Disclaimer: Not my Original Works
This is not meant to "frighten, rather warn".
Please be blessed as you read.

Part 1

The great controversy between Christ and Satan, that has been carried forward for nearly six thousand years, is soon to close; and the wicked one redoubles his efforts to defeat the work of Christ in man's behalf and to fasten souls in his snares. To hold the people in darkness and impenitence till the Saviour's mediation is ended, and there is no longer a sacrifice for sin, is the object which he seeks to accomplish.

When there is no special effort made to resist his power, when indifference prevails in the church and the world, Satan is not concerned; for he is in no danger of losing those whom he is leading captive at his will. But when the attention is called to eternal things, and souls are inquiring, "What must I do to be saved?" he is on the ground, seeking to match his power against the power of Christ and to counteract the influence of the Holy Spirit.

The Scriptures declare that upon one occasion, when the angels of God came to present themselves before the Lord, Satan came also among them (Job 1:6), not to bow before the Eternal King, but to further his own malicious designs against the righteous. With the same object he is in attendance when men assemble for the worship of God. Though hidden from sight, he is working with all diligence to control the minds of the worshipers. Like a skillful general he lays his plans beforehand. As he sees the messenger of God searching the Scriptures, he takes note of the subject to be [519] presented to the people. Then he employs all his cunning and shrewdness so to control circumstances that the message may not reach those whom he is deceiving on that very point. The one who most needs the warning will be urged into some business transaction which requires his presence, or will by some other means be prevented from hearing the words that might prove to him a savor of life unto life

Part 2

Again, Satan sees the Lord's servants burdened because of the spiritual darkness that enshrouds the people. He hears their earnest prayers for divine grace and power to break the spell of indifference, carelessness, and indolence. Then with renewed zeal he plies his arts. He tempts men to the indulgence of appetite or to some other form of self-gratification, and thus benumbs their sensibilities so that they fail to hear the very things which they most need to learn.
Satan well knows that all whom he can lead to neglect prayer and the searching of the Scriptures, will be overcome by his attacks. Therefore he invents every possible device to engross the mind. There has ever been a class professing godliness, who, instead of following on to know the truth, make it their religion to seek some fault of character or error of faith in those with whom they do not agree. Such are Satan's right-hand helpers. Accusers of the brethren are not few, and they are always active when God is at work and His servants are rendering Him true homage. They will put a false coloring upon the words and acts of those who love and obey the truth. They will represent the most earnest, zealous, self-denying servants of Christ as deceived or deceivers. It is their work to misrepresent the motives of every true and noble deed, to circulate insinuations, and arouse suspicion in the minds of the inexperienced. In every conceivable manner they will seek to cause that which is pure and righteous to be regarded as foul and deceptive

But none need be deceived concerning them. It may be readily seen whose children they are, whose example they follow, and whose work they do. "Ye shall know them by [520] their fruits." Matthew 7:16. Their course resembles that of Satan, the envenomed slanderer, "the accuser of our brethren." Revelation 12:10.

Part 3

The great deceiver has many agents ready to present any and every kind of error to ensnare souls—heresies prepared to suit the varied tastes and capacities of those whom he would ruin. It is his plan to bring into the church insincere, unregenerate elements that will encourage doubt and unbelief, and hinder all who desire to see the work of God advance and to advance with it. Many who have no real faith in God or in His word assent to some principles of truth and pass as Christians, and thus they are enabled to introduce their errors as Scriptural doctrines.

The position that it is of no consequence what men believe is one of Satan's most successful deceptions. He knows that the truth, received in the love of it, sanctifies the soul of the receiver; therefore he is constantly seeking to substitute false theories, fables, another gospel. From the beginning the servants of God have contended against false teachers, not merely as vicious men, but as inculcators of falsehoods that were fatal to the soul. Elijah, Jeremiah, Paul, firmly and fearlessly opposed those who were turning men from the word of God. That liberality which regards a correct religious faith as unimportant found no favor with these holy defenders of the truth.

