Acts 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said to them, "I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?"
Acts 19:16 And the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them and subdued all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
Tell me, will the devil know who you are if you have the need to confront him? This subject often strikes fear in the heart of many people. But, for us there should be no fear, and if you fear or if you avoid the very thought of demons then you are unfortunately not equipped to face life challenges as a Christian.
The objective of this lesson is to acquaint you with the proper position all Christians should demonstrate on this topic.
Luke 10:19 Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.
This is our position, we have both authority over demonic activity and the necessary power to enforce that authority.
When we are Born Again, we operate under the authority of Jesus and in the name of Jesus.
I find it amusing now remembering how frighten I was when I saw the exorcist way back in 1974... I could have really used Jesus then.. didn't sleep a wink...LOL
We can contribute many very harmful events occurring in our world because of Satan..
His objective is to kill, steal and destroy;
John 10:10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
Many diseases are documented in the wholly true and completely accurate Holy Bible, as having it's root cause in demonic activity. Once the demon is gone the sickness is gone as well.
Matt 9:32 As they were going out, a mute, demon-possessed man was brought to Him.
8 Matt 9:33 After the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed, and were saying, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel
Matt 12:22 Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, so that the mute man spoke and saw.
What causes demonic activity in the world?? And how do people get themselves entangled by these evil spirits.
Acts 16:16 As we were on our way to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who was possessed by a spirit of divination [claiming to foretell future events and to discover hidden knowledge], and she brought her owners much gain by her fortunetelling.
One big entrapment today is the physic hotline. Never ever call them you will be inviting the devil into your life.
Acts 16:18 She continued doing this for many days. But Paul was greatly annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!" And it came out at that very moment.
Notice Paul spoke to the spirit and not to the girl.
Many things that are highly addictive may have it's cause through demonic activity.
Drugs,Pornography,gambling just to name a few, are most likely urges brought on by evil spirits.
How do these oppressive influences occur??? Usually it is because we have opened a door through some activity we have thought to be harmless, like going to a physic or practising astrology,numerology,Ichang, palmistry tea leaves, tarot cards and the like or any of the quote "New Age" spirituality, actually they are not really new..same devil and the same old tricks. Very important caution..!!!!!!. never ever use a ouija board or even have one in your house... if you do, you will need an exorcist or just a truly saved child of GOD.
Acts 19:19 And many of those who had practiced curious, magical arts collected their books and [throwing them, book after book, on the pile] burned them in the sight of everybody. When they counted the value of them, they found it amounted to 50,000 pieces of silver (about $9,300).
I am always surprised when Christians ask me what is my astrological sign... well for future reference my sign?? It is in the name of JESUS..
Gal 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
This is a very serious affair my friends. Much mental illness, depression for example may have been brought on by interacting with the realm of the devil.
Bringing into our house artifacts that carry with them spirits can also be cause for concern... A great deal of art we find in other countries are actually symbols of idol worship of some kind, little Buddhas all around your house and certain African arts that deal with ancestral worship, having symbols of snakes, frogs and other little trinkets are not as harmless as they seem. I could go on naming things but I'm sure you get the idea by now.
Let us worship GOD in our daily life and leave no occasion for works of darkness...
Matt 4:10
Then Jesus said to him, Begone, Satan! For it has been written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve
Friday, September 28, 2007
Saturday, September 22, 2007
What is in a name????
Our current culture often times will view names of people non-associatively to any part of the persons characteristics. We name children based on the sound of the name... or whatever name is deemed popular at the time.
Names by definition is a way of identifying behavior, function and or purpose. Our names should point to who we are in behavior and purpose and who we are in function. The Bible is a great book to study names relating to these items (behavior, purpose and function).
Did you realize that GOD has a name for you... A name specifically with you on the very mind of GOD... That name my friends came about during some milestone event in your Christian walk..
Rev 2:17
'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.'.
Let us continue with establishing our lesson..
Gen 32:27
[The Man] asked him, What is your name? And [in shock of realization, whispering] he said, Jacob [supplanter, schemer, trickster, swindler]!
Jacob's behavior was one of being manipulative, a con artist, someone not to be trusted, this was Jacob's behavior and therefore this was Jacob's name.
However Jacob encountered his destiny one day... GOD had chosen Jacob, called him to be the agent to bring Israel into being... Yes destiny.. predestination... The WORD of the LORD came true concerning Jacob..
