Dec 15

December 15, 2012

Evil broke out yesterday in Newton, Connecticut. We live just 30 miles from the epicenter of this outbreak so it has shocked us even more. This tragedy causes us to re-examine our understanding of the world. There are only two major worldviews. The naturalist worldview says the universe is all we have. It does not have an explanation for "evil." What happened on Friday was just the chemical reactions in the body of a 20-year-old man who snapped. The naturalistic worldview does not address the invisible part of human beings, the soul and the spirit.  

The Christian worldview says there is a realm outside of the physical with a real and dangerous enemy.  We read about this other realm today.

Ephesians 6:12  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

We are clearly warned that we are locked in a battle against the forces of evil. We must fight this battle every day of our lives. Our enemy is wicked, depraved and heinous. His goal is the destruction of human life and the overthrow of the authority of God.  

Being a Christ follower is serious business. We can forget that we have been called to a battlefield and not a playground. The distractions of this world can also cause us to lose our perspective.

Yesterday we were reminded that when evil does break out there are terrible consequences. Today 27 families must face the perspective of living the rest of their lives without their loved one. This should remind us of the seriousness of this battle.

So how can we equip ourselves to be victorious in the warfare? Throughout Scripture we are warned to both equip ourselves for the battle and to not be ignorant of Satan's schemes. The power of Satan is his ability to convince us to act contrary to God's will. If we can recognize his deceptions and choose to surrender ourselves to God, Satan's powers are completely defeated.

In short the best way to keep Satan out is to keep Christ in. It is our relationship with Christ that gives us the victory over evil.

Today, pray for the families who have lost loved ones. And renew your commitment to stand against the powers of darkness. Put on the full armor of God and fight the battle.