Pastor (Capt) A. M. Samuel

When we are saved from the sinful life by the Grace of God, and by the living Word of God, and baptized in the water and filled with the Holy Spirit, we are able to enter inside the kingdom of God.

Since we are the citizens of the kingdom of God, the kingdom of Satan will oppose us in every possible way. That is what Jesus Christ said, "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you; If ye were of the world the world would love his own, but because ye are not of the world but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." (John 15: 18, 19) Even though we have to face a hostile atmosphere while on this earth, our Lord encourages us with these words, "These things, I have spoken to you, that in me ye might have peace, In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John16: 33).

The scriptures clearly teach that Satan and his foes will attack a child of God by all possible means. Jesus said, "Hereafter I will not talk much with you; for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. " (John14: 30). "And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. " (1 John 5: 19)

Satan's Arsenal Our enemy Satan and his "principalities, powers, rulers of darkness of this world, and wicked spiritual forces," will attack us from all directions, using all kinds of weapons. The 'prince of this world',  has all kinds of weapons in his armory, to attack the child of God. Each weapon is designed for a specific purpose, and will be used at the right moment. He is very clever.

In his armory he has Political weapons, religious weapons, moral weapons, weapons of wicked spirits, weapons of sickness, weapons of financial hardships, weapons of allegations, weapons of criticisms, weapons of discouragements, weapons of persecutions and many more of the like. Satanic forces will create the right atmosphere to use his weapons. He is very wise; he will not waste any of his weapons, which he has craftily designed to be used against the enemies of his kingdom - The disciple of Christ. He will create enmity between our neighbors, and us with the religious people, and with the government authorities. The god of this world, Satan and his forces are hell bent in creating all kinds of confusions and problems, as long as they are ruling this world.

Therefore the Word of God forewarns a child of God, "Be sober, and be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour. " (1 Pet. 5: 8). Satan, the god of this world attracts all mankind to worship him, which has been his desire, from the time he was on the Holy mountain of God. To fulfill that desire, Satan appears before the people in different forms to anyhow mislead them from the true knowledge of God.

To some he reveals himself through wisdom and philosophy; to some he gives mental satisfaction by fulfilling the various religious rituals, to some he reveals himself through good deeds (Karma), to some he reveals himself through various images, to some he reveals himself as light visible through meditations, to some he reveals himself as the super spirit by linking the human spirit with a wicked spirit of the wicked spirit world, through the kundilini or the silver cord.

When a person gets some relief from his mental pressure and tensions, or when he gets material gain or physical blessings or when he gets some positions in the society or the Government through the above methods, he is deceived and believes that God has blessed him and finally bows down and worships the method through which he received it, thinking that almighty God is behind this force.

Satan deceives pleasure-seeking people with all kinds of pleasures - sexual pleasures, drugs and liquors, gambling and the like. Satan blesses the underworld criminals and murderers with all kinds of tricks and wiles so that they may succeed in their attempts to murder people and to earn money and fame. Remember that God created him as the most beautiful creature. He was full of wisdom, given by God, but now he uses that wisdom in all possible crooked ways to deceive the people, and to receive their worship. A Disciples of Christ is the real enemy of the satanic kingdom. Therefore the attack will be directed towards him. He has to face the onslaught of all these dangerous weapons, which are aimed at destroying the spiritual life of a disciple of Christ.

Counter attacking the enemy In this fierce battle between the child of God and army of Satan, when Satan is using different kinds of weapons, the victory of the child of God depends mainly on the Type of weapon he uses against the enemy's onslaught.

These days Satan uses the weapons of persecutions against the disciples of Jesus Christ. Satan moves the heart of the Government officials, religious fanatics to attack and to harass the true believers of Jesus Christ. It is very easy for a child of God to approach the Government authorities seeking their help. We may get their help to protect our lives and properties for a while but we will fail in our attempt to deliver the souls who are marching to hell fire under the custody of satanic forces. In order to protect their lives and properties many servants of God have compromised with the world, forsaking the precious and important doctrines.

In the year 1999, a famous Christian magazine "Marupacha" published from the southern sate of Kerala, published some photographs of some well known Pentecostal leaders seen holding their hands with the Roman Catholic bishop, Jacobite church bishop, Marthoma Church Bishop and with other nominal church leaders and singing, "Bind us together Lord, Bind us together. "A Pentecostal church leader was shown praying publicly with them so that God may bind them together. The title of the article was "Churches are uniting." They have also published photographs of the office bearers of a new organization formed by them, known as 'All India Christian Council. ' Under the chairmanship of a nominal church bishop. Pentecostal church leaders are also chosen to work for the unity of Christian churches of India, irrespective of doctrine or faith.