The vague and fanciful interpretations of Scripture, and the many conflicting theories concerning religious faith, that are found in the Christian world are the work of our great adversary to confuse minds so that they shall not discern the truth. And the discord and division which exist among the churches of Christendom are in a great measure due to the prevailing custom of wresting the Scriptures to support a favorite theory. Instead of carefully studying God's word with humility of heart to obtain a knowledge of His will, many seek only to discover something odd or original. [521]

Part 4

In order to sustain erroneous doctrines or unchristian practices, some will seize upon passages of Scripture separated from the context, perhaps quoting half of a single verse as proving their point, when the remaining portion would show the meaning to be quite the opposite. With the cunning of the serpent they entrench themselves behind disconnected utterances construed to suit their carnal desires. Thus do many willfully pervert the word of God. Others, who have an active imagination, seize upon the figures and symbols of Holy Writ, interpret them to suit their fancy, with little regard to the testimony of Scripture as its own interpreter, and then they present their vagaries as the teachings of the Bible.

Part 5


Whenever the study of the Scriptures is entered upon without a prayerful, humble, teachable spirit, the plainest and simplest as well as the most difficult passages will be wrested from their true meaning. The papal leaders select such portions of Scripture as best serve their purpose, interpret to suit themselves, and then present these to the people, while they deny them the privilege of studying the Bible and understanding its sacred truths for themselves. The whole Bible should be given to the people just as it reads. It would be better for them not to have Bible instruction at all than to have the teaching of the Scriptures thus grossly misrepresented.

The Bible was designed to be a guide to all who wish to become acquainted with the will of their Maker. God gave to men the sure word of prophecy; angels and even Christ Himself came to make known to Daniel and John the things that must shortly come to pass. Those important matters that concern our salvation were not left involved in mystery. They were not revealed in such a way as to perplex and mislead the honest seeker after truth. Said the Lord by the prophet Habakkuk: "Write the vision, and make it plain, . . . that he may run that readeth it." Habakkuk 2:2. The word of God is plain to all who study it with a prayerful [522] heart. Every truly honest soul will come to the light of truth. "Light is sown for the righteous." Psalm 97:11. And no church can advance in holiness unless its members are earnestly seeking for truth as for hid treasure.

By the cry, Liberality, men are blinded to the devices of their adversary, while he is all the time working steadily for the accomplishment of his object. As he succeeds in supplanting the Bible by human speculations, the law of God is set aside, and the churches are under the bondage of sin while they claim to be free

Satan is just like he was in the garden subtly suggesting to people via their thought streams and mind. He also occults just like in the garden. He convinced the woman the benefit of the fruit - knowledge, but not the disadvantages - death.

CodeTemplar,
Very correct.
Thank you for your contribution.
Blessings

Part 6

To many, scientific research has become a curse. God has permitted a flood of light to be poured upon the world in discoveries in science and art; but even the greatest minds, if not guided by the word of God in their research, become bewildered in their attempts to investigate the relations of science and revelation.

Human knowledge of both material and spiritual things is partial and imperfect; therefore many are unable to harmonize their views of science with Scripture statements. Many accept mere theories and speculations as scientific facts, and they think that God's word is to be tested by the teachings of "science falsely so called." 1 Timothy 6:20. The Creator and His works are beyond their comprehension; and because they cannot explain these by natural laws, Bible history is regarded as unreliable. Those who doubt the reliability of the records of the Old and New Testaments too often go a step further and doubt the existence of God and attribute infinite power to nature. Having let go their anchor, they are left to beat about upon the rocks of infidelity.

Part 7

Thus many err from the faith and are seduced by the devil. Men have endeavored to be wiser than their Creator; human philosophy has attempted to search out and explain mysteries which will never be revealed through the eternal ages. If men would but search and understand what God had made known of Himself and His purposes, they would obtain such a view of the glory, majesty, and power of Jehovah that [523] they would realize their own littleness and would be content with that which has been revealed for themselves and their children.

