June 11 - Study on The Devil and His Works

for the class. And I'll let you go ahead while I'm getting my share in place. Go ahead, Brother Johnson. Yeah, go ahead, Brother Johnson. All right. Sorry, I was muted. We are uploading the previous classes on my website, Barry's Bureau. I'll put the link in the chat so anybody wants to go there. So every week after the class, Avery sends me the recorded Zoom. I edit it to take out the prayer requests and only the class portion of the Zoom is on there. And then I run it through AI that summarizes the class and gives a little quiz for the class if you want to take it. It's nothing that's turned in or anything. It's just to help you to consume the material and you'll also be able to see the video. So if you missed the class, or if you have questions, or you're just trying to increase your knowledge and your ability to study these wonderful lessons that Brother Pinkerton and Hubie and Brother McCleskey and William Thomas have done. I'm just doing this as a service to the congregation and that that'll be available. So look for that link in the chat. I'll put it in there shortly and you'll just go to the date of the class that you missed and it'll be there for you. Thank you so much, Brother Johnson. It takes some effort to put that together, Brother Johnson, and we really appreciate you for doing that. Yes, thank you. And given those who didn't have an opportunity to see a particular study or may want to go back, as you stated, and review, they have that option. And certainly we thank you. It takes a lot of effort to put that together. You're to be commended. Amen. Yes. Thank you. Thank you so much. Okay, as was said, we're going to continue our study in the devil and his works. And one of the goals of the study is to help us understand and follow the directive of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 2.12, that we be aware of the devil and his devices, schemes, tactics, methods, and so on. Can everybody see my screen pretty good? Yes. Okay. Okay. And of course, second Corinthians 2.12, 2.11, excuse me, this is where that directive, and it's kind of an indirect directive. He doesn't come out and tell us, but the example that is set forth by him and others is, as they were well aware of the devil and his devices, schemes, tactics, methods, attacks, and so on. And this is where it's found in 2 Corinthians 2.11, as was stated, "...lest Satan should take advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his devices." And then another area of goal for this study is to also realize that we aren't fighting against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, and the spiritual host of wickedness in heavenly places. And we are, brothers and sisters, we are And of course, this is the verse that is taken from Ephesians 6:12, and those will kind of be our theme verses for this study. The 2 Corinthians 2:11, and this Ephesians 6:12, they will be considered our theme verses. And we'll probably they'll probably pop up from time to time through the study, as will many of the verses, because it just places emphasis as we go through and try to study about the devil and find out all that we can about him, because it's it's a. behooves us not to be in a position where the devil can take advantage of us. And so the more we know about him, the more we be in a position to fight off his confrontations, which are sure to come. And of course, Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." And the question was brought up last week, "Does the devil have power?" And we tossed around the idea that the devil does have a degree of power. And this verse here kind of supports that in our fight against the spiritual evil that exists, namely the devil. We're fighting against some powers as well in that arena. So let us remember this passage as we continue to go through our study. So what is the name of this study? The devil and his works. What are some of the questions that will be answered in this study? Who is the devil? What are some other biblical names for the devil? And we've already pretty much addressed these particular questions, these two questions here. We tossed around 11, identified 11 biblical names for the devil. And we, obviously there are more. There are some 50 or so names and descriptive terms used in Scripture for the devil. But I identified 11 that I knew would be in there and there would be not be controversial, excuse me. What are some of the characteristics of the devil? We basically tossed that around last week and concluded that. Next question, is the devil a created being? Then we'll probably touch on that question. That's probably where we'll begin our study this evening. Is the devil a created being? Is the devil a spirit? Can the devil take on different forms? Is God using the devil for his purposes? Can the devil do anything that he wants to? And some other questions that'll be answered in this study will be, What are the devil's objectives? Does the devil work alone? What fate awaits the devil and his angels? What methods does the devil use against mankind? How can we be victorious over the devil? So as we enter into this study, one truth is clear that we are currently in spiritual warfare against the devil. So let us together learn all that Christ would have us to know about the devil and his ways, as we touched on a little bit ago. The more we know, the better off we'll be in terms of our soul salvation, our relationship with God, all the above. And so I'm going to go. I think we left off a slide. Let's see. Let's see. Okay. Okay. I think we will pick up at slide 62. Give me a moment here. I'll get us to slide 62 and we'll continue this discussion. Okay. All right. Can everyone see? Yes. Okay. Okay. We've already discussed the devil's power in taking on various forms and influencing the hearts and the minds of people. The devil is not to be underestimated. And that's when we talked about the devil's power and what he is capable of doing. We have discussed some of the major characteristics of the devil just in review. The devil is a murderer, is not truthful, and is a liar. The devil is cunning and a deceiver. The devil is a tempter. The devil is an attacker and is wicked. Mm-hmm. The devil is a transformer or disguiser. The devil is prideful. That's probably what got him ousted from heaven. The devil seeks people that he can influence. The devil is powerful. And certainly in the text that we read that we're not battling against flesh and blood, but we're battling against some entities that are powerful, some satanic entities that are powerful. So let's continue on here. Is the devil a created being? What do the following, before we answer, let me open up to the class. What's your thoughts on this question? Is the devil a created being? Anybody? What are your thoughts on this question? Is the devil a created being? You mentioned something a minute ago and you said the devil and his angels. So I always see him as an angel, one that was defeated in heaven. So he would be one of the created creatures of God, just like the other ones were. I assume. Yes, and I, this is Tina Fox, I tend to agree that the devil was created by God. And as we know, he was typically depicted as an angel, as was mentioned. But he rebelled against God. And as we know, he was cast out of heaven. So short answer is yes. Okay. Thank you. Anyone else want to piggyback? Go ahead. It's Carolyn. I was thinking about the fact that when the angels appeared before God in the book of Job, the devil came with them. So he was as an angel. And I think in that text of Job, it said the sons of God were gathered together. And then angel and then the devil raised his head, didn't he? Yes. Sons of God had gathered together, you know. And so it's a very interesting question, isn't it? Is the devil a created being? He would have to be. What do the following two verses reveal to us as we seek to answer this question? Can we get somebody to read Colossians 1.16 for us? Anyone? Anyone? All things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through him and for him. So that answers that question. He created him. So you think, what's your take on this verse, Sister Franklin? And thank you for reading that for us. In regard to our question, does it support the idea that