What terrible and shocking news? Is there no one to raise his voice against this terrible wickedness that will destroy the Pentecostal churches of India? While reading this news I was stirred up within by the Holy Spirit. I am waiting for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to go down south, and to preach in every nook and corner against the present wickedness of Satan, that has entered inside the church.

Beloved friend! I humbly ask you this question. Why are you keeping quite when this greatest evil is destroying the Body of Christ- The Church? Are you not concerned about this? Just think about the heavy price our fathers paid for this precious faith and doctrine. Think about the persecutions they suffered. You may also have paid a heavy price when you came out from the nominal churches. Now do you think that that it was a mistake that you renounced - your home, position and influence in the society and came out to take water baptism and joined the Body of Christ? Do you think that it was an emotional decision at that time?

Absolutely not, my friend! You took the right decision at that time according to the unchangeable Word of God. Our fathers took their decision to leave the big organized denominational churches as per the word of God. They were moved by the love of God and therefore they chose the path of reproach. What happened now? Why are the Pentecostal leaders in India joining their hands with the denominational church leaders and singing "Bind us together lord, Bind us together."

Why the fear? The main reason is that they are afraid of the persecution, Why are thy afraid? The tragedy with them is that the Holy Spirit is no more leading them. Why is the Holy Spirit no more guiding them? They grieved the Holy Spirit by their actions. A servant of God who is filled with the Holy Spirit, and is being led by the Holy Spirit cannot join hands with the denominational church leader under any circumstances. The scripture says, "Whosoever transgresseth, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the father and the son, If there come any unto you, and bring nor this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed, for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. " (2 John 9-11)

When Satan just took out from his arsenal his 'weapon of persecution' the Pentecostal church leaders got frightened and joined hands with the denominational churches compromising all the precious doctrines in order to protect them and their properties and positions. They even approached the Government with memorandums seeking protection.

The scripture says, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers, for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness. And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believes with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of the living God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. " (2 Cor. 6: 14-18)

Real persecution has not yet started in India. All what you are hearing or seeing about the persecution in India is just the beginning. I was the first one to be persecuted in the beginning of the present wave of persecution. In, Eraviperoor, Kerala on January 13th 1996. When I was preaching, about 12 people came and they beat me up and dragged me out of the stage. Police took me into its custody and later put me in the prison. Police and other leaders compelled me to give the names of the people who persecuted me. I refused to give their names, saying that the people who have beaten me are my friends and I have no complaints against them because they did it ignorantly. When I was in the prison, member of the minority commission Mr. John Joseph conveyed the message to me that he is willing to help me to be released from the prison, but I flatly refused his help and said, let God intervene in my case and release me.

Later on I was released on bail and the court case continued. Finally on Dec. 1998, the judge acquitted me. I thank God for enabling me not to use any carnal weapons. When I was persecuted and put in the prison. The Holy Spirit gave me patience, courage and strength to face the situation. It was a time when the Pentecostal leaders, criticized me publicly and totally renounced me.

Finally God's name was glorified. The same people, who persecuted me, met me personally and asked me the reason for not disclosing their names even when the police, political leaders and church leaders compelled me. I told them that they were friends and I have no ill feelings against them. They were surprised and the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ was glorified in the whole affair. Though I suffered much and still now I am suffering pain in my body. I was praying for the people who persecuted me, I was fighting a fierce spiritual battle against the gods of this world who instigated the people to persecute me. God granted me the power in the Holy Spirit to pull down several strongholds of Satan and to establish churches for the glory of God. The persecution, days spent in prison and the court case against me made me stronger in the spirit to march onward.

I was persecuted several times before also. On all those occasions the Lord granted me the Grace to face the situation boldly in the power of the Holy Spirit, and to forgive the people who persecuted me. We did not approach the police authorities or any other source. We did not make publicity about it also. We considered it an honor and privilege to suffer for the sake of Christ and we rejoiced. Due to several persecutions, physically I am weak and I suffer pain in my body, but yet I rejoice in my Lord. I am glad to 'bear the mark of the suffering in my body' for the sake of our Lord Jesus who was crucified for my sins.

In India persecutions are increasing. In several places pastors and churches of our fellowship are being persecuted. Many pastors of our fellowship have been beaten up, and put in the prison, along with the believers on several occasions. It has become a common thing for us now. When the people persecute us for the sake of Christ, we get more spiritual strength and the Love of God in us increases. Therefore, we count persecution as a blessing for us. Therefore let us all rejoice in the midst of these persecutions.

The Christian's battle strategy When Satan uses his weapon of persecution against us, we have to face him armed with the spiritual weapon. 'Love of God. ' Jesus Christ while hanging on the Cross said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. " (Luke 23: 34) The first martyr of the church, Stephen, laid down his life, with a prayer on his lips, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. " (Acts 7: 60).

