October 15, 2000


Volume XX - Number 42  


The Three-Pronged Attack of Satan



When we read of Satan in the Bible we are made aware that he tempts man under three forms. The first is that of a subtle serpent. Paul wrote that the serpent had beguiled Eve with his subtlety (2 Cor. 11:3). In Genesis three we read of his changing the simple statement that God had given and promising what could not be realized. "Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. "For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:4-5 NKJV) He cleverly convinced her that the consequences of her action would not be as God had stated. Satan uses the same subtlety in enticing one through the pleasures of sin. He subtlety convinces us we won't get caught; we won't become addicted; we won't pay a price.

Satan also tempts man through deception in taking on the form of an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Satan can deceive one into thinking he is doing is the will of God when in fact it is Satan's will. He deceived Saul of Tarsus into believing that by persecuting the church he was doing God's will. He deceived those in Corinth into believing they possessed the same authority and influence as the apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). He deceived Hymenaeus and Philetus through their assumption that the resurrection of the saints had already occurred (2 Timothy 2:17-18). He has enticed many brethren today into thinking the church must change and the old paths are worn and out-of-date. They are led to believe they are saving the church when in fact they are troubling it.

Finally, Satan tempts us a roaring lion. He tries to intimidate us through the strength of his attack. He does this by means of persecutions and/or trials (1 Peter 5:8-9). Demas compromised while facing the trials of being with Paul during his imprisonment (2 Timothy 4:10). How many Christians have forsaken God during times of grief, times of suffering, times of illness?

It is no wonder that God tells us to be sober and vigilant in guarding against Satan's attack (1 Peter 5:8). It is a comfort to know that "we are kept by the power of God through faith..." (1 Peter 1:5) and that if we resist Satan he will flee from us (James 4:7).

Be Not Weary In Well Doing

-- Bob Bauer--



AM SERMON:
"I Have Played the Fool, and Have Erred Exceedingly"
1 Samuel 26:21
Jackie Stearsman
PM SERMON:
"Interpretation Principles"
2 Timothy 2:15
Jackie Stearsman

Baptized into Christ
Our hearts are made to rejoice at the response to the Gospel of Christ by Jason Powell, who was baptized for the remission of sins last Sunday evening (Oct. 8). Keep this, our new brother, in your daily prayers, that he may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Our hearts go out in deepest sympathy to the family and friends of our brother, Macon Cox, who passed away this past Friday morning. Funeral services are planned for this afternoon (Sunday) at 2:00 at Kersey's Funeral Home. Our prayers are with sister Wilda in this time of loss and sorrow.


New Preacher
The elders are pleased to announce that, if it is the Lord's will, brother Bob Bauer will begin as our preacher here at Orange Street, on November 16th. We look forward to welcoming Bob and Shirley to the family of saints who worship here at this place.

Notice!!
Reminder to all members:
Articles of clothing left in the building soon become a breeding ground for rodents and bugs. Because of the lack of proper storage and maintenance space it is impossible to keep a "clothes bin". Several large bags of clothing were left in a classroom behind the fellowship hall. If you know of an organization or individual who could use any of the items, please see that they are distributed. Otherwise, all items left will be disposed of.

Tonight!
Please plan to meet with us this evening at 5:30 in classroom #3 for a short period of prayer.

Parents- be sure to have your youngsters here at 5:40 for a few minutes of story and song, before the evening worship services.

Charlie Dupree, Jasper Sims, Wilda Cox, James Huggins,
Don & Sheila Adkins, B.C. Carr, Sue Church, Norris Clark,
Robert Cox, Maury Deaton, Earl & Vernon Wilkes, Macon & Wilda Cox,
Vannie Dowdy, Frances Austin, Ervin & Alma Eubanks, Mona Howard,
Sherry Hobbs, Mattie Hughs, Cliff Powell, Alzonio Rhodes,
Latanea Sims, Ray McNeely, Linda Thompson, Roger Reece,
Doc Anderson, Elizabeth Gillespie, Talmadge Royal, Victoria Wooster