Argue with the APOSTLE PAUL?
Me argue with the apostle Paul? Yes, you bet! And I can tell you right now that I am right and he is wrong!!! (Okay, read on before you conclude that I am a heretic.)
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9
According to God, man’s heart is what???:
1. “deceitful above ALL things”
2. “desperately wicked”
Man’s heart is “deceitful ABOVE all things, and desperately wicked” before the holy God of all creation.
“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5
Jehovah is perfect and holy:
“Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:16
Sinful man has no hope of being accepted outside of God’s redemption through Jesus Christ. May God be thanked that through Jesus Christ, man can be redeemed and accepted in the beloved ( Eph. 1:6, 7; Rom. 3:23-26).
“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.” Romans 7:18
“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24
Never forget that this is the state of YOUR heart without God – “wretched”! If in this moment we didn’t have the grace of God, our souls would be left to their own fallen state and devices, which is total depravity (Rom. 5:1-2; Jer. 17:9, etc.). Let us learn to appreciate and thank Him (verbally & from the heart) for His “abundant grace” (Romans 5:17).
“But by the grace of God I am what I am…” 1 Corinthians 15:10
OKAY PAUL, WE NEED TO TALK! Paul, “I am chief”, not you!
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” 1 Timothy 1:15-16
What! Paul states that he is the “chief” of all sinners! He is wrong! I am going to argue with the Apostle Paul when I pass on to be with our Lord! I have one bone to pick with the great apostle – I am the chief of sinners, not him!!!
Because he didn’t realize I was coming after him, Paul even had the audacity to say this:
“Unto me (Paul), who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;” Ephesians 3:8
The bottom line is that no one is righteous in and of themselves and it’s only – exclusively – by divine mercy that any sinner can be saved into God’s family.
You may think this is strange for a man to say, but in reality, this is a very biblical and therefore a healthy perspective to hold as we walk with the Lord. I’m not talking about that old sorry attitude that says we cannot overcome sin and will sin every day no matter what. That’s a bunch of unfounded foolishness and the lie of Satan himself (Rom. 6:14; 8:2; 2 Cor. 2:14, etc.). We’re talking about the eternal truth that God is holy and I am wretched. Without His present grace, I am without hope. I am not talking about just giving up and living in sin, I’m talking about the state of the human heart without God – fallen and totally depraved! His grace is magnified in my life as I realize my own wicked state without His life in me – presently. Check this out:
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in (your) weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Notice the term “he said unto me.” Jesus, your Savior, is saying something to you beloved and that is this: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in (your) weakness.”
Am I “weak”? In other words, have I been brought to the place where I realize that He is my all sufficiency and that I can do nothing of eternal value without Him?
Without His presence in my life, I am left to my evil desires which guarantee my entanglements, falls, and demise because the wages of sin is still death (Rom. 6:23; Is. 59:2). Without His blessed redemption and its present work in me, I am yet without hope!
Thank the LORD that He is the “the Father of mercies.” (2 Corinthians 1:3)
Where are the thankful hearts of those who have been redeemed from sin’s leprosy? As in the case where Jesus healed the 10 lepers, why does only 1 of 10 come back to give Him glory? Where are those lips that should be giving Him praise!? Have we left our first love? If we haven’t, it is obvious in that we give Him open and heartfelt thanks for the redemption of Christ which has saved our souls. In those whose hearts burn with passion for Him, the present reality of God’s redemptive grace is ever fresh. Their hearts are filled with gratitude to Him. They don’t talk about a grace that once was, but one that is a present reality – working in them to bring God glory.
Without His love that drove Him to the cross and compels me to His cross, I am utterly without hope or help! Without Him I can do NOTHING (John 15:5). We can go nowhere in our life with God if we are not brought to the place of this realization – brokenness:
“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24
Apparently, Paul is speaking here of the sinful nature, the iniquity (tendency, inclination, bent) that dwells within us all and wars against the presence and will of God in us. It’s a seething and venomous fire which burns within us, seeking to express itself in sinfulness. It certainly will, if not quenched daily by our submission to God and His will. Iniquities war within us daily to express their sinful desires and if not cast down and crucified, will bring us to spiritual ruin.
