The Message of Our LORD and His Apostles
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-3
WE grossly misrepresent Christ when we present a gospel that is not according to that which we read on the pages of the 27-book New Testament Scriptures. An imbalance – over emphasizing and neglecting – is a misrepresentation of Christ! (Proverbs 11:1) Presenting an imbalance is perpetrating a false gospel!
Regrettably, most pastors today are not presenting the original Gospel in its organic context but rather “another gospel” which is a false gospel (2 Corinthians 11:2-5; Galatians 1:6-9).
According to God’s Word, Christians are to give to ministries, “that there may be meat (Biblical substance) in mine house”, not a watered-down version of the “gospel” (Mal. 3:10). At the expense of divine truth, many of our leaders endeavor to become a ‘hit’ with the crowds, while being disobedient to God and His holy calling to oversee the saints by continually declaring the original Gospel. Are we in the entertainment business, or like Noah, genuine “preachers of righteousness”? (2 Pet. 2:5) The God-fearing, who are hungry for more and more of the LORD (Matt. 5:6), do not come to corporate gatherings to be entertained, but rather to be convicted, rebuked, edified, filled, and washed by God’s Word. Yet, many times they leave empty and disappointed for the lack of Biblical substance. (John 17:17; 1 Pet. 2:2; Eph. 5:26)
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:” Amos 8:11
The LORD’s command to every person who administers the Gospel is: “PREACH THE WORD; be instant in season, out of season…” (2 Timothy 4:2)
How committed, unswerving and faithful are you to the original Gospel the LORD has given you us – “once delivered to the saints”? (Jude 3)
How deep does it run inside you?
“When John Huss was about to be burned to death, they asked him to give up his teachings. Huss answered, ‘What I have taught with my lips, I now seal with my blood.’ That is courage.”~ George Sweeting
“Pillar and Ground of the Truth”
“The Bible is a revelation of the mind and will and character and being of an infinitely great, perfectly wise and absolutely holy God.” ~ R.A. Torrey
God’s people, called the Church and the Body of Christ, are divinely ordained to be the wellspring agency whereby God dispenses His truth in the earth to make Him known.
“…the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained (“good doctrine” is something to “attain to.”)” 1 Timothy 4:6
The LORD gave us the holy Scriptures to establish His truth in our hearts, to build and nourish our relationship with Him, and to discern the whiles of the devil, who would otherwise lead us astray (Ezekiel 44:23; John 5:39;20:31; Acts 20:28-32; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 2 Timothy 3:12-4:5; 1 Peter 5:8).
“But we have this treasure (the Gospel of Jesus Christ, revealed in the written Word) in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Old Testament and New Testament writings), Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” Ephesians 2:19-20
“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Psalm 11:3
We can clearly conclude from the previous verses that the absence of the Scriptures causes the absence of God’s foundation. One major method of discerning a true or false leader/fellowship is not only what they do teach, but also what they do not teach. There are too many deceivers who purposely withhold essential biblical truths/Scripture texts in order to manipulate the minds of those who sit under their teachings. (Rom. 16:17-18) What you do not know could kill you spiritually (Hosea 4:6).
WHEN someone, anyone, including myself, chooses to teach something other than the Word of God, they’ve made a deliberate, un-sanctioned decision/choice to do so and are 100% guilty! We must “Teach no other doctrine” lest we be “accursed.” (1 Timothy 1:3; Galatians 1:6-9; Titus 2:1)
WHAT’s God’s Word tell us about those who preach ANY other gospel than the original Gospel?
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-9
Sound Doctrine is Essential!
“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Timothy 4:16
With personal “success” and the fear of man at heart, many are willing to sacrifice the “sound doctrine” God has commanded them to declare. (2 Tim. 1:13; 4:2-3; Tit. 2:1, 8) Most American church leaders purposely avoid controversial, yet Biblical truths, which would alienate some. Their hearts are set on winning friends and influencing people and building a large church, instead of pleasing the God to whom they give lip service. They are in the ministry to build their own kingdom instead of Christ’s (Philippians 3:17-20).
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth…” Joshua 1:8
In this chapter, we are dealing with this original Gospel of Jesus Christ in a general format, but in an upcoming volume we will discuss some of the forgotten teachings of the Bible, in which our neglect in tending to them is costing the saints of God more than this writer could possibly articulate.
