Over twenty years ago an American Airlines Boeing 767 with 20,000 gallons of jet fuel crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City.  The impact left a huge hole in the eightieth floor of this 110-story skyscraper, instantly killing hundreds and trapping hundreds more. 17  minutes later a United Airlines Boeing 767 invaded the south tower near the sixtieth floor, causing a massive explosion scattering burning debris over surrounding buildings and streets.

     “Words from Above” in the Bible tell us that in the very beginning of the Creation of the world there was a far worse invasion forever changing the course of history.  Airplanes did not exist, nor did skyscrapers, but the invader took on the form of a serpent, described as the most subtle of all the creatures God had created.  The actual identity of the invader was a fallen angel named Satan, who has been terrorizing humanity ever since that first invasion.  Satan used deception and false promises to convince Eve to disobey a simple rule that God had given Adam and Eve.  They were not permitted to touch or eat the fruit from the tree in the middle of the Garden of Eden, the perfect paradise where God allowed Adam and Eve to live.  Satan not only invaded the garden, but he invaded Adam and Eve’s private space to totally twist God’s one single rule. Unfortunately, this attack on the human race was the first of an innumerable number of attacks on the human race. Fortunately, God sent His Son to counteract the power of Satan over the human soul.  His Son Jesus voluntarily died on a Roman cross to pay the penalty for the sins of all the people of the world, was buried in a borrowed tomb, and rose from the dead on the third day after His death.  Eventually He returned to His rightful place in heaven on the right hand of His father on His throne.  In His place He sent the Holy Spirit of God to live within those who choose to confess their sins to God, ask for His forgiveness, and invite Jesus into their lives.  The Holy Spirit gives us the desire to follow God’s way and the ability to keep His commandments, plus He gives us the spiritual armor we need to defend ourselves against the attacks of Satan   The apostle Paul wrote about this armor in Ephesians 6, which includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith and the  gospel of peace, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and prayer.  So, let’s use them. Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For information, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.