sgys banner books

by Paul Roberts

I’ve been doing some self-examination in preparation for the Lord’s return. The Lord is coming back for a glorious church, one without spot or wrinkle (i. e. blemish).  Since the Lord’s return is imminent, we should redeem the time left by  examining our own hearts before his return to prepare ourselves and be ready at his coming.  Since it is easy for us to deceive ourselves into thinking our hearts are clean through our own eyes, I’ve had to go to the Word of God to allow it to discern and reveal to me the thoughts of my heart.  I found that Galatians 5:19-21 is a good starting point to begin cleaning up the thoughts of my heart.  The sins of the flesh, which are enumerated in these verses, I’ve found to be very revealing and those who are of the OSAS doctrine need to visit and meditate upon these verses and seek God’s mercy to forgive them and to cleanse them from any of these unrighteous “works of the flesh”.

Following are those  “works of the flesh” which will, according to Galatians 5:19-21, prevent us from inheriting the kingdom of God and the peace of mind which passes all understanding.  I used Strong’s Concordance, W. E. Vines Expository Greek Dictionary of New Testament Words, Webster’s Dictionary, and some scripture verses to define, as clearly as possible, these “works of the flesh” .   These clearly defined sins of the flesh will allow us to elevate to a conscious level the sinful thoughts that may now reside in our hearts and minds so we can confess them to God before the return of Jesus and consciously begin to replace them with thoughts produced from the truth of the Word of God.  We must necessarily go to the Word of God since it is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart(Hebrews 4:12 KJV).   For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink;  but righteousness, and peace, and joy, in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17 KJV).   Those sinful thoughts that will prevent us from inheriting the kingdom of God are enumerated in Galatians 5:19-21as follows:

I. Galatians 5:19-21:  “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:  of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which dosuch things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

A. The sin of Adultery (Moicheia – Greek):  Unlawful sexual intercourse with the spouse of another. Whoever looks on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart  (Matthew 5:28 KJV).  Lust, in this sense, is defined in scripture to mean: “to set the heart upon, i. e. long for (rightfully or otherwise): – covet, desire, would fain, lust (after).

B. The sin of Fornication (Porneia – Greek):  Harlotry (incl. adultery and incest):  fig. idolatry:—fornication.  Illicit sexual intercourse.  To act the harlot; indulge in unlawful lust (of either sex), practice idolatry:—-commit fornication. Metaphorically, of the association of pagan acts of idolatry with doctrines of, and professed adherence to, the Christian faith.

C. The sin of Uncleanness:  (Akatharsia – Greek):  impurity (the quality), physical or moral – uncleanness.  Impure [lewd] or specifically [demonic]: – foul, unclean. Morally unclean (suggestive of the fact that sensuality and evil doctrine are frequently associated).  

D. The sin of Lasciviousness:  (Aselgeia – Greek):  Licentious (sometimes including other vices including filthy conversation): – filthy, lasciviousness, wantonness.  Denotes excess, licentiousness, absence of restraint, indecency, wantonness; one of the evils that proceed from the heart.  The prominent idea is shameless conduct.

E. The sin of Idolatry:(Eidololatreia – Greek):  image worship (literally or figuratively); – idolatry.  Idolatry is breaking the first and greatest commandment of the blood covenant which prohibits having any other gods before Him (Exodus 20:3-6; KJV).  An idolater is a slave to the depraved ideas his secret idols represent in the thoughts of his heart and mind on which he/she obsesses, and thereby, a slave to divers lusts such as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life all of which include, but are not limited to, either food – Philippians 3:19 (KJV);  outward appearances – 1st Samuel 16:7 (KJV)Matthew 6:1-18 (KJV); 1st Peter 3:1-4 (KJV);  alcohol – Proverbs 20:1 (KJV); Isaiah 5:11 (KJV); Joel 1:5 (KJV)drugs or sorceries (i. e.  Pharmakon – Greek: – a drug, i. e. a spell giving potion; a druggist [pharmacist] or poisoner) – Revelations 9:21 (KJV)sex – Matthew 5:28 (KJV)money – Ezekiel 7:19 (Amplified version); Matthew 6:19-24 (KJV); 1st Timothy 6:3-11 (KJV); Revelation 3:17 KJV; or graven images – Deuteronomy 4:15-19 (KJV), etc.)

