Please note:
If you would like the complete drama in PDF or Microsoft Word sent to your inbox free of charge, please send a request to: akurechristadelphians@yahoo.com

Foreword
We are bound to hear an opinion which may be considered strange and contrary to what we know to be true and generally accepted. What should be our reaction? Should we brush it off as stupid or should we take a closer look at it? A matured mind would definitely counter it by proving its proponent wrong. After carefully examining it however, he may come to realize that what he himself originally held as true may actually turn out to be wrong.

Dear reader, the proposed 'strange' opinion in this case is the fact that the Bible doesn't teach there is a spirit being or creature called the Devil or Satan which is opposed to God and which causes problems to men and women according to popular beliefs.

One thing about the Bible is that if you carefully study it, you would be able to find logical answers to a lot of biblical questions, yes logical answers. Celsus, a Greek philosopher and pagan once mocked early Christians when he said, "It is blasphemy...to say that the greatest God...has an adversary who constrains his capacity to do good". His remark may not be out of place. Thoughtful people have also found it mind-boggling why the all powerful God allows Satan the enemy to attack and destroy his creation. However with a proper knowledge of the message of the Bible, one would be able to give them a satisfactory reply

Fortunately for us, the Bible has told us who God really is. He is the Almighty creator of the universe and controller of affairs in it, the Supreme Being having absolute control over his creation. Every true Christian must believe this, because the Bible tells us that we can only please God when we have total belief and faith in him.

However, the misinterpretation of a few Bible passages has blurred its original teaching that God is supreme and has no challenger to his authority. To many people, God is all powerful as he himself confirmed but as a matter of fact, that is not the reality. He is the giver of good health and blessings, but one supernatural being, an enemy called the Devil or Satan has been undoing his works by bringing problems and unhappiness in the lives of men and women. Should we as true Christians hold the same view? Should we believe that what God told us about his absolute supremacy may be right in a way but not essentially the fact?

The following play, Devil the Satan tells the story of two friends and their pastor who came to understand the true Bible teaching about the Omnipotent God and who his enemy really is and how the three finally broke free from the fear of 'the evil one and his angels'.

The play comes in parts 1 and 2 and also in PDF format under the title 'The Original Gospel' which is obtainable free of charge from the publishers. Other plays under the same title include:
1. Heaven and Hell parts 1 and 2
2. Speaking in tongues
3. Prosperity
4. Where are the dead?
5. Daddy G.O
These would be gladly sent free of charge on request to: akurechristadelphians@yahoo.com


Please note:
1 This drama may not provide exhaustive answers to all the questions arising from this particular topic. Further questions and observations are welcome and would be satisfactorily treated from the Bible

2. All Bible quotations in this drama series are from the King James Version

Act 1
Scene 1
Moses in his room preparing for church and talking to himself
Moses: Oh my God, what am I going to wear to church today? All my clothes are rumpled; we are really suffering due to this transformer problem. (Prays) God, please save us from this problem o! (Collects a suit from his wardrobe and admires it) This suit looks very nice, but see how rumpled it is, should I wear it like this? (Consoles himself) Anyway, God doesn't take pleasure in our outward appearance but rather how clean we are inside, I'm sure he will understand
(Leaving for church in his creased clothes, he greets his seated co-tenants who are discussing in the compound) Good morning my brothers, I am going to church
Co-tenants: (mocking him) Brother, don't be late you hear?! May God be with you! You are a real child of God and he will definitely answer your prayers! Please remember us in your prayers o!
Moses: No problem my brothers, I will
Moses gone, one speaking to one of his colleagues
How can one stand before God with his clothes rumpled like this?
His friend: Me, I will never try it. I won't dare embarrass myself this way
(All laugh) Hahahaha! Don't you see how he looks rough like a mad person?
Everybody continues laughing and scene ends

