Devoted

Satan's first deception toward mankind was to first cast doubt on God's mandate - God's Word - to man, casting aspersions on God's character (the devil is the Accuser).  Then the Father of Lies offered that man can be as God.  This is the apostasy I see in the church today.  Man is being elevated, and the gospel has been exchanged with a message that only includes God's love for us, while neglecting God’s holiness, and man's need for repentance and obedience.  We have preferred the tender words of the Savior, while neglecting those that are difficult.  This is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ tells us of man's depraved state, and our need for repentance.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ includes God's holiness, and Christ's blood which cleanses us from all unrighteousness.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ includes not only Heaven, but hell.  In fact, it tells us that the road to Heaven is narrow, and few there are that find it.  This is disturbing news!  We never talk about that in church.  It might hurt the size of the congregation, or seem insensitive.  Or go contrary to what our will demands.  We must die to self, and be born again in Christ Jesus.

So, the Gospel is diluted to make it more palatable for the congregation.  We entice people into the church by means that look no different than the world, from which we are to be set apart.  It is the devil who uses enticements!  The world needs the Gospel of Jesus Christ – that of peace between God and man through the sacrifice, and blood, of Jesus Christ.  The world does not need more of itself.  "But, we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God".  2 Corinthians 4:2

A necessary part of the Armor of God is the footwear of readiness of the Gospel of Peace, and that is the peace Jesus Christ - through His sacrifice - brought between God and man when we believe upon Him.  This peace with God, however, brings us into enmity with the world.  Jesus did say, "Don't think that I came to bring peace on the earth.  I didn't come to send peace, but a sword." (Matthew 10:34)  The Holy Bible says that God's Word is a Sword - and it says that Jesus Christ is the Word.  Are our feet fitted with the readiness of the Gospel of Peace?  Are we quick to bring this Gospel to every encounter of war as Soldiers in the Army of God?  We are in a battle with principalities and powers!  Are we fitted with God's Armor?  "For the Word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart."  Hebrews 4:12

Here is what God has to say about man, and the condition of his heart:

“Yahweh saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”  Genesis:6:5

“For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies.”   Matthew:15:19

Follow Jesus Christ, and the Holy Bible.  Do not follow, or trust, your heart!  Trust in Jesus Christ, alone.

What does the Bible say about the Followers of Christ?

“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, what will it be salted with? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.”  Matthew:5:13

When those who call their self by Christ's Name become unrecognizable from the world, they have lost their saltiness and will be thrown out, and trampled underfoot.  Salt adds flavor, and salt purifies.  It cleans and cauterizes wounds.  It is a cleanser and a healer.  The world needs the salty Christian!  Sure, we balk at the initial sting of salt upon the wound, yet we want the healing and the relief that follows.  We want the flavor!  We cannot have it if we have joined with, and made friends with, the world.  Then we have nothing different to offer the sinner.  No hope.  No power for living in obedience to the Heavenly Father.  No salvation from the fires and terrors of hell.  Also, we are to be a light in the world.  Yet, if the light within us is darkness, how great is that darkness!  (Matthew 6:23)

There are song lyrics in some Bethel music that touts God's devotion to man.  First, stay far from Bethel church, college, or music.  It is the home of demons.  Stay far from Hillsong music, and any that engages in the false doctrine of prosperity, and the elevation of man in the heart of God.  "But the Spirit says, expressly, that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing (enticing) spirits and doctrines of demons".  1 Timothy 4:1  The Holy Bible says nothing of God's devotion to man.  Rather, the Holy Bible informs us that God's love is steadfast, and that He is faithful.  God cannot - will not - contradict His character - who He is.

The Holy Bible also tells us, "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to PREACH THE GOSPEL - not in wisdom of words, so that the cross of Christ wouldn't be made void.  For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God.  For it is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing',  Where is the wise?  Where is the scribe?  Where is the lawyer of this world?  Hasn't God made foolish the wisdom of this world?"  1 Corinthians 1:17-20

Recently I was disturbed in my spirit, while at church, when I heard, and read, the lyrics of a Bethel song telling of God's devotion to man.  My response was to get into the Holy Bible and see what it has to say in the matter.  I studied the meaning of the word 'devoted', and how it is used, and referenced in the Holy Bible.  All throughout the Old Testament the word devoted, in the English Standard Version of the Holy Bible, was interchangeable with the word 'accursed' in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.  I will use Joshua 7 as the primary example, yet (as always) I encourage the reader to do your own study of this matter,  Never take my word for anything!

"11 Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings. 12 Therefore the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction.1 I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you. 13 Get up! Consecrate the people and say, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow; for thus says the Lord, God of Israel, “There are devoted things in your midst, O Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the devoted things from among you.”  Joshua 7:11-12  English Standard Version

"11 Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. 12 Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. 13 Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the Lord God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you."  Joshua 7:11-12 King James Version

What would make the 'devoted' thing, the 'accursed' thing?  It was those implements that were devoted to idols and demons.  It is a trespass against God to set up anything in our heart above devotion to Him, because our heart is the altar we give over to the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Even the attempt to conceal these things, as a secret, that we want to have in our lives,  Things we consider riches.  Things devoted to demons, and idolatry.  Things that are an abomination to the Holy God of all Creation.  The God who knows every thought, and every notion of our heart.  This Word, in Joshua, instructs God's people to consecrate (sanctify) their selves!  To do so means to set apart (from the world), and make Holy.  Let us devote our all to our Heavenly Father.

