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Bulletin Article Archives Satan and Sin Click on the title to move to the selected article and then on my name at the conclusion of the article to return to this directory. It was with a sense of deep satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment that they stood in front of the “For Sale” sign, shook hands with the new owners, and received the money from the sale of their property. Together they traveled to a secret place, anxiously counted their profits, cautiously glancing about to insure their privacy, they laid back a portion into a carefully concealed spot that would prove easy to retrieve at a later time. Parting company, they exchanged a knowing look, synchronized plans, and went about their agreed roles. Phase I of the plan had been executed. Sapphira went shopping in anticipation of the grand celebration the shrewd couple expected to enjoy. Meanwhile her husband, Ananias, stood before Peter and presented the church with a generous “free-will” offering. He waited to be sure a crowd would be present before approaching the apostle, expectantly searching everyone’s face for traces of astonishment, awe or even envy as he proclaimed that this represented the entirety of their life’s saving and was given to the glory of God. But upon the face of Peter was only disappointment, “Did you really sell the land for this much?” Phase II of the plan had faltered and Ananias was executed. Others had no doubt faced such temptation. Joseph faced temptations in Egypt, Jesus faced Satan himself on a mountain, and Paul faced trials in the church. The difference was that Joseph ran away from temptation while Ananias and Sapphira ran towards it. Jesus drew near to God in his heart while this couple threw open wide the door to Satan. Paul laid careful plans on how to avoid temptations while these plotted to exploit it. Temptation is s fact of life. Embracing it is a fact of death! September 22, 1991 The battlefield was the vast stretches of John's mind, fertile with doubts sown in the seclusion of Herod's prison house (Matthew 11:3). Wading through the littered expectations of the One heralded as the Son of God, the Wilderness' Voice struggled to believe. The messengers returned from Jesus bearing the Word of God. As the world waged a war by sowing doubts in the mind of John the Baptist, Jesus planted assurance, sufficient to secure the victory for God and His truth. The campaign continued in the heart of Judas, carefully weighing the dangers of discipleship against the price on the Master's head (Matthew 26:14-16). Encouraged by the positive reception of the accepted religious leaders, and captivated by the easy profit to be gained, the arrangements were made to meet outside the garden of Gethsemane to close the books. The truths often spoken by Jesus had no place in the traitor's heart, and that night the world won. The war of the world is waged every day within the human heart. The trenches are filled with those drafted into this conflict, facing the atrocities of war, the greatest often being that most are unarmed. Without the Sword of the Spirit, resistance is fruitless, defeat certain and without mercy. Today the conflict continues too close for comfort. Arm yourselves (Ephesians 6:13-17). February 9, 1992 Along with dying and taxes, mistakes are universal. From the moment a toddler ventures away from parents a world of bad choices appear. They begin to learn that this is too hot and that is too sharp and this tastes horrible and that will bite back. Usually they learn from their mistakes. As we mature towards adulthood we are given amazing opportunities to learn from the mistakes of others. Reasoning such as “that could never happen to me” will not fool the wise. The foolish fail to learn from the mistakes of others, which subjects them to certain failure. Consider the Bible. Not only is it a manual preparing us for eternity and introducing us to God, it is also a ledger of human failure. Within its cover are preserved records of mistakes made over the passing of centuries. We learn what happens when people forget God. We find the results of immoral lifestyles. We read of nations toppled because God was not exalted. Meanwhile, the righteous literally live happily ever after. In Jesus we find forgiveness. His blood can cover our worst "mistakes." But God wants more. Not content to just be forgiven we must strive to live better lives. Free yourselves from the most common mistakes of humanity. Study your Bible and learn from the mistakes of others so you won't have to make them all yourself. March 24, 1996 Food is essential for life. Without this necessary nourishment our bodies would wither and die. Images of famine stricken nations in North Africa over the past years dramatically illustrate our basic need to satisfy our hunger. But is that our most basic need? Although I am a physical