Rom 9:10
And not only that, but this too: Rebecca conceived [two sons under exactly the same circumstances] by our forefather Isaac,
Rom 9:11
And the children were yet unborn and had so far done nothing either good or evil. Even so, in order further to carry out God's purpose of selection (election, choice), which depends not on works or what men can do, but on Him Who calls [them],
Rom 9:12
It was said to her that the elder [son] should serve the younger [son]. [Gen. 25:21-23.]
Rom 9:13
As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated (held in relative disregard in comparison with My feeling for Jacob).
Through Jacob, Israel was born...and ..THUS... a name change.
Gen 32:28
And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed. ]
Jacob was no more..!!! His behavior in the past was not just forgiven but also forgotten... Why..., Past behavior no longer applied to Him.. new behavior gets a new name....."contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed"..
Abram became Abraham, the Father of many nations, identifying purpose and function... What caused the name change.. , At the point He believed GOD..
Gen 17:1
WHEN ABRAM was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, I am the Almighty God; walk and live habitually before Me and be perfect (blameless, wholehearted, complete).
Gen 17:2
And I will make My covenant (solemn pledge) between Me and you and will multiply you exceedingly.
Gen 17:3
Then Abram fell on his face, and God said to him,
Gen 17:4
As for Me, behold, My covenant (solemn pledge) is with you, and you shall be the father of many nations.
Gen 17:5
Nor shall your name any longer be Abram [high, exalted father]; but your name shall be Abraham [father of a multitude], for I have made you the father of many nations.
Whoa...!!! Abraham was 99 years old when GOD made this promise..Now that took faith, and that is why we are called the sons of Abraham when our faith is realized and actualized ..when we have living faith.. relying on, trusting in and clinging to..JESUS..
Gal 3:7 Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham.
Somewhere along the way.. your faith caused your name to change change....smile..
We know GOD based on are experience with GOD... We Know GOD on how He has manifested HIMSelf to us.. in behavior, Function and Purpose... Here is a list names for GOD...And, how GOD has shown HIMself strong in our lives..
Seven Redemptive Names of God
JEHOVAH-JIREH
"The Lord our provider" - This is also the name Abraham gave to the place where the Lord provided a sacrifice in place of Isaac. (Gen. 22:14).
JEHOVAH-NISSI
"Our banner, a banner of love and protection" - Also the name Moses gave to the altar he built after defeating the Amalekites (Ex. 17:15).
JEHOVAH-SHALOM
"Our perfect peace" - Also the name Gideon gave to the altar he built at Ophrah (Judges 6:24)
JEHOVAH-TSID-KENU
"The Lord is our righteousness" - The name is applied to a future Davidic king who would lead his people to do what is right and thus bring peace (Jeremiah 23:6) and to the restored city of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 33:16). The name is possibly a play on the name of Zedekiah ("Righteous [is] the Lord") who reigned from 597 to 587 B.C..
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH
"The One Who is with us everywhere for He is Omnipresent" - The Jerusalem of Ezekiel's vision (see Ezekiel 48:35 margin) was known by this name. Compare text at Isaiah 60:19-20 and Revelation 21:3.
JEHOVAH-SABAOTH
"The Lord of Hosts, our Protector." C.H. Spurgeon said this about the phrase "The Lord of Hosts:
The Lord rules the angels, the stars, the elements, and all the hosts of Heaven; and the Heaven of heavens is under His sway... [the Lord] is on our side -- our august Ally; woe unto those who fight against Him, for they shall flee like smoke before the wind when He gives the word to scatter them." See text at Psalm 46:7.
JEHOVAH-RAAH
"Our Shepherd Who tenderly leads us, loves us and will keep us safe." - the famous Psalm 23 tells us that "The Lord is our Shepherd and we shall not want...." Being illustrated as a shepherd implies a relationship with His sheep (His believers). The term shepherd appears approximately 80 times in the Scriptures, denoting meanings of: feeder, keeper, companion, friend, pastor and herdsman
Names by definition is a way of identifying behavior, function and or purpose. Our names should point to who we are in behavior and purpose and who we are in function. The Bible is a great book to study names relating to these items (behavior, purpose and function).
Did you realize that GOD has a name for you... A name specifically with you on the very mind of GOD... That name my friends came about during some milestone event in your Christian walk..
Rev 2:17
'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.'.
