By Ken Murrell Depew Church of Christ
In August 1898, a fight for freedom was occurring in Cuba. The move was part of Spain’s global expansion. American troops soon arrived. The U.S.S. Maine, a warship, was sent there, but only as a military presence. As the ship sat in the bay, it mysteriously exploded. President William McKinley declared war against Spain. It was called the Spanish- American War.
The Rough Riders, led by future President Theodore Roosevelt, included Buffalo Soldiers, an elite, all-black regiment. These heroic men charged up San Juan Hill and routed the Spanish troops. Victory for freedom!
The aggressors were easy to spot in 1898 by what they wore. But sometimes the enemy is difficult to recognize.
For Christians there is a battle raging. In the Gospel of John, Jesus told His opposers that they were children of the devil ( John 8:43-44).
After His baptism, Jesus interacted with the devil (Luke 4:2).
Jesus had cast out seven demons from “Mary who was called Magdalene” (Luke 8:1-3). Jesus once healed a woman whom He said was bound by Satan (Luke 13:16).
Jesus was aware of the battle with unseen evil entities opposing those seeking God. New Testament writers agree with Jesus regarding malevolent, unseen forces misleading and bringing harm.
The Bible gives many names to the devil. He is called “Belial” (Romans 6:15), “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), and “the tempter” (1 Thessalonians 3:5), among other names.
“Be on the alert; your adversary (enemy!) the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8-9). If you are not following Jesus, then the devil already has you in his trap!
Satan is a real being. Jesus knew it. His disciples knew it. Now you know it! “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” ( James 4:4, 7-8).
Watch BibleTalk.tv online with Mike Mazzalongo, who has presented multimedia Bible lessons for decades. His personal ministry began in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, over forty years ago. He currently ministers in Choctaw, Oklahoma.
Because Mike’s BibleTalk.tv ministry is supported by the generosity of the Depew Church of Christ, Mike will personally be in Depew on Sunday, August 28. He will present the 10:00 morning lesson. Please come hear Mike’s lesson, live from God’s Word.