F. The sin of Witchcraft:  (Pharmakeia – Greek) Medication (Pharmacy – English translation), i. e. (by extens.) magic (lit. or fig.): — sorcery, witchcraft; (a drug, i. e. spell giving potion); a druggist (“pharmacist”) or poisoner, i. e. (by extens.) a magician:–sorcerer.  Pharmakeia signified the use of medicine, drugs, spells; then, poisoning; then sorcery.

G. The sin of Hatred: (Echthra – Greek)  –  hostility; by impl. A reason for opposition: — enmity, hatred.  (to hate) (pass. Odious, or act. Hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (espec. Satan):—enemy, foe.

H. The sin of Variance: (Dichazo – Greek) A quarrel, i. e. (by implication) wrangling: – contention, debate, strife, variance.  To cut apart, divide in two.  Strife in Galatians 5:20 is rendered variance.  Variance is both in a “good” sense and a “bad” sense.  In Matthew 10:35 variance is used in a good sense as respects the position of a believer being at variance with his non-believing family when Jesus said that he didn’t come to send peace on the earth:  but a sword.  For he came to set a man at variance against his father——. Contention, or variance, is used in a bad sense when it emanates from pride as shown in Proverbs 13:10.

I. The sin of Emulations: (Zelos- Greek) – Zeal in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable sense, jealousy, as of a husband [figuratively of God], or an enemy, malice): – emulation, envy (-ing). fervent mind, indignation, jealousy, zeal.  Jealousies (incl. jealousies of a husband) are used in an unfavorable sense in Galatians 5:20.  Jealously in its word definition means:  Intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness. Disposed to suspect rivalry or unfaithfulness.  Apprehensive of the loss of another’s exclusive devotion.  Hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage.  Vigilant in guarding a possession.  Distrustfully watchful, suspicious.  The spirit of jealousy based on unfounded suspicions is a sin.  There is no court of law that would throw out the “rules of admissible evidence” and convict a person based on suspicions alone.  Those suspicions arising from probable cause will not suffice to convict.  Only upon truth being received by way of either revelation of the Lord according to His prescribed test for infidelity could a person be convicted of infidelity or by the presentation of hard evidence that is admissible in a court of law could a jury truthfully convict another person of infidelity or unfaithfulness (e. g. Numbers 5:14-31; Deuteronomy 17:6; Matthew 18:16 KJV).  So, unless a jealous spouse can put forward hard evidence to substantiate their suspicions based on probable cause then they should repent of their sin of “emulation” or jealousy which would, otherwise, prevent them from inheriting the kingdom of God.

J. The sin of Wrath:  (Thumos – Greek) – passion (as if breathing hard); – fierceness, indignation, wrath.  Hot anger, passion.  An agitated condition of the feelings, or an outward burst of wrath arising suddenly from inward indignation.  Unlike the Greek word “orge” which suggests a more settled or abiding condition of the mind, frequently with a view to taking revenge.

KThe sin of Strife: (Eritheia – Greek) – to stimulate (espec. To anger): – provoke.  Intrigue, i. e. (by impl.) faction: – contention (-ious), strife.  Denotes ambition, self-seeking, rivalry, self-will being an underlying idea in the word; hence it denotes party-making (i. e. sectarian or denominationalism).  It is derived, not from eris, strife, but from erithos, a hireling; hence the meaning of seeking to win followers, “factions,” so rendered in R. V. or 2nd Corinthians 12:20, A. V., “strifes;” not improbably the meaning here is rivalries, or base ambitions.