Scene 2
After service and going home, he meets his friend Jackson who is sitting under an umbrella tree and they greet each other
Jackson: Hello Moses, how are you?
Moses: I am really fine, thank you.
Jackson: Ol' boy, but why are you wearing such creased clothes? Does it mean you don't have a pressing iron at home?
Moses: My brother, I have an iron but we have light problem, we haven't had electricity for more than 4 months now
Jackson: (Couldn't believe it)For more than 4 months? Why?
Moses: Ah, those evil people in our village won't let us have light
Jackson: (didn't understand) Who are those people and why is it they don't like electricity?
Moses: My brother, is it not those witches and wizards? They decided our transformer will never work. Whenever the transformer is fixed, they spoil it again. You know they like darkness so that they can continue to do their evil
Jackson: (Understands and consoles him) O, I am really sorry for you people, you have really entered into trouble. That's how they said there was one who used her magical powers to remove all the senses in her grandson's head resulting in the boy scoring zero at school
Moses: Really? Her grandson? That was really bad of her, she is really wicked
Jackson: Hm, as for me, anytime they catch a witch, I am going to join people to lynch her; they don't deserve mercy at all
Moses: But how would you see them? People who transform into animals or insects and move about in the dark, you can never see them.
Jackson: But what do you plan to do about those witches who are troubling your transformer?
Moses: Ah, we have declared spiritual war against them; we are going to fast for 3 days and nights to fight them
Jackson: O, that's a good idea; you should try and neutralize them so that they would know there is power above power
Just then, Samuel, Moses' neighbour approaches
Is that not Samuel your neighbour coming so?
Moses: It's him, it seems he went to the market to buy some things (greets Samuel) Ah Sam, how are you and where are you coming from?
Samuel: I am fine; I just went to the market to shop
Jackson: Okay, so you are already preparing for your fasting and prayers, isn't it? No need to worry, God will definitely fight for you against the enemies
Samuel: What sort of fasting are you talking about? If they like, let them declare 40 days of fasting and prayers, I Samuel am not with them
Moses: (Surprised) Sam, what do you mean? Are you happy the way we have been without electricity for so long?
Samuel: Not that I am not feeling it; the thing is that no witch caused the transformer to become faulty, there is no such power. The transformer is old and that's why it frequently breaks down
Moses: (Angry) You Samuel, why is it that you don't ever believe what others believed? So do you want to say witches don't possess powers? Just pray they don't remember you
In support of his friend
Jackson: My brother Samuel, that's a good advice. Please don't just open your mouth and talk anyhow, walls have ears you know
Samuel: Where are the witches? Whenever you people see an old ugly lady, you call her a witch
Moses: What do you mean? What about those of them who confess to be witches?
Samuel: I want both of you to quote me, No sane individual would ever call herself a witch
Jackson: (Exclaims) Heeey! What are you saying? Haven't you seen one who confessed to be a witch? Myself, I have seen one who confessed she killed her own son through witchcraft
Moses: (to Jackson) Jack, it's good you are witnessing how I use to argue with this Samuel, others would say something is black but he would dispute it to say it's white.
Samuel; (with an air of authority) Let me tell you, take such a person to a psychiatric hospital to be examined and you would see she has a mental problem. Or don't you know mental problems come in different forms?
Jackson: I don't understand what you are trying to say, my friend
Samuel: What I am saying is that we are too superstitious. We don't believe there is a reason when something unpleasant happens. When someone falls sick, he won't go to the hospital but would blame his illness on an enemy or what they call spiritual attack. One drives recklessly and gets involved in an accident; he puts the blame on a village witch. That's our problem
Moses: But some people do fall sick and go to the hospital where they cannot be cured, don't you know their illness is spiritual?
Samuel: That's not true, it's just because we don't have better equipment in our hospitals. Take such a person to America or Europe and see whether his illness would not be diagnosed and treated effectively
Moses: Sam, let me get you right, so what you are trying to say is that witches have no powers to do evil?
Samuel: Me too, I have 2 questions for you, try and answer them
Both: Go on, we are listening
Samuel: Why is it that Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen attack villages and kill everybody while the witches and wizards in those places cannot save themselves, not to talk of saving their children? Instead, everybody is crying that the government should come to their aid, why?
Both: Anyway, there is sense in what you are saying. I remember Chibok girls…
Samuel: Yes, Boko Haram kidnapped their children and they couldn't transform into snakes or birds or lizards to locate where they kept them. It was rather America and Britain who were helping us to search for the kidnappers
Jackson: Anyway, your question is a serious one, what about the second?
Samuel: Yes, why is it that witches and wizards are usually poor and cannot use their magical powers to enter into a bank to pack money? (mocks them) Mtcheew! The person who claims he can make me rich through his magical powers is himself rather poor
Both: Em, em, your second question is also a tough one; it won't be easy to give an answer.
Samuel: It's because they have no such powers, they cannot
Jackson: Okay, what about those magicians who perform wonders such as swallowing a knife, do you mean they don't possess powers?
Samuel: My brother, the performing of a magical art is just like any other art which anybody can learn; it is called mental manipulation, meaning the playing of tricks on your mind. It's just about learning and mastering the tricks
Jackson: You mean there are no spiritual powers attached to it?
Samuel: Your question reminds me of some Hausa boys who were recently arrested by the police in Lagos for swallowing the naira notes. Inside the police cell where they were detained, they were crying and begging, saying they were doing the magic in order to feed themselves. If they had powers, why didn't they disappear and avoid arrest?
Jackson: So you mean those wonders which magicians perform are just tricks?
Samuel: Yes, you yourself can learn them if you are serious. In this modern era, you can learn them through the internet; just visit Google and type and search: I want to learn magic, and you would get some websites which would teach you. In Acts 19:19 when Paul preached in Ephesus, magicians also repented and brought out their textbooks to burn them up
Moses: But Samuel, do you mean the Devil doesn't have powers? Isn't it in your Bible?
Samuel: Of course the Bible talks about the devil but not the way people believe it
Jackson: But at least it is in the Bible, isn't it?
Samuel: It is, but there is nothing or a person which has power to do evil or destroy the work of God which they call the devil if not God himself
Moses: (surprised) Jack, can you hear this man?! It seems the devil himself has sent him to deceive us, let us be very careful
Jackson: You are right my brother. (Touches Samuel)
Samuel: So why did you touch me?
Jackson: I want to be sure it's really you Samuel who is talking
Samuel: Haba! I am the one
Jackson: So what do you mean when you say there is no devil? Are you trying to turn the Bible upside down?
Samuel: It is God who does both good and evil; he does not compete with anybody or anything
Shouts and rebukes
Both: Blasphemy! Blasphemy! Blasphemy! Aru! Aru! Aru! Abomination! Abomination! Abomination! The devil is a liar! The devil is a liar! The devil is a liar! Devil, we rebuke you! We rebuke you! We rebuke you! Devil, you cannot deceive us! We are bigger than you! You cannot deceive us! We rebuke you! You are a liar!
Samuel: (Tries to calm them down) Let me explain! Wait let me explain. I want to explain!
Both: Explain what?! What do you want to explain?! You are a liar! We rebuke you the devil!
They begin to speak in 'tongues' whilst rebuking the devil,
(Ehbabababababa! Maskusari! Bugati panambangaramba! Bonima garambusa! Kitamba fanasi…! )
Scene ends