you, Sister Fox, and others, Sister Ridley, have presented regarding the devil being a created being? Yes. I think it does. It does. Yes, it does. And it said all things that are in heaven and that are on earth. And all things in heaven would include the heavenly host, wouldn't it? Yes. All things that are in heaven and on earth, both visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions, etc., etc., all things were created through him and for him. And who's the him in this passage? God. God the Father. Anybody else want to comment? Who's the him in this passage? God the Father. God the Father. The hymn is actually God the Son. Oh, wow. Jesus Christ. for by him all things were created. Jesus Christ was God's agent in creation. He was the actual one who followed God's directive and did the creating. Oh, I see that. It is Christ. I had mine on mute. I was saying... All things were created through him and for him. In the beginning. The him in this passage is Christ, God the Son. You have the Father, you have God the Son, you have God the Holy Spirit. And God the Son was God the Father's agent in the area of creation. In the beginning was the word. And the word was God. So, we're created by him. Brother, what's the verse before the 16th verse? Can we see? Can someone read that for us? Colossians 1.16 1.15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. So it is referring to Christ. Thank you sister. It is a lead in. 15 and 16 are connected. 15 is definitely talking about Christ. 16 is a continuation for by him, Christ, were all things created. And so Christ was indeed, and thank you, Sister Heron, for presenting that verse 15. And it does also lend more clarity to those who were rubbing their chin and going, hmm, hmm, you know. But yes, it is referring to Christ. He was God's agent in creation, God the Son. Thank you. What does this tell us? What does this verse tell us about the question? Is the devil a created being? Somebody read that for us. You alone are the Lord. You have made heavens the heavens of heavens with all their hosts, the earth and everything on it, the seas and all that is in them. And you preserve them all. The hosts of heavens worship you. Thank you. Thank you, Brother Brett. And as you can see, this too supports the idea that when it talks about the Lord, of course, we identified who specifically was God's agent in creation, and it was Christ. So it's saying you alone are God and the heavens of the earth, that you have made the heavens and the earth with all their hosts. So I would think that the devil would be considered at one time one of the heavenly hosts. Or pride got the best of him and he was ousted. And of course, we remember the spiritual war that occurred in heaven. You know, this spiritual war is said to have occurred in heaven. And it was the devil and his angels. And we, of course, we learned through the earlier portions of this study that about a third of the angels in heaven accompanied with the devil. And it took the archangel Michael and the remaining two thirds of the angels, I guess, to oust the devil from heaven. The text said it was no place found for angels. The devil, he couldn't stay in heaven. He was forced out of heaven. And so this verse definitely talks about anybody have any comments about this verse? Do you think it supports the idea that the devil is a created being? Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. the devil the the devil is either a created being or an eternal being whoa what is meant by eternal be everlasting okay okay good anybody else anybody else what is it He's eventually going to be cast out into everlasting devastation along with whoever else he takes with him. Right. Yes. What is meant by eternal being? Yes, he'll be in the fire for eternity. I don't know for sure. I don't know. I'm not sure. What is meant by the general term, not necessarily the devil, but what is meant by the term eternal being? Whoever that may be. Yeah. Everybody. Forever. Okay. Anybody else? Class is open. And in Brother Harris' class, you get in where you fit in. Just don't be shy because we're here to learn. Amen. We're here to learn together in the spirit of love and we're all learning. Hi, Brother Harris. Yes, go ahead. This is Zipporah. So eternal, that could mean eternally in hell or eternally in heaven. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Wherever you are. Yes, the phrase eternal definitely has bliss connotations and damnation connotations. Without a doubt, it does serve both and both could await those who are worthy of such. But any more comments? Thank you, Sister Sephora. Thank you. Any more? Any more comments about this? What is meant by eternal being? Well, yeah, we've already seen. Well, he wants to know eternal. Forever, I guess. Forever, yes. Check this out. All eternal beings have no beginning and have no ending. Some created beings have a beginning and an ending, while some created beings have a beginning and no ending. Uninterrupted. Now, we'll continue on. God the Father... God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are the only eternal beings. The Godhead. All other beings and things in heaven and earth were created. The devil included. Consider the following verse. All eternal beings, beginning or end. So that's God, the Father, the Son. That's okay. You know what? Check this out. Check this out, Sister Davis. See that Psalm 92? Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever, you had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God. Yeah. Yeah. And only three, there are only three possessors of the divine nature of deity. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. And they are the only eternal beings. And as was cited, there are all other beings and things in heaven and earth were created. And it's interesting, Sister Davis and others, that it says there from everlasting to everlasting. Now, obviously, this is beyond our comprehension, isn't it? Yes. I can't. Man, I can barely get all the way back to the garden. You know, you know, I mean. I mean, it takes some doing to get to, if I stop and think and go down through the history of man, it takes some doing just to get all the way back to the garden. But can you imagine, you imagine looking at, Looking one way, and sometimes those of us that have been on cruises, when we're out on the deck, you know, enjoying the nature of God, those of us who have been on cruises and we're out standing out there on the deck and look this way as far as the eye can see, nothing's missing. And then you look this way. And as far as the eye can see, nothing but ocean. But this is even, that's just a subtle example to from everlasting to everlasting. And I can't even comprehend that. Anybody, if anybody can comprehend that, raise your hand. Yeah, it's, uh, but, but yes, that, uh, And that supports the idea of the devil being a created being, because the devil has a beginning, but the devil will have no ending. Just like we as humans have a beginning. We were created. We were brought into this earth through the womb. We'll have no ending, but Our souls will live forever. Where the soul never dies, and will either. Now some of the beings that have a beginning, some of the created beings that have a beginning and an ending are animals and things of that nature, creatures that God created. It's not clear in scripture whether or not there will be a place for them in heaven. uh we know that we've heard that that that uh that statement all dogs go to heaven have you heard about that yeah i don't know if we're going to uh actually see any animals as we know them here in heaven okay uh and so uh But anyway, and so they have a beginning and they have an ending type of created creatures, whereas we we who are earthlings and all the heavenly host that were created, the devil and his angels included. We have a beginning. We were created, but we have no ending. So we'll either experience eternal bliss forever or we'll experience eternal damnation. And because of our free moral agency, which the devil also has, we choose. We choose where we want to spend eternity. Yes, the devil is a created being and was one of the heavenly hosts before rebelling against God as a free moral agent. The devil and his angels were forced out of heaven. They were