LThe sin of Seditions:  (Dichostasia – Greek) – Literally, a “standing apart (dicha, asunder, apart, stasis, a standing).  Hence, a dissension, division, is translated seditions.  Disunion, i. e. (fig.) dissension: – division, sedition.  A     derivative of the Greek word “stasis” which means popular uprising; fig. controversy: – dissension, insurrection.

MThe sin of Heresies:  (Hairesis – Greek) – denotes (a) a choosing, choice (from haireomai, to choose); then, that which is chosen, and hence, an opinion, especially a self-willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the power of truth, and leads to division and the formation of sects, Galatians 5:20 (marg., “parties”); such erroneous opinions are frequently the outcome of personal preference or the prospect of advantage.  A choice, i. e. (spec.) a party or (abstr.) disunion: – heresy [which is the Greek word itself], sect.  An opinion or doctrine contrary to the truth.  Adherence to a religious opinion contrary to church dogma established by the inspired scriptures.

NThe sin of Envyings: (Phthonos – Greek) – envy, is the feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others; this evil sense always attaches to this word.  There is a distinction between jealously and envy.  Envy desires to deprive another of what he/she has whereas jealously desires to retain possession of that which he/she already has to the exclusion of all others.  Envy is a painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage.

OThe sin of Murders: (Phonos – Greek) – in the plural of murders.  The word “murders” is also rendered slaughter.

PThe sin of Drunkenness: (Methe) – strong drink (akin to methu, wine), denotes drunkenness, habitual intoxication – Galatians 5:21.  The fact that habitual intoxication will prevent us from inheriting the kingdom of God in that it is considered a sin or a work of the flesh, should point up the truth that one can only be set free from captivity to that sin by redemption through the redeeming blood of Jesus.  Redemption in it’s word definition means:  “To pay the price for something with the idea of setting it free,——-live a slave.” Jesus paid the ransom price of His blood to set us free from captivity to sin which includes “drunkenness”. 

This definition of drunkenness as a sin and redemption as sin’s cure should scuttle the heresy of the doctrine of Alcoholics Anonymous which puts forth the idea that alcoholism is a sickness, not a sin, and that it can be managed by help from a higher power whatever or whoever that power may be in the eyes of the alcoholic, by attending meetings regularly, and by stating at each meeting that they are alcoholics.  First of all, as scripture clearly states, drunkenness is a sin not a sickness (Galatians 5:21 KJV).  Secondly, not just any higher power will do the job of delivering us from sin.  There is no other name under heaven, given among men whereby we must be saved other than the name of Jesus (Acts 4:12 KJV).  Finally, someone repetitively stating that they are an alcoholic is contrary to scripture’s instruction to those sinners who are redeemed to say so (Psalms 107:2 KJV).  Following is an account of the state of the apostle Paul who described his captivity to sin prior to being redeemed by the blood of Jesus:  “For we know that the law is spiritual:  but I am carnal, sold under sin.  For that which I do I allow not:  for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.  If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.  Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in  me.  For I know that in me (that is in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing:  for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.  For the good that I would I do not:  but the evil which I would not, that I do.  Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  I find then a law that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.  For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.  O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from this body of death?  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin” – (Romans 7:14-25 & 8:3-4 KJV).  Notice, he was delivered from captivity to the law of sin in his members through Jesus Christ, not some organization like AA. 

