* Don't Give In; Don't Give Up

so that you may not be slothful, but imitators of those 

who through faith and perseverance inherit the promises.

Hebrews 6:12

Despite every negative, contrary and bad thing going on in the world today, despite all of the evil, we should not allow our hearts to grow dull or lose our enthusiasm, but rather follow the example of those of old who fully received what God has promised because of their strong faith and patient endurance.

The words for endurance and patience are often used in a prophetic sense in relation to

* the coming of the Lord, 

* inheriting the promises of God, and 

* eternal rewards. 

In such passages we are shown how our eternal hope and the sure promises of God are very much the foundation and the means of patience with people or perseverance under difficult conditions. The word illustrates this when it says:

“so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and perseverance inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:12 

“And so by persevering, Abraham inherited the promise”  Hebrews 6:15

Moses was willing to leave the treasures of Egypt, 

Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.  By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.  Hebrews 11:25-27

It was the invisible, but very real future reward that gave Moses the capacity to endure ill-treatment with the people of God. 

One passage that strongly stresses this prophetic element and the way it should impact our ability to endure and show undefined patience is  found in the flowing passage:  

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.  James 5:10-11

Two truths: 

→    First, we need to endure life’s pressures and be patient with others because, we don’t know what is going on behind the scenes; all the negative situations we find ourselves in or what is causing the other person to do, say or act. 

→    Secondly, our capacity for patience strongly depends on our confidence in God’s person and eternal purposes.  Jesus, the great physician and sovereign all-wise Lord, can never let us down.  As James told his readers, we are to strengthen our hearts because the Lord’s coming is near: 

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. James 5:8

When He comes, he will wipe away every tear, right every wrong, and reward every faithfulness, sacrifice and acts of obedience.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.  Revelations 21:4

Endurance and patience give us the capacity to plod on with joyous, hopeful, and loving determination in spite of disappointments, rejection, persecution, and other pressures that might otherwise cause us to throw in the towel. These two qualities give us the willingness and capacity to continue on because of a hope fixed on God as one who is compassionate and merciful, and on God’s purposes and eternal rewards.

No doubt, the race God has called us to is tough. This truth is richly illustrated for us in the life of Apostle Paul.  Toward the close of his life, Apostle Paul could make three statements that we should all pray that we will be able to also make.  He made these statements and they were true of him because he saw his life as a drink offering, a sacrifice poured out for the Savior and because he lived with a view of heavenly treasures. 

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 2 Timothy 4:7

God never said it would be easy and we should never expect it to be so. Discipleship is costly. The tendency is to give in, to throw in the towel, but to have fought the good fight is to have continued to fight courageously and bravely regardless of opposition and the opponents.

God’s power is evidenced in our lives not only in our patience and longsuffering, but also in our joyfulness. When circumstances are difficult, we should exhibit joyful patience; and when people are hard to live with, we should reveal joyful longsuffering. Apostle Paul wanted us to know God’s comfort that we might not only be comforted ourselves, but also be able to comfort others. The goal, however, goes beyond just comfort. The goal is that the Corinthians (and we too) might experience patient endurance. 

But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort that you experience in your patient endurance of the same sufferings that we also suffer. 2 Corinthians 1:6 

Naturally, to experience godly endurance or patience, we do need the strength that only God can give, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that this strength is tied in with a joyful and thankful heart. Know these truths from God's word: 

©    Without trials accompanied by steadfastness or endurance, we will not and cannot grow

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.   James. 1:1-4

©     Endurance means waiting on the Lord in the light of the knowledge of God as revealed in Scripture; it means the enlargement and deepening of our faith

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:  2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 

©     Since faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, endurance requires seeking, knowing, and resting in God in the light of His Word

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.   Romans 10:17; 15:4

(Biblical Studies)

09/24/13

11/15/14

03/30/15

06/02/16

07/31/17

12/06/19

06/01/21

* Satan is an Imitator and a Deceiver

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

Beloved, it is more imperative than ever that we need to be alert to the deceptive power of Satan which imitates the power of God. 

We must be aware of spiritual wickedness in high places.  When Apostle Paul speaks of "spiritual wickedness in high places", he is referring to wicked spirits who have infiltrated the power and religious systems of the world. Satan has organized his evil forces to imitate the organization of the true Church of God and has set himself up among the powers of this world.  He has set up a form of worship in the spiritual "high places" of organized religion.

