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The Six Powers of Satan and How to Overcome Them: Part 1

The Six Powers of Satan and How to Overcome Them: Part 1

Have you ever considered the various powers that Satan wields to advance his kingdom on Earth? These are the weapons he uses to incite fear of God and others in our hearts and minds—and then he tempts us to practice these very same powers against others in our struggle to alleviate those fears, to make ourselves feel safe, to provide for and to protect ourselves at the expense of others.

What are these six powers of Satan?

  • Lies—he is the father of lies
  • The kingdoms of the world with their imposed law with coercive enforcement—he is the prince of this world
  • Worldly economics—mammon, the false god of money, buying, selling, and owning
  • Accusations—he is the “satan,” the accuser
  • Temptation and division—he is the devil, the ancient serpent who tempts and divides
  • Death and destruction—he is the destroyer whose powers result in death

In this series, we will examine each of these six powers and how we fall victim to them—but more than that, we’ll also discover how, through Jesus, we can overcome them.

The Power of Lies

Most are aware of Satan’s most famous power: lies.

Jesus told us that Satan is the father of lies, and this is the first power—the power of deception and falsehood—that he wielded against God’s intelligent creation.

It is the power Satan used on sinless angels in heaven and our first parents in Eden. He told lies about God, and when those lies were believed, the bonds of love and trust that Adam and Eve had for God were broken.

Lies believed break the circle of love and trust, and the result is fear and selfishness instilled in the heart. For instance, imagine that you believe someone’s lie that your spouse is having an affair. If you believe the lie, what happens in your heart even though your spouse is innocent?

Likewise, because Adam and Eve believed Satan’s lies about God, love and trust were broken and the two became filled with fear and selfishness. Believing that God was withholding something good from them, they sought to advance themselves by taking the fruit—and then they ran and hid from God because they were afraid of what He was going to do to them.

Fear and selfishness, the me-first survival drives, are a result of believing lies about God and of our first parents choosing to sin, thereby breaking their love and trust relationship with Him.

Ever since, every human being has been born “in sin conceived in iniquity” (Psalm 51:5). We are born filled with fear, which drives us to watch out for self, consumed by the survival-of-the-fittest instinct.

This fear-driven, me-first survival instinct is the playground of the enemy, and his various powers are used to increase fear and inflame selfishness, which gives him greater control over people—ultimately destroying love and the fruits of the Spirit out of the hearts of people who embrace the fear and practice his methods of selfishness.

People typically lie to protect self because they are afraid of what will happen if the truth comes out, but Satan’s falsehoods are not merely deceits designed to avoid personal embarrassment. No—his lies are the grand systems of falsehood that infect minds and become philosophies, worldviews, and belief systems. Satan is the master of manipulation, the dean of deceit, the prince of propaganda.

And what is propaganda?

  • information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.
  • the deliberate spreading of such information, rumors, etc.

Propaganda is manipulated information presented or publicized with an agenda to influence people or groups in specific ways. In other words, propaganda is designed to get people to join sides and causes, to take action or refuse to take action.

Propaganda is not honest and truthful information. No! Propaganda is shaped information; it is spin; it is crafted to purposely highlight some facts while ignoring other facts in order to lead people to the conclusions that those who make the propaganda intend. Furthermore, propaganda agents will not present the whole truth but will purposely obstruct or exclude or silence voices that would present evidence that undermines their propaganda.

During the reign of Hezekiah, Judah was invaded by the Assyrians. Isaiah recorded the efforts to demoralize Judah and get them to surrender—one of these efforts was propaganda:

On what are you basing this confidence of yours? You say you have strategy and military strength—but you speak only empty words. On whom are you depending, that you rebel against me? Look now, you are depending on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces a man’s hand and wounds him if he leans on it! Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who depend on him. And if you say to me, “We are depending on the LORD our God”—isn’t he the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem, “You must worship before this altar”? (Isaiah 36:4–7 NIV84).

Do you see the propaganda?

The Assyrians shaped information to lead Israel to draw the conclusion that their situation was hopeless:

  • Egypt is weak; you can’t rely on them to protect you from our army.
  • Because Hezekiah has removed the altars in the high places, he has been unfaithful to God and has offended Him; you cannot rely on God to protect you.
  • So don’t resist; surrender.