“Every word of God is pure.” Proverbs 30:5
Make no mistake: We are not following Jesus Christ if we have exchanged His words for smooth and convenient doctrines that pander to the fleshly desires of sinful men and convey the image of a false god (Mark 8:38; 2 Tim. 4:2-5). This is the work of deceivers. Jesus warned:
“WHOSOEVER therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38
Note the word “whosoever.” Jesus’ warning here applies to all. The preaching of God’s pure Word must be preserved. We must never exchange His ordained words for any other words, which add up to another message, “another gospel” (Gal. 1:6-9). God commanded “…speak…all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word.” (Jer. 26:2)
The punishment for taking away from (diminishing) or adding to God’s Words will be eternal damnation for those who choose such (Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:6; Rev. 22:18-19).
“Sound Doctrine”
One mark of a true servant of God is that he will cause God’s people to understand His message/Word (Jer. 23:22). The genuine leader refuses to disciple people unto himself. He seeks to set the focus of those he is privileged to serve upon the Lord Almighty (Jn. 7:18; 2 Cor. 4:5).
We are called to be faithful to God and simply “preach the word,” just as it is written, just as He originally gave it to us. (2 Tim. 4:2; Jude 3)
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there were certain men crept in unawares (secretly), who were of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (license for sin), and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4
Note the divinely-inspired phrase, “The faith which was once delivered to the saints.”
What I am calling ‘The Original Gospel’ is “The faith which was once delivered to the saints” which contains a set of foundational doctrines and is to be diligently contended for by all those who love Him. This faith was divinely ordained to be transmitted via words – God’s Words (Rom. 10:17; 1 Pet. 1:23; James 1:18.) It is the divinely-breathed books, which make up the canon of Holy Scripture.
Let’s consider what God instructed His prophet Ezekiel to do:
“…eat (devour) this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll (Word) that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness. And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.” Ezekiel 3:1-4
“But speak thou the things that become sound doctrine.” Titus 2:1
Why would anyone claiming to be a Bible-believing instructor want to deny and mislead others by withholding such vital data contained in the Word of the One they claim to be serving? Should not pulpits and Bible studies across this nation be led exclusively by men who are filled with God’s words flowing like a river from their mouths?
Does not real and authentic revival await such?
As the unchanging God we serve instructed His servant Ezekiel, so He instructs us today to “speak with my words unto them.” (Ezek. 3:4)
Different Words = A Different Gospel
“Shall mortal man be more just than God? Shall a man be more pure than his maker?” Job 4:17
Perhaps we use our own words instead of God’s because we clearly do not fear Him. Could it be that we simply know not the One from whence we came and therefore do not genuinely honor Him in our hearts?
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (written Word) of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11
The man who is true to God will allow God to speak for Himself by simply quoting “the oracles of God.”
Like deceivers of old, many today vainly suppose that they are wiser than their very Maker. They plainly demonstrate such brazen arrogance by using their own crafted words and those of others, to construct the image of a false god in the hearts of their hearers. Is this not exactly why biblical Christianity is becoming a rare commodity?
There has never been a day in which we need to hear the pure words of the LORD. The sources and supply of religious communications more abundant than in any other time in history, yet never has there been such an onslaught of false teaching and teachers, parading as true. This is why we must obey the LORD’s command to “Speak with my words unto them.” (Ezekiel 3:4)
“Preach the word.” 2 Timothy 4:2
If we don’t personally and thoroughly know God’s Word – which reveals the original Gospel – how can we possibly see the false modern gospel for what it is?
Replacement theology, which exchanges biblical words for neutered, sterile, and modern acceptable words, is the message of the false teachers and prophets of this last hour! They have learned a whole system of pleasing men. Be not deceived, these people are in our pulpits and write the books so many are reading. For example, the Bible calls men who have a sexual relationship with other men, “sodomites.” We seldom hear that word anymore except when we ourselves speak it. It has been replaced by terms that don’t reflect divinely ordained condemnation for this wickedness. Instead of “sodomy” and “sodomite,” we now use the words “gay” and “homosexual.” I do not want to partake of this dissimulation, which is a sin (Isa. 5:20-24). Do you? When speaking from the pulpit, instead of using the biblical word “Hell,” many now use the term “Christless eternity,” which never appears in Scripture. So, we are wiser than God, right?
“Ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.” Jeremiah 23:36
The Holy Spirit uses the divinely-breathed words He gave us in the holy Scriptures to etch the image of the one true God on the canvass of our hearts and in the hearts of all those who hear them. When we give undue attention to the words of mere men, we dilute or pervert His holy image. The words of the LORD are building blocks which construct His holy image in the hearts of His people. If we overly use the words and whims of mere men to preach another gospel, we erect the image of a false Christ, another Jesus, which is motivated by another spirit.
How many verbatim scriptures have you heard quoted from the pulpit you sit under?
“For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted…For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
“Manifestation of the Truth”
Here God tells us that those who preach “another Jesus” by “another spirit” and “another gospel” are “false apostles” and “deceitful workers.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)
These replacement theology deceivers, who are so arrogant in heart as to believe that they can exchange and manipulate the words of the Almighty, are in our midst, even within the Church world (Acts 20:28-32).
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the Churches.” Revelation 2:7
May God grant deep, true repentance and have mercy upon us for teaching a gospel that has not been crafted with His divinely-breathed words.
“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not. But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation (uncovering) of the truth commending (representing) ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:2
The Recorded “Vision”
So that you and I had His Word in tangible form, the LORD instructed His apostles and prophets of old to “Write the vision…” (Hab. 2:2).
One purpose of the written Word is surety and safety. Divine wisdom foreknew that the human heart is deceitful and therefore not reliable in determining divine truth (Jer. 17:9). God and His Word are constant – unchanging (Mal. 3:6; Isa. 40:8; Mk. 13:31). The words of the LORD never fail to provide those who search them with exactly what they need (2 Pet. 1:3-4; Ps. 119:89; Mk.13:31). The Holy Bible is literally the words of God written. In the holy “Scripture(s),” we possess “a more sure word,” and have not been left to depend upon “any private interpretation” from ourselves or mere men and their systems of religious philosophy. Many times the doctrines of men are designed and utilized to serve their own lusts and not the LORD (2 Pet. 1:19-21).
“O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” Psalms 119:97
The magnitude of the blessing of owning a Bible is unspeakable and without sufficient words to begin to describe.
“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalms 119:103
From the beginning, God sovereignly chose to utilize WORDS to convey His message to mankind. In fact, He condemned the use of statues or images to convey His nature and ways to His creation (Ex. 20:3-4; Deut 4). How could fallen and finite men possibly portray holy, infinite deity with the feeble works of their own mortal hands?
Words are the vehicle chosen by God to communicate His truth to us. He had Moses record WORDS. God even recorded some Himself. He instructed the prophet Habakkuk to “Write the vision…” (Hab. 2:2)
Some seek to disconnect God from His own words because they would rather concoct a “god” in the image that best fits their lifestyle so that they don’t have to change (repent). In contrast, the Heaven-bound disciple of Christ humbles himself and allows the Almighty to introduce Himself and then transmit to his heart who He is IN HIS OWN WORDS – the Bible.
Any person who looks to men, religion, Hollywood or any other source outside of God’s Word for their view or perspective of Him is devoid of divine wisdom concerning the ordained method of transmitting the image of the Holy One.
Do You Have A First or Second-Hand Knowledge of God?
Friend, do you have a first or second-hand knowledge of the LORD?
Jesus instructed us to have a first-hand knowledge of Him, in fact, this is why He came (Jn. 17:3). The Son of God charged us to “Search the scriptures” because He instructed that “they (the Scriptures) are they which testify of me.” (Jn. 5:39)
Beloved, do you personally possess a hunger for God’s Words so that you can know His truth for yourself? God’s prophet Jeremiah did.
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
The rich blessings that flow continually in the lives of those who daily search the Scriptures are unfathomable and abundant (Psalms 119; Acts 17:11, etc.). When we eat the words of God, that is, ingest them into our hearts, they produce great joy and rejoicing in us.
“he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15
Beloved, it is critical that we use the Word as the standard by which all doctrine and ministries are measured, first upon our own lives, then out from there, as we remain on the narrow road which leads to eternal life (Heb. 5:11-14).
