Was Joseph Smith a Prophet of God?

 

Was Joseph Smith a Prophet of God?

 

(2 Peter 2:1) But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.

 

God’s Word warns us that there will be many false prophets and false teachers who will secretly bring in destructive heresies. They will exploit many with deceptive words. For this reason, Christians need to test the spirit by the Word of God. Any so-called prophet or teacher who teaches doctrine contrary to the Holy Bible is not of God.

 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as the Mormons, is a non-Christian cult that teaches heretical beliefs. The LDS church teaches that the Holy Bible is inaccurate as well as incomplete, and the Book of Mormon teaches sound doctrine. Joseph Smith Jr. (December 23, 1805 – June 27, 1844) is the founder of the LDS church and is worshipped as their prophet. Smith was born in Sharon, Vermont. By 1817, he had moved with his family to western New York, an area of intense religious revivalism during the Second Great Awakening. According to Smith, he experienced a series of visions, including one in which he saw "two personages" (presumably God the Father and Jesus Christ) and others in which an angel directed him to a buried book of golden plates inscribed with a history of an ancient American civilization. In 1830, Smith published what he said was an English translation of these plates, the Book of Mormon. The same year he organized the Church of Christ, calling it a restoration of the early Christian church. Members of the church were later called "Latter Day Saints,” or "Mormons,” and in 1838 Smith announced a revelation that renamed the church as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

 

The LDS church teaches that God the Father was once a man like us. They claim the Father lived on a planet on the other side of the sun. According to Mormon beliefs, the Father and his many wives procreated spirit babies (angels). One third of his spirit children followed his son Jesus, one third Lucifer, and one third were undecided who to follow. The one third of the angels, who were undecided, was sent to earth as humans, to learn about good and evil. They claim that Mormons will all become gods in the afterlife. If a Mormon man is pleased with his wife, or wives, then he has the option of calling her to heaven. A married woman is not allowed to enter the celestial kingdom without the permission of her husband.

 

They claim that all humans will enter one, of three levels of heaven upon death. The high heaven is the celestial kingdom, inhabited by many gods. Hell is reserved for sons of perdition, people who departed from the LDS church. If you enter the celestial kingdom, you will become a god, equal to the Father and Christ. You will then have the power of creation, and will have many spirit children, with your many wives. You will then create your own planet, and send your children there if you wish. Mormonism teaches that the Garden of Eden was in Jackson county Missouri, and originally taught that Christ will rule the kingdom of Zion from there. However, the LDS church has moved Christ’s capital to Salt Lake City Utah, but the RLDS church, and it’s offspring, still claim that it will be Missouri. God’s Word teaches that, Christ will rule his kingdom from Mount Zion, in Jerusalem. Genesis mentions the river Euphrates watering the Garden of Eden. The Euphrates River flows through Syria, Iraq, and Kuwait, not Missouri.

 

The Holy Bible teaches that the Father is an Omni-present Spirit, and He was never human. Jesus Christ is the bodily form of God and walked the earth in human form. There is only one God, who is not bound to locality, and He manifests himself three ways, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Man is the creation of God, and it is the lie of Satan to claim that humans can become gods. The serpent lied to Eve in the Garden of Eden and said to her, “Eat of this fruit and you will be like God, having the knowledge of good and evil.” The same lie of the serpent is taught by the Mormon Church and her offspring. The Mormons also claim that Jesus and Lucifer are brothers. God’s Word teaches that Jesus Christ is the creator of all things visible and invisible. Christ was never an angel, but is the creator of the angels. Jesus Christ is the creator of Lucifer, not his brother as the Mormons claim. The scriptures listed, reveal what God’s Word teaches about Christ, in regard to angels.

 

(Hebrews 1:1) God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,
² has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
³ who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
⁴ having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
⁵ For to which of the angels did He ever say: "You are My Son, Today I have begotten You"?
And again: "I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son"?
⁶ But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: "Let all the angels of God worship Him."
⁷ And of the angels He says: "Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire."
⁸ But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom.
⁹ You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions."

 

(Colossians 1:13) He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

 

Here is the history of the false prophet Joseph Smith. Smith became interested in religion by the age of twelve. As a teenager, he became interested in Methodism. Smith, as well as other family members, engaged in religious folk magic, which was a relatively common practice in that time and area. Both his parents and his maternal grandfather reportedly had visions or dreams that they believed communicated messages from God. In 1820, while praying in a wooded area near his home, he said that God, in a vision, had told him his sins were forgiven and that all churches had "turned aside from the gospel."

 

During a time of financial hardship, Smith’s family members supplemented their meager farm income by hiring out for odd jobs and working as treasure seekers, a type of magical occultism common during the period. Smith was said to have an ability to locate lost items by looking into a seer stone, which he also used in treasure hunting.  In 1826, Smith was brought before a Chenango County court for "glass-looking" or pretending to find lost treasure. Magic, necromancy, and soothsaying are occultist practices condemned by the Bible as being demonic. The LDS church was founded by a false prophet who used magical occultism, as well as lies, to deceive his victims.

 

 

Smith claimed that he was visited by an angel named Moroni, while praying one night in 1823.  Smith claimed the angel Moroni was the spirit of a deceased American Indian. Smith said that this angel revealed the location of a buried book made of golden plates, as well as other artifacts, including a breastplate and two seer stones set in a frame (urim and thummim), which had been hidden in a hill near his home. He said the angel commanded him not to show the plates to anyone else, but to translate them and publish their translation. Smith said the translation was a religious record of indigenous Americans, and were engraved in an unknown language, called reformed Egyptian. Smith claimed that he was capable of reading and translating the plates through the seer stones.

