Tag Archives: Luke

Christmas-Luke 2- The Sign

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And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. Luke 2:15-17

After the Shepherds received the “good news” from the angel, they immediately went to Bethlehem to see the Messiah. But how would they find the Messiah? Because the angel told them there is a sign, the sign is a baby lying in the manger. This is the same sign foretold to Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

The virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus in the manger is the sign of the Messiah, as foretold 700 years before Christ birth to Isaiah. Imagine how many must have pondered this prophecy for hundreds of years , trying to figure out its fulfillment, here it is the Christ has come!

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Luke 2:18-20

How did the shepherds respond when they finally seen Jesus? They went out and told the world, they declared the good news (gospel) to everyone! How do we respond when we finally receive Christ? Do you tell the good news to everyone? The good news that salvation has finally come into the world and we can inherit eternal life and be a child of God? 

Notice it says “Mary pondered these things in her heart” Imagine what must be going through the mind of Mary at this moment. She gave birth to the Son of God in a stable, she has strangers visiting her and glorifying God, and she still has the worries and uncertainty of how they are going to raise Jesus and where to live. 

If the birth of Christ gives you hope and joy, why don’t you tell someone the good news today! These shepherds had no theological training or even any social status, but they know what they saw, they saw the sign from God, the Christ has come! Amen!

Christmas-Luke 2- Birth of Christ

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And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:4-7

God works in mysterious ways, this is very prevalent in the birth of Jesus. First we see Mary and Joseph were forced to go back to Bethlehem because of a census. Now this all happened because of the prophecy of Micah 5:2, King Herod heard about the prophecy, that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, so he forced everyone back to their hometowns. What Herod didn’t realize is that the King of Kings would come to this world as an infant. The amazing part is Herod actually helped fulfill prophecy by forcing Mary and Joseph back to Bethlehem

The events that happened when Jesus was born seemed like a disaster, however they played out perfectly according to God’s plan. Having the Son of God born in a stable seems wrong, however it is perfect when you understand that Jesus is the Lamb of God (John 1) If you need a sign that Jesus is the Messiah, look to the manger!

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:8-11

 Again at first glance, sharing the good news about Jesus to a bunch of lowly shepherds doesn’t seem to make much sense, however when you understand who Jesus is and why he came here, it makes perfect sense. Jesus is the Lamb of God (John 1) so sharing the news to the shepherds who were tending to the passover lambs of Israel makes great sense. 

Secondly, Jesus didn’t come to save the rich and powerful or the highly religious people, Jesus came for the outcasts, the poor in spirit, the lowly, the Shepherds represent us perfectly. The people nobody cared about,  God cared about them first!

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:12-14

God sent us a sign of hope, a sign of peace, a sign of salvation, that sign is Jesus Christ, a baby lying in the manger. Nobody could have ever predicted God would come to Earth as an infant, but God’s ways are higher than our ways

We notice the first Christmas celebration began, as the sky was filled with angels celebrating the birth of Christ, singing “Glory to God in the highest” What an amazing scene this must have been. God becoming flesh to make us children of God, Amen!

Luke 19- Palm Sunday

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And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them. And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? Luke 19:29-33

The event we are looking at today is known as “Palm Sunday” , the day when The Lord, The Messiah, rolled through Jerusalem fulfilling prophecy, setting up the events leading to the death and resurrection of Jesus. The celebration would end very quickly, as the same people shouting “Hosanna” will be the same people a few days later yelling “Crucify Him” as Israel rejects their Messiah because he’s not what they wanted in their own minds

The first prophecy we see fulfilled is Jesus rode in Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the Messianic prophecy of Zechariah 9, why is this significant? Because Christ came in Peace because He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) Christ came to save the sinners and give them eternal life. This isn’t what Israel wanted, as they wanted a ruthless military warrior that would wipe out the Roman Empire and reestablish the glory of Israel

And they said, The Lord hath need of him.And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Luke 19:34-37

The crowds were rejoicing at the coming of their King, they laid down Palm branches (hence the name Palm Sunday) and they laid down their robes or coats in reverence to the Messiah. Everyone was praising God, but it would only last for a short time. The religious leaders and the Romans got nervous, who is this new King that everyone was shouting about? On this day Jesus became a threat to the religious and political establishments

Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. Luke 19:38-40

Hosanna, Blessed be the King the comes in the name of The Lord, this was the battle cry and this was the fulfillment of another Messianic prophecy Psalm 118. This was confirmation, that Jesus is The Christ. But the religious leaders, who should have known who Jesus is better than anyone, rebuked Jesus and told him to shut these people up. Christ replied “Even the stones would cry out” why? Because Jesus is the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth (John 1) Not only is Jesus the Messiah, He is God in the flesh, here on Earth, to save his own creation

Palm Sunday is an event of past, present , and future ramifications. One day The Lord will return again and we will be waving our Palm Branches , shouting Hosanna (Revelation 7) Amen!

Luke 24- The Ascension of Christ

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And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. Luke 24:50-53

The hour has come for Jesus to ascend back to Heaven and sit at the right hand of The Father. It was exactly 40 days after the resurrection that Jesus ascended to Heaven. The number 40 in the Bible is often symbolic of a time of judgment or testing. We can reference the Israelites spent 40 years in the Wilderness (Joshua 5:6) and Jesus was tested in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights (Matthew 4) 

Notice it says “They worshiped Him” the disciples worshiped The Lord Jesus Christ. Those who deny the deity of Christ or claim Jesus isn’t God, how do you explain this? Was the first century Church a group of Idolaters? Of course not, because Jesus is God in the Flesh (John 1:14) The Son of God who came to reconcile us from our sins. The early Church understood and recognized the deity of Christ. And they rejoiced as Jesus took his position as sitting at the right hand of God The Father. 

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts 1:9-11

Luke records the same account in the book of Acts, notice the Angels told the disciples Jesus would return in the same way he was ascended. Yes Jesus Christ is going to return again (Matthew 25) and when He returns its not going to be a mystery or secret, every eye will see him (Revelation 1, Matthew 24) just as the same way He ascended back to Heaven.

The Ascension of Christ is the completion of Jesus’ Earthly ministry. We are now in the time of the Fullness of Gentiles, and Christ will not return until the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) is completed. Many Christians claim to want Christ to return, if you truly do, then we must do our job and share the good news of Jesus Christ to everyone!

Lift your heads brother and sisters because redemption is drawing near in Jesus name Amen!

Luke 24- The Coming of The Holy Spirit

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And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke 24:46-49

The time was coming for Christ to Ascend back to Heaven and sit at the right of the Father. However before he left, he visited his disciples and he reminded them about the coming of The Holy Spirit. Now if the disciples remembered, Christ taught them about the Holy Spirit several times in John 14 and John 16, however he’s reminding them about the Promise of God The Father”

Now notice Jesus gave them specific directions, stay in Jerusalem. At first the disciples were confused about this command, however even though they didn’t understand , they were still obedient to Christ and carried out his orders. Maybe we as Christians today, should stop trying to overanalyze the Word of God and just listen. We try to make human understanding of everything Gods says, but His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, His ways are higher than our ways. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Before Jesus went to the cross, he repeatedly told the disciples that the Christ would have to die for our sins and be raised on the third day. Even though it was prophesied in the Old Testament, and even though Jesus continually reminded them of this, they still didn’t get it, even after it already happened. Jesus is reminding them again, He had to die for the sins of the world, and He is now Risen. However now salvation is now possible for the entire world by the New Covenant, beginning at Jerusalem.

We know today , Jesus was referring to the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) when the Holy Spirit was poured down upon believers in Christ, and the gospel was spread to many nations spoken in many different languages. Many believe this is the official beginning of “The Church” , Pentecost was obviously an instrumental day for the establishment of the Church and the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19)

However Christ foretold about Pentecost, just as He foretold about his death and resurrection. Are we listening? The Bible still has other prophecies not yet fulfilled including the Return of Christ, are we ready? It’s time to do more listening to God and less disobedience. Did the Israelites understand when Moses told them to walk through the Red Sea? Did the disciples originally understand why Christ was crucified? Did the disciples understand why Christ told them to stay in Jerusalem? No but God knew and He is always sovereign and able, Amen!

