Welcome to the blog of Pastor Alton Stone, from Simpsonville, SC. Pastor Stone is a retired Ordained Bishop of The Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee with over 45 years of pastoral ministry.

Monday, August 21, 2017

5 Lies Of The Devil (Part 4)

The fourth lie you must understand is that you are not exempt from the attacks of Satan because you are a Christian.  Jesus told His disciples: 

John 15:20, 21 AMP "A servant is not greater than his master--is not superior to him. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word and obeyed My teachings, they will also keep and obey yours. But the enemy will do all this to you–inflict all this suffering on you–because of (your bearing) my name, and on My account, for they do not know or understand the One Who sent Me."

Jesus also warned His disciples:

John 16:33 AMP "In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer--take courage, be confident, certain, undaunted--for I have overcome the world. I have deprived it of power to harm, have conquered it (for you)."

The devil will send preachers and people into your life with the message that if you're tempted by the enemy you're not saved. Don't believe that junk! Christians are not exempt from the attacks of the enemy. You will be tried and tested. You may have already faced times of severe testing where your faith has been tried through difficult circumstances. You may be going through a time of testing right now.  You may be facing persecution and great losses. 

Your position during times of difficulties should not be one of fear, panic, discouragement, or retreat. You are to:


a. Resist or stand against and oppose Satan.

b. Stand firm knowing that Christ will make you victorious. 

Peter said in 1 Peter 5:10 NIV:  

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."  

These four words – "restore, strong, firm, and steadfast" describe what God has promised to do for you during times of difficulty.  The word “restore” means to “perfect” or “make complete.” God uses every situation to perfect you.  As you  submit to Him and resist Satan, God will “make you strong.”  The original Greek translation of this phrase means “to strengthen one so he can stand fast in persecution.” God will make you “firm and steadfast,” which means “to be put on a firm foundation.”

This promise is your guarantee: 


The God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will restore you and make me strong, firm, and steadfast. 

You are not exempt from spiritual battles, but there is a divine purpose in what you are experiencing.

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