CAN THE DEVIL MAKE US SIN?


Some of us can remember when Flip Wilson coined the phrase, "The devil made me do it!"  Despite the fact that this assertion was part of a comedy routine, many people apparently took him seriously. In fact, hundreds of accused criminals have used that excuse to justify their crimes. It's hard to blame them. If we can prove that the devil FORCES us to do wrong, then the blame belongs to him alone.
 
Does the Bible substantiate that claim? It does teach that Satan tempts people to commit sin in hopes of dooming their souls to hell (Mat. 25:41). The Bible contains scores of examples from Eve in the Garden (Gen. 3), to King David (2 Kings 11), to Judas Iscariot (Jn. 13 & 18) and many more. He even tried to tempt Jesus to sin (Mat. 4:1-11).
 
However, the Bible also teaches that WE are responsible for the sins we commit. The apostle Paul wrote, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether GOOD or BAD.” (2 Cor. 5:10.) Moreover, “…each of us shall give ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF to God” (Rom 14:12). We must give an account for ourselves because the devil cannot “make” us do anything. He can only “dangle the carrot”. James wrote, “Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of HIS OWN LUST, and enticed. Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin” (Jam. 1:14-15).
 
While the devil can and will tempt us, it is up to us to resist or consent. This is why God “…will render to every man according to HIS DEEDS” (Rom. 2:6).
 
Praise God, however, that He will not allow will not permit us to be tempted beyond our ability to resist - 1 Cor 10:13, and that we have the ability through Christ (Phil. 4:13) to resist temptation. We are also told, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (Jam. 4:7).
 
The devil will continue to temp us (1 Pet. 5:8), but he CANNOT MAKE US SIN. 
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis

STORMS


"We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed..."  (1 Cor. 4:8-9)
 
Hurricane Dorian will not be soon forgotten. It's deadly and destructive impact on the Bahamas was unprecedented. And its devastating effects on our Atlantic Coast will be felt for some time.
 
Although hurricanes of that magnitude are relatively rare, the storms of life are more frequent. Who among us has not experienced health, financial, family or other serious issues? Moreover, “storm clouds” perpetually encircle our nation in the form of increasing iniquity and crime, economic concerns, political strife, and the ever-present possibility of war.
 
Surrounded by such storms, there may be times that we feel overcome by the setbacks, difficulties and uncertainties of life.
 
Fortunately, God is aware of the severe storms we face in this life. Although He did not promise to take away our troubles, He did assure us that He will never leave or forsake us (Heb. 13:5). He offers comfort and hope through His Word (Rom. 15:4). He gives us peace through Christ (John 16:4; Phil. 4:7). Moreover, we have His promise that nothing can separate us from His love (Rom. 8:35-39).
 
When the storms of life rage all around you, remember the words of the apostle Peter, “…cast all your cares on Him; for He cares for you.” (1 Pet. 5:7).
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis

Ready for School?


By the time you read this, most or all of our school-age children have returned to classes. Although “Back to School” is a welcome reprieve for many parents, it should be a time of genuine concern for Christian families. Morally and spiritually speaking, secular schools have declined alarmingly in the past 50 years. Not only do temptations abound, many schools actively promote sinful activities such as safe sex, homosexuality and transgenderism. Moreover, erroneous theories and flawed philosophies, including evolution, moral relativism (“If it feels right it can’t be wrong!”) and humanism ("You are the captain of your soul!”) are taught without apology.
 
Thus it is essential that Christian parents help their children to be spiritually prepared for the perils they will be exposed to in school. Below are five things parents can do to help their children withstand the ungodly influences so common in schools today.
 
1. Pray with your children before school.  (“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much”  James 5:16.)
 
2. Pray for your children while they are in school. (“…be serious & watchful in your prayers"  1 Peter 4:7.)
 
3. Remember that “heaven-work”(reading the Bible) is more vital than homework. (“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God"  Matt. 4:4.)
 
4. Bring your children to EVERY Bible class, worship service, and church activity possible. (“…but exhort one another daily...lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin”  Heb. 3:13.)
 
5. Say "NO” to all questionable or un-chaperoned school activities. (“Abstain from every form of evil”  1 Thess. 5:22.)
 
Without the constant guidance and prayers of Godly parents, it is virtually impossible for our children to resist the temptations and ungodly influences in school. Doing the five aforementioned things will definitely help!
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis