Volume 11 / Issue 3 | March 2024

The Apologetics Newsletter
of the Missouri Baptist Convention

In this issue:

Satan's Temptation of Jesus ... The Thessalonians' Tempter ... The Writer of Hebrews and Christ's Return ... All about the Evil One ... and more!

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Satan's Temptation of Jesus

No sooner does the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus, empowering the incarnate Son of God for public ministry, than he leads Jesus into the wilderness for an extended time of testing. This is Jesus's first act of submission to the Father's will after the Spirit's descent. And there's no doubt the Spirit accompanies Jesus on this otherwise solitary encounter with the evil one.


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The Thessalonians' Tempter

Thessalonica is a city under strong demonic influence, played out in the worship of Caesar and numerous pagan idols. In addition, there's strong Jewish opposition to the gospel, and Paul worries that Satan might lure the city's Christ-followers away from their young faith and holy lifestyle.


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The Writer of Hebrews and Christ's Return

The writer of Hebrews implores Jewish Christians to stay faithful, despite persecution and mounting pressure to return to Judaism. The same Jesus who died once for our sins will appear a second time to complete the work of salvation he has begun in all his followers.


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Temptation, Testing, and Trials

What's the difference between a temptation, a test, and a trial? It may help to examine these English words as they appear in Scripture. New Testament writers use the Greek word peirasmos nearly 60 times in a variety of ways. English translators render this word "tempt/temptation," "test/testing," or "try/trial" based on the context.



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Satan, the Deceiver

There is no ultimate sense in which society regards deceivers positively. And the church, in particular, needs to stand guard against those who disguise themselves as "servants of righteousness" and infiltrate the church (2 Cor. 11:15). Even more important, we are to be ever vigilant concerning the greatest deceiver of all: Satan.


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All About the Evil One

Was Satan once an anointed cherub, God's prime minister of the universe? When and how did he become the father of lies, tempter, and adversary? And what hope is there for followers of Jesus in knowing that God has prepared a special place for Satan and his messengers? What Every Christian Should Know About Satan explores more than a dozen biblical names and titles that reveal the evil one's character, tactics, and ultimate destiny in the lake of fire. Written for pastors and laypersons alike, this resource is designed for personal or group study.


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