Scene 3
At Jackson's the next day, the two friends discuss
Moses: Jack, I think I've been telling you this Samuel is not a child of God, that's how we have always been arguing over the Bible
Jackson: This is no longer a story; I've heard it with my two ears. How can one say that God does both good and evil?
Moses: This is serious blasphemy and I am not sure God would forgive him. Nobody who blasphemes against God will go unpunished. (To his friend) Jack, isn't it the devil who has been destroying the work of God?
Jackson: It surprises me what he's saying. But as for me Jackson, I know the devil and his angels can never deceive me, never!
Moses: Don't mind the idiot, he wanted to explain. Deceiver, he can never deceive me, laye laye!
Jackson: Was that what he said yesterday, he wanted to explain?
Moses: Don't mind that fool, he is looking for someone to deceive.
Jackson: (Gets an idea) Moses, I've got an idea
Moses: What is it?
Jackson: You see, what happened yesterday between us and Samuel should be given as testimony in the church on Sunday
Moses: (agrees) Jaaaack, that's true. At least other members would be more careful because the devil and his messengers are now many in the land
One more idea
Jackson: But, I want to suggest we go back to him and hear more blasphemies which would proceed out of his mouth
Moses: It's true, it's a good idea
Jackson: You know, when the wind blows, the fowl's genitals usually get exposed. We are going to reveal more of the devil's secrets on Sunday
Moses: It's really a good idea, let's go and meet him
Jackson: I think it's good we go with our Bibles, shouldn't we?
Moses: Yes you are right, let's pass by my house so that I would collect my Bible
Both friends leave, and scene ends

Scene 4
Abu, Samuel's farmer friend comes to visit. They are discussing farm work
Samuel: Em, Abu please make sure you go and complete the farm work now that it's started to rain so that I can plant my corn
Abu; Haba! Oga Samuel, don't you trust me again? I will pinish the work tomorrow, insha Allahu
Samuel: Tomorrow? And that would be nice. When you finish, just come and collect your money
Abu: It's alright, Zan tepi. I am going
Samuel: It's okay, my regards to your family
Abu: Yauaaa! They will hear, Sai anjima
Samuel: It's alright, bye
Abu leaves.

Scene 5
Approach Jackson and Moses who see Abu coming out from Samuel's room
Moses: (in a low voice) Jack, don't you see that man with black clothes coming out from Samuel's room? He must be one of their members
Jackson: It's true, I heard that black is the favourite colour of the devil and his angels
Moses: You see, I am suspecting he went to deliver Samuel a message from the devil
Jackson: (agrees) You may be right
Moses: See, if he greets us, don't mind him, we shouldn't respond, do you hear me?
Jackson: No problem.
Moses: (Abusing the men) Angels of darkness! Wicked people!
Abu approaches and greets them Asalam Aleikum without response from the two friends. Passing by, he misses his step and about to fall, holds unto Jackson Frightened Jackson runs away with Moses, shouting
Jackson: Yey, yey, yey, yey, yey, yey! Devil o, don't touch me! Devil, leave me alone! Devil o! Devil o! It's the devil o! Devil, go away! Devil, leave me alone!
Abu: (Upset and abusing him) Who is a debul? Baban nka, shi ne debul! Your pfada (father) is a debul! Pfoolish man! Ubanka! Dan boroba! Uwarka shege!
Very angry, he leaves. After he was gone, the two friends return and continue on their way to Samuel's
Moses: Em Jack, let's be going, he is gone
Jackson: It's alright
They continue on their way and scene ends

