NEW BOOKLET:The Unseen Foe Behind Rising Evil And Putting on the Armor of God by Berit Kjos is our newest Lighthouse Trails Booklet Tract. The Booklet Tract is 10 pages long and sells for $1.95 for single copies. Quantity discounts are as much as 50% off retail. Our Booklet Tracts are designed to give away to others or for your own personal use. Below is the content of the booklet. To order copies of The Unseen Foe Behind Rising Evil And Putting on the Armor of God, click here. There are also two charts included in this booklet that are not on this online version.
The Unseen Foe Behind Rising Evil And Putting on the Armor of God
By Berit Kjos
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron. (1 Timothy 4:1-2)
We don’t hear much about spiritual warfare these days. Most churches seem to ignore the reality of Satan and the evil he inspires. God’s warnings about fellowship with the world’s alluring thrills doesn’t fit the contemporary image of Jesus as a tolerant, easy-going friend.
Since the 18th century’s birth of the “Age of Reason,” an increasing number of “enlightened” Western leaders and influential “change agents” have tried to discredit the Bible and silence believers. More recently, a vast number of politicians, media masters, and educators have joined this war against biblical truth and Christian values.
No wonder our public schools are becoming bastions of atheism, immorality and—spreading fast—the promotion of Islam. Like the persecuted Jews during and after Hitler’s holocaust, today’s Jews and Christians are facing hatred and rising persecution.
It’s no secret that Satan’s lies have sparked wars and cruelty through the ages. Ever since Adam and Eve chose to follow their own feelings and desires rather than God’s wise guidelines, humanity has faced assaults from “the evil one”—often through his willing pawns. Call him the Devil, Deceiver, Satan, or serpent; it doesn’t matter. It’s all the same ruthless oppressor:
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world. (Revelation 12:9)
From the beginning, this invisible fiend has been seeding doubt, depravity, despair, and death. Through the ages, he has inspired idolatry, witchcraft, deadly curses, and magical arts used to control people and corrupt cultures. He lost some ground during America’s Christian-influenced era, when—by God’s grace—our nation’s society was largely free from such dark forces (though it was working silently in the background). But times have changed, and captivating forces of evil have mesmerized and captivated vulnerable children and foolish adults.
In 2014, Fox Network launched a new TV series that glorifies Lucifer; marketed with pro-Satan tweets:
The more subtle side of satanism in Hollywood entertainment is now a thing of the past, as primetime television airs blatantly evil shows like the upcoming Fox drama Lucifer, which glorifies the goings about of the “lord of hell;” after he fictitiously leaves the lake of fire and retires to Los Angeles.
The premise behind the absurd drama, which is set to release in 2016, centers around so-called “Lucifer Morningstar” and his new life as the owner of Lux, an upscale nightclub located in the City of Angels. . . . . “It’s only fitting, then, that this modern-day show produced by satanists would portray Lucifer as a type of benevolent god . . . to take the place of the real God. . . . Whether you believe what the Bible says or not, this is the clear-as-day implication of this upcoming show that will soon be watched by presumably millions of people.”1
The world has changed drastically over the last half a century, and we must prepare for the challenges ahead. Our children and grandchildren need to know and remember scriptural warnings such as:
There shall not be found among you any one that . . . useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. . . . For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord . . .” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
Satan knows well that no nation can maintain true freedom apart from God’s moral law. Quenched by propaganda, hedonism, and distorted views of God’s truth, the biblical values that permeated American society are fading fast—even in churches. Some years ago, a youth pastor sent me this conflicting message:
I am a strong Christian and love the Lord with all my heart. The problem is I really enjoy reading the Harry Potter books and nothing about them conflicts with my spirit.2
A young woman who called herself “a solitary witch” wrote this revealing message:
I am a Harry Potter fan for several reasons. . . . You are not just drawn into the story but into that world. Then through talking about them with fans you fall further and further in love with the characters, you analyze them and worry about them until they feel real to you. Then you have, in a way, become a part of that shared universe, and it is a wonderful place to be.3
What a cruel illusion! When a nation (or a people) turns from God’s ways to decadence and imaginary thrills, our Lord withdraws His blessings and protection. And when Satan has his way, calamity reigns. Remember, the evil one rules a hierarchy of like-minded demonic beings:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:12-13)
Such an “evil day” may already be upon us. Fear and oppression are increasingly occurring in a wayward America—as they have in so many other nations in the history of mankind. And now, with today’s massive movement of migrants, many of whom—like some of our leaders—despise both Jews and Christians, America and the world at large are changing faster than ever. What’s more, unthinkable occultism, New Age mysticism, and secret societies continue saturating Western countries like America, the UK, and Germany. Some of those empowered servants of darkness may well join tomorrow’s tyrants.
