THE HOLY SPIRIT AND I AGAINST THE WORLD

CHAPTER ONE
UNDERSTAND THE WORLD YOU LIVE IN

No true believer have the right to complain about this world. You can't complain about the
world's persecution and attacks on you as a believer. You were told and even if you weren't
you are now being told by God's word about the world being against what you stand for.
As a believer you will come across various forces and challenges. Both natural and
supernatural, physical and spiritual. This is inevitable but their level of effects on you is
determine by you. You have the final say. Not even God or the devil. God will only act
when you are ready to act. If you believe that the believer's life in this world is challenge
free life then I must remind you;
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world
you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NKJV
LGod have a perfect understanding of the world than any other. Through His infinite
knowledge, He revealed the world to us. Not just the world, but the evil one that control its
system. Our fight with the world goes beyond the physical. We live in a time where we
must have great lqand indepth knowledge of both our physical and spiritual warfares. We
are at the center of the spiritual order, being made the very image of the Creator and
redeemed of the Lord. Numerous Angels broke their covenant with God through Lucifer's
rebellion. God's wrath was raised on them without any form of redemption plan. Man
sinned, and yet God's mercy preceded His judgment. Not just that, God Himself took on
humanity and died for man. At the sight of this, the devil and his entire hosts of pfallen
Angels and demons geered in hate. God's love on man couldn't be understood by even the
Angels.
Now consider this. Supposing you were the devil, who will be your target? It will definitely
be man. But the greatest target will be the redeemed man! As a believer, you must
understand that all hell is out for you. The very essence of your salvation provokes the
world. I've seen ppl)many believers complain of worldly rejection. Some of them look so
sad and worn out just because an unbelieving friend mocked his or her faith. That shouldn't
disturb you, the father of the world knows how to instigate his kids against God's children.

THE WORLD LIES IN SIN

❝ Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so
death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:❞
—Romans 5: 12 (KJV)
❝ And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.❞
—1 John 5: 19 (KJV)
From the day that Adam sinned, sin entered the world and became the language of the
world. God created the earth in perfection but there was a devil to worry about. Through
God's wisdom, He gave the earth a new ruler (Adam) and gave him a command to rule
over everything. With this new command came a responsibility to dominate and to keep.
Animals and other creatures were created with the nature of obedience and submission to
man, thus, there was no need for that command. Another word for keep is to protect, and
to dominate is to lord over. So God was commanding Adam to protect the garden from the
adversary who had already fallen, and to dominate him (Satan). Due to man's failure to
uphold these commands, he gave place to the devil to become the ruler of the world. You
might wonder how listening to the devil made man to lose his position, but it's a principle
in the realm of the spirit. Look at this:
Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You
can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which
leads to righteous living.
Romans 6:16 NLT
That's it. Man disobeyed God and obeyed the devil. According to that principle of the spirit
realm, man becomes enslaved to Satan. But that's not all. Man's servitude to the devil made
man a partaker of the corruption that had eaten up the devil. But man's heart was still worth
saving thats why redemption played out. Someone asked me once if Satan can repent? The
answer is simple, he can never because he has no heart. The adversary became so corrupt
and depraved that he lost his heart. Ezekiel understood this:
“.......Thus says the Lord God , “You had the full measure of perfection and the
finishing touch [of completeness], Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were
the anointed cherub who covers and protects, And I placed you there. You were on
the holy mountain of God; You walked in the midst of the stones of fire [sparkling
jewels]. You were blameless in your ways From the day you were created Until
unrighteousness and evil were found in you. Through the abundance of your
commerce You were internally filled with lawlessness and violence, And you
sinned;…….Your heart was proud and arrogant because of your beauty; You
destroyed your wisdom for the sake of your splendor.......You profaned your
sanctuaries By the great quantity of your sins and the enormity of your guilt, By the
unrighteousness of your trade ……"
EZEKIEL 28:12, 14-18 AMP
Isaiah reveals the peak of Lucifer's corrupt heart:
“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!.....For you have
said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars
of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the
north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’
Isaiah 14:12-14 NKJV
Can you imagine that? He wanted to dethroned God. A creature that imagined to dethroned
the Creator have gone beyond anything. That's the highest level of rebellion. So the
adversary cannot repent for all his heart knows and wants is to be exalted as God, but that's
not possible. It's this same spirit of rebellion that he passed to man because a servant can
only act as his master. The corruption that was in Adam is passed to every natural man and
that makes the world subject to the power of sin. This is why the world will never accept
your person as a believer. Your mindset and that of the world isn't the same, you don't share
the same nature, and thus you can't act the same way. This is why we are warn in scripture
to be separated from the world. What it means is that though you are in the world, but don't
be a partaker of its evil and sins.
The spiritual head of the world is a candidate of sin, why then do you expect that his
subjects will be different from him. His nature is seen in everything that is connected to
the world. You see wars and turbulences in different governments, bribery and corruption
of all sorts, immorality, homosexuality, hate, anger etc. All these are the nature of the father
of the world manifesting and you should take no part in them. This is why we are warned
❝ …..know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever
therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.❞
—James 4: 4 (KJV)

FROM SPIRITUAL TO THE PHYSICAL

You know now that Satan is the lord of this world's system. But the question is how he gets
things working. So many believers are still ignorant of the truth on how Satan controls this
world, but that shouldn't be hard for any true believer. Satan controls this world from the
spirit realm. It is a great truth that the physical is control by the spiritual. This is also
applicable to Satan, He controls our world from the spirit realm. Our governments,
organizations, and families are all open to his attack and rulership if we permit. Satan has
lieutenants that help in his government. The Bible reveals that Satan is a fallen angel and
thus, he is not omnipotent, omniscient, or omnipresent. What these means is that though
the devil is an angel, yet he is not all powerful, all knowing, and certainly cannot be in
multiple places at the same time. He is created being.

THE SPIRITUAL PRINCES OF THE WORLD

As an African, I grew up to discover that one of the most idolatrous continent is Africa.
Presently, it is almost impossible to find a village or culture in Africa that is purely
Christianity. Some societies have even gone to the extent of practicing what I call mixed
religion. This form of religion is based on worship and reverence to two or more religions
with the idea of maintaining tradition and customs. It's not hard to find local Pastors that
are also key members of the African Traditional Religion. You see them in Church on
Sunday and find them the next day in the congregation of the traditionalists partaking in
their fellowship. To them they are simply giving God what belongs to God and to Caeser
what belongs to Caeser. Yet they are ignorant of the fact that light and darkness can not
fellowship together not partake in the same fellowship. This have been one of the reason
to the immense poverty of the Africans.
Stuffs like that don't open room for advancement and enlightenment. Many youths are
restricted to their local environment base on traditions and culture. Women are oppressed,
youths run from knowledge to politics and struggle of power. Many don't want to use his
or her creativity at times. All that matters is the fight for appointment, connection, and
position. Africa is one of the most naturally endowed continent in the world. She is rich in
everything you can ever imagine the creator depositing in this world. Am from Nigeria, the
giant of Africa. My country is rich in oil, agriculture, and great minds, yet it is one of the
poorest in the world. You see our government selling our resources and possessions in
order to sustain their political ambitions and selfish interests. Most times you see this
running into the Church and revealing itself in the life of God's ministers. Am not saying
all these to despise my country or continent, I want to reveal something very deep in
scripture that you might be facing in your own community presently.
First you must understand that the physical is controlled by the spiritual. Many at times it
is not our actions that counts, but it's our position in the realm of the spirit that matters. I
want you to read this verse carefully:
❝ For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness
in high places.❞
—Ephesians 6: 12 (KJV)
The Apostle Paul in the above verse was not just revealing to us the powers that we wrestle
with. He was also giving us insights into the powers that governs the world and their
positions. I've talked about the African society a little, looking at the above passage
revelationally will give us insights into the powers that are controlling different societies
in Africa and the world at large. Paul gave us four dimensions of spiritual forces that works
in this world and they are all connected to rulership. They include principalities, powers,
rulers of darkness of the world, and spiritual high places. Let's see them

PRINCIPALITIES

The word principalities in the verse is translated from the Greek word ἀρχή - archḗ which
means "chief ruler". The name refers specifically to fallen Angels (not demons; there is a
different between demons and fallen Angels) that are chief rulers in Satan's administration.
These fallen Angels are no doubt Angels that held great positions in God's kingdom before
being cast out with the devil due to rebellion. They are superior to most fallen Angels and
are in positions that relates to decision making in running the affairs of the world. Like I
said before, Satan has limitations, thus he work with these chief rulers to thrive in is plans
and purpose. These fallen Angels are the pillars to Satan's administration and key members
of Satan's inner circle or panel. The Amplified Version calls them "rulers".
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical
opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of
this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly
(supernatural) places.
Ephesians 6:12 AMP
Satan is a free moral agent and thus have the ability to make decisions and choices. He
doesn't do this alone, he unites with his central men (principalities) and deliberate on how
to actualize their plans. They have meetings at different times to take on a new course. I
knew this through the leadership of the Holy Ghost.
When I was 19, I remember having a prayer with few friends. We were all teenagers but
we experienced something unique as we prayed in the Holy Ghost. I remember that faithful
Sunday evening, we met in Church to discuss some spiritual issues relating to a revelation
a brother shared after service. After the discussion we entered into the realm of the spirit
and began to blast in tongues intensely, it wasn't long I was in a trance. I saw a place that
looked like a cave (but not really), there was a round table carved from a rock. I remember
vividly that there were creatures surrounding it and the map of the world on the table. They
had a leader whom I knew was Satan himself and they were all deliberating on the affairs
of the world. Their major discussion was associated with stopping the spread of the gospel.
Also, numerous angelic beings came to the table to give reports of their exploits or struggles
in the world. It was then I realized that Satan isn't alone in this business. He has pillars in
his government and they all occupy different positions. That there are spiritual offices and
positions is clear in the Bible
For in him was created the universe of things, both in the heavenly realm and on the
earth, all that is seen and all that is unseen. Every seat of power, realm of
government, principality, and authority—it all exists through him and for his
purpose!
Colossians 1:16 TPT
These fallen Angels were once in such positions in God's divine government before they
rebelled with Lucifer. Now they are in Satan's government working to spoil God's plans
and hold men in subjection and servitude. Another important thing about these chief rulers
is that they are not really on Earth, they are in the second heaven where Satan and other of
his fallen Angels abode. They no doubt come down to Earth but they are not the ones that
carry out the plans and decisions they make in their meetings. They are mainly decision
makers and Satan's personal commitee members.