forced out. Brother Hubie? Yes, go ahead. Go ahead, Brother Bear. Can I just add one dimension to the Godhead's eternal existence? Yes, please. The Godhead is also different from... spiritual creatures that we would consider eternal because they are self-existent. They don't require anything outside of their own nature to exist, where everything else is dependent on God to exist. Good point. Good point, Brother Barry. Thank you. Thank you very much. Any comments on Brother Barry's class, comment. Does class have anything to comment on what Brother Barry has just shared with us? Can I ask a question, please? Yes, please. When they were cast out of heaven, they didn't lose the powers they had before. So they're here on earth. That's why you can find them here and there and everywhere. And it seems like all at once. So is that my quote? Did I get it across? So they still have the powers they had as angels before they were kicked out or no? Well, we're not exactly what powers they had in heaven. The Bible doesn't share that info with us. We know that there were ranks in heaven. due to the Archangel Michael and Gabriel. And we know that there were some ranks in heaven, but we're not exactly sure what exactly, what powers they have. Now, we know that when they were cast down to earth, as we'll discover a little later in our study, they were powerful. We cited some avenues last week where the devil was has certain powers where he remember when in the temptation of Christ, how he seemingly in a moment's time was able to take Christ up to the pinnacle of the temple And and and all this I'll give to you, you know, and if you if you you'll bow down and worship me. And then he took him to another high place. And and but the devil seemed to possess some powers while down here on Earth. And we know that God's in control of everything. So if the devil is doing anything, it's because he's being allowed to do it. And I didn't want to hit him, but that is a truth. Yes, go ahead. When the devil was cast out of heaven, his powers went with him. So he had control over everything down in hell and control over the angels' that were under him. So whatever powers he was doing in creating evil, because that's what his powers were, were evil, he would submit on or to other people or individuals including into their minds or whatever it may be to complete whatever Evil doing as they wanted to do. That's a good point. One thing we have to consider, though, is that is that we don't know what powers and abilities the devil had in heaven before his fall. Correct. After his fall, after his fall, God may have taken some things away from the devil. Right. Right. He limited him. And even now that he's down here on Earth, he's still limited in what what he is allowed to do. And he can't just do his thing down here. He can only step within the boundaries that God has allowed him to step in. Correct. Yes, go ahead. Go ahead, please. Let me add one thing. Well, a couple things. One, you got to keep in mind, angels do have powers, do have strength. Remember, it was an angel that rolled the stone away from the sepulcher. when Jesus rose. And remember what that stone was. It was so heavy that no man could move it. Okay. So, so we know that the angels did have some power, some strength and ability. We also know when they, when, In the Old Testament, we're talking about the angels taking women and creating men of renown, almighty men is what they said. So we know there was something there. That's one other thing I want to point out. The scripture, and I could be wrong about this, but to my memory, the scripture doesn't actually say that Satan rules in hell. it doesn't actually say that. We know that he has followers and his angels, that scripture does support that, but it doesn't really say he rules in hell. I think that's more of a kind of something that kind of came about over time and been carried on. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you so much for Brother Pinkerton. Two, two, maybe three good, really good points. Yes, go ahead, please. Go ahead. Take the sister first that you had. Sister Dora, I mentioned that you said that, that he had power and that the devil had power in hell. And some think that when at the end of time, the devil is going to rule in hell, but that's not going to be the case. That's not going to be the case. He's going to receive. He's got a fate awaiting him, as we'll discover further in our study. But yes, the devil does have power. You did make a good point. Go ahead, Brother. I agree with Brother Pinkerton on that. I don't believe Satan will be ruling in hell. He's just going to be a hell participant like everybody else. I just want to add, not a definitive response, but something for us to think about. that when you are, and let me just make a human analogy. When I operate in my community and in my society and in America free, I have a lot of power, right? There's a lot of things I can do. I can start a business. I can do all kinds. It's unlimited, right? The American dream and all that kind of stuff. But if you were to put me in jail, right? then the powers that I had before as a free agent would be limited because I'm in jail, right? So just think about the angels who had operation from the heavenly realms, and then they are then tossed out of heaven into the earthly realm, okay? Still spiritual beings. So I think from that analogy, I think we could see that they aren't able to operate with the same power and authority and in the same way that they could in heaven as they can on earth. So I think from that perspective, they are limited in their existence. We also live underneath the age of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is holding back Evil would be much greater in the world if the Holy Spirit weren't in the world as well. So I just want to add a couple of things to think about as we're considering whether or not the angels still have the same power that they had in heaven. I don't think they possibly could because in heaven, as operating as an agent in heaven, I would think more things would be available to you than they are than they are. Thank you. Thank you so much, Brother Barry, Brother Pinkerton. Really good comments. They're really helpful to our study. Brother Harris. Yes. I know we're doing a deep study on this. I know in Revelation 12, 7 through 12, it's clear about him being cast out. And he had a fight with Michael and the other angels, and he was defeated and cast out. Yes. My question is, we were talking about he was able to lead Christ up and try to tempt him. But the thought came to me is that, you know, I keep thinking about Christ went up there, allowed to go. What I'm trying to say, we were talking about him having power, but I don't think he was able to direct or lead Christ without Christ allowing him to do that because there is a verse... that we sometimes quote what it says, Jesus says he has all power, all power in heaven and in earth. Because dealing with this devil and the demon, like we have to deal with him right now at this time in creation, we want to be aware of him, but we want to know that Christ has power. And that's what we need to feel good about, knowing that if we stick with him, we have the power to defeat this devil. Yes. Just as Adam and Eve had it, if they had done with Christ, what God had told them to do. So the devil, I really, really, really appreciate this class. And, but at the same time, I don't want us to begin to fear just because he is on here. He is down here for this time period. But we have to, you know, to talk about put on a whole armor and all of this stuff. Well, as you, Sister Herring, when I went down through the questions that we'll be addressing, we're kind of getting ahead of ourselves just a little bit. And you're accurate in what you're saying. And I don't think anybody... who is a mature Christian believes for one minute that Satan has more power than the devil. It was a time, if you recall, Sister Mary, if you recall at the time when Jesus went to the wilderness, the scriptures specifically tell us he went there to be tempted by the devil. So expecting a confrontation with the devil and he passed it with flying colors. But Christ's time hadn't come yet for him to participate in the miraculous. Because