Let us continue with establishing our lesson..
Gen 32:27
[The Man] asked him, What is your name? And [in shock of realization, whispering] he said, Jacob [supplanter, schemer, trickster, swindler]!
Jacob's behavior was one of being manipulative, a con artist, someone not to be trusted, this was Jacob's behavior and therefore this was Jacob's name.
However Jacob encountered his destiny one day... GOD had chosen Jacob, called him to be the agent to bring Israel into being... Yes destiny.. predestination... The WORD of the LORD came true concerning Jacob..
Rom 9:10
And not only that, but this too: Rebecca conceived [two sons under exactly the same circumstances] by our forefather Isaac,
Rom 9:11
And the children were yet unborn and had so far done nothing either good or evil. Even so, in order further to carry out God's purpose of selection (election, choice), which depends not on works or what men can do, but on Him Who calls [them],
Rom 9:12
It was said to her that the elder [son] should serve the younger [son]. [Gen. 25:21-23.]
Rom 9:13
As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated (held in relative disregard in comparison with My feeling for Jacob).
Through Jacob, Israel was born...and ..THUS... a name change.
Gen 32:28
And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed. ]
Jacob was no more..!!! His behavior in the past was not just forgiven but also forgotten... Why..., Past behavior no longer applied to Him.. new behavior gets a new name....."contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed"..
Abram became Abraham, the Father of many nations, identifying purpose and function... What caused the name change.. , At the point He believed GOD..
Gen 17:1
WHEN ABRAM was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, I am the Almighty God; walk and live habitually before Me and be perfect (blameless, wholehearted, complete).
Gen 17:2
And I will make My covenant (solemn pledge) between Me and you and will multiply you exceedingly.
Gen 17:3
Then Abram fell on his face, and God said to him,
Gen 17:4
As for Me, behold, My covenant (solemn pledge) is with you, and you shall be the father of many nations.
Gen 17:5
Nor shall your name any longer be Abram [high, exalted father]; but your name shall be Abraham [father of a multitude], for I have made you the father of many nations.
Whoa...!!! Abraham was 99 years old when GOD made this promise..Now that took faith, and that is why we are called the sons of Abraham when our faith is realized and actualized ..when we have living faith.. relying on, trusting in and clinging to..JESUS..
Gal 3:7 Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham.
Somewhere along the way.. your faith caused your name to change change....smile..
We know GOD based on are experience with GOD... We Know GOD on how He has manifested HIMSelf to us.. in behavior, Function and Purpose... Here is a list names for GOD...And, how GOD has shown HIMself strong in our lives..
Seven Redemptive Names of God
JEHOVAH-JIREH
"The Lord our provider" - This is also the name Abraham gave to the place where the Lord provided a sacrifice in place of Isaac. (Gen. 22:14).
JEHOVAH-NISSI
"Our banner, a banner of love and protection" - Also the name Moses gave to the altar he built after defeating the Amalekites (Ex. 17:15).
JEHOVAH-SHALOM
"Our perfect peace" - Also the name Gideon gave to the altar he built at Ophrah (Judges 6:24)
JEHOVAH-TSID-KENU
"The Lord is our righteousness" - The name is applied to a future Davidic king who would lead his people to do what is right and thus bring peace (Jeremiah 23:6) and to the restored city of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 33:16). The name is possibly a play on the name of Zedekiah ("Righteous [is] the Lord") who reigned from 597 to 587 B.C..
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH
"The One Who is with us everywhere for He is Omnipresent" - The Jerusalem of Ezekiel's vision (see Ezekiel 48:35 margin) was known by this name. Compare text at Isaiah 60:19-20 and Revelation 21:3.
JEHOVAH-SABAOTH
"The Lord of Hosts, our Protector." C.H. Spurgeon said this about the phrase "The Lord of Hosts:
The Lord rules the angels, the stars, the elements, and all the hosts of Heaven; and the Heaven of heavens is under His sway... [the Lord] is on our side -- our august Ally; woe unto those who fight against Him, for they shall flee like smoke before the wind when He gives the word to scatter them." See text at Psalm 46:7.
JEHOVAH-RAAH
"Our Shepherd Who tenderly leads us, loves us and will keep us safe." - the famous Psalm 23 tells us that "The Lord is our Shepherd and we shall not want...." Being illustrated as a shepherd implies a relationship with His sheep (His believers). The term shepherd appears approximately 80 times in the Scriptures, denoting meanings of: feeder, keeper, companion, friend, pastor and herdsman
Monday, September 17, 2007
Mismated Alliances - Continued...........