It is an apostasy to ascribe to God devotion to us, over our devotion to Him!  God owes us no thing, including His devotion that we should be as gods to Him, on the altar of His heart.  We owe our devotion wholly to Him!  Yet, our Holy God is a good and merciful God.  He is love, and faithfulness.  Praise His Name!  To Him be all majesty, glory, honor, and power!  God is faithful.  His love is steadfast.  And, he will not despise the broken and contrite heart.  Oh, God, let our hearts be broken before you, that we may share in your rich mercies!  Be high and lifted up in our hearts!  May we find our devotion only to you, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords!  May we be devoted to the Apostle's teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42)  Let us be devoted to the service of the Saints. (1 Corinthians 16:15)  Let us be devoted to every good work. (1 Timothy 5:10)  And, finally, let us "...not be led by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them." (Hebrews 13:9)  Amen.

Jesus Christ is all our righteousness, and our faith in Him produces works in keeping with His Holy Spirit.  May God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost receive all honor, glory and praise.  Amen.

"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 1:8 King James Version

Let us be devoted to only Jesus Christ, and His Gospel of Peace.

Devoted, or Faithful; Reckless, or Planned?

During worship/singing last Sunday my Spirit was not at rest and the thought kept coming to me, "I need to pray".   So, I quit trying to sing, put my thoughts on Jesus, and began to pray.  Even that was difficult.    I noticed the song lyrics, and they sounded good enough, and then it happened.  A final line in the chorus of the song was "you are devoted to me", referrencing God's devotion to man.  I looked below the lyrics on the screen at the front of the church and it said 'Bethel Music'.  I was becoming sick to my stomach, and my heart burned within me.

Following the worship time in the service there was some testimony.  One lady's testimony was how God makes us 'great' - giants - in overcoming fear.  At the conclusion of testimony time the Pastor's wife held up the 'Jesus Calling' book before the congregation, sang it's praises, and encouraged everyone to get one and read it.  Then the congregation was asked to go around and greet one another before the start of the sermon, as they do every Sunday.  I told my husband that we needed to leave, and we departed post haste.  Following that Sunday my heart burned within me, until I wrote the Pastor a lengthy explanation, and my husband and I had a sit down talk with him the following Wednesday.  

In that letter I told the Pastor that it is opposite day in the church, and that the Holy Bible warns of 'doctrines of demons' deceiving many in the last days.  I have just been delivered of New Age, and Occult, praise Jesus Christ!  And, the Holy Spirit within me is wholly sensitive to these in the church, and is repulsed by them.  I told the Pastor that the phrase, in the Bethel song, stating God is devoted to us was opposite the truth, because we are to be devoted to God.  The Pastor challenged this idea, and I was not prepared for the challenge, so I have done some investigating in the Holy Bible to prove the Spirit within me - whether it be false, or true.  I also explained to the Pastor the concerns I have regarding 'Jesus Calling', which I am not going into here.  I only admonish the reader to investigate HOW that book came into being.

My study on devotion brought me to some scriptures that say we are to be wholly devoted to God, and that God is faithful - not only to us, but in His character.

(Our) Devotion:

"Let your heart therefore be perfect (devoted) with Yahweh our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day."  1 Kings:8:61

"This I say for your own profit; not that I may throw a snare on you, but for that which is appropriate, and that you may attend (be devoted) to the Lord without distraction."  1 Corinthians:7:35

(The word 'devoted' is found in the NIV version of the Holy Bible, and others.)

(God's) Faithfulness:

"God is faithful, through whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord."  1 Corinthians:1:9

"If we are faithless, he remains faithful -- he can't deny himself."  2 Timothy:2:13

These are just a few scriptures on how our heart should be toward God (devoted), and of His faithfulness to us.  If one is so inclined, a further study can be taken on.  I wholly promote the study of God's written Word!  There is nothing like finding out for one's self

Now I want to address the idea that God's love is reckless.  This is not Biblical.  Not. At. All.  Listen - just a smidge from the truth will eventually lead one miles away from the truth.  We cannot take these things lightly.  The Holy Bible calls what is false 'doctrines of demons'.  "But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,"  1 Timothy:4:1

Here is what the Bible does say about God's love for us, and about His orderliness - God's love is steadfast:

"[It is of] Yahweh's lovingkindnesses (steadfast love) that we are not consumed, because his compassion doesn't fail."  Lamentations:3:22

"Yahweh passed by before him, and proclaimed, "Yahweh! Yahweh, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness (steadfast love) and truth,"  Exodus:34:6

"Your lovingkindness (steadfast love), Yahweh, is in the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies."  Psalm:36:5

(The words, 'steadfast love', in parentheses are found in the King James version of the Bible.)