POWERS
Powers are another set of fallen Angels that occupied great positions in God's kingdom.
They were part of the positions in God's divine government that Paul listed in Colossians:
❝ For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth,
visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or
powers: all things were created by him, and for him:❞
—Colossians 1: 16 (KJV)
The powers of Ephesians Six verse Twelve is not the same position in the above verse. The
above verse is revealing God's divine government as created by Christ in the beginning
while the other refers to the Satanic government. Satan was a key member to God's
government thus he had to replicate the same system of adminstration but in an evil manner.
I can't forge my second year in the university, as a student of history and international
relations, I still remember my lecturer using the Bible to give us deep insights on the affairs
of government. He really talked on this group "powers" (though not in the spiritual sense)
and nicknamed them "actors" or "middlemen". This was was due to their perculiar
functions. I'll take time to explain this group of )Satan's government.
The word powers is from the Greek word ἐξουσία - exousía which refers to magistrate,
jurisdiction, and delegated influence or authority. The meaning is related to a legal system.
To clearly understand their work, we must understand the three words that make up their
position.
The first is "magistrate" and it refers to a judicial officer with limited authority to
administer and enforce the law. Take note of the word "enforce".
The second is "jurisdiction" and it refers to three major things. "The power, right, or
authority to interpret and apply the law." Take note of apply. Secondly "The power or right
to exercise authority." Take note of exercise. The third is "The limits or territory within
which authority may be exercised."
The third is "delegated authority" and is a combination of two legal words "delegate" and
"authority". "Delegate" refers to a person authorized (given rights) to act as a representative
for another. "Authority" refers to the power to enforce rules or give orders. Or the right
application of power.
Looking at the above definitions, they all relate to acting and enforcing. Thus this group of
Satan's government are fallen Angels given rights by Satan to carry out his plans or execute
the decisions of the principalities. They are not really rulers but are executors of satanic
orders and laws. The principalities make laws, rules, and regulations, and the powers are
incharge of executing them. Thus we can say that the first responsibility of this group of
fallen Angels is the enforcement of satanic laws. I read of an American man that is a satanic
priest. He, his wife, and 12 years old daughter with a congregation of about 20 people
devote themselves in the activities of Satan. I did some diggings and discovered a clip
which the man, wife, and daughter were interviewed in their satanic church. The wife made
a striking statement. She said she donotes her menstrual flow every month to be used for
rituals. Her husband verified this and claimed that he received the command with numerous
others from an angel of Satan. If the man's story is true, then he had an encounter with a
fallen angel who is a power. Remember they are responsible for establishing Satan's law,
they also give those laws to men and make sure that they are being kept and followed.
Their second responsibility is to judge offenders and sanction them according to offense
committed. There are satanic courts everywhere in the world. They are of classes and
dimensions depending on the people and environment that they deal with. They include in
their ranks both fallen Angels and demons. Let's continue.

RULERS OF [DARKNESS OF] THIS WORLD

Thus is one of the most mentioned group of satanic government. The rulers of darkness of
the world, or simply put it - the rulers of the world are not humans ruling the world. The
Bible in the verse clearly states that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood"
thusathusaindicatingPindicating that these different positions in the satanic government is
not occupied by any man directly. Am not saying that men are not part of this government,
but theppassage is specifically talking about the spiritual government of Satan. In the next
chapter, we will look at how humans play out in this Satanic government.
The Greek word used to describe them is κοσμοκράτωρ - kosmokrátōr which means "a
world-ruler". The name relates to their work. This group refers to fallen angels and demons
that rule different territories and regions and many times assume the position of a god or a
religious figure. They are forces that controls and rule over different countries, nations,
tribes, empires, and cultures etc. The Passion Translation puts it clearly:
Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest
principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms. For
they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in
bondage.
Ephesians 6:12 TPT
They are not principalities that are Satan's inner circle members, neither are they the powers
that enforce and establish satanic laws and also serve in satanic courts. They are spirits that
are spiritual leaders of earthly kingdoms. Satan is the ruler of the world system, but these
spirits are his fingers in every society carrying out his leadership plans. They accept
worship in the name of Satan and report back their level of success or failure to the
principalities and Satan. The "powers" are Satan's agents mainly in enforcing and executing
his laws, commands, and judgments. They are not allowed govern over territories like the
rulers of darkness. The rulers of darkness of this world are clearly revealed in the old
testament. Let's see the events of Daniel 10:
Then he said, “Daniel, don't be afraid. God has heard your prayers ever since the
first day you decided to humble yourself in order to gain understanding. I have
come in answer to your prayer. The angel prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed
me for 21 days. Then Michael, one of the chief angels, came to help me, because I
had been left there alone in Persia. I have come to make you understand what will
happen to your people in the future. This is a vision about the future.”
Daniel prayed to God concerning the captivity of his people. After praying for
understanding of what lie ahead of his people, his prayer took 21 days before having a
reply. Please note, this story have nothing to do with the prayer of saints today. The Holy
Ghost is now on Earth and in us so Angels don't need to bring answers to our prayer. Let's
continue.
We see the angelic prince of Persia resisting the Angel Gabriel for 21 days before Michael
the Archangel came to fight with him. There is no spiritual kingdom called Persia, the
kingdom is earthly and made of men. The prince of Persia refers to the satanic angel that
was set over the kingdom of Persia to oversee the work of Satan in that kingdom. This
satanic angel was worshipped and adored by the Persians and referred to as the Persian
god. This was an idol worshipped by the Persians but this spirit was actually the one getting
the glory. Let's see more in the passage.
Once more he took hold of me, and I felt stronger. He said, “God loves you, so don't
let anything worry you or frighten you.” When he had said this, I felt even stronger
and said, “Sir, tell me what you have to say. You have made me feel better.” He said,
“Do you know why I came to you? It is to reveal to you what is written in the Book of
Truth. Now I have to go back and fight the guardian angel of Persia. After that, the
guardian angel of Greece will appear. There is no one to help me except Michael,
Israel's guardian angel.
Daniel 10:12-14, 18-21 GNB
We see more than one spirit prince in the chapter. The Angel Gabriel mentioned another
fallen angel that was set by Satan as a ruler of darkness of the world. After his (Gabriel)
message to Daniel, he was to return back to his battle with the angelic prince of Persia, and
from them the angelic prince of Greece who was to appear soon. That is, attack the Jews
soon. But take note of this. This form of administration was established by God, but Satan,
having being part of God's government followed it in his administration. This is obvious
in the statement of Gabriel in the last verse.
"There is no one to help me except Michael, Israel's guardian angel."
Gabriel reveals that Michael is the angel of Israel. No wonder it is a powerful nation. Today
there are countries that have God's Angels as their angelic prince. We will look at that soon.
These satanic princes caused their nations to raged war with Israel, and since they (the
Jews) had rebelled against God, God restrained the hand of their angelic prince Michael
and let their enemies triumph over them. These rulers of darkness are still instigating the
hearts of leaders in their nations to rage war against believers. They are the spirit behind
terrorism, religious crisis, and the wars raged by different nations and states today. Another
clear example was Tyre which was governed by Satan himself. Let's see the word of God:
Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, take up a
lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God : “You
were the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden,
the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and
diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The
workmanship of your timbrels and pipes Was prepared for you on the day you were
created. “You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on
the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.
You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was
found in you.
Ezekiel 28:11-15 NKJV
I don't need to tell you that Satan is the one referred to in the verses. Now the passage had
a double reference. That means that God is talking about two things in one statement. How
you identify a double reference is based on multiple personalities referred to a person, or a
statement that clearly pictures two events that might not be similar, but convey the same
sense of truth. Now the opening of the verses reveals the king of Tyre which was an earthly
kingdom. But the qualities of the man reveals another person in the background. No man
apart from Adam is assumed perfect in his ways before sinning. No man have ever been
anointed by God as a Cherub (a special class of Angels). No man was made with precious
stones of all sorts. The discription is no doubt clear about most Angels (Ezekiel 1). No man
apart from Adam had ever been in Eden; the garden of God. Yet Lucifer was no doubt there
because he was the first ruler of the earth in the pre-adamic world before destruction and
recreation in Genesis 1; Jer. 4:23-25. (You can refer to my short book "The World Before").
It is then clear that the passage was no doubt referring to Satan who was the angelic prince
that instigated the heart of the king of Tyre to work against God and His people. Angels
are free moral beings, so also the creatures that are referred to as demons today. They have
their individual behaviours and characters, and in their former glorified states, they had
different positions amd responsibilities based on their personalities. After they fell from
glory, Satan placed them in positions that are related to their personalities. Don't stop
reading:

SPIRITUAL [WICKEDNESS IN] HIGH PLACES

These are the numerous satanic forces send across the earth to carry out Satan's wicked
schemes and purposes. They are not included in the above three classes, these spirit forces
are what I term as free roamers. Satan himself is one of such. They go about the Earth
commiting havocs, killing, destroying, and leading the people of God astray. They include
mainly demons. They possess men (fallen Angels don't have the ability to possess) and
initiate evil ideas in the minds of many. They go into Churches to scatter the hearts of
believers, they destroy relationships, they enticed men into doing things that are against
God's will. Their major duty is to hinder the Gospel and corrupt the truths of God's word.
They are what Paul refers to as seducing spirits.
❝ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from
the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;❞
—1 Timothy 4: 1 (KJV)
You can never imagine the depths of these spirit's wickedness. A man in Nigeria killed his
wife and kids and claimed that he was commanded by God. That's the spiritual wickedness
in high places working in them. Let me tell you a personal experience. A young lady
approached me with a claim that God said she is to be my wife. It was just my first year in
the university. I was so surprised when I had a similar dream in the night. I got up the
following morning and was still pondering when a man approached me and claimed that
God said I'd marry the sister. More than four people came with the same report (I was
certained she wasn't the one behind their reports). The flesh wanted to yield to it, after all
she was every man's dream. But you see, I wasn't a man, I was a man of God and knew
very well that was is good for ordinary men isn't for me. I hated the word ordinary to start
with. I followed the leadership of the Father in me; the Holy Ghost. I went to her and invited
her for a prayer section in Church, just the two of us. After the prayer, she returned home
and I did the same. But after that day, I began to see the plans of Satan. God revealed to
me how the adversary was going through the dreams of those individuals to lure me into
such a wicked scheme. I wasn't even up to the age of marriage, I wasn't even thinking of it
in the next five years to come. So why will my Father bother me with such a load. Imagine
how many believers have fallen prey to the snare of these spirits. Many at times when I
cast out demons from young people I literally weep for such a bondage the enemy have
laid on them. The spiritual wickeness in high places are everywhere, that's why you've got
to be a burning believer. You must boldly say like Paul:
"In order to keep Satan from getting the upper hand of us; for we know what his
plans are."
2 Corinthians 2:11 GNB
I will explain more in subsequent chapters. I believe you understand the four classes in
satanic government now. Let's see how they work in our world today.