remember the wedding in Cana and they ran out of wine? Oh, yeah. And Mary approached Christ and said they've run out of wine. And he said he explained to her that his time had not come yet, you know, ministry had not begun yet. So we know that Christ wanted to reveal all that at a specific time. And I think I think all of us are in agreement with you, Sister Heron, that we believe that that Christ has that God has all power. God, the Father, God, the Son, God, the Holy Spirit. And I don't think there's any disagreement even in this. But but but but one of the questions is how can we. be victorious against the devil. We're really going to break that down and we'll need your help and your input in helping us with some of those avenues. You cited some and gotten a little ahead of us, but that's okay. It's easy to get ahead and we all get ahead. I'm getting ahead. But just hold that thought and we agree with you totally. I don't think everyone would disagree with what you said. The reason I wanted to point that out because they There used to be a joke. I remember when I was growing up and this guy has come on the radio. This is in Memphis. And he would come on. He would say, you might remember the joke. Some of you might remember. And he was saying, I couldn't help myself. The devil made me do it. A lot of people start. That was that was that was that was it. So, you know, it's just the way we're saying and talking about him. Like, yes, we need to be aware of all of these things that he can do. But at the same time, we don't want us to begin to fear like, you know, I'm weak and he's got all this power. And whatever I'm doing wrong, the devil made me do it. And we don't want that, right? No, I agree totally. And that's the reason we're studying this. This is not a study that we run across frequently. We encounter studies about how we can get closer to the Lord, how we can gain root in Christ, how we can get stronger in the Lord. We come with a lot of those messages and a lot of those studies frequently. But a study like this, is necessary because if we don't engage in a study like this, Sister Harry, we give the devil the opportunity to take advantage of us. That's why following our beloved brother Paul's directive, we want to be aware of the devil and his devices, schemes, tactics, etc., so that we can work him off. Check that question out. Here's another question for the class. Did God create evil when he created the devil? No. Any thoughts on that? No. My answer is no. I think about Adam and Eve. When he created everything, he said it was good. And they had they had the choice. He didn't create us as robots. So he created us with the conscience. He's not trying to force anybody to love him. He's not trying to force anybody because he's a loving God. You know. Anybody else? Good comment. Anybody else want to comment? Did God create evil when he created the devil? Sister Sarah? Did you have a comment? No. Okay. Okay. Anybody else? No. Okay. Okay. Okay. Well, one thing, the Bible doesn't really state that God created anything evil at all. And I hear this, it's an excellent question, to be honest with you, it's an excellent question because I hear a lot of people say, well, what about the tree and all this type of stuff? The whole idea of evil is God created the tree of the knowledge of evil. good and evil. He did not create evil. Now, it was Satan's own pride and Satan's own free moral being, his own free moral compass that chose to go the route of evil. This was not God's creation, but it is the creation of this being. Just like in us, if we do things, if we sin, we fall short, we do that of our own being. It's not something of God that causes us to fall short. So no, the answer would be that no, God did not create evil, but God did create us with the freedom to choose. Amen. Amen. God did not create evil. But God did create free moral agency. And this is kind of what you and Sister Heron and others were talking about, Brother Pinkerton. But God did create free moral agency. And wherever free moral agency is, the chance of evil is possible. God knew that man was going to sin. That's why the scheme of redemption was put into place before the foundation of the world. He knew he knew he was going to mess up. He knew we were going to mess up. That's why he put the scheme of redemption in place before the foundation of the world. And so, like you said, Brother Pinkerton and Sister Heron touched on that the free moral agency is Is the key and whatever you find where wherever there is free moral agency, the chance of evil is possible. And all of us brothers and sisters. All humans possess free moral agency, don't we? Yes. Yes. And so wherever there's free moral agency, there's always that possible doing evil. Adam and Eve had it on through and we also have been, as a part of our humanity, have that creative free moral agency. We're running out of time. Let's see. Ephesians 1 and 4, just as he chose us before him, in him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame for him in love. And that's Ephesians 1 and 4. And the reason I presented this to you all is that God had the scheme of redemption in place before the foundation in the world. He did not go and say, you're going to be saved. You're going to be lost. You're going to be saved. You're going to know, but he, but he, he, the scheme of redemption and who would be drawn to it and who would, who would reject it. And he chose us in him through obedience to the gospel before the foundation of the world. And so, uh, One more quick question. It's about 10 after. Is the devil a spirit? And I think we pretty much, for the most part, I think we've answered that. Ephesians 6 and 12, for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness. in the heavenly places. And I think that first phrase answers that question, doesn't it? That we do not battle against flesh and blood, And whenever we get mad at a human being, let us always, brothers and sisters, try to remember that. Yes. That we're not really battling against flesh and blood. It's not the human being that is acting ugly or acting evil. We know who is behind all the evil and all the disrupting and things of that nature in the world. And we know that the devil is. is behind that. Yes. Yes, go ahead. Go ahead. I think it was a sister that was for me. Yeah, you go ahead. Go ahead. So I have a question and maybe we can answer it and speak on it for next week. So is the first reported sin in heaven or on earth? What was that? Uh, What was the first recorded sin in the Bible? Was it in heaven or was it the sin on earth? The first thing in the Bible? Sin. The first before it's sin. He would be in heaven. When he threw them out. He would be in heaven. And forgive me, forgive me, Brother Klan, it's not you. It's the old man here. And we got the answer already, so that's good. Brother Harris, When we use the word demons, is that the ones who was cast out with the devil? Demons? Yes, they were. And we're going to get off and we're going to touch on that next week for sure, Sister Heron. So hold that thought if you would. But yes, demons were a part of the devil's regiment. He's got to, and I'm getting way ahead of myself, but that's okay. That's why we're here. That's why we're here to learn and to study and grow together. But yes, demons will be a entity that we'll be talking a lot about in the upcoming days. So are they synonymous with the angels that were cast out with him? Is that the same? Are we saying that's another... some other yeah i would say i would say it's the same thank you yeah i would say yes the devil's angels and demons uh that's what i thought are closely are are close very good thank you and i would say so this is great thank you before you let off did you say that the first sin was in heaven Is that what we're saying? Okay. Yes. We know that the rebellion that occurred in heaven for sure was the first sin that occurred. And I couldn't hear Brother Clanton clearly and it wasn't him, it was the old man. It's the old man here. But But yes, the devil is a spirit even though he can influence the physical realm. It's 14 after. We'll stop right here, okay? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you all so much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Good night.