 

Martin Harris was Smith’s scribe. Harris convinced Smith to let him take the existing 116 pages of manuscript to show a few family members, including his wife. Harris lost the manuscript, of which there was no other copy. As punishment for losing the manuscript, Smith said that the angel returned and took away the plates, and revoked his ability to translate. During this period, Smith briefly attended Methodist meetings with his wife, until a cousin of hers objected to a "practicing necromancer" on the Methodist church roll. Later, the angel returned the plates to Smith. A group of Eight Witnesses composed of male members of the Whitmer and Smith families issued a statement that they had been shown the golden plates by Smith. According to Smith, the angel Moroni took the plates back to heaven once Smith finished using them. This was obviously a lie concocted by Smith and the eight men.

 

Smith owned several mummies from Egypt. He claimed that one of his mummies was Abraham. He claimed to have translated the symbols on the wrapping cloth of the mummy. Smith wrote the book of Abraham from the translated symbols. In modern times, the LDS Church had an Egyptologist translate the writings on the mummies wrapping cloth. The translation revealed that the mummy was an Egyptian girl, not the Patriarch Abraham. Yet the Mormon Church has not revoked the Book of Abraham. Abraham, as well as his descendants the Hebrews, did not practice mummification. My final response, to the ridiculous theology of Joseph Smith Jr. are the listed scriptures.

 

(1 John 4:1) Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

 

(Matt 24:24)For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

 

The Sin of Racial Prejudice

 

The Sin of Racial Prejudice

 

The Lord gave me several dreams that I need speak out against the sin of racial prejudice. I am a white man who grew up in the south, as well as the mid-west, and I have witnessed the ugliness of racial hatred. I remember a song that I sang in Sunday school many years ago, “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, red, and yellow black and white, they are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.” This song reflects God’s love for His children of all races. We are all God’s creation and we should love one another, regardless of race, culture, dress, or economic status. If you hate your fellow man, then how can you love God? If love is not perfected in your heart, then you don’t know God. If the love of God is in your heart, then you truly are born again, and are both salt and light. If God’s Holy Spirit dwells within you then His attributes should shine forth from you. Hate is the highway to hell, but unconditional love for your fellow man, will provide entrance to God’s eternal kingdom.

 

This nation has a very dark past. America is called the land of liberty, but slavery existed in the south until 1865. African people were forcefully removed from their homelands, and were sold like livestock, to rich plantation owners. Husbands, wives, as well as children, were separated from each other, and sold, to become beasts of burden. The Lord raised up Abraham Lincoln to free the slaves. Although it took a bloody civil war to accomplish this, finally the oppressed people were set free. Unfortunately, President Lincoln was assassinated, but his legacy lives on. However, the oppression of African Americans continued. Black Americans were denied basic civil liberties. African Americans were forced to sit at the back of the bus, to use separate bathrooms, drinking fountains, swimming pools, as well as restaurants. This segregation of a race of Americans was immoral, shameful, as well as unconstitutional. The Lord raised up a minister named Martin Luther King JR, to speak out against this oppression. Although this man of God was assassinated like President Lincoln, his words of freedom cannot be silenced. The Lord has instructed me to remind everyone of these facts.

 

The Lord gave me a dream about this. I dreamed that God was an African American person made to sit at the back of a bus. A black female angel also on the bus was conveying a message from the Lord about how unjust this was. I understood that to segregate a person based upon their race, was to segregate God. If you oppress God’s children, you have oppressed God. In another dream, I was witnessing the civil war. The Lord said, “I hate slavery, the south was in rebellion against me.” I understood that the blood of the oppressed, cries out to the Lord God maker of heaven and earth.

 

The Native American peoples have also been severely oppressed by the so-called civilized. Many tribes of aboriginal peoples of this land were lied to, and moved from reservation to reservation. Many tribes were slaughtered. Men, women, and children, were viciously killed like animals. At the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota, American troops made promises to the Sioux people. They were told to turn over their rifles to the troops in exchange for provisions. As soon as the Sioux men turned over their rifles to the troops, the soldiers opened fire and murdered these defenseless men. Many Cherokee died on the trail of tears from forced relocation, which resulted in starvation and sickness. The Native American people did not see the love of true Christianity, rather the oppression of Satan, from the self-righteous. However, there were many Christian missionaries who showed the love of Christ to the Native American peoples. Some missionaries gave their lives for the people whom they ministered to.

 

During world war two, Japanese Americans were put into concentration camps.  Most of these Americans were patriotic citizens. Many Japanese Americans were hid under the streets of Baker City Oregon and elsewhere. This is another example of the sin of racial prejudice. All over the world, people are persecuted because of their race or ethnic group. As Christians, we should speak out against all forms of hatred.

 

(1 Cor 13:1) Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Dreams and Words Concerning the Power of the Tongue

 

Dreams and Words Concerning the Power of the Tongue

(Ephesians 5:3) But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

I recently dreamed that I was visiting a church that claimed to be Spirit-filled. There were young people with weird hairdos and tattoos all over them. They were talking about watching movies like Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, etc. I overheard some of them telling dirty jokes, swearing, using profanity, as well as God’s name in vain. They were also talking about playing video games based on magic, wizards, and witches. Their Pastor had just finished preaching a message on grace without repentance. He was telling them to come as you are, and accept Christ, and you will receive grace. He was afraid of offending his flock. He refused to preach on repentance or holiness. He was shaking the hands of these young people and saying God bless you. The angel of the Lord was standing next to me and he said, “Did you hear them? The sinful culture is well ingrained within them, unless they truly repent, they are going to hell.” The angel then instructed me to confront the Pastor about his perverted grace message.

