Theo 104

Ivory Russell April 15, 2012 Theo 104 It seems as though in todays age and time that demons existence is more touchable(a) and prevalent not only among society, more over among Christians, as well. But, it isnt the talk of Satan that is alarming so much as the type of attention and talk that he is receiving. Our modern day society has transform him from being the slimy, factual being that we know him as into a sinister, more humors fictional character utilize to make great movies and entertainment. Producers be fashioning a bread and butter off of Satans character.One of the close well known movies depicting this is Little Nicky. It depicts Satan preparing to retire from ruling perdition and trying to squ ar off which of his three sons will take over the thr bingle. But, when Satan decides to go ahead and keep the throne dickens of his children leave Hell to create their own version of Hell on earth landing in New York City these two brother possess the political leader s of the city, freeze the gates of Hell to keep souls from going to their father, and create chaos among the mortals if New York.The movie ends with Satans youngest son, Nicky, saving the day, and defeating his brothers so that all in all of the souls, once again, can return to Satan himself. This movie is considered a comedy and opened at 2 in the North American box office. As disturbing as the film applications portrayal of Satan may be, it isnt too surprising to me. What I find to be surprising, but even more so frightening, is the fact that Christians are falling into this same trap. There are a few Christians who will speak out against such media and portrayal, but the majority will sit silently amongst themselves and simply just not watch such things. But even still, on that point are Christians who actually believe Satan to be mistaken. In 2009, Barna done a survey indicating that 6 out of 10 Christians believe Satan to be a symbol of evil rather than a living being. Tha t is 6 out of 10 too some But, what is the real nature of Satan? Is he real just a symbol of evil and a fictitious being? Do todays society and film producers know something that we, as Christians, do not? The Bible says, How are thou go from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning How are thou cut down to the ground, who didst weaken the nations Isaiah 1412 Gods word very clearly identifies Satan as being a real being. Not a fictitious character, but rather a real, living being heart-to-heart of verbalise and deceiving. Satan was originally in Heaven, created as an angel. He was living with God, until pride entered into his heart and he schemed to blend worry God. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds I will be like the most High. Isaiah 1414 Because of the sin of pride, and because there is no room for sin in Heaven, he was kicked out along with those who followed and rebelled with him. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. Isaiah 1415 Sur ely, if Satan were fictitious God would not have described him as a real being capable of making real decisions resulting in real consequences. Satan is not only an angel gone bad, but a being capable of knowing, learning, deceiving, and twisting the word of God. Though evil, he is intelligent. This is supported through his ability to determine Scripture, and twist it to what he wants it to mean.He was even able to use his knowledge of God to tempt Eve in the Garden. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? God hath said, ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die Genesis 31-4 Satan not only is capable of knowing what Gods word says, but is capable and will do all that he can to twist it and lead you astray. Satan is an imitator of God. His proneness to be as God is what caused him to be kicked out of Heaven.Though Satan has failed in his efforts to be like God , and though he knows he will never win against God, he still tries. You can look all around the world today and see evidence of Satans imitations. Men have allowed themselves to be open to such duplications that they no longer see them as hellish or evil, but as a religion of their own. In Satans quest to be like God he has influenced men to the point that they have constructed their own church for him and mocked the Christian bible with their very own Satanic bible. Satan has even produced his own versions of prophets.But, unlike Gods prophets, these prophets will create confusion among people, get word them false doctrines, and bring them false hopes. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that brought them, and bring upon themselves quick destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spo ken of. 2 Peter 21-2 The Bible so unmistakably reveals Satan as a true being. Satan is real just as Christ, Himself, is real.He not only is the symbol if all things evil, but is the author of all things evil. But, if Satan is real why are Christians having so many doubts of his existence? And, if Satan is evil why are producers portraying him as something so completely different? The answers to these questions lay in the fact that Satan has done what he does bestdeceive Be sober, be vigilant because yours resister the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 58 By deceiving the nations, Satan is trying his best to defeat God.Satan thinks that by creating false doctrines and providing artificial salvation he is keeping souls from coming to Christ. And though his deception is keeping souls from coming to Christ he is still the one who is defeated. The fact that the media is trying to portray Satan as something not to be feared, and the fact that s o many Christians are being deceived, believers in Christ should be taking a hurt a stand against Satan and a stand against false doctrines. Because, apart from total dependence upon God, we cannot win the victory over the devil.