Spiritual Warfare - November 22

Do you think that what you go through is unique? Does it sometimes seem that no one understands or cares? Those feelings are all a part of Satan’s plan to make believers feel unloved, and that is a form of spiritual warfare. However, it’s not true! Today is Thanksgiving in America, and I am thankful for this…

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:14-18 (ESV)

Jesus couldn’t have become our merciful high priest without experiencing our temptations. God sent Jesus on a mission to earth to save us, to suffer for us – and to learn what it is to be human by being tempted just like us. Because Jesus suffered, He was able to conquer death for us. Our sin gives the devil power of death:

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (ESV)

Jesus takes Satan’s power when we accept His free gift of eternal life. If Jesus could take away Satan’s power of eternal death and damnation, don’t you think He can protect us when Satan wages war?

If you are a Christian, you belong to Jesus and live in God’s kingdom (light). You are promised eternity in heaven. You can’t earn heaven.

If you have not accepted Jesus’ free gift of salvation, you belong to Satan and live in the kingdom of the world (darkness). You are promised eternity in hell. You’ve earned hell because the wages of your sin is death.

Satan is alive and well today and fulfilling God’s purpose. It doesn’t always make sense, but then again, we aren’t God so we don’t have full view of His plans. Jesus took away Satan’s power by making payment for everyone’s sin when He died on the cross. Only those who have accepted the free gift of Jesus’ salvation have had their bills marked

“paid in full”

If you have already accepted Christ, thank Him today for paying your bill in full. If you have not yet accepted Him, today is the perfect day. You don’t need to do anything fancy. All He asks is that you tell Him you’ve sinned and that you want to turn your life around. Tell Him that you want Him to be Lord of your life, and ask Him to come into your heart. Then – go tell! Tell your family and friends as you gather for your Thanksgiving meal. Find a Bible-believing church (not every church believes that the Bible IS the inspired, inerrant Word of God). Denominations don’t matter. What matters is that the pastor and staff fully accept that:

1.       The Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God.

2.       Jesus Christ came to earth fully human and fully man.

3.       Jesus Christ was born of a virgin in fulfillment of Scripture.

4.       Jesus suffered on the cross and died – actually died – and was buried.

5.       Jesus rose on the third day in fulfillment of Scripture.

6.       Salvation is through faith alone in Christ alone.

Find that church and you’ll find help when you need it AND you’ll hear uncomfortable sermons that will cause you to grow!

We’ll talk on Monday about God’s role in the devil’s schemes. May your weekend be blessed with faith, family, and friends – and above all, with the knowledge that you are on your way to heaven!