Salvation is not Earned

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, 

but the end thereof are the ways of death. 

Proverbs 14:12

It is a grave misconception that we can obtain salvation through our good works.  It is important to understand that salvation cannot be earned. 

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

It is a gift from God and not something we can obtain through our right actions; thus obligating God to give it to us. 

Repentance (abhorring our sins and seeking God's forgiveness and help to obey His laws) and forsaking our worldly ways, faith, accepting Christ's sacrifice and coming to the knowledge of the truth are all steps in accepting His free gift. In no way do these efforts make up for our sins that caused the death of our Savior!  He laid down His life that we may live again with Him.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  Galatians 2:20

Once we obtain salvation our goal should be to maintain, sustain and retain it.  We need help from above in order to do this.  God supplies the helmet of salvation.  What does salvation have to do with a helmet?

But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.  1 Thessalonians 5:8-11

We can receive tremendous hope and comfort by focusing on the incredible sacrifice Christ gave to save us and the amazing Kingdom that is the goal of our salvation. This hope works like a helmet to protect our minds from the discouragement and despair in this world:  

I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  John 17:15-16

Believers have been called out of this world. Though we remain in it, we are not of it and remain separate from it. Our way of living and even of thinking should differ from the world's. We live by the standards of God, not the standards of this world!  We are to develop the mind of Christ. 

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  Philippians 2:5 

Apostle Paul admonishes us to not conform to the ways of the world.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

This means having God's ways written on our hearts and minds so we can remember to always obey God no matter what may come against us.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.  1 Peter 5:8-9

The helmet was essential for the survival of a soldier in battle. Apostle Paul, in using the word “salvation”, indicates that the helmet is a source of total deliverance. In Jesus, we can find deliverance in every situation, spiritual, emotional, and physical. He has to be our source, our guide, our “way out”.  Despite our very best efforts, we cannot save or deliver ourselves.

Apostle Paul tells us that we "have been saved", 

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)   Ephesians 2:4-5 

that we "are being saved" 

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  1 Corinthians 1:18 

and Jesus let us know that we "shall be saved" 

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.  Matthew 10:22 

What does this mean for us?

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:4-8

Apostle Paul makes it clear that "have been saved" equates to the forgiveness of sins and coming under God's grace thus we have been taken off death row.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  1 Corinthians 1:18

Salvation is also the ongoing conversion process.  Apostle Paul calls this a living sacrifice: 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.   Romans 12:1-2

This involves having God's words written in our minds and meditating on them so we can better follow them 

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;   Hebrews 10:16  

O how I love thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.  Psalm 119:97-99 

God expects us to obey His commandments.  Our ultimate salvation depends on whether or not we choose to endure to the end.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, 

but Christ liveth in me: 

and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, 

who loved me, and gave himself for me.       

Galatians 2:20

(Biblical Studies)

04/21/15
05/16/16

04/13/19

10/22/20

08/26/22

* Unity in the Body

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  Ephesians 4:1-6

It is clear through these passages of scripture that God is calling for unity among His people.

  

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, John 17:15-21

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:   That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.   (Romans 15:5-7)

It is clear that God wants His body to be united as one and so I just want to encourage you with a few words and a prayer for unity and harmony:

Apostle Paul tells us to 

walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your  calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  Ephesians 4:1-6

I want to encourage you to walk worthy in your vocation or gifting of God; to work your gift and not be concerned with the vocation or gifting that someone else may have that you don’t.  God distributes or places the gifts in us; not man.  So we can’t be jealous or envious of anyone else’s gift!  Although we are all created to be in the image of God we are also each uniquely made by God.  I'm not supposed to be like you no more than you're supposed to be like me.  So, if we do have a problem, we need to take it to God and not take it out on that person.   Disdain, jealously and envy causes dissension, discord and disunity among God’s people.  But we, the body of Christ, should be more united than any other organization or institution in the world.  