Act 2
Scene 1
Lights on to show Samuel in his room. He is reading a newspaper as Moses and Jackson knock on his door
Samuel: What is going on in this our country? Never would one read any cheering news these days, always bad news. Haba! And some people are really wicked o. How could a group of people do this sort of evil to poor farmers? (Just then the visitors arrive and knock on his door)
Knock knock knock!
Yes? Come in please
They stand at the door while he welcomes them
Aaah, my good friends, you are welcome, please come inside
Moses: Inside your room? Never! We cannot enter inside your room
Samuel: (Surprised) But why? Why not come inside?
Jackson: Just bring chairs outside
Samuel Is that so? Then I am coming
He brings out chairs and sets them at the verandah
Please you can sit down. Now what's the matter?
Moses: It's because of your yesterday's blasphemy we came; we want you to explain why you said God does evil
Samuel: Okaaay, is that why you came?
Jackson: (in support) Yes, we want you to explain
Samuel; Please I am coming (Goes to collect his Bible) Please I want us to see what God said in Isaiah 45:5-7
Jackson: Isaiah 45:5-7 you said? Let me read. (He opens his Bible and reads)
'I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things'
Samuel: My dear good friends please help me explain what God said in that place
Both friends stare at each other and look confused
Jackson: Do you mean God himself said that?
Moses: Wonderful! (Collects Jackson's Bible to crosscheck) Let me be sure it's not the Devil's Bible you just read
Jackson: But this is the King James Version
Moses: (misinterprets the portion) But Sam that place is right after all, it was God who created the devil, no doubt about that, he created the evil one too.
Jackson: You are right Moses, God created both good and evil
Samuel: My friends please carefully read and understand what those verses are saying; God in the last verse said he himself creates and continues to create both good and evil. He said 'I the LORD do all these things', he didn't say 'I the Lord did all these things', the sentence is in the continuous tense.
Moses: I think you are right. But Jackson, are you really sure your Bible is the King James Version?
Jackson: Ah-ah! But look at it, it is
Samuel: Please let us also see Deut 32:39, there is something there
Moses: (To his friend) Jack, please let me read the portion myself from my own Bible, I want to be sure
(He reads)
'See now, that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.'
Moses: (Couldn't believe it, he exclaims) Jah Jehovah Emmanuel!!
Samuel: So have you seen it? God has no challenger; he it is who creates both good and evil. No one can destroy what he created
Jackson: I am really confused. Do you mean those two places are in the Bible?
Moses: I can't believe it. (Checks his Bible cover again and says to himself) But this is the Holy Bible, yes it is
Samuel: (Speaking to both friends) I want both of you to know there are still many other places in the Bible which confirm it
Moses: (Remembers) But Samuel, if you say there is nothing like the Devil, who then tempted Jesus?
(Celebration)
Jackson: Correct! Up you Moses! You've got him! (Both laugh) Hahahahahaha! Now what do you have to say? (Taunting him, they begin to sing and dance)
Satan shame unto you, all powers belong to Jesus
Satan shame unto you, all powers belong to Jesus
Satan shame unto you, all powers belong to Jesus
Satan shame unto you, all powers belong to Jesus
Moses: (To Samuel) Sam, I am asking you: Who tempted Jesus? I want to know
Samuel: I want to say something before I answer the question
Both (still celebrating) It's the answer we are waiting for o!
Samuel: (Explanation) Do you know it wasn't in English language they originally wrote the Bible?
Moses: Are you telling me? They used the Hebrew language and some Aramaic to write the Old Testament and used Greek to write the New
Samuel: You are right. But have you noticed that the word, the Devil never appeared in the Old Testament?
Moses: (surprised) Do you mean it? Anyway, I haven't checked it.
Jackson: Me too, I haven't observed it. (Remembers) Yes Moses, I think I have the Bible in my phone, let me check it right away.
He types and searches the word 'devil' and four references in the Old Testament appear- Lev 17:7, Deut 32:17, 2 Chronicles 11:15 and Psalm 106:37
But Samuel although the word 'the Devil' didn't appear, I can see the word 'devils'. Does it make any difference?
Samuel: You see, carefully reading those four portions would show you that those places you saw were actually talking about the children of Israel abandoning God to sacrifice unto idols, the Old Testament used the word devils or what some versions called demons to refer to idols
Jackson: I think you are right, those places are not talking about the Devil the enemy
Moses: But Sam, who was the devil that tempted Jesus? That's what I want to know
Samuel: As I was saying, there is a Greek word in the New Testament called diabolos which those who translated the Bible from the Greek language to English called the Devil
Jackson: Please what did you call the name again?
Samuel: I said diabolos- (spells it) D-i-a-b-o-l-o-s
Jackson: So what is diabolos?
Samuel: The original meaning of diabolos is 'a slanderer', but the New Testament writers figuratively used it to represent the evil tendency in our human nature which we can call sin
Moses: I don't understand
Samuel: I said that diabolos or what we call the devil in English is a word in the New Testament which those who wrote the Bible used to represent the different ways evil manifests in our human nature
Moses: So what you mean is that the evil tendency or the way evil manifests in our human nature is what the New Testament called the Devil?
Samuel: Yes, that's it. But they personified the word; they made it look like a person
Jackson: So what you mean is that the evil tendency inside Jesus Christ tempted him, isn't it?
Samuel: You are right, but they wrote the story of Jesus' temptation in a drama form, as if he was speaking with someone
Jackson: So are you really saying the temptation of Jesus by the Devil was not a literal story?
Samuel: No, it wasn't. There are reasons why the story should not be taken for real
Both: (Surprised) True? D'you mean it? Please we want to see the reasons
Samuel: Ok, number 1. You would agree with me that since about 2000 years ago that Jesus went to heaven, this world has not changed physically, has it?
Both: (Agree) No, it hasn't, you are right
Samuel: They said the Devil placed Jesus on top of a very high mountain and showed him all the parts of the world at once. Please tell me, which mountain was that? Was it Mt Everest or Mt Kilimanjaro?
Moses: (looks thoughtful and says) Ah ah, in fact there is sense in what you are saying because if such a mountain exists, we should be seeing it from here. Or Jackson, what do you say?
Jackson: Yes I agree with you, you are right my brother, it's true
Samuel: Moreover, bearing in mind that the earth's shape is round, how could Jesus be shown all the parts of the earth at once?
Jackson: That's also a good point; the earth's shape is like an orange. You see this side; you won't see the other side
Samuel: Second reason. Where did the temptation of Jesus take place?
Moses: (Emphatic answer) But the temptation took place in the wilderness of course
Jackson: Yes, the Bible said that after baptism the Holy Spirit took Jesus to the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, yes Moses, that's correct
Samuel: Both of you are right. But how do you explain this: the devil was tempting Jesus in the wilderness, why did he place him on top of the temple which was inside the city and not in that wilderness where they were?
Jackson: Please I don't understand what you mean
Moses: (To his friend) What didn't you understand? He said Jesus and the devil were in the wilderness whereas the temple was inside the city
Samuel: Yes, how were they able to be at two different locations at the same time?
Jackson: (baffled) Ah ah! But I haven't seen this story like this before
Moses: But it looks somehow
Samuel: What I want you to know is that only in a person's mind can he be at two different locations at the same time. As I am here talking with you, I can find myself in Lagos on the Third Mainland bridge
Both: (Agree) Yes, you are right
Moses: You are right Sam; in fact I agree with you, that story is not literal
Jackson: (to his friend) But Moses, we should sometimes make use of our head when we read some things in the Bible. Truly that Jesus' temptation can't be literal
Samuel: You should even ask yourselves how the scribes and the Pharisees would have felt to see Jesus hanging on top of their temple.
Jackson: You are right; they would have instantly stoned him to death
Moses: It's true my brother, climbing their temple would have been suicidal.
Just then, Moses' phone rings, and he speaks with someone.
Hello my dear, Okay, I am coming home right away
(To his friend Jackson) Jack, it's my wife who just called, she said we have visitors, so I need to rush down home
Jackson: It's okay, we better go
Moses: It's alright
(To Samuel) Em Sam, please we shall come back tomorrow to continue with our discussion. (To Jackson) Or Jack, what do you say?
Jackson: Yes, tomorrow is okay
Both greet Samuel and leave. Scene ends