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live (have life).” Romans 8:13
Note the phrase “if ye through the Spirit.” We must, through close communion with God “the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us”, mortify (put to death) the desires of the sinful nature which relentlessly seek to express themselves through our mortal bodies. (2 Tim. 1:14) To further emphasize the unceasing war waged by the sinful nature against all that is good (of God), let us consider what Paul the apostle stated in another place:
“I die daily.” 1 Corinthians 15:31
Friend in Christ, have you noticed that the fleshly nature cannot be cast out, but must be overcome – “daily”? Its unappeasable, sinful bent is relentless and cannot be left unchecked for a moment. Here is the prescribed way we are to appropriate the Holy Spirit’s power in overcoming:
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
As we “Watch and pray” the Holy Ghost will fill our hearts and lives and grant the power to live a life of holy consecration.
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27
According to the holy Scriptures, personal responsibility is ongoing. It doesn’t end at the moment one is brought by the Holy Ghost into the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 12:13). The sinful nature must be subdued – continually brought “into subjection.” Did you notice that the great apostle himself stated that it was possible for himself to become a “castaway (reject)” after he had “preached to others.”? (See also Ezekiel 33:12-13.)
Okay, so you haven’t been perfect in overcoming the sinful nature. Well, I certainly haven’t either, but today is fresh – it is new and so are the Lord’s compassions precious one (Lamentations 3:19-22) . He loves you and is in no way mad at you. His will and plan for your life is one of “peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
In seeking for the whole counsel of the Lord, we should also recognize that allowing the wicked state of our sinful nature to rule our lives is not permissible in God’s kingdom (Heb. 12:14, Luke 19:27, etc.) If He does not cover us we have no hope, and He NEVER promised to cleanse and cover that one which continues in open rebellion – living after the sinful nature.
“But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.” Psalms 68:21
Who is God going to “wound”?:
- 1. His enemies
- 2. such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses
Sin must be confessed and forsaken for divine mercy to be extended (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 7,9, etc.). I must be washed from my sin daily, I must die daily so He can live (1 John 1:7; Gal. 2:20). The cross of Christ must continue to have deeper and deeper meaning and application as I see more clearly my wicked state against His perfect holiness revealed to me as I cling to His cross. I can only see such as I stand face to face with His unspeakable holiness revealed in His holy law (Rom. 7:12).
“I Will Have Mercy, And Not Sacrifice”
We must never allow spiritual pride to darken our hearts as it abode in the condemned hypocrites of Christ’s earthly day:
“And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Matthew 9:9-13
If in our spiritual activities we become self-righteous and look down upon sinners and those who associate with “sinners,” then all our spiritual sacrifices are in vain (to no effect before God). We are ALL in constant need of His forgiveness, so how can we dare look down upon another!?!?! Who are we not to forgive others as we are commanded, knowing that we have been forgiven of more than can be summed up?
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
A wise soul has stated:
- “A man is humble when he stands in the truth with a knowledge and appreciation for himself as he really is.” author unknown
SEEING AND LIVING FROM GOD’S EYES (Word):
“To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:2-7
Though I disagree with the apostle Paul that he is the “chief” of all sinners (haha), I am in full agreement with all else that God the Holy Ghost has spoken through this beloved apostle. As I hope you can see, I am being a little facetious here. Here is the only hope of this wicked soul (me), and all wretched souls:
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:14
“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 (weaknesses), that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
In my “weakness” Christ will be magnified when I depend completely upon His perfect grace and strength.
“For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
His grace is at work in us!
“Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth (stiff arms) the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:5-10
Romans 5:17 “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”
Let us seek to apprehend and live in the biblical perspective of who God is and who we are in Him. May Jesus Christ receive all blessing, glory and honor for His great redemption that He has provided the world through His perfect and holy blood which He shed on the cross of His crucifixion! What great grace and salvation is this!
Oh before I forget, if you happen to get to Heaven before I do, please tell the apostle Paul that I need to speak with him and that I have a bone to pick with him. Thanks.
Saved By His Grace,
todd tomasella
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Abiding
What Eternal Security Wolves Refuse to Teach [podcast]
THE 5 SINS THAT KEPT ISRAEL (God’s own covenant people) OUT OF THEIR PROMISED LAND OF BLESSINGS and will keep us out if not relinquished. Friend, please read 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 with all your might. Make this text your meat.