AGENTS OF THE SATANIC GOVERNMENT

I said before that the four classes of Satanic government we just looked at have no human
occupying any of the positions. Like I said before, the Bible clearly reveals that they are
not flesh and blood but are spiritual authorities that make up the government of Satan.
Notwithstanding, humans also have their roles to carry out in this government. I will take
time and explain this to you in order to clarify certain things I said in chapter one of this
book. If you find yourself in any governmental or political position, please don't think am
against you in any way. Just understand that you can still be a light in a world of corrupt
system.

SATAN'S KINGDOM
Satan has a kingdom, and his kingdom is the world's system which he controls. That Satan
has a kingdom is clearly revealed in scripture.
"Again, the devil took Him up on a very high mountain and showed Him all the
kingdoms of the world and the glory [splendor, magnificence, and excellence] of
them; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and
worship me.”
Satan took Jesus to a high pinnacle and showed him the kingdoms of the world and their
splendours. He then made a striking statement - "All these things I will give You, if you
fall down and worship me." In other words, Satan was claiming that the kingdoms of the
world are his possessions. He claimed to give them to Christ if he could only get His
(Christ's) worship. I believe that if Satan was wrong that Christ would've simply said "hey,
they are not yours". But Christ never questioned his claims on the kingdoms of the world.
Christ only said:
Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written and forever remains
written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only .’ ”
Mathew 4:8-10 AMP
Christ rebuked him for trying to get the worship of God and not for his claim on the world's
kingdoms. Jesus in another verse reveals that Satan has a kingdom.
❝ If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye
say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.❞
—Luke 11: 18 (KJV)
It is scripturally clear then that Satan has a kingdom and his kingdom is that of the world
and it's system. You have to understand this as a believer if you are going to be successful
in your walk on Earth.

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE WORLD

There is nothing bad or evil about the establishment of government. In fact if there is no
government the world will enter into the state of anarchy. The worst in men will be revealed
and the world will be base on "survival of the fittest". So no one can deny the the fact that
God is in support and an initiator of government. This is clear in Paul's letter to the Romans:
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority
except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist
have been put in place by God. Therefore whoever resists [governmental] authority
resists the ordinance of God. And those who have resisted it will bring judgment
(civil penalty) on themselves. For [civil] authorities are not a source of fear for
[people of] good behavior, but for [those who do] evil. Do you want to be unafraid of
authority? Do what is good and you will receive approval and commendation."
 Romans 13:1-3 AMP
This might come as a shock to ignorant believers who go about insulting government
officials. The Bible clearly reveals that God places people in power. This doesn't mean that
God is responsible for the evils and ills of numerous government officials. God pass
through men to create governmental offices and we the people vote people into it. It's then
the responsibility of God to judge those in the offices base on their performances. It is clear
in scripture that God at times put people in power but that doesn't mean that He won't judge
such individuals when they abuse such power or position. This is very clear in the life of
King Saul and David. This is what Paul meant in the above passage. You must respect the
government as a believer, never insult a government official no matter what. This was hard
for me to handle, coming from a country that seems the government was then the enemy
of the people. Nevertheless, I had to yield because it is what is demanded by every one that
is named after God. This is the same command given by Paul to Timothy.
1 Timothy 2 (KJV)
¹ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving
of thanks, be made for all men;
² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable
life in all godliness and honesty.
This is very clear then and I believe you have no objection to this as a believer. Just as that
is clear there is another truth I must make clear to you. Even though God established the
government, yet Satan have become the father of the system running in the government.
He is the father of the world's politics. This is due to man's failure to uphold and maintain
God's standards and principles in the government thus giving place to Satan to carry out
his evil schemes. When Adam sinned against God, he sold out his position and gave up the
government to Satan. When Christ died, He reclaimed the position from Satan but did not
establish His kingdom fully in the physical. He gave us the chance to gather up men for
His new kingdom. That's why soul winning is the greatest obligation of a believer, and a
soul won to God's kingdom the greatest achievement. Now Satan knows that his kingdom
is literally coming to an end, he now puts out all his power to fight God's people. Christ
will no doubt pull down every physical and spiritual governments and create a new one
that will be ruled by His saints alone. That's why we are called kings and priests of God.
"After that comes the end (completion), when He hands over the kingdom to God
the Father, after He has made inoperative and abolished every ruler and every
authority and power."
1 Corinthians 15:24 AMP

SOME GOVERNMENTS, THE INSTRUMENT OF SATAN

The devil have used many governments to fight God's people and to cause civil and national
unrest. Take a good look at the world's history. As an international Historian, you can never
trace any war that is not empowered by a seat of power or authority, either directly or
indirectly. Let me quickly remind you of a man that was the pioneer of the second world
war - Adolf Hitler. This man was so wicked and brutal that the mention of his name set the
hearts of many in deep panic. He was a German leader and a strong racist who believed
that the Germans were the only true creatures and were to dominate every other person and
nations on the face of the Earth. Adolf was a god to the Germans and till date, there are
still terrorist groups and followers linked to his ideology. Adolf Hitler was no doubt a man
in a political seat influenced by Satan to inflict pains and reproach on people of the world.
Today we see clearly so many government policies that is directly against God's commands
to His people. The government of many societies today have approved gay marriages and
homosexuality. Some even encourage abortions, prostitutions, and occultism. In Nigeria,
we see government officials who encourage and sponsor numerous gangs in order to
perpetuate their evil schemes. Terrorism is believed to be the enemy of the state and man,
yet we see men in public offices funding terrorists to bomb schools, destroy properties, and
cause a civil unrest all for no good cause.

THE CHURCH, A TARGET.