Scripture, contrary to the so-called “BIG BOOK” put out by Alcoholics Anonymous, states the following regarding our former captivity to habitual sin before our redemption by blood through faith in the crucifixion of our flesh with Christ:  “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection:  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  For he that is dead is freed from sin.  Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:  Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more:  death hath no more dominion over him.  For in that he died, he died unto sin once:  but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:  but yield ye yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.  For sin shall not have dominion over you:  for ye are not under the law, but under grace.  What then?  shall we sin, be cause we are not under the law, but under grace?  God forbid.  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered unto you.  Being made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:  that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 6:5-18 KJV)

Read chapters 6, 7, and 8 of Romans to understand that Romans 7:14-24 is not Paul’s condition after his redemption by blood, but before his redemption and, therefore, stop trying to manage the sin of habitual intoxication as though it’s just a sickness or some genetic predisposition.  How do I know this to be true?  First and foremost, it’s the truth according to scripture.  Secondly, I was once alcoholic but was delivered instantly by the power of God.  Now, rather than saying my name is Paul Roberts and I’m an alcoholic, I say instead, I am redeemed (i. e. I am delivered and set free from the sin of drunkenness for whoever the Lord sets free is free indeed – John 8:36 KJV).  Let the redeemed of the Lord say so (Psalms 107:2 KJV).

Q. The sin of Revellings:  (Komos – Greek) – a revel, carousal (as if a letting loose), the concomitant and consequence of drunkenness, is used in the plural in Galatians 5:21

Thought my examination of the thoughts of my own heart through means of the discerning words of Scripture would be helpful to others as well.

Paul Roberts

Making Peace with God | Fresh Start with God

Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.

Grace vs Holiness [podcast]

The LORD Desires to Completely CLEAR You!

Clear Proof that Jesus’ Flock is a “Little Flock” [podcast]

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Todd

    September 30, 2023 at 12:20 pm

    Hope you are well Gregory. May God’s blessings abound to you in the name of Jesus Christ our LORD. Glad to have you as a friend. Todd

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Abiding

WHY were 24,000 of God’s People Killed at Peor? [podcast]


“Baal was most often portrayed as a strong warrior and was considered the god of storms and fertility. He was said to rule from his palace atop Mount Zaphon, the highest peak in Syria. Baal is referenced several times in the Bible’s Old Testament, where he is depicted as the main rival of the god of the Israelites.”

We must understand that God is severe in His judgment of rebels of which there are “many” who claim they are saved. Eternal damnation awaits all rebels (Matthew 7:13-23, etc.).

“Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:22

DIVINE JUDGMENT, the “severity of God,” IS NOT GOING AWAY JUST BECAUSE YOU OR SOME FAKE PREACHER IGNORES IT!

Christians avoid doing as did the Israelites when they worshipped baal by worshipping the LORD, the Father and Jesus Christ “in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 John 1:3) This begins with fresh and complete repentance, confession of all sin, and denouncing of all dependence, idolatry, all pagan practices like yoga and mantra chanting, etc., and by understanding that truly worshiping the LORD, the one true God, is based on sincere loyalty to Him and not to get things from Him like success or possession in this fleeting world. The heart of the disciple of Jesus must be circumcised perpetually and this is happening as we examine our hearts for idols, the daily crucified life, living a life of prayer, setting boundaries against temptations, and being wholly accountable to the LORD, while avoiding syncretism (mixing pagan rituals with Christian practice) and prioritizing God’s Word.

Deuteronomy 4:1-10

24,000 of God’s own people, men, departed from obeying the instruction, the standard, the Word of God and were destroyed. They partook in the soul damning sin of fornication.

“Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. 2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. 3 Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you. 4 But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day. 5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. 6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. 7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? 8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? 9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; 10 Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.” Deuteronomy 4:1-10

Departing from the pure Word of God always leads to sinful living as was the case with 24,000 of God’s people’s worship at Baal Peor.

“And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4

In Deuteronomy 4, Moses warns God’s people not to change or depart from the LORD’s Word and brings up the example, reminds the people of God’s judgment upon 24,000 of His own people for doing so (Numbers 25).

Of the worship of Baal-Peor, one writer notes:

“Yet what was this worship of Baal-Peor and why did it draw such wrath from God? Baal-Peor is a Moabite god who was worshipped with obscene rituals. The name means ‘Lord of the Opening’ from Baal meaning owner/ husband and Peor coming from pa’ar meaning ‘open wide.’ ‘I found Israel Like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers As the firstfruits on the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal Peor, And separated themselves to that shame; They became an abomination like the thing they loved.’ (Hosea 9:10) The worship of Baal-Peor IS an abomination. Notice that those who join themselves to Baal-Peor also ‘become’ an abomination before the Lord.”

