Evil can be explained with God's word

By By Gaius Tew/Special to The Star
Nov. 17, 2001
During a recent appearance on "Larry King Live," CBS news anchor Dan Rather was interview by King about the anthrax situation in his office. Rather made a statement that got my attention: "Evil is a bad thing and cannot really be explained."
I totally disagree with his statement. It can be explained with the Word of God. Let us go back to the beginning in Genesis where Satan
deceived Eve in the garden:
Ephesians 4:27 states "Neither give place to the devil." Ephesians 6:12 states "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."
Satan is the believer's foe and the ultimate destruction of those who follow him. Satan is the accuser of the brethren and his main purpose is to dominate and control men. "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10. James 4:7 states "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
In the last few weeks following the Sept. 11 events and the anthrax scare, I have observed various news interviews with people in which speak about the increased evil, loss of joy and possessive fears that plague them now. Allow me to take you to the Word of God again: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power of love, and a sound mind."2 Timothy 1:7,
Where does fear come from? It comes from the father of all lies, Satan. Please don't be deceived. "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Matthew 24:24
All evil, deception and fear comes from Satan. The very character of the devil hates all good. He is the accuser of God and all men. He is the father of all lies, a murderer, sower of discord, an adversary and the first sinner. He is cunning, wicked, malignant, cowardly, a tempter and thief. He, without principal, is taking advantage of men in their weak moments. I know many still have questions, doubts, unbelief and fears about what happened on Sept. 11 and currently with the anthrax scare. I trust the following will help you understand God's purpose in allowing Satan to continue:
It is to develop character and faith in the believer (James 1:12, I Peter 1:7-13)
To keep the believers humble (2 Corinthians 12:7)
To provide a conflict for saints that they may be rewarded through overcoming (I John 2:13, Revelations 2:7,11,17)
To demonstrate the power of God over the power of Satan (Mark 16:17-20, Ephesians 2:7, 3:10)
To use him in afflicting people to bring them to repentance (1 Corinthians 5:1-6, 2 Corinthians 2:5-11, Job 33:14-30)
To purge man of all possibility of falling in the eternal future. (Revelations 21)
Yes, evil can be explained. I recommend to defeat evil, deception and fear, confess aloud God's Word. First, apply the blood of Jesus over you
and your family daily. Then start with these:
I am the body of Christ and Satan hath no power over me. For I overcome evil with good. (1 Corinthians 12: 27; Romans 12:21)
I am of God and have overcome him (Satan). For greater is he that is in me, than he that is in the world (I John 4:4).
I will fear no evil for thou art with me Lord, Your word and your
spirit comfort me (Psalms 23:4).
I am far from oppression, and fear does not come nigh me (Isaiah
54:14).
No weapon formed against me shall prosper, for my righteousness is of the Lord. But, whatever I do will prosper for I'm like a tree that's
planted by the rivers of water (Isaiah 54:17; Psalms 1:3).
I am delivered from the evils of this present world for it is the will of God (Galatians 1:4).
No evil will befall me neither shall any plague come nigh my dwelling. For the Lord has given his angels charge over me and they keep me in all my ways, and in my pathway is life and there is no
death (Psalms 91:10-11; Proverbs 12:28).
And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:17-18)
Life and death are in the power of the tongue. The Word of God conceived in the heart, formed by the tongue, and spoken out of the mouth is creative power that will work for you. Words are the most
powerful thing in the universe. Fear filled words will defeat you. Faith filled words will put you over. I trust I have explained where evil comes
from and how to be an overcomer. Be blessed.
King James Version of Bible used as reference.
**Informative scripture on related issues and Sept. 11, 2001, can be found in Isaiah 30, paying attention to verses 9, 18 and 25; Isaiah 53, Psalms 83, Revelation 18, 22 and 1:3.
Gaius Tew is a lay minister for Cornerstone Church of God.