- The Faith Of The Devil -
(James 2:19)
James (under the inspiration of God) is addressing those who claim to be saved, but have no living testimony of salvation. Many people in our world claim to be saved, but live like they're lost; claim to be saved, but treat their Bible no different than the unsaved do; claim to be saved, but treat the church no different than the lost do; claim to be saved but have the same attitude toward sin as the unsaved do.
James may be attempting to "shock" his hearers by using the Devil as an illustration of someone who knows the truth, but is unsaved.
Notice...
- The Reality Of The Devil!"
The existence of the Devil is assumed all throughout Scripture.
The Devil is a real being.
There are two dangers when considering the Devil:
- Denying and/or ignoring his existence.
- Obsessing over his existence.
You cannot believe the Bible and not believe in the reality of the Devil.
- The Religion Of The Devil. "...the devils also believe...."
This seems like a strange statement, but the Devil is not an atheist!
Charles Spurgeon said, "Atheism is a strange thing. Even the devils never fell into that vice!"
- The Devil believes in God (James 2:19)
- The Devil believes in the deity of Christ (Mark 3:11)
- The Devil believes in the reality of Hell (Luke 8:31)
- The Devil recognizes Jesus' authority (Mark 5:1-13)
- The Devil believes the Bible is God's Word (Matt. 4)
- The Regard Of The Devil. "...and tremble..."
By regard, we mean "to have respect for, to recognize the power and authority of."
Satan and his devils tremble before God ("to shudder; shiver with fear; to be struck with horrific fear).
The reality of God has a profound effect upon the Devil
Note: James 4:7 teaches us that the Devil is powerless when God's people submit to God in faith and obedience.
If our profession of faith has no impact on our lives, then we are not much better than the devils!
The Lord has blessed MLIBC in the month of November with a great Fall Revival with Dr. Don C. Williams. There were 4 professions of faith with many decisions made among the church members. There were many visitors in every service. Our Pie And Praise service was especially blessed by God and everyone left rejoicing in God's goodness.
We have several big days in December:
- Missions Emphasis Sunday (Dec. 4) with Dr. Gary Forney. We will be renewing our focus on our Faith Promise Missions commitments and our responsibility as a church and as individuals to reach the world with the Gospel. Dr. Forney has been a faithful servant of God for many years and has become a very dear friend of our personally.
- Children's Christmas Program (Dec. 18). This is always a great blessing as we proclaim clearly as we can the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Christmas Day Service (Dec. 25) We are celebrating our Saviour's birth with a combined morning service beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Our search for a new assistant pastor continues, so please keep this a matter of earnest prayer.
God bless you. Bring your Bible and a friend to church this week!