Judg 16:20
She said, "The Philistines are upon you, Samson!" And he awoke from his sleep and said, "I will go out as at other times and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him.
When we are aligned with someone intimately, who does not know our LORD..., we can become ineffective in service to the LORD and may lose the call of GOD on our lives . as Samson did being entangled with Delilah... Yeah she was fine and all... But look what it cost Samson... The Devil is always going to appeal largely to our flesh .., our carnal nature.. same old tricks then and now... nothing has changed.
Kin 11:4
For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.
Solomon, a man with great wisdom and much zeal for the LORD.., lost His passion for GOD near the end of his days... because of his interpersonal relationships with Idolatrous women.. whom He married..
Who we fellowship with.., if they do not have a passion for Jesus..be careful..they can even draw us away from GOD.. We are then treading on very dangerous dangerous ground...
Kin 11:5
For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and after Milcom the detestable idol of the Ammonites.
1 Kin 11:6
Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and did not follow the LORD fully, as David his father had done
As a result of Solomons sin... Yes Solomon was tragically unequally yoked.. GOD took the Kingdom away from him..
1 Kin 11:11
So the LORD said to Solomon, "Because you have done this, and you have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you, and will give it to your servant.
Yes my friends if we do not repent and turn from those things that do not please GOD we can lose the favor of the LORD... A very frightening thought... If we are only playing church... GOD will not be mocked...
Gal 6:7
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
Rev 3:5
'He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
Listen .. let's be reasonable... If your name is in the book of life now.. Let's keep it there..!!! ..
When we pair up with like spirited people who dearly love Jesus.. our lives will be enhanced.. we serve GOD without hindrance... , we bring about a wonderful harmonious and peaceful home life... a place of refuge.. from the everyday storms of life...
Is 4:6
There will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain.
We can not have a place of refuge, a home of peace and harmony without having the same spirit ruling in our household.. Opposing spirits one saved and one unsaved will cause conflict and create a waring atmosphere .. We should live in far more agreeable circumstances.. Many disagreements occur not because we share different opinions or even different points of view.. , disagreements are caused often because we are dealing with two opposing spirits..
Eph 6:12
For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere
Our solution: ....Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Let us align ourselves with a spirit that agrees with our spirit, a spirit that is in harmony with our spirit.. In fact let us get together with like spirits.. and we will very likely create a symphony.. we can make beautiful music together.. In that union , in that marriage and in that home.. we will find Jesus.. the Great, I AM!!!
Matt 18:19
Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.
Matt 18:20
For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them
Let us honor GOD when choosing our life partner..., If we are not honoring GOD.. then let us start Today... Jesus is waiting with open arms for your return...
Heb 13:4
Let marriage be held in honor (esteemed worthy, precious, of great price, and especially dear) in all things. And thus let the marriage bed be undefiled (kept undishonored); for God will judge and punish the unchaste [all guilty of sexual vice] and adulterous
She said, "The Philistines are upon you, Samson!" And he awoke from his sleep and said, "I will go out as at other times and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him.
When we are aligned with someone intimately, who does not know our LORD..., we can become ineffective in service to the LORD and may lose the call of GOD on our lives . as Samson did being entangled with Delilah... Yeah she was fine and all... But look what it cost Samson... The Devil is always going to appeal largely to our flesh .., our carnal nature.. same old tricks then and now... nothing has changed.
Kin 11:4
For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.
Solomon, a man with great wisdom and much zeal for the LORD.., lost His passion for GOD near the end of his days... because of his interpersonal relationships with Idolatrous women.. whom He married..
Who we fellowship with.., if they do not have a passion for Jesus..be careful..they can even draw us away from GOD.. We are then treading on very dangerous dangerous ground...
Kin 11:5
For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and after Milcom the detestable idol of the Ammonites.
1 Kin 11:6
Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and did not follow the LORD fully, as David his father had done
As a result of Solomons sin... Yes Solomon was tragically unequally yoked.. GOD took the Kingdom away from him..
1 Kin 11:11
So the LORD said to Solomon, "Because you have done this, and you have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you, and will give it to your servant.
Yes my friends if we do not repent and turn from those things that do not please GOD we can lose the favor of the LORD... A very frightening thought... If we are only playing church... GOD will not be mocked...