Scene 2
On their way they meet Abu and try to greet him by stretching their hands to him
Both: Malam, yaya dei? How are you?
Abu: (still furious) Get out prom my fresence! Durua! Idiots! Nonsense! Were you not the ones who insulted me arlier?
Both: (trying to explain) Please believe us, we are sorry…
Abu: Don't only be sorry, why not a lorry? Shegeya!
He leaves them and scene ends

Scene 3
At Samuel's the next day, both friends knock and happily enter
Knock, knock, knock!
Samuel: Yes? Come in please
Moses: It's us Sam, how are you?
Samuel: Very fine, and you?
Jackson: We are fine too. I hope there is food because I am very hungry
Samuel: Of course, I prepared rice and beans
Jackson: Please serve me
Moses: Jack, me too I am hungry, I will join you
Samuel: Don't worry, there is enough food
He serves them the food and conversation follows
Jackson: Sam, you have a point in all that you have been explaining to us. How then do you explain this Jesus' temptation as it was the evil tendency in him that tempted him?
Moses: (in support) I think that's what you told us yesterday, wasn't it?
Samuel: Yes you are right. After baptism, God gave Jesus his power without measure so that he could perform miracles
Moses: The Holy Spirit, the power of God you mean?
Samuel: Yes. After fasting for 40 days and nights, he was hungry. If I had the power given to Jesus, I would command stones to turn to food, or wouldn't you do likewise?
Both (agree) Haba! Why wouldn't I? (A proverb) Would I be bathing in a river and soap lather enters my eyes without me washing it off with water? I would definitely command them
Samuel: But Jesus didn't, he said to himself, 'Man shall not live by food alone', such a miracle wouldn't bring glory to God
Both: (nodding their heads) Okay, Okay, Okay
Samuel: But when he fed thousands with that power of God, people gave glory to God
Jackson: I think this your explanation makes sense
Moses: (agrees) Yes, but what about the other temptations? Can you explain them too?
Samuel: Yes, he said to himself, 'What if I prove to people that indeed God has given me his power and I jump down from the top of the temple unhurt? 'No, no, no', he said to himself, 'that's not how I would show people the power God gave me'
Both: Sam, you have opened my eyes, but what about the third temptation?
Samuel: He said to himself, 'Now that I have become equal with God, why not I become a king so that I would inherit the earth and people would worship me? But he rejected that idea as well
Moses: Sam my brother, so it means the power God gave him was for him to use and serve other people and not to serve himself?
Samuel: That's it. You would notice that whenever he performed a miracle, people praised and glorified God
Moses: Ol' boy, you have really opened my eyes. It's now I understand what Hebrews 4:15 was saying
Jackson: So what did that place say?
Moses: Let me read it (He opens and reads)
'For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all point tempted like as we are, yet without sin'
(Explains) It said they tempted Jesus in every point the same way we human beings are tempted but that he didn't commit any sin. Which day did the devil lead me wandering about saying he was tempting me?
Jackson: Even me Jackson, I have been asking myself why Jesus in the first place even agreed to follow the devil wandering about.
Moses: That's it. Me too, it surprised me. You know what I did not understand before?
Jackson: What was that?
Moses: How did the Holy Spirit hand Jesus the Son of God over to the Devil the enemy to tempt him? How could that have happened? I didn't know that that Jesus' temptation actually took place in his mind
Samuel: You are right. Jeremiah 17:9 said that our human heart is really wicked. Evil plans and ideas including selfishness and ego actually come out from our heart. Our heart is God's greatest enemy
Jackson: Sam my friend, you are right
Samuel: There is something Jesus said about our human heart
Both: What did he say? Please tell us
Samuel: He said there is nothing that enters into a person from outside of him which makes him to be an evil person
Both: Do you mean it? Did Jesus himself actually say that?
Samuel: Yes, he said that all evil plans and ideas originate from our heart. He listed all the evil which men do and said they all originate from the inside of us
Moses: Did he say that? Please show me where I can see it
Samuel: You would find it in Mark 7:21-23
Moses: Jack, please read that portion for me
(Jackson reads)
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, theft, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
Jackson: (Exclaims) Heeeey! That means when a person inside his room plans an evil and executes it, he should not blame any devil that it possessed him?
Samuel: That's it my brother
Jackson: Then it means I should try to control my heart and mind
Others: That's it
Abu arrives Samuel's to collect his pay, Moses and Jackson again greet him
Both friends: Good evening malam, how are you? Abokinan, it's you we are greeting
Abu: (Still furious) Get out prom my fresence, idiots! Shege banza kawayi! Kaini aboki nku? Who is your priend? Dan boroba! Nonsense!
(Speaking to his host) Mr. Samuel, flease it's because of you I came, don't mind these idiots. I have pinished the work
Samuel: (surprised at Abu's reaction to his friends) But why Abu, do you know these people that you are insulting them?
Abu: Don't mind these poolish feofle (foolish people). As I was going home yesterday I came here, I sliffed (slipped) and nearly pell (fell) down. As my hand touched them, they really embarrassed me as ip I am a leper
Jackson: (apologizing) Please don't be annoyed. (Explains to Samuel) Sam, you see, we didn't know he was your labourer. As we saw him wearing black and coming out from your room, we thought the devil sent him to deliver you a message.
Moses: (In support) Yes, we thought he was one of the devil's agents. Please forgive us
Samuel: (laughing) Hahahaha! So you thought a devil's agent came to deliver me a message huh? Hahahahaha! Please he is Abu my friend
All laugh and part 1 ends