Luke 24- Jesus Appeared

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And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. Luke 24:36-40

If there was any doubt if The Lord has Risen, the doubts were ended here. Jesus appeared to his disciples in bodily form. Its important to note, Jesus didn’t get resurrected as a Spirit, as some would teach. Jesus is Risen in a physical body, as he showed his disciples the nail marks from the cross on his hands and feet. As Jesus said “For a spirit does not have flesh and bone”

Those who claim Jesus only rose as a “Spirit” are denying the very words of Christ himself. Or they are claiming Jesus “tricked” his disciples into believing he had a physical body. Which we know God can not lie, therefore Christ can’t lie. We remember Doubting Thomas in gospel of John,  (John 20) Jesus had him touch his wounds from the cross, was this a deception? Of course not, Jesus is Risen in a physical eternal glorified body. 

And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, Luke 24:41-45

 Does a Spirit eat food? Of course not, but here Jesus ate food with his disciples. I keep emphasizing this because of the false teachings out there that Jesus is just a Spirit. We also will have physical resurrected bodies at the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15) It’s important to understand in Gods Kingdom, we will not be floating around playing harps, we will be in glorified bodies, just as God intended before the curse of sin entered into the world

Secondly, Jesus confirms the entire Bible. As Jesus said “All things must be fulfilled written in the Law of Moses (Torah), in the prophets and in the psalms, concerning me” This is the entire Old Testament Jesus is referring to and Christ fulfilled it. Everything written in the entire Old Testament is about Jesus!

So how do you know the Bible is true? Because Christ is Risen, and Jesus affirmed the entire Bible, therefore you can have confidence knowing the Bible is truly the inspired Word of God and sin and death have been defeated forever! Amen!

Luke 24- Road To Emmaus Part 2

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Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. Luke 24:25-29

As we continue to look at Jesus and his two disciples on the road to Emmaus. At this point , the disciples still had no idea it was Christ. However now Jesus was going to show them in the scriptures, how He fulfilled all the prophecies. The knowledge of the scriptures were there all this time, for hundreds of years, however nobody in Israel could properly interpret them. Jesus told them how all the prophets and Moses were fortelling about Him!

When they drew closer to the village, they asked Jesus to stay with them and discuss more about these prophetic scriptures. How many today are still blinded of the prophecies? How can anyone today read Isaiah 53 and still reject Jesus? Or read Psalm 22? Or read Zechariah 9? Jesus fulfilled over 300 Messianic Prophecies in the Old Testament, which is mathematically almost impossible, but It was Finished!

And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. Luke 24:30-35

Notice how they recognized it was finally Jesus, by when they were having Communion together. As Jesus said “Do This In Remembrance of Me” (Luke 22) It’s important to have Communion because it’s a remembrance of everything The Lord has done for us, and the promise of His return

Also how did they know it was Jesus “Did not our hearts burn within us, while he talked” When you read the Red letters of Jesus Christ in the Bible, doesn’t your heart burn with passion and desire to get to know The Lord more? We should be on fire for The Lord, doing His will, sharing the good news, serving the community. Just as his disciples did when they realized Christ Is Risen, they went back to Jerusalem to tell everyone!

Even though the men didn’t realize it, Jesus was walking with them the whole time! The same Jesus is walking with you right now, leading and guiding you by the Holy Spirit, let your heart be on fire for The Lord! He is Risen! Amen!

Luke 24- Road To Emmaus

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And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: Luke 24:13-19

The aftermath of the death and resurrection of Christ will have an impacting effect on the world forever. At this point, Jesus is Risen, however most of Israel doesn’t even know this yet , only the disciples of Christ. Remember Jesus was crucified during the Passover feast, so there were many Jews and others from around the world in Jerusalem during this time. So while everyone started to leave Jerusalem and talk about all the events that happened this Holy Weekend.

One of the men identified was Cleopas, now obviously he wasn’t one of the twelve Apostles , however he was a disciple of Christ and some believe he was part of the original seventy that we sent out to preach by Jesus (Luke 10) Jesus began walking along with Cleopas and another man, but kept his identity hidden from then, to see what the men thought about all the events that just took place.

