “High One” who divides the world into provinces, and who appoints as ruler over each kingdom to direct its energies and bend it to his will, a powerful fallen angel, assisted by countless subordinates.” – Dr. Ayer, article Pt 1.
There is only one devil but there are many demons under his command.
II. Satan is at War with God – Revelation 12:9; Matthew 24:5, 11, 23-24.
Matthew 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Matthew 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
This explains why there are so many false preachers, false pastors and false teachings today.
“Every time you take your medicine, I encourage you to also partake of the Lord's supper. We have received so many testimonies of people receiving their complete healing through the communion and are believing that you too, will experience your miracle!” - Joseph Prince in his facebook posting.
https://m.facebook.com/josephprince/photos/medicine-is-good-and-many-times-god-uses-medicine-and-doctors-as-part-of-the-rec/1457407857640392/?locale=pt_BR&_se_imp=0QmOjlJkkLxSYPYNY
The Bible clearly teaches:
1Co 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
1Co 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
"Every time you take your medicine, I encourage you to also partake of the Lord's supper." - which is doing the healing? the medicine or the Lord's supper? This is being deceitful. If he truly believes the Communion heals then he should tell people to stop taking their medicines. What happens if a person does not get well? He has to see the doctor again and get more medicines and take more Lord's supper.
B. Satan is Called the Accuser of the Brethren – Rev. 12:10
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Example of Satan accusing Job before God.
Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
Job 1:9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
Job 1:11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
Job 1:12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
Job 1:20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,
Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
Job 1:22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
C. Christians can overcome Satan - Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
D. Satan is Bent on Destroying the Earth - Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
III. Satan is Attacking the World Today – 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; 11:13-15; 1 Timothy 4:1; Ephesians 2:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:7
A. Satan is called the god of this World in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
2Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
His tactic is to blind the minds of people to the Gospel of Christ.
Let me quote what Dr. Ayer said in his article, Part 1:
“As in the days before the flood, so today, we are experiencing a worldwide demonstration of satanic activity. He is deceiving the nations into believing that the world is only temporarily sick and not hopelessly lost.”
B. Satan is Called the angel of light in 2 Cor. 11:13-15
2Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
2Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2Corinthians 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
1. Satan disguise himself as an angel of light. His demons disguise themselves as the ministers of righteousness explains verse 13 about false apostles and deceitful workers that they are under the control of demons.
2. There will be an increase in demonic activities in the last days - 1Timothy 4:1, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;”
C. Satan is Called the prince of the power of the air in Ephesians 2:2 – “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
“Demons seem to have power over national and international affairs. . .
Demons are said to operate in financial, commercial, military, and even religious affairs. Although we are not ready to give documentation, we are suspicious that this is true. God Himself tells us that there are mighty angelic personalities that control men and nations. This is the mystery of iniquity (lawlessness) of which Paul writes (II Thessalonians 2:7) and which is steering the world toward the rule of Antichrist, the chief hindrance being the powerful operation of the Holy Spirit through the church. We must always be mindful that our struggle is against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness which Bible scholars accept as myriads of demon hordes under the direction of Satan who, according to Scripture, is called both “the god of this age” and “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2).“ – Dr. Ayer Article Pt 3
2Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth (restrains, holds back) will let (restrain, hold back), until he be taken out of the way.
This will take place at the rapture of the church. When the church is taken up to heaven, there will be no more restraining power to stop Satan from his full attack on mankind.
Conclusion: The Whole World lies in Wickedness.
1John 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
1John 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
“Millions are stunned by the present world chaos. It will help us to remember that Satan’s world order operates in disorder. Having sought to destroy the divine order of Heaven, Satan now, “cast out,” seeks the destruction of world order. Isaiah 14:17 says that the Devil made the world as a wilderness.
Isaiah 14:17 - "That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?" (Satan will not let his prisoners go free) Once you are trapped by Satan, you will be his prisoner forever, only the Lord Jesus Christ can set you free from the prison of Satan.
Repent and Believe the Gospel and be set free from the evil one.
Only the returned Christ can restore the world to its pristine perfection” – Dr. Ayer, Article Pt 2
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:11; Isaiah 14:12-15
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." - Ephesians 6:11
Theme: A Christian must Not be trapped by the Wicked One.
Ayer Manhattan.jpg
Book Cover of God's Man in Manhattan
This 1950 book the Biography of Dr William Ward Ayer. It was the First Prize Winner In Zondervan's $2,500 Christian Biography and/or Missionary Book Contest. A photo plate of William Ward Ayer is across the title page. "We do not claim to have had access to God's verdict on the work of William Ward Ayer. However, as we have studied him and his life, we have concluded that God is on his side. God must be on his side. How else can the blessings which have flowed through him to multitudes of people be explained?" From the preface of this book.
