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Satan (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan's dominion is a pervasive and formidable force, casting a shadow over the earth where we reside. The Scriptures reveal that Satan, identified as the great dragon, the serpent of old, and the Devil, was cast out of heaven along with a third of the angels, now demons, who followed him in rebellion. This catastrophic fall, described in Revelation 12, marks the earth as a place of restraint, a prison for these fallen beings, where they are held in chains of darkness awaiting judgment, as noted in II Peter 2 and Jude 6. Their original domain, once a place of assigned responsibility under God, became their silo of confinement after their failed assault on heaven. Satan, once known as Helel, son of the morning, and described in Ezekiel 28 as the anointed cherub of perfection and beauty, led this rebellion with a desire to ascend above God, to be like the Most High. His fall to the earth, witnessed by Jesus Christ as a lightning bolt from heaven in Luke 10, positioned him and his vast army as unseen adversaries in our midst. Isaiah 14 further illustrates his ambition and subsequent downfall to the lowest depths, emphasizing the earth as his restrained domain. The extent of Satan's dominion is vast, potentially commanding millions of demons, as inferred from the symbolic numbers in Daniel 7 and Revelation 12. These beings, though numerous and powerful, operate under divine restraint, knowing God's awesome might and trembling before Him, as James 2 reveals. Their kingdom, however, is divided against itself, as Jesus Christ explains in Matthew 12, rendering them incapable of unity due to their rebellious and competitive nature. This disorganization, driven by Satan's forceful control rather than loyalty, offers an advantage to those under God's protection. Despite their restraint, Satan's influence persists, as seen in Job 1 and 2, where God permits limited actions against Job, setting boundaries to his power. Ephesians 6 underscores the spiritual battle against these principalities and powers, urging believers to don the whole armor of God to stand firm against Satan's wiles. Daniel 10 illustrates the unseen conflicts, where even mighty angels like Michael intervene against opposing forces, possibly Satan himself, to protect and aid God's people. Ultimately, Satan's dominion, though real and menacing, is under God's sovereign control. The earth, their prison, is shared with humanity, yet God's angels, outnumbering the demons, minister to the heirs of salvation. Victory is assured through Jesus Christ, who has already defeated Satan, ensuring that with faith and obedience, believers can stand against this dark dominion.
What I Believe About Conspiracy Theories
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe drive toward one world government is a transparent reality having several biblical prototypes, all inspired by demonic opposition to God's rule.
The Works of the Devil Destroyed
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSatan and his demons know that their time is short and are determined to destroy as many people as possible, especially the Israel of God.
Communication and Leaving Babylon (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe are open to invisible communication from the spirit world—communication designed to conform us to the course of this world. Recognizing it is vital.
Our Walk Out of Darkness Into the Light
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAfter we accept Christ's sacrifice, we desperately need to come out of sin, walking in light rather than darkness, having continuous fellowship with God.
The Judgments
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMultiple billions of people have lived and died without even hearing the name of Jesus Christ. But God has distinct periods of judgment and resurrection.