John Bevere - The Bait of Satan: Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense

Most CHARISMA HOUSE BOOK GROUP products are available at special quantity discounts for bulk purchase for sales promotions, premiums, fund-raising, and educational needs. For details, write Charisma House Book Group, 600 Rinehart Road, Lake Mary, Florida 32746, or telephone (407) 333-0600.

THE BAIT OF SATAN by John Bevere
Published by Charisma House
Charisma Media/Charisma House Book Group
600 Rinehart Road
Lake Mary, Florida 32746
www.charismahouse.com

This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwisewithout prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version of the Bible. Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., publishers. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission.

Copyright 1994, 1997, 2004, 2014 by John Bevere
All rights reserved

Cover design by Justin Evans
Design Director: Bill Johnson

Visit the authors website at www.messengerinternational.org.

International Standard Book Number: 978-1-62136-548-8
E-book ISBN: 978-1-62136-583-9

The Library of Congress has catalogued the previous edition as follows:

Bevere, John.
The bait of Satan / John Bevere.-- Rev. ed.

p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 1-59185-413-X (pbk.)
1. Forgiveness--Religious aspects--Christianity. 2. Interpersonal
conflict--Religious aspects--Christianity. I. Title.
BV4647.F55B48 2004
234.5--dc22

2004003796

While the author has made every effort to provide accurate telephone numbers and Internet addresses at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author assumes any responsibility for errors or for changes that occur after publication.

MY DEEPEST
APPRECIATION TO...

My wife, Lisa, who, next to the Lord, is my most cherished friend. You are truly a virtuous woman. I will be forever grateful to the Lord for joining us as man and wife. Thank you for selflessly helping with the editing of this book.

To my four sons, Addison, Austin, Alexander, and Arden, who sacrificed time with Daddy so this project could be completed. You boys are a joy to my heart.

A special thanks to John Mason, who believed in this message and encouraged me to pursue publishing it; to Deborah Poulalion, for her talents and support in editing; and to the entire Charisma House staff who labored with us in this project.

Most important, my sincere gratitude to our Father in heaven for His indescribable gift; to our Lord Jesus for His grace, truth, and love; and to the Holy Spirit for His faithful guidance during this project.

CONTENTS

THE BOOK YOU HOLD IS QUITE POSSIBLY THE MOST IMPORTANT confrontation with truth youll encounter in your lifetime. I can say this with confidence, not because Ive written it, but because of its subject matter. The issue of offensethe very core of The Bait of Satanis often the most difficult obstacle an individual must face and overcome.

The disciples of Jesus witnessed many great and notable miracles. They watched in amazement as blind eyes were opened and the dead were raised. They heard Jesus command a life-threatening storm to stillness. They saw thousands fed by the miracle of multiplication of a few loaves and fish. The list of Jesuss 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 Jesuss 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 17:35). 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 more than fifteen years since this book was launched. In this time period weve received countless letters and numerous testimonies 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 position. 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 completely set free from offense and bitterness. When my husband saw the changes in my life, he surrendered his life to the lordship of Jesus Christ and stopped the divorce proceedings. The husband stood by his wife, smiling. When she had finished sharing, he affirmed the wonderful changes in his life and home!

The testimony that touched my heart the most occurred when I ministered in Naples, Florida. Just before I spoke, a burly, middle-aged man stood up before the congregation and wept as he relayed his tragic story: All my life I have felt like there was a wall between me and God. I would attend meetings where others sensed Gods presence, while I watched detached and numb. Even when I prayed there was no release or presence. Several weeks ago I was handed the book The Bait of Satan. I read it in its entirety. I realized I had taken Satans bait years ago. I hated my mother for abandoning me when I was six months old. I realized I had to go to her and forgive. I called and spoke with her for only the second time in thirty-six years. I cried, Mom, I have held unforgiveness toward you all my life for giving me away. She began to weep and said, Son, I have hated myself for the last thirty-six years for leaving you.

He continued, I forgave her, and she forgave herself; now we are reconciled.

Then came the exciting part. Now the wall that separated me from Gods presence is gone!

At this point, he just completely lost it and wept. He struggled to get these last words out, Now I cry in the presence of God like a baby.

I know the strength and reality of that captivity. I had been held hostage to its numb torment for years. This book is not a theory; it is Gods Word made flesh. It brims with truths I have personally walked through. I believe it will strengthen you. As you read, ask the Master to increase your faith! As you grow in faith, He will receive glory and you shall be filled with joy! May God richly bless you.