 I have heard many Christians swear, tell dirty jokes, as well as talk about the sinful movies that they watch. They would tell me that they were saved, and believed in grace. According to (Eph. 5:3-5), no unclean person has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Filthiness, foolish talking, and coarse jesting, will send you to hell, unless you repent and turn from it. Faith without works is dead. (James 2:26) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. The Lord said that those who endure unto the end shall be saved. A lukewarm church will be vomited out. (Rev 3: 15) I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. If you believe that God gives you grace to live like the sinful world, I encourage you to study Revelation chapters two and three. If that does not convince you, then I can list dozens of other passages that may. To be born again is to become a new creation in Christ, for without holiness no man shall see the Father.

The Lord also gave me this dream about those who claim to know Christ, but swear like a sailor. I dreamed that I was standing in an office-building lobby, and there were around a dozen elevators that led to Heaven, but only two were in use. There was a man standing there that was using God’s name in vain, as well as, cussing like a sailor. He walked away, and then was replaced by a lady, who represented the modern church. I said to the lady, “If this guy does not repent of his swearing he will go to hell.” She said, “This man is saved, and his salvation is secure, but his swearing may cut him off from the Holy Spirit.” I told the lady, that the grace message that is being taught by most churches, is way out of bounds, and does not line up with the Word of God. I also told her, that holiness preaching has been replaced, by a lukewarm message. As I walked away from her, she exclaimed in a loud voice, “Thank you Lord for your grace!” and she repeated herself several times.

I then was walking through the lobby in a large crowd of people, the people were following evangelist Billy Graham, who has recently passed away. Billy Graham has preached the eternal security doctrine for many decades. The large crowd of people refused to take the two elevators that led to Heaven, and were content to follow this evangelist to Hell. Although there were twelve elevators, the two that were functional, were symbolic of the few churches left that preach holiness. There is grace for those who repent of their sins, as well as turn from them, but grace is not automatic. The Lord has given me many dreams, as well as visions, concerning how serious sin is in the life of the Christian. The Lord shows me people wearing clothes covered with spots and wrinkles, as well as their skin covered in layers of dirt. The Lord then tells me to instruct people to take a spiritual shower and get their lives in order. Without holiness, no man will see the Father.  

(James 3:1-12) My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.  2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.  3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.  4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.  5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!  6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.  7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.  8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.  10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.  11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?  12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

The tongue of man is capable of great evil, as well as of great kindness. (James 3:2) states that we all stumble in many things, and if anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. At times, I can be outspoken and I often remind myself of this teaching of James. The control of the tongue is a very difficult thing to be mastered. James compares the small tongue who boasts of great things, with bits put into horse’s mouths, as well as a rudder on ships, in order to show how the tongue steers the direction of the body. It is very true, that relationships are both formed, as well as, destroyed by our words. As ambassadors for Christ in this fallen world, it is important for us to reflect his light to others. You may be the only lifeline to Heaven that someone has in their life, and your words may lead them to Christ.

 James also compares the tongue to a little fire capable of starting a forest fire, as well as an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. I have met many people that consider Christians to be offensive, because of words they spoke, that reflected vanity, arrogance, or cynicism. I have also known people who claimed to know Christ, but used all forms of swearing, as well as profanity, and that will most certainly push people away from Christ.

The words that we speak, will also reflect the level of faith that is in our lives. The old saying that misery loves company is very true. I have known people that are continually pessimistic, and their words reflect the fear that consumes them. God’s Word says that perfect love will cast out all fear. Even when we feel faithless, we need to speak words of faith, as well as stand upon the promises that are in God’s Word. Regardless of how we feel, or what we are going through, God’s promises for us will remain true. When we are under spiritual attack, we need to quote scripture with faith, because God’s Word is the sword of the Spirit. I have entered homes after family members have quarreled, and you can feel a tense atmosphere within the home. An evil tongue that attacks others, is an open door to demonic spirits. I have also entered homes with anointed praise and worship music playing, and you can feel the presence of the Lord, for the Lord inhabits the praises of his people. If a person needs a breakthrough from the Lord, or is in need of healing, speak words of faith, combined with scripture. Don’t  claim your illness or distress, because words produced from fear are the opposite of faith. Fear will empower the enemy in your life, but faith will move the hand of God.                  

Dream of the Coming Plague

 

Dream of the Coming Plague

I recently dreamed that an air-borne plague was killing people in cities throughout America. I was ministering to a large group of people in a church. They were repenting of their sins, as well as seeking God in heartfelt prayer. A young woman told me that her twin brother recently died from the plague and she was now alone. She said, “My brother was taken and I was left.” I talked to many people who had similar stories about losing a loved one. Everyone exclaimed, “They were taken and I was left.” The people were all afraid that they would eventually die as their loved ones did.

I was preaching to them concerning salvation, holiness, as well as forgiving others their trespasses. I felt tremendous compassion for the people and I was weeping for them. I told a group of people that I would lead them to a safe location. I was then driving the group into the wilderness. The people were very afraid and I was bringing them comfort through the scriptures. The clouds were very dark and heavy rain was falling. I turned on the radio and a newscaster said that stormy weather was in the forecast. The newscaster then began to do an update on the deaths that resulted from the plague. He told the numbers of deaths that occurred per city, throughout America. I quoted Revelation chapter twelve to the group.