Satan, throughout the history of the Church have always use most governments to fight the
body of Christ. The Church as we know is Satan's greatest target. This is because the
Church is the only place that is equiped and enlightened enough to deal with the devil. It's
unfortunate that most Churches are ignorant of this. I love Evangelist Reinhardt Bonnke,
as a young African boy, he held a fire crusade in my state that the impact lasts till date. I
remember the local Churches around joining forces with the man of God in the crusade.
Oh boy, the gates of hell was shaken to its foundation. Men and women were saved into
God's kingdom. The blood of Christ brought mercy to the people and truthfully, like the
man of God always say, "hell was plundered and heaven populated". You can never
exaggerate the immense power possessed by the true Church of Christ. I've seen men and
women running into the Church during a powerful prayer section. I have personally seen
yokes broken from people as I preach the Gospel of Grace. All these are just a little of what
the Church can do. Its unfortunate that so many Churches are not this aggressive in pulling
down Satan's kingdom.
Satan understands the power of the Church and of the Gospel. He knows that when the
Gospel is properly preached, signs and wonders follows. This is what terrifies him a lot.
"He said to them, “Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to the
whole human race. Believers will be given the power to perform miracles: they will
drive out demons in my name; they will speak in strange tongues; if they pick up
snakes or drink any poison, they will not be harmed; they will place their hands on
sick people, who will get well.”
Mark 16:15, 17-18 GNB
This came to pass when the Holy Ghost came in the Pentecost. It is very clear in Acts 5:
"The apostles performed many signs, wonders, and miracles among the people."
Acts 5:12 TPT
Satan knows this, and it scares him. There is another thing that scare him most. He knows
his time is short and once the Gospel of the kingdom is preached to all nations as a witness
then Christ will come and permanently throw him into eternal punishment and suffering.
❝ Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of
the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath,
because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.❞
—Revelation 12: 12 (KJV)
This doesn't just reveal the last days to us. It shows the mind of Satan presently. The
beginning of Satan's judgement started at Christ's resurrection. He is a being with intense
wrath in his heart for God's people because he knows that his days are numbered. After the
day of his judgment comes his eternal punishment.
❝ And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone,
where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for
ever and ever.❞
—Revelation 20: 10 (KJV)
God described the level of torments the devil will face to prophet Ezekiel:
"Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the
iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it
shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all
them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be
astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more."
Ezekiel 28:18-19 KJV
The phrase "brought down to ashes" is not literal, it means that Satan will be brought down
to the greatest place of humiliation and shame. The sight of this great punishment will
terrify all that see. Isaiah even recorded that many will wonder if that's actually the
adversity.
Isaiah 14 (KJV)
¹⁵ Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
¹⁶ They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this
the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;
¹⁷ That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened
not the house of his prisoners?
You see then child of God, the devil knows this and it terrifies him immensely. He knows
how dangerous the rapture of the Church is, because it starts a countdown of a thousand
years before his final and eternal punishment.
This is why the Church is his greatest target. He wants to split her, corrupt her, seduce her,
and hinder her by any means possible. He uses his angels and demons, the government of
the world, and his children (the unbelievers) to fight the Church of Christ. I know there are
some governments that uphold God's standards and principles. Satan includes such
government in his target in order to cease power from the righteous and give it to the
unrighteous. In doing this, he tightens his grip over such a state or nation and use it as a
tool against God's people. The battle of worldly government and the is apparent from the
earliest history of the Church. Let's see a powerful event in the book of Acts.
Acts 12 (KJV)
¹ Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the
church.
² And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
³ And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.
(Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
⁴ And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to
four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth
to the people.
⁵ Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the
church unto God for him.
We see Satan using Herod to fight the early Church, through the hand of this man, James
was killed and Peter was arrested to be mocked and made a spectacle of a shameful death
after Easter. Herod was a king, a government official, and an enemy of the Church. The
government was to protect the innocent and punish offenders. But even at the end of Jesus'
life on Earth, we see a robber and a serial killer being realeased and a sinless man being
killed. That's what Satan is using many governments of the world to do today. This was
what happened to James and would have happened to Peter if the Church had not engaged
in ceaseless prayers. The effective prayers of the Church brought down the power of heaven
over Herod:
²¹ And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and
made an oration unto them.
²² And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
²³ And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the
glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
²⁴ But the word of God grew and multiplied.
Praise God! God fought vigorously for His Church. He is still doing same today. But we
must remain in the place of consistent prayers. Herod was a political leader and represented
the political government of the people. There was a even more stronger government that
fought the Church. I call them the religious government. This government was Satan's most
used tool in fighting the the Church and Christ. The religionists had many sects among
them. They had the Sadducees, the Pharisees, Sanhedrin, the religious lawyers and doctors
and much more. These sects made up the religious government and grew as a very powerful
tool of Satan. Paul himself gives account of their malevolent acts on the Church.
"I persecuted and pursued the followers of this Way to the death, binding them with
chains and putting [followers of Jesus] both men and women into prisons, as the
high priest and all the Council of the elders (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court) can
testify; because from them I received letters to the brothers, and I was on my way to
Damascus in order to bring those [believers] who were there to Jerusalem in chains
to be punished."
Acts 22:4-5 AMP
Remember that Paul was a key member in the Jewish government as long as persecuting
the Church was involved. He was a supporter of Stephen's death, and a contract killer to
hunt down Christians. The devil was really fighting the early Church through the
governments of the world. The Jews were stoning them, the Romans were locking them up
in prisons, and the pegan nations shut their gates against them. Of all these, the Church
prevailed!
 Acts 8 (KJV)
¹ And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great
persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered
abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
² And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over
him.
³ As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling
men and women committed them to prison.
⁴ Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
Another thing I want you to get into your spirit is that as a Church, we must have access to
the government. Anybody that says that believers should not partake in the government is
blind. If we had occupied much grounds in the government, the unbelievers will not see a
ground in office to fight the Church of Christ. The book of Proverbs clearly reveals why
believers should enter the seat of power.
"Show me a righteous ruler and I will show you a happy people. Show me a wicked
ruler and I will show you a miserable people."
Proverbs 29:2 GNB
The happiness of the people lies in the kind of leader involved. God placed so many people
in the place of power and most of them did well. Thinking that the believer should not take
on the seat of power is giving Satan full rights to the government. Just like a tiny bulb in a
dark room can chase away darkness, so also can a believer make a great different in the
government. This is what you have to know.

FALSE RELIGIONS

As an Historian, I have studied greatly about different societies mostly in Africa. One
predominant truth about these societies is that they all practiced idolatry. In fact, there was
a time when it seemed the whole world (though not all) lies in idolatry. The question then
is, "who was behind the idols?" These societies became Satan's weapon to fight God's
people. Many believers were killed throughout the Roman Empire and the world at large.
Africans were very aggressive on most missionaries (except those that came with the
colonial masters). The Asian nations closed down their gates and declared a dead penalty
on any Christian found preaching Christ. One thing that these societies shared in common
is that they were all living in idolatry. Satan is the father of false religions and the god
behind idols. He establishes false religions in order to target the Church and to draw the
world away from the only true God. In southern Nigeria where I come from, Christianity
has taken over that it is almost impossible to find a street without a Church. Yet, like I said
before, so many believers are still entangled in the yoke of idolatry. They are deceived in
the name of tradition and culture. They say "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to
God what belongs to God". The question is, "what actually belonged to Caesar?" It was
money! Jesus was literal enough in His statement. You are a believer, you have a new
culture, a new tradition, and a new set of beliefs. You don't have to be a part of those
established by your idolatrous ancestors. Let me open your mind to what I call the five
faces of false religions.

THE FACE OF SACRIFICES

A funny philosopher once claimed that God in the old testament accepted sacrifices, thus
there's no difference with that of the idolatrous nations and false religions. I looked at him
and laughed, he was puzzled. He thought he had made a great blow in his statement, but
he was just revealing how blind he is. Yes it is true that God accepted sacrifices in the old
testament, but the question is "was the purpose of the sacrifice well known?" Yes they
were. Every sacrifice of the old testament pointed to Christ and the Church. There is no
single sacrifice in the old testament that is not explained and fulfilled in the life of Christ.
Animal sacrifices signified the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross. This was very clear
to them in the old testament because they were to sacrifice as a faith to the coming Lamb
of God. Abraham understood this;
Genesis 22 (KJV)
⁷ And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here
am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a
burnt offering?
⁸ And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering:
so they went both of them together.
Abraham no doubt was speaking prophetically concerning the coming of the Lamb of God.
That Abraham was a prophet is clear in scripture.
❝ Now therefore restore the man (Abraham) his wife; for he is a prophet, and he
shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that
thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.❞
—Genesis 20: 7 (KJV)
It is then clear that Abraham was speaking prophetically that God will provide the Lamb
which is Jesus. That's not all, Apostle Paul in his epistle to thr Galatians revealed that
Abraham had the Gospel which we have today but in a prophetical manner:
❝ And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith,
preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be
blessed.❞
—Galatians 3: 8 (KJV)
There's still more, something deeper. God Himself instituted the sacrifice of animals as a
sign of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
❝ Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and
clothed them.❞
—Genesis 3: 21 (KJV)
God did the first animal sacrifice and clothed man with the skin thereof signifying the death
of Christ that shall eternally plea for man's sin and cover the nakedness of his sin eternally.
God did the cloth Himself to signify that salvation will only come from Him and not from
man's deeds or works. This prophetical action was revealed by the prophet Isaiah
Isaiah 61 (KJV)
¹⁰ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath
clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of
righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride
adorneth herself with her jewels.
¹¹ For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that
are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise
to spring forth before all the nations.
The fulfilment of the passage is no doubt in Christ. Christ finished work on the calvary
brought in a reality that all nations should be saved and be a part of the righteousness of
God through faith. If you look at the second part of the verse you will see clearly that "the
Lord God will cause", not man will cause. The same was revealed when God clothed Adam
and Eve, but this time He (God) will clothe us not with animal skin from sacrifice, but
salvation from the sacrifice of one - Jesus. This is why animal sacrifices became part of the
Jewish faith. The acceptance of sacrifices was not majorly based on the size or quality of
the animal given, but on the heart of the man that offers the sacrifice.
Psalms 51 (KJV)
¹⁶ For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt
offering.
¹⁷ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God,
thou wilt not despise.
Did you see that? God's major interest had nothing to do with the sacrifice itself but on the
condition of the heart that offers the sacrifice. God Himself revealed this when the Israelites
centered their hearts on sacrifice and not on God.
He says, “Do you think I want all these sacrifices you keep offering to me? I have
had more than enough of the sheep you burn as sacrifices and of the fat of your fine
animals. I am tired of the blood of bulls and sheep and goats. Who asked you to
bring me all this when you come to worship me? Who asked you to do all this
tramping about in my Temple? It's useless to bring your offerings. I am disgusted
with the smell of the incense you burn. I cannot stand your New Moon Festivals,
your Sabbaths, and your religious gatherings; they are all corrupted by your sins. I
hate your New Moon Festivals and holy days; they are a burden that I am tired of
bearing.
Isaiah 1:11-14 GNB
You see then that God's interest was in the heart. The Jews were walking in doubt and
rebellion. What this means is that an act of unbelieve condemns one's sacrifice. But
unbelieve of what? Unbelieve of what God had said. Everything that God said was fulfilled
in Christ and this is what they didn't believe. Paul points this out:
For indeed we have had the good news [of salvation] preached to us, just as the
Israelites also [when the good news of the promised land came to them]; but the
message they heard did not benefit them, because it was not united with faith [in
God] by those who heard.
Hebrews 4:2 AMP
They doubted God and His word. The promise Land was a significant of the eternal resting
place that should come through the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. It is this same doubt on the
resurrected Christ that deprives one of this eternal rest today. In summary, Animal
sacrifices ended in Christ. I'll leave you here with the revelation of Hebrews 9:
And he (Christ) has entered once and forever into the Holiest Sanctuary of All, not
with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the sacred blood of his own sacrifice. And he
alone has made our salvation secure forever! Under the old covenant the blood of
bulls, goats, and the ashes of a heifer were sprinkled on those who were defiled and
effectively cleansed them outwardly from their ceremonial impurities. Yet how
much more will the sacred blood of the Messiah thoroughly cleanse our consciences!
For by the power of the eternal Spirit he has offered himself to God as the perfect
Sacrifice that now frees us from our dead works to worship and serve the living
God. So Jesus is the One who has enacted a new covenant with a new relationship
with God so that those who accept the invitation will receive the eternal inheritance
he has promised to his heirs. For he died to release us from the guilt of the violations
committed under the first covenant.
 Hebrews 9:12-15 TPT
I believe that the concept of sacrifice in the old testament is clear to you now? They have
nothing to do with our faith as Christians again cause Christ have paid the ultimate price.
Whether in Church of anywhere else, refuse to involve yourself in any form of sacrifice
outside that which gives glory to God. I mean sacrifice that is of the heart in services and
honour to God. No fruit, plant, animal, or any other material can be greater than that of
Jesus. You have to flee from ministers who demands such things in the name of
deliverance. That's spiritual foolishness!

