Too often, pastors are hesitant to speak of Satan and evil spirits. These evil entities should never be raised to a high position, but neither should their existence be ignored. Scripture is very clear that demons exist; Satan is not a made-up bogeyman.

Scripture also tells us that we must put our faith in God. False teachers who don’t teach all of Scripture only preach “God is love”; that is a true and beautiful message, but the loving God we serve told the men who wrote Scripture to include things like prophecy (another neglected topic), the fact that God will never turn away from Israel entirely (no, the church didn’t replace Israel), and the existence of evil spirits (we are in the end times, and evil is growing stronger).

That’s why it’s better to teach through Scripture rather than just pick verses (usually out of context) to make a “feel-good” sermon. Many pastors do just that. They tickle ears but don’t teach all of God’s truth. Congregations are left ignorant of the times in which we live, a time when prophecy is being fulfilled, Israel is under attack, and evil is permeating the world around us.

By the way, this opens the way for the evil spirits to infiltrate congregations. What does the Apostle John have to say?

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

What does John mean? John knew, from walking with Jesus, that there is perfect love found in Christ. John also witnessed demonic evil that possessed people, but he also sawJesus cast out demons and learned how to discern good from evil, light from dark. Those same evil spirits are roaming the earth today. False teachers abound today, and many people are being deceived.

Peter also knew of the wiles of the devil and warned us. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

Satan isn’t like God and cannot be everywhere at once, but he is able to influence thoughts. As we study through John’s letter, we see that he talks so much of God’s love, and sometimes we miss that he also warns us to be aware of evil. John says we shouldn’t believe every spirit, but we should try the spirits; test them. John isn’t talking about Casper the Friendly Ghost and the Ghostly Trio. John is talking about a real fight between God’s goodness and Satanic evil.

Christians need to study Scripture and listen to the Holy Spirit to avoid being deceived by someone who claims to be of God but is really Satan’s mouthpiece. As we draw near to the Rapture, evil grows stronger. Be sure that you are firmly planted in God’s truth.

How do we know the good from the bad? Sometimes it’s very obvious if something is of God or if Satan is behind it. Run everything through Scripture, and if a teaching doesn’t conform to God’s word, then you shouldn’t be a part of it. “Christian Yoga,” for instance.This is an oxymoron, and no Christian should be a part of it. It isn’t just a way to stretch your muscles; it is a way to open your mind to Satanic spirits.

John gives us a test to use. “Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world” (1 John 4:2-3).

The next time a group of Jehovah’s Witnesses knocks on your door, ask them about the deity of Christ and whether He came in the flesh. I’m sure you can think of many things, ancient and modern, done by people claiming to follow Christ but are totally against God’s word.

The Crusades, for instance. It was the pope who sent the crusaders to do evil in order to free Jerusalem. If this had been an acceptable thing to God, wouldn’t Jesus have taken an army and killed anybody who stood in His way? Jesus came the first time humbly as the sacrificial Lamb of God, but He will return in power as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. A “holy war” ordained by the Catholic church doesn’t represent Jesus but is the spirit of antichrist. Don’t be deceived. If the congregation you’ve joined promotes anything that isn’t found in Scripture, flee from that group even if it’s presented as a very good thing.

I’ve attended many churches in my lifetime, and most supported things not found in Scripture. I learned from these experiences, and I’m thankful for God’s guidance in my life. Remember, John wrote this letter to Christians and not to the world. Christians need to be aware of what is of God and what comes from Satan. Scripture is your guide.

When we truly come to faith in Jesus, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Don’t be fooled by the false teaching that you are saved by baptism. Too many people claim they were baptized as a baby, so they’re saved. Wrong. That’s a teaching straight from Satan. Each of us must make our own choice as to whether or not we believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It’s been said that God has children but has no grandchildren. You have to make your own decision.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9).

A baby cannot make that confession of faith, nor choose to believe. So, let me encourage you right now: if you are one who thinks you’re saved because you were baptized as a baby, or even as an adult but didn’t confess the Lord Jesus, do that now. Confess you are a sinner, repent, and place your faith in Jesus. Jesus was God incarnate; He entered His creation and shed His blood as the only way for a sinner to find grace and salvation.

