We placed a “pause” in our discussion of EVIL two weeks ago in order to focus on Charlie Kirk’s Memorial Service last week. But today, I have a few more things to say about the world in which we live, and that world is a world where evil not only resides but also abounds.

Two weeks ago, we focused on the origin of EVIL, and then discussed the various aspects of EVIL, all flowing from the FALL in the Garden of Eden. And I wanted all of us to be aware of a new term for most of us: STOCHASTIC TERRORISM, which is a form of political violence instigated by hostile public rhetoric directed at a group or individual. It uses influential figures and the media to demonize a person or group, increasing the probability of violent action by an ideologically aligned individual.” I continue to encourage us to “guard our words” in all of our conversations with others.

So today, I’d like to add a few more “tidbits” to our discussion of EVIL, beginning with a look at Jesus’ assessment of the Evil one – the one who is out to destroy us. As Jesus pointed the way to LIFE, He also let us know about the goal of Satan, whom He called “the thief.” Here is what Jesus said:

“The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy…” (John 10:10).

He comes to steal our joy, kill our hope, and destroy our faith. Make no mistake about his vile intentions. The Apostle Peter added some thoughts about the goal of the devil,

“Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

And so, just how does he “devour” us? Jesus gives us the answer as he addressed the religious leaders of His day pointing them to the devil’s true intentions,

“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).

And how do we combat the devil’s schemes. We don’t run because we can’t outrun him, but we are to,

“Resist him, by standing firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:9).

When we are confronted with one of Satan’s lies, we don’t run, but we stand firm in our faith. That is, we stand on the truth upon which our faith is grounded. Satan hates the truth, and we combat the lie with the truth of God revealed in His Word.

I don’t want to overly simplify this, but there are two contrasting political ideologies that are competing for the hearts and minds of millions of Americans today — One attempts to throw off the shackles of our Judeo-Christian heritage and form a progressive society with relative values, and the other believes that the Judeo-Christian values upon which our country was founded are the best for a healthy and thriving society.

And the conflict between the two ideologies continues to rage in almost every sector of society. I believe that the former is a “lie” that is being presented to the American public, suggesting that removing the values of our Judeo-Christian heritage would build a better society. These two opposing ideologies cannot be both true. Sadly, those who reject the progressive agenda are ridiculed for living in the past, with the shackles of biblical morality blinding us to reality. Let’s all be reminded of Jesus’ words spoken to His disciples:

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you…But because you are not of the world…the world hates you…If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you (John 15:18-20). 

Knowing that persecution awaits all who stand on the truth of God’s Word, what are followers of Jesus to do? Let me offer some thoughts:

• Remember that evil is present in our world and we are called to be lights in the darkness
• Remember that Jesus told us to love and pray for our enemies (those who disagree with us)
• Remember that we are to live Christ-honoring lives in spite of the lies and evil around us
• Remember that we are called to proclaim the Gospel boldly with every opportunity
• Remember that we are to pray for repentance in our nation and revival in our churches

Blessings to all of you today.