 Rev 12 states that God will protect many of his overcomers in remote wilderness locations during the tribulation. Those who hear God’s voice will relocate to remote sanctuaries, prepared for the elect. Those who are waiting for a rapture to take them out will most likely die during the tribulation.  God did not rapture Noah out of the earth, nor did he build the ark for him. Noah obeyed God’s instruction and spent 120 years building the ark. Because of Noah’s obedience, we are here today.

The scriptural reference for the dream is (Luke 17:32-37). Within the dream, everyone had lost someone due to the plague. They all exclaimed, “They were taken and I was left.” Christ admonishes us to remember Lot’s wife. Lot’s wife disobeyed God and looked back when God destroyed Sodom.  The result was that she was turned into a pillar of salt. She was taken in death, but righteous Lot was left. We too, must obey God and not look back to the world of sin, lest we be consumed.

Christ also said that in that night there will be two men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left. Two women will grinding together and one will be taken and the other left.  Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left. His disciples asked him, “Where, Lord?" So He said to them, "Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together."  Many people believe that this passage is a reference to the rapture, however the opposite is true. Christ was saying, the vultures would consume the bodies of those taken in death. The tares shall be gathered together and thrown into the fire. This will be their destruction, and those left behind will inherit the earth. (Matt24:27-31) Christ said, immediately after the tribulation of those days, he would return and send out his angels to gather the elect. The dead shall be raised, and the living shall be transformed ,at the last trump, on the last day. The words of Christ are true and the doctrines of man are a lie. Christ will return after the Great Tribulation. Let no man deceive you with ear tickling words, which may result in your death!

(Luke 17:32) Remember Lot's wife. 33 Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left. 35 Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. 36 Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left." 37 And they answered and said to Him, "Where, Lord?" So He said to them, "Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together." 

(Matt 24:27) For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. 29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moo n will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

(Rev 18:8) Therefore her plagues will come in one day--death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her. 9 "The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, 10 standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.'

(Matt 24:7) For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

The Fear of the Lord

The Fear of the Lord

( Job 28:28)  And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’”

(Psalms 111:10)  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

(Proverbs 1:7 ) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

The fear of the Lord is not evident in the lives of many Christians now days. The Hebrew word for fear in these passages is defined as "Awe" or "Respect". There doesn't seem to be any reverence for God ,or his house, anymore. In the past, many churches taught their people to repent of their sins and to allow the Holy Spirit to do his sanctifying work, but this sound doctrine has been replaced by the lukewarm grace message. There is grace for those who repent of their sins and are truly born again, but this truth has been distorted by the man pleasers. Many churches are more interested in making people happy in order to receive large tithes than to teach them what God's Word really says in regard to salvation, as well as sanctification (Being set apart from the world).

 (2 Timothy 4:2)  Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

 (2 Cor 6:17 ) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

Many people believe that there is automatic grace for all of their present and future sins, however, God's Word is clear that we are not to continue in sin once we come to Christ. (Romans 6:1) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

 Paul was speaking of habitual sins, known also as bondages. No man is without sin in this fallen world, but we are called to put away the old nature and to be born again by God's Spirit. We are to be set apart from the sinful crowd, this does not indicate perfection, However,  we are called to righteousness (right living). We are not to continue drinking in excess, drugging, partying, cussing, smoking, lying ,or committing fornication, these are examples of habitual sins and there are many. We are to allow God's Spirit to set us apart (sanctify us), this is a process that is lifelong. (1 Peter 1:14 ) as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,  16 because it is written,“Be holy, for I am holy.”

Those who believe that our works don't matter are denying God's Word. Christ gave messages to the seven churches in the book of Revelation, he told them repeatedly to repent, because he knew their works! Also consider what James says, (James 2:14 ) What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

As you can see, our works do matter and that will be evident on judgment day, for EVERY man shall be judged according to his works. (Rev 20:12) And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13  The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. God's word is clear that faith without works is dead. The Apostle Paul said that we are saved by faith, not by works lest any man should boast. If  Paul meant that we are saved by faith alone, then his doctrine would be at odds with the teachings of Christ, John, Peter, as well as James, but that is not what he was saying. Paul was telling the Jews that the works of the Law of Moses could not save them, it took the atonement of Jesus Christ upon the cross to provide salvation. And Christ said that we must repent of our sins and be born again to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

 

I am also very disturbed by the lack of respect shown in God's house. When we come before the Lord to worship him and to receive teaching from his Word, we need to show respect for the Lord. Christians should dress modestly, as unto the Lord, and not to attract attention from the opposite sex. I also believe that we should be physically clean and wear our best clothes out of respect. This does not mean that we must be flashy in our appearance, but to wear whatever our best attire may be. Church should not be a fashion show either, we are not in a competition, we are there to worship the Lord.

Also, if a poor man is made to sit in the back because of his appearance, then we are showing prejudice and sin.  If a tee shirt, or jeans ,is your only clothing ,then come as you are. However, there is a trend to look tacky, in order show humility within many churches today and that is disrespectful to the Lord. People dress up for weddings, funerals, as well as work ,and job interviews to show respect, then why not do the same for the Lord? In biblical times, the Jews immersed themselves in mikva'ots before entering the Temple. This ritual purification was commanded by the Law, so the people would be clean when coming before the Lord. The priests bathed, as well as wore clean, spotless garments when ministering unto the Lord. Yet, today we have preachers wearing tee shirts ,and cutoff  jeans ,or shorts, while preaching. I believe that the spiritual condition of the church is reflected by the irreverence that is shown today.

