Ephesians Outline [podcast]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

Ephesians Background Info (below)

Satanic Artifacts Burned Acts 19:19 (below)

Chosen for Holiness – Ephesians 1 (below)

The Life of Jesus Manifested in Our Lives – Ephesians 1 (below)

PRAYING BIBLICALLY, POWERFULLY, AND EFFECTIVELY (below)

I’M NOT WHO I ONCE WAS: Ephesians 2:1-3 (below)

Ephesians 2:4-10 – Grounded in Grace (below)

Made Nigh by the Blood of Christ (below)

The Unsearchable Riches of Christ Ephesians 3 (below)

Speaking the Truth in Love (below)

Ephesians 5:1-21 (below)

EPHESIANS
Outline

—–THE ORIGINAL WWW !!! – The glorious book of Ephesians naturally divides into 3 basic sections which form the acronym WWW – Worship, Work, Warfare – see outline below to help you better understand the mind of Christ revealed in this treasured epistle which has blessed countless sojourning saints for 2 millenniums now.

Let us observe from an overview perspective, the doctrinal letter the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to pen to “the saints which are at Ephesus.” (1:1) In Ephesians, the integral involvement of all three divine Members of the Godhead are seen in creation (Eph. 3:9), the redemption of mankind (1:4, 7, 13), the maturing of the body of Christ (4:4-6), and eternal well-being of His elect (Eph. 1:3-6, 10; 2:6). God’s will for His people’s maturity is stated in 4:5: “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” One sure way to speak His truth in love is to devour the contents of this blessed letter, asking Him to make them an integral part of your life as He conforms you to His holy image. His new life in us should produce a transformation in the spirit of our minds, as we put on the “new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (4:23-24).

This book is a treasure chest of divine knowledge and essential jewels for Christian maturity for the church of Jesus Christ. Read it, study it, saturate and bathe your heart and mind in it, and pray it into your life. As you discover new platinum nuggets, record them on index cards to commit to memory. This will significantly benefit you personally and others as you share them.

As you go through this outline in your own Bible, feel free to reference, cross reference, and write notes in the margins. You are encouraged to use this outline as it best suits you for learning of the LORD and humbly, prayerfully instructing others.

Author: Paul, the servant and apostle of Jesus Christ (1:1)

Date written: 60-65 A.D.

Theme: Some would say that Ephesians is the second doctrinal letter in the New Testament cannon, the first being the book of Romans which perhaps Ephesians builds upon.

Ephesians pictures the believer as positionally “seated together in heavenly places in Christ” (2:6). The redeemed are blessed in that the Father made us, chose us, and found us, saving us through the blood of His only begotten Son (Eph. 1:3-4, 7). He has made us to be citizens in His family (Eph. 2:19; 3:15). The believer’s wealth and walk with Christ are expounded upon in the first 3 chapters while chapter 4 and 5 deal with his walk, and chapter 6 with kingdom warfare. As a doctrinal letter, the book of Ephesians contains the highest of truth for the Church. This is in contrast to other New Testament writings which deal with order and the practical implementation of local church functions to build up the saints and win the lost to Christ in light of His soon return.

KEY TERMS in Ephesians:

“In Christ” appears 12x

“In him” appears 2x

The fact that the terms “in Christ” and “in him” appear 14 times in this all-important letter to all the saints in this period of grace, reveals that God wants us to apprehend who He is and who we are in Him. This will require God’s grace working in you, personal study, prayer, and meditation. By His holy blood we are in Jesus Christ, “builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Eph. 2:22) The believer’s identification is to be Christ – above all else (1 Cor. 2:2, 6:19-20; Gal. 2:20, 6:14). The way a person sees/views himself (identification) determines how he will live this life. What possesses us propels us. Being “in Christ” means being brought ever more by Him into a deeper and more intimate intertwining and oneness (Jn. 17).

KEY WORDS in Ephesians:

Below, look up and read each of the key word and term verses below as you prayerfully follow the divine design of love, and grace for His Church, including the unity of each member of His body.