Watch out for part 2

DEVIL THE SATAN part 2
Act 1
Scene 1
Jackson at home with his visiting friend Moses. Both are discussing the devil topic
Jackson: Hm Moses, the Bible is really big you know. Could you imagine how I used to be afraid of the devil and his angels? I didn't know there is nothing like that
Moses: What about me? Didn't you see how I jumped and fled the other day Abu collided with us?
Jackson: Ol' boy, you are really a good athlete. Why not run for the country, at least you can win a medal
Moses: My brother, it was fear that made me run like that, it was as if the devil instructed him to attack us
Jackson: Me too, I was really afraid, especially as he wore black- black shirt, black trousers, black pair of shoes as well as his dark eye glasses. You know they say black is the favourite colour of the devil and his angels
Moses: You are right, that's what they say, but God and his angels prefer white
Jackson: But all these are now tales to me, I didn't know the devil doesn't exist
Moses: But Jack, the Bible is really sweet you know, it said when the Word of God enters into you, it drives away fear, it's now I know it's true, I am now free
Jackson: You are right my brother. Do you know that formerly, I dared not come out in the night to ease myself; do you want witches to attack me?
Moses: You are talking about yourself, what about I? Was it not inside 'poh' (a plastic container) I used to piss into like a baby? I would then pour it away when day breaks?
Jackson: Let me recount an incident that happened to me some time ago