Also, many churches allow disco tech style dancing during their so-called worship services. This, as well as the so-called Holy Ghost hop is lewd, as well as shameful, in God's house. The majority of the dancing done during worship services is an affront to a holy God.

 The Lord gave me a dream concerning the dancing going on in many churches today. I was seated in gym style bleachers with people my age and much younger, within a church building. There was another set of bleachers to my right ,that contained senior citizens.  The worship leader began to sing, “clap your hands to the Lord” then “lift your hands to the Lord”. The people were clapping and lifting their hands to the Lord in heartfelt worship. Next, the worship leader sang, “dance to the Lord.” The people were dancing along with the worship leader as he exclaimed, “take your clothes off  before the Lord.” The worship leader then took his shirt off. Nudity is symbolic of shameful behavior.  The senior citizens seated in the bleachers to my right began to shake their fingers at the younger generation and chant repeatedly, “shame on you.” The older generation were scolding the younger ones for their lewd, shameful ,display of the flesh going on in their form of dance and music.

Also, the religious rock concerts going on in God's house is bringing in an unholy spirit. The majority of Christian rock music is demonic. Many churches are now experiencing counterfeit revivals because of their lukewarm preaching and irreverent music and worship. The fear of the Lord is lacking among most today. In order to replace the apostasy(Great falling away) with a true revival, we need to teach repentance, holiness, as well as respect for the Lord, as the churches of yesteryear once did!!

 

Large Scale Terrorist Attack Against America is Coming!!

 

Large Scale Terrorist Attack Against America is Coming!!

Recently, a word from the Lord came to me as I woke up. The Lord said, “A large scale terrorist attack against America is coming!”  On Feb 23, I dreamed that I was in a public place, within a city and there was a large screen television set with a news report in progress. I heard a civil defense sound coming from the news report, as well as saw words on the bottom of the screen. It was the sound you hear from a radio or television test of the emergency broadcast system. I saw people running, as they were being escorted by firemen, in what appeared to be a parking garage, filled with smoke.  The scene reminded me of 911.

The Lord showed me that there would be some kind of terrorist attack this year and soon! However, if my understanding is correct, the large-scale attack that will eclipse 911, will occur in the year 2020.  In the past, the Lord gave me dreams, as well as spoke to me ,that there would be terrorist attacks against America and some would eclipse 911. The Lord named the Islamic State terrorist group as responsible for the large attacks.

The Lord’s hands of protection are coming down from around America, because America has departed from God. The Lord spoke to me that he is allowing these attacks to come because of the unjust, cruel, wars that America waged in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. I have had many dreams, visions, as well as words, about these unjust war campaigns that America has waged under the false banner of freedom. In biblical times, God used the evil Babylonians, to execute his righteous judgement against Judah. The same is true today; God will use evil nations, or groups, to execute His judgments. However, God will also judge the oppressors. These terrorist groups are evil and God will judge them as well. Islam is a false religion that produces extremists. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through the Son.

The Seven Churches of Revelation

 

The Seven Churches of Revelation 

Christ’s message to the seven churches in Asia Minor emphasizes the necessity of Godly works. Most churches today avoid sound doctrine in order to please their tithers, the result is that they are shutting people out of the Kingdom of Heaven. The books of first and second Peter, James, Epistles of John, as well as Revelation 2 and 3, are ignored by many because they conflict with the false grace message that tickles their ears. The Apostle Paul made his case that we are saved by Faith, and not by keeping the Law of Moses, because we are under a new covenant. However, many churches twist some of his teachings in order to bring about a comfortable doctrine that gives grace for un-repented sins. However, Paul made it very clear that if we continue in sinful bondages and do not cross the finish line, we will be lost. To have a complete understanding of God’s Word, you must study the entire Bible and not scripture pick.

 To the church at Ephesus Christ said, Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent.

Like many Christians today, the Ephesians were beginning to compromise with the world and were considered unfaithful to Christ. Christ said, that if you love him you will keep his commandments. When Christians take on the attributes of the sinful culture, they are committing spiritual adultery; unless they repent, they will be lost. Christ said that unless the Ephesians repented, he would remove their lampstand from its place before the throne of God. This passage alone makes it clear that Christians can fall from grace, because of  sinful compromise. That is why it is important that we examine ourselves daily and repent of willful sins. There is grace for sins committed in ignorance, as well as for sins that are repented of, but grace is not automatic. Christ told the Ephesians, not only to repent, but also to do the first works. The first works is a reference to being born again. When we first come to Christ, we die to our old nature and become a new creation through heartfelt repentance. Unless a believer has a transformed life, they are not truly born again. This passage indicates that when we backslide, we are in need of another born again experience. In verse seven Christ said, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." This verse is clear that the overcomers will inherit the Kingdom of God. An overcomer is one who endures unto the end and crosses the finish line. You must keep the faith, as well as live a sanctified life until the day you die, to enter God’s paradise.