Gal 6:7
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
Rev 3:5
'He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
Listen .. let's be reasonable... If your name is in the book of life now.. Let's keep it there..!!! ..
When we pair up with like spirited people who dearly love Jesus.. our lives will be enhanced.. we serve GOD without hindrance... , we bring about a wonderful harmonious and peaceful home life... a place of refuge.. from the everyday storms of life...
Is 4:6
There will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain.
We can not have a place of refuge, a home of peace and harmony without having the same spirit ruling in our household.. Opposing spirits one saved and one unsaved will cause conflict and create a waring atmosphere .. We should live in far more agreeable circumstances.. Many disagreements occur not because we share different opinions or even different points of view.. , disagreements are caused often because we are dealing with two opposing spirits..
Eph 6:12
For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere
Our solution: ....Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Let us align ourselves with a spirit that agrees with our spirit, a spirit that is in harmony with our spirit.. In fact let us get together with like spirits.. and we will very likely create a symphony.. we can make beautiful music together.. In that union , in that marriage and in that home.. we will find Jesus.. the Great, I AM!!!
Matt 18:19
Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.
Matt 18:20
For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them
Let us honor GOD when choosing our life partner..., If we are not honoring GOD.. then let us start Today... Jesus is waiting with open arms for your return...
Heb 13:4
Let marriage be held in honor (esteemed worthy, precious, of great price, and especially dear) in all things. And thus let the marriage bed be undefiled (kept undishonored); for God will judge and punish the unchaste [all guilty of sexual vice] and adulterous
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Mismated Alliances
2 Cor 6:14
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers [do not make mismated alliances with them or come under a different yoke with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership have right living and right standing with God with iniquity and lawlessness? Or how can light have fellowship with darkness?
We know this verse very well..isn't that right...??? It is very much key to having a harmonious union . And harmony is a certain sign of GOD's agreement within a relationship. GOD is not the author of confusion but of peace.
1 Cor 14:33
for God is not a God of confusion but of peace............
1 Pet 3:8
To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;
Clearly we see that we are not to necessarily shun or act aloof..., since we are agents of salvation.. and the harvest is of course leading sinners to righteousness...But in the process we must not lose our testimony and delude or even destroy our witness for Jesus by again falling into behavior patterns that our LORD has saved us from.....
2 Pet 2:22
It has happened to them according to the true proverb, "A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT," and, "A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire
Living a discipline christian lifestyle is not optional it is a requirement...So if you did not know that... well as they say...Now you know..
Rom 12:1
I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
1 Cor 9:27
but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Our heavenly nature produces :
Gal 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Gal 5:23
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Unsaved unregenerate man's nature produces:
Gal 5:19
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,
Gal 5:20
idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
Gal 5:21
envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Our LORD explicitly directs us... NOT to walk in agreement with the works of the unsaved...
Amos 3:3
Do two walk together except they make an appointment and have agreed?
Hummmm... I find it truly interesting how even the numbers agreed in this scripture...smile...
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers [do not make mismated alliances with them or come under a different yoke with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership have right living and right standing with God with iniquity and lawlessness? Or how can light have fellowship with darkness?
We know this verse very well..isn't that right...??? It is very much key to having a harmonious union . And harmony is a certain sign of GOD's agreement within a relationship. GOD is not the author of confusion but of peace.
1 Cor 14:33
for God is not a God of confusion but of peace............
1 Pet 3:8
To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;
Let me emphasize that we are not only talking about marriage... , Anything that we do should be guided through and in compliance with this spiritual principle.
Being part of activities with unbelievers outside the dictates of our faith will work to our detriment and not to our gain.. we are in the devil's backyard and serving the dictates of the flesh.... we can not partner with unbelievers in behavior that violate the commands of our LORD.
However let us view this in context, as instructed by the Bible....GOD knows unless we are removed from this earth we will have interaction with non-Christians..... but.. we can interact without dishonoring our LORD..
I have personally been in moral conflict on business trips or whatever and suddenly finding myself participating in conversations that normally would be far from my tongue... AND, so have most of us... I should have politely removed myself from the situation.... we are separate from the world and not part of the world.. although we do indeed live in the world..
1 Cor 5:10
Not [meaning of course that you must] altogether shun the immoral people of this world, or the greedy graspers and cheats and thieves or idolaters, since otherwise you would need to get out of the world and human society altogether!