It is a masterpiece of Satan's deceptions to keep the minds of men searching and conjecturing in regard to that which God has not made known and which He does not intend that we shall understand. It was thus that Lucifer lost his place in heaven. He became dissatisfied because all the secrets of God's purposes were not confided to him, and he entirely disregarded that which was revealed concerning his own work in the lofty position assigned him. By arousing the same discontent in the angels under his command, he caused their fall. Now he seeks to imbue the minds of men with the same spirit and to lead them also to disregard the direct commands of God.

Part 8

Those who are unwilling to accept the plain, cutting truths of the Bible are continually seeking for pleasing fables that will quiet the conscience. The less spiritual, self-denying, and humiliating the doctrines presented, the greater the favor with which they are received. These persons degrade the intellectual powers to serve their carnal desires. Too wise in their own conceit to search the Scriptures with contrition of soul and earnest prayer for divine guidance, they have no shield from delusion. Satan is ready to supply the heart's desire, and he palms off his deceptions in the place of truth. It was thus that the papacy gained its power over the minds of men; and by rejection of the truth because it involves a cross, Protestants are following the same path. All who neglect the word of God to study convenience and policy, that they may not be at variance with the world, will be left to receive damnable heresy for religious truth. Every conceivable form of error will be accepted by those who willfully reject the truth. He who looks with horror upon one deception will readily receive another. The apostle Paul, speaking of a class who "received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved," declares: "For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they [524] all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12. With such a warning before us it behooves us to be on our guard as to what doctrines we receive

Part 9

Among the most successful agencies of the great deceiver are the delusive teachings and lying wonders of spiritualism. Disguised as an angel of light, he spreads his nets where least suspected. If men would but study the Book of God with earnest prayer that they might understand it, they would not be left in darkness to receive false doctrines. But as they reject the truth they fall a prey to deception.

Part 10


Another dangerous error is the doctrine that denies the deity of Christ, claiming that He had no existence before His advent to this world. This theory is received with favor by a large class who profess to believe the Bible; yet it directly contradicts the plainest statements of our Saviour concerning His relationship with the Father, His divine character, and His pre-existence. It cannot be entertained without the most unwarranted wresting of the Scriptures. It not only lowers man's conceptions of the work of redemption, but undermines faith in the Bible as a revelation from God. While this renders it the more dangerous, it makes it also harder to meet. If men reject the testimony of the inspired Scriptures concerning the deity of Christ, it is in vain to argue the point with them; for no argument, however conclusive, could convince them. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. None who hold this error can have a true conception of the character or the mission of Christ, or of the great plan of God for man's redemption

Part 11

Still another subtle and mischievous error is the fast-spreading belief that Satan has no existence as a personal being; that the name is used in Scripture merely to represent men's evil thoughts and desires. [525]

The teaching so widely echoed from popular pulpits, that the second advent of Christ is His coming to each individual at death, is a device to divert the minds of men from His personal coming in the clouds of heaven. For years Satan has thus been saying, "Behold, He is in the secret chambers" (Matthew 24:23-26); and many souls have been lost by accepting this deception.

Again, worldly wisdom teaches that prayer is not essential. Men of science claim that there can be no real answer to prayer; that this would be a violation of law, a miracle, and that miracles have no existence. The universe, say they, is governed by fixed laws, and God Himself does nothing contrary to these laws. Thus they represent God as bound by His own laws—as if the operation of divine laws could exclude divine freedom. Such teaching is opposed to the testimony of the Scriptures. Were not miracles wrought by Christ and His apostles? The same compassionate Saviour lives today, and He is as willing to listen to the prayer of faith as when He walked visibly among men. The natural cooperates with the supernatural. It is a part of God's plan to grant us, in answer to the prayer of faith, that which He would not bestow did we not thus ask.

Part 12

Innumerable are the erroneous doctrines and fanciful ideas that are obtaining among the churches of Christendom. It is impossible to estimate the evil results of removing one of the landmarks fixed by the word of God. Few who venture to do this stop with the rejection of a single truth. The majority continue to set aside one after another of the principles of truth, until they become actual infidels.

