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Steve Brown is a broadcaster whose rich bass voice is a familiar sound to radio listeners on his Key Life Network. Hashing It Out, the TV program discussion of issues he shares with Tony Campolo, has won a wide audience for their refreshingly candid approach. Steve also teaches preaching at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. He served as a pastor for more than 25 years, is a sought-after conference speaker, and writes books. His latest: What Was I Thinking?

Back in the days when I was an "intellectual," I couldn't bring myself, in sermons and speeches, to refer to the devil. I always referred to him as "the metaphorical personification of evil," and even then, I wasn't convinced of the reality or power of evil.

I remember one cold, rainy night on Cape Cod. An angry young man sat across from me in my small study. He had abused his family, physically attacked his employer, and made fun of the church, of Christ, and of me. He talked about Satan in the most positive terms and God in the most negative. Then, to my shock, he started foul, harsh cursing. His long string of expletives ended with, "If there is a God, I curse him!"

I remember the hair standing on the back of my neck, the sense of fear I felt, and my impulse to call the police. I also remember what I thought then: My, my, this young man is paranoid schizophrenic. He clearly needs some therapy and medication.[continued 10/29]

Adapted from What Was I Thinking? (Howard, 2006) by permission.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Deliver me, Lord, from the twin errors of underestimating Satan and being intimidated by him.

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