being, my most basic need is not physical. Fasting is one attempt to keep in touch with our spiritual need, to satisfy our spiritual hunger. Fasting is biblical because it is taught and practiced in the Bible. Fasting is demanding since at the heart of it rests the yielding of our personal desires and needs. Fasting is dangerous because it has often been misused to cover rather than expose sin and to exalt the "faster" rather than God. Fasting remains legitimate in the spiritual devotion of modern Christians when conducted within the guidelines of scripture, in the proper manner and for the proper motives. It can help us break away from the attachment to the physical and draw us closer, for a time, to the supernal worth of the spiritual. It is still only one step available in satisfying our spiritual hunger. But fasting reminds us of the need to be hungry spiritually. March 31, 1996 A shadowy figure surfaces in Eden. Although Moses did not specifically identify him in the first book of the Bible, John, in the last book, did. The serpent was none other than the Devil and Satan (Rev. 12:9). Satan worked covertly under the Mosaic covenant. With the coming of Jesus, the Light of the World, the darkness could no longer hide the Devil. He and Jesus met face to face in the mountains of Judea (Matthew chapter 4). As that famous contest closed, the fate of Satan was sealed, but his resolve only grew more intense. Demon possession was pervasive, unlike never before or since. People were bound, children possessed and lives destroyed. Even among the Twelve, Satan was hard at word (Luke 22:3, 31). His power seemed too great to control. Satan may have appeared less threatening in the obscurity of the Old Testament but in the Gospels his hideous presence and insidious plans are clearly evident. Appearances can often be deceiving. The dimly lit Garden of Gethsemane and darkened Calvary seemed to be Satan's greatest hour. In reality it was the beginning of the end. On the third day the tomb was found empty. Satan, who held the power of death (Heb. 2:14), could not hold Jesus! August 12, 2001 At the close of the sower's day, with seed bags empty and the fields tilled and full of potential, with a sense of satisfaction he reclined for the evening of well-deserved rest. Little did he know that deceitfulness was afoot in the darkness of his unguarded fielded (Matt. 13:24-25). When the farmer arose from his rest in the morning there was no indication of the mischief that had been perpetrated while he slept. The "tares" in Jesus' parable were really weeds, probably the "bearded darnel," which is difficult to distinguish from wheat in early stages. While scholars disagree on the level of danger the tares pose (poisonous or not), all agree that it was some time before the field hands could recognize the work of their enemy. By then the roots of the wheat and tares would be so entwined that the tares could only be uprooted at great loss of the wheat. Jesus never blamed the sower with negligence, human limitation demands that one rests (Mark 6:31). The sad reality is that while the sower slept from doing good, Satan seized the moment for evil (Matt. 13:39). "While men slept" Satan worked twice as hard. Knowing this makes the words of the sower on harvest day even more encouraging. He tells his servants, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn" (Matt. 13:30). The enemy, underhanded as he is, will not succeed (Rev. 12:11; 20:10). The Parable of the Tares is a powerful reminder that the devil shrewdly uses our weaknesses to his advantage. Therefore, the New Testament is filled with admonitions to be vigilant (Rom. 13:11; Rev. 16:15). Sleep we must. But let us look out for each other lest "the enemy" come to sow his seeds in our lives and find all of us fast asleep. November 9, 2003 Can you remember when America sought God's blessings? Once freedom to worship God was cherished. Upon this and similar treasures a democracy unlike any the world has ever known was built. Since that day it seems things have changed tremendously. Sociologists differ on the forces responsible for stripping America of its innocence. Yet one often overlooked influence lingers in the shadows of society - sin. From the day liberty drew its first breath sin has been present. But gradually it crept out of the shadows and America did not notice. Unblushingly America kills its unborn and gambles away much needed income. Alcohol, drugs and all forms of pornography are easily attainable. Many children are raised in a world without discipline in weak and broken homes. Sexual perversions are held up as normal in a world with no conscience of right or wrong. Solutions are desperately sought while problems are ignored and truth is spurned. Religious freedom today is being swept away in a flood of unbelief. As the darkness gathers the one thing America most sorely needs it no longer seeks - the blessing