Here is what the Holy Bible says about God's (orderly) plan in His love for us:

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end."  Jeremiah:29:11

"For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."  Romans:8:29

"even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without blemish before him in love;"  Ephesians:1:4

So, we see that God is faithful, and steadfast, in His character and love for His chosen children.  We understand that, because of His love, we are to be wholly devoted to Him.  And, we understand that God knew us before the foundations of the earth were created, and has had an orderly plan for us all along.  Praise Him!

The scriptures the Pastor left my husband and I with were 1 Corinthians 8, and Romans 14.  These are chapters on how to treat one another of our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.  We are to be careful in not offending, or causing another in the Body of Christ to stumble.  These are scriptures, also, of liberty in Christ.  Our liberty is that of freedom from the body of sin!  Not to do as we please in following the old sin nature, as we once did.  Yet, if one's doctrine is not sound they have already stumbled, and need to be brought back to the truth, and repentance - if one would be willing to turn from these doctrines of demons.   It is biblical to hold one another to account, and to be held to account.  Here is just one scripture that encourages us in this practice (there are more): "Brothers, if any among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know, that he who converts a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins."  James:5:19-20

So much of what is leading the congregation astray from the truth is  the desire for comfort, at all costs.  The desire to be special, and as gods - Satan's offering in the Garden of Eden.  The Bible warns us that the desires of our heart will lead us astray, and that the heart of man is evil. Do not follow your heart!  Look it up in the Bible, and see if it supports these claims I am making.  Follow Jesus, and let Him transform your heart.  

Some words in the Holy Bible are difficult!  We must make friends with these.  They assist us towards repentance, without which there is no salvation.  God disciplines those who are His children - because of His faithfulness and steadfast love.  Praise Him!  He is a good, good, Father.  And, God is Holy.  He is faithful in His holiness.  He is faithful, and cannot betray Himself, or His character.  Please investigate if what I write here is true, according to the Holy Bible.  Take my word for nothing.  (I have been using the World English Version Bible, and cross reference with other versions. - mostly King James Version.)

The devil is clever.  He has been at the work of deception and destruction since the beginning of mankind.  Let us remain devoted to the God of all Creation, and His Word - both written, and Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  Let us, daily, put on the whole armor of God - which is Christ Jesus, and our faith in Him.  He is all our righteousness, and in Him - His love - the Law is fulfilled.  Our faith in Him, and His Word, will protect us from the lies of the evil one.  Amen.

Rebellion is as Witchcraft

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because you have rejected the word of Yahweh, he has also rejected you from being king.  1 Samuel:15:23.  Teraphim is shown in the picture associated with this post.

There was a time I was sitting in church, angry and accusing toward God, when the Preacher looked directly at me and said, "God doesn't need you!"  I was stung, and insulted, yet it was exactly what needed to be said to me.  "For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews:4:12.  Following the Divine rebuke, the Preacher went on to tell the congregation that God loves us, and that is why he sent us Jesus Christ - to heal the rift between God and man... the Gospel of Peace.

My rebellion toward God, and His Word, did lead me directly into Witchcraft.  The stubbornness of my heart to resist dying to myself so I could be made alive in Christ Jesus was idolatry - setting myself, my importance and my will, above God.  I was on the throne of my heart.

Man's first rebellion is found in the story of Genesis 2 and 3:
"Yahweh God commanded the man saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat of it you will surely die."  Now the serpent was more subtle than any animal of the field which Yahweh God had made. He said to the woman, "Yes, has God said, 'You shall not eat of any tree of the garden?'" The woman said to the serpent, "Of the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat, but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'" The serpent said to the woman, "You won't surely die, for God knows that in the day you eat it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be as God, knowing good and evil." When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit of it, and ate; and she gave some to her husband with her, and he ate. Both of their eyes were opened, and they knew that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. They heard the voice of Yahweh God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Yahweh God among the trees of the garden. Yahweh God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?" The man said, "I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself."  God said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?" The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate." Yahweh God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." Yahweh God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, cursed are you above all cattle, and above every animal of the field. On your belly shall you go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel." To the woman he said, "I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth. In pain you will bring forth children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." To Adam he said, "Because you have listened to your wife's voice, and have eaten of the tree, of which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it,' cursed is the ground for your sake. In toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Thorns also and thistles will it bring forth to you; and you will eat the herb of the field. By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
Genesis:2:16-17, and Genesis 3:1-19

That is the enemy, that serpent, Satan ... first casting doubt against God's Word, the accusation against God's Truth and Holiness. Then he appeals to the pride of man, that we can be as God by means of our great intelligence - 'knowledge'.  Yet, this promised knowledge is that of good... and evil!  Therein is contained the knowledge of both extremes of good and evil - heaven and hell.  If we choose to participate in this tree, rather than Jesus Christ - the Tree of Life - we WILL know death and hell, and then often blame God for being mean and bad.  We will become accusers as the father of all accusers - the devil.  Believing a lie - even such as recreating God's Word to make it more palatable - one will become a liar like their father, the devil.  We will become in the image of the one we choose to follow.

"Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves."
Matthew:7:13-15

Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart.  He loves you.  Will you let Him in?

