In the first pages of Scripture, we find out about our enemy. “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field.” (Genesis 3:1) In Scripture, Satan goes by many names. Tempter, the wicked one, accuser, ruler of this world (John 12:31), the god of this age (2Cor 4:4), the angel of light. Satan’s names reflect who he is. We should take going up against the ruler of this world very seriously.

In his book “God’s Master Plan of Salvation,” Phil DelRe makes the observation that in both the Old and the New Testaments (Gen.3 and Matthew 4) Satan takes the Word of God out of context. Phil states “This mistake can be fatal, and is to this day, one of the leading causes of false doctrine and division in the church.” We can add to this that it is possibly one of the leading causes of our failure to overcome the temptations of Satan. When we read Genesis 3, Adam and Eve sinned because they did not know precisely what God had said, or as well as Satan knew what God had said. Satan took God’s words out of context. This gave the opportunity for Satan to deceive and confuse Adam and Eve.

When we read in Matthew 4 about the temptation of Jesus. We see that Jesus uses Scripture to conquer Satan. Satan again takes Scripture out of context, but Jesus knew Scripture. “Then, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting for forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. The tempter came to Him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’ Then the devil took Him to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “He will commend His angels concerning you and they shall lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”’ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’ Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.”’ Matthew 4:1-10 We see in Matthew 4:11 that Satan leaves Jesus and angels came and attended Him. 

Yes, we have a powerful adversary, but our God is more powerful. We as believers have a way to fight against an enemy that we can’t see, who is stronger and smarter. The source of our strength is in the Lord’s command, “Be strong in the Lord”. (Joshua 1:9 and Eph 6:10) We need to put on the whole armor of God. Well, what is the whole armor of God? Next Sunday’s message will focus on that very subject. See you then!

Lake Ellen Camp is having their annual Women's Fall Retreat October 5-7. Cost is $85 for the full weekend or $45 for Saturday only. Come for a weekend of encouragement and refreshment at Lake Ellen Camp. Find your heart and soul renewed by good fellowship and engaging teaching from God's Word. Take the opportunity to grow closer to God and other women of the faith.  Enjoy food made from scratch, and great fun with Lake Ellen's indoor and outdoor activities.

It isn’t enough to simply affirm the Bible’s truthfulness.  God intended us to know Him and walk with Him. It is easy for us to drift away.  God warns us both in the New and Old Testament to be careful! Current teaching can become comfortable.  What is sometimes preached sounds Orthodox, but does it challenge anyone? Even church people can live as if God isn’t real, hasn’t spoken or as if He doesn’t matter.  This is a grave sin against the living God. Satan uses the same tactics on us as he did with Adam and Eve “did God actually say?” Genesis 3:1 There is within all us the urge to control our own life.  God asks if we are willing to trust Him or are we just going to make up our own minds? Are we going to serve God or ourselves?

The truth of the Word of God does not depend on our belief in it.  The book of Romans gives a realistic warning against unbelief. It is a book all of us should read consistently.  Simple faithful reading and re-reading of the Bible increases Biblical literacy. Unfortunately, the internet has increased Biblical illiteracy.  Nothing will ever compare with faithful reading, re-reading and memorizing Scripture.

Scripture is our life.  Our salvation should not be looked at as a “get out of hell free card”.  There is much more to Christianity than our salvation. It is not easy, but it is our joy to walk with God day by day trusting, loving and obeying Him.  God communicates with us through the Scriptures. We communicate with God through prayer. Take God away and we have nothing. We have only our own belief, the beliefs of this misguided world and the ever-present influence of Satan.  What we desire most, what we love most, will determine what we worship.

We have learned so many important facts and insights about God and the Scriptures from this series.  If anyone at any point would like a repeat of the DVD’s, please let us know and we will arrange something.