of God. July 2, 1995 Worldliness lies all around the trek through life. This is nothing new. Since time began the human race has struggled against temptation with limited success. Today it does seem more socially acceptable to embrace worldliness, or at least not condemn it. It is a welcomed guest in many homes. Obsession is another characteristic of this world of ours. Many are shackled with addictions to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and countless other life controlling problems. Some are so wrapped up in pleasure and materialism that are blind to what really matters in life. Rage erupts with little provocation and sweeps the guilty and innocent alike into its inferno of sorrow and suffering. Fanned by senseless violence it claims to seek justice but always achieves only failure. Lust masquerades as love in a world infatuated with sex. Convinced God doesn't know best, children become sexually involved before marriage and pay a price whether or not they get "caught." Pornography, prostitution, rape, and incest begins a seemingly endless list of lust's fruit. Divorce is common and accepted by many as not only normal but an expected end of marriage. God's will has been silenced by the judge's gavel. But ask any child shuffled between parents and they will tell you God is right. A stable home would have been worth the extra effort. Take a good look at our world. Isn't it great that God offers us an alternative (John 14:1-4)? July 23, 1995 In an age when "truth" is more convenience than character, it may be difficult to understand the serious nature of Jewish vows (Num. 30:2; Eccl. 5:4-5; Ps. 15:4). Each vow consisted of two sides, human and Divine. Among vows, none were more important than the Nazarite vow. Their dedication to purity was evident in uncut hair and avoidance of wine. The best-known Nazarite in the Old Testament was a man named Samson. Even the most superficial reader can predict Samson's downfall by his casual involvement with sin (Judges 16:4). What looks like an innocent tale of love quickly descends into the filthy chambers of lust and greed (v. 5). This woman, posing as a trusted companion, was in reality a deadly enemy. Samson, literally flirting with disaster, played a game of "cat and mouse" that inched him ever closer to the brink of disaster (vv. 6-14). His harmless teasing of Delilah led him blindly into the Devil's trap. Finally, Samson was overcome by the evil with which he toyed (Jud. 16:15-17). Thus begins one of the saddest scenes in the book of Judges. Samson, with all his physical strength, became powerless as Delilah cut his hair. The great deliverer sent by God had finally drifted too far from God (v. 19c). In his over-confidence, Samson arose only to learn that the source of his strength was no longer with him (v. 20). The game was suddenly over and Samson was the big loser. Satan rejoiced in his victory over God's strong man. But Samson learned the painful lessons of his error and in the end returned to God. He left this world with a serious warning lest we also be led astray. Sin is never a game. Nor is it a harmless toy. It is deadly. October 13, 2002 "Don't you realize the foolishness of your ways?" Isaiah chided Israel. "You take one tree, divide it, use half to warm yourselves and your food and the other half you bow down and worship" (Isaiah 44:14-19)! Aaron led his people into sin as they fell before a calf shaped of gold (Exodus 32). Dagon was powerless to deliver the Philistines from the curses of Jehovah (1 Samuel 5). Baal's prophets revealed themselves as fools before Elijah and all of Israel (1 Kings 18). Diana of the Ephesians, in all her "greatness," was silent in the days of Paul leaving her defense to Demetrius, the greedy silversmith (Acts 19). Idolatry is central to the Bible, especially the Old Testament. At every turn of history pagan adherents stand to tempt and distract those worshipping the true God. Those were trying days in the polytheistic world of Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Greece and Rome. Fortunate for us, living at the close of the twentieth century, that idolatry has long since been abandoned. Or has it? The sun, moon and stars are still worshipped today. Horoscopes and astrology find a warm place in many a heart where God is not welcome. Pleasure is exalted as souls are sacrificed upon its altar. And the most popular, and deadliest form of idolatry thrives today, being flaunted before our eyes incessantly. This is the idolatry of covetousness, the god of wealth, the worship of possessions and the religion of materialism (Colossians 3:5). January 31, 1993 Mine! A conflict was brewing as David drew close to the property of Nabal (1 Samuel 25). No two people could be more different. Nabal, a sheep-master of southern Judah, was a mean and inconsiderate man of great wealth. It was as if he had gone through life with a permanent marker inscribing