Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
As the time nears for the rapture of the Church and the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, Christians can expect intensified hostility from an ungodly world and from Satan's demonic forces; Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Apart from the Lord's protection, we are no match for Satan. He is much more powerful, intelligent and ruthless. He has an army of demons (fallen angels) at his disposal, as well as, an ungodly world that naively believes his lies and follows after his false doctrines; For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.(Ephesians 6:12)
How are we to defend against such a formidable enemy? We must be on the alert, always staying close to the Lord and His people (the Church) who love us. And like soldiers, we must be equipped with the full spiritual armor of God; Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-11)
Yes, our enemy is formidable, the spiritual battle is raging, the danger is real, and there will be casualties. But take courage Christian; You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world! (1 John 4:4).
Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war
With the cross of Jesus going on before
Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane
But the cross of Jesus constant will remain
Maranatha!