“Love” appears 14x
“Grace” appears 12x
“Church” appears 9x
“Inheritance” appears 4x
“Unity” appears 2x

2 KEY VERSES of Ephesians:

Divine, Eternal Purpose Revealed:

“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” Ephesians 1:10

His Purpose/Goal for our Walk with Him:

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” Ephesians 4:13

PAUL’S PRAYER FOR ALL SAINTS UNDER THE NEW COVENANT 1:18-19

God wants to open our spiritual senses to reveal:

“the hope of his calling” v18
“what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” v18
“the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe” v19

OBJECTIVE/GOAL OF THE TRIUNE GOD WITH HIS ONE UNIVERSAL CHURCH AS EXPRESSED IN EPHESIANS:

NOW: “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect (mature) man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” Ephesians 4:13
IN ETERNITY: “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times (eternity to come) he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.” Ephesians 1:10

God is going to bring all His children together in one place – the New Jerusalem.

Record both of the above verses on index cards. Prayerfully read over them 5 times each before continuing.

“One body” (4:4) Especially chapter two speaks of the union of believing Jews and Gentiles in Christ’s one body. Jew/Gentile: No difference between Jews and Gentiles in Christ/salvation: Acts 10:45-48, 11:18, 13:46-48, 14:27, 15:3-23; 26:17-23, 28:28; Rom. 2:28-29; 3:9,29, 11:11-25, 15:9-18,27; 1 Cor. 10:32, 12:13, Gal. 3:28, Eph. 2:11, 3:6-8, Col. 1:27, 3:11

Made One Body by Christ’s Blood

Every born again, blood bought saint of Christ is “of the household of God.” Jesus came and He built the foundation of His kingdom “upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;”

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” Ephesians 2:19-20

“The household of God” – picture being a child in the, under the blessed protection, command, privilege, authority, and provision of “the Almighty” Himself (Revelation 1:8).

NATURAL DIVISIONS IN EPHESIANS:

Ch’s 1-3 of the book of Ephesians deal with our Wealth in and Worship of Christ
Ch’s 4-5 of the book of Ephesians deal with our Walk with Christ
Ch 6 of the book of Ephesians deals with our Warfare in Christ with the enemy

By design God sets forth His wealth to and justification of the believer first (Ch.’s 1-3). He then gives instruction on how to walk out that new life of worship He has freely given us (Ch.’s 4-6), including guarding it by vigilant prayer and warfare (Ch. 6).

God, by whom “we have obtained an inheritance” and according to “the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will … hath purposed in himself,” according to “the good pleasure of his will,” to adopt us as His “children by Jesus Christ to himself.” (Ephesians 1:5, 9, 11)

The Involvement/Work of Each Divine Member of the Godhead is Seen in:

1. Creation of “all things” 3:9

2. Redemption Ch. 1 The involvement with each divine Member of the Godhead

– Chosen of the Father 1:4

– Redeemed by the Son 1:7

– “Sealed with that holy Spirit of promise” 1:13

3. Sanctification of each individual redeemed saint and the corporate body of Christ in:

– “one Spirit” 4:4

– “one Lord” 4:5

– “one God and Father of all” 4:6

All these things have the Father, Word, and Holy Ghost done to secure the heavenly family eternally in His everlasting kingdom, where His Christ will be exalted and His saints blessed beyond fathom (1 Cor. 2:9; Rev. 21). Watch for this love theme throughout this letter (Eph. 1:3-6, 10; 2:6).

Prayers in Ephesians

By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul pens two magnificent prayers effectual for all saints throughout the NT era. If we use these two monumental, Holy Spirit inspired prayers in Ephesians, our Father will change our lives. At this time, go read and simultaneously pray to your heavenly Father these prayers in Jesus’ name. Ephesians 1:15-23 and 3:14-21. Ask the LORD for these things to be manifested in your life and the life of His people, the world over.