Propaganda—taking facts and then spinning, interpreting, and crafting those facts to mean something they don’t inherently mean. Hezekiah did take down the altars in the high places, but it is not true that this was being unfaithful to God, because the high places were being used to worship false gods (notice how the Assyrians conveniently left that fact out—propaganda), nor was it true that God was offended or that God would not protect them, as evidenced by God’s deliverance.

Consider this historical account by Ellen G. White, one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, of how someone misused her writings:

I have been made very sad in reading the pamphlet that has been issued by Brother Stanton and by those associated with him in the work he has been doing. Without my consent, they have made selections from the Testimonies, and have inserted them in the pamphlet they have published, to make it appear that my writings sustain and approve the position they advocate. In doing this they have done that which is not justice or righteousness. Through taking unwarrantable liberties they have presented to the people a theory that is of a character to deceive and destroy. In times past many others have done this same thing, and have made it appear that the Testimonies sustained positions that were untenable and false (Review and Herald, August 22, 1893, par. 1).

What was Stanton doing? Propagandizing—taking quotes and misapplying them to make it appear that Mrs. White supported a position she didn’t actually support.

Do you see how the media today has made an artform out of lies, falsehoods, distortions, manipulation of information—propaganda—all designed to inflame fear and get people to draw conclusions that the propagandizer wants them to draw? (If you haven’t read my blog “Listener Concerned Dr. Jennings Is Being Foolish,” I encourage you to do so.)

But as an example of modern-day propaganda, consider the media blitz in 2020 over hydroxychloroquine and whether it is a safe medication or a dangerous one.

First the facts:

  • Hydroxychloroquine has been around and used for more than 65 years; it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the USA in 1955
  • It is on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines
  • Billions of doses have been given
  • It is so safe, it is given to babies, the elderly, and pregnant women—and is routinely done so around the world
  • It is an over-the-counter medicine in many countries of the world, such as France
  • In many countries, citizens take a dose once a week to prevent malaria

Now the propaganda:

  • In 2020, story after story appeared in the media claiming hydroxychloroquine is dangerous and that taking it could kill you.
  • Two articles published in two of the world’s most respected medical journals, The Lancet and NEJM, in 2020 triggered this panic, as both claimed that hydroxychloroquine is dangerous. The Lancet study claimed to have evidence from over 90,000 people from multiple countries. These articles were used by the media to blanket the country with endless stories of how dangerous this medicine is—alleging that the president was foolish for suggesting it could be used.

Yet, when conscientious doctors began to investigate the veracity of these articles, it was discovered that the science and data were fabricated, made up, false—it had all been a fraud.

Both the Lancet and NEJM retracted the articles.

However, no media blitz accompanied this new revelation—no reporting to the American people that hydroxychloroquine is actually a very safe medicine. Moreover, there was no media outrage at the fraud that had been committed, no stories espousing the danger to the health of millions of Americans caused by these false articles. In fact, the media appears to have suppressed the retractions; thus, the fear of this medication remains.

That is textbook propaganda: influencing the population to be terrified of a medicine with a long track record of safety. Why? Just look at the outcomes, impacts, consequences—what has happened in the past year as fear messaging has increased. Have we seen in society greater unity—or more division? Are we seeing more freedom—or the erosion of freedoms? Are we seeing more or less governmental power and control?

Whose kingdom is this?

Understand, there are facts and then there are interpretations of those facts. Propaganda machines will take facts, like Hezekiah destroying the altars in the high places, and then spin them or interpret them to say something false, such as Hezekiah is disloyal to God or has offended God.

Satan’s first power is the power of lies, which when believed, breaks the circle of love and trust and incites fear and selfishness.

But the Bible says that Jesus “disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:15 NIV84).

The apostle Paul writes:

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37–39 NIV84).

The most critical point to understand is that all of Satan’s powers exploit or magnify fear. And what is it that casts out all fear? Love! God’s love in our hearts is the key, being loved and loving others. Satan wants to separate us from God’s love and truth, and one way he does this is by getting us to believe lies about God. (As our series continues, you will see how Satan’s lies about God and His laws have infected the church, been accepted by the masses, and corrupted the world—all leading to every kind of abuse and injustice.)

