Civil Government: Chapter 6 – A Minister of God, or of Satan? (Excerpt)

Civil Government - coverIn the book of Revelation, the Lord warned the church in Smyrna of the persecution that was coming. He said, “The devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days” (Revelation 2:10). This persecution was being carried out by the civil authorities (the Roman government). Were these authorities acting as the minister of God here when they persecuted Christians? On the contrary, they were doing the work of the devil. Their service to Satan is so plainly indicated here that their work of throwing Christians into prison is attributed to the devil himself.

When a government rejects its God-given role and begins to do harm to the ones who should be enjoying its protection, that government ceases to be a minister of God and becomes a minister of Satan.

You can read more about how civil authorities may act either as God’s ministers or as Satan’s ministers in Civil Government: What the Bible Says About Its Origin, History, Nature, and Role. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

The Root of the Problem: Chapter 5 – Deception (Excerpt)

The lies about sin are common. The world tries to convince us that sin is not so bad and that we can engage in it without consequence. Yet as we have seen, the Scriptures teach otherwise. So how do we keep from being deceived? Be on the alert.

“Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ, but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting” (Romans 16:17-18).

Paul warns of false teachers who deceive others. But who is it that will be deceived? It will be those who are unsuspecting. Therefore, we must be on the alert. Do not allow yourself to be lulled to sleep and thus let your guard down. (p. 27)

You can read more about the lies of Satan and his ministers in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!