Rev 2: 8 "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, “These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 I know your, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death." '

The message to the church of Smyrna was one of hope. The Lord was pleased with them because they remained true to Him in spite of persecution. Although they were poor monetarily, they were rich in Spirit. The Lord told them to remain faithful to Him unto death and He would give them the crown of life. The message to the church of Smyrna is also for the many persecuted Christians around the world. There are many home churches in communist China that meet in secret. If they are caught, many will be imprisoned in hard labor camps, where many will die from sickness or malnutrition. The same was true of the former Soviet Union, as well as eastern Europe. In India, as well as the Islamic nations, Christians risk their lives daily for their faith. Many believers have their homes and churches burned to the ground. In spite of the persecution, Christianity is growing and true revival is occurring among the oppressed. When a person must risk their life or imprisonment for their faith, God’s Spirit will make them strong. The persecuted church is an example of selfless, true Christianity.

 Rev 2:12 "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ' these things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." '

The saints in Pergamos lived in a very evil place. The Lord said that Satan’s throne was in that place. Although wickedness was all around them, many within Pergamos kept their faith and God commended them for this. However, the Lord said that some of them held to the doctrine of Balaam. They ate things sacrificed to idols and some were given over to sexual immorality. The Lord told them to repent, or else he would come to them quickly and fight against them with the sword of His mouth. We live in a perverted culture that is bound by sexual lust of all kinds. Many within the churches, including pastors, are addicted to pornography.

 A home Bible study group leader, made a comment that shocked me. He quoted the statistics of how many pastors admitted to being addicted to pornography within a prominent denomination. He asked the group, “Do you know why so many pastors are addicted to pornography?” He then said,” Because they are only human that is why.” I was shocked that this leader would sanction the use of pornography. This was the same attitude of some of the members of the church at Pergamos. The Lord obviously did not wink at their sin, and say it is okay because you are only human. The Lord told them that unless they repent, He would fight against them with the sword of His mouth. This statement means that they would suffer the judgments of His wrath during the Great Tribulation. There are many other scriptures concerning sexual immorality within God’s Word. Each passage makes it clear, that the sexually immoral will not enter the Kingdom of God. Greasy grace Christianity will give you a fatal heart attack.

Rev 2:18 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, 'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 19 I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. 24 Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. 25 But hold fast what you have till I come. 26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations-- 27 'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels'--as I also have received from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '

Like Pergamos, the Church at Thyatira was given over to sexual immorality and eating foods sacrificed to idols. A woman referred to as a Jezebel, who called herself a prophetess, was teaching and seducing God’s servants to commit these grave sins. The Lord who searches the hearts and minds of everyone, had harsh words for those who refused to repent. The Lord said that He would cast this Jezebel into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into the great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. The Lord also said that He will kill her children with death, and He will give to each one of you according to your works. As you can read, works do entirely matter. James states that, as the body is dead without the spirit, so faith without works is dead. In addition, at the great white throne judgment, each person will be judged according to their works. On that day, the sheep will be separated from the goats. In verses 25, 26, Christ said, And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations. These verses, emphasize the point, that the overcomers are those who keep His works until the end. That is why it is vital, that Christians understand that they must keep the faith, as well as maintain good works unto the end.                            

 Rev 3:1 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '

Like many churches today, the church at Sardis had a name that it was alive, but it was dead. The Lord told them that He found their works not to be perfect before God. The Lord instructed them to repent, and to strengthen the things, which remain that are ready to die. The Lord told me once that most churches in America are dead, dying, or buried. The revelation that the Lord has given me concerning the apostasy within Christianity shook me to the core. A number of years ago I had an experience that felt like my spirit left my body. I found myself caught up to a place of white milky light. The Lord spoke to me concerning the apostasy, as well as the counterfeit ministers who are wolves in sheep’s clothing. The Lord instructed me to teach sound doctrine, as well as to expose the heretics. Through many visions, dreams, and audible words, the Lord has shown me that pastors are failing to teach their flocks to get sin out of their lives. This grace for everything doctrine is the apostasy (great falling away). Grace is not automatic; it requires repentance.

However, our good works are not enough to get us to Heaven. We must be redeemed (purchased) by the blood of the Lamb. Our Lord Jesus Christ made atonement for our sins upon the cross. Since our works can never be good enough for salvation, Christ supplies our lack. If we truly make Christ our Lord, His blood will atone for past and present sins, but this requires true repentance. If Jesus Christ is truly your Lord, you will have a spiritual transformation. You will be buried with Christ in baptism and raised with Christ as a new creation. You will die to your old sinful nature and reflect God’s divine attributes. We are not perfect by any means, but if we continue in sinful bondages and do not repent, we will be cast away. If you are truly saved, then you must produce good works, as well as fruit. Christ told the church at Sardis that their works were not perfect before God; this emphasizes how crucial our works are.

Christ said to the church at Sardis, “Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.” The messages to the seven churches emphasizes the point that the overcomers will inherit the kingdom, and those who refuse to repent will be thrust into the great tribulation. We must remain awake and watch, as well as prepare for Christ’s return. Christ will return immediately after the great tribulation. Many of the overcomers will be hidden and protected by the Lord in the wilderness during the tribulation (Rev 12).

Christ said, that there were a few names in Sardis who had not defiled their garments. The faithful ones would be clothed in white. Verse 5 states, “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” This verse shows that our names can be blotted out of the Book of Life if we do not remain faithful to the Lord.

