miracle of multiplication of a few loaves and fishes. The list of
Jesus’ miracles and wonders was so inexhaustible that, according
to the Bible, the world of books could not contain it.
Never before had mankind witnessed the miraculous hand of
God in such an overwhelming and tangible way. Amazed and
awed as the disciples were, it was not these miracles that pushed
them to the brink of doubt. No, that challenge would come later
toward the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Jesus had instructed
His disciples, “If your brother sins against you...seven times in a
day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’
you shall forgive him.” Their immediate response to Him was,
“Increase our faith” (Luke 17:3–5). The miracles had not
inspired a cry for greater faith, or for the raising of the dead, or
for a calmed sea; but the simple command to forgive those who
have wronged you!
Jesus said, “It is impossible that no offenses should come”
(Luke 17:1). It is not a question of opportunity to be offended,
but what your response will be. It is an unfortunate fact that, not
some, but many are offended and held captive.
It has been ten years since this book was launched. In this
time period we’ve received countless letters and numerous tes-
timonies of individual lives, families, and ministries that have
been healed and transformed by the truths from the Word of
God contained in this book. We have included a sampling for
your encouragement. For all of them, we rejoice and give God all
the glory!
One leader shared, “Our church was in the middle of a huge
split. It looked hopeless. I gave a copy of The Bait of Satan to
every elder. The split was diverted, and we are one today!”
Many marriages have been saved. Recently after speaking in
Nebraska, a couple approached me. The wife confessed, “I was
offended ten years ago by the leaders in this church. I became
bitter and suspicious, constantly defending myself and my posi-
tion. My marriage suffered from my anguish, and my husband
was in the process of divorcing me. He was unsaved and wanted
nothing to do with the church. Someone put a copy of The Bait
of Satan in my hands. I read it and, within a short time, was com-
pletely set free from offense and bitterness. When my husband
The Bait of Satan
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