But Jesus said the truth will set you free, free from the lies, and in a restored trust relationship with God, we are freed from our fears. It is as we remain in God’s love that we are more than conquerors. But without love, real love, from God, we will be destroyed by fear.

It is the truth and love of God revealed at the cross by Christ that destroys the lies of Satan and wins us back to trust. In response, we open our hearts to God and He pours His love into our hearts (Romans 5:5). And His perfect love casts out all fear.

But all of this requires that you know the truth about God and trust Him, which requires that you reason and think for yourself, that you weigh the evidences for yourself, that you become one of the spiritually mature “who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14 NIV84).

I invite you to exercise your God-given abilities to think, to reason, to weigh evidences, to embrace the truth about God that Jesus revealed, and to be filled with His love. For Satan’s power of lies is powerless over those who hold to the truth in the love of God!


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Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

Testimony 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.

 

Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA

 

Testimony 14

We really appreciate your views on the judgment and they make good sense considering our free choice.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 13

I borrowed “Healing The Mind” DVDs from a friend and showed them at my home for a small gathering of women friends. Neither of my friends are Adventist, but they both enjoyed and embraced the messages you taught. In fact, one of the ladies prayed out loud in our group and that was the first time she had ever had public prayer.

J.B. ,Dalles, OR, USA

 

Testimony 18

The Healing the Mind DVD set tarted me on a journey that has changed my relationship with our loving God more significantly than any other study, and brought me to your book and Bible study podcasts, which I now listen to daily, thanks to the availability of archived content on your site and on iTunes.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 15

I have been sharing Come And Reason Ministries Bible study lessons with several folk. You have such a beautiful view of the plan of salvation. If we had this message preached when I was young, my generation would still all be in church.

H. R., New Zealand

Testimony 51

I Love This Ministry!!!!!!! I see first hand how this message is desperately needed, how erroneous beliefs about God and His Character negatively affect humanity at every level. I thank God for your ministry, as I was searching on my own and was discovering some of your same beliefs and was blown away when I found your ministry. I know you hear it all the time, but it is truly life changing. May God continue to reveal His Will to you and Bless you!

Eric S., Sanford, FL, USA

 

Testimony 63

I’ve been very blessed by “The God Shaped Brain” and this ministry, through video and podcast, over the last few years. It’s truly opened up my eyes more to the truth about God and the importance of that truth in the present world. The message is so inviting, freeing and enlightening and MORE people need to know about it. I believe it is the last message that can truly, not only prepare a people for salvation and translation, but vindicate the character of God.

Michael V., Yonkers, NY, USA

 

Testimony 39

[This ministry is the] biggest blessing I have ever received! Your DVDs and lessons could not have come at a better time in my life. I have experienced in the past year many difficulties that, if it wasn’t for this wonderful view of God that I have discovered through this ministry, I would not have been able to respond in love and forgiveness. My heart is being transformed everyday by the Calvary-looking God you teach. Hallelujah!! I have tears in my eyes as I write, because my life has taken a complete turn from where I was heading.

I am from Central America. Most of my family is scattered in different parts of the world and all have the same view of God that I had growing up; a distant, exacting, and ready-to-punish-us-with-tragedy type of God. So, I have been translating lessons for my family and, to my surprise, they have also been sharing them with others! I can already see the difference. My brother has often said, “Thank you for sharing, I have never heard it this way!” My other family members are taking an amazing turn from a message of “repent or burn” towards a loving God, pleading to us that we won’t reject him because he loves us eternally.

Bless you for all you do.

Sofia S., Ashfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 57

You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 55

I was born [into the church], then I left it for many years. 10 years ago, I came back, but I could not take the hypocrisy and the lack of answers to the missing pieces. I struggled, but I did not abandon my commitment to know the truth. God is leading me to the simple understanding of his relevance and I am relearning what the church taught me as a youth… that he loves me, that he has led me to a knowledge of him such as I have never known. He is using Dr. Jennings to connect the dots that are now so apparent and hiding in plain sight!

Dean P., Arlington, TX, USA