And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Luke 24:20-24

It’s interesting that the disciples said they heard about Jesus being alive by the other disciples, however they didn’t seem to be able to put 2 and 2 together. We notice that Cleopas admits they were disappointed in the Messiah because they thought he would redeem Israel from the oppression of Rome. This was a common misconception of the Christ, Israel was looking for a great military warrior to save Israel, but Jesus came to save the world from its sin

They confirmed that Jesus was crucified and the tomb was empty on the 3rd day. However these men didn’t know the prophecies well enough to tie it all together. As we continue examining this reading, Jesus will open their eyes to understand the scriptures, but notice Jesus was walking with them all the time! Amen!

Luke 24- Christ Is Risen

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Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Luke 24:1-6

The resurrection of Jesus Christ, the greatest day in the history of the world. The day when God defeated sin and death forever and reconciled us back to the Father. This was all accomplished in a way that was beyond our human comprehension. Nobody ever expected God to become a man, in Jesus Christ, and die for the penalty of our sins. Then be risen on the 3rd day abolishing sin and death forever. The mystery of the gospel was fulfilled on this blessed Sunday morning!

As we see the woman came to the tomb on the first day of the week, which is Sunday. This is why the Church traditionally worshiped and gathered on Sunday morning, it had nothing to do with paganism or greek mythology, this was all about the event of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The entire Christian faith is based on this event, as Paul said “If Christ is not risen, then we are faith is useless” ( 1 Corinthians 15:14) Without the resurrection of Christ , there is no Christianity, there is no deliverance from your sin, there is no reconciliation back to our Heavenly Father. 

He is not here, He is Risen, this is what the angels declared at the tomb. Remember how he spoke to you when he was at Galilee?  Jesus foretold of this moment , however the disciples didn’t understand until the tomb was empty!

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. Luke 24:7-12

It says “They remembered His words” When the disciples saw the empty tomb, a lightbulb went off in their heads, The Lord prophesied about this moment and now it has been fulfilled. Now when the woman disciples originally ran back to the male disciples, they didn’t believe them. So Peter ran to the tomb to check for himself, it was just as the woman said, the tomb was empty! The Lord has Risen!

The stone has been rolled away, no longer is their a veil, a barrier between us and God. We have now been reconciled back to God, sin and death are defeated because Christ The Lord has Risen today! Hallelujah! 

Luke 23- Burial of Christ

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And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counseller; and he was a good man, and a just: (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. Luke 23:50-54

 Often we talk about the crucifixion of Christ and the Resurrection, but we don’t really reflect upon the burial. The dark hours before Christ rose from the dead, defeating sin and death forever. First lets look at the fulfillment of prophecy from( Isaiah 53:9 )“He was assigned a grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death” Its amazing the accuracy of the prophecies foretold by Isaiah hundreds of years before Christ was born.. Jesus was crucified with the wicked, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13) 

The rich man of the prophecy was fulfilled by Joseph of Arimathea, he was a rich Sanhedrin, a religious leader who actually became a follower of Christ. Not all the religious leaders rejected Jesus, and he gave up his grave for Christ. Imagine the risk Joseph faced going to Pilate and asking for Jesus body, however by faith he did this and he helped fulfill another Messianic prophecy

Many argue about the day when Jesus died, its clear Christ died on Friday (Preparation Day) This was called this because everyone prepared for the Sabbath (Saturday) the day before. This is why Church tradition of Good Friday is accurate in alignment with scripture

And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. Luke 23:55-56

As we know the woman disciples of Christ were the first eyewitnesses of his resurrection. As noted before, all the male disciples except John, had went into hiding in fear of their lives. The woman all remained faithful at the cross to the empty tomb. Again we see confirmation, Jesus was buried on Friday (Preparation Day) as the women rested on the Sabbath Day (Saturday) 

On Sunday morning, the world will change forever! Jesus will claim victory over sin and death! Satan is absolutely defeated, and the clock begins to tick for Christ second coming and Satans destruction in the Lake of Fire, Amen!