"As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him." - Psalm 18:30
Winning Against the Devil in Latin America
by Roger Leonard
December 14, 2008
SATAN HAS EVIL FORCES of every design and in every place all over the world. He does not want people to be saved from sin and spiritual death. His quest is to prevent as many souls as possible from hearing and believing the gospel. Ever since Eden he has sown the seeds of unbelief: "You will not surely die," slithered off the serpent’s tongue as the first lie against God and truth was spoken. (Gen. 3: 4) This deceitful strategy is foundational for everything done ever since by the “serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world.” (Rev. 12:9) Satan works essentially the same in every place throughout the world. How does Satan work against God and man in Latin America?
SATAN WORKS THROUGH FALSE RELIGION. Catholicism is undeniably the most powerful religion in Latin America, from Mexico to the southern tip of Chile, and has a long history and deep roots in the hearts and minds of the people. Catholic traditions rule the festive events and greatly affect the politics, economy and directions the countries take. Most Latin Americans are deceived by the fundamental errors of Catholicism. Evangelicalism probably runs second in influence, with hoards of people delivering highly emotional appeals, providing exciting "worship" activities and other feel-good deceptions. Other denominational groups are active as well, offering more social and benevolence services than teaching. Of course, what they do teach is a non-saving message.
(Note: My comments here are against false religions that have no biblical basis for their teaching. This is a war of righteousness against error through God's revealed truth in the Bible, and not one of personalities or feelings against people.)
SATAN WORKS THROUGH POVERTY AND FALSE HOPES. One way evil dictators and other corrupt government officials are elected is through voters’ hopes of being relieved of poverty and offered a better way of physical life. The problem, though, is high level corruption in the governments and political offices being used for personal gain; and there is little accountability. This creates job insecurity, fear, and deeper poverty among the lower classes. People consequently put their faith in the government as a "savior" over the Lord. Satan takes full advantage of it.
SATAN WORKS THROUGH FASLE BRETHREN AND FALSE TEACHING. This is not new. Paul dealt with “false brethren” who “bewitched” the church in Galatia. (Gal. 2:4; 3:1). There are false brethren who go to Latin America and spread a false hope of salvation by teaching false doctrine on marriage, divorce and remarriage. The “non-institutional” and “one cup” brethren seek to destroy good works and draw away disciples to themselves. Others will carry innovations such as special singing and hand-clapping in worship. Some brethren have even denied the essentiality of baptism in the Lord’s plan of salvation. Divisions come and souls are lost because of false brethren and false teaching. Satan takes advantage of this as well.
SATAN WORKS THROUGH INDIFFERENCE. The gospel message is not powerless (Rom. 1:16); neither is it limited to Latin America. The Lord has given the great commission to the church of Christ to “go into all the world” (Mark 16:15). It is God’s work in our hands. But some members of the church do not believe they have a part in the spreading of it. They either do not think about it, understand what to do, have a willingness to learn how, or do not care. For whatever reasons, fewer souls are reached. Satan wins a major victory when children of God are indifferent toward the lost.
THE LORD WORKS THROUGH THE WORD AND FAITHFUL BRETHREN. We cannot throw up our hands with feelings of defeat over Satan’s strategies. Too many souls are at risk! There are souls who will listen to and who will obey the message of the Cross! We must pray, teach, give, preach and never give Satan any "subjection, no, not even for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue…"! (Gal. 2:5). Satan is defeated in Latin America (and all other places) by the living Word of God (Heb 4:12), continued labors of faithful brethren (Cf. I Cor. 15:58; I Thess. 1:8), and prayers from righteous men and women of God (Jas. 5:16; Matt. 9:38). Faithful brethren will win the victory over Satan and his forces of evil when they go and teach God’s saving truth to the lost and dying!
Do you have questions about this article? Please feel free to contact me. I will discuss them with a spirit of love and an open Bible.