Rev 3:7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens": 8 I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie--indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '

The Lord praised the church at Philadelphia, because they kept His word and did not deny his name. Therefore, the Lord opened a door for them that no one could shut. They persevered in their faith in spite of persecution from the Jews. Therefore, the Lord said that He would make the Jews worship at their feet, as well as would keep them out of the tribulation. It is obvious that the tribulation did not occur during their time. The message to the seven churches is a dual prophecy. The exhortation to each church is also for us today. If a person is surrendered to the Lord, a door will be opened to them for eternal life, as well as an intimate relationship with Christ. The Lord will protect those during the tribulation who persevere in their faith in spite of adversity. God did not rapture Noah out of the earth or build the ark for him. Rather, God instructed Noah to build the ark, and because of Noah’s obedience, we are here today. Although it took Noah 120 years to build the ark, he persevered and believed God. There is a reward for simple childlike faith. Abraham believed God and his faith was considered righteousness. God told Abraham to leave his home country of Ur and go to a new land. Abraham believed God and set out for this new land because God told him to. In Genesis 15, because of Abraham’s faithfulness God made a covenant with Abraham to give this land to his descendants. If we are faithful to God’s word, as Noah and Abraham were, we will pray and seek the Lord as to where to relocate to ride out the coming storm. If you are in the wrong location, God will not protect you where you are. I believe that God is raising up people who will be guides into the wilderness for His children. Like the early Christians in the book of Acts, Christians will need to band together and share their resources, as well as skills to survive.

In verse 11, Christ said to hold fast to what you have, that no one may take your crown. It is very important that Christians remain in the faith, as well as avoid false doctrines. There are many heretics, false prophets, as well as unsound teachers, which will lead you astray if you are not grounded in God’s Word. That is why it is vital that we study God’s Word for ourselves, and not take a minister’s interpretation as fact. We must remain faithful to the Lord unto the end to receive the crown of eternal life. If it were not possible to be led astray, or lose your salvation, Christ would not have said, “let no one take your crown.”

Rev 3:14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

The church of Laodicea was very similar to the churches today, because they compromised their faith. The Lord said, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”  True Christianity does not merely believe in Jesus, it is a lifestyle. If we live, dress, talk, as well as act like the sinful world, we deny our faith, and bring shame upon the name of Christ. I watched a video on YouTube that showed girls in short shorts trying to evangelize the Amish. They did not believe that the Amish were saved, because they did not understand their culture. The truth is that the Amish could teach these girls about modesty, as well as holiness. If a person from one hundred years ago, walked the streets of America, as well as attended modern churches today, they would be shocked at what they witnessed. The lewdness of our culture is well displayed within the lives of those who profess to know Christ.

 Many Christians watch television shows and movies filled with profanity, sex, violence, and the occult. If Christians would get rid of their televisions, as well as certain books, they would rid their homes of demons. Many movies and books are a portal for demonic activity to enter your homes and lives. God, as well as His house, is disrespected when women wear mini-skirts to church. Christians represent Christ, and we are to be role models for the world. If there is compromise in our lifestyle, then God will vomit us out like the lukewarm church of Laodicea. Christ told the Laodiceans, that he wished that they were either cold or hot, but because they were lukewarm, he would vomit them out. When some people first come to Christ, they may be cold at first, but they are expected to grow up spiritually. God gives us grace to grow from milk to strong meat. New Christians take baby steps at first, but eventually they must learn to walk in the Spirit. In time, a Christian is expected to become spiritually hot (mature) in the Lord. If you are only lukewarm, then you are compromising your faith, by reflecting the culture and not Christ. Some churches teach that God is progressive. They believe that as our culture becomes more wicked, God gives more grace for sins committed by His children. This is opposite to what the Bible teaches. God, as well as His standards, does not change with time. God is still the Ancient of Days and he will not be mocked.

The Laodiceans were corrupted by their wealth, and were probably lovers of pleasure more than God. The Lord told them that they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Verse 18, “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” The Lord instructed the Laodiceans to be zealous and repent. He said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” Many people today are blinded by the god of materialism. They seek after nice houses, expensive vehicles, fun vacations, or power positions in their community or on their jobs. Most people are comfortable and do not give God, or His ways, a second thought. God’s Word tells us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Christ said, that you cannot serve God and money, because only one will be your master. However, it is not a sin to be rich, if you are generous with your money by helping the poor, as well as supporting God’s ministry work. There are people in the Bible who God blessed with wealth, Job, Hezekiah, David, Solomon, Abraham are but a few. These men put God and His kingdom first, and God blessed them for it. However, most people love their money and possessions more than anyone, including God. Greed mingled with selfishness will lead a person down the path of destruction. That is why we all need to do an introspection of our heart, to see where our treasure is. Do we lay up our treasure in Heaven, or on the earth? Do we love and serve God, or money?

 

 

How to Survive Spiritual Warfare

 

How to Survive Spiritual Warfare

Last summer, I had a visitation from Satan. Satan appeared to me as a swarm of rotating flies. He sounded like a mad beast. I was wide-awake when this occurred. He growled many threats toward me. He also threatened to kill me, in a very irate, deep voice. I rebuked him in the name of Jesus Christ, as well as quoted scriptures, and he departed. The angel of the Lord then came to comfort me. God’s Word teaches us that Satan (adversary or slanderer) is the father of all lies. There is no truth in him and his threats are a lie, as long as we are surrendered to Christ. If Jesus Christ is truly your Lord, then you are protected from the enemy. However, God’s Word teaches us to be fully clothed with the armor of Christ to withstand our adversary.