Capturing a Few of the Treasures of Ephesians

Verses in Ephesians to write out on index cards with references and then read aloud five times each before proceeding:

1:3
2:8-10
3:16, 17, 20
This part of 3:9 – “God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.”
4:3, 11-12
5:11, 21, 26-27
6:10, 17

Ephesus Background Information

The historical account of God’s work among the people in the city of Ephesus picks up in Acts 18. Origins and Background of the work of the LORD at Ephesus – Paul was in Ephesus ministering appr 10 years prior to writing his epistle to the Ephesians. John recorded the words of Jesus to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-7 in about 95 AD.

Saul participates in Stephen’s stoning. Acts 7:51-60. (33-34 AD)
Saul of Tarsus wreaks havoc on Christians. Acts 8. (33-34 AD)
Saul’s conversion: Confronted on the road to Damascus. Acts 9. (33-34 AD)
Paul pens the epistle to the Ephesian believers in prison (60-65 AD)
John the apostle receives the Revelation in which he records the message of Jesus to the church at Ephesus. Revelation 2:1-7. (95 AD)

If you wish to research the record of the beginnings of the Gospel and origins of the church in the city of Ephesus, read Acts 18:18 – 20:38.

“Ephesus” appears 17 times in God’s Word beginning with Acts 18:19 and ending with the LORD Jesus’ letter to the Ephesian church in Revelation 2:1-7. Much is given to us as followers of Christ in the work of God through Paul and others in the believers at Ephesus.

The Apostolic New Testament Program

“Apostolic” simply refers to Christ’s apostles who were earnestly contending for and carrying forward His Gospel. After Jesus rose from the dead and was seated back at the right hand of the Father, Christ’s apostles made sure when Jesus saved souls, that those newly saved saints had the opportunity to receive the gift of the full measure of the Holy Ghost – an integral part of New Testament Christianity and without which the believer cannot and will not be powerfully used of God. Here is Paul, the apostle of Christ in Ephesus:

“And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” Acts 19:1-6

Here’s another example of the apostles of Christ making sure every believer was baptized with the Holy Spirit:

“Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God (got saved), they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” Acts 8:14-17

BACKGROUND: More Information on God’s Work Among the Ephesian Saints

One background commentary on Ephesus reads: “The capital of Ionia, a celebrated city of Asia Minor, situated near the mouth of the Cayster, about forty miles southeast of Smyrna. It was chiefly celebrated for the worship and temple of Diana, which last was, accounted one of the seven wonders of the world. See DIANA. Paul first visited Ephesus about A. D. 54, Acts 18:19,21. This first brief visit was followed by a longer one towards the close of the same year, and continuing through the two following years, Acts 19:10 20:31. The church thus early established, enjoyed the laborers of Aquila and Priscilla, of Tychicus and Timothy. It was favored with one of the best of Paul’s epistles; its elders held an interview with him at Miletus, before he saw Rome, and he is supposed to have visited them after his first imprisonment. Here the apostle John is said to have spent the latter part of his life, and written his gospel and epistles; and having penned Christ’s message to them in the isle of Patmos, to have returned and died among them. Christ gives the church at Ephesus a high degree of praise, coupled with a solemn warning, Revelation 2:1-5, which seems not to have prevented its final extinction, though it remained in existence six hundred years. But now its candlestick is indeed removed out of its place. The site of that great and opulent city is desolate. Its harbor has become a pestilential marsh; the lovely and fertile level ground south of the Cayster now languishes under Turkish misrule; and the heights upon its border bear only shapeless ruins. The outlines of the immense theatre, Acts 19:29, yet remain in the solid rock; but no vestige of the temple of Diana can be traced.”

Paul rebuked the sin in Ephesus – “that they be no gods, which are made with hands.” (Acts 19:26) He was assailed for doing so as is a consistent reaction with the preaching or the original Gospel which begins with the command to repent (Matthew 11:12). Contrast this with the hirelings who set up churches in our cities today….. modern pastors aren’t rebuking anything, especially not themselves. They simply seek to set up and establish their church businesses and be able to make money for themselves and pay the mortgage….by entertaining the people, their prey. They coddle men in sin instead of calling them to repent before a holy God as did John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2), the LORD Jesus (Matthew 4:17), and the apostles of Christ (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31; 20:21, etc.).