The errors of popular theology have driven many a soul to skepticism who might otherwise have been a believer in the Scriptures. It is impossible for him to accept doctrines which outrage his sense of justice, mercy, and benevolence; and since these are represented as the teaching of the Bible, he refuses to receive it as the word of God. [526]

Part 13

And this is the object which Satan seeks to accomplish. There is nothing that he desires more than to destroy confidence in God and in His word. Satan stands at the head of the great army of doubters, and he works to the utmost of his power to beguile souls into his ranks. It is becoming fashionable to doubt. There is a large class by whom the word of God is looked upon with distrust for the same reason as was its Author—because it reproves and condemns sin. Those who are unwilling to obey its requirements endeavor to overthrow its authority. They read the Bible, or listen to its teachings as presented from the sacred desk, merely to find fault with the Scriptures or with the sermon. Not a few become infidels in order to justify or excuse themselves in neglect of duty. Others adopt skeptical principles from pride and indolence. Too ease-loving to distinguish themselves by accomplishing anything worthy of honor, which requires effort and self-denial, they aim to secure a reputation for superior wisdom by criticizing the Bible. There is much which the finite mind, unenlightened by divine wisdom, is powerless to comprehend; and thus they find occasion to criticize. There are many who seem to feel that it is a virtue to stand on the side of unbelief, skepticism, and infidelity. But underneath an appearance of candor it will be found that such persons are actuated by self-confidence and pride. Many delight in finding something in the Scriptures to puzzle the minds of others. Some at first criticize and reason on the wrong side, from a mere love of controversy. They do not realize that they are thus entangling themselves in the snare of the fowler. But having openly expressed unbelief, they feel that they must maintain their position. Thus they unite with the ungodly and close to themselves the gates of Paradise.

Part 14

God has given in His word sufficient evidence of its divine character. The great truths which concern our redemption are clearly presented. By the aid of the Holy Spirit, which is promised to all who seek it in sincerity, every man may [527] understand these truths for himself. God has granted to men a strong foundation upon which to rest their faith.

Yet the finite minds of men are inadequate fully to comprehend the plans and purposes of the Infinite One. We can never by searching find out God. We must not attempt to lift with presumptuous hand the curtain behind which He veils His majesty. The apostle exclaims: "How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!" Romans 11:33. We can so far comprehend His dealings with us, and the motives by which He is actuated, that we may discern boundless love and mercy united to infinite power. Our Father in heaven orders everything in wisdom and righteousness, and we are not to be dissatisfied and distrustful, but to bow in reverent submission. He will reveal to us as much of His purposes as it is for our good to know, and beyond that we must trust the Hand that is omnipotent, the Heart that is full of love.

Part 15


While God has given ample evidence for faith, He will never remove all excuse for unbelief. All who look for hooks to hang their doubts upon will find them. And those who refuse to accept and obey God's word until every objection has been removed, and there is no longer an opportunity for doubt, will never come to the light.

Distrust of God is the natural outgrowth of the unrenewed heart, which is at enmity with Him. But faith is inspired by the Holy Spirit, and it will flourish only as it is cherished. No man can become strong in faith without a determined effort. Unbelief strengthens as it is encouraged; and if men, instead of dwelling upon the evidences which God has given to sustain their faith, permit themselves to question and cavil, they will find their doubts constantly becoming more confirmed.

But those who doubt God's promises and distrust the assurance of His grace are dishonoring Him; and their influence, instead of drawing others to Christ, tends to repel [528] them from Him. They are unproductive trees, that spread their dark branches far and wide, shutting away the sunlight from other plants, and causing them to droop and die under the chilling shadow. The lifework of these persons will appear as a never-ceasing witness against them. They are sowing seeds of doubt and skepticism that will yield an unfailing harvest.

There is but one course for those to pursue who honestly desire to be freed from doubts. Instead of questioning and caviling concerning that which they do not understand, let them give heed to the light which already shines upon them, and they will receive greater light. Let them do every duty which has been made plain to their understanding, and they will be enabled to understand and perform those of which they are now in doubt.