Every person who has an idol, just one, has demons (Deuteronomy 32:17; 1 Corinthians 10:19-21). Repent now. Follow Jesus.

In Deuteronomy 4:3, Moses brings back to the memory of God’s people the judgment that fell upon the 24,000 of His own people for their idolatry and fornication. This idolatrous abomination is recorded in Numbers 25.

“And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 7 And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand; 8 And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel. 9 And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.” Numbers 25:6-9

Dear reader, camp out on Numbers 25, the whole chapter. Your life is not complete without this vital component of divine truth.

Of Baal, one source notes:

Baal was a major ancient West Semitic storm and fertility god, meaning “lord” or “master,” prominent in Canaanite and Phoenician cultures, associated with rain, thunder, and agriculture, and often depicted with a thunderbolt. He was seen as a powerful deity, central to life, but became a focal point of biblical opposition as Israel’s worship of him (linked to lust and sometimes child sacrifice) was seen as idolatry against God, culminating in Elijah’s famous challenge on Mount Carmel. In later demonology, Baal (or Bael) is a powerful archdemon, and the name appears in various modern media as a demon or powerful entity.

In Ancient Religions

  • Identity: A powerful god of fertility, weather (rain, lightning, wind), war, and kingship, often identified with the storm god Hadad.
  • Worship: Widespread in the Levant (Canaan, Phoenicia) and beyond, with temples and rituals often involving cultic prostitution and sometimes human sacrifice, especially during droughts.
  • Mythology: Key myths involve his battles with the sea god Yamm and the god of death Mot, representing natural cycles, and his dwelling on Mount Zaphon.
  • Biblical Conflict: The Bible portrays Baal worship as a major temptation for Israelites, a rival to God, whose priests (including those of the Phoenician goddess Asherah/Astarte) were famously confronted by Elijah.

In Demonology & Culture

  • Demon: In demonology, Bael (Baal) is a powerful archdemon, often the first of the three kings of Hell in grimoires, associated with invisibility and wisdom.
  • Modern Media: The name appears in many forms, from Diablo and Dungeons & Dragons (Bhaal/Bael) to anime like Gundam and Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun, often as a powerful demon or god.”

Not one of us has lived perfectly holy and yet, at this moment in time, some will choose to truly repent and confess their sins and others will refuse (Proverbs 28:13). Eternity depends on true repentance which always, without fail, yields a changed life, a holy life (Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 13:3).

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

These 24,000 Israelites were slain for their sin. God is still holy and “The wages of sin” is still death (Romans 6:23; Ezekiel 18:4).

“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezekiel 18:4

Zimri, a Simeonite (of the tribe of Simeon) was the Israelite whom Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, did slay for his utterly audacious display of sin, having brought the fornication in the middle of the camp of God’s people and even into the midst of their worship (Numbers 25:6, 14).

The great apostle brings this very incident to account 1 Corinthians 10:1-12 and warns New Testament saints never to partake lest they also be destroyed. The sins Paul cites form the natural acronym L.I.F.T.M. = lust, idolatry, fornication, tempting Christ, murmuring.

5 Soul Damning Sins Named! Learning from History! [podcast] 

The spear of Phinehas must begin with ourselves – as we truly repent, lay down our lives in this world, and cut off the hand, pluck out the eye of any sin in our lives. The conscious eternal suffering, the severity of eternal judgment coming on any person who dies in sin is most profoundly declared by the Son of God Mark 9:43-49. Many of the new fake “bibles” removed this important passage.

The new “bibles” have lowered the standard and weakened many by their changing of God’s Word which Moses specifically warns us of in this main text, Deuteronomy 4.