The first century church boldly and joyfully faced the persecution. They rejoiced in the Lord because 'they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.' (Acts 5: 41) Therefore against persecution let us use the spiritual weapon - The Love of God, and win the people who persecute us and at the same time oppose the enemy Satan, with the power of the Holy Spirit and drive out the enemy Satan and his wicked spiritual forces from the people and shout victory through the cross of Calvary.

Persecution gives us an opportunity to express the love of God, manifested through Christ on the Cross. If we approach the government or the police for help, then we lose the beautiful opportunity to win the hearts of the people, through God's love. As per the Scriptures (Eph. 6: 12). The 'rulers of darkness of this world' (Gk. KOSMOKRATOPAS) is behind every power and authority of this world. Even if a spirit filled Pentecostal believer happened to become the chief Minister of a state or the Prime Minister of the country. The controlling power behind will be Kosmokratopas. Read Daniel 10: 12, 13. There we can see how this Kosmokratopas, whom the Bible calls the 'prince of Persia' hindered the angel Gabriel from bringing the message of God to Daniel.

Till Satan is bound and cast into the bottomless pit for a thousand years, and Jesus Christ takes over the Government of this world upon his shoulders, the controlling power behind every nation is going to be this 'Kosmokratopas. ' Whether it is US, France, Germany, China, Russia, India, or any other nation of the world, the power working behind a nation is this "Kosmokratopas".

Few years ago while I was preaching on the beaches of Miami, Florida in the United Sates of America. I was arrested by the police on two occasions and kept in custody. They interrogated me and later released me with a stern warning not to preach in the beaches of Miami. I was once arrested in China, while traveling in a train, by the chine secret police officials and later released.

It may be any form of government, ruling the nation democratic, communist or if it is a country ruled by a dictator, irrespective of the political party in power, the controlling power, behind them is this 'ruler of darkness of this world' - Kosmokratopas. Satan came before Jesus Christ, at the beginning of the public ministry, "And the Devil taking him up into an high mountain, showed onto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the Devil said unto him, All this power will I give them and the glory of them, for that is delivered unto me and whosoever I will give it. " (Luke 4: 5, 6) So, if we try to get the help from the government or seek police protection from the people who persecute us, we will be deceived. Our only help is from God only.

Lets take on the enemy Therefore beloved friend, during this time of persecutions, let us depend only on God and fight against this Kosmokratopas and the wicked spirits, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, using only the spiritual weapons and not the carnal weapons. Let us demonstrate the true love of God to the people who persecute us and at the same time pull down the strong holds of the gods of this world and his wicked spirits and march forward. We must be prepared to pay the price for the great task entrusted to us. We must be willing to lay down our life if needed, so that the people may be delivered from the clutches of the enemy - Satan. Instead of organizing protest rallies. And submitting memorandums, and compromising the sacred doctrines let us stand up to face all kinds of persecution in the power of the Holy Spirit and defeat the satanic forces using only the spiritual weapons.

We are in a spiritual battlefield. The enemy Satan changes his battle tactics every now and then. He may use sickness as a weapon to attack us. Instead of running for the doctors and their medical help. Let us face it by trusting our doctor Jesus Christ, and get admitted in the 'Calvary Hospital' through faith, where our Doctor 'Jesus' and the nurse 'Holy Spirit' are ready to attend on us always.

When Satan uses financial hardships as a weapon, let us face it by faith. "The just shall live by faith." When weapons of allegations and reproach are used against us, let us use the spiritual weapons of 'Joy' and rejoice. Similarly beloved! In our lives, whenever the enemy Satan and his host attack us, let us always depend on spiritual weapons and pull down the strongholds of the enemy. Then only can we be victorious in our journey forward.

In my personal life, the Lord led me through many fierce spiritual battles. Wherever I used my wisdom and carnal weapons. I was utterly defeated, but wherever I used spiritual weapons trusting only on the Lord. The Lord grated me cent percent victory and the name of Jesus Christ was glorified everywhere. By the abundant grace of Lord, now I have learned to use spiritual weapons against the enemy in all my circumstances "Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place. " (2 Cor. 2: 14)

Beloved friend! If God willing, I hope to continue this message. So watch out for the coming messages. Before closing, my brethren, I exhort you with all love to be spiritually awake in these last days. The situation is going to worsen. Let us not waste out time, praying for the situation to improve. Our God is behind all this. Let us be vigilant, and use the proper spiritual weapons, which the Lord has already provided. We do not have to manufacture any of our own. The Battle is of the Lord. He has therefore provided us the spiritual weapons.

Let us not use carnal weapons in the spiritual battle. Surely victory is of the Lord. Let us march on, pulling down the strongholds of the enemy. We are in the last phase of the battle. So many have already laid down their precious lives. Very soon we will hear the trumpet sound. Let us therefore encourage each other and march on from victory to victory.

May the Good Lord bless you! Amen.