Preaching the original Gospel of Jesus will stir devils and religious frauds (Matthew 23, etc.). All one has to do to behold such is to read the Gospels and book of Acts to witness the vicious diabolical attacks on Jesus and His apostles. There is a great difference between powder puff counterfeits and true disciples of Christ who deliver the message of the original Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit.

“And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matthew 7:28-29

Ephesians | Galatians Outline | Grounded in Grace |

Ephesians Narrated [podcast]

Ephesians 1 “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by […]

The Unsearchable Riches of Christ [podcast]

The Mystery Revealed Ephesians 3 Paul gave no glory to the sinful men who imprisoned him. Eph 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, The apostle took pleasure in these afflictions for the sake of Christ. We are reminded of his thorn in the flesh where Paul gave no glory to “the messenger of Satan” whom God allowed to afflict him … 2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, […]

The Riches of God's Grace in Christ [podcast]

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Ephesians 1:7 It’s been said that “God bankrupted Heaven to buy us back to Himself!” “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15 Jesus judged sin on the cross so we don’t have to be judged for our sin and so we can experience “the exceeding riches of his grace” both now and forever (John 12:31-32; Ephesians 1:7; 2:7). “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through […]

Articles

Gospel Action in Mexico Part 37

UPDATE – DELIVERED FOOD TODAY; – I purchased numerous food items for Clara and her boys today. Traversing difficult terrain to deliver the goods God supplied through your faithful giving left me with a sidewall puncture. A sidewall puncture cannot be patched and replacement was quoted at $274. Settled for a used tire. In this challenge came opportunity.

God used the punctured tire for me to meet a wayward man. Jose has spent time in the USA and has family there. His wife is presently in Colorado; he expressed strain on his family. Jose received God’s Word preached to him and the JESUS tract and said “You know what?, my wife is also a Christian.” Wow. So, his beloved wife is praying for him to be saved and God answered her prayer in part by connecting me with him. This opportunity is because of your support for this ministry. Can we please pray for Jose and his family?

I am continuing to learn to assert Romans 8:28-29 into everything.

— 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Can anyone relate?

Mark is encouraging me in helping more people, one person/family at a time. Your prayers and giving are more than important, it is essential.

I found out Clara was in need again and was moved upon by the LORD to get her and her 3 sons some food. Her whole monthly money needed to sustain her, and her boys is about $350. The house she rents is $120 per month. I will leave it there.

It is amazing how much further our contributions go in Mexico, how much more it’s multiplied. A little bit of money and ministry here goes a long way to bless and expand Christ’s kingdom! …and to give hope to the hopeless.

We continue to pray for a few more saints to assert themselves into this opportunity. God is able, amen! All I can do is let these things be known. I am blessed by your support as I am encouraged by the fruitfulness of Mission Mexico both in the reach of the spiritual needs and the physical needs of God’s children. You are responding to Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 6:19-21

—19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Clara’s Cry Video was featured recently. Click here.

Please lift a prayer in Jesus’ name for the fruitfulness and supply of our LORD’s work here with Mission Mexico. God be praised. Multitudes being reached daily with Jesus Christ’s bless-ed Gospel – spoken to them and given in print in the JESUS tract in Spanish.

BELOVED ANTONIO came by again tonight to get something to eat. I warmly received and welcomed him. Had him sit down and rest with fresh water to drink while his delicious meal was cooking. When he left I broke down while hugging him and letting him know you are lifting him in prayer and that God loves him. I played the Spanish Bible audio of Scripture to him while I was cooking so the Word would be planted in his heart…. WHO wants to cry out with me to our LORD for this young man? WHO wants to seek God for a complete change in his precious life? Salvation and good employment/work, etc. Let it not be that he could ever say that “No man cared for my soul.” – “I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul” (Psalms 142:4). Jesus is coming saints. Let us pour out His love to the hurting. Jesus Christ died for this beloved young man! Mission Mexico is rolling! “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). This is what it’s all about dear saints. Jump in. God will bless.

