Q: What power does Satan have to tempt people, affect their lives and affect world events?

Pastor Jim Verkest, Mosinee United Methodist Church
Perhaps, the best place to start for an answer to this question is in the Book of Job. Satan, the fallen angel, in a conversation with God in Chapter One says in response to Gods statements about the faithfulness of Job, Yes, Job fears God, but not without good reason! You have always protected him and his home and property from harm. But, take away everything he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!
All right, you may test him, the Lord said to Satan. Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but dont harm him physically. So Satan left the Lords presence.
This passage speaks to the testing of Job, a sinless man by Jewish standards. Not only was he tested by losing all he had, he lost his family and suffered great physical pain, as well. Really much more than he or anyone else should have to suffer, yet he never repudiated God or lost his faith. Job teaches us that Satan has control of most of what happens on this earth. The Prince of Lies has dominion over this place, but not over our eternal souls. We can and will be tempted and tested by Satan. Satan, the father of evil, will cause great calamities to take place on earth, as well as to try and drive a wedge between us and God. But, God loves His children and in the end will never allow us to be destroyed. As Jesus says in John 14:18, No, I will not abandon you as orphans I will come to you.
In Ephesians 6:10-20, we hear more about Satan and ...