It was Paul who also wrote, “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of your inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:12–14).

You have to hear the Gospel and believe in order to gain eternal life through Christ. What an amazing fact that the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity, is sealed within Christians. If all of us truly believed that fact and understood the power given to us, we could stop the evil that’s permeating the world today…not us as people, but the Holy Spirit in us.

John understood that power. He was in the locked room when the risen Christ entered and breathed upon the disciples and gave them the Holy Spirit. He was also there on the day of Pentecost when the fire of the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples. John faced persecution, but was given the Revelation so we can see what the unsaved will face during the Tribulation.

John knew the power of the Holy Spirit and wrote, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

What powerful words, yet they mostly go unheeded. If every one of us would be aware of the power we have, and allow that power to flow through us for the glory of God, what a change we would see all around us.

Once again, John turns his attention to encouraging Christians to love fellow Christians. “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” (1 John 4:7–8).

Can a non-Christian love? Yes, but not with a Godly love. The world has taken the word “love” and defines it in worldly terms. I “love” my car, I “love” my dog. I went on a date, and afterward we made “love.” These are worldly examples of “love.”

The love of God is a sacrificial love that every Christian should show to fellow Christians, but go back to the first verse in this chapter and see that we need to test every spirit. Just because someone comes to you for help and claims to be a Christian, test them to be sure. The Holy Spirit may urge you to help non-believers, but do it in the name of Jesus, and let that fact be known.

Before we came to know Jesus, we were headed down a very treacherous path to destruction. But God loved His creation enough to sacrifice Himself for our salvation.

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (1 John 4:9–11).

That’s such an important point to remember, but so easy to forget. Christians aren’t perfect, but we need to ask for forgiveness when we do fall back into sin. When we see a fellow Christian falling into sin, we need to love them enough to help them to get back on the right track. Be sure to speak in love. God is always willing to forgive. When you see someone who is living a sin-filled life, share the Gospel. If they respond, then lead them to repentance and guide them in a path that honors Christ. If you see a fellow Christian wallowing in sin, confront them in a loving way.

God loved us long before we loved Him, so share that love. Let all who come in contact with you see God living in you and through you.

It’s easy to find many reasons to fear these days. The Apostle Paul didn’t mince words when he spoke of the enemy we face. He urged us to put on the full armor of God and fight.

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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” (Ephesians 6:11–12).

God’s love has given us tools to fight; He doesn’t want us to fail in our Christian walk. Life has many challenges, and sometimes it’s easy to shrink in fear. “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:17–18).

Fear can cause us to shrink from a fight that God’s love could win. Remember, God is stronger than any demonic enemy we face. We are puny humans, but with God we are strong. We are living in the end days, and the principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness of the world are trying to stop us from sharing God’s love. Be bold.

Once a father brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus for help. “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth” (Mark 9:23).

Read through the book of Acts and see how many times Peter, John, Paul, and the others faced prison just because they loved God. Be bold in God’s love. In these last days, we need to encourage fellow Christians. Love the brethren.

“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also” (1 John 4:20–21).

Brotherly love is something missing from Christian life. I can tell you that brotherly love isn’t completely missing. Lately, I’ve had some great needs, and some dear Christian friends have stepped up to help me, and I’m so thankful.

God works through people, and we all need to allow His love to work through us. Be bold; face fear with the armor of God firmly in place. Let others see God living in you.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com

www.prophecyupdate.com

www.raptureforums.com

All original Scripture is “theopneustos,” or God-breathed.

If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).

“And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us” (1 John 3:24). 

The first letter of John is packed full of instructions for how Christians should behave. It’s written to Christians telling us how to act towards fellow believers. Our joy in the Lord depends upon what Jesus did for us, not what other people do to us. Do our actions and words matter? Yes, they do. When we come to Jesus, we come out of the world. By the “world” I mean the desires, attitudes, and lifestyles that do not reflect God’s love. The world glorifies Satanic ways, but Christians should always glorify God.