for the class. And I'll let you go ahead while I'm getting my share in place. Go ahead, Brother Johnson.

Yeah, go ahead, Brother Johnson. All right. Sorry, I was muted. We are uploading the previous classes on my website, Barry's Bureau. I'll put the link in the chat so anybody wants to go there.

So every week after the class, Avery sends me the recorded Zoom. I edit it to take out the prayer requests and only the class portion of the Zoom is on there. And then I run it through AI that summarizes the class and gives a little quiz for the class if you want to take it. It's nothing that's turned in or anything. It's just to help you to consume the material and you'll also be able to see the video.

So if you missed the class, or if you have questions, or you're just trying to increase your knowledge and your ability to study these wonderful lessons that Brother Pinkerton and Hubie and Brother McCleskey and William Thomas have done. I'm just doing this as a service to the congregation and that that'll be available. So look for that link in the chat. I'll put it in there shortly and you'll just go to the date of the class that you missed and it'll be there for you.

Thank you so much, Brother Johnson. It takes some effort to put that together, Brother Johnson, and we really appreciate you for doing that. Yes, thank you. And given those who didn't have an opportunity to see a particular study or may want to go back, as you stated, and review, they have that option.

And certainly we thank you. It takes a lot of effort to put that together. You're to be commended. Amen.

Yes. Thank you. Thank you so much.

Okay, as was said, we're going to continue our study in the devil and his works. And one of the goals of the study is to help us understand and follow the directive of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 2.12, that we be aware of the devil and his devices, schemes, tactics, methods, and so on. Can everybody see my screen pretty good?

Yes. Okay. Okay. And of course, second Corinthians 2.12, 2.11, excuse me, this is where that directive, and it's kind of an indirect directive. He doesn't come out and tell us, but the example that is set forth by him and others is, as they were well aware of the devil and his devices, schemes, tactics, methods, attacks, and so on.

And this is where it's found in 2 Corinthians 2.11, as was stated, "...lest Satan should take advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his devices." And then another area of goal for this study is to also realize that we aren't fighting against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, and the spiritual host of wickedness in heavenly places. And we are, brothers and sisters, we are And of course, this is the verse that is taken from Ephesians 6:12, and those will kind of be our theme verses for this study. The 2 Corinthians 2:11, and this Ephesians 6:12, they will be considered our theme verses. And we'll probably they'll probably pop up from time to time through the study, as will many of the verses, because it just places emphasis as we go through and try to study about the devil and find out all that we can about him, because it's it's a.

behooves us not to be in a position where the devil can take advantage of us. And so the more we know about him, the more we be in a position to fight off his confrontations, which are sure to come. And of course, Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." And the question was brought up last week, "Does the devil have power?" And we tossed around the idea that the devil does have a degree of power. And this verse here kind of supports that in our fight against the spiritual evil that exists, namely the devil.

We're fighting against some powers as well in that arena. So let us remember this passage as we continue to go through our study. So what is the name of this study? The devil and his works.

What are some of the questions that will be answered in this study? Who is the devil? What are some other biblical names for the devil? And we've already pretty much addressed these particular questions, these two questions here.

We tossed around 11, identified 11 biblical names for the devil. And we, obviously there are more. There are some 50 or so names and descriptive terms used in Scripture for the devil. But I identified 11 that I knew would be in there and there would be not be controversial, excuse me. What are some of the characteristics of the devil?

We basically tossed that around last week and concluded that. Next question, is the devil a created being? Then we'll probably touch on that question.

That's probably where we'll begin our study this evening. Is the devil a created being? Is the devil a spirit?

Can the devil take on different forms? Is God using the devil for his purposes? Can the devil do anything that he wants to? And some other questions that'll be answered in this study will be, What are the devil's objectives? Does the devil work alone?

What fate awaits the devil and his angels? What methods does the devil use against mankind? How can we be victorious over the devil?

So as we enter into this study, one truth is clear that we are currently in spiritual warfare against the devil. So let us together learn all that Christ would have us to know about the devil and his ways, as we touched on a little bit ago. The more we know, the better off we'll be in terms of our soul salvation, our relationship with God, all the above. And so I'm going to go.

I think we left off a slide. Let's see. Let's see. Okay. Okay.

I think we will pick up at slide 62. Give me a moment here. I'll get us to slide 62 and we'll continue this discussion. Okay. All right. Can everyone see?

Yes. Okay. Okay. We've already discussed the devil's power in taking on various forms and influencing the hearts and the minds of people.

The devil is not to be underestimated. And that's when we talked about the devil's power and what he is capable of doing. We have discussed some of the major characteristics of the devil just in review. The devil is a murderer, is not truthful, and is a liar.

The devil is cunning and a deceiver. The devil is a tempter. The devil is an attacker and is wicked.

Mm-hmm. The devil is a transformer or disguiser. The devil is prideful.

That's probably what got him ousted from heaven. The devil seeks people that he can influence. The devil is powerful.

And certainly in the text that we read that we're not battling against flesh and blood, but we're battling against some entities that are powerful, some satanic entities that are powerful. So let's continue on here. Is the devil a created being?

What do the following, before we answer, let me open up to the class. What's your thoughts on this question? Is the devil a created being? Anybody? What are your thoughts on this question?

Is the devil a created being? You mentioned something a minute ago and you said the devil and his angels. So I always see him as an angel, one that was defeated in heaven. So he would be one of the created creatures of God, just like the other ones were. I assume.

Yes, and I, this is Tina Fox, I tend to agree that the devil was created by God. And as we know, he was typically depicted as an angel, as was mentioned. But he rebelled against God.

And as we know, he was cast out of heaven. So short answer is yes. Okay. Thank you.

Anyone else want to piggyback? Go ahead. It's Carolyn. I was thinking about the fact that when the angels appeared before God in the book of Job, the devil came with them.

So he was as an angel. And I think in that text of Job, it said the sons of God were gathered together. And then angel and then the devil raised his head, didn't he? Yes.

Sons of God had gathered together, you know. And so it's a very interesting question, isn't it? Is the devil a created being? He would have to be.

What do the following two verses reveal to us as we seek to answer this question? Can we get somebody to read Colossians 1.16 for us? Anyone?

Anyone? All things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through him and for him. So that answers that question. He created him.

So you think, what's your take on this verse, Sister Franklin? And thank you for reading that for us. In regard to our question, does it support the idea that you, Sister Fox, and others, Sister Ridley, have presented regarding the devil being a created being?

Yes. I think it does. It does. Yes, it does. And it said all things that are in heaven and that are on earth.

And all things in heaven would include the heavenly host, wouldn't it? Yes. All things that are in heaven and on earth, both visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions, etc., etc., all things were created through him and for him.

