Finally, brothers and sisters, draw your strength and might from God. Put on the full armor of God to protect yourselves from the devil and his evil schemes. We’re not waging war against enemies of flesh and blood alone. No, this fight is against tyrants, against authorities, against supernatural powers and demon princes that slither in the darkness of this world, and against wicked spiritual armies that lurk about in heavenly places. -Ephesians 6:10-12 (VOICE)

The Temptation of Christ, 1854 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The greatest advantage any adversary can have is to convince their opponent they do not exist. Once that is accomplished, they can “slither” in and attack from within. Too often, the modern church fails to talk about the devil in a way that leads anyone to think he is a real, formidable adversary whose job is take you [the Christian] down and out and to keep as many people from God’s kingdom as possible. Society in the 21st century views Satan as the subject of a good horror flick or a source of Halloween fun and little more than that– certainly not to be taken seriously. I have to believe that is exactly the way the devil wants it. Please don’t be taken in by this deception. If you believe in salvation through Jesus and the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of God, then believe the rest of the Bible and stay alert! The evil one is on the move, especially in [what I think may well be] these last days. Put on the whole armour of God! Resist the devil and he will flee from you! (James 4:7)