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19

Departing from the Word of God, not obeying God on His stated terms, is the sure way to be weakened, destroyed, here and eternally. The LORD speaks often in His Word about this.

“Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD’S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD’S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:” Jeremiah 26:2

Each Man is Choosing to Drink from One Cup or the Other

Baal was ultimately Satan himself and involved things like sacrificing ones own child in exchange for being blessed by this false good. Jesus informed us that Satan has come “to steal, to kill, and to destroy.” (John 10:10).

As was the case at Baal Peor, Satan is behind every idol and so all idolatry is the worship of Satan.

“What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” 1 Corinthians 10:19-22

This passage above is speaking of the Baal Peor event and also to the temptation of Satan and his children today. Baal worship is alive and well today, calling God’s people to worship at the altar of devils, to partake is vile atrocities that separate one to Satan and away from the LORD. “No man can serve two masters” and anyone living in sin is not serving the one, true, holy LORD and Savior (Matthew 6:24)

“They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead. 29 Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them. 30 Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed. 31 And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.” Psalms 106:28-31

One writer notes:

“Baal Peor, or the Baal of Peor, was a local deity worshiped by the Moabites. When the Israelites, following Moses to the Promised Land, were in the vicinity of Peor, some of them fell into idolatry and worshiped Baal Peor. As a result of their sin, the men of Israel were judged by God.”

Baal Peor consisted of the worship of a false god, Satan, and fornication. Satan is behind the worship of all idols and such idolatry is filled with his devils/demons (1 Corinthians 10:19-22).

Modern day types of Baal Peor are the pornography, strip clubs, and everything in our society that has to do with any form of fornication. Movie and media are filled with such evil. The 24,000 who were destroyed in Moses day (Numbers 25), departed from the Word of God and the standards set forth there for holiness and the divine prohibition of sex outside of marriage between one man and one woman (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8). Read Deuteronomy 4 and Numbers 25 side by side.

“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 

Before their blunder at Peor, after God brought them out of Egypt (the world), Israel was innocent. Judgment, destruction ensued their sin of all who participated. Today, we can witness that many who once worshipped God with a pure heart, have now turned away to the worship of idols involving fornication of all kinds. Those who would rebuke these backsliders could be liked unto Phinehas.

“I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.” Hosea 9:10 

“I found Israel – The Lord speaks of himself in the person of a traveler, who unexpectedly in the wilderness finds a vine loaded with grapes; such love did God bear to Israel. Your fathers – Whom I brought out of Egypt. As the first – ripe – As the earliest ripe fruit of the fig – tree, which is most valued and desired. Separated themselves – Consecrated themselves to that shameful idol. Their abominations – Their idols, and way of worshipping them. As they loved – As they fancied.” John Wesley

Deuteronomy 4, Numbers 25, and 1 Corinthians 10 speak of the same event – the sin of God’s people in Baal worship at Peor and the consequent divine judgment that fell upon 24,000 of them. This is an eternal memorial for the judgment of God against all sin, namely idolatry and fornication.

“What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” 1 Corinthians 10:19-22

“To abstain from idol feasts was the clear duty of all Christians. By partaking of heathen sacrifices which were offered to demons, they became one with the demons and their votaries; just as in the Lord’s Supper we show our oneness not only with the Savior but with each other. It was clear, therefore, that the Corinthian Christians could not consistently partake of idol feasts and the Lord’s Supper. What an incentive is given here to frequent and reverent participation in the Lord’s Supper! It proclaims our union with Him and His people, and it gives us a distaste for all that is alien to its spirit.” FB Meyer

Those who depart from the standards set forth in God’s Word separate themselves to idols, to devils and are under divine judgment from the unchanging God (Malachi 3:6).