Eviana:

he is on the ground, seeking to match his power against the power of Christ and to counteract the influence of the Holy Spirit.

This is one of the more inconsistent aspects of Christian theology, the idea that a fallen angel can stand up to the power of the almighty god. How can you insist that your god is all powerful and still believe a fallen angel can stop the work of your all powerful god?

LordReed,
I want to just put down the following quote --in the full context..which was paragraph "2" of this thread in Part "1"--so that other impressionable minds won't be confused.
You understand, right?

"When there is no special effort made to resist his power, when indifference prevails in the church and the world, Satan is not concerned; for he is in no danger of losing those whom he is leading captive at his will. But when the attention is called to eternal things, and souls are inquiring, "What must I do to be saved?" he is on the ground, seeking to match his power against the power of Christ and to counteract the influence of the Holy Spirit"

I would suggest you read Luke 4:1-13 (KJV). It may be helpful to you. Also Parts 13-15 of this thread.
By the way, I keep you (and 4 others specifically lifted daily to the Lord.....no joke).
I want you to be saved sir....
Have a good day.

Part 16

Satan can present a counterfeit so closely resembling the truth that it deceives those who are willing to be deceived, who desire to shun the self-denial and sacrifice demanded by the truth; but it is impossible for him to hold under his power one soul who honestly desires, at whatever cost, to know the truth. Christ is the truth and the "Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." John 1:9. The Spirit of truth has been sent to guide men into all truth. And upon the authority of the Son of God it is declared: "Seek, and ye shall find." "If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine." Matthew 7:7; John 7:17.

The followers of Christ know little of the plots which Satan and his hosts are forming against them. But He who sitteth in the heavens will overrule all these devices for the accomplishment of His deep designs. The Lord permits His people to be subjected to the fiery ordeal of temptation, not because He takes pleasure in their distress and affliction, but because this process is essential to their final victory. He could not, consistently with His own glory, shield them from temptation; for the very object of the trial is to prepare them to resist all the allurements of evil. [529]

Eviana:
LordReed,
I want to just put down the following quote (in the full context) so that other impressionable minds won't be confused.
You understand, right?

"When there is no special effort made to resist his power, when indifference prevails in the church and the world, Satan is not concerned; for he is in no danger of losing those whom he is leading captive at his will. But when the attention is called to eternal things, and souls are inquiring, "What must I do to be saved?" he is on the ground, seeking to match his power against the power of Christ and to counteract the influence of the Holy Spirit"

I would suggest you read Luke 4:1-13 (KJV). It may be helpful to you. Also Parts 13-15 of this thread.
By the way, I keep you (and 4 others specifically lifted daily to the Lord.....no joke).
I want you to be saved sir....
Have a good day.

Still doesn't make it any more reasonable or less contradictory. Christian theology accords the so called fallen angel the devil as much power as you do your god. I mean the devil took Jesus to a high place meaning he can transport another god or human being to a place of his own designation. This same devil can stop the holy spirit who you say is god from working.

Thank you for your prayers, even though I think they are merely wishes for my wellbeing, I appreciate the sentiment all the same.

LordReed:


This is one of the more inconsistent aspects of Christian theology, the idea that a fallen angel can stand up to the power of the almighty god. How can you insist that your god is all powerful and still believe a fallen angel can stop the work of your all powerful god?

LordReed:


Still doesn't make it any more reasonable or less contradictory. Christian theology accords the so called fallen angel the devil as much power as you do your god. I mean the devil took Jesus to a high place meaning he can transport another god or human being to a place of his own designation. This same devil can stop the holy spirit who you say is god from working.

Thank you for your prayers, even though I think they are merely wishes for my wellbeing, I appreciate the sentiment all the same.

