The Prince of the Power of the Air

I don't always want to be a Debbie Downer; I am probably among the happiest, most content people you could ever meet. I find happiness and contentment in the Lord. God has heaped his blessings upon this sinner, and while that doesn't mean there aren't trials in my life, Christ carries me through them.

Unfortunate Truth

So risking sounding like buzzkill, I saw a video on Fox News today and was dumbfounded. The U.S. Federal Court passed down a ruling that the Satanic Temple may sponsor afterschool clubs in the Eastern District of New York. REALLY!?!

The Fox Newscaster interviewed the head of the Satanic Temple, Lucien Greaves, and while Greaves would not discuss the lawsuit in New York as the Court is still litigating the case, He talked about the objectives of the temple. In a video clip shown in the interview, there was a conference hall filled with people chanting "Hail Satan." Then on stage, a person tore apart a Bible; it was frightening

Just your ordinary Satanist

According to Greaves, Satanists are ordinary, well-adjusted people. Really, I believe that they are normal and well-adjusted in comparison to today's society, given Satan rules today's society. Greaves also stated that Satanists belong to a community preexisting the Satanic Temple. Well, I have to agree there as well. Beginning with Adam and Eve, people turned their back on God, seeking the works of Satan, and this was carried on from Adam and Eve, as evidenced by Cain, Tubal-Cain, and so on. Greaves stated that the objective of the temple was to promote objective autonomy and free expression. That makes sense to me; those who fail to turn from sin and follow Christ seek to live their lives by their standard, even if it leads them to hell. Greaves states they embrace blasphemy and seek independence from superstition. Greaves’ statement makes sense to me as well. These people are not believers; they don't believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, no matter what the Bible, history, science, and archeology support. Greaves stated the ripping of the Bible, for some, has a cathartic effect. Hmmm, I have to believe this one too. People often take bizarre actions to justify or support misplaced feelings. Wow, I agree with a Satanist. What's up with that?

So really, why was I so surprised to see this video on Fox News? I guess I should not have been surprised at all. What surprised me the most was the newscaster called Greaves a brother, saying he would pray for Greaves, and the news agency did not censor the newscaster's sentiment.

A Situation Report

Folks, we live in a world ruled by Satan; we know this to be true as Paul told us this in Ephesians 2:2 ESV, "In which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience." The sons of disobedience are today's society. We also know that Paul wrote in Romans 1:26-32 ESV, "For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. "They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, and ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them." Now talk about frightening; read every word of the description of society Paul wrote and tell me it is not today's society. God has turned this world over to its sin.

We are Redeemed

Let the Book of Isaiah strengthen you, "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 ESV. Isaiah also wrote, "But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 ESV. This scripture highlights why the doctrine of unconditional election is so important. We have assurances as the elect that God has called us individually, and our names are in "the Book of Life of the Lamb who was slain." Christ has redeemed us and told us, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 ESV.

If you know Jesus Christ, fear not because you are the chosen elect. Fear not because the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are with you; they are your strength and protection. Fear not because the Messiah has overcome the world, and Christ defeated the prince of the power of the air. Your faith in Christ has overcome the grip of Satan upon you!

If you do not know Jesus Christ, seek Him and his mercies. Reach out to In Messiah; we can help guide you to Him. Praise to our Lord Jesus Christ!