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  Colossians 1:16 

The infiltration of the religious world is obvious as Satan has established his system right in the true Church through evil people who have "crept in unawares" 

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.  Jude 4 

Satan has imitators right in the Church who demonstrate power, but it is not God's power. The structure Satan has established in the high places of religion is based on imitation and deception.

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

God established the true Church which is known as the "Body of Christ" of which Jesus is the head:

Now ye are the Body of Christ, and members in particular.  1 Corinthians 12:27

Satan has his own church which is called "a synagogue of Satan"

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Revelation 2:9

 Satan has a doctrine:  

God has a doctrine which is revealed in His holy Word, the Bible:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy  3:16

The doctrine of Satan is called the "doctrine of devils"

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.   2 Timothy 4:1

The doctrine of devils is any teaching presented as truth which does not agree with the written Word of God.

Satan has a system of sacrifice:

We are told to present ourselves to God as a living sacrifice. This means we are to surrender in total allegiance to God.

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.  Romans 12:1

 Satan, being a false imitator, demands sacrifices also:

But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 2 Corinthians 10:20

Satan demands total allegiance of body, soul, and spirit. There are actually services of sacrifice conducted where men and women dedicate themselves to the service of Satan. The blood sacrifice of humans and animals is also practiced.

Satan has his own communion.  

The sharing of the communion bread and wine was started by Jesus as a way of remembering His sacrifice for the sins of all mankind on the cross (Refer to 1 Corinthians 11:23-34). 

Satan counterfeits this with his own communion service:

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils; ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.  1 Corinthians 10:21

Satan has ministers.  

God calls some believers to serve as pastors and minister to His Church by proclaiming the Gospel. 

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  Ephesians 4:11

Satan also has ministers:

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 11:14-15

Satan's ministers proclaim his “gospel” which is contrary to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ:

Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the Gospel of Christ.  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.  Galatians 1:7-8

Just because a message is delivered with a powerful style and presentation does not mean it is a message of the true Gospel.

Satan has a throne.  

God has a throne in Heaven. Satan also has a throne, although we are not told its exact location:

And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon (Satan) gave him his power, and HIS SEAT, and great authority.  Revelation 13:2

Satan has worshipers.  

There are many who worship the true God. Satan also has worshipers:

And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?   Revelation 13:4

Some worshipers of Satan pretend to be followers of Jesus:

The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;  The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. Matthew 13:38-39

Satan mixes the bad "seed" in with the good "seed" (true believers).

Satan has prophets.  

God has set prophets in the church, men who are especially anointed to bring a direct message from Him to the church 

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.  1 Corinthians 12:28

Satan also has false prophets:

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.  Matthew 24:11

Satan has teachers.  

God has anointed some people as teachers to explain His Word to others: 

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.  1 Corinthians 12:28

But all teachers are not from God. Satan has false teachers who spread his evil doctrine:

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.  2 Peter 2:1-3

Satan's teachers bring in "damnable heresies," teachings which are false and cause division. They speak lies and are experts at mixing truth and error in a way that makes error acceptable.

Satan has apostles.  

An apostle is a person who spreads the Gospel and establishes churches. Satan also has apostles doing his work throughout the world. They deceive people by imitating the true apostles:

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  2 Corinthians 11:13

Satan's apostles become leaders of false cults and infiltrate churches and even become leaders in the churches.

Satan raises up false christs.  

Satan has even imitated the Lord Jesus Christ by raising up false Christs. Jesus warned:

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.  Matthew 24:4-5

These false christs may use the name of Jesus. They may do many signs and wonders. But they are imitators of the power of God.

Satan has a communication system.  

The Bible is a record of how God spoke to man in times past. God continues to speak to men today. Satan also speaks to man. His first words to humans resulted in their fall into sin (Refer to Genesis 3).

God has communicated to man through His written Word, the Bible. Satan's message is also being communicated through written word by evil magazines, books, movies, and music. Communication from God through His written and spoken Word provide guidance for man in the affairs of life.

Satan has a system of false guidance accomplished through methods such as the following:

• Astrology and horoscope: Which use stars to predict events and give guidance.
• Readings of tea leaves, pictures, bumps on the head, palm of the hand and crystal balls. The formation of the tea leaves, lines in the human hand, crystal balls, and pictures are claimed to give guidance.
• Witchcraft: Using spells, potions, charms, rituals, seances, divination, methods of chance, visions, drawings, and similar un-scriptural methods to receive guidance.

Satan has supernatural power.  

Jesus promised supernatural power to his followers after they received the infilling of the Holy Spirit.  