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  Philippians 2:1-5

We should always be on one accord.  We should be a powerful force against the kingdom of darkness.  Ask your self sometime how is it that the forces of evil can unite to accomplish something, but we can’t.  An illustration of this is found in Genesis were Israel’s sons got together to plot against their brother Joseph.  There was no arguing, no vying for power, they reasoned together and came up with a plan to get rid of their brother.  If we could come together like that; unite in the name of Jesus against the wickedness of this world; we would be a powerful force to be reckoned with.  With the authority of Jesus name, the power of the Holy Ghost inside of us, the covering of the blood and with God backing us,  – What a wonderful manifestation of God’s glory!  We don’t want to do it for our sake alone, we do it because it is the will of God and because we love Him and want to be pleasing in His sight.  

Apostle Paul goes on to tell us that the same one that descended also ascended and:

filled earth with his gifts. He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist,  pastor and teacher to train Christians in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the  church, until we're all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.  Ephesians 4:11-13 

Let’s start activating the fruit of the spirit so that we can be fully united without any disharmony!

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23

Dear heavenly Father, 

We thank You this day for allowing us to wake up and give You praise, to glorify You, to acknowledge You for who You are; the one true living God.  Lord, we look to You for all things for truly we know that power belongs to You  

God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.  (Psalms 62:11)!  

You are the sovereign one and there is no one greater; no one beside You.  It is because of You that we live, move and have our being 

For in him we live, and move, and have our being;  (Acts 17:28).  

We thank You Lord for this opportunity to come before You again; it’s with grateful hearts that we seek You this morning.  Lord we thank you for Your love, for Your patience and kindness, Lord, for Your mercy; for new mercies every day!  Lord we owe You our all for the price that was paid for our salvation.   The psalmist asked how can we repay You for all of the many benefits that come with being a child of the King?  We know that we can never repay You, but we submit our life to You; to honor and obey Your will; to live a life that is pleasing unto You.  Lord we thank You for the precious gift of Your Holy Spirit to help us lead a life that is in right-standing with You.  Lord we thank You for the blood that was shed; for the power of the blood.  Through the blood, we are washed and cleansed from our sins.  We thank You Lord for salvation in the name of Jesus.

And even now Lord as we come before You, we pray that You be with us this day, Lord that You lead and guide us, Lord that You direct our path, that You give us the words to say.  Help us to keep You in the forefront of our minds that our words and actions represent You.  Lord we pray for faithful men and women to govern and lead us with integrity and godly qualities to serve our country with good intentions and not selfish motives.  Lord watch over our children; keep them and protect them; lend them to those with godly intentions who will watch over them and teach them Your ways.  

Lord in our spiritual gathering places, touch the hearts of Your servants; the bishops, pastors, teachers, evangelists, prophets and apostles, and give them a mind to do that which is right and pleasing in Your sight.  Give them the strength to endure, the humility to serve and not rule.  Lord, I pray that You touch Your bride, the body of Christ, that we rise up and serve You according to Your word and that we do that which You have commissioned us to do which is spread the gospel; the good news of Jesus, to let people know that we do have a hope and that hope is in Christ Jesus.

Lord, for every prayer request and petition that has gone up before You, Lord we pray that Your grace prevails and that you move in each and every situation to Your glory.  Lord give us increased faith to believe that nothing is impossible for You; there is nothing too big or too small for Your involvement.  Lord You said in Your word that if we have just the faith of a mustard seed, we can move mountains .

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.  (Matthew 17:20) 

Help us Lord to realize that with faith comes patience and so we can wait with earnest expectation for You to move in Your timing.   Lord we pray for healing in the name of Jesus, we pray for peace and comfort for those who have lost loved ones.  Lord we pray for deliverance of those in mental and emotional distress.  Lord we pray in accordance to Your will and in the precious name of Jesus.  We thank you even now Lord because we know that You are able! 