And who's the him in this passage? God. God the Father.

Anybody else want to comment? Who's the him in this passage? God the Father. God the Father. The hymn is actually God the Son.

Oh, wow. Jesus Christ. for by him all things were created.

Jesus Christ was God's agent in creation. He was the actual one who followed God's directive and did the creating. Oh, I see that. It is Christ.

I had mine on mute. I was saying... All things were created through him and for him. In the beginning.

The him in this passage is Christ, God the Son. You have the Father, you have God the Son, you have God the Holy Spirit. And God the Son was God the Father's agent in the area of creation. In the beginning was the word. And the word was God.

So, we're created by him. Brother, what's the verse before the 16th verse? Can we see?

Can someone read that for us? Colossians 1.16 1.15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. So it is referring to Christ. Thank you sister.

It is a lead in. 15 and 16 are connected. 15 is definitely talking about Christ.

16 is a continuation for by him, Christ, were all things created. And so Christ was indeed, and thank you, Sister Heron, for presenting that verse 15. And it does also lend more clarity to those who were rubbing their chin and going, hmm, hmm, you know. But yes, it is referring to Christ.

He was God's agent in creation, God the Son. Thank you. What does this tell us?

What does this verse tell us about the question? Is the devil a created being? Somebody read that for us.

You alone are the Lord. You have made heavens the heavens of heavens with all their hosts, the earth and everything on it, the seas and all that is in them. And you preserve them all.

The hosts of heavens worship you. Thank you. Thank you, Brother Brett. And as you can see, this too supports the idea that when it talks about the Lord, of course, we identified who specifically was God's agent in creation, and it was Christ.

So it's saying you alone are God and the heavens of the earth, that you have made the heavens and the earth with all their hosts. So I would think that the devil would be considered at one time one of the heavenly hosts. Or pride got the best of him and he was ousted. And of course, we remember the spiritual war that occurred in heaven. You know, this spiritual war is said to have occurred in heaven.

And it was the devil and his angels. And we, of course, we learned through the earlier portions of this study that about a third of the angels in heaven accompanied with the devil. And it took the archangel Michael and the remaining two thirds of the angels, I guess, to oust the devil from heaven. The text said it was no place found for angels.

The devil, he couldn't stay in heaven. He was forced out of heaven. And so this verse definitely talks about anybody have any comments about this verse? Do you think it supports the idea that the devil is a created being?

Yes. Yes. Yes.

the devil the the devil is either a created being or an eternal being whoa what is meant by eternal be everlasting okay okay good anybody else anybody else what is it He's eventually going to be cast out into everlasting devastation along with whoever else he takes with him. Right. Yes.

What is meant by eternal being? Yes, he'll be in the fire for eternity. I don't know for sure. I don't know. I'm not sure.

What is meant by the general term, not necessarily the devil, but what is meant by the term eternal being? Whoever that may be. Yeah.

Everybody. Forever. Okay. Anybody else? Class is open.

And in Brother Harris' class, you get in where you fit in. Just don't be shy because we're here to learn. Amen. We're here to learn together in the spirit of love and we're all learning.

Hi, Brother Harris. Yes, go ahead. This is Zipporah.

So eternal, that could mean eternally in hell or eternally in heaven. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

Mm-hmm. Wherever you are. Yes, the phrase eternal definitely has bliss connotations and damnation connotations.

Without a doubt, it does serve both and both could await those who are worthy of such. But any more comments? Thank you, Sister Sephora. Thank you. Any more?

Any more comments about this? What is meant by eternal being? Well, yeah, we've already seen. Well, he wants to know eternal.

Forever, I guess. Forever, yes. Check this out.

All eternal beings have no beginning and have no ending. Some created beings have a beginning and an ending, while some created beings have a beginning and no ending. Uninterrupted. Now, we'll continue on. God the Father...

God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are the only eternal beings. The Godhead. All other beings and things in heaven and earth were created. The devil included.

Consider the following verse. All eternal beings, beginning or end. So that's God, the Father, the Son. That's okay.

You know what? Check this out. Check this out, Sister Davis.

See that Psalm 92? Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever, you had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God. Yeah. Yeah.

And only three, there are only three possessors of the divine nature of deity. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. And they are the only eternal beings. And as was cited, there are all other beings and things in heaven and earth were created. And it's interesting, Sister Davis and others, that it says there from everlasting to everlasting.

Now, obviously, this is beyond our comprehension, isn't it? Yes. I can't. Man, I can barely get all the way back to the garden. You know, you know, I mean.

I mean, it takes some doing to get to, if I stop and think and go down through the history of man, it takes some doing just to get all the way back to the garden. But can you imagine, you imagine looking at, Looking one way, and sometimes those of us that have been on cruises, when we're out on the deck, you know, enjoying the nature of God, those of us who have been on cruises and we're out standing out there on the deck and look this way as far as the eye can see, nothing's missing. And then you look this way. And as far as the eye can see, nothing but ocean.

But this is even, that's just a subtle example to from everlasting to everlasting. And I can't even comprehend that. Anybody, if anybody can comprehend that, raise your hand. Yeah, it's, uh, but, but yes, that, uh, And that supports the idea of the devil being a created being, because the devil has a beginning, but the devil will have no ending. Just like we as humans have a beginning.

We were created. We were brought into this earth through the womb. We'll have no ending, but Our souls will live forever. Where the soul never dies, and will either. Now some of the beings that have a beginning, some of the created beings that have a beginning and an ending are animals and things of that nature, creatures that God created.

It's not clear in scripture whether or not there will be a place for them in heaven. uh we know that we've heard that that that uh that statement all dogs go to heaven have you heard about that yeah i don't know if we're going to uh actually see any animals as we know them here in heaven okay uh and so uh But anyway, and so they have a beginning and they have an ending type of created creatures, whereas we we who are earthlings and all the heavenly host that were created, the devil and his angels included. We have a beginning. We were created, but we have no ending.

So we'll either experience eternal bliss forever or we'll experience eternal damnation. And because of our free moral agency, which the devil also has, we choose. We choose where we want to spend eternity.

Yes, the devil is a created being and was one of the heavenly hosts before rebelling against God as a free moral agent. The devil and his angels were forced out of heaven. They were forced out.

Brother Hubie? Yes, go ahead. Go ahead, Brother Bear.

Can I just add one dimension to the Godhead's eternal existence? Yes, please. The Godhead is also different from... spiritual creatures that we would consider eternal because they are self-existent. They don't require anything outside of their own nature to exist, where everything else is dependent on God to exist.