FLASHBACK
Scene 2
Very early in the morning, Junior’s mother sent him on an errand
Mum: Junior, please quickly run to Mama Eze and buy me 4 guinea fowl eggs before she leaves for the market, I prefer them to chicken eggs
Junior: Okay mum
Mum: You need to be careful and don't break them, do you hear me? You know you play a lot; I don't want any to break
Junior: No problem mum
As the boy was returning, he was juggling with two of the eggs and one fell and crashed in front of Jackson's door while he returned 3 to his mother
Mum: But Junior I thought I told you to buy 4 eggs, why 3?
Junior: (Lied) She has run out of stock mum, only 3 eggs remain. She said I should come later to collect the remainder
Mum: It's alright
Jackson awoke and opened his door to admire a new day. He came outside but unaware that he was standing over the broken egg. He admired the beautiful morning
Jackson: What a bright day! Today is really beautiful. (Stretching himself) Yes I am feeling so lively and refreshed, God thank you for today
As he bent down and looked under himself, he saw a freshly broken egg between his two feet. He shouted and jumped up, falling and crashing on empty plastic containers and began to cry
What have I done to my enemies? Why are they after my life? Why is it they don't want to leave me alone?
His weeping attracted his neighbours
A neighbour: Mr. Jackson, what's the problem? Why are you crying like a baby?
Still crying and pointing at the broken egg
Jackson: Look at it, my enemies are after my life, they have come to sacrifice in front of my door. These people are after my life, they have been following me wherever I go
Junior's mother recognized the egg and called Junior
Mum: Junior!
Junior: Mummy!
Mum: Come here! (He came) But is this not one of the eggs I sent you to buy?
Junior: It is, mummy; it fell off my hand and broke
Mum: But why did you lie to me earlier?
Junior: I am really sorry mum
Mum: You should be sorry for yourself (apologized to Jackson) Sorry Mr. Jackson; it was Junior who broke the egg in front of your door. I sent him to buy 4 guinea fowl eggs; he broke 1 and returned 3. Sorry for the embarrassment. Please it's your boy who did it and not an enemy
Jackson: Oh, it was you Junior who did this? I am going to kill you today
Everybody laughed as he picked up a cane and ran after Junior
Moses: (Laughing) Hahahahaha! Very funny indeed
Jackson: It's now I know that all those witches did this, witches did that, are all mere coincidences, they are all rumors
Moses: (Agrees) It's true my brother. You would see that whenever they tell the story, they would say, they said they said. Nobody will ever say I was there when it happened, no evidence! Even with the advent of camera phones, nobody ever records it as it was happening
Jackson: But Moses is it not good we meet our pastor and hear his opinion? Although Sam was able to convince us, let's meet our pastor
Moses: Yes, it's a good idea. Let it not be that the devil has actually used Samuel to deceive us
Jackson: Should we go?
Moses: Yes, let's go
They leave and scene ends

Scene 3
Lights on to show a pastor meditating on what he read in the Bible. The two friends arrive at his home and knock
Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock!
Pastor: (Responds) Yes? Come in please
They enter and greet him
Both: Pastor, good evening sir! Good evening pastor
Pastor: Good evening my brothers, may the Lord be with both of you in Jesus' name
Both: Amen
Pastor: Yes you are welcome. Please you can sit down.
They sit down
Both: Thank you pastor
Pastor: Yes, I hope there is no problem
Jackson: Em Pastor, there is a little problem which brought us here
Pastor: (Quakes and mumbles) Sherimamama baskurisari goroti kanganbura (then) The devil is a liar. My God is bigger than any mountain; he has revealed to me that your problem is not too much and that you are going to overcome it in Jesus' name
Both: Amen
Pastor: So, what is troubling you? God is in control
Jackson: Pastor, em, we discussed the Bible with one man yesterday and he told us the devil isn't real. He said the devil is a word the New Testament of the Bible used to represent the evil tendency in us human beings
Pastor: Do you mean it? What sort of person is that? Are you sure he is a human being?
Moses: He is, pastor. He showed us in the Bible where God said he himself does both good and evil and has no challenger
Pastor: Did you say the man showed you? Are you sure it was the original Bible you read? You know, there are different Bibles nowadays
Jackson: Yes pastor, it was the King James Version and he showed us two places- Isaiah 45:5-7 and Deuteronomy 32:39
Pastor: Did you say the man showed you Isaiah 45:5-7 and Deuteronomy 32:39?
Both: Yes pastor
Moses: He even showed us in Mark 7:21-23 where Jesus said that nothing enters into us to make us do evil
Jackson: (In support of his friend)Yes pastor, that all evil a man does originate from his heart; that no devil pushes a person to commit sin
Pastor: (Sighs heavily) Hmmmh! My brothers, I think I warned you that the Bible itself said the devil would send his angels to deceive true children of God. That's why the Bible said we should try every spirit. How can a person teach such nonsense? (Sighs again) Hmmmh! I think I need to see him and neutralize him
Both: Yes pastor, it's a good idea. I trust my pastor. Let him come and prove what he said before our pastor
Pastor: Can we go and see him, or is his place too far away?
Moses: His place isn’t far pastor, he is my neighbour
Pastor: Then take me to see him
Both: No problem, let's go
Pastor: In fact, let me go and see the person teaching such rubbish
They leave and scene ends

