Poetry With A Mission



...a thought provoking poetical exercise.

“...For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness...” (2 Cor 11:14,15, NKJV).

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons” (1 Tim 4:1, ESV).

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1, ESV).

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep an eye on those who cause dissensions and offenses, in opposition to the teaching that you have learned; avoid them. For such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded” (Rom 16:17,18).

“For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths” (2 Tim 4:3,4).

“So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (Eph 4:14, ESV).

“Thus says the Lord: Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls” (Jer 6:16).

“ ‘But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’ ‘Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men’ ” (Mark 7:7,8, NASB).

“Alas for those who go down to Egypt [turn to secular/pagan sources] for help and who rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord! [instead of trusting in, and depending on, God]” (Isa 31:1).

“Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord…” (2 Cor 6:17, ESV).  Note also Rev 18:2-4.

“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world...but now is My kingdom not from hence’ ” (John 18:36, KJV).

“Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day [Christ’s Second Coming] will not come unless the rebellion [apostasy] comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God” (2 Thess 2:3,4).

“The coming of the lawless one is apparent in the working of Satan, who uses all power, signs, lying wonders, and every kind of wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion, leading them to believe what is false” (2 Thess 2:9-11).

If I Were The Devil

If I were the devil, I would infiltrate the Christian Church,
And introduce heresy, so that my way, it would soon lurch.
I would install errant leaders who would aid me with my plans,
And soon I would have parishioners eating out of my hands.

I would have subtle new theology chipping at the old,
And as the new became embraced, my assault would grow more bold.
I would have influential orators challenge without fear
Those standards and foundations that Christianity holds dear.

And I would encourage Christians to embrace more of the world,
As its corrupt influence would dilute things that are upheld.
Then the Holy Word of God they would try to reinterpret,
As their new thoughts and feelings would no longer the Bible fit.

I would have substitutes at hand for each truth within God’s Word,
And things that lull and tickle, from the pulpit I would have purred.
I’d fill the Christian’s library with material that’s flawed,
And warnings throughout Scripture, I’d do my best to see ignored.

I’d have folk filling positions falsely thinking they’d been ‘called,’
Who’s activity and influence more wrong would see installed.
I would infect Christian music with my beat and worldly sounds,
And encourage its acceptance within the Church’s own grounds.

I’d make church entertaining, and decrease time spent on God’s Word,
I’d discourage reverence, ensuring disrespect occurred.
I’d mix secular with Holy, gaining all the ground I could,
Until hopefully — yours truly — at the helm of each church stood.

I’d downplay truth God has given that He wants all to uphold,
Call for Christian unity, form an ecumenical mould.
Preaching love and harmony, I’d have Christians join together,
Thinking they were pleasing God, when my nest, they would just feather.

I'd call doctrine a barrier and conformity encourage;
And opposition to my plans I’d ridicule and discourage.
Those aware of my deception I’d accuse of trouble making,
And then very firm steps to silence them I would be taking.

Gaining Christian territory would aid my ultimate goal,
That being, a global system through which all I could control.
A religious-political power would provide me with the key,
Whereby, everybody on earth could be forced to worship me.

I’d raise up militant Christians who’d seek the halls of power,
So that things I would like to see would germinate and flower.
I would have them think that God wanted Christians to take charge,
And as soon as they gained power I’d float my legislative barge.

Yes, I would make sure that signs and miracles played a part
In my evil attempt to steal everybody’s mind and heart.
And even though not genuine, convincing they’d need to be,
As miracles and signs, it seems, are the proof folk want to see.

Oh yes, if I were the devil I would work from the inside,
For that way it’s a certainty that my way things would soon slide.
And the ones that I would use to achieve all these things for me,
Would ironically be Christians helping me unwittingly.

By Lance Landall