Gospel Feet

I have been contemplating the 'whole armor of God'.  "For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints:

Ephesians:6:12-18

The Holy Bible instructs us to put on the armor of God, as soldiers would when they prepare for a battle.  The ones who follow Jesus Christ are soldiers of the Heavenly Kingdom.  Our enemies are principalities, powers, and world rulers of darkness of the age - spiritual hosts of wickedness in the Heavenly places.  Following the donning of the whole armor of God we are instructed to pray, pray, pray, at all times, in the Spirit.  We never hang up the phone with God.  In fact, when we invite Him in, Jesus lives within us to empower us in our walk with Him, on this earth.  We commune with Him, continually, making requests, and praying for 'the Saints' - our brothers and sisters in Christ.  God's own people.

Sometimes the Holy Spirit prays within us, on our behalf.  God knows our weaknesses, as His soldiers, and where we are weak, He is strong.  The Holy Bible tells us:  "In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don't know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can't be uttered. He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit's mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God. We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Whom he foreordained, them he also called. Whom he called, them he also justified. Whom he justified, them he also glorified. What then will we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who didn't spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things? Who could bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  Even as it is written, "For your sake we are killed all day long. We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter." No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans:8:26-39

First is mentioned the utility belt of Truth.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  It is Jesus that fulfils the function as our utility belt of Truth.  Wearing this truth around our waist protects us in our tender area of emotion.  When I am hurt I feel it in my gut.  Yet, if I abide in Jesus, and His truth, then I am knowing the truth and am not so affected by the lie.  My tender area is protected.  My gut feeling can be a response to the Truth that lives within me - Christ Jesus.  The belt of truth also keeps the other articles of clothing/armor in it's place - saving us from awkwardness and shame.  It helps hold everything together.  It is also the place where the sword (God's Word) is kept, ready for battle with the enemy!

Next is the Breastplate of Righteousness.  Jesus is all our righteousness as we live lives in surrender to Him.  Apart from Jesus, all my own righteousness is as filthy rags.  I am born in enmity to God, and if Jesus is not my righteousness then I die in enmity with God - no matter how many wonderful works I do.  I cannot stand up to a Holy God on my own.  Only Jesus causes me to stand.  Only Jesus is my righteousness.  Only His blood cleanses me from all my sin, and makes me white as snow.  There is power in the Blood of Jesus Christ.

Our footwear is the preparation of the Gospel of Peace - being ever made ready to spread the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, through whose sacrifice there is made peace between God and man.  The scripture does not say, "the footwear of the Gospel of Peace".  No.  It says "the PREPARATION of the Gospel of Peace".  Some translations of the Holy Bible use the word 'readiness' in the place of preparation.  We need to be ready to move on the Gospel of Peace, at any time - prepared!

The Gospel of Peace... what does this mean?  Here is an account of  what happened the night Christ Jesus was born: "There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough." Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, On earth peace, good will toward men. It happened, when the angels went away from them into the sky, that the shepherds said one to another, "Let's go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.""
Luke:2:8-15

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Himself, said, "Don't think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn't come to send peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34  What, then, is this peace on Earth, goodwill to men?   It is this: Jesus' gospel is that of bringing peace between God and man, whereas before Christ Jesus is made Lord of our life we are at enmity with God.  Here is what the Holy Bible says about the Gospel of Peace:

"But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation; namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having committed to us the word of reconciliation. We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us. We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
2 Corinthians:5:18-21

And, "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all; the testimony in its own times;"
1 Timothy:2:5-6

The truth is, Jesus warns us that if we are at peace with God, through Him, we will be at enmity with the world.  He even tells us that we will suffer, and the world will hate us, when we walk in obedience to the Heavenly Father, and according to His Will.  "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his lord.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do to you for my name's sake, because they don't know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates me, hates my Father also. If I hadn't done among them the works which none other did, they wouldn't have had sin. But now have they seen and also hated both me and my Father. But that the word may be fulfilled that is written in their law, 'They hated me without a cause.'"
John:15:18-25

Next it is mentioned that above all - of primary importance - is the shield of faith with which we are able to quench the fiery darts of the evil one.  Yes, the devil is always taking aim at us.  He is a  liar.  He is an accuser.  He is a hater, and a destroyer.  The shield of our faith in Christ Jesus renders those flaming attacks powerless.  Keep up that shield of faith, Christian!  Do not give the evil one a foothold, or an opportunity.