As I study through John’s writings, I see the love he had for Jesus, and how much he desires for his brothers and sisters in Christ to honor Him in word and deed. He loves the brethren enough to encourage them to turn from sin. He knows that sin doesn’t honor God, so Christians must move away from sin.

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not” (1 John 3:1).

John writes much about us being sons of God. In his Gospel, John told us how to become a son of God. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13).

What is a son of God? That phrase denotes a direct creation of God. Adam was a son of God because he was directly created by God. Naturally born people are sons of Adam. In the Old Testament, whenever the phrase “sons of God” is used, it refers to angels. We never see female angels in Scripture, and that indicates that angels don’t marry other angels and have baby angels. When Jesus was asked about marriage in Heaven, He said something interesting:

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven” (Matthew 22:29-30).

Be sure to understand that Jesus specifically used the example of “angels of God in heaven” and was not referring to the ones who fell and had sexual relations with human women, as revealed in Genesis 6.

When a person comes to faith in Jesus and repents of the sin binding them to the world, Jesus said we are born again.

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (John 3:6-7).

We are a new creation when we are born again, and are then a son of God. This phrase carries a deep meaning, which I won’t get into here, but let’s just say that only sons could inherit from their father, except under specific circumstances. When we are born again, we are a direct creation of God…a son of God.

John was privileged to be a disciple of Christ. He knew that Jesus was perfect in all ways. John saw many wonders, not the least of which was the transfiguration. He was an eyewitness to all Jesus did. John saw miracles, he saw Jesus’ love towards people, he saw His anger towards the religious leaders who disrespected God, and he saw the transfiguration. John was also there when, after the crucifixion, Jesus entered a locked room and spoke with His disciples. In this letter, John says we will be like Him. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).

What will He be like when He appears to take us Home? My feeling is He will be a combination of all that John saw in Him. He will shine brighter than the sun, yet we will look upon Him. Will we shine as a reflection of His love? We need to start today to be a reflection of the love of Jesus. Will He appear as a sacrificed Lamb or as the Lion of the tribe of Judah? We need to be a living sacrifice for Him now, and love the nation of Israel. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit, and if we don’t quench His guidance, we can get a head start on reflecting God’s love.

The thing that stands between us and full fellowship with God is sin. We are all sinners, but true Christians have repented of sin and live to honor Christ. What is sin? “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:7-8).

Do you ever commit a sin? Yes, you do and so do I. I’m not happy with myself when I sin. Verse 8 is bothersome to all of us who admit we sin. I don’t want to be of the devil. When you study the original language, and the intent of the words, this isn’t talking about an “oops” moment but a continual practice of sin. For instance, today the homosexual movement is everywhere. Some of them claim to be Christian, but sexual immorality of any kind is a sin. If they repent of sin but continue to take pride in their lifestyle, John says they aren’t of God.

It’s the same if you continually lie, or are angry and embrace hatred. We are to behave in accordance with Scripture. Jesus loved all who came to Him but never told anybody to continue in sin. He died for our salvation, but Satan wants us to die for him. Live for Jesus and let the Holy Spirit guide you in how to behave.

Jesus defeated Satan at the cross; the war was won and Satan lost but still wants to destroy as many lives as he can before he’s thrown into the lake of fire for eternity. Don’t let him destroy you or hinder your walk with the Lord.

John encourages us to live righteously as evidence that we are children of God. “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother and wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous” (1 John 3:10-12).

Do you remember the account of Cain and Abel? They were both sons of Adam and brought sacrifices to God. “And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell” (Genesis 4:3-5).

God had demonstrated to Adam and Eve that blood has to be shed to cover sin, and Abel gave a blood offering, but Cain was sloppy in his sacrifice and did things his own way. He just gave fruit. God rejected Cain’s offering, which angered Cain, and he killed his brother. It was Cain’s choice to not honor God properly, but still he killed Abel. Jesus taught that even being angry with your brother is as if you have committed murder.