Many of the teaching points in this message will be taken from the article “Satan, Demons and World Chaos” written by Dr. William Ward Ayer which was originally published in Faith for the Family, May/June 1973 and republished by proclaimanddefend. org in their October /November 2013 issues.
The original Faith for the Family bio:
Dr. William Ward Ayer is a well-known evangelist, broadcaster, and author. For 36 years Dr. Ayer has pastored important Baptist churches in Illinois, Indiana, Ontario (Canada), and New York City. His best-known ministry was a 14-year pastorate at the internationally known Calvary Baptist Church of New York City. During the latter days of his New York pastorate a radio poll voted Dr. Ayer to be one of the city’s most influential citizens, Dr. Ayer carries on an evangelistic and Bible-teaching ministry in many churches in this country as well as abroad.
- 1936-1949 William Ward Ayer[27] A poll found preacher and religious broadcaster Ayer to be Manhattan's "third-most influential citizen", behind Eleanor Roosevelt and religious broadcaster Bishop Fulton Sheen.[28]
Ayer Calvary BC 1.jpg
Ayer Calvary BC 2.jpg
Pictures of Calvary Baptist Church in NYC
The Words above the Door is Message of the Church - "We Preach Christ - Crucified, Risen and Coming Again."
https://calvarybaptistchurchnycxxxs.wordpress.com/
My family visited Dr. and Mrs Ayer in the summer of 1985. The Ayers were staying in Florida upon their retirement. We became their close friends because at our first visit, Nathaniel called Mrs Ayer, "Por, Por". Mrs Ayer asked what is the meaning of "Por, Por" and we said it means grandma and so they said Nathaniel will be their grandson. This began our close friendship with the Ayers and they were such a great blessing to us.
Dr. Ayer was 92 years old in 1988 and he was promoted to glory the next year in 1989 at the age of 93 years old.
When we were there in our first visit in 1985, Dr. Ayer gave us a tour of his library and showed us the many preaching tapes and manuscripts of work in progress messages. He was very alert and often stopped at a certain place in the tape and said, listened up, something interesting is coming.
As I was looking for suitable articles for our church bulletin, I came across his writing on “Satan, Demons and World Chaos” written in 1973 for Faith for the Family Magazine. Although it was written in 1973, the message is very, very relevant to us today.
It reminded me of Hebrews 11:4, "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh."
By his sacrifice that was acceptable to God in that it foreshadows the coming of Christ to die for our sins, Abel's faith still speaks to us today. I believe if we will to serve God faithfully, our labour of love, our work of faith and our patience of hope will continue to speak to the future generations especially now we have the internet that can record our ministry for the Lord and keep it there so that we "being dead yet speaketh." Pastor Elbert Lim and Pastor James Phoa, both have passed away but each still has a webpage that shares about their lives and ministry.
Indeed, this morning, I would like to quote some of the teaching points from Dr. Ayer's article and let all of us look at the present day's happenings to see for ourselves how Dr. Ayer's teachings are very relevant today even though his message was written in 1973 which is about 50+ years ago.
Our church is named after Calvary Baptist Church in New York City.
We could not use the Calvary Baptist Church in Singapore because another church already has this name, so we named our church Mount Calvary Baptist Church.
I. There is Only One Devil but there are Many Demons.
Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Isaiah 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
Isaiah 14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Isaiah 14:15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Revelation 12:4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth:
A. There is only one Devil which is Lucifer/Satan but many demons who are fallen angels.
B. “Satan is powerful, but not all-powerful. His power and comparative broad knowledge is obtained through demon forces — myriads (countless) of them. These demons are a reality, though science generally denies their existence, attributing to other forces and conditions that which Bible students believe to be definite manifestations of demon powers.” – Dr. Ayer, Article Pt 2.
Demons are described as principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:12 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.
“Thus, we learn the terrible reality of Paul’s affirmation that our basic conflict is not with flesh and blood (human personalities), but against a whole universe of powerful, evil forces who rule the world’s darkness, against an innumerable host of completely wicked beings whose purpose is to thwart God and His people. The Bible seems to indicate that the very atmosphere around our planet is filled with a hostile race of beings superior in knowledge and power to ourselves. They have the advantage of being invisible, and as spiritual intelligences are probably able not merely to judge us by our words but are often able to read the innermost thoughts of our hearts. These beings are directed by a “super-being” of consummate knowledge and evil design.” – Dr. Ayer, Article Pt 1.
