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PROGRAM D-8370
Do you feel an urgency to share the good news of the gospel with those who don’t know? I want to close this series on effective witnessing with the following imaginary conversation.
The story is told of an apprentice demon—soon to be sent to earth on his first mission—who is preparing for a last-minute strategy session with his master. The young demon has realized that the unbelieving world is already in his master’s power and that it would be a poor use of his time and resources to focus his schemes on the lost. Rather, his strategy is to focus on neutralizing the Christians in their evangelistic work.
“They could do the most harm,” he reasons, “so I must keep them from the destructive work, modeled so well by Paul 2000 years ago.” He shudders at the thought of Paul’s success.
The demon then shares his strategy with his master. “I’ll try to convince Christians that there is no such thing as sin,” he says. “Then they will stop sharing the good news. The answer will soon become irrelevant if I eliminate the question.”
“This is only a part of my plan,” says Satan, “but it cannot be the focus, for most of our enemies realize the reality of sin. Even those in our power sometimes in rare moments of clear thinking, realize sin’s destructiveness. You’ll confuse some of the enemy but not all of them on this.”
“Well then, I’ll convince the church that there is no hell—that even if there is sin, there are no eternal consequences.”
“Good thinking,” replies Satan. “You will confuse some with this, but still, the prospect of judgment is so ingrained in men—even those in our power—that this will not neutralize the enemy. Most will see through the deception.”
The young demon thinks for a moment, and then a look of triumph floods his face. “I’ve got it! I’ll convince them that there is no hurry. They can have their doctrines of sin, heaven, and hell. I’ll just help them rationalize away their lack of conviction on these matters by whispering in their ears, ‘There is no hurry; don’t inconvenience yourself. Save it for later.’ They are all so prone to be concerned with their own cares and problems that they will buy right into it.”
“You have done well,” says Satan. “You will see great success in neutralizing the enemy with this strategy.”
There is a need to hurry, so don’t let the enemy fool you. Remember why Paul said he was not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ—because it is the power of God to everyone who believes.