The world seeks to romance sin but if God says it’s sin, that’s what it is. Toning down the terms changes nothing. Judgment Day is on the way.
We are fighting the good fight of faith, “striving against sin” and “more than conquerors” over sin through Jesus who loves us and bought us with His own blood! (1 Timothy 6:12; Hebrews 12:4; 13:12; Acts 20:28; Romans 8:37)
There are the 5 sins listed here that kept God’s people out of His blessings. We all need to L.I.F.T.M. up to the LORD in repentance and for His perfect forgiveness and cleansing. God the Holy Spirit warns us here through Paul’s pen (1 Cor. 10:1-13), that Israel and these sins are “examples” (vv. 6, 11) to all NT believers. God destroys those who go back on Him after knowing Him (transgressors – Ps. 68:21; 73:28; 125:5, etc.). If not ridden out of our lives, any one of these 5 sins WILL keep us out of our promised land. God is holy (Heb. 12:14). As taken in order from 1 Cor. 10:6-10, here are those 5 sins:
-
Lust
-
Idolatry
-
Fornication
-
Tempting Christ
-
Murmuring
This simple acronym should help us to remember these sins and remain separate from them as we grow today to know and love our Savior more fervently. “Keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22).
Committing the sin is one thing (1 John 1:8-10, right) and refusing to repent of it is yet another. Refusing to acknowledge, repent, confess, and cease is what snares the soul and ousts us from Christ (Proverbs 28:13).
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
If the Holy Spirit has quickened any offences of your heart, simply L.I.F.T.M. up to Christ the Redeemer, Forgiver, Cleanser, and Transformer of lives.
Fornication Defiles
“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have (Gr. possessed and wouldn’t repent) his father’s wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:1-2
1 Corinthians 10 completely destroys the OSAS / eternal security argument.
Notice the word “OUR” in verses 6 and 11. This is directly spoken to warn NEW Testament saints that they are going to hell if they live and die in sin.
Case closed.
1 Corinthians 10:1-12
1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things were OUR examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also LUSTED.
7 Neither be ye IDOLATERS, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
8 Neither let us commit FORNICATION, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
9 Neither let us TEMPT CHRIST, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
10 Neither MURMUR ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for OUR admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
The cross. Christ raises up those who are crcified with Him – outside of which no man can overcome sin. Romans 6.
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27
Eternal security is a false teaching. 1 sin separated Adam and Eve from God and “The wages of sin is (still) death” because God is Holy (Rom 6:23, etc.). Moral coward counterfeits hate, despise the Gospel essential of the cross, the crucified life. They want Jesus to save them to Heaven but not from sin. These are the sin-justifying, grace-perverting “ungodly men” Jude warned us about (Jude 4).
The divine declaration that “The wages of sin is death” which means separation from God, appears throughout Scripture (Romans 6:23).
“He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.” Proverbs 19:16
Die or death always means separation.
OSAS/eternal security is a lie from hell. OSAS was Satan’s first lie and so it’s blasphemy to teach this doctrine of devils and claim it’s part of the Gospel. You are attributing Satan’s lie to the LORD Jesus. Repent now sinner. See Genesis 2:17; 3:4; Romans 11:20-22; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21; Jude 4, etc..
The concept of an un-conditional eternal security is not established in Scripture … Except for it being Satan’s first teaching, His first lie – the “Ye shall NOT surely die” lie (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:7-9
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3
“Psalms 51:1-19
Psalm 51: Sweet Perfumes of Penitence
Alexander Maclaren once said, ‘The alchemy of divine love can extract sweet perfumes of penitence and praise out of the filth of sin.’ We have an illustration of this in Psalm 51. As the heading explains, it was written by David after Nathan the prophet had boldly exposed him for committing adultery with Bathsheba and for murdering Uriah. Utterly convicted of his sin, David pours out this torrent of penitence from his broken and contrite heart.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Read and pray Psalm 51.
