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IEA Devo 2022 evil • Becoming a Disciple-Maker

Evil – The Disciple-Making Lifestyle

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesian 6:12)

 

Part One

Evil is made incarnate through action, just as holiness was made incarnate through the sinless life of God’s only Son! Under the influence of evil – murderous world leaders like Stalin, Hitler, and Putin are vivid examples of this principle.

Contrary to popular understanding, Satan’s temporary power is tremendous at this time in history, so prayer is needed to overcome it! The Bible explains this reality, “…the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19) Faithless atheism cannot satisfactorily explain the impact of evil; it can only observe and respond to its reality. The reason for this logical dilemma is understandable. To be consistent, atheism is forced to deny the entire spiritual world or redefine itself – as honestly being agnostic.

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Part Two

If evil is imagined to somehow be material in nature rather than spiritual, then it cannot possibly be explained by the totally physical “big bang” theory. Consider this reality, since the very first murder committed at the dawn of history – evil already existed (see Genesis 4:8). Dachau, Auschwitz, and the brutal beheading of non-Muslims, plus Russia’s unprovoked attack on the Ukraine, all demonstrate evil’s impact on our world. Without it our police, prison workers, and armies would not be needed.

The Hebrew prophet Isaiah, was inspired by God to warn us about the consequences of evil saying, “How terrible it will be for those who call evil good and good evil, who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness…” (Isaiah 5:20)

Human genetics fail to explain both the source and nature of sin and evil. Psychology seeks to deal with their impact, but it cannot verify the origin of their existence. This is understandable, because if the existence of satanic evil is acknowledged – then the existence of God’s holiness, its opposite, must be acknowledged as well. That is precisely what Satan does not want!

 

Part Three

Our specific prayers receive observable answers through God’s responses. This occurs regularly. For that reason, when prayer is forfeited, evil is able to win! This loss takes place at the high cost of reality for those who mistakenly think that neither God’s grace nor Satan’s evil power actually exist! Such people sadly live in denial of the immensely powerful spiritual dimension of life. They foolishly abandon wisdom on this most important front.

Those who deny evil try to describe what they observe but do not comprehend. They seek to do this in lofty, yet sadly ill-informed language – which they are tempted to value more than truth itself! Reason is therefore forfeited and evil wins at the cost of common sense and reality. This happens when man’s ever-changing ideas are placed above God’s revelation!

The Bible warns, “…they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools…” (Romans 1:21-22)

 

By Billie Hanks Jr.

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