on everything within reach the word “mine.” His life was full of things and as empty as could be. His name meant, “fool” and he lived up to it adequately. While hiding from King Saul, David, who had already been anointed King of Israel, protected Nabal’s shepherds and sheep. When David and his 600 men needed supplies he sent messengers to Nabal asking for help. David was rejected and insulted. Abigail, Nabal’s wife, realizing what had happened, took provisions to David. She reversed the wrong her evil husband had done and kept God’s servant, David, from bloodshed. Soon Nabal died and his name faded from all his possessions. David married sweet, brave, understanding Abigail and soon became king of Israel. Years passed and David died, to be remembered as Israel’s greatest king. His name did not fade because upon his soul, in eternal ink, he had allowed God to inscribe “Mine.” December 10, 1995 I admit it. Although an adult I do not possess a keen sense of what garments look good together. That’s why I am thankful to have someone willing to offer kind advice on fashion. Much embarrassment has been avoided by not subjecting unsuspecting acquaintances to vertigo. Some say it doesn’t matter how we dress. But those same people dress up when going for a job interview or to attend a formal event such as a wedding. They wear shirt and shoes in a restaurant if they want to be served. Paul acknowledged that what you wear is important, especially when we assemble for worship (1 Tim. 2:9-10). Our clothes reflect our attitude regarding worship, respect for others and especially our reverence for God. The emphasis should not be on one’s clothes but neither should clothes become a distraction to others, as was the case in Ephesus, which prompted Paul’s comments to Timothy. The issue is modesty and a sense of propriety in dress. Our dress should always be appropriate for the occasion while reflecting a sense of modesty towards our body and the high spiritual standards of our Christian faith. More important than a fashion sense to modern trends is common sense regarding the biblical concept of modesty. August 2, 1998 It is difficult for our culture to believe that "beauty is only skin deep." With all the emphasis placed on outward appearance, fashion and style, we seem as a nation to be obsessed with how we look rather than with the real qualities that contribute to our value as people. All such pretension is shallow. One popular actress is greatly esteemed for her beauty. Her picture frequently graces the covers of magazines in the grocery check-out area. But a reporter was able to discover what it took to get one of those glamour pictures ready for the printer. A touchup artist was brought in to clean up her complexion, remove lines, add color to her lips, blush to her cheeks and extra hair on the top of her head. Her dress was altered to give her a better shape, add to her shoulders and to remove stray hairs. The picture appears perfect, after over $1500 of work to doctor up the photograph. The outward appearance of this actress is beautiful. Even with $1500 or more I couldn't be helped that much. But the image is deceiving. Peter advised women of his day and our's, "do not let your adornment be merely outward - arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel - rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God" (1 Peter 3:3-4). Pretty good advice for us men also. True beauty is of the heart. As beneficial as physical exercise can be, godliness is better (1 Tim. 4:8). Beauty is only skin deep. But godliness goes clean through the soul. May God help us to become truly beautiful in His sight. January 31, 1999 The Dirty Truth About Adultery Potiphar's wife was alone in the house with Joseph. In her eyes this was the perfect opportunity for them to be together without anyone ever finding out. The excitement of potential pleasure without commitment on either participant was all that was necessary for her to keep the pressure on Joseph. His response to her constant enticement towards immorality is telling, "No one is greater in this house than I am, My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Gen. 39:9). The young Hebrew understood something that the seductive Egyptian didn't, God approves sexual activity only in the sacred union of marriage. The marital union in the Old Testament reflected the special relationship God longed to sustain with Israel (consider the message of Hosea). In the New Testament it illustrated the relationship of Christ to His church (Eph. 5:32). Although morals in our permissive society have changed, God's view of adultery has not. Joseph's response needs to be ours when faced with the temptation to violate the seventh commandment (Ex. 20:14). It needs to be our response when exposed to adultery on either the big, small, or computer screen. December 19, 1999 |
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