The Examples of Phinehas and Jael

Perhaps we can liken what Phinehas did in spearing the sin out of the camp of God’s people, with those who call His people to worship Him in Spirit and in truth and according to His pure, uncorrupted Word (Numbers 25:10-18; Psalms 12:6-7; Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18-19). Phinehas boldly, courageously in the fear of God stood up and stamped out sin in the camp. The judgment ended. Those who stand and boldly, fearlessly declared the Word of God and call out sin among God’s people, are the Phinehas’ of our day. Do we have a Phinehas priesthood in our midst?

“Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?” Psalms 94:16

In Job 4:21-22; 5:24-27 we read about another bless-ed patriarch of the faith who stood up, who rose up against sin, slaying a wicked king.

In both the cases of Phinehas and Jael, these biblical accounts make specific record that the LORD greatly blessed these faithful followers of His, and their families, and He will do the same today for His true bold witnesses who stand against the evil of this late hour.

Support | STORE | PodcastsFornication | Holiness | Bible Version Issue – Fake Bibles Exposed | The Bible/Word of God | Fresh Start with God | Making Peace with God

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Apostasy

The Result of Real Repentance [podcast]


“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16

WE DON’T NEED JUST ANOTHER “CHURCH SERVICE” OR “SERMON,” WE NEED TO REPENT AND WHEN WE REALLY DO, WE WILL OBEY GOD—OTHERWISE WE DIDN’T TRULY REPENT.

“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2  And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3  For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
4  And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
5  Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
6  And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
7  But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
9  And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
10  And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” Matthew 3:1-12

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5

When we repent – re-turn to God: Do we want to see who has truly repented, beginning with the examining of ourselves?

  1. We will be washed afresh from our sins and have “times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)
  2. We will forsake our lives in this fleeting world, deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33).
  3. We will live holy “in this present world.” (Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 1:15-16)
  4. We will be about our “Father’s business” and not our own – the Great Commission He gave us (Luke 2:49; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20).

Forsaking All?

What does that mean?

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33

One must be willing and obedient to put aside religion and familial bonds to follow Christ, or he will not and “cannot be my disciple” says the LORD. Non-negotiable. If Jesus Christ is not first place, first priority of your life, you are a hell bound counterfeit who shall suffer the flames of eternal justice, damnation (Mark 9:43-49).

Jesus says:

“He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:37

Repent. Turn wholly to the LORD, putting all of your trust in the LORD your God, who “is a jealous God.” Jesus Christ is the name of the only LORD and Savior!

“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:” Exodus 34:14

Jesus says He will “spue,” vomit, reject anyone who dies without Him being their very “first love” their “first” priority—and talk is cheap (Revelation 2:4-5; 3:15-16).

“Psalm 51 is our perfect model of repentance and restoration in the Lord! God forgave the beloved David because of his honest prayer of repentance and restored to him the joy of his salvation!” Karen Cochran

Times of Refreshing from the Presence of the LORD – Fresh Start with God

Spanish Content on SafeGuardYourSoul

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | Zambia Mission | All Ministry UpdatesThe Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God  | Great Commission

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Articles

God’s Universal Way of Fighting with Todd Tomasella and Travis Bryan III [podcast]


“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” Hebrews 2:14

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

“Powerful message! Thank you. I was always a fighter. But I fought for myself. And have had to learn through the cross life that meekness is not weakness. It’s actually strength in God to keep quiet and not have to retaliate when attacked or persecuted. But taking a step back, and asking God to bless them while lifting them up in prayer to the Lord. This is the bowels of mercy extended to those who attack us and to know as Paul did, I am the least of all the saints. And let God repay. Romans 12:19.” Karen Cochran

“Two very deep resonant radio voices on fire!” Justin


Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Return of ChristStewardshipApostate Modern Church Exposed | Beware of the BUZZ WORD Bandits [podcast] | Preach the WordWolves Exposed | Church Membership Exposed | 100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich Podcasts | Knowing God | The Cross Life | Christology = the Study of ChristTravis Bryan III

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Categories

donate button round
sgys-books01

Trending