“The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.” Psalms 145:14

Mission Mexico!

Beloved brother in Christ, Cesar, spent the last 14 days with his beloved mother before she passed. Mark and I went to visit Cesar the day after his mother passed. Mark and I agreed that Cesar was ministering to us. We went to comfort him and he ministered to us! Whew! You are invited to lift our beloved brother Cesar in prayer.

Oh and Cesar took about 50-60 JESUS tracts to distribute.

The plans are to be spending more time fellowshipping with Cesar again soon.

Months ago, I handed Cesar a JESUS tract and we begin to talk and he shared that he is a born again disciple of Jesus. Yesterday, with tears in his eyes, Cesar shared his testimony of Jesus’ salvation of his life 24 years ago. This is a beloved brother in our LORD Jesus for certain. Unpretentious.

As is so often the case, we gave this man a JESUS tract and spoke the Word to him. A few moments later here he is hungrily reading about His Maker and King, and Savior Jesus.

Saints we are supporting a missionary in the Philippines and am thanking the LORD for your prayers and supply to our LORD’s Gospel work …..

Anyone wish to pause and lift this man to our LORD in prayer? When ministered to, Victor asked questions. He is searching. God is able.

Thank you for praying for the beautiful people of this country. More Mission Mexico coverage here.

Remember brother Justin (from Australia) whom God miraculously saved here in Mexico? He is very grateful that you are lifting him in prayer. Praying for Christ’s saints is an essential (Colossians 4:12). Today Justin sent this:

“I was reading the book of John and the woman at the well last night, contemplating how some plant seeds to be harvested by others (John 4). Just being grateful to serve the Lord without needing to see results. Bless you. You certainty planted some seeds with me. I’ll check out Titus! Thank you brother. I am working out my salvation with fear and trembling, for sure, and I wouldn’t be doing it so much harder now without your support.” Justin B.

UPDATE ON BROTHER JUSTIN B.

Thank you for lifting in prayer our brother Justin B. (Australian) here in Mexico. He was saved just a few months ago here. Here’s the latest from our brother. Please pray the Word for him. John 15; Colossians 4:12.

“I am good, brother. I am back in the slipstream of the Word. Felt like I had to experience the desert of doubt to come out with more clarity. Though, ultimately, trust in God is not necessarily clear. Getting confident in God with that “cloud of unknowing.”

“Daily brother. It’s my clarion call/prayer now. Diminish me but increase my faith. Purify my heart, Lord, so I may glorify Your name. Thank you for showing me the way and keeping faith in me, brother.” Justin B.

Do we recall how Jesus told Peter: “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:31-32).

Here’s the post where the account of Jesus saving Justin is contained.

Jesus Saved Justin [podcast]

This is beloved David (pictured above) who received extensive ministry of God’s love and Word. Please lift up David, Daniel, and Justin. Colossians 4:12.

Omar was invited to have you pray for him. He readily agreed and is glad to know you are lifting him to our LORD in prayer. Jesus told us He desires to save Omar (1 Timothy 2:4).

“My Dear Brother, I will continue to lift Clara and those precious children in prayer; for I know firsthand the hardship of raising 3 little ones alone in this selfish world. I am thankful to the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY for sending strangers into my life during my time of despair and brokenness. Thank you brother for being a good steward with the gifts that the people of God send into the Lord’s Ministry. May the Lord God bless and keep you all the days of your life.” Jacquie

Support Mission Mexico here. Takes seconds.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Mission Mexico – See more here.

Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.

Abiding

Seeking the Will of God [podcast]

“Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

Maturity in Christ is seen in those who unrelentingly seek His face! 1 Chronicles 16:11

YOU are either going to clearly prove you love God by perpetually flooding your heart and mind with the Word, prayer, and praises of our LORD Jesus Christ…. or you absolutely will fall away (Luke 8:13; 1 Timothy 4:1-2, etc.).

“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.” Psalms 27:4

“When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” Psalms 27:8

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3

Notice that those not seeking the LORD today, are forsaking Him.