A good question there Lordreed. It's unfortunate you seem to ask many practical and sound questions that are barely ever answered satisfactorily.
Brothers observe here the responsibility God has given to us in freewill.
In a direct face-off, of course Satan stands no chance. Knowing better, he hasn't even ever dared contrary to the popularly claimed tale that he attempted to fight God in heaven(not written anywhere in scripture).
But in the arena of freewill of the creature and the consequences attached, Satan's influence can override God's. It is on this ground only that Satan defies God.
Take your life for example, how many times have you had a hard time doing what you know is right by your judgement. All such times are indicators of the war b/w Satan and God in your soul and you'd then have to admit how great is Satan's influence.
Now by the law of the universe, light is greater than darkness because light only needs to show up for darkness to flee. So when we find the darkness having greater influence than light in our lives, God expects us to be honest and admit that we are yet to have His light shine in that area. Not that the darkness overcomes light in that area actually but that light is yet to shine.(1Jn1:5-8 ). Hardly though would Christians admit.
If they understand this, they'd be more humble and begin to pay the price for light to shine in them.
If only Christians would give up on mere bible tales as Christ will not be found in them but will seek the light(Jn5:39, Jn1:4), which is Christ, to shine within them. They would know God. I say this as a teacher of doctrine but I know the only good doctrine is that which leads men to seek Christ to shine more and more within them liberating them from their struggle with inner darkness rather than just learning more theories.

Finallydead:


A good question there Lordreed. It's unfortunate you seem to ask many practical and sound questions that are barely ever answered satisfactorily.
In a direct face-off, of course Satan stands no chance. Knowing better, he hasn't even ever dared contrary to the popularly claimed tale that he attempted to fight God in heaven(not written anywhere in scripture).

Revelations 12
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

But in the arena of freewill of the creature and the consequences attached, Satan's influence can override God's. It is on this ground only that Satan defies God.
Take your life for example, how many times have you had a hard time doing what you know is right by your judgement. All such times are indicators of the war b/w Satan and God in your soul and you'd then have to admit how great is Satan's influence.
Now by the law of the universe, light is greater than darkness because light only needs to show up for darkness to flee. So when we find the darkness having greater influence than light in our lives, God expects us to be honest and admit that we are yet to have His light shine in that area. Not that the darkness overcomes light in that area actually but that light is yet to shine.(1Jn1:5-8 ). Hardly though would Christians admit.
If they understand this, they'd be more humble and begin to pay the price for light to shine in them.
If only Christians would give up on mere bible tales as Christ will not be found in them but will seek the light(Jn5:39, Jn1:4), which is Christ, to shine within them. They would know God. I say this as a teacher of doctrine but I know the only good doctrine is that which leads men to seek Christ to shine more and more within them liberating them from their struggle with inner darkness rather than just learning more theories.

This does nothing to dispel the notion. How can a Christian say he has the power of the almighty god residing within him and still say the devil is warring in his soul and not only that, the devil can even win! This means your god and the devil's power are comparable meaning your god is not all powerful, maintaining the contradiction.

Finallydead,
Yes, LordReed does ask some good questions.
I'm not quite sure though, that any "satisfactory" answer will quench his doubts at this moment in time.
Does he really want the truth? Will he accept it & surrender?
I am gonna be really raw here..and not to hurt him, but to speak the truth.
There is an enormous battle going on for his soul. Right now, the enemy has him tightly in his grip.
LordReed's had ample evidence for some years now (through this section from some biblically-sound based guys), but he's been blinded because the answers don't please him or make sense to him. So he dismisses all of it.
Hence, the reason why I am daily praying a specific prayer for him.
I sense a mustard seed of hope for this man based on a few things that I've read.
The Holy Spirit has to guide, teach & convict Him of the truth...if he allows Him to.
My job is to plant the seed.