Then is mentioned the helmet of salvation.  Jesus Christ is our salvation, and keeping our focus on Him - replacing our thoughts with His thoughts - protects our mind from the lies and delusions of the evil one.  Here are a few scriptures on what our thought life ought to be:

"Don't be fashioned according to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
Romans:12:2

"Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things."
Philippians:4:8

Our weapon is the sword of the (Holy) Spirit, which is the Word of God. We do well to practice weilding the sword so we may become adept in it's use.  And, Jesus is also the Word!  "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him. Without him was not anything made that has been made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it. There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light. The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn't recognize him.  He came to his own, and those who were his own didn't receive him. But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God's children, to those who believe in his name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. John testified about him. He cried out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me.'" From his fullness we all received grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only conceived Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him."
John:1:1-18

The Holy Bible also indicates that a sword has two sides:  "For the Word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Hebrews:4:12

All the books in the world will not contain the power and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Bible as His letter to us.  There will be no warrior's success in replacements, or feeble replicas.  Only Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  Amen.  We cannot have peace with God in replicas, or if we do not accept the whole of His Word - even, and especially, those more difficult parts, and sayings.  There are so many 'enlightened' quotes by this person, and that, online.  The Word of God has become outdated for many who claim the title 'Christian'.  So much of it sounds 'right', and 'good'.  "There is a way which seems right to a man, But in the end it leads to death."  Proverbs:14:12.  We love the first 12 verses of 'The Sermon On The Mount' - not so much the remaining 2 1/2 chapters.  We often want the blessing, and not the reproof (rebuke).  Yet, we can never experience the blessing apart from it.  The Heavenly Father corrects the child He loves.  "and you have forgotten the exhortation which reasons with you as with sons, "My son, don't take lightly the chastening of the Lord, Nor faint when you are reproved by him; For whom the Lord loves, he chastens, And scourges every son whom he receives." It is for discipline that you endure. God deals with you as with sons, for what son is there whom his father doesn't discipline? But if you are without discipline, whereof all have been made partakers, then are you illegitimate, and not sons. Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? For they indeed, for a few days, punished us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been exercised thereby. Therefore, lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, that that which is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed."
Hebrews:12:5-13

So many of the church are asking for a sign - a healing - before making peace, through Christ Jesus, with our Heavenly Father first!  "Therefore, I tell you, don't be anxious for your life, what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will put on. Isn't life more than food, and the body more than clothing? See the birds of the sky, that they don't sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you of much more value than they? Which of you, by being anxious, can add one cubit to the measure of his life? Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin, yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, won't he much more clothe you, you of little faith? Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added to you. Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day's own evil is sufficient."
Matthew:6:25-34

Too, here is how Jesus responded when asked for a sign: "The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven. But he answered them, "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' In the morning, 'It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you can't discern the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah." He left them, and departed."
Matthew:16:1-4

And more about what Jesus said about sending a warning - a sign:. "Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury every day. A certain beggar, named Lazarus, was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores. It happened that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried. In Hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus at his bosom. He cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue! For I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in like manner, bad things. But now here he is comforted and you are in anguish. Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that those who want to pass from here to you are not able, and that none may cross over from there to us.' He said, 'I ask you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house; for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.' He said, 'No, father Abraham, but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, 'If they don't listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rises from the dead.'"
Luke:16:19-31

My heart is broken for those who call their self by Christ's Name.  Today they have seemed to find the Gospel of Peace with God insufficient.  Without it, however, they will not have on the full armor of God, and will live lives lacking in the power of God, and be wide open for the attacks of the enemy.  So, I pray, pray, pray.

Heavenly Father - I pray for those who call themselves by Your Holy Name.  Deliver us, each one, from doctrines of demons by a confrontation with You, and the Truth of You, as found in the Word you have left us, contained in the scriptures of the Holy Bible.  May we not deviate to the left, or to the right, of the testimony of the Holy scriptures, and the gospel contained therein - for all else is from the evil one, and comes with a curse.  Thank you for your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ - Yeshua, the Worthy Lamb of God, come in the flesh to take upon Himself the penalty of the sins of the whole world, so that we may be saved who believe in Him.  Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no one can come to You, Heavenly Father, except through Him.  In His Holy Name I pray that, by Your Holy Spirit, you will give each of us understanding to know that we are not saved by our works, but by faith in the finished work of the Cross by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Power of His Blood to cleanse us from all sin and unrighteousness - and that our salvation produces works in keeping with Your Will by our faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - He Who holds the keys to heaven and hell.  Heavenly Father, I pray that You deliver us from evil, as we daily seek to take up our Cross and follow in the steps of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Let us be found busy doing Your good work upon His return. Let our hearts be broken before you, Heavenly Father, for a broken and a contrite heart you will not despise.  Replace our thoughts with Your thoughts, and our hearts with Your heart, that we may be living lives in accord with Your Will - so that others may be saved, and You may be glorified in all the earth, and in the heavens.  Thank you, Holy Lord God, Almighty, for your goodness, and consideration, toward us shown to us by the glorious gift of your precious Son, Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.  In His Holy Name I pray, Amen.

Love, Repentance, and Judgement

The President of the United States says he has nothing to repent for.  There is no importance of repentance to him.  He really has no use for it.  I wonder if it is the same for those who believe he is 'God's man'.  Those who say his bad behaviors are a thing of the past, and he is forgiven by Jesus - even though he continues in deceptions, and lack of repentance.  Do those Patriots of Donald Trump, who claim to be Christians, believe they are exempt from the need to repent, as well?  Are they not understanding that religious Patriotism is idolatry?  Do they not care that the Holy Bible says our Kingdom is not of this world - those of us who profess to follow Christ Jesus?  Whatever the case may be, I am interested in what the Holy Bible has to say on repentance, the love of God, and judgement.

