You sometimes hear it said that as Christians we have three enemies—the world, the flesh and the Devil. The Devil is the Devil. That’s pretty clear. No ambiguity there. The “flesh” is a reference to the internal battle we experience with our own sin and temptation. The “world” is perhaps less understood than the previous … Continue reading Who’s changing who?
satan
To destroy the works of the devil
Okay, time to think big about something many of us have probably not thought enough about. When we think about “spiritual warfare” we often think about temptation, the Devil, or personal battles. That makes sense. But have you ever wondered why Satan and his demons hate us? It’s a big topic. I won’t pretend to … Continue reading To destroy the works of the devil
Cannot be thrown down
In Colossians 2:6-7, Paul encouraged his readers like this: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him…” One of the reasons he wrote these words to them was because they were straying off course. They were devaluing Jesus. As a … Continue reading Cannot be thrown down
Expect opposition
Many of us grew up playing team sports—whether soccer, baseball, football, hockey or something else. Early in the game you tend to identify the strongest players on the other team. You pay special attention. You check them more closely. They’re the ones who can really sting you if you’re not careful. In this I see … Continue reading Expect opposition
Being warred against
Sometimes encouragement comes in the strangest of ways. Like when it feels that everything is going against you. Or when you are being opposed at every turn. Maybe you’re wondering why those negative feelings or experiences can be sources of encouragement. Let me explain. John Climacus was a monk who wrote an influential book in … Continue reading Being warred against
Our enemies shall not touch us
I recently read the biography of an ancient monk named St. Anthony. It was written by the church father and great defender of the faith, Athanasius. I was struck by Anthony’s humility and power. Usually we don’t think of humility and power going together, but they do. When someone is truly humble, God works powerfully … Continue reading Our enemies shall not touch us
The ongoing billboard of Satan’s defeat
The church is an easy target. We follow a perfect Saviour (but are far from perfect ourselves); we have a moral voice through the Scriptures (but often find ourselves on the “wrong side” of shifting contemporary values); we have a history of building hospitals, feeding the poor, working for justice, and providing free education (but … Continue reading The ongoing billboard of Satan’s defeat
The battle you’re in whether you know it or not
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). Spiritual warfare. William Gurnall says that all Christians are in the battle whether they realize it or not, and that the war is so serious that it makes the cruelest battle between human armies seem like child’s play.* But what is spiritual … Continue reading The battle you’re in whether you know it or not
The enemy’s playground
I’ve recently started watching a TV show called Heartland. That’s the name of a horse ranch in Alberta, Canada. Jack is the family patriarch. He has two granddaughters, Lou and Amy, who live on the ranch. Lou runs the business side of things and Amy is a horse trainer, sometimes called “the horse whisperer.” They … Continue reading The enemy’s playground
Battlegrounds without bombshells
Recently, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the Lordship of Jesus and the difference it makes in our lives. When Jesus appeared to Thomas after his resurrection, he invited him to touch one of his wounds so that Thomas could confirm what he was seeing. In response he cried out: “My Lord and … Continue reading Battlegrounds without bombshells