Lord we thank You for every time we slipped and You caught us, for every time we doubted and You showed up anyway.  Lord we thank You for each and every time we needed forgiveness and You forgave us.  That’s just the kind of awesome God you are! 

The psalmist said to worship You in the beauty of holiness.

Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.  (Psalms 29:2) 

We take this time to honer and thank You Lord for who you are; all powerful, every where, all knowing.  You are the creator of heaven and earth 

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.  (Isaiah 40:28) 

Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:  (Isaiah 42:5)

You tell us in Your word to worship the creator and not the created and so we acknowledge Your creation and You as the creator.  Without You, where would we be?  We need You Lord like never before.   As the world continues in its downward spiral, You are our hope, our redeemer.  The world is lost, but we have a hope and that hope is in You!

As ambassadors and representatives of Your kingdom, Lord we ask for Godly wisdom.  You said in all of our ways we are to trust You and not lean to our own understanding.  We are to acknowledge You and allow You to direct our path. 

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.   (Proverbs 3:5-6).  

Help us Lord to look to You in all of our ways, in our dealings with one another.  Help us to esteem our brothers and sisters above ourselves; to treat each other with Godly love and concern; to show compassion and kindness; help us to be united in love and committed to Your ways; help us to be the light of the world!  Lord I pray in the name of Jesus that the spirit of animosity, jealously, strife, division, envy, low self-esteem and any other negative spirits not of You be bound up and cast out in the name of Jesus.  Lord I pray for pure hearts with minds to serve You in unity and love.  Give us an appetite for the meat; not the milk of Your word.  I pray for increased strength in You so that we can do Your will; so that we can go out and evangelize a dying world.  The world needs You more than ever before; help us to be good laborers in Your field.

And now unto the only One that is able to keep us from falling, and present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God, our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power (Jude 1:24-25)

In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!  It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.  It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing-- Life forevermore.  

Psalm 133:1-3

Peace, joy and blessings to you all,

Elder C. L. Henry

05/08/14
06/25/15

It's A Done Deal

                                                                                                                                                                         

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  

Romans 8:37-38

What a wonderful God we serve who has equipped us with everything we need to be victorious over the enemy; Satan, the cares of this world, and in many cases, ourselves.  He has given us His word, power and authority, prayer, fasting, the name of Jesus and the keys to the kingdom!  He has also given us the perfect example to follow. 

Jesus faced every temptation of the enemy which we face, but He overcame these temptations without sin. Because He entered the arena of spiritual warfare:

He understands our battles and He strengthens us:

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  Hebrews 4:15

Because He emerged victorious, we can also be a victor:

For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted.  Hebrews 2:18

Succor means to assist, to aid, to support, to comfort - Jesus does all these things and so much more!

Read the account of the death and resurrection of Jesus in Matthew 26-28; Mark 14-16; Luke 22-24; and John 18-21. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ was the greatest confrontation that ever occurred between the power of Satan and the power of God.

Through the death of Jesus, Satan thought he had destroyed God's plan. He had killed God's only Son. He had destroyed the King who was to reign over God's Kingdom. But Jesus said:

Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and He shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?  But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?   Matthew 26:53-54

Jesus answered, My Kingdom is not of this world: if my Kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my Kingdom not from hence.   John 18:36

Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above:  therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.  John 19:11

Three things you should know:

Jesus did not die because His power was less than that of the enemy!

 

His death did not end the plan for God's Kingdom!

 

It was not time for His Kingdom to be visibly established in the world!

What Satan meant for evil, God had already settled that it was for the good!    Men could now be saved from the bondage of sin and the penalty of the "second death" (eternal separation from God because of sin).  The bridge was gapped and a way made for man to reconnect to God.

