2. Introduction A 20 year old man slaughtered 28 people including his mom, the principal, and 20 kids who were only 6 or 7 years old in Newtown, CT on Friday. Last Tuesday, a 22 year old killed 2 people and himself in an Oregon shopping hall. On July 20 th, 2012, a 24 year old man killed 12 people and wounded 58 in a movie theatre in Denver, CO. On August 13th, 2012, a 35 year old man killed 3 people near the campus at Texas A & M. Why is all this evil going on? We will give answers from the Bible and demonstrate how we can overcome the evil of this world.

3. Many do not Believe that God will See or Hold them Accountable for their Actions Do you ever wonder if God seems to be hiding when innocent people suffer and/or die? Listen to the Psalmist (Psalm 10:1-13). God sees everything and will punish all who disobey Him. They won’t escape (Hebrews 2:1-4; 4:11-13)! But man deceives himself into believing that since it the Lord hasn’t returned yet, He never will (2 Pt. 3:3ff). But the Lord will return and we will all eventually reap what we have sown (Gal. 6:7-8; 2 Peter 3:10ff). So don’t grow weary in doing good! (Galatians 6:9-10)

4. The Evil Deeds Demonstrate that the Devil is still Working in People Today The apostle Paul reminded brethren of this fact when they were living in sin (Ephesians 2:1-3). You don’t have to be a murderer for the devil to be working in your life (John 8:44). When you are hateful, deceitful, or showing partiality you also are guilty of sin (1 Pet. 2:1; Jas. 2:9-10). But many are deluded into thinking that evil does not exist and don’t realize that the devil has blinded them to their sin (2 Cor. 4:4; Jas. 1:13-16). They don’t have a defense for his schemes against their soul and become enslaved to do his will. How sad! (1 Peter 5:8-9; 2 Timothy 2:26)

5. Because of God’s Great Love and Jesus’ Sacrifice, we can Overcome the Devil! The Ephesians were saved by God’s grace and were made alive together with Christ (Ephesians 2:4ff). Jesus overcame every temptation of the devil and death so that He can come to our aid when we are tempted (Hebrews 2:14-18). We must put on all of God’s armor so that we will be able to stand firm against his schemes (Eph. 6:11). Because of God’s grace and being redeemed from every lawless deed, we can say no to ungodliness and live righteously this world (Titus 2:11-14). We are either a slave of the devil or a servant of Christ! Which are you (Romans 6:16-18)?

6. Conclusion While many focus on why these massacres keep happening, Jesus preached repentance, so that men won’t die in sin (Luke 13:3, 5; 24:47). You will be judged by your deeds whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Timothy 5:24-25) All sinners will suffer torment in hell but those who obey Jesus go to heaven (Rev. 21:8, 27; Heb. 5:9). In heaven there will be no more murders, death, mourning, pain, or suffering (Rev. 21:4). You can overcome evil with good. Will you? (Rom 12:16-21; 1 Peter 3:20-22; Phil. 4:13)