SATAN'S LAST HOORAY, THE CHURCH

by Charles Robey
(Trussville, AL)

I believe we are living in the last days, just before the rapture takes place. Prophecy is moving so fast, as the world is changing every day. Just pick up a news paper, surf the internet, tune in the national TV news. Or better still, just follow the uncontrollable world events such as the unusual weather patterns around the world. The lawlessness perpetrated against people of faith. The civil unrest. The corruption within the circles of authority. The economy down turns, etc.

It’s surely an exciting time to be alive. Especially if you are a believer, and are looking up (Revelation 22:20), to await that special "crown" for wishing for His appearance.(2 Timothy 4:5-8)

It just seems like the evil one (1John 5:19), Satan himself and his millions of fallen angels, (Revelation 12:9) now have full reign of our current world. (Ephesians 6:12) And one of Satan's main "end time" tools of distraction is infiltrating the modern day church.(Matthew 7:15) His deception includes education, politics, and business. So, why not the church?(2 Cor 11:13-15)

I fully believe that Satan and his minions are using the church, in a last ditch effort, to defeat the work of the cross. (1 Cor 1:18) If they can penetrate church doctrine, which they have done, they are ahead of the game. (1 Thess 2:18) You know His game, " come on all, there's many roads to heaven, just do your thing and the loving God will forgive". Not so. just check out (John 14:6).

These evil forces have managed to seek greater church numbers to the detriment of the preaching and teaching of God’s truth. They have found a way to bring the " pop culture" into the church, so they will be seen as non-threatening to the lost. Resorting to such interactive measures as a theatrical approach to worship, a loud rock band, or maybe even a coffee shop serving donuts, In other words, has the church been reduced to social entertainment? (Acts 5:3)

These wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15) may have large dynamic churches, but since they absolutely refuse to preach the Gospel, they are actually false prophets leading many astray.(1 John 4:1) However, the gospel they preach is not the full Gospel. (1 Cor 15:1-4)

Satan has diluted and changed the true gospel so it appeals to the flesh rather than the soul. Oh, you may hear some moving nursery rhymes or a good emotional poem. But what about condemning our inbred sin? (Genesis 3:1-7) What about the consequences of sin? (Romans 6:23) What about the remade of sin? (John 3:16) And what about those challenging messages to help you become a better person (Deut 10:12), a better spirit field Christian (John 16:13), and a Christ like person? (Philippians 1:21)

Should we who claim the name of Christ, be concerned with Satan's hold on organized religion? Absolutely! (John 8:14) You see, it's gotten to the place that very little attention is given to sin. Another of Satan's false idioms, "it's really not a big deal. Everybody is doing it. God will understand in the end". This Satanic psychology strictly goes against all teachings of scripture. You simply cannot make up for your sins. There's only one remedy for our sin. (1 John 1:9)

Although we cannot see Satan, he is a powerful influence in all aspects of life. (Ephesians 2:2) And even though we are born again, we still have traits of human sedulity, (Romans 8:7) as by nature the human mind-set is hostile to God, by not submitting to God's laws. So we must always be careful to be in tune with God, through His Holy Spirit.

Back to the church and Satan's manipulation. Satan knows that under his sway, the easy way out is to reject God. In the church circles, we also tend to reject God's guidance and revelations. Thus, a church society that doesn't recognize the true God.

What can we do about it? I once heard of a church, where the preacher set fire to the church roll. He then invited his congregation to meet him at the alter, by saying something to the effect," Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Well, a little farfetched, you might say. However, I can't help but wonder, when the rapture takes place, how many will be missing in the next Sunday service?

I know the last place you would expect to find Satan would be the church. Well it was predicted in scripture. (2 Cor 11:3) The old country parson, who had a good word to say about just everybody, once said about the Devil," well you have to admit, he's always on the job".

So, in the church as well as in our personal lives, we must always be on guard to defend ourselves against the Devil. (1 Peter 5:8) by relying in the all important "Intercessory Work of Christ". (John 17:15)

In conclusion, Has God removed His blessing from America? (Genesis 6:3) It certainly appears so. Nonetheless, we still have God's everlasting promise that deals personally with His people. And He can never go back on His word, so it's now up to us. Simply put, if we will humble ourselves, pray and seek His face, then He will hear us and heal our land. (2 Chronicles 7:14) Wouldn't that be wonderful, all sin being suddenly taking away from our land?

If you have found Satan, alive and well in your church, do something about it. Pray and ask God to open the minds of your fellow parishioners and yourself. (James 5:16) Pray that God's Holy Spirit will guide every aspect of your worship service. (Psalm 143:10) Pray that the Holy Spirit will deal with all sin in the church. (Galatians 5:16-18)

Remember! (Psalm 139:23-24)
May God Bless