Great though it was, salvation from sin was not the only victory gained by Jesus through His death on the cross. The death of Jesus actually fulfilled the plan of God. Jesus' mission was accomplished!  He came to destroy, not manage, the works of the enemy and He did it!  Through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated all the power of the enemy:

Wherefore he saith, When He ascended up on high (was resurrected) He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all Heavens, that He might fill all things.)  Ephesians 4:8-10

And having spoiled principalities and powers. He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.   Colossians 2:15

Jesus defeated every power of the enemy, including death. He also passed judgment upon Satan:

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world (Satan) be cast out. John 12:31

>      Jesus made a way of salvation.

>      He defeated death and the principalities and powers of the enemy.

>      He restored to man dominion over all things.

>      He pronounced judgment on Satan which will be fulfilled in the future.

Our present situation is similar to conditions which have existed in certain countries in the natural world. The powers of rebel forces will be overthrown by the government. The rebel leader will be under judgment, but still at large. Resistance forces under his direction still war in the land.

Jesus has conquered Satan and set his judgment. But Satan is still at large and his forces of demonic powers, the flesh, and the world are still at war in the land. They attempt to control territory that is rightfully that of the Conqueror. They try to blind men to the fact Satan has been defeated and is under judgment. They try to control homes, churches, and nations.

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  2 Corinthians 4:4

That is where the warfare of the believer comes into play. Jesus has defeated the enemy but Satan remains at large in the world. It is our task to open the eyes of men and women to his deception and regain control of territory that is rightfully ours. Your personal battle will continue until judgment on Satan is executed or until you go to be with Jesus through death; whichever comes first:

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.  Ephesians 3:10

Through Jesus, we are a victor over the enemy rather than a victim of the enemy:

And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the Church. Which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all.       Ephesians 1:22-23

All things are "under the feet" of Jesus. This means He has conquered them. He is the head of the Church, and we are the body. It is stated that all things are under His feet, which means under His body, the Church. 

This means we are victors, not victims. 

We can be kept from the power of Satan. Jesus Himself prayed for us to be kept from the power of the enemy:

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.    John 17:15,20

You are a conqueror, not through your own power, but through the powers of a greater One:

Nay, In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.  Romans 8:37

When the spiritual battle gets rough, just remember that the Bible assures that God's purposes will be accomplished:

The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed so shall it stand.  Isaiah 14:24

This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.  For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?  Isaiah 14:26-27

The Lord of Hosts, JEHOVAH SABAOTH, has a purpose, and no force of the world, flesh, demons, Hell, or Satan himself will dis-annul it. Following God’s strategy will assure your spiritual victory!

(Biblical Studies)

08/28/14
07/02/15
09/22/16
02/06/19

10/21/20

08/25/22

No Neutral Ground

He that committeth sin is of the Devil; for the Devil sinneth from the beginning. 

For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, 

that He might destroy the works of the Devil.

1 John 3:8

Spiritual warfare is a strategy resting upon understanding the purposes of our warfare and based upon communication with our Commander-in-Chief by prayer, fasting, and the written Word of God.

When we do not understand God's purpose and plan, we may be tempted to become discouraged in the conflicts of life. This is why many Christian soldiers fail in warfare: They do not understand the divine purpose behind the battle.

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone : for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.   Acts 5:38-39

From the beginning of time, every natural battle that has been fought always had a purpose for which it was waged.  It is important to understand the purpose of spiritual warfare. This involves understanding the purposes of God the Father.  

It is God's purpose that. . .

. . .in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth. . .  Ephesians 1:10

From the beginning of time, Satan has battled against the fulfillment of this purpose. Your own warfare in the spirit world is related to this purpose of God. Satan battles to bring your heart, mind, spirit, and soul into allegiance to him instead of the Lord Jesus Christ.

God works in us to accomplish His purpose:

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do His good pleasure.  Philippians 2:13

God also works through our life to accomplish His purposes:

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.   Romans 6:13

When we yield our self to become "instruments of righteousness unto God," it means we bring our life and ministry in harmony with His purpose and plans. By doing this, we become a target for God's enemy, Satan.