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 

Satan also gives supernatural power and authority 

And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon (Satan) gave him his power, and HIS SEAT, and great authority.  Revelation 13:2

His demons create supernatural strength and energy. Satan gives both power and authority, as did Jesus. Satan can perform many supernatural signs and miracles:

For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.  Revelation 16:14

Jesus said:

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:22-23

Note that Jesus said "I NEVER KNEW YOU".   These people with their impressive demonstrations of power were NEVER of God. They were deceiving counterfeits.

The only authentic power comes from God!

God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Psalm 62:11

(Biblical Studies)




02/08/17
12/18/19

02/05/22

Keys of the Kingdom - the Name of Jesus (God's Strategy - Part 5)

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. 

For there is no power but of God: 

the powers that be are ordained of God.

Romans 13:1

Jesus gave to believers the keys of the Kingdom. Those keys include the power to bind and loose and they are the fifth part of our basic battle plan against the ruler of this world; the prince of darkness:

And I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven. (Matthew 16:19)

Jesus taught the importance of binding evil spirits before casting them out. But the principle of binding and loosing is more than casting out demons. You can bind the power of the enemy to work in your life, home, community, and church fellowship. You can loose men and women from the bondage of sin, depression, and discouragement of the enemy.

The principle of binding and loosing is an important strategy to overcome the power of the enemy. It is a key to the Kingdom of God. In every situation with which you are confronted . . . every problem, every challenge. . . there is a spiritual key. That key is in exercising the principle of binding and loosing. When you recognize what to bind and what to loose and act upon this discovery, the enemy will be defeated!

The last tool discussed in this series on God's strategy against the enemy is the name of Jesus.

The final part of the basic battle plan is found in the name of Jesus. The Word of God is to be applied in His name, we pray, fast, and use our delegated power and authority and the keys of the Kingdom in His name:

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (John 14:14)

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. (John 16:23)

We are to teach, baptize, cast out demons, heal the sick, and overcome every power of the enemy through the name of Jesus:

And these signs shall follow them that believe, in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.  (Mark 16:17-18)

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.  (Matthew 28:18-20)

 It is more powerful than any other name:

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. (Ephesians 1:21)

Jesus' name is above every other name:

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name; That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.   (Philippians 2:9-11)

Salvation comes through the name of Jesus:

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.   Acts 4:10-12

If we employ the arsenal of weapons that God has supplied us with - the word of God, delegated power and authority, prayer and fasting, binding and loosing, and the name of Jesus,  we will come out victorious every time!  God through His word has already let us know that we are more than conquerors!

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

(Biblical Studies)

01/31/17
12/17/19

02/02/22

* Salvation is of the Lord

Neither is there salvation in any other: 

for there is none other name under heaven given among men, 

whereby we must be saved.

Acts 4:12

Apostle Paul had the vision. He valued his salvation highly and diligently fought the good fight. As the end of his life drew near, he was able to say with complete confidence that he would receive a crown.

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.   2 Timothy 4:8

When Apostle Paul awakes in the first resurrection, he will trade in his soldier's helmet for a far more glorious, imperishable and eternal crown of righteousness—the crown of a victorious soldier of Christ. We, too, can be assured of victory so long as we—like Apostle Paul—faithfully follow our God and His commandments from our heart, mind and body.

The word of God lets us know that salvation is found only through Christ Jesus.

But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,  1 Thessalonians 5:8–9 

And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.  Isaiah 59:16-17

The sacrifice; that final sacrifice, made by Jesus Christ purchased our salvation.  Salvation is found only in Jesus Christ.

"O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle."   Psalms 140:7

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  Colossians 1:18

Our lifestyle is conformed to the character and actions of Christ.

"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.  1 Corinthians 2:16

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

Just as Christ's life was not easy on this earth, nor will ours be.

Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.  1 Peter 4:1

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Remember that salvation comes from God, and that God is on our side. If we commit to fully follow and obey Him, it is impossible for us to lose our battle or our salvation.

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."  Revelation 21:1-4

This is the salvation we are fighting for—to enter this glorious Kingdom! Never lose sight of this. This coming Kingdom, with its worldwide peace and prosperity, makes every price in this life worth paying. No matter what comes, no matter how vicious the attacks our enemy lands on us, we know that as long as we remain with God, we are moving slowly but unstoppably toward an eternal victory. What wouldn't we give for that?

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.   2 Timothy 4:6-8  

(Biblical Studies)

05/17/16

06/13/17

12/05/19

05/28/21