“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day…” (Ephesians 6:12-13). Last Saturday I gave a missionary presentation. Afterwards, a man came up to me and said, “I was very encouraged to hear what God is doing among Persian refugees here in Germany. But I would like to talk to you about something else… I’m only a simple farmer, but I feel that something strange is going on in our village. It has bad vibes. Many farms have gone bankrupt. Marriages have fallen apart. A few years ago, a young girl drowned in a manure pit. These strange things have been happening for a long time. About 25 years ago there was even a horrible train wreck just outside our village. A high-speed train derailed and over 100 people were killed. How do I protect my family and myself from these evil forces?” I replied: “I don’t know what is going on in your village, but Satan and his demons are very real, and they are quite active in the world. But Satan is terrified of Jesus and His Word. Whenever you drive through your village, pray the Lord’s Prayer—out loud. Satan will run. He has no other choice.” The man’s eyes welled up. “Thank you for believing me and thank you for your wonderful advice.” He even gave me a bear hug. *** October 31 is best observed by remembering that it is Reformation Day when Dr. Martin Luther in 1517 paved the way for the return of the Gospel—the very Good News that on the cross and in the empty tomb Jesus Christ defeated not only your sins and mine, but also conquered over sin, death, and the devil. Satan and his demons may still win a battle here or there, but they have lost the War against Jesus. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God to protect yourself from Satan who is quite real—by actively using the Word, by reading your Bible every day, and by taking the Lord’s Holy Supper every week. (Image: Cranach the Younger: “Christ Overcoming the Devil”).
The Tiews in Germany 