Repentance:
In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight." Matthew 3:1-3

The people who sat in darkness saw a great light, To those who sat in the region and shadow of death, To them did light spring up." From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, "Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." Matthew 4:16-17

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her children." Then he began to denounce the cities in which most of his mighty works were done, because they didn't repent. Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. You, Capernaum, who are exalted to Heaven, you will go down to Hades. For if the mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in you, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, in the day of judgment, than for you." Matthew 11:19-24

Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to him, "The first." Jesus says to them, "Most assuredly I tell you, that the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn't believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. When you saw it, you didn't even repent afterward, that you might believe him. Matthew:21:31-32

Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand! Repent, and believe in the gospel." Mark 1:14-15

Whoever will not receive you nor hear you, as you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony against them. Assuredly, I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!" They went out, and preached that people should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed many with oil who were sick, and healed them. Mark:6:11-13

Jesus answered them, "Do you think that these Galilaeans were worse sinners than all the other Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no, but, unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way. Or those eighteen, on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them; do you think that they were worse offenders than all the men who dwell in Jerusalem? I tell you, no, but, unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way." Luke:13:2-5

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what will we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself." With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation!" Acts 2:37-40

But the things which God announced by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send Christ Jesus, who was ordained for you before, whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from ancient times. Acts:3:18-21

You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn't right before God. Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. Acts:8:21-22

Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, or silver, or stone, engraved by art and device of man. The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all men everywhere should repent, because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained; whereof he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead." Acts 17:29-31

...but declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance. Acts:26:20

But I have this against you, that you left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you, and will move your lampstand out of its place, unless you repent.: Revelation 2:4-5

But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans in the same way. Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he who receives it. Revelation:2:14-17

But I have this against you, that you tolerate your woman, Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and seduces my servants to commit sexual immorality, and to eat things sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. Behold, I will throw her into a bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great oppression, unless they repent of her works. Revelation:2:20-22

Remember therefore how you have received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If therefore you won't watch, I will come as a thief, and you won't know what hour I will come on you. Revelation:3:3

As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent. Revelation:3:19

The rest of mankind, who were not killed with these plagues, didn't repent of the works of their hands, that they wouldn't worship demons, and the idols of gold, and of silver, and of brass, and of stone, and of wood; which can neither see, nor hear, nor walk.They didn't repent of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their sexual immorality, nor of their thefts. Revelation:9:20-21

The fourth poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was given to him to scorch men with fire. Men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues. They didn't repent and give him glory. Revelation:16:8-9

The fifth poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was darkened. They gnawed their tongues because of the pain, and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores. They didn't repent of their works. Revelation:16:10-11

God is love, yet will the love of God save all?
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn't believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only born Son of God. This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, for fear that his works would be reproved. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done with God.". They came to John, and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, the same baptizes, and all men come to him." John answered, "A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given him from heaven. You yourselves testify about me, that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before him.' He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. This, my joy, therefore is made full. He must increase, but I must decrease. He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the Earth belongs to the Earth, and speaks of the Earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. What he has seen and heard, of that he testifies; and no one receives his witness. He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true. For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand.  He who believes in the Son has eternal life, but he who disobeys the Son won't see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."
John:3:16-36

Judgement:
But there also arose false prophets among the people, as among you also there will be false teachers, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction. Many will follow their destructive ways, and as a result, the way of the truth will be maligned. In covetousness will they exploit you with deceptive words: whose sentence now from of old doesn't linger, and their destruction will not slumber. For if God didn't spare angels when they sinned, but cast them down to Tartarus, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved to judgment; and didn't spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought a flood on the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly; and delivered righteous Lot, very distressed by the lustful life of the wicked (for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, tormented his righteous soul from day to day with lawless deeds): the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment to the day of judgment; but chiefly those who walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries;
whereas angels, though greater in might and power, don't bring a railing judgment against them before the Lord. But these, as creatures without reason, born mere animals to be taken and destroyed, speaking evil in matters about which they are ignorant, will in their destroying surely be destroyed, receiving the wages of unrighteousness; people who count it pleasure to revel in the day-time, spots and blemishes, reveling in their deceit while they feast with you; having eyes full of adultery, and who can't cease from sin; enticing unsettled souls; having a heart trained in greed; children of cursing; forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of wrong-doing; but he was rebuked for his own disobedience. A mute donkey spoke with man's voice and stopped the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds driven by a storm; for whom the blackness of darkness has been reserved forever. For, uttering great swelling words of emptiness, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by licentiousness, those who are indeed escaping from those who live in error; promising them liberty, while they themselves are bondservants of corruption; for by whom a man is overcome, by the same is he also brought into bondage. For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state has become worse with them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, "The dog turns to his own vomit again," and "the sow that had washed to wallowing in the mire."
2 Peter 2

Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.  Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.  God's Word will not return void.  Amen.

Strayed Sheep

I was reading 2 Kings 17 this morning, and it sounded so familiar - just like so many 'Christians' of today.  We have become nearly resembling the world - in appearance, and spirituality.