Good point. Good point, Brother Barry. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Any comments on Brother Barry's class, comment. Does class have anything to comment on what Brother Barry has just shared with us?

Can I ask a question, please? Yes, please. When they were cast out of heaven, they didn't lose the powers they had before.

So they're here on earth. That's why you can find them here and there and everywhere. And it seems like all at once.

So is that my quote? Did I get it across? So they still have the powers they had as angels before they were kicked out or no?

Well, we're not exactly what powers they had in heaven. The Bible doesn't share that info with us. We know that there were ranks in heaven. due to the Archangel Michael and Gabriel.

And we know that there were some ranks in heaven, but we're not exactly sure what exactly, what powers they have. Now, we know that when they were cast down to earth, as we'll discover a little later in our study, they were powerful. We cited some avenues last week where the devil was has certain powers where he remember when in the temptation of Christ, how he seemingly in a moment's time was able to take Christ up to the pinnacle of the temple And and and all this I'll give to you, you know, and if you if you you'll bow down and worship me. And then he took him to another high place.

And and but the devil seemed to possess some powers while down here on Earth. And we know that God's in control of everything. So if the devil is doing anything, it's because he's being allowed to do it.

And I didn't want to hit him, but that is a truth. Yes, go ahead. When the devil was cast out of heaven, his powers went with him.

So he had control over everything down in hell and control over the angels' that were under him. So whatever powers he was doing in creating evil, because that's what his powers were, were evil, he would submit on or to other people or individuals including into their minds or whatever it may be to complete whatever Evil doing as they wanted to do. That's a good point. One thing we have to consider, though, is that is that we don't know what powers and abilities the devil had in heaven before his fall.

Correct. After his fall, after his fall, God may have taken some things away from the devil. Right. Right.

He limited him. And even now that he's down here on Earth, he's still limited in what what he is allowed to do. And he can't just do his thing down here. He can only step within the boundaries that God has allowed him to step in. Correct.

Yes, go ahead. Go ahead, please. Let me add one thing.

Well, a couple things. One, you got to keep in mind, angels do have powers, do have strength. Remember, it was an angel that rolled the stone away from the sepulcher. when Jesus rose. And remember what that stone was.

It was so heavy that no man could move it. Okay. So, so we know that the angels did have some power, some strength and ability.

We also know when they, when, In the Old Testament, we're talking about the angels taking women and creating men of renown, almighty men is what they said. So we know there was something there. That's one other thing I want to point out. The scripture, and I could be wrong about this, but to my memory, the scripture doesn't actually say that Satan rules in hell.

it doesn't actually say that. We know that he has followers and his angels, that scripture does support that, but it doesn't really say he rules in hell. I think that's more of a kind of something that kind of came about over time and been carried on. Yeah.

Thank you. Thank you so much for Brother Pinkerton. Two, two, maybe three good, really good points. Yes, go ahead, please.

Go ahead. Take the sister first that you had. Sister Dora, I mentioned that you said that, that he had power and that the devil had power in hell. And some think that when at the end of time, the devil is going to rule in hell, but that's not going to be the case.

That's not going to be the case. He's going to receive. He's got a fate awaiting him, as we'll discover further in our study.

But yes, the devil does have power. You did make a good point. Go ahead, Brother. I agree with Brother Pinkerton on that. I don't believe Satan will be ruling in hell.

He's just going to be a hell participant like everybody else. I just want to add, not a definitive response, but something for us to think about. that when you are, and let me just make a human analogy.

When I operate in my community and in my society and in America free, I have a lot of power, right? There's a lot of things I can do. I can start a business.

I can do all kinds. It's unlimited, right? The American dream and all that kind of stuff. But if you were to put me in jail, right? then the powers that I had before as a free agent would be limited because I'm in jail, right?

So just think about the angels who had operation from the heavenly realms, and then they are then tossed out of heaven into the earthly realm, okay? Still spiritual beings. So I think from that analogy, I think we could see that they aren't able to operate with the same power and authority and in the same way that they could in heaven as they can on earth.

So I think from that perspective, they are limited in their existence. We also live underneath the age of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is holding back Evil would be much greater in the world if the Holy Spirit weren't in the world as well. So I just want to add a couple of things to think about as we're considering whether or not the angels still have the same power that they had in heaven. I don't think they possibly could because in heaven, as operating as an agent in heaven, I would think more things would be available to you than they are than they are.

Thank you. Thank you so much, Brother Barry, Brother Pinkerton. Really good comments.

They're really helpful to our study. Brother Harris. Yes.

I know we're doing a deep study on this. I know in Revelation 12, 7 through 12, it's clear about him being cast out. And he had a fight with Michael and the other angels, and he was defeated and cast out. Yes. My question is, we were talking about he was able to lead Christ up and try to tempt him.

But the thought came to me is that, you know, I keep thinking about Christ went up there, allowed to go. What I'm trying to say, we were talking about him having power, but I don't think he was able to direct or lead Christ without Christ allowing him to do that because there is a verse... that we sometimes quote what it says, Jesus says he has all power, all power in heaven and in earth.

Because dealing with this devil and the demon, like we have to deal with him right now at this time in creation, we want to be aware of him, but we want to know that Christ has power. And that's what we need to feel good about, knowing that if we stick with him, we have the power to defeat this devil. Yes. Just as Adam and Eve had it, if they had done with Christ, what God had told them to do. So the devil, I really, really, really appreciate this class.

And, but at the same time, I don't want us to begin to fear just because he is on here. He is down here for this time period. But we have to, you know, to talk about put on a whole armor and all of this stuff. Well, as you, Sister Herring, when I went down through the questions that we'll be addressing, we're kind of getting ahead of ourselves just a little bit.

And you're accurate in what you're saying. And I don't think anybody... who is a mature Christian believes for one minute that Satan has more power than the devil.

It was a time, if you recall, Sister Mary, if you recall at the time when Jesus went to the wilderness, the scriptures specifically tell us he went there to be tempted by the devil. So expecting a confrontation with the devil and he passed it with flying colors. But Christ's time hadn't come yet for him to participate in the miraculous. Because remember the wedding in Cana and they ran out of wine?

Oh, yeah. And Mary approached Christ and said they've run out of wine. And he said he explained to her that his time had not come yet, you know, ministry had not begun yet. So we know that Christ wanted to reveal all that at a specific time. And I think I think all of us are in agreement with you, Sister Heron, that we believe that that Christ has that God has all power.

