Think Again!

28 • Think Again: Transformation That Yields a Return on God’s Investment

in the middle of a confrontation between God and the devil. We wish we could avoid it, or negotiate a truce with the enemy.

But it is comforting to realize that there is an historical context to our situation. Our day-to-day existence is part of something far bigger than just our personal problems. Dallas Willard said, “Instead of being the main show, we are of significance only as a – very important – part of an immense struggle between immense forces of good and evil.” 12 This gives us the right perspective to cope with the realities of life. This is a battle that preceded us, and goes on after we die. Before Creation, the devil rebelled against God and then recruited Adam and Eve into rebellion at the Fall. Ever since that day, God has been intent to win back everything that was lost at the Fall. Through Jesus our Lord, the devil was defeated in his incarnation, his miracles, his exorcisms, his death and resurrection, and his ascension. He sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to launch the Church and begin the process of expanding his kingdom influence around the world. The “gospel” is the good news that God will prevail in this broader historical conflict. Before you understood the gospel, your eyes were blind to much of what was happening in the invisible world all around you. But when God revealed himself, the Spirit entered and gave you the ability to understand his Word, including:

• A Creator and his creation • A plan designed by God the Father

• A Champion working to make all things new, the Lord Jesus • An invitation to receive forgiveness and join him in his work