Job 1:8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?

 

In the 16th Chapter of the Book of Acts, we read that Paul and Silas were arrested because they cast a demon of divination out of a young slave woman who was being used by her masters to make money. The government officials stood in agreement with them and had Paul and Silas brought to the public marketplace where they were severely beaten and then thrown in the dungeon. Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. (Acts 16:22-24)

 

Yesterday, we drew attention to the fact that Paul and Silas were not arrested for preaching the Gospel of Christ, but because they cast a demon out of the woman. Without the demon possessing her, she was no longer able to tell fortunes which cut off her ability to make her masters money. THIS is why Paul and Silas were arrested.

 

What ensued was a virtual riot in the streets of Philippi as the people gathered to watch Paul and Silas be whipped with rods and then thrown in the dungeon and put in stocks, which was a horrible and extremely painful form of torture.

 

Why would God allow this to happen to two of the most consecrated men alive at that time? God is able to do anything! He could have removed them or struck the evil men dead on the spot but instead, He chose to allow this to happen to them. Why?

 

Satan can only do to people what God allows him to do. Satan is subject to God. God is NOT subject to Satan. Therefore, everything that happens to us is allowed by God and is a test of our faith. Our lives are all about our level of faith in God.

 

As New Testament believers, our faith is in the Finished Work of Christ on the Cross of Calvary. Everything we think, say and do is to be centered around our faith Christ Crucified. This is why Paul said, For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him Crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2)

 

As we read the 11th Chapter of Hebrews we find what has become known as the Hall of Faith. Every person noted there has a testimony of faith. It was their faith in God that saw them through and it will be our faith in Christ and Him Crucified that will see us through today.

 

Jesus saw Satan fall like lightning (Luke 10:18) and He defeated all power of the enemy on the Cross of Calvary. (Colossians 2:15) If you believe this, and place your faith in the Finished Work of Christ on the Cross, you can overcome anything Satan throws your way. This is the faith God seeks in His people: Faith in Christ Crucified! Hallelujah! It was there that He disarmed the enemy!

 

 

Faith in Christ Crucified will……...….turn the tide……..in this world.

 

My faith is in Christ Crucified,         Doreen

 

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