The devil and his thousands of demons, evil spirits, are alive and active in this world, in our lives.
Do we believe that ?
Right now, it’s harder to deny that evil is getting worse. *
What does that look like ?
What is real about that ?
What is true about that ?
Where do we get the truth about that ?
What are we supposed to do about that
What are we going to do about that ?
How many demons are there ?
Lots.
Knowing the actual number is not all-important.
Jesus in the garden said He could call over 50,000-75,000 angels to bail Him out, but where would that have left our salvation ?
The Bible says one third of the original angels became demons, in rebellion led by satan, so there are half as many demons as angels.
What should we believe about the devil and his demons ?
We better—we must—get our information ONLY from the Bible ! ! !
How ?
Read it !
What does this bad stuff look like ?
XX- This whole world was cursed, because Adam and Eve sinned.
That tells why a bunch of bad things happen.
XX- Every one of us is capable of bad, because no one is good inside.
That tells why a bunch of bad things happen.
XX- The devil directs his demons to capitalize on the bad in the world and the bad in us, to destroy God’s plan for saving us.
It’s a life-and-death fight to the finish, and we humans are the target, the prize.
We see depravity in ourselves and our vulnerability to lies and deceit.
And over and over we see extreme evil taking control of people to do unthinkable horror—no explanation but demonic.
That tells why a bunch of bad things happen.
XX- When Jesus came to save us, the devil tried EXTRA HARD to mess it up, and demon possession was everywhere.
Any time God moves in a special, powerful way (like now in many places), the devil works harder against God and God’s people.
More Christian martyrs in 20th century than all previous combined.
That tells why a bunch of bad things happen.
–
What are we supposed to do about evil and the devil and demons ?
DO NOT claim or try to deal with any of this yourself, by thinking a certain way.
We must get close to God, to connect with His power.
How ?
The Bible has the power, and the name of Jesus has the power.
When you sincerely call on Jesus, out loud, and when you say what the Bible says, out loud, because God said it and because you believe it—the devil has to leave (just like he left Jesus when Jesus quoted Scripture).
The Bible tells [us who are] Jesus followers:
++ “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.”
++ “Be courageous; do not fear.”
++ “Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
++ “Fight the good fight of faith, and in the end receive the salvation of your souls.”
++ “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life.”
++ “Bear each other’s burdens; and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
++ “Remember those in bonds, as though were in prison with them, and those who are being mistreated, as if you yourselves were suffering.”.”
++ “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, roams about as a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith.”
++ “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
++ “Greater is He Who is in you, than he who is in the world.”
++ “They overcame by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.”
++ “He who endures to the end—that one will be saved.”
What ARE WE GOING TO DO about the evil and the evil one and the evil ones (demons) ?
Choose today whom you will serve, one hundred percent, one or the other, all or nothing.
Choose Jesus.
Spend time with Jesus.
Spend time in the Bible.
Spend time talking with Jesus.
Spend time encouraging others who follow Jesus, and they will encourage you.
–
* So they say it’s always been bad, always been evil in the world.
True, but it’s also true that the Bible says, “In the last days evil will get worse and worse.”
The Bible, and only the Bible, is true—always has been true, always will be true !