Scene 4
The pastor and the two friends arrive at Samuel’s
Pastor: (To both friends) Are you sure he is inside?
Moses: Yes Pastor, I saw him moments ago
Pastor knocks hardly on his door
Knock knock knock!!
Samuel: (Responds from inside) Yes? Please come in
Sees his friends and happily welcomes them
Wao, please come inside. How are you my friends?
Both: We are fine, thank you
Samuel: Please get yourselves seated
Moses: (Still standing and pointing at the pastor) Em Sam, this man you see here is our pastor and he has come to see you
Samuel: O welcome pastor, how are you? I hope there's no problem
Pastor: In fact there is, I want to ask you a question
Samuel: A question?
Pastor: O yes
Samuel: Okay go on with your question, I am ready
Pastor: I want to know if you are a true Christian
Samuel: Yes of course, I am
Pastor: (In a harsh tone) Then how come you are deceiving people by telling them it is God who does both good and evil?! You are also teaching that it's not the devil that pushes us to sin against God. Don't you see you are a deceiver?! Where do you come from?!
Samuel: (Tries to calm him down) Pastor please take it easy, this is not a matter that can lead to a quarrel. Please let us see what Amos 3:6 said
Pastor: Do you think I am afraid of your quotation? I am going to read it (He opens and reads)
Shall a trumpet be blown in a city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it? Amos 3:6
Pastor couldn't believe it
Jackson: (Whispering to his friend) My brother, this man has brought another quotation o, please write it down: Amos 3:6
Samuel: Let us again see what God told Moses in Exodus 4:11
Pastor: (Reluctantly) Exodus 4:11? (Reads)
And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
Samuel: So you see, it is God who does everything, whether good or evil
The pastor picks courage
Pastor: So do you mean there is no devil which possesses us and makes us to sin against God?
Samuel: But Pastor, why not ask yourself why when God was giving his people the children of Israel his laws he didn't warn them about someone called the devil who makes people to commit sin. Rather whenever they committed sin, he held them responsible and punished them accordingly
Jackson: (Talking to his friend Moses) But Moses, it's true o. If the devil actually makes people to sin, God would have warned the Israelites to be careful of him
Moses: (Agrees) Yes, that's it
Pastor: Ok, if there is no devil, who then is Lucifer?
Both friends: (In support) Yes, who is Lucifer?
Samuel: Pastor, please let me ask you this: What is the meaning of Lucifer?
Pastor: But Lucifer is another name for the Morning star
Samuel: Please, is the name 'the Morning star' a good or a bad name?
Pastor: What are you saying? But it is a bad name of course. Or do you want to be called the Morning star?
Samuel: But if it is actually a bad name, why did Jesus in Revelation 22:16 call himself 'the bright and morning star'?
'I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches, I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star'.
Pastor: (Baffled) I don't understand. Jesus, do you mean it? Do you really understand the meaning of that name?
Moses: It's surprising. Why would Jesus call himself 'The morning star' which is another name for Lucifer?
Jackson: This is serious, Jesus calling himself Lucifer? Wonders shall never end
Samuel: (explains) My brothers Lucifer is a good name. Lucifer is actually the ancient name of planet Venus which appears in our early morning sky as the brightest of all stars. Prophet Isaiah used it as a proverb to describe the proud king of Babylon who was at that time the greatest of all kings. The pride in him was likened to him being in heaven. The chapter was a taunt about how this proud, greatest of all kings would be brought low and humbled
Moses: Sam, so what you are saying in effect is that Lucifer has nothing to do with the devil?
Samuel: At all
Jackson: But they said Lucifer was the heavenly choirmaster before he rebelled against God
Samuel: Where did that story originate from? It's not in the Bible
Pastor: So you mean Isaiah14:12 is not referring to the devil?
Samuel: Not at all pastor. If you begin to read from verse 4, you would see that it was actually a parable against the king of Babylon. Even verse 13 said Lucifer said in his heart that he will ascend to heaven, meaning he was not in heaven after all; he only proposed it in his heart. How then were they able to drive him out of heaven when he was not there yet?
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.(Isaiah 14:12-14)
Pastor: Okay, who was he that Holy Michael and his angels drove out of heaven in Revelation 12:7?
Samuel: I want to make one thing clear to you Pastor, the book of Revelation was written in symbols, what we read there should not be taken literarily
Pastor: Do you want to tell me the Bible is not telling us the truth, does the Bible tell lies?
Samuel: That's not what I mean. What I mean is that Jesus in the book of Revelation was prophesying in signs and symbols to John as we can see in the introduction to the book in Revelation 1:1.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John
Moreover, those prophecies were about future events and not past events
Pastor: This man, you are not always straight to the point. Do you mean there was no war in heaven where the dragon and his followers were defeated?
Samuel: What I am saying is that there was no literal war in heaven, the story is symbolic. Even verse 3 of that chapter said the dragon had 7 heads and 10 horns, does such an animal exist? It's just a prophecy in symbols
And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads (Revelation 12:3)
Moses: Wow! An animal with 7 heads and 10 horns? I don't believe such an animal exists, I doubt it
Jackson: It's true, that story must have been written in symbols
Pastor: But my point is that the dragon was called the old serpent known as the devil, am I right?
Samuel: You see, in that Jesus' prophecy which he symbolized to John, the main character would have the resemblance of the Garden of Eden serpent, he will be a liar and a deceiver
Moses: But I am really confused Sam, that place said there was joy in heaven because the dragon the enemy was cast out
Samuel: But come to think of it, why would there be celebration among the spiritual angels in heaven when all they did was to cast the enemy the devil out of heaven down to the earth to trouble us weak and powerless humans, is that not gross injustice?
Jackson: Sam I think I agree with you; that would be really bad of them
Moses: Yes both of you are right; why would they be celebrating when all they did was rather causing trouble for people who are not as spiritually strong as they are?
Samuel: Another reason why the story should not be taken literarily is what verse 11 said:
(Moses reads the portion)
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (Revelation 12:11)
(Explains) It said it was the blood of Jesus and their godly living which were the weapons they used in defeating the devil; this clearly shows it wasn't a literal war. Moreover it also implies that Jesus had already died before the devil was thrown out of heaven, the prophecy is just symbolic
Pastor not yet done
Pastor: Okay, I agree with you; there is nothing like the devil. But I want to know, who tempted Job? Was it not Satan?
Celebrating their pastor

To be continued

Interesting isn't it?