“By reason of use” of the Word of God, we are to be have our “senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
“Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:11-14
There are unfortunately many who circulate within Christendom who make up their own rules. They do not walk according as the LORD has laid out in His Word. This is the manifestation of lawlessness – a cross-less life (Philippians 3:18-19). I am talking about those who claim to have gifts from God and do not bother with His Word, so are dangerous loose cannons and capable of bringing great harm (John 8:47; Psalms 119:104-105; 128). Many of these very men are household names in Christendom.
Are you personally being rooted and grounded in the original Gospel or are you being misled by the many wolves in sheep’s clothing Jesus and His holy apostles often warned us to “Beware of”? (Matthew 7:15; 24:11, 24; Colossians 2:4, 8; 2 Peter 3:17; Jude 3-4; 1 John 4:1)
One has no right operating in a so-called gift if he has not honored the One he claims gave the gift enough to study and know His Word.
Study closely and prayerfully the above text – Hebrews 5:11-14. Among many important things this passage conveys, the knowledge and use of the holy Scriptures to “discern bothgood and evil” is perhaps at the top of the list. Those who are not personally in the Word and using the Scriptures as the grid by which all is measured, simply cannot possess a deep level of discernment from the LORD. If someone claims to have a good degree of discernment and isn’t in the Word, this person is ‘flying by the seat of their pants’ and is like the man who “boasteth himself of a false gift” yet is “like clouds and wind without rain (void of substance).” (Prov. 25:14)
Beware of those who tout their gifts or office and yet are not rich in the Scriptures (1 Cor. 4:7). The person who is not rich in the eternal divine oracles, has no real spiritual substance and cannot possibly discern according to the LORD because he has not tended to the learning and daily obedience of the words of God. He has not counted the LORD important enough to study to show himself approved unto God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and able (through studying and walking in the Word) to rightly divide the Word of God (2 Tim. 2:15).
The believers at Berea “searched the scriptures daily” and were therefore blessed with divine nourishment in their hearts and divinely granted discernment (Acts 17:10-11; Rev. 3:18). Jesus is coming and surely He is instructing all who call Him LORD this way: “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine…” (1 Tim. 4:13)
Could it be that Jesus is saying, “I am coming soon, give attendance to Me, Come unto Me in authentic prayer communion, search My words and learn of Me, and you will find rest and the richest of My blessings? I love you.”
“Christianity in a Box” or from the Bible?
As good students of the higher learning institutions of today’s apostate church world, many leaders read the fancily packaged books, commentaries, and writings of other men. The words and wisdom of mere men is what they have chosen to espouse. Many of these predators in our pulpits are engrossed in the latest fad writings and get their learning from these limited and subjective sources, instead of God’s Oracles, which He has magnified above even His name (Ps. 138:2; 1 Pet. 1:16-21). This is exactly the reason that there is so little substance or depth in the majority of leaders and their messages today. Instead of substance directly from the divine Source, we get the modern “lite” type of canned “Christianity” or “Christianity in a box” – a strand of “Christianity” filtered through and contaminated by several faulty vessels, instead of the pure and holy Gospel once given to the saints of all ages. The original Gospel of Christ was given us from God so we could know the Him intimately and personally for ourselves and not be relegated to the ideas and impurities of sinful men.
“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” Psalms 12:6-7
If we were going to get our knowledge of the Almighty through men, would we not be infinitely benefited by looking to the men who truly had a walk with the LORD, like Andrew Murray, George Muller, Charles Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, etc. Even these men have no authority without the LORD Himself and His apostles who fill the pages of holy Scripture.
In former days, there was a deeper appreciation and diligent attendance upon knowing the LORD personally and finding all understanding directly from His holy Word, whereas today, men are being prepared by the thousands through a shallow, unsubstantial curriculum and sent forth into our pulpits.
Because they depend so heavily upon the works of other men, instead of personal and daily Bible study, many minister out of a weak spiritual state. They aren’t hearing the voice of the One they claim to serve for themselves nor receiving a continual stream of His precious nourishment in their heart which can only come from a deep, rich study of His Word.