God, the Father, God, the Son, God, the Holy Spirit. And I don't think there's any disagreement even in this. But but but but one of the questions is how can we. be victorious against the devil.

We're really going to break that down and we'll need your help and your input in helping us with some of those avenues. You cited some and gotten a little ahead of us, but that's okay. It's easy to get ahead and we all get ahead. I'm getting ahead. But just hold that thought and we agree with you totally.

I don't think everyone would disagree with what you said. The reason I wanted to point that out because they There used to be a joke. I remember when I was growing up and this guy has come on the radio. This is in Memphis. And he would come on.

He would say, you might remember the joke. Some of you might remember. And he was saying, I couldn't help myself. The devil made me do it.

A lot of people start. That was that was that was that was it. So, you know, it's just the way we're saying and talking about him.

Like, yes, we need to be aware of all of these things that he can do. But at the same time, we don't want us to begin to fear like, you know, I'm weak and he's got all this power. And whatever I'm doing wrong, the devil made me do it. And we don't want that, right? No, I agree totally.

And that's the reason we're studying this. This is not a study that we run across frequently. We encounter studies about how we can get closer to the Lord, how we can gain root in Christ, how we can get stronger in the Lord.

We come with a lot of those messages and a lot of those studies frequently. But a study like this, is necessary because if we don't engage in a study like this, Sister Harry, we give the devil the opportunity to take advantage of us. That's why following our beloved brother Paul's directive, we want to be aware of the devil and his devices, schemes, tactics, etc., so that we can work him off.

Check that question out. Here's another question for the class. Did God create evil when he created the devil? No.

Any thoughts on that? No. My answer is no.

I think about Adam and Eve. When he created everything, he said it was good. And they had they had the choice. He didn't create us as robots. So he created us with the conscience.

He's not trying to force anybody to love him. He's not trying to force anybody because he's a loving God. You know.

Anybody else? Good comment. Anybody else want to comment?

Did God create evil when he created the devil? Sister Sarah? Did you have a comment?

No. Okay. Okay. Anybody else? No.

Okay. Okay. Okay.

Well, one thing, the Bible doesn't really state that God created anything evil at all. And I hear this, it's an excellent question, to be honest with you, it's an excellent question because I hear a lot of people say, well, what about the tree and all this type of stuff? The whole idea of evil is God created the tree of the knowledge of evil. good and evil.

He did not create evil. Now, it was Satan's own pride and Satan's own free moral being, his own free moral compass that chose to go the route of evil. This was not God's creation, but it is the creation of this being.

Just like in us, if we do things, if we sin, we fall short, we do that of our own being. It's not something of God that causes us to fall short. So no, the answer would be that no, God did not create evil, but God did create us with the freedom to choose. Amen.

Amen. God did not create evil. But God did create free moral agency. And this is kind of what you and Sister Heron and others were talking about, Brother Pinkerton. But God did create free moral agency.

And wherever free moral agency is, the chance of evil is possible. God knew that man was going to sin. That's why the scheme of redemption was put into place before the foundation of the world.

He knew he knew he was going to mess up. He knew we were going to mess up. That's why he put the scheme of redemption in place before the foundation of the world.

And so, like you said, Brother Pinkerton and Sister Heron touched on that the free moral agency is Is the key and whatever you find where wherever there is free moral agency, the chance of evil is possible. And all of us brothers and sisters. All humans possess free moral agency, don't we? Yes. Yes.

And so wherever there's free moral agency, there's always that possible doing evil. Adam and Eve had it on through and we also have been, as a part of our humanity, have that creative free moral agency. We're running out of time. Let's see. Ephesians 1 and 4, just as he chose us before him, in him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame for him in love.

And that's Ephesians 1 and 4. And the reason I presented this to you all is that God had the scheme of redemption in place before the foundation in the world. He did not go and say, you're going to be saved. You're going to be lost.

You're going to be saved. You're going to know, but he, but he, he, the scheme of redemption and who would be drawn to it and who would, who would reject it. And he chose us in him through obedience to the gospel before the foundation of the world. And so, uh, One more quick question. It's about 10 after.

Is the devil a spirit? And I think we pretty much, for the most part, I think we've answered that. Ephesians 6 and 12, for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness. in the heavenly places.

And I think that first phrase answers that question, doesn't it? That we do not battle against flesh and blood, And whenever we get mad at a human being, let us always, brothers and sisters, try to remember that. Yes.

That we're not really battling against flesh and blood. It's not the human being that is acting ugly or acting evil. We know who is behind all the evil and all the disrupting and things of that nature in the world. And we know that the devil is. is behind that. Yes.

Yes, go ahead. Go ahead. I think it was a sister that was for me.

Yeah, you go ahead. Go ahead. So I have a question and maybe we can answer it and speak on it for next week.

So is the first reported sin in heaven or on earth? What was that? Uh, What was the first recorded sin in the Bible?

Was it in heaven or was it the sin on earth? The first thing in the Bible? Sin. The first before it's sin.

He would be in heaven. When he threw them out. He would be in heaven.

And forgive me, forgive me, Brother Klan, it's not you. It's the old man here. And we got the answer already, so that's good. Brother Harris, When we use the word demons, is that the ones who was cast out with the devil? Demons?

Yes, they were. And we're going to get off and we're going to touch on that next week for sure, Sister Heron. So hold that thought if you would. But yes, demons were a part of the devil's regiment.

He's got to, and I'm getting way ahead of myself, but that's okay. That's why we're here. That's why we're here to learn and to study and grow together.

But yes, demons will be a entity that we'll be talking a lot about in the upcoming days. So are they synonymous with the angels that were cast out with him? Is that the same?

Are we saying that's another... some other yeah i would say i would say it's the same thank you yeah i would say yes the devil's angels and demons uh that's what i thought are closely are are close very good thank you and i would say so this is great thank you before you let off did you say that the first sin was in heaven Is that what we're saying? Okay.

Yes. We know that the rebellion that occurred in heaven for sure was the first sin that occurred. And I couldn't hear Brother Clanton clearly and it wasn't him, it was the old man.

It's the old man here. But But yes, the devil is a spirit even though he can influence the physical realm. It's 14 after. We'll stop right here, okay?

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you all so much.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Good night.

Transcript for:June 11 - Study on The Devil and His Works

Transcript for:
June 11 - Study on The Devil and His Works