Prayer of Returning: Holy Father, You gave all when You gave Your only begotten Son who came and died for our sins. You’ve also called me to lay down my life, to lose my life in this fleeting world. I have not done well at giving over my life to You … You alone who are worthy of my full, unreserved worship. Right this moment I ask You to forgive my sin of having another god before You which is self idolatry and spiritual adultery. I have alienated the affections of my heart away from You LORD and onto myself. For this I ask You to forgive me and I right here and now turn to You Jesus. Right this moment I lay my life in Your holy hands LORD. Into Your hands I submit my spirit – my whole being. Not my will but Thine be done LORD Jesus! I am no longer my own. I am Yours. I am dead and my life is hid with Christ in God. I love You Jesus and am ceaselessly grateful that You bought me with the price of Your own blood! You must increase but I must decrease. I ask You to unite my heart to fear Thy holy name! Teach me daily to lay myself aside and to give the reins over to You! In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Eternal Security/Once saved always saved is a lie from hell.
If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here: Born Again: What is It?
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Abiding
Purifying Ourselves even as He is Pure [podcast]
Ready or Not – Jesus is Coming
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3
Here’s how you know if you are ready to meet Jesus—whether by dying or His soon return. The context of the Bible verse above is the return of Jesus and being ready for it (1 John 2:24-3:3). Those who live for Christ long to see Him and look expectantly for His soon return. This world is not their
home.
“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
God is holy and He says to …
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14
Holiness simply means pure, sanctified.
Clearing out everything that defiles us in His holy eyes is the sign that we are living in fervent expectation of our LORD’s return for His bride.
“His wife hath made herself ready”
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:7-9
We see here again, the earmark fruit of the Heaven bound remnant of Christ, the bride of Christ – “his wife hath made herself ready.”
2 ways to purification
- The precious blood of Jesus (Matthew 26:28; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7
- The washing of water by the Word of God (Ephesians 5:26).
Washed in His Precious Blood
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” 1 Peter 1:18-19
The Washing of Water by the Word
“Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27
Your present spiritual state is what matters most to God. In Ephesians 5:25-27 carefully note the state of the Church—the people for whom Jesus will soon return.
Those not purifying their lives (washing daily in the blood and water of His Word), do not live daily with the hope of Christ’s return.
Memorize 1 John 3:3 today.
“And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. 18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:17-19
Jesus warns us here of …
- the cares of this world,
- and the deceitfulness of riches
- and the lusts of other things
We are “espoused” to Christ the Bridegroom. We are not yet married to Him and will not be if we are not purifying ourselves before Him (2 Corinthians 11:2).
“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:2
All 10 virgins in Jesus’ parable were engaged, invited to attend the the marriage, the wedding (Matthew 25:1-13). Only 5 of them made it in and the other 5 were rejected. Why?
One source summates the importance of the parable of the 10 virgins – where 5 made it and the other 5 were shut out.
“The parable of the ten virgins teaches about spiritual readiness for the return of Jesus Christ, with five wise virgins who prepared by bringing extra oil for their lamps and five foolish virgins who did not. The foolish virgins were turned away by the bridegroom when he arrived, as they were unprepared and missed the feast. The parable, found in Matthew 25:1-13, encourages constant vigilance and preparation for the unknown time of Christ’s coming.”
Here is a picture of our abiding fellowship and relationship with Jesus…..
“Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. 24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” Psalms 73:23-24
When your vessel is full of the oil of Heaven via fellowship, you will be purifying your life of everything that defiles you in His holy eyes, in the eyes of the Great Bridegroom.
We are no longer our own. We are Christ’s. He bought us, purchased us back to Himself and the Father with His blood.
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“The flesh and spirit”
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
Prayer: Father, I know You are holy and will have Your holy Bride whom Jesus died to purchase. Please purify my heart, mind and life of all that defiles. Make me holy dear LORD, as You alone can do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“Loved this podcast. I think it was important to stress that women need to be submitted to their husbands as our country is infested with Jezebels. Who refuse to lay down their lives and submit to God and their husbands. Who can find a virtuous woman? Proverbs 31:10. Do men ask that question? And more importantly our relationship with our husbands is a direct result of our relationship with the Lord. If a woman is not submitted to Jesus she will never submit to her husband. It starts at the feet of Jesus. We must be like Mary. Bringing all of our alabaster box (ourselves) to Him. I love what Job says, ‘The root of the matter is found in me.’ Job 19:28. This is always true! If my husband or anyone else upsets me I must go before God and let Him search my heart and see if there be any wicked way in me! Psalm 139:23-24. And I can guarantee there is. It all starts with me!! Allowing God to purify and cleanse my heart. My heart!!” Karen Cochran
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Apostasy
“THE GREAT DRAGON” [podcast]
Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages
Origin of Evil
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” ~ Revelation 12:9
Like it or not, you have a sworn enemy. He has drawn a line in the sand. You are in a war for your eternal soul and you must fight or you will be destroyed.
