Those of us who have placed our faith in Jesus Christ have a beautiful, unshakable assurance: we belong to God.
But when we look at the world around us, it is impossible to ignore the great spiritual war that is raging. We see it on the news every single day—the senseless violence, the tragic loss of life, and the heavy tension and wars between nations.
The Apostle John described this reality with sobering clarity:
"We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one."
— 1 John 5:19 (NKJV)
The Bible does not hide the fact that there is an active enemy. Jesus Himself referred to Satan as the ruler of this world. But look at how Jesus spoke about him right before heading to the cross:
"I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me."
— John 14:30 (NKJV)
Satan had absolutely no claim, no hold, and no power over our Savior. And because Jesus walked to the cross in perfect obedience, the enemy's fate was sealed. As Jesus declared:
Satan had absolutely no claim, no hold, and no power over our Savior. And because Jesus walked to the cross in perfect obedience, the enemy's fate was sealed. As Jesus declared:
"...the ruler of this world has been judged and condemned."
— John 16:11 (AMP)
If the enemy is already judged, why is the world still in such deep darkness? The Apostle Paul explained that the enemy's primary strategy is to keep people spiritually blind:
— John 16:11 (AMP)
If the enemy is already judged, why is the world still in such deep darkness? The Apostle Paul explained that the enemy's primary strategy is to keep people spiritually blind:
"whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them."
— 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NKJV)
The violence and chaos we see in the news are the tragic results of spiritually blinded minds. But we do not have to live in fear of the darkness.
Our ultimate victory is not found in our own human strength, political systems, or worry. Our victory is found entirely by faith in Jesus Christ, in His sovereign power to rescue lost sinners, and in His precious blood that cleanses us of all our sins.
We know how this story ends—and it has a gloriously happy ending. Even in the midst of a chaotic world, Jesus is actively saving souls. Lives are being rescued from the power of hell, and heaven is gaining brand-new residents every single day.
Let's pray: Lord Jesus, thank You that because of my faith in You, I belong securely to God. When the news of this world threatens to bring fear or discouragement, remind me that the victory is already won. Open the blinded eyes of those around me, and use me to shine Your light today. Amen.
That's it for this podcast. Remember, Jesus loves you and is just a prayer away.
— 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NKJV)
The violence and chaos we see in the news are the tragic results of spiritually blinded minds. But we do not have to live in fear of the darkness.
Our ultimate victory is not found in our own human strength, political systems, or worry. Our victory is found entirely by faith in Jesus Christ, in His sovereign power to rescue lost sinners, and in His precious blood that cleanses us of all our sins.
We know how this story ends—and it has a gloriously happy ending. Even in the midst of a chaotic world, Jesus is actively saving souls. Lives are being rescued from the power of hell, and heaven is gaining brand-new residents every single day.
Let's pray: Lord Jesus, thank You that because of my faith in You, I belong securely to God. When the news of this world threatens to bring fear or discouragement, remind me that the victory is already won. Open the blinded eyes of those around me, and use me to shine Your light today. Amen.
That's it for this podcast. Remember, Jesus loves you and is just a prayer away.