Let's continue with our discussion. Like I said before, this face of false religion is given by
the devil to deceive people into demonic sacrifices. These sacrifices open up the portal for
demonic spirits to operate in this world. Let me enlighten to you. Demons according to the
scripture are in a place called "the pit" or "the abyss". This place is a spirit world below the
earth. Demons are disembodied beings that existed in the pre-adamic world, but they are
not Angels for there is no record of any angel or fallen angel having the ability to possess
men. They can enter in thousands into one man. The Bible gives us a clear truth on demons
possessing people in thousands. These demons gain entrance into this world through portals
that are opened through human contracts with them. These contracts are seal by sacrifices.
Thus every sacrifice offered to any deity by false religions open a spiritual portal for
demons to come into this world and operate. That's not all, your soul as a portal too. When
you involve in demonic trafficking through sacrifices offered in the name of traditions,
assignments, or obedience to any prophet, you have enter into a demonic contract which
open up your spirit or that of your family for demonic operations. The Bible clearly reveals
to us that spiritual contracts are sealed with blood. Hence, false religions tend to focus more
on sacrifices, especially of blood.
So even the first covenant was not put in force without [the shedding of] blood…….
saying, “This is the blood of the covenant [that seals and ratifies the agreement]
which God ordained and commanded [me to deliver to] you.” And in the same way
he sprinkled both the tabernacle and all the containers and sacred utensils of
 worship with the blood. In fact under the Law almost everything is cleansed with
blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness [neither release
from sin and its guilt, nor cancellation of the merited punishment].
Hebrews 9:18, 20-22 AMP
The "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God" christians
are always out to justify their relationship with idolatrous sacrifices. They tell you that they
must obey traditions and cultures. Even most believers fall into the hands of false prophets
who ask them for sacrificial items in the name of deliverance and special prayers. The Bible
clearly reveals that any form of sacrifices not directed to God in the old testament was
directed to the devil:
❝ They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods
that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.❞
—Deuteronomy 32: 17 (KJV)
Can you see that? Their sacrifice was unto demons. That's the same thing today. Don't be
deceived, any idol or deity that is worshipped or sacrificed to has a devil behind it. This is
clear in Paul's epistle to the Corinthians:
Now, am I saying that idols and the sacrifices offered to them have any value?
Absolutely not! However, I am implying that when an unbeliever offers a sacrifice to
an idol, it is not offered to the true God but to a demon. I don’t want you to be
participants with demons!
1 Corinthians 10:19-20 TPT
Did you see that last verse? You don't have to be participants with demons. But how? By
involving in idolatrous sacrifices and practices. There is absolutely no idol on Earth that is
not connected to a devil. Most times, people that make such idols have no intention to call
out devils, but since the devil is always looking for whom to devour, he position himself
as the deity behind the idol. This is why you should not have any idolatrous item around
you. I know you have power over them, but you must know that we have been called out
to be separated. This is what Satan is doing today. Many societies are struggling in demonic
bondage because of the contracts their ancestors signed with the devil through sacrifices.
He has given his dark prophets this same mantle to go about deceiving God's people by
enslaving them with sacrificial acts in the name of deliverance and prayers. He is in deed
the god of this world.

THE FACE OF CULTURE AND TRADITION

The simplest definition of culture is that it is the way of life a particular society. By this it
means the arts, customs, lifestyle, background, and habits that characterizes a society.
Tradition refers to the passing down of culture from one generation to another. Now false
religions seem to take stock of this a lot. The devil understands the power of continuity.
Cultures are made by false religions to ensnare men. It forces you into a lifestyle that is
detrimental to your destiny on Earth. Demonic cultures ovelook the condition of the heart
and focus more on the character of the physical. I met a young Muslim girl named Fatima.
After engaging in an intense discussion with her, I discovered that 90 percent of what she
was doing in the name of Islam was actually not from her heart. One of the shocking
statement she made was when she told me that she doesn't understand why Allah will take
pleasure in a girl marrying at the age of 7. Well since she was no longer with her family,
I converted her and she saw the joy of the Lord.
Am not sorry to say this in any way, but what Satan is doing in false religions is terrible.
It's something that makes my heart yearn more for a missionary work into these nations.
He gives them cultures that demands great deal of struggles but no grace to help. In such
cultures, you see that the fundamental human rights are often neglected, especially that of
women. You see that underage girls are forced into marriage, women are oppressed and
forced to be the filth of men, they are forced into dressing in a ridiculous manners, you see
unholy marital practices etc. The devil tries to give most Churches this mentality but you
should understand:
And we no longer see each other in our former state—Jew or non-Jew, rich or poor,
male or female—because we’re all one through our union with Jesus Christ with no
distinction between us .
Galatians 3:28 TPT
Thats the beauty of being in Christ. Women are no longer a target to be prey upon and
trample by men. If any Church condones such acts, such a Church is under the teachings
of Satan. Beloved, flee from Amy form of culture that doesn't promote your relationship
with God. I know you have a society you belong to, an ancestral heritage that you are
commanded to keep, a family you belong to, but let your freedom in Christ come first. I
see cultures that are hilarious at times. In a society in southern Nigeria, embalment of the
dead is seen as a taboo, bodies of the dead are kept in the compound of the deceased and
kept warm by a tiny flame of fire. There is a special day for burying a woman, and a man
also. So the corpse is kept till the day for burial. The entire environment will stink that flies
will cover the air. People will then walk in and out visiting the corpse everyday till the
burial. You dare not close your nose or hide your face. If you are given water or food in
the compound, you are to take and not resent in any way. Their god commands them of
this and they must follow cause it's their tradition. There is another culture that accepts
prostitution. Another entells that fornication at night is no sin cause god doesn't see at night.
I know you're laughing now. There are so many rites and customs that are despicable. Satan
wants to enslave the Church which these things. But remember what Paul said to the
Church:
Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly
transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This
will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and
perfect in his eyes.
Romans 12:2 TPT
Am not from the United States of America, I don't know much about the Halloween. But
I'll advice that whatever ever you do (those that have the Halloween festival around them),
do it in the Christian way. Just like you celebrate the Easter, Christmas, and St. Valentine's
day in the house of God and Jesus at the center of your mind, so also should you celebrate
Halloween and other festival and holidays in Christlike manner. Don't be enslaved by the
devil believer. I know you are immune to demonic possession, but you are not immune to
their influences. So you must be watchful. Know the kinds of culture you accept in funerals,
weddings, relationships, and even in the Church. Paul knew this and warned us vividly:
But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are
turning back to those weak and miserable forces ? Do you wish to be enslaved by
them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and
years! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.
Galatians 4:9-11 NIV
Sometimes I hear sermons that deprives us of our freedom in Christ. Flee from such. God's
interest is in your fellowship with Him. Fellowship is a matter of the heart being conscious
and passionate on the Father. But most believers take in their culture as if it is God that
commanded it. They select what to eat because they believe it's a sin. Most condemn others
who eat or drink such things. I believe that God created all things and declared them good,
thus it is not what I eat that is a sin, but it is how I eat it! For instance, the Bible commands
that we should drink and not be drunk, does that mean that alcohol completely is a sin? No!
It is how I take it. Simply put it, it's my motive behind it. Personally I don't take alcohol,
not because it's a sin, but because first I don't want to offend the minds of the weak in faith
and those that claims that it is a sin, and secondly, because I don't like anything that is not
sweet. And to me, alcohol is far from sweet (funny). Don't be enslaved beloved. I repeat,
don't be enslaved! Christ have liberated us from servitude, don't be ensnared by demonic
cultures and traditions again. Paul taught that:
He canceled out every legal violation we had on our record and the old arrest
warrant that stood to indict us. He erased it all—our sins, our stained soul—he
deleted it all and they cannot be retrieved ! Everything we once were in Adam has
been placed onto his cross and nailed permanently there as a public display of
cancellation. Then Jesus made a public spectacle of all the powers and principalities
of darkness, stripping away from them every weapon and all their spiritual
authority and power to accuse us. And by the power of the cross, Jesus led them
around as prisoners in a procession of triumph. He was not their prisoner; they
were his! So why would you allow anyone to judge you because of what you eat or
 drink, or insist that you keep the feasts, observe new moon celebrations, or the
Sabbath? All of these were but a prophetic shadow and the evidence of what would
be fulfilled, for the body is now Christ!
Colossians 2:14-17 TPT
Reject any position or title that is connected to idolatrous worship. Being in such positions
means giving yourself to be a liason for the devil. One of the kings of Israel didsomething
similar to this. He made priests and chiefs to occupy positions related to his idol. But here
is what the Bible says:
❝ And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the
calves which he had made.❞
—2 Chronicles 11: 15 (KJV)