Clearly we see that we are not to necessarily shun or act aloof..., since we are agents of salvation.. and the harvest is of course leading sinners to righteousness...But in the process we must not lose our testimony and delude or even destroy our witness for Jesus by again falling into behavior patterns that our LORD has saved us from.....
2 Pet 2:22
It has happened to them according to the true proverb, "A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT," and, "A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire
Living a discipline christian lifestyle is not optional it is a requirement...So if you did not know that... well as they say...Now you know..
Rom 12:1
I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
1 Cor 9:27
but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Lets elevate the subject... we should also be very much concerned and aware of our brother's and sister's spiritual condition... since those who confess the name of Christ will likely be viewed as a most suitable partner.. we consider them people we are safe to align ourselves with... But herein lies even a greater caution....
1 Cor 5:11
But now I write to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of [Christian] brother if he is known to be guilty of immorality or greed, or is an idolater [whose soul is devoted to any object that usurps the place of God], or is a person with a foul tongue [railing, abusing, reviling, slandering], or is a drunkard or a swindler or a robber. [No] you must not so much as eat with such a person
Now lets be honest ... we all have fallen on occasion.., so let's not feel condemnation when you are not continuing in the sin... BUT.. when this behavior is a lifestyle.. then we know to separate ourselves from those immoral persons who yet still call themselves christian...we shall know them by their fruit.....
1 John 3:9
No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, for God's nature abides in him [His principle of life, the divine sperm, remains permanently within him]; and he cannot practice sinning because he is born (begotten) of God.
Our heavenly nature produces :
Gal 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Gal 5:23
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Unsaved unregenerate man's nature produces:
Gal 5:19
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,
Gal 5:20
idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
Gal 5:21
envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Our LORD explicitly directs us... NOT to walk in agreement with the works of the unsaved...
Amos 3:3
Do two walk together except they make an appointment and have agreed?
Hummmm... I find it truly interesting how even the numbers agreed in this scripture...smile...
Friday, September 7, 2007
Mercy Triumphs over Judgement...
...
James 2:13
For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.
A Spiritual principle..., Mercy Triumphs over judgement..... , We should face judgement.. But Mercy said NO..., Learning how GOD's kingdom operates is a process that is realized as we face daily the struggles of this life.. and learning about mercy and how GOD delivers mercy to us is Paramount to us understanding the nature of our creator. ,,, He is our judge in this life and in the next... Therefore I thank HIM for His mercy.....
God dispenses HIS mercy on condition, yes it is conditional.. meaning if you do one thing.. I will do another... If you are merciful then I will be merciful to you...,Additionally, Jesus says.. If you forgive others then I will forgive you... If you give to others then I will give to you...
There is such an overwhelming sense of fairness in HIS .. what I will term Kingdom laws... Laws that govern His Kingdom...
GODs mercy is infinite.. He never runs out of mercy...
Ps 103:11
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him.
Did you know that GOD would rather be handing out His mercy over and above His desire for your sacrificial offerings ... And, GOD will even override His very own laws when the opportunity to provide mercy is near... Yes He will... once we understand how and why GOD is merciful we are then well on our way of learning how to be merciful as we walk out our Christianity...
The following verse has had a tremendous impact on my life..., I earnestly hope and pray it's full revelation impacts your life as well...
Matt 12:7
And if you had only known what this saying means, I desire mercy [readiness to help, to spare, to forgive] rather than sacrifice and sacrificial victims, you would not have condemned the guiltless
How profound.. readiness to help.. rather than receiving our sacrificial acts ... We have been sooo programmed to performance based accolades.. Can we really see what our LORD is saying to us here????... Stop and take time to mediate on the above verse...., Pray over this verse... Have you sacrificed to the point that it hurts... when GOD wanted to provide you mercy.. so that you could then forego the sacrifice..??? ....Watch how GOD overrides HIS law in favor of mercy....
Matt 12:2
And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, See there! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful and not permitted on the Sabbath.
Matt 12:3
He said to them, Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry, and those who accompanied him
Matt 12:4
How he went into the house of God and ate the loaves of the showbread--which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for the men who accompanied him, but for the priests only
I think this is key to understanding Christ Jesus... Jesus says I desire mercy .. I have a desire to be merciful I want to be merciful...Why would GOD override HIS divine law.. ???? To be merciful... GOD has nothing so Holy or untouchable, be it show bread, the tithe, the sabbath.... or anything else... that He would rather HIS people... I am talking about .. US, the objects of HIS love...go hungry...