“if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.” 1 Chronicles 28:9

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:14

YOUR PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive my sins afresh. I have had other gods before You and so have committed the sin of idolatry and spiritual adultery. Please wash me afresh with Your blood dear LORD Jesus. Create in me a clean heart, an heart of flesh and remove the stony places. Please help me to sense Your leading and impressions. You are my Great Shepherd and I am Your sheep. Fill me with Your Holy Ghost dear LORD and please use me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

"NEVER take a Vacation from God" [podcast]

God’s Word teaches us to be diligent in knowing and following Christ – even when the word diligent is not used. “Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11 Make the deliberate decision to “set… “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 22:19 “Don’t you EVER take a vacation from God!” said my first […]

What is our Highest Priority as we see Christ's Return Nearing? [podcast]

What’s most important? How do we want Christ to find us when He splits the eastern sky? “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 “And he […]

Apostasy

Beware of the Manipulating Monsters: Spiritual Identity Theft [podcast]

Instead of fostering a deeper love for CHRIST in their hearers, local churches have diverted that loyalty, the faith of their hearers to themselves (1 Corinthians 29-2:5). This is “the spirit of antichrist” at work (1 John 2:18; 4:1-3). Anti in “antichrist” means “in place of” and the vast majority of local churches seek to replace Christ with themselves – to intercept the heart affections of their audience from loving Jesus Christ supremely – to rob Him of His glory for their own self-serving agenda! Beware! This was Paul’s warning of Colossians 1-2. Christ alone is the Supreme Creator, Sustainer, Reconciler, Redeemer, and Savior! Pour prayerfully over Colossians 1 and 2 this week beloved of God.

“…do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

You cannot and won’t please everyone and such should not be your goal. Please God beloved and in NON-essentials, make your own decisions – void of the undue, unwarranted interference of others! (Read Romans 14.) Some people are operating in witchcraft and don’t realize it. They haven’t repented and learned how to mind their own business. And, so many live under the witchcraft of pleasing family and friends and the whims of others. If that’s you, you are not yet free but you can be. Seek the LORD in special prayer. Repent afresh and ask God to strip off every trace of witchcraft and control over your life. Ask Him to establish your life in His love and truth and all fear shall be vanquished from your life! See 1 John 4:16-18.

Note: Anything that is not specifically named as a sin in the Bible, is a NON-essential and that means that God gives YOU the liberty to conduct yourself as you see fit. Read and get to know Romans 14. | Learning to Mind Our Own Business

Those who insidiously seek to position themselves, to maneuver things to manipulate you, are fully arrogant and that’s why they believe THEY know better than God and you concerning your life, your decisions, your ministry, your direction, etc.. Beware. These are the very enemies of Christ. Like snakes in the grass, people like this are insidiously operating in witchcraft and as sure for hell as if they were already there (Galatians 5:19-21). Beware.

Untold scores of men, all of which had a calling from God, have allowed wicked manipulators to derail, destroy, and waste their lives. Beware.

Beware of those with an agenda….. an agenda that is not God’s agenda/will. With Jesus our LORD, the true disciple declares to God – “NOT my will, but thine be done” (Luke 22:42). All of the unsaved are under the control of Satan, the enemy of all souls.

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” Ephesians 2:1-2

Most if not all of us have realized that there are lots of manipulators around us who vie for the control of our lives, who attempt to push their agenda, their personal will on us. Solidifying our identity in Christ, becoming increasingly rooted and grounded in Him, is essential to be kept from such witchcraft. The aim, the stated will of God, is to root and ground every one of His saints ever more deeply into Christ. Pour prayerfully, meticulously over Colossians 1 and 2 beloved, and ask the LORD to root your heart and life deeper into Christ in whom alone you are “complete.” Ask the Father that your constitution, your innermost identity would be Christ and Christ alone! (Read Galatians 2:20; 6:14; 1 Corinthians 2:2, etc.)