The introduction to the God of all creation and lover of His highest creation—mankind, is of supreme importance. And so is realizing and understanding the existence of the most wicked and iniquitous being in this universe. He is one of the major themes and realities in this record of mankind’s beginning. The Word of our God unveils creation’s account, leading to our present day and into the eternal future. What is set forth in the book of Genesis would set the stage and affect all of the history that would follow.
This book of origins is about that fatal falsehood which emanates from the Garden where it all began—a garden that was sinless bliss and perfection until the lie was introduced and acted upon by the first two people.
Of this very archenemy of the Most-High, from whom all lies originate, the Word states: “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God” (Ezek. 28:13). The serpent, animated by the vilest of all beings, was allowed to slither into the innocence and purity that originally existed in the sanctuary of creation. This was due to the fact that perfect divine wisdom has seen fit to allow His creation to have the opportunity of choice between good and evil (Deut. 30:19; Josh. 24:15; Job 12:16; 1 Cor. 11:19).
Satan has a purpose. Since love is volitional by its very nature, our Creator has seen fit to permit this evil and beguiling villain to remain present amidst those professing sanctuary in the LORD. Life on earth is a test for all—all humans are on probation. Love is a choice and so is rebellion. The Maker of all made man with free will so that the choice could be made to love or not to love Him. Among volumes of other Scriptures found in Holy Writ which demonstrate this, the following words from on high make plain that the LORD made Man with free will: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Josh. 24:15).
Such a statement would not have been spoken by the LORD if He had not made man with the ability of choice. Man was created with the ability to “choose” every “day” whom he will serve, and this choice is ongoing while men are upon the earth in this temporal life.
It would be remiss to attempt discussing the very lie of the ages without opening the grand subject of the one whom Christ said was the father (originator) of all lies. Of Satan, the Son of God informed us, as He spoke to the rebellious religionists of His day:
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” ~ John 8:44
All men are born in sin and are “by nature” the “children of disobedience.”
“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: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” ~ Ephesians 2:2-3
There are, at this moment only two classes of people in the earth—those who have relationship with the One who made us all, and those who don’t. According to this passage (Ephesians 2), all those who have not been brought into the kingdom of God through Christ, have as their father, the devil. The reason the Son of God came to the earth was to sever the ties and claim of Satan from mankind. He came to deliver men from this relationship of fear, domination and bondage that is only enabled by sin.
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” ~ Acts 26:18
“Who (God the Father) hath delivered us from the power of darkness (Satan), and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” ~ Colossians 1:13-14
The mission of Christ was to reconcile or restore the relationship that had been severed by the sin of the first man and woman which caused death (separation) to fall upon all men, the whole race (Romans 5:12). He fully accomplished His mission and is now seated at His Father’s right hand, enforcing this victory (Heb. 4:14-16; 7:25-26).
From the dawn of the creation and fall of mankind, all evil, tragedy and pain in history has been caused by Satan and enabled by man’s sin (Prov. 26:2). Only the LORD, the One whose holiness is violated when sin is committed, can save, restore and heal (Jer. 17:14; 1 Cor. 15:57; Rev. 21:4).
Victory was obtained through the precious blood of Jesus (1 Pet. 1:18-19). Being forgiven and released from all sin and its evil effects and the dominion of Satan, comes through Christ alone. Jesus utterly conquered His enemy on the cross (Col. 2:13-15; 1 Jn. 3:8). Blessed forgiveness and spiritual power enables the individual disciple to serve the LORD without fear and bondage to sin. Sin enables Satan’s rule and only those who are free from it by Jesus Christ can rule over His enemies (Ps. 8:6; 17:4; Jn. 8:31-36; 1 Jn. 4:4). Christ triumphed over the enemy of all souls with His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. Read the following passage for all it’s worth:
“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel.” ~ Colossians 1:19-23
The Son of God accomplished complete victory in bringing God and men back into perfect union by “the blood of His cross” (Col. 1:20).