NOW.... YES.... GOD will judge us...... but only after He was made several attempts to be merciful.. and when we do not yield HE has no choice but to judge us..
Prov 29:1
HE WHO, being often reproved, hardens his neck shall suddenly be destroyed--and that without remedy.
Although GOD get's no joy out of us missing HIS visitation.. He gets no pleasure out of seeing someone miss out on His love..
2 Pet 3:9
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance
GOD is extremely patient with us..., and soo long suffering... I know this from experience .. in fact I must say that this is really the only true way to know Jesus.... It is through experience..
Being a recipient of the LORDs mercy myself..... helps me to look for the opportunity and gave me the desire to be merciful...and less desire to condemn.. I have had my ups and my downs.. and during the down times.. I have learned a measure of the mercy of our LORD.. I am forever grateful Jesus... My thanks will be heard forevermore...
James 2:13
For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.
A Spiritual principle..., Mercy Triumphs over judgement..... , We should face judgement.. But Mercy said NO..., Learning how GOD's kingdom operates is a process that is realized as we face daily the struggles of this life.. and learning about mercy and how GOD delivers mercy to us is Paramount to us understanding the nature of our creator. ,,, He is our judge in this life and in the next... Therefore I thank HIM for His mercy.....
God dispenses HIS mercy on condition, yes it is conditional.. meaning if you do one thing.. I will do another... If you are merciful then I will be merciful to you...,Additionally, Jesus says.. If you forgive others then I will forgive you... If you give to others then I will give to you...
There is such an overwhelming sense of fairness in HIS .. what I will term Kingdom laws... Laws that govern His Kingdom...
GODs mercy is infinite.. He never runs out of mercy...
Ps 103:11
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him.
Did you know that GOD would rather be handing out His mercy over and above His desire for your sacrificial offerings ... And, GOD will even override His very own laws when the opportunity to provide mercy is near... Yes He will... once we understand how and why GOD is merciful we are then well on our way of learning how to be merciful as we walk out our Christianity...
The following verse has had a tremendous impact on my life..., I earnestly hope and pray it's full revelation impacts your life as well...
Matt 12:7
And if you had only known what this saying means, I desire mercy [readiness to help, to spare, to forgive] rather than sacrifice and sacrificial victims, you would not have condemned the guiltless
How profound.. readiness to help.. rather than receiving our sacrificial acts ... We have been sooo programmed to performance based accolades.. Can we really see what our LORD is saying to us here????... Stop and take time to mediate on the above verse...., Pray over this verse... Have you sacrificed to the point that it hurts... when GOD wanted to provide you mercy.. so that you could then forego the sacrifice..??? ....Watch how GOD overrides HIS law in favor of mercy....
Matt 12:2
And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, See there! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful and not permitted on the Sabbath.
Matt 12:3
He said to them, Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry, and those who accompanied him
Matt 12:4
How he went into the house of God and ate the loaves of the showbread--which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for the men who accompanied him, but for the priests only
I think this is key to understanding Christ Jesus... Jesus says I desire mercy .. I have a desire to be merciful I want to be merciful...Why would GOD override HIS divine law.. ???? To be merciful... GOD has nothing so Holy or untouchable, be it show bread, the tithe, the sabbath.... or anything else... that He would rather HIS people... I am talking about .. US, the objects of HIS love...go hungry...
NOW.... YES.... GOD will judge us...... but only after He was made several attempts to be merciful.. and when we do not yield HE has no choice but to judge us..
Prov 29:1
HE WHO, being often reproved, hardens his neck shall suddenly be destroyed--and that without remedy.
Although GOD get's no joy out of us missing HIS visitation.. He gets no pleasure out of seeing someone miss out on His love..
2 Pet 3:9
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance
GOD is extremely patient with us..., and soo long suffering... I know this from experience .. in fact I must say that this is really the only true way to know Jesus.... It is through experience..
Being a recipient of the LORDs mercy myself..... helps me to look for the opportunity and gave me the desire to be merciful...and less desire to condemn.. I have had my ups and my downs.. and during the down times.. I have learned a measure of the mercy of our LORD.. I am forever grateful Jesus... My thanks will be heard forevermore...
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