THE FACE OF BELIEFS AND NORMS

Beliefs refers to mental acceptance of a claim as likely true. It is a matter of faith and trust
on the reality or significance of a thing. Norms in the other hand refer to a set of rules
accepted by members of a society. Beliefs cuts across cultures and norms of a society.
What this means is that the cultures and norms of a society is influenced by the beliefs of
such society and religion is the father of beliefs. There is no society on Earth that is void
of religion. We can see individuals that are atheist, but it is impossible to see an atheistic
society. This is because there is an indwelling curiosity in man for thr supernatural. Even
in a society void of enlightenment, crawling with cannibals and cape men with no sense of
civilization, religion will always exist. Why? Because there is always a curiosity for the
Supernatural. Let's see what the Bible says in Romans 1:19-32:
"In reality, the truth of God is known instinctively, for God has embedded this
knowledge inside every human heart. Opposition to truth cannot be excused on the
basis of ignorance, because from the creation of the world, the invisible qualities of
God’s nature have been made visible, such as his eternal power and transcendence.
He has made his wonderful attributes easily perceived, for seeing the visible makes
us understand the invisible. So then, this leaves everyone without excuse.
 Throughout human history the fingerprints of God were upon them, yet they
refused to honor him as God or even be thankful for his kindness."
Did you see that? God have embedded the knowledge of His existence in the heart of man.
This is not about the coming of Christ for one needs to be enlighten on that. Here it refers
to the one that says there's no God. The one that believe that evolution is a better
explanation of man's existence. For a moment let's say we believe in evolution. The
question then will be "if we came from Apes, then where did Apes evolved from?" I know
they will give us a long list until it gets to molecules. The question then will be very specific
- "If we don't know how molecules came about, then we must agree that molecules is our
God. Yes, because our existence came from it". There will always be a God in every logic
that explains human's existence. But let's see how Satan used this for his advantage. Let
me take you back to the Bible days. Have you ever imagined how so many religions came
to be? After man sinned against God and was banished out of Eden, humanity entered into
a dispensation call "Innocence". In this dispensation, God allowed man to discern that
which is good from evil and to do the right thing. Remember, man's conscience was
revealed as a result of sin in Eden. That's why he hid himself from God. (I'll advice you
read my book "Not As They Appear". It's a book that explains some Biblical events that are
often hard to accept or understand, like the Tower of Babel and the sacrifice of Jephthah's
daughter). Let's proceed.
Man in this dispensation of conscience refused to seek God but lived in rebellion and sin.
Fallen Angels began to sleep with the daughters of men and taught men (that rebelled
against God) all demonic practices and other despicable things. What do you think Satan
was doing by this time? Simple, he began to lead men into idolatrous worship and practices
by making them form for themselves different idols as an image of God. This is why Paul
said:
"Instead, they entertained corrupt and foolish thoughts about what God was like.
This left them with nothing but misguided hearts, steeped in moral darkness.
Although claiming to be wise, they were in fact shallow fools. For only a fool would
trade the unfading splendor of the immortal God to worship the fading image of
 other humans, idols made to look like people, animals, birds, and even creeping
reptiles!"
You see that? That's what led to the numerous religions in the world. With these religions
came different norms and beliefs which the devil had established through his agents to
counter that of the true God. These beliefs and norms became some of the tenets of human
wickedness and unholy acts. Paul puts it as:
"This is why God lifted off his restraining hand and let them have full expression of
their sinful and shameful desires. They were given over to moral depravity,
dishonoring their bodies by sexual perversion among themselves— all because they
traded the truth of God for a lie. They worshiped and served the things God made
rather than the God who made all things—glory and praises to him forever and
ever! Amen!
You see in such religions the abuse of women, acceptance of sorcery, unholy marrital acts,
underage marriage, immoralities, polygamy, homosexuality etc. This is what the devil
brought as norms and beliefs in his false religions. Most times these religions tend to have
a high standard of morality but in the real sense they lack the power to help men keep to
those morals. Thus men are enslaved in laws that should never be in the first place. When
men turn from the true God and His statutes what happen is that the devil perpetuate his
unholy acts in them thereby corrupting God's people:
"For this reason God gave them over to their own disgraceful and vile passions.
Enflamed with lust for one another, men and women ignored the natural order and
exchanged normal sexual relations for homosexuality. Women engaged in lesbian
conduct, and men committed shameful acts with men, receiving in themselves the
due penalty for their deviation. And because they thought it was worthless to
embrace the true knowledge of God, God gave them over to a worthless mind-set, to
break all rules of proper conduct. Their sinful lives became full of every kind of evil,
wicked schemes, greed, and cruelty. Their hearts overflowed with jealous cravings,
and with conflict and strife, which drove them into hateful arguments and murder.
They are deceitful liars full of hostility. They are gossips who love to spread
 malicious slander. With inflated egos they hurl hateful insults at God, yet they are
nothing more than arrogant boasters. They are rebels against their parents and
totally immoral. They are senseless, faithless, ruthless, heartless, and completely
merciless. Although they are fully aware of God’s laws and proper order, and
knowing that those who do all of these things deserve to die, yet they still go
headlong into darkness, encouraging others to do the same and applauding them
when they do!"
Romans 1:19-32 TPT

Satan is still in the business of deceiving men and women today with false beliefs. Most of
those beliefs are so babaric in nature that it stands against everything that is just. The
Israelites were ensnared by this when they fell into idolatry:
Psalms 106 (KJV)
³⁶ And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.
³⁷ Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,
³⁸ And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters,
whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with
blood.
So many societies are still victims of such beliefs and norms. Take example from the
unholy act of "Leblouh" practiced by some Islamic societies. This is a belief that fatness is
a significant of wealth, chastity, and blessing from Allah. So young girls from the age of 5
to 19 are forced fed in a place called the fattening room in order to be fat before marriage.
With this belief comes the female circumcision which have taken so many lives. Most of
these girls are beaten immensely if they refused to take the meals given to them. Most of
these meals had great side effects. A similar practice known as Nkugho is seen in Calabar
in Nigeria (a Christian society), though it is going extinct. We as believers must know that
Satan's plan is to make us enslaved by these beliefs by making them fundamental in our
societies.
Another thing you must know is that the devil is also the father of the philosophies of this
world that tries to portray God as what He is not. Modern philosophy was birth by Romans
and Greeks. And as we know, these two empires were known for idolatrous worship. The
devil through the formation of many cults installed beliefs that today have formulate many
subjects and courses we learn in school. Since the educational system many at times is
influenced by the devil, these subjects or courses become a prerequisite for our success in
school. But the truth is that they are meant to defile our faith in the real sense. This is why
the Bible commands that:
"Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in [union with] Him
[reflecting His character in the things you do and say—living lives that lead others
away from sin], having been deeply rooted [in Him] and now being continually built
up in Him and [becoming increasingly more] established in your faith, just as you
were taught, and overflowing in it with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you
captive through philosophy and empty deception [pseudo-intellectual babble],
according to the tradition [and musings] of mere men, following the elementary
principles of this world, rather than following [the truth—the teachings of] Christ."
Colossians 2:6-8 AMP
Most of these beliefs have been smuggled into the Church of Christ by Satan. If you see
any trace of it, resist it with all thy might. Don't be entangle in the yoke of bondage. Some
men who have opened up their minds to the spirit of deceit have created beliefs that are
outside the truth of God's word. Sometimes they put it in quotes and inspirational speech
and songs. Don't believe them. Let the word of God be your standard. Paul warns:
"Don’t let anyone disqualify you from your prize! Don’t let their pretended
sincerity fool you as they deliberately lead you into their initiation of angel worship.
For they take pleasure in pretending to be experts of something they know nothing
about. Their reasoning is meaningless and comes only from their own opinions."
Colossians 2:18 TPT

US AGAINST THE WORLD!

We are in the world but we are not of the world. The Bible clearly reveals that our
livelihood and personality is not in accordance with that of the world. If you expect the
world to love you and appreciate you, then you are looking for a saint in Satan. Our Lord
clearly told us before leaving this world that we will see tribulations.
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world
you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NKJV
The word tribulation is from the Greek word θλῖψις - thlîpsis which majorly mean pressure.
It connotes the day by day pressures of the believer by the world to compromise and summit
to its (the world's) standards through temptations, trials, and persecutions. Who and who
do you think make up the world? The Bible is talking about men that are outside the faith.
These men are Satan's ambassadors here on Earth, either directly or indirecly, they are all
subject to the power and will of Satan. The unbelievers speak the language of the devil,
they have his mindset, and have his views. Someone claimed once that most unbelievers
have a high sense of morality and ethics. I know that morality and ethics are good but you
must understand that being a believer is not tied to morals and ethics, it is tied to the faith
which adopts us into the family of God. This is the same thing with the unbelievers. Satan
is not interested in the morality of the unbelievers as he is interested in them fighting the
truth. The truth of who Christ is and what He did on the cross. High morality and ethics
doesn't save one from the grip of Satan, it just gets human approval and respect. So when
I say that the language of the unbelievers is the language of Satan, am not necessarily
referring to mere bad words and interaction (even weak believers speak such), am referring
to opposition to Christ and the faith of the saints. No believer can oppose Christ or the
Church. If one should do such, he is not a believer. You've got to understand this. Let's see
more.
"Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get out of my way, you Satan! You are an offense
to me, because your thoughts are only filled with man’s viewpoints and not with the
ways of God.”
Matthew 16:23 TPT
There is something I want to turn your attention to in the above verse. Jesus had just
finished talking about His coming death on the cross, when Peter rebuked Him. This
seemed as a good thing. In fact, one could say that Peter was really caring for the Master.
But Jesus did something uncommon. He addressed Peter as Satan and rebuked him
claiming that the devil thinks as a man. Jesus death ended the reign of Satan. The devil here
influenced Peter to try and change Christ's mind. If this was achieved, we'll be lost forever
without hope. So you see clearly now, Satan thinks as men. What this means is that the
mindset of a carnal mind is that of Satan. This is the mind that he has passed down to all
unbelievers. They reason things like him, argue spiritual truths like him, judge like him. It
was this mind that made the Jews deny Christ, it's this mindset that our governments,
schools, and science have today. The mindset that is void of God and oppose anything that
connects to the Gospel.