Part 17

Neither wicked men nor devils can hinder the work of God, or shut out His presence from His people, if they will, with subdued, contrite hearts, confess and put away their sins, and in faith claim His promises. Every temptation, every opposing influence, whether open or secret, may be successfully resisted, "not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 4:6.
"The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers. . . . And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?" 1 Peter 3:12, 13. When Balaam, allured by the promise of rich rewards, practiced enchantments against Israel, and by sacrifices to the Lord sought to invoke a curse upon His people, the Spirit of God forbade the evil which he longed to pronounce, and Balaam was forced to exclaim: "How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the Lord hath not defied?" "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!" When sacrifice had again been offered, the ungodly prophet declared: "Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and He hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath He seen perverseness in Israel: the Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a King is among them." "Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!" Yet a third time altars were erected, and again Balaam essayed to secure a curse. But from the unwilling lips of the prophet, the Spirit of God declared the prosperity of His chosen, and rebuked the folly and malice of their foes: "Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee." Numbers 23:8, 10, 20, 21, 23; 24:9.

Eviana:
Finallydead,
Yes, LordReed does ask some good questions.
I'm not quite sure though, that any "satisfactory" answer will quench his doubts at this moment in time.
Does he really want the truth? Will he accept it & surrender?
I am gonna be really raw here..and not to hurt him, but to speak the truth.
There is an enormous battle going on for his soul. Right now, the enemy has him tightly in his grip.
LordReed's had ample evidence for some years now (through this section from some biblically-sound based guys), but he's been blinded because the answers don't please him or make sense to him. So he dismisses all of it.
Hence, the reason why I am daily praying a specific prayer for him.
I sense a mustard seed of hope for this man based on a few things that I've read.
The Holy Spirit has to guide, teach & convict Him of the truth...if he allows Him to.
My job is to plant the seed.

LoL. The fact remains that none of these things match reality. If you think I am in the grip of the devil and you have the power of god, why can you not pray and cast the devil away? What exactly is stopping you or your prayer from having the effect you desire, seeing that that is what Jesus supposedly said will happen when you pray?

@Op, do you really and sincerely think there is anything God created that he can't control?

If your answer is No, why do you think the devil can do whatever he likes and get away with it?

Waiting patiently for answers..

LordReed:


Revelations 12
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

To all inquirers especially brothers, Rev12 is a battle yet to be fought. A wonderful model that shows the protocol of spiritual warfare and how men's state determines whether God or Satan will rule on earth and the ground on which Satan continues to dominate in the heavenlies.
And the key to victory here is in v11.

1.)What men did with the blood. Men appropriated the blood to cleanse them of all that isn't of Christ hence these men became perfect reflections of Christ on earth. Until we truly unleash the power in his blood, not by mere confession of lips, we will not attain to this perfection.
2.) the logic of witness/testimony: which logic is that they experientially applied to themselves the resurrection power of Jesus not in mere words but reality.
3.) The offering of their lives as living sacrifices to God: Which is that they attained this witness by following the same process of the Lord Jesus as advised in (Ph2:5-13, 3:10)

Until the church as a unit is ready to pay the price of these three, we may say and do whatever we wish and continue our denominational/sectarian recklessness but Satan will keep his throne in the heavenlies and will continue to have greater influence than God on earth in reality.

This does nothing to dispel the notion. How can a Christian say he has the power of the almighty god residing within him and still say the devil is warring in his soul and not only that, the devil can even win! This means your god and the devil's power are comparable meaning your god is not all powerful, maintaining the contradiction.

Dear brothers, it is for the same reason that men had all the laws of nature for harnessing for 5500 odd years but lived primitively because they never learned these laws but in learning them, it only took the past 400 years for us to revolutionise the earth with technology. When we believers finally humble ourselves to seek understanding of the laws of God, it will take us the shortest time to harness His omnipotence.
Btw, when we speak of God as all powerful, let it always be in the context that God cannot break the laws of His own existence and until those laws are engaged, He remains indeed powerless.
These are good questions and those helped by the Holy Spirit will benefit.