2 Kings 17:7-41:
"7It was so, because the children of Israel had sinned against Yahweh their God, who brought them up out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods, 8and walked in the statutes of the nations, whom Yahweh cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they made. 9The children of Israel did secretly things that were not right against Yahweh their God: and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fortified city;10and they set them up pillars and Asherim on every high hill, and under every green tree; 11and there they burnt incense in all the high places, as did the nations whom Yahweh carried away before them; and they worked wicked things to provoke Yahweh to anger; 12and they served idols, of which Yahweh had said to them, "You shall not do this thing." 13Yet Yahweh testified to Israel, and to Judah, by every prophet, and every seer, saying, "Turn from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets."14Notwithstanding, they would not listen, but hardened their neck, like the neck of their fathers, who didn't believe in Yahweh their God.15They rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified to them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and [went] after the nations that were around them, concerning whom Yahweh had commanded them that they should not do like them. 16They forsook all the commandments of Yahweh their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made an Asherah, and worshiped all the army of the sky, and served Baal. 17They caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke him to anger. 18Therefore Yahweh was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only.19Also Judah didn't keep the commandments of Yahweh their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made. 20Yahweh rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight.21For he tore Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drove Israel from following Yahweh, and made them sin a great sin. 22The children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they didn't depart from them; 23until Yahweh removed Israel out of his sight, as he spoke by all his servants the prophets. So Israel was carried away out of their own land to Assyria to this day.24The king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Avva, and from Hamath and Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel; and they possessed Samaria, and lived in the cities of it. 25So it was, at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they didn't fear Yahweh: therefore Yahweh sent lions among them, which killed some of them. 26Therefore they spoke to the king of Assyria, saying, "The nations which you have carried away, and placed in the cities of Samaria, don't know the law of the god of the land. Therefore he has sent lions among them, and behold, they kill them, because they don't know the law of the god of the land."27Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, "Carry there one of the priests whom you brought from there; and let them go and dwell there, and let him teach them the law of the god of the land." 28So one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and lived in Bethel, and taught them how they should fear Yahweh.29However every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities in which they lived. 30The men of Babylon made Succoth Benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,31and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burnt their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim. 32So they feared Yahweh, and made to them from among themselves priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places. 33They feared Yahweh, and served their own gods, after the ways of the nations from among whom they had been carried away. 34To this day they do what they did before: they don't fear Yahweh, neither do they follow their statutes, or their ordinances, or the law or the commandment which Yahweh commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel;35with whom Yahweh had made a covenant, and commanded them, saying, "You shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them; 36but you shall fear Yahweh, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and with an outstretched arm, and you shall bow yourselves to him, and you shall sacrifice to him. 37The statutes and the ordinances, and the law and the commandment, which he wrote for you, you shall observe to do forevermore. You shall not fear other gods. 38You shall not forget the covenant that I have made with you; neither shall you fear other gods. 39But you shall fear Yahweh your God; and he will deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies." 40However they did not listen, but they did what they did before. 41So these nations feared Yahweh, and served their engraved images. Their children likewise, and their children's children, as their fathers did, so they do to this day."

God's children feared Him, and worshipped other gods... just like today.  Occult and New Age has infiltrated the church.  The Holy Bible is no longer enough revelation from God. Many have found God - the Lord Jesus Christ - insufficient.  Disturbingly, and nearly overwhelmingly, the Christian community has accepted sensational additions to the Holy Bible (such as 'Jesus Calling' - channeled, by demons, to Sarah Young when she was dissatisfied with the Holy Bible - or the writing of the 'Mirror Bible', which writes hell and judgement out of the Holy Bible).  Too many revel in prophecies declaring God is doing a 'new thing'.  These are referred to, in the Holy Bible, as 'doctrines of demons'.  I, myself, have been so easily led astray.  At the point where God, and His Word, were just not enough for me.  I questioned the sufficiency of these, to the point where I was led astray by my own desires, and even held accusations against God.  Satan is the accuser.  I was in rebellion, and remember the time when I was called by God to die to self, so I could be alive in Him, and I refused to.  So, philosophies acceptable to me became a doctrine of demons, and I was in darkness.  I had to repent and turn from these.  Now they are like vomit to me.  James 1:13-18 says, "13 Let no man say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God can’t be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, produces death. 16 Don’t be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow. 18 Of his own will he gave birth to us by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures."

I do not rebuke those of the world.  Nor do I rebuke for things I have not been rebuked for, and turned from.  The scriptures tell believers in Christ Jesus, in 1 Corinthians 5:9-13, "9 I wrote to you in my letter to have no company with sexual sinners; 10 yet not at all meaning with the sexual sinners of this world, or with the covetous and extortionists, or with idolaters; for then you would have to leave the world. 11 But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortionist. Don’t even eat with such a person. 12 For what have I to do with also judging those who are outside? Don’t you judge those who are within? 13 But those who are outside, God judges. “Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.”  That's right.  We are to judge and correct our own.  The verses that tell us to judge not, lest we be judged, are a confrontation to hypocrisy in judgement.