In the midst of this intense spiritual battle, are we prepared to “stand firm” in Jesus Christ, wear His armor as we face the challenges ahead, and be a faithful witness to a lost and dying world?
With our limited insights into His heavenly plans, we may be tempted to complain. To resist that lure, we need to trust God, know His Word, and remember His wonderful promises. No matter what challenges we face, He is with us—strengthening our faith and training us to endure!
Let us be assured that we can count on our Lord and King to win this battle on behalf of His people. While we know the world is entering dark times, we know that in the end, God wins. He is the Lord and King over all, and His wisdom and long-range plans far surpass our finite understanding.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
God’s Armor: A Shelter in the Storm
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. . . . Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. (Ephesians 6:10-11, 14-18)
God’s armor brings victory because it is far more than a protective covering. It is the very essence of Jesus Christ Himself, and with it, we will be able to withstand evil when it comes our way.
When we put on the armor of God, He becomes our hiding place and our shelter in the storm—just as He was to David. Hidden in Him, we can count on His victory, for He not only covers us as a shield, He also fills us with His life:
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5)
Since living in the safety of the armor means abiding in Jesus, we can expect to share in “the fellowship of His sufferings” (Philippians 3:10)—His struggles as well as His peace. Remember, God offers us His victory in the midst of trouble—not always in the absence of pain. So “think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings” (1 Peter 4:12-13).
When we put on His armor, His life surrounds us and keeps us safe in Him. He is our precious friend, and we are His! So let us “put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). He is our victory!
Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7)
Putting On God’s Armor
This life in Christ begins with knowing and trusting each part of the armor. The first part is TRUTH—God’s revelation of all He is to us, all He has done for us, and all He promises to do for us in the days ahead. This wonderful, everlasting TRUTH is written in the Bible, revealed by the Holy Spirit, and realized through Jesus Christ.
It cuts through all the world’s distortions, deceptions, and compromises. When you study, memorize, live, and follow TRUTH, He enables you to see the world from God’s high vantage point. For He is the Truth! Putting on the first piece of the armor means feeding on truth through daily Bible reading and making it part of yourself.
To put on the “whole armour”—and enjoy a daily and eternal love-relationship with Jesus Christ, thank Him for what He has shown you in His Word. Know the Scriptures behind your prayer so that your words and faith are grounded in the authority of the Bible. Then pray through each piece. You can use the following prayer as a general outline:
The Belt of TRUTH: Thank You, my Lord, for showing me the TRUTH about Yourself, Your plans, and Your ways. Thank You for reminding me that You are the only God, the Creator of Heaven and earth, the King of the universe, my Father who loves me, and my Shepherd who leads me. You are my wisdom, my counselor, my hope, and my strength. You are everything I need each day.
The Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS: Thank You for showing me the truth about myself—that on my own I could never be good enough to live in Your presence. Thank You for taking my sins to the Cross and offering me Your perfect, RIGHTEOUS life. Lord, show me any sin I need to confess, so nothing will hinder me from being filled to overflowing with Your Spirit. Thank You for forgiving me and for filling me with Your righteous life.
The Sandals of the Preparation of the GOSPEL of Peace: Thank You for the Gospel that we can readily share with others, which brings true peace with God, reconciling us to Him through Christ.
The Shield of FAITH: Thank You for helping me have FAITH in You. I choose to count on everything You have shown me about Yourself—and everything You have promised me in Your Word.
The Helmet of SALVATION: Thank You for promising me SALVATION both for today’s battles and for all eternity.
The Sword of the SPIRIT, the Word of God: Thank You for the Scriptures You have given me to memorize. Please show me which ones You want me to use to cut through deceptions and gain Your victory in any battle I may face today.
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Ephesians 6:18
** There are also two charts included in this booklet that are not on this online version.
To order copies of The Unseen Foe Behind Rising Evil And Putting on the Armor of God, click here.
Endnotes
1. http://www.amtvmedia.com/fox-launches-tv-series-glorifies-lucifer/.
2. This was a personal note from a private person.
3. This was a personal note from a private person.
To order copies of The Unseen Foe Behind Rising Evil And Putting on the Armor of God, click here.
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