Eviana:
Finallydead,
Yes, LordReed does ask some good questions.
I'm not quite sure though, that any "satisfactory" answer will quench his doubts at this moment in time.
Does he really want the truth? Will he accept it & surrender?
I am gonna be really raw here..and not to hurt him, but to speak the truth.
There is an enormous battle going on for his soul. Right now, the enemy has him tightly in his grip.
LordReed's had ample evidence for some years now (through this section from some biblically-sound based guys), but he's been blinded because the answers don't please him or make sense to him. So he dismisses all of it.
Hence, the reason why I am daily praying a specific prayer for him.
I sense a mustard seed of hope for this man based on a few things that I've read.
The Holy Spirit has to guide, teach & convict Him of the truth...if he allows Him to.
My job is to plant the seed.

Yes Eviana, the battle is spiritual hence unrelenting prayer like that of Lk18:1-9 will be effective moreso if kept secret.
But from experience, I do know that most times Christians fail in presenting satisfactory answers for their faith because even though we've received a mercy-ticket to heaven we remain in much delusions that prevent us from experiencing divine reality here on earth hence I'm not convinced Lordreed's questions have been satisfactorily answered but I'm also aware that even satisfactory answers are not enough to bring men into light as the Lord Himself experienced His perfect answers were always misconstrued by human reasoning.
But like the Lord who nevertheless spoke, not for their present darkness but for the day they would come into light(Jn14:26, 6:63), I will answer some of these inquiries because even if it doesn't affect the inquirer today, brothers can learn plus the inquirer may come to the light tomorrow and can come back here to get necessary answers for development or if they never do, others will. In that way, these are seeds too.
I also see this critiquing from inquirer's as one of God's methods of awakening us out of our slumber into his Light if we are humble and sincere enough and see such as an opportunity for spiritual development.

LordReed:


LoL. The fact remains that none of these things match reality. If you think I am in the grip of the devil and you have the power of god, why can you not pray and cast the devil away? What exactly is stopping you or your prayer from having the effect you desire, seeing that that is what Jesus supposedly said will happen when you pray?

The many spiritual protocols.
Brothers, observe here the posture we must sustain in prayer. This physical world materialised from the spiritual(Heb11:3) and is bounded by laws as much as its parent spiritual world is. So God can't just do anything bypassing spiritual laws. His omnipotence plays out under these laws because these laws are tied to His state of existence which never changes. But if Eviana perseveres in prayer, some day she will get her request. The model the Lord gave for prayer is not instant magic but persistence(Lk18:1-9). Even most beloved Daniel(Dan10) had his prayers and fasting delayed by these protocols but ultimately got his answer for perseverance.
If I were you though, I wouldn't leave the custody of my soul to another but play my part.
Persistent attempt at reading the Lord Jesus' words, keeping a clear conscience(which God keeps tugging you at) and asking for mercy will cause His light to shine in your soul which when it finally shines inside will give you power over all darkness within which is the cause of all struggles of men with sin.

Finallydead:

The many spiritual protocols. This physical world materialised from the spiritual(Heb11:3) and is bounded by laws as much as its parent spiritual world is. So God can't just do anything bypassing spiritual laws. His omnipotence plays out under these laws because these laws are tied to His state of existence which never changes. But if Eviana perseveres in prayer, some day she will get her request. The model the Lord gave for prayer is not instant magic but persistence(Lk18:1-9). Even most beloved Daniel(Dan10) had his prayers and fasting delayed by these protocols but ultimately got his answer for perseverance.
If I were you though, I wouldn't leave the custody of my soul to another but play my part.
Persistent attempt at reading the Lord Jesus' words, keeping a clear conscience(which God keeps tugging you at) and asking for mercy will cause His light to shine in your soul which when it finally shines inside will give you power over all darkness within which is the cause of all struggles of men with sin.

Your god is just a basket of contradictions. You claim he is all powerful yet he has these rules he cannot break much like a human being cannot defy gravity unaided. Even at that with aid a human can defy gravity with aid but your all powerful god cannot bypass spiritual laws. You guys need to really sit down and think through these things before you say them.

I don't believe in such things so I won't bother myself with them. You who believe you have supernatural powers keep at it while we await the result of your powers.

Finallydead:

Lordreed's questions have been satisfactorily answered

No they have not because with each answer you introduce even more contradiction and confused bramble.