It is not popular today in our High Tech age that we live in, to believe in a literal devil–a personal devil. But, the more I study and read the scriptures and see the diabolical things that are happening in our world, I do not need convincing of an unseen power at work to destroy all that is good and wholesome in our society.
This places the urgency of prayer as a top priority. The fact that the scriptures teach us that the believer has an adversary, and that the Lord, himself, when teaching on prayer included the phrase…”deliver us from evil”, establishes the fact that there is a literal enemy out to destroy us.
The New Testament gives him many names: “tempter” Mt. 4:3; “ruler of this world” Jn.12.31; 14:30; 16:11; “The prince of the power of the air” Eph. 2:2; “The god of this world” 2 Cor. 4:4; “Abaddon,” and “Apollyon” both of which means “destroyer” Rev. 9:11; and “the serpent of old” Rev. 12:9.
The reality is that there IS a literal personal devil and the scriptures warn us to be on our guard, to be vigilant.
Hello John,
I have been much encouraged reading your articles and seeing your videos and this one in particular. I have seen the demonic in final manifestation and it is ugly but that isn’t all that bad. What I’m feeling is much more difficult and that is this mindset (Satan has established) over the churches in this area (middle-wealthy class America) to almost punish anyone that evens speaks of a spiritual darkness. It’s thick in the air. It makes people awkward and nervous when you speak of the enemy. And the biggest thing it throws is the mentality that there is nothing wrong, but people are depressed all around in the church and you can see fear in their eyes. I know it’s there.
Wondering if you had any counsel to give further with your experience and what I can do. I’m just trying to relax in the glory as of now….
Blessings from Texas!!
Andrew