- The Invisible War
In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world. – John 16:33
Donald Grey Barnhouse was the pastor of a church in Philadelphia. The “mainline” leaders of his particular denomination, sometime after the Second World War, had begun to drift from Biblical doctrine, embracing more “contemporary” teachings. He was determined that he and his congregation would remain loyal to the inerrancy and sufficiency of the Scriptures. He spoke of the reality of an “invisible war” being fought between the armies of God and the forces of Satan for the souls of people.
That invisible war has intensified through the years. The good news is that the war has already been won. Jesus was victorious in his showdown with Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4). He triumphed in the ultimate battle at the cross and His resurrection (John 19:28-30; Matthew 28:5-7). This sealed the enemy’s doom and ensured his total and final defeat. The Savior has given you the promise of victory—not only in the eternal realm but in your life today. The adversary may continue to whisper doubt into your ear. Having lost the power over your soul through redemption in Christ, the enemy tries to make sure you do not reproduce… that others do not come to the Lord because of your witness.
While the ideological conflict in the United States has increased, there is only One who is triumphant. Jesus Christ has won the spiritual battle. Restoration comes through Him alone. Pray for repentance for those who have been heading away from the Lord, to reverse course and return to the truth of Scripture and the victorious Redeemer.
Today’s Verse: John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 John 5:1-11
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
6 This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. 9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. 10 Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. 11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