"The meaning of today’s happenings is known only by discerning the powers and spirits behind them. The Bible teaches that evil conditions are the work of Satan. . . .
Suffice it to say that originally Satan was God’s highest creation, who rebelled against the Almighty. He lost his first estate but has not yet been deprived of either his title or his power. He is still the “High One” who divides the world into provinces, and who appoints as ruler over each kingdom to direct its energies and bend it to his will, a powerful fallen angel, assisted by countless subordinates.” – Dr. Ayer, article Pt 1.
There is only one devil but there are many demons under his command.
II. Satan is at War with God – Revelation 12:9; Matthew 24:5, 11, 23-24.
- Satan is Called a Deceiver – Revelation 12:9
Matthew 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Matthew 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
This explains why there are so many false preachers, false pastors and false teachings today.
“Every time you take your medicine, I encourage you to also partake of the Lord's supper. We have received so many testimonies of people receiving their complete healing through the communion and are believing that you too, will experience your miracle!” - Joseph Prince in his facebook posting.
https://m.facebook.com/josephprince/photos/medicine-is-good-and-many-times-god-uses-medicine-and-doctors-as-part-of-the-rec/1457407857640392/?locale=pt_BR&_se_imp=0QmOjlJkkLxSYPYNY
The Bible clearly teaches:
1Co 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
1Co 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
"Every time you take your medicine, I encourage you to also partake of the Lord's supper." - which is doing the healing? the medicine or the Lord's supper? This is being deceitful. If he truly believes the Communion heals then he should tell people to stop taking their medicines. What happens if a person does not get well? He has to see the doctor again and get more medicines and take more Lord's supper.
B. Satan is Called the Accuser of the Brethren – Rev. 12:10
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Example of Satan accusing Job before God.
Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
Job 1:9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
Job 1:11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
Job 1:12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
Job 1:20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,
Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
Job 1:22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
C. Christians can overcome Satan - Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
D. Satan is Bent on Destroying the Earth - Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
III. Satan is Attacking the World Today – 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; 11:13-15; 1 Timothy 4:1; Ephesians 2:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:7
A. Satan is called the god of this World in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
2Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
His tactic is to blind the minds of people to the Gospel of Christ.
Let me quote what Dr. Ayer said in his article, Part 1:
“As in the days before the flood, so today, we are experiencing a worldwide demonstration of satanic activity. He is deceiving the nations into believing that the world is only temporarily sick and not hopelessly lost.”
B. Satan is Called the angel of light in 2 Cor. 11:13-15
2Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
2Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2Corinthians 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
1. Satan disguise himself as an angel of light. His demons disguise themselves as the ministers of righteousness explains verse 13 about false apostles and deceitful workers that they are under the control of demons.
2. There will be an increase in demonic activities in the last days - 1Timothy 4:1, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;”
C. Satan is Called the prince of the power of the air in Ephesians 2:2 – “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
“Demons seem to have power over national and international affairs. . .
Demons are said to operate in financial, commercial, military, and even religious affairs. Although we are not ready to give documentation, we are suspicious that this is true. God Himself tells us that there are mighty angelic personalities that control men and nations. This is the mystery of iniquity (lawlessness) of which Paul writes (II Thessalonians 2:7) and which is steering the world toward the rule of Antichrist, the chief hindrance being the powerful operation of the Holy Spirit through the church. We must always be mindful that our struggle is against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness which Bible scholars accept as myriads of demon hordes under the direction of Satan who, according to Scripture, is called both “the god of this age” and “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2).“ – Dr. Ayer Article Pt 3
2Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth (restrains, holds back) will let (restrain, hold back), until he be taken out of the way.
This will take place at the rapture of the church. When the church is taken up to heaven, there will be no more restraining power to stop Satan from his full attack on mankind.
Conclusion: The Whole World lies in Wickedness.
1John 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
1John 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
- Christians need to protect themselves from the wicked/evil one.
- We know that we are of God because we do not belong to the wicked one.
“Millions are stunned by the present world chaos. It will help us to remember that Satan’s world order operates in disorder. Having sought to destroy the divine order of Heaven, Satan now, “cast out,” seeks the destruction of world order. Isaiah 14:17 says that the Devil made the world as a wilderness.
Isaiah 14:17 - "That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?" (Satan will not let his prisoners go free) Once you are trapped by Satan, you will be his prisoner forever, only the Lord Jesus Christ can set you free from the prison of Satan.
Repent and Believe the Gospel and be set free from the evil one.
Only the returned Christ can restore the world to its pristine perfection” – Dr. Ayer, Article Pt 2
© Copyright 2016 Mount Calvary Baptist Church. All Rights Reserved.