“And you, being dead (separated) in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened (made alive) together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show (sport; spectacle) of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” ~ Colossians 2:13-15
The “serpent” who was in the Garden of creation and still “walketh about” in the midst of the earth, is specifically identified as Satan and the devil (1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:9; 20:2). This ultimate enemy of all that is good took control of the serpent in his attack against man. The serpent, animated by the enemy of souls himself, was used as the instrument that led to the fall of mankind and the righteous retribution of the holy Creator. Yet, Jesus Christ accomplished mankind’s redemption through “the blood of His cross” (Col. 1:20).
Know Your Enemy
Allow me to parenthetically say here that if one does not personally believe in a literal devil (Satan) and his insidious work of evil among men, then perhaps that person will do well to begin to search God’s Word for the volumes of Scripture which identify and describe him along with unveiling his wicked purposes. The LORD inspired the Scriptures and has much to say about His enemy—our enemy. It is interesting to discover that the word “devil” appears 57 times in the Bible. The word “Satan” appears 50 times. These are the most utilized terms to describe this darkest of fallen beings, and yet there are several more which identify this enemy of all souls who is the personification of evil, such as “serpent,” and “adversary” (1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:9).
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” ~ Revelation 12:9
His goal may be summed up this way: Satan’s complete and total purpose that underlies all that he does is to cause men to fall from grace just as he himself did and was banished from fellowship with the life-giving God. There is a horrible prison of fire which will be the eternal home of all who leave this earth apart from a personal and intimate relationship with the One who died for sinners.
On Judgment Day, that Great and Terrible Day of separation between the righteous and the unrighteous will include these horrible words “from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away”:
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” ~ Revelation 20:11-15
To those whose existence in this temporal life ends disconnected from the only Savior, the following will be the verdict delivered to them in Judgment: “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41).
Hell is a place of indescribably horrid eternal punishment and was created by the LORD for his archenemy and all those who are not His.
Back to the enemy, the one who wants you dead and in hell: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).
One may find great intrigue in uncovering this iniquitous fallen foe and gain much insight into the dark world of demons and deception along with gaining perception into the real battle in the spirit realm that rages over mankind.
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” ~ Ephesians 6:11-12
By the volume of information about His enemy included in His Word, we know that the LORD intended for us to know our enemy—His enemy.
Believers are to give him no place: “Neither give place to the devil” (Eph. 4:27).
Believers are to set themselves against him: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (Jas. 4:7); “Stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11).
Believers are to know his scheming goals and ways and avoid them lest he gain advantage of us: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11).
The devil seeks to trip up, war against, wear out and devour the sheep of the LORD’s pasture. He has come to wreak havoc among the Lord’s highest creation: “The thief (devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
Power Over All the Power of the Enemy
Believers are warned to live in obedience to the Word of God in order to escape falling into “the condemnation of the devil” and being caught in “the snare of the devil” or giving an “advantage” to him (1 Tim. 3:6-7; 2 Tim. 2:26; 2 Cor. 2:11).
The enemy of our souls prospers through the ignorance of God’s people—he is shut out and his work nullified by the knowledge and obedience of God’s people.
“By the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” ~ Psalms 17:4
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” ~ Psalms 91:1
Disciples of Jesus are kept from being destroyed by the enemy in obeying the Word of God. Holy Writ informs us that Jesus came to successfully “destroy the works of the devil” and that “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 Jn. 3:8; 4:4).
Christ promised power to those who are truly His:
“And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” ~ Luke 10:17-20
Jesus Christ, the eternal Word, became flesh so that He might destroy the works of the enemy of our souls:
“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
Believers are told to be of a sober mind and diligent in light of the proactive and evil plans of Satan to destroy them:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world”. ~ 1 Peter 5:8-9
Here’s what the Bible says about Satan’s work in the last days:
“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:12
As foretold here, the work of the evil one is accelerating in this late hour before the destruction of all rebellion and return of our LORD Jesus Christ.