Do you not know, beloved, that Jesus' purpose in the earth was not to manage the works of the enemy but to destroy it.  And for this very reason, we cannot allow ourselves to be friends with nor to tolerate something that our savior was sent here to destroy!

Jesus said:

He that committeth sin is of the Devil; for the Devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the Devil.  1 John 3:8

The reason Jesus came into the world was to destroy the works of Satan. This immediately set Him in opposition to the enemy:

The thief 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

From the beginning of His earthly ministry, Jesus set about destroying the works of Satan:
> He revealed the bondage of sin (John 8:34).
> He forgave sins (Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12,17; Luke 4:17-32).
> He stressed the heart condition rather than the deception of outward appearance (Matthew 15:16-20; Mark 7:20-23; Luke 6:45; 11:39).
> He healed the sick (Matthew 11:5).
> He raised people from the dead (Mark 5:35-43; Luke 8:49- 56; John 11).
> He released people from demonic powers (Matthew 8:16).

In summary, He destroyed the works of Satan in the hearts, souls, minds, and bodies of men and women:

The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them.  Matthew 11:5

Jesus not only destroyed the works of Satan, He also exposed the devious strategies of the enemy:

      ¨     He taught on the deception of Satan which would increase during the last days on earth (Matthew 24-25; Mark 13; Luke 17:22-37; 21:8-36; Matthew 24-25).

      ¨     He warned of Satan's intimidation through man.  (Matthew 10:28).

      ¨     He spoke of the necessity of binding the strong man (Satan) before spoiling his goods (Matthew 12:26-30; Mark 3:23-27; Luke 11:17-24).

      ¨     He revealed how Satan tries to prevent the Word of God from being effective in the hearts of men and women (Matthew 13:38; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:12).

      ¨     He exposed those who were not right with God as being of their "father, the devil" (John 8:44-47).

      ¨     He revealed Satan as the "prince of the world" (John 14:30).

Although Jesus came to bring the peace of God (John 14:27; Philippians 4:7), and peace with God (Romans 5:1), His coming also brought division:

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.  And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.   Matthew 10:34-36

Jesus divided all men into two battle camps. It is not possible to be neutral:

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.  Matthew 6:24

                                                         

He that is not with me is against me. . . (Luke 11:23) 

Jesus spoke of this great division in an account about two paths, one which was straight and narrow and one which was broad. He warned of the deception of Satan's broad path which many took (Matthew 7:13-14). Through the account of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), Jesus removed the veil between life and death. He let men see the end result of choosing the wrong way.

Because He exposed and destroyed the works of Satan, Jesus was under assault throughout His earthly life. The enemy constantly tried to destroy Him or prevent Him from fulfilling the mission for which He had come. The moment He was born, an attempt was made on His life. During His public ministry there were several plots on His life and at least one attempt which was aborted. He met the opposition of demonic powers, religious leaders, His own followers, and Satan.

When you align yourself with the plan and purposes of Jesus by accepting Him as your Savior according to the word of God, you become part of the army that wars against Satan. The purposes of Jesus become your purposes and this sets you in a tactical position of direct opposition to the enemy.

   

There are many different Scriptural strategies that can be used in spiritual warfare, but the basic battle plan for believers is revealed by observing how Jesus dealt with the enemy. The basic battle plan for spiritual warfare is based on six major points. These are:

     Ö     The Word Of God:                                 Matthew 4:1-ll, Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1-13

     Ö     Delegated Power And Authority:        Luke 9:1

      Ö     Prayer:                                                      Matthew 6:10

     Ö     Fasting:                                                     Isaiah 58:6                              

    Ö     Keys Of The Kingdom:                           Matthew 16:19

     Ö     The Name Of Jesus:                               Ephesians 1:21

Employing these six major points rather than relying on self ensures victory over the enemy:

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying , This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.  Zechariah 4:6

(Biblical Studies)

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