UNDER THE POWER OF SATAN

The whole world and the unbelievers alike lies in the power of Satan. It is true that the
Earth is the Lord's, but the system in which the Earth is run is not of Him. It is of the devil,
and anyone that is not born of God is subject to the power that governs the Earth's system.
No unbeliever can overgrown the power of Satan. Jesus understood this when He converted
Saul, He said to him:
❝ To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power
of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among
them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.❞
—Acts 26: 18 (KJV)
Who was Christ sending Paul to? The unbelievers, the Gentiles. He clearly declared that
the unbelievers are in darkness and under the power of Satan. An unbeliever have no
immunity to demonic activities. I know there are some unbelievers that it seems they are
void of any demonic attacks. You must understand that though one is an unbeliever, he can
still be free from certain demonic operations based on the fact that he has not involved
himself in demonic trafficking. Many times such people are kept by the prayers of the
saints, or they just come from a family of believers. But these doesn't make them
completely immune or untouchable to the power of Satan. Most times the devil allow the
unbeliever to be in a good position, or have certain things in order to provoke your heart to
jealousy or use such a person to fight the body of Christ. This is what David discovered:
Psalms 73 (KJV)
³ For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
²² So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
After all the jealousy, David came to understand that the devil wanted him to see that. He
also came to understand that their prosperity is connected the world's system and thus, he
should never seek such, but the prosperity that comes through hardwork and diligence.
❝ Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.❞
—Psalms 73: 12 (KJV)
In other words, they are ungodly men that prosper through the sinful and corrupt means of
the worldly system. Another thing you have to understand is that prosperity is more of a
physical thing than physical. Am not saying it's not also spiritual, but it is more of what
you do with your physical time, business, and creativity. To sum it together, it has to do
with diligence and integrity in whatever you do coupled with creavity. Thus being a
believer does not mean that you are automatically prosperous, but it means that you have
the grace to be prosperous in whatever you do diligently.
❝ For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for
your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.❞
—2 Corinthians 8: 9 (KJV)
You need to be creative, smart, and apply the basic principles of prosperity, if not, you will
live in poverty. It's good to pray, but prayers don't fill the account, it's money. And money
comes from solving needs. So prayer helps you identify needs, but good training and
creative thinking equips you, and acting diligently in solving those needs gives you money.
Don't forget that. So when a believer does not apply the basic tenets of prosperity, he or
she will be poor and that creates chance for the devil to provoke him or her to jealousy,
especially when an unbeliever prospers through ungodly and corrupt means.
Back to our discussion. You see now that the world is under the power of Satan and all
unbelievers are subject to that power.

THE POWER OF SATAN

How powerful is Satan? That's one question many will like me to answer in this book. But
the truth is that no one can tell how powerful the devil is, or to what extent his power can
work in our world. But one thing is certain, no matter how powerful he is, he is still subject
to the authority of the believer and has no power over God's elects. But underestimating
the devil can be very detrimental to your experiences as a believer. The devil is powerful,
and I'll show you that in the Bible.
The story of job is one that almost every beliver knows about. Job was a man that went
through great trials and afflictions. But I want to show you the other side of Job's story.
Now look at this:
Job 1 (KJV)
¹² And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only
upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the
LORD.
We see God and Satan in Job 1 having a conversation on Job's faithfulness and absolute
trust on God. Satan was now given permission to tempt Job in order to prove his
faithfulness and devotion to God. In order words, God was giving Satan the go ahead to
show his power on Job. Now let's see to what extent the devil demonstrated his power.
"Now there was a day when Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking
wine in their oldest brother’s house, and a messenger came to Job and said, “The
oxen were plowing and the donkeys were feeding beside them, and the Sabeans
 attacked and swooped down on them and took away the animals. They also killed
the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”
We see the devil stirring the hearts of the Sebeans (People of Sebea) to attack the flock of
Job and caused great damages and took the lives of his servants. This is the same way Satan
stirs the heart of men against the people of God. He has the power to provoke men into evil
acts against God and His saints. Paul in his epistle to the Corinthians pointed out the great
adversities caused by the religious sects who tried to hinder the Gospel. What is outstanding
about the letter of Paul is that he refers to these adversities as caused by Satan.
❝ Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan
hindered us.❞
—1 Thessalonians 2: 18 (KJV)
Many Christian countries today are under heavy attack by the Muslims. This is the work
of Satan, and as God's elects, we must engage in effective prayers. Let's see more:
While he was still speaking, another [messenger] also came and said, “The fire of
God (lightning) has fallen from the heavens and has burned up the sheep and the
servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”
There was a great mistake by the second servant. It was not God that sent the fire but it was
the devil. This reveals that Satan has the power to cause natural disasters. He still possess
such power. I know you are curious to know why He doesn't bring it down on the Church.
I'll explain that soon.
"While he was still speaking, another [messenger] also came and said, “The
Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and have taken them
away and have killed the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have
escaped to tell you.”
Here we see Satan in a strategic manner. He stirred up the Chaldeans and equipped them
with battle strategies in order to destroy Job's properties. Job no doubt had servants that
were well equipped with weapons, this is why the Chaldeans employed a battle strategy.
This shows Satan as being an intelligent and cunning strategist who go about tempting
God's people into sin and snares. That's not all, we also see this nature of Satan revealed
today in our governments and other organizations who ventures into the production of
weapons and equipments that will not only take lives, but threaten our existence as humans.
The kinds of weapons that were used by soldiers in the first and second world war is a
terror that is still been felt till today. But those which are currently been created by many
nations is nothing but apocalypse in disguise. Without divine intervention, our planet is
doomed, and the very existence of humanity is at risk of extinction. This is what Satan have
been stirring men's heart to do. Let's see more.
"While he was still speaking, another [messenger] also came and said, “Your sons
and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,
and suddenly, a great wind came from across the desert, and struck the four corners
of the house, and it fell on the young people and they died, and I alone have escaped
to tell you.”
JOB 1:13-19 Amp
Satan this time went further by demonstrating his power on nature and the weather. He
commanded the wind and directed it to the house where Job's children were celebrating.
Can you imagine that? There are so many weather conditions that are caused by Satan in
order to stop or interrupt programs held by the Church. Let me tell you the wonderful
experience of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. Many years ago he held a powerful crusade in
Benin City, Nigeria. As he mounted the podium to minister the word of God to the people,
immediately, a sandstorm arose and was coming aggressively on the people and the
podium. The man of God quickly spoke out "wind, not this way, that way". Miraculously
the wind changed its course. That was Satan's work, and as a believer, you must rebuke it.
Jesus showed us a good example of this when a great wind arose.
❝ And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And
the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.❞
—Mark 4: 39 (KJV)
The Greek word for Rebuke in the verse is "epitimáō" which means "to forbid". The idea
there is that Christ rebuked or forbade the wind caused by the devil. Satan still possess such
abilities, and as believers, we shouldn't be ignorant of this. You see clearly then that the
devil is powerful. His ability ranges from causing natural disasters, stirring men's heart to
perpetuate evil, tempting and enticing men into snares, causing strives, and to kill and to
destroy. Jesus told us that "the devil cometh but to steal, to kill, and to destroy". That's
the summary of Satan's ministry.

THE HEDGE

Job 1 (KJV)
⁸ And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is
none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and
escheweth evil?
⁹ Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
¹⁰ Hast not thou made an HEDGE about him, and about his house, and about all
that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his
substance is increased in the land.
The word hedge in the passage gives a very powerful revelation about the spiritual. The
w
o
r
d

i
s "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is
faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with
t the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."
r I Corinthians 10:13 NKJV
Ia won't really dwell on this for now, this will be dealt with in subsequent chapters.
n
s MAN'S CREATIVITY, SATAN'S OPPORTUNITY
l
a
t
I said it before that man is a product of power, Dominion, and creativity. Inside of man lies
the potential to do that which no other creature can do. Man is far more creative, intelligent,
and wise than Angels (including Lucifer), but due to the fall of man, he has been made "a
little lower than Angels" (Hebrews 2). Even with this, man still possess great qualities and
abilities. Now Satan like I said before is not omniscient. He is not all knowing. He learns
and even depend on man for some information or fact. Apostle Peter clearly taught this in
his Epistle.
"God revealed to these prophets that their work was not for their own benefit, but
for yours, as they spoke about those things which you have now heard from the
messengers who announced the Good News by the power of the Holy Spirit sent
from heaven. These are things which even the angels would like to understand."
1 Peter 1:12 GNB
That shows that the Angels don't understand everything. As far as the knowledge of God
and the salvation plan is concern, Angels don't understand how it works. They don't
understand how redemption works, they don't know what it means to be in love with the
Father, they don't understand fellowship! All these came through the redemption plan, and
this is what Peter meant by "....things which even the Angels would like to understand".
This is the same thing with the fallen Angel - Satan. Paul clearly showed the ignorance of
Satan and his allies.
1 Corinthians 2 (KJV)
⁷ " we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God
ordained before the world unto our glory:
⁸ Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would
not have crucified the Lord of glory."
That's great! The idea that Satan can read minds is not only wrong, but is unscriptural. He
only predicts and dictates a man's desire through acquaintance and then tempt him based
on his desires. That's why the Apostle James said;
James 1 (KJV)
 ¹⁴ But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
¹⁵ Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished,
bringeth forth death.
He didn't say we are tempted by Satan. Please am not saying that Satan is not the tempter,
am showing you the first kind of temptation which is from our own desires. If we conceive
any kind of desire that is not in line with God's word, it becomes a temptation on itself to
us. Satan has nothing to do with that. The Apostle James again reveals;
James 4 (KJV)
¹" From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of
your lusts that war in your members?
² Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and
war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
³ Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your
lusts."
The question one may ask then is "how does Satan tempt us then if he is not in the inside?"
The passage reveals that Satan instigates the passion and desires of men by bringing
pictures of things that will entice them. He tried with Joseph but he overlooked the body
of Portiphar's wife and that gave him victory over lust. He tried to send the picture of food
to Christ but Christ overcame the plan to make Him carnal based, he showed the picture of
pride, again Christ overcame, and then finally, he showed Him the glory and riches of the
world, but this time Christ casted him away because He knew that the tempter works from
the outside to influence the inside. But to the unbeliever, their nature is the same with that
of the tempter. He needs not show them anything, for their very nature sort things that
pertains to the devil out. He knows that as long as it appeals to the nature of sin and
rebellion against God, they will definitely key into it. So Satan work on the believer is
mainly based on influence. He can't take whole of the believer's heart, but he and his
demons can influence the believer if he or she gives the devil an opportunity by craving for
things outside God's will. Remember Peter!
Where am I heading to in all these? Well what am pointing out is that Satan has no ability
to make us see all the things that are going wrong today. He can't bestow such great
knowledge on men to create and make things that are so evil. What he does is that he only
instigate and inspire the sinful desires in man which makes man use his God given abilities
and creativities to make things to satisfy such desires. Take for an example the sex toys
and dolls we have every where today. It's not Satan that gave man the creative power to do
that, it's God! God is a creative Father, He passed down this gene to man. It's unfortunate
that the devil is busy luring men to use such gifts the wrong way. We see this in the
entertainment industries today. Great voices that would have been used to praise God and
bring down heaven on Earth are used in singing immoral and adorning worship to Satan.
We see great engineers blessed by God with creative power using their creativity to make
sex robots, weapons and tools been made for the sake of terrorism and perpetuation of evil
acts. We see a young man blessed with great gifts on technologies using those gifts to create
porn sites etc. We see great women blessed with deep words of wisdom using it on different
media platform to encourage homosexuality, prostitution, and indecency all in the name of
fashion and contemporary way of life. They are not the target (for they are already the
devil's), we are! That's why we must remain uncompromised and draw them to Christ.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a
new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will
for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2 NLT
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good,
pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you
inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will
of God — what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.
Romans 12:2 GNB
We can boldly say that Satan on his own has nothing. Man made Satan what he is today.
Who do you think made Satan the ruler of this world, God? No! It's man. The world was
given to man with the power to invent, create, make, produce, formulate etc., but when
man listened to an Angel (the devil) whom he was meant to dominate, the servant became
the master and the master the servant. This is a clear example of what Solomon in
Ecclesiastes said:
❝ I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the
earth.❞
—Ecclesiastes 10: 7 (KJV)
This is a clear example of what man have become. Angels are called ministering spirits
sent to minister for us. So many people make the mistake of putting the word "to" instead
of "for". Let's see the verse:
"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be
heirs of salvation?"
Hebrews 1:14 KJV
What does it mean? The Revised Version clarifies this:
"Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are
to obtain salvation?"
Hebrews 1:14 RSV
What it means is that Angelic work here on Earth is for the sake of the believer. God
released them and they are to serve us as God's heirs in Christ. Adam was in this same
position. All Angels including the devil were to serve him, they were servants given to
man. But Adam failed to keep his position but listened to a servant and potentials and
graces of man. What God bestowed on man is what Satan is using for his advantage today.