Isaiah 53 tells us of God's generous and sufficient provision promised in Christ Jesus:
"1 Who has believed our message? and to whom has the arm of Yahweh been revealed? 2For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he has no form nor comeliness; and when we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He was despised, and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and as one from whom men hide their face he was despised; and we didn't respect him. 4 Surely he has borne our infirmities, and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, struck of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was on him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and Yahweh has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he didn't open his mouth; as a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is mute, so he didn't open his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who [among them] considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living for the disobedience of my people to whom the stroke [was due]? 9They made his grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in his death; although he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it pleased Yahweh to bruise him; he has put him to grief: when you shall make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of Yahweh shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by the knowledge of himself shall my righteous servant justify many; and he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul to death, and was numbered with the transgressors: yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."

Yes, we all are sheep, so prone to go astray.  This is why we are instructed, in the Holy Bible, to put on the Helmet of Salvation (protecting our mind, by having the Mind of Christ), and the Breastplate of Righteousness (protecting our heart by the righteousness of Christ).  We fight, and protect ourselves, with the Sword (the Word), and the Shield of Faith.  We walk in obedience to carry the Gospel of Peace (between man and God, provided in Christ Jesus) by putting on the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace.  We wear the Belt of Truth (Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life), to keep our pants up - keeping us from shame.

As the Holy Bible says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints:”  Ephesians:6:10-18

The Holy Bible is enough.  God, the Father, and Christ Jesus, the worthy Lamb of God – and the promised Holy Spirit, is enough.  His provision and Truth is enough.  All else is a doctrine of demons.  Amen.

Heavenly Minded

I remember when a clever saying began to circulate Christian circles.  "Do not be so Heavenly minded that you are no earthly good".  That is a lie straight from the evil one.  Colossians 3:1-3 tells us, "If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

The Holy Bible also tells us, "You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, what will it be salted with? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.
Matthew:5:13

Be Heavenly minded, Christian!  Keep in the Word - the Holy Bible.  Do not add to it, or take away from it - or participate in any word that does.  Be wise as a serpent, and as harmless as a dove. (Matthew 10:16)

Philippians 3

"Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh; 4 though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.

7 However, I consider those things that were gain to me as a loss for Christ. 8 Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death; 11 if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

13 Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the extent that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule. Let us be of the same mind. 17 Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example. 18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who think about earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself."

Doctrines of Demons

Do you know Occult Symbology? I do. I studied it for some years, engaging in some Occult practices, of my own design. I was in darkness.

Are you familiar with Bethel Church logo? And their "HEAVEN Comes" logo?

The deer (Stag) is a sacred animal throughout a plethora of cultures and witchcraft. To the Buddhists they are a symbol of harmony and longevity, the shedding of antlers akin to rebirth. They even had a stag- like deity, Cernunnos, who was the Lord of Animals and God of the Hunt.

The Bethel 'HEAVEN' logo is rife with Occult symbology and Runes.  The 'H', and the 'N', are the Norse Rune 'Hagalaz'.  Here is some of the Rune meaning:
“Hagalaz means 'hail', and signals a major shift of energies. Hagalaz is the rune of objective confrontation with past patterns. Hail shocks you with stinging hardness (confrontation) then it melts into water which creates germination of seeds (transformation). The ancients describe hail as a grain rather than as ice, thus creating a metaphor for a deeper truth of life. It contains the seed of all the other runic energies and this can be seen in its other form, a six-fold snowflake. Spiritual awakening often comes from times of crisis...  Hagalaz can be used as a force of repulsion or banishment…  Hagalaz can be used as a curse against others. It is a clean curse, as the recipient is only experiencing the ill effects of their own accountability. It is a dark, feminine power and can been associated with witchcraft and destructive female magic.”

The Holy Bible says: "But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any gospel other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed."
Galatians:1:8

The 'A', and the 'V', in the 'HEAVEN Comes' logo are the Occult symbols for masculine/fire energy, and female/earth energy, respectively.  The three parallel lines are most similar to the Trigrams of the I Ching, representing the HEAVEN force (top line), HUMAN force (middle line) and EARTH force.  The hands are from the Michelangelo painting 'Creation of Adam'.  I believe it is meant to signify 'As above, So below' - an aphorism associated with Sacred Geometry, Hermeticism, and the Tarot.  This is in line with Bethel's teaching on "Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven".  It is a clear distortion of the written Holy Word of God.  Below is a link that goes into depth on the Satanic/Pagan symbology of the Stag.

"Let no man deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience. Don't be therefore partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth, proving what is well-pleasing to the Lord. Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them. For the things which are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of. But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that is revealed is light. Therefore he says, "Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise;"
Ephesians:5:6-15

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."
Matthew:10:16

"But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;"
1 Timothy:4:1-2

Please take the time to read the article in the link below.  You may have to copy and paste the link in your browser.  Know that God will NEVER replicate and emulate the practices of demons.  Ever.

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was, and is, and is to come.  To Him is the glory, honor, and power, forever and ever.  In the Name of our Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

https://hiddeninthecrag.com/2017/10/29/deer-cernunnos/amp/