A mighty created being in the heavens known as Lucifer took it upon himself to commit treason against God. Isaiah 14: 12-14 explains "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! 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: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."

Pride in himself was the motive that prompted the actions of this being known also as Satan as described in Ezekiel 28:17. Revelation 12:4 indicates that 1/3 of the angels in the spiritual realm followed his lead. How does this affect you?

Chip Ingram, author of The Invisible War: What Every Believer Needs To Know About Satan, Demons, and Spiritual Warfare explains that we are engaged in battle now whether we like it or not. The good news is that "Satan was defeated at the cross. Nothing can diminish that. His defeat was irrevocably sealed when Jesus conquered sin and death by dying and rising again. The penalty we incurred for our sin was paid, and its power was broken. Through the cross, Jesus disarmed and triumphed over the enemy."

The fate of Satan and his minions is cast in stone. There is, however, an ongoing demonic guerilla warfare that will try to distract us from doing God’s will in Scripture until the return of the Messiah. We must all call upon Jesus when confronted with trials and temptations to resist the evil one and his demons that strike. We must proclaim that we are children of God and that "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4) and ask Jesus to intercede in our battle against temptation and wickedness. Chip Ingram explains on another positive note that "as believers in Christ, we do not fight for victory; we fight from victory. In Christ’s power, we are invincible." The fact that believers have the upper hand is, indeed, good news!

Have you realized the futility of materialism and understand that "whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God"? (James 4:4) Have you accepted Jesus as the only solution to be triumphant in a wicked world? (Romans 6:23) Do you know that you can be forgiven of all sins through Him? (1 John 1:9) Will you be battle-prepared to "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."? (Eph. 6:11). If so, there’s a catbird seat waiting with your name on it.

(Chip Ingram’s "The Invisible War: What Every Believer Needs To Know About Satan, Demons, and Spiritual Warfare" and Grant Jeffrey’s "Armageddon: Appointment with Destiny" and the Bible can all be purchased at www.ChristianBook.com )

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