Study Scripture and draw closer in your walk with Jesus. Jesus shed His own perfect blood as the final sacrifice for sin. Paul said “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).

How do we be a living sacrifice? Follow the example of Jesus, and love one another.

John wasn’t writing to the world. Somehow, Christians have twisted God’s inspired word to say that we are to do all we can to love and accept worldly people. We are to love all people, but we are to share the Gospel with the people of the world. John wrote this letter to Christians, and when he says “brother” or “brethren” he’s talking about fellow Christians. Yes, we are to love our brothers and sisters in Christ.

“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him” (1 John 3:14-15).

Why does it seem as if the people who reject Christ hate Christians? They love their sin more than they desire eternal life. Too many Christians have a “holier-than-thou” attitude, which makes life in Christ look uninviting. All must repent of sin, and if you accept Jesus and repent, you cannot hold onto your sin. The tradeoff is a richer and more satisfying life on Earth, and after that, eternity with Jesus. Jesus didn’t sugar coat the hatred that His disciples would face.

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:18-19).

You might lose some friends by choosing to behave in a way pleasing to the Lord, but don’t show hatred or anger to your friends. Show love, but stand firm on God’s truth. You just might lead a lost soul to salvation, and that would be a blessing.

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (1 John 3:16-17).

I love how the Holy Spirit works. The chapter and verse divisions in Scripture were added years after the God-breathed words were written. John 3:16 talks of God loving the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son for our salvation. That closely resembles John’s words in 1 John 3:16. First John also makes it clear how we are to behave towards a fellow believer who’s having a rough time. If you’ve been blessed with money or items that can help a brother or sister in need, then give freely.

After a major earthquake or other disaster, disaster aid agencies call for money. They don’t want clothing items or warm blankets; they want money. I haven’t been blessed with an overabundance of money, but I do have clothing items I could share, or household items or food. I can understand that money can buy these things that are needed, but I also would rather give to help fellow Christians. Not that I don’t have compassion for the lost, but Christians are to help Christians and share the Gospel with the lost.

Let me just add a note here that recently I’ve had a great need. My daughter has had medical problems, and many of the tests have to be done in a city many miles away. A lovely Christian couple willingly drives us to the doctor since my daughter shouldn’t be driving far, and I am physically unable to drive there. What a blessing!

How often do you not “feel” saved? How often do you behave in a way that doesn’t please God? Do your times of poor behavior coincide with your doubts of salvation? We all have moments of doubt, but Scripture is clear that once we’ve repented and asked for forgiveness from Jesus, our salvation is secure. We must allow God to change us from people who honor worldly ways into people who love the brethren. John tells us that we are to walk the walk and not just talk the talk.

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God” (1 John 3:18-21).

If you feel you have behaved wrongly towards another person, you probably have. Behave in a manner that you see in Scripture, and you can be sure you are pleasing God. Don’t take Scripture out of context and study it in its entirety. Don’t twist God’s words, but change your attitude toward your sins. The Psalmist encouraged following God’s path.

“BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way: by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:9-11).

This truth has never changed. If we know Scripture, we will behave in a way that pleases God. If you feel you’ve displeased God, turn to Scripture. Remember, there are times when things are preached as sin, but aren’t sin according to God. It’s God you need to please by following His word. If you know Scripture and someone tries to condemn your actions, but you know you’ve followed God’s commands, then you can have confidence in standing before the Lord.

“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight” (1 John 3:22).

Does this mean that if we ask for something opposed to God’s ways, we can expect Him to give us what we want? No. If we keep His commandments, we won’t desire things that don’t honor Him. It also means to understand that our heart might desire something that will harm us. I think of all the Hollywood and music stars who desire fame, and that fame destroys their lives. Jesus was clear that we need to follow Him and not our own desires.

“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:34-36).

I’d rather have life in Jesus than fame and fortune.

How can we behave to please God? John tells us. “And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment” (1 John 3:23).

That sounds easy until we are tested. Practice living according to Scripture, and it will become easier.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com

www.prophecyupdate.com

www.raptureforums.com

All original Scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).