The Alpha and Omega is coming back, and His enemy’s end is sure:
“And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” ~ Romans 16:20
“And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.” ~ Revelation 20:2-3
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” ~ Revelation 20:10
Surrounded and Outnumbered
Elisha’s servant was brought to the understanding that there are more angels of God with God’s children than there are fallen angels who rebelled:
“And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he (the prophet Elisha) answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” ~ 2 Kings 6:15-17
The one who is following Christ need not fear. LORD Jesus open our eyes! Nothing has changed—there are “more” angels of the LORD “with us…than they that be with them (the enemy).” The saints of the Most High are promised protection and His angels are part of that plan.
“Are they (God’s angels) not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.” ~ Hebrews 1:14
“The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” ~ Psalms 34:7
In Heaven and in eternity past, two-thirds of the then-angelic beings remained under the command and blessing of the Almighty, while a third chose to depart with Lucifer and are forever alienated from the Most High. Let’s take a glimpse into a war that took place in Heaven in eternity past, a war that has great impact today:
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. ~ Revelation 12:7-12
It would remain difficult to understand this life and present world system, and the world to come if one were to pass lightly over this war of wars that occurred (took place) in Heaven. When we begin to delve into the data given in this matter, understanding comes of our great God and His arch adversary. Enlightenment and understanding into the 6,000 years of mankind’s history open to us when we know what preceded this time period. Knowledge into what we are told prophetically is transpiring before our very eyes. As we are seeing, the Holy Scriptures reveal much about that dark and sinister being called “Satan” and the “devil” who is and will have a large part to play in the fulfillment of prophecy. Although his rebellion against the Almighty began in eternity past, the serpent’s workings among men began in the Garden of Eden. He crept in to accomplish his wicked agenda. He has seemingly succeeded for this moment, yet the divine promise is that his time is running short. “The devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time” (Rev. 12:12).
The First Fall-Out: Eternal Termination
We all understand what it means when someone says, “John and Mark had a falling-out.” This means they were friends or business partners, and then because of some disagreement, they parted company and are no longer friends. Well, the first falling-out occurred between the Almighty and Lucifer. The angel Lucifer fell out of the favor of God and consequently fell out of Heaven. Of Lucifer’s ejection from Heaven, the Son of God stated: “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven” (Lk. 10:18).
The evil one was evicted from Heaven when he turned against God. Originally, he was a good angel, “the anointed cherub,” who led the worship of the Almighty, until the day that “iniquity was found” in him (Ezek. 28:14-15). Lucifer, who became Satan and the devil, led a third of the angels of the Most-High God in rebellion against Him. “And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth” (Rev. 12:4).
Ultimately, all deception and all lies have their origin in this greatest of all enemies who brought about the sin and fall of mankind and wages war today against the Almighty’s highest creation (mankind). Of Satan, the Son of God said: “for he is a liar, and the father of it” (Jn. 8:44). He also informed us that this supreme adversary has come to do three things— “to steal, to kill, and to destroy” (Jn. 10:10). He wages war against God and His people. He is defined as and called “the accuser of our brethren” (Rev. 12:10).
Satan is a real being. He is not a figment of someone’s imagination. In fact, anyone who is convinced of such has already been conquered by his deception. He is forever the sworn enemy of the LORD, and will ultimately be put away for good, never again to tempt another soul to rebel against the Maker of all that is. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Rev. 20:10).
The one who studies the Word of God will gain priceless insight into the reasons for the current condition of the world, and, into the future blessedness of all those who know and follow the One who bled to save us from God’s holy wrath against sin and Satan (Rom. 5:9). In fact, a divine blessing is pronounced upon all who read and obey the words of Holy Scripture: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Rev. 1:3).
PRAYER: Holy Father in Heaven, please bless me to know You more and to be kept from the evil one and his wicked schemes against Your people. Right this moment I ask You for and receive a fresh cleansing of all my sins by the blood of Jesus Christ my LORD and Savior, whereby I am blessed to overcome, along with the word of my testimony of how you have washed and delivered me. I declare afresh and aloud, right this second, if never before, that Jesus Christ is LORD of my life, and He alone will I worship and serve. Glory to His precious Name! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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