King David made God’s Word his delight:
“Thy law is my delight.” Psalms 119:77
When you break it all down, one might just find that we have unwittingly resorted back to the dark ages model of institutionalized religion, where the individual is said to be ignorant and unable to know and understand His Maker for himself, so he is obliged to get his religion from the robe-wearing priest. Have we not come full circle in returning to the state of vicariously experiencing God through other men? Is this in lieu of appropriating what Christ died to grant us – rich personal communion with Himself and our heavenly Father, through the new and living way procured by His very blood, which was shed for many for the remission of our sins? (Matt. 26:28; Heb. 10:15-22)
Secondhand Seminarian Sacrilege
If you will simply observe the seminarian’s books, you will notice that the Bible is only one of many he is studying. In fact, most of the time, it is one of the many books written by human authors he will be required to study and learn so as to pass an upcoming test. Why then would it be a mystery that such lack of substance is found in our pulpits?
This teaches men unbelief. It trains the seminarian to read what other men have said about God’s own words. It teaches Him that he cannot learn God’s Word for himself, but must entertain the ideas of other men about the text and topic at hand. So, once the preacher has finished his sermonette, the Word of God doesn’t mean what it really says. This menacing process is teaching men to not take God’s Word at face value where ever possible. In fact, could this not be discouraging people from reading their Bibles unless in the presence of the pastor who is “qualified” to tell them what it really means?
Because the written Word and the Holy Spirit, who is the divine Teacher, the pupil can surpass his instructor:
“I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.” Psalms 119:99-100
A telling fact: Far too many of our leaders can be found preparing messages from second-hand sources (writings of mere men). I believe it has been rightly stated by godly men, that as a rule of thumb, believers should study God’s holy Word at least two-thirds of the total time of their study. In other words, at least two-thirds of study time should be spent directly in the Scriptures.
“Study to show thyself approved unto God…And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17
Nothing could be so rewarding to the heart of the believer than to be given insights directly through their relationship with and study of the LORD from His Source – the holy Scriptures. Perhaps the man after God’s own heart discovered this blessing when peering into the treasure chest of our LORD’s Word:
“I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.” Psalm 119:162
Christ told us His words are spirit and they are life and that the entrance of His words give light (Jn. 6:63; Ps. 119:130).
In reality, all believers, including leaders, are called by God to have a personal and ongoing revelation of Him through His written Word as illuminated by the divine Person of the Holy Spirit. The LORD told us He was sending the Holy Spirit to live inside of each of us to teach and lead us into all truth (Jn. 14:26; 16:13).
The LORD’s wisdom and instruction to leaders is to write down and be utterly engrossed in His Word (Deut. 17:18-20). Men have gone down to Egypt (the world) for help instead of searching out the perfect and eternal words of God which reveal the risen Messiah. Because of this, many have an impartial and distorted image of the Most High. What is transpiring in the Church world today could be greatly altered by men who dedicated themselves to the study of God’s Word and put aside the books of other authors. Seeking the Author of all life in the holy Scriptures and in prayer communion is essential to knowing His truth and fulfilling it (Ps. 27,4,8).
“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” 1 John 2:27
Biblical illiteracy has left a vast vacuum. In the wake of the gross absence of personal revelation from God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, many today, including leaders, focus on books and movie productions as the defining factors of their faith. Instead of the perfect and eternal words of God, which reveal the historic and living Messiah, many have false and impartial images of who He is. The sin of neglecting His words as the only source to establish who He is, His nature, attributes and will for mankind is unfortunately, prevalent. Beloved, no production, regardless of the format or human author, is to be considered on the level of the divinely inspired Scriptures, given us by the Most High (Prov. 21:30). The true believe gains his image of the Almighty exclusively through the words of the Almighty.
“There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against (above; higher than) the LORD.” Proverbs 21:30
If we want to see a picture of Jesus, we read His Word. Why would we scamper to see Hollywood’s depiction of our LORD when He has given us His Word for this express purpose?
“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” John 20:31
Bible learning comes from Bible study. Learning sound doctrine comes no other way. There is no shortcut. Any person who is not willing to diligently search out divine truth is not going to be able to experience the victory Christ died to give (Hos. 4:6). Those who love the LORD should make it their occupation to unearth the treasure of His divine truth. According to the Son of God, the person who doesn’t search the scriptures will “err, not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God” (Matt. 22:29) Perhaps the person who doesn’t search the Scriptures is in pursuit “of the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things” (Mk. 4:17-19). Our LORD told us that when we pursue worldly things, they “entering in, choke the word.”