FINAL CHARGE ABOUT THE WORLD

Before I close this section of the book, I'll like to revisit what the Bible commands us to do
in relation to our relationship and friendship with unbelievers and the world. Is not
everyone one that sin that is an unbeliever. In fact, I discovered recently that so many
believers don't know who an unbeliever is. This is very troubling to me as I see most
believers quoting passages like "don't be unequally yoke with an unbeliever" to anyone
they see falling into sin or doing something bad. I repeat, not everyone that sin that is an
unbeliever. Let's see what the Bible have to say about this.

A SINNER
In the language of the world, a sinner is one that commits sin. But that's not a Biblical
language. If you can recount the days of your immaturity in Christ, you can remember
some mistakes (sin) that you made. I remember mine too. Am sure when praying you might
have said "father forgive me a sinner". But you weren't a sinner. You were a transgressor.
I'll come back to that. It is an insult to call a believer who is taken in fault or faults a sinner.
No matter how many wrong things he has done, he's not a sinner, and will never be.
A sinner is one that possess the nature of sin. One born of the Adam and have not received
the new life in Christ Jesus. The word sinner is connected to the nature of sin. It is not
based on what the person have done, even if such a person was to be ethically and morally
okay, as long as he or she have not the new life in Christ, he is a sinner. It is not the one
that do good that is saved, it is he that believe. We do good as believers because we are
already saved and have inherit the nature of God. Many don't agree with this. But consider
this, if our salvation comes from doing good, then we can boldly say that salvation is attend
and preserved by doing good. But if we can see that faith is what gives salvation, then we
will know that salvation has fruits, and then the good you do is the fruit. If you don't do go,
you are simply acting LIKE, not acting AS a sinner for you ain't one. Who then is a sinner,
it is one who have deny Christ as the way to the Father, the truth of the scripture, and the
life of the Father which all men must have if they want to share in the Eternal Glory that is
to come. Who ever does not believe that Jesus is the saviour is a sinner. This is whom the
Bible calls an unbeliever. So what does the Bible say to us about this man?
Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner
with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be
between Christ and the devil ? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?
And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the
temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I
will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among
unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord . Don’t touch their
filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my
sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. ”
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 NLT
The Apostle is telling the believer not to be in the same league with unbelievers. This
doesn't mean that you shouldn't visit, discuss or have them as partners in the office. What
the Apostle meant is that you should not be a part of their folly or beliefs when it comes to
spiritual things. You shouldn't share the same standards or views with them for you have
an heavenly standard which no unbeliever can ever understand! You are very free to make
them your friends and become acquainted with them, but you have only one mission with
them. To convert them to the true faith in Christ. It might be a Muslim or an atheist, you
are to accept them, but not their beliefs and standards. And always remember, you have
only one mission in their lives, to bring them to the knowledge of the truth. This might
seem impossible, but as they see the fruits you bear in Christ, the light, and the true power
of the Holy Ghost, they will break down and accept Christ. This is why every believer must
live consistently in the power of Holy Ghost. Sometimes your word may not reach their
hearts, but when they see the true power of the Holy Ghost manifesting as you minister,
they will bow. This is why Paul told use that the "kingdom of God is not in words, but in
power". Praise God!

THE WICKED SINNERS

There is a group of unbelievers that the Bible calls the wicked. It's not every unbeliever
that the Bible calls wicked. There is an unrighteous man, and there is a wicked man. Look
at this verse closely:
❝ Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him
return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he
will abundantly pardon.❞
—Isaiah 55: 7 (KJV)
Who is the wicked, and who is the unrighteous? God was not referring to the same person
as unrighteous and the wicked. The word "and" in the verse shows that there are two
categories of people referred to there. I'll start with the second. The word "unrighteous" in
the verse is from the Hebrew word ‫ אָ וֶן‬ʼâven which simply means "nothingness or
vanity". This word is connected to the nature of sin that is in every unsaved human. Every
man that does not believe and accept Christ as Lord is an unrighteous man, irrespective of
what they have or have not done. Just like righteousness comes through faith in Christ,
unrighteousness exists through unbelief in Christ. No amount of good can make an
unbeliever righteous, because unrighteousness is a nature, and we know that just because
a pig is putting on a gold ring in it's snout does not change it from a pig. Some unrighteous
men just try to keep their nature in control and in check by trying not to sin. In so doing,
they become actors of another man's nature. But that doesn't change who they are. A robot
that perform acts of intelligence like man can never be assumed as human. It can't evolved,
no matter how intelligent it may be it is still seen as a "thing" and never as a "person".
The next word is "the wicked" - ‫ רָָשָ ע‬râshâʻ - morally wrong, an (actively) bad person;
condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man) that did wrong. That's a wicked person in
the Bible. It's not every sin that is an act of wickedness. When the Bible term a man as
wicked, it means an unbeliever who perpetuate evil on others. They are seen as heartless
and defiled in every sense of morality. This kind of people are not just a terror to the body
of Christ alone, but they can also be a terror to the society as well. They are the scorners
of Psalm 1, the Saul that persecuted the Church, the Absolom that killed, the Ahad and
Jezebel that rose against the people etc. Look at these individuals, they have one thing in
common, they were seen as wicked individuals. Another word for these sets of unbelievers
is the ungodly. Whether unrighteous or the wicked, we have one command on how to relate
to them:
❝ Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in
the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.❞
—Psalms 1: 1 (KJV)
We are not to walk (follow) in their counsel, nor stand (be a part of) in their way (course
or plan), nor sit in their seats (be a part of their evil plans and schemes). It's foolish for a
believer to seek counsel from an unbeliever. No matter how wise they seem, their wisdom
ends in the world and in the natural. The reason why so many Christian marriages are
falling today is because we have left the Biblical principles and begin to teach and practice
secular principles which as we know, does not show the wisdom of God.
"Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you
need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to
God. As the Scriptures say, “He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.”
And again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows they are
worthless.”
1 Corinthians 3:18-20 NLT
"Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not
the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are
soon forgotten. When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from
human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s
words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these
truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it,
for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means."
1 Corinthians 2:6, 13-14 NLT
You are of the Spirit, so you must make sure that in all things you follow the wisdom of
God's word. Paul gave another wonderful command concerning our relationship with
unbelievers:
"Furthermore, how dare you take a fellow believer to court! It is wrong to drag him
before the unrighteous to settle a legal dispute. Isn’t it better to take him before
God’s holy believers to settle the matter? Don’t you realize that we, the holy ones,
 will judge the universe? If the unbelieving world is under your jurisdiction, you
should be fully competent to settle these trivial lawsuits among yourselves. For
surely you know that we will one day judge angels, let alone these everyday matters.
Don’t you realize that you are bringing your issues before civil judges appointed by
people who have no standing within the church? What a shame that there is not one
within the church who has the spirit of wisdom who could arbitrate these disputes
and reconcile the offended parties! It’s not right for a believer to sue a fellow
believer—and especially to bring it before the unbelievers. Don’t you realize that
when you drag another believer into court you’re providing the evidence that you
are already defeated? Wouldn’t it be better to accept the fact that someone is trying
to cheat and take advantage of you, and simply choose the high road ? At times it is
better to just accept injustice and even to let someone take advantage of you, rather
than to expose our conflicts publicly before unbelievers . But instead you keep
cheating and doing wrong to your brothers and sisters, and then request that
unbelievers render their judgment!"
1 Corinthians 6:1-8 TPT
Make sure you read the above passage intensively. Disputes, disagreements, and issues
between believers should be settled in the Church. Jesus and the Apostles gave us numerous
principles and ethics in settling such matters. Every pastor and believer should study them
deeply and passionately apply them. This way, there will be no need to take any case to the
secular court or judgment place. But there are issues that the legal courts must handle. This
is connected to cases between an unbeliever and a believer such as debt, theft, rape, or any
form of legal violation. Jesus gave an example of this:
“When you are wrong, it is better that you agree with your adversary and settle
your dispute before you have to go before a judge. If not, you may be dragged into
court, and the judge may find you guilty and throw you into prison until you have
paid off your fine entirely.”
Luke 12:58-59 TPT
 "It is always better to come to terms with the one who wants to sue you before you
go to trial, or you may be found guilty by the judge, and he will hand you over to the
officers, who will throw you into prison. Believe me, you won’t get out of prison
until you have paid the full amount!”
Matthew 5:25-26 TPT