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14

If your life is not all about CHRIST, you are in trouble. Stop. Re-turn afresh to the LORD. Declare JESUS CHRIST as the LORD, Savior, Master, First Love of your life in this world! Do it with force! Memorize Galatians 6:14.

Satan is behind every attempt to derail God’s people from walking in His perfect will. Spiritual warfare. In light of the desire to get God’s Word into the hearts of the people, Paul requests prayer to be “delivered from unreasonable and wicked men.”

“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3

Escaping the Witchcraft, the Manipulation

ANY person participating in the work of Satan is a child of the devil. Satan’s work is “to steal, to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). Any questions? Any activity, operation, or plan to steal the freedom or money or anything from another, is the work of Satan himself. So is to killing or destroying people or property unjustly.

May the LORD continue to increase His discernment in us – in order to see the enemy working through people from afar. Once we’ve allowed them in, they are within striking distance, right? Yes. See Matthew 7:6.

“And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.” Ecclesiastes 7:26

Did you see that? Did you see in Ecclesiastes 7:26 how those who obey God will escape the seduction and the clutches of manipulating people?

A careful reading, study, and meditation upon the words of this verse above, will yield important truths concerning spiritual warfare and overcoming through Christ.

“Witchcraft” is a soul damning sin – which means that any person operating in this sin is outside of Christ and as sure for hell as if they were already there (Galatians 5:19-21). Eternal security/once saved always saved is a lie from hell.

Any person who seeks to usurp authority over another person (his will and decisions, etc.) is operating by his own agenda and not the LORD’s. Such a person is rebellious and self-willed and therefore seeks to exert their witchcraft over the lives, the decisions, the will of others.

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26

Remember how manipulating Delilah was as she sought to manipulate and derail Samson? Read Judges 16.

There are many examples of manipulation in the Word of God, beginning in the Garden of Eden.

In the Scripture below, notice the interaction with Paul and the false prophet, Elymas. All interference of the Gospel is from Satan. Below is but one example. This man sought to exercise control over Paul and the deputy and how the LORD judged him:

Barnabas and Saul on Cyprus

Act 13:4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
Act 13:5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
Act 13:6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
Act 13:7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
Act 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
Act 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
Act 13:10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
Act 13:11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
Act 13:12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

THE DEEDS AND DOCTRINE OF THE NICOLAITANS (Part 1)

(Excerpt from the Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us book) “But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes (means conquer the laity), which I also hate…So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.” Revelation 2:6, 15 Some years ago, after being found and apprehended by God, and saved by the grace of Jesus, I lived in a city where there was a cartel of eight volatile and controlling pastors. These men organized and operated a control ring where they tracked church attendants and their movements and dealings. This intelligence system was […]

Learning to Mind Our Own Business [video]

Hint: If something is not specifically named as a sin in God’s Word, leave others alone about it. MYOB, right? (Mind Your Own Business) “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” Romans 14:4 You know you are in need of true repentance when you focus on the faults of others and yet spend no time praying sincerely to God for them. “If we would judge” WHO? Read closely: “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not […]

Witchcraft Among Us [podcast]

Those who have control issues simply have not given the control of their own lives over to the LORD and therefore operate in the witchcraft of controlling others – something that God forbids as they usurp HIS place in the lives of others. True repentance needed and to denounce the sin of self-idolatry, spiritual adultery, and witchcraft. Undue control over others is “witchcraft” which is a soul damning sin (Galatians 5:19-21). God has not called us to control others or even seek to but rather allow them the freedom to grow in His grace as they work out their own […]

Ministers who Operate in Witchcraft [podcast]

Attempting to exercise control over another person is witchcraft and it’s always perpetrated by those who don’t even have their own life in order. Jesus calls them hypocrites and if they don’t repent, they are 100% guaranteed to be in hell (Matthew 7:2-5). “Witchcraft” is a soul damning sin (Galatians 5:19-21). All “sorcerers” are as sure for hell and the lake of fire as if they were already there! A sorcerer is anyone who uses drugs or anything else in order to control another person – to kill them, to manipulate them, etc. “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and […]