Those who are overly engrossed in the writings of mere men possess an inferior second-hand knowledge of the LORD. In contrast, those who spend time searching and pouring over the Scriptures, possess the first-hand intimate knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that is transmitted directly to their hearts from divine origin. In departing from the Word of God, many have forfeited the direct blessings associated with seeking the LORD’s face through the Holy Spirit and His Scriptures.
“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
“The Word of Christ”
We must begin to commune with, eat up, and devour the treasures of His Word –“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col. 3:16).
To cite just one example of how Scriptural truth has been insidiously removed from our midst, David Wilkerson writes:
- “Tragically…many preachers today have done away with God’s severity. They speak only of his goodness and love, never mentioning any penalty for sin, in effect they remove the fear of God from believers’ hearts, and take away one of the strongest motivations to holiness. Yet God’s word says in no uncertain terms: “…fear the Lord, and depart from evil”
- (Proverbs 3:7). “…by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil”
- (16:6). Paul had this fear in mind when he instructed Timothy, “Preach the word… reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine”
- (2 Timothy 4:2). Paul said this kind of preaching was “sound doctrine” – meaning, a healthy, life-giving gospel.”
“Hold fast the form of sound words…” 2 Timothy 1:13
“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay,nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” Matthew 5:37
God is calling those leaders who will please Him to sever themselves decisively from all the foolishness that has no eternal significance. He is calling us as His disciples to rid our hearts, minds and vocabularies of the foolish and excessive jargon that does not communicate His truth in the way He ordained – through His own Words. We must get rid of the spiritually spineless psychological terminology that patronizes and pathologizes sin and begin to call sin what it is – by name – starting with our own sinfulness (1 Cor. 11:31-32). This means that we must resign and relinguish our own words and let His words be “fitted in thy lips” (see Prov. 22:17-21). We should begin to commune with, eat up, and devour His oracles as never before – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” (Col. 3:16)
“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” Psalms 138:2
Now, it is time to start afresh to “Feed the sheep of God” as “Good stewards of the manifold grace of God” while we earnestly “wait for his Son from heaven” (Acts 20:28-32; 1 Pet. 4:10; 1 Thess. 1:10). Now is the time to return to the original words that God ordained to convey His glorious Gospel that makes captives free. These divinely ordained words will produce His perfect fruit in ourselves and others. His words will produce His image in our hearts, otherwise if we alter His words, we will have in us the image of a false god!
“Feed the Church” Acts 20:28
The God-fearing are to do nothing to further the cause of that which God condemns (Is. 5:20-24; Prov. 17:15, 24:24; Mal. 2:17; Eph. 5:11). As a believer, it is against my conscious choice, because of biblical conviction, to put God’s resources into the hands of a ministry or group of leaders who are not obeying the New Testament pattern – “to FEED the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). It is also against my constitution to put money into the coffers of those who preach a selective gospel where they pick and choose doctrines instead of endeavoring to declare the whole of divine counsel revealed in God’s Word. If a so-called “ministry” is not diligently and relentlessly feeding the LORD’s people with the pure written Word of God, then they should be rejected (1 Tim. 6:3-5). Anyone who doesn’t demonstrate their love for the LORD by placing the holy Scriptures as final authority in their ministry, is leading people astray and it is my opinion that they should not be financially funded by the remnant of God’s people.
“PREACH THE WORD; be instant in season, out of season…” 2 Timothy 4:2
God Has Placed His Word Above:
1) His name (Ps. 138:2)
2) His own audible voice (2 Pet. 1:16-21)
3) Men, preachers and all earthly leaders
(Rom. 3:3-4)
4) Heavenly angels (Gal. 1:8)
PRAYER: LORD Jesus, please cause my heart to be faithful to Your perfect ways, recorded on the pages of holy Writ, Your Word. Burn out and cut away all doctrine of men and devils that doesn’t align with Your everlasting and perfect truth and please help me to communicate clearly, using Your words, the full Gospel You have given to the whole world. Grant us Your grace and teach us Your ways as we look for Your soon return. Heavenly Father, thank You for each and every blessing You have bestowed upon my life, beginning with the precious blood of Jesus Christ Your only begotten Son. Amen.
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Christ’s Great Commission is Central to the Original Gospel [podcast]
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
Moments with Our Master [book] 365 Day Devotional book available at STORE page and amazon. English and Spanish.
See what others are saying about this devotional book.
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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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