In a recent dream, I was standing on a bridge between two houses. I was on God’s side of the bridge, but I could see into Satan’s lair. A golden elevator door opened and I could see Satan watching me. Satan appeared to have a head that was similar to a ram, or goat, with twisted horns. The angel of the Lord said to me, “Satan is watching you from his lair.” I was then told to confront Satan. I walked across the bridge and entered Satan’s house. As I approached the elevator, the doors closed. I took my fists and pounded on the doors and said,” I rebuke you in the name of Jesus Christ, Satan be gone!” I then saw two angels fly into the room through the windows. An angel then said to me, “Satan is afraid of the name of Jesus Christ.” I then noticed that the room appeared to be an office with Satan’s workers seated at desks.  Two scrolls appeared in my hands and I slammed them down on the front desk. Fire came from the scrolls and burned the building to the ground.

The scrolls were the Word of God and they destroyed Satan’s kingdom. In order to survive spiritual warfare, a Christian needs to understand their authority in Christ. God’s Word states, submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee. If your life is truly submitted to God, then you have the authority of Christ. If you quote scriptures with faith, the enemy will depart. Fear is an open door to the devil, but faith in God’s Word will close the door shut. God’s Word is the sword of the Spirit, in which we wage spiritual warfare.

(James 4:7) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.  

(Ephesians 6:10) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

It is very important for the Christian to understand spiritual warfare, since we have an adversary seeking our destruction. God’s Word tells us that Satan is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Satan is also referred to as, the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. One of Satan’s tactics is to stir people up in anger towards God. Many people blame God for the problems that they experience in this life, and they are oblivious to the fact, that there are two opposing kingdoms at work in the earth. Ephesians 6:12 states that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. The truth is that we live in a war zone, and the battle is over the souls of men. If you belong to Christ, then you are in the Lord’s army, and Satan’s kingdom has declared all-out war against you. However, the good news is, greater is he that is within you than he that is in the world, and if you remain in Christ until the end, you will inherit eternal life. If you have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, then you have the power to live an overcoming life, as well as the authority to put the devil to flight. In these last days, it is crucial that all Christians receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, in order to be able to stand firm in Christ, against the many snares of the devil.

(Ephesians 6:13-18)

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;  18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

In order to survive spiritual warfare, we must be clothed with the full armor of God. Verses 14-18 states that we are to stand, having girded our waist with truth. According to God’s Word, no liar shall inherit the kingdom of Heaven. In regard, to the swearing of oaths, Christ said that our yes should mean yes, and our no should mean no, and anything else comes from the evil one. God holds the truth in high regard and so should we. Next, we are told, to put on the breastplate of righteousness. Righteousness does not mean perfection, but it does mean that we are to live right, and this is a reference to sanctification (being purified by God’s Spirit, as well as set apart from the sinful world). The breastplate is the most important part of the warrior’s armor because it guards the heart, lungs, as well as other vital organs. God’s Word teaches us, that without holiness no man shall see the Father. Satan’s desire is to morally corrupt a person, in order to give a spiritual death blow to the Christian, that is why the breastplate of righteousness is the most vital piece of armor for our survival. We are also, told to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. God’s Word says, blessed are the feet of those who bring the good news. If you belong to Christ, then you are commissioned to share your faith with others. It is very important to have our theology straight, before sharing our faith, because we are held responsible by God for what we teach. That is why we need to not only read God’s Word, but to study it, to show ourselves approved. Christ made peace, between us and the Father through his death upon the cross, and we are to share this gospel of peace with others.

 We are also, told to take the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Fear is the opposite of faith and fear can quite often empower Satan’s attacks against us. That is why faith is vital for our protection against the many on slots and snares of the evil one. In battle, the shield repelled the blows of the enemies weapons, and the same is also true in spiritual warfare, it is the shield of faith that stops the attacks. If we have faith that our Lord is bigger, as well as stronger than any of our enemies, then our prayers will be answered, and victory will be the result. Faith is the key for many breakthroughs in the Christian walk. Healings, deliverance from demonic activity, as well as everyday life situations, require faith to get results.

 We are also, told to wear the helmet of salvation. Paul was saying that we must remain in Christ, and continue to keep the helmet of salvation on, because it is possible to fall away from Christ, because we have a free will. As I stated previously, the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. God’s Word is our weapon against the enemy of our souls. When the enemy attacks, we are to lift our shield of faith, and stand on God’s Word to stop the attacks.

 

 

                

Godly Relationships

 

Godly Relationships

 

 

There are many types of relationships, (work, family, friends, marital, etc.). We are influenced, as well as shaped by the people in our lives. As Christians, it is very important to choose our friends carefully so that the enemy of our souls doesn't have an opportunity to snare us. I have seen family members, as well as friends corrupted by bad company. Christians should be a light to those around them, but instead of pulling people up toward God, many compromise and are pulled down into sin in order to be accepted. Our acceptance should be with God and not men. We are called to be God pleasers and not man pleasers. God's Word tells us to not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.

(2 Corinthians 6:14) Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God.

When oxen are yoked together to plow a field, they turn and walk together in unison as the plowman directs them, they do nothing apart. The same is true with our relationships, friends have the same interests and spend time together. What fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? Drinking, drugging, and partying is lawlessness and should have no place in the life of the believer. We should establish Godly friendships with likeminded believers.

(1 John 2:15) Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

(1 Corinthians 15:33) Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."

God's Word teaches us that we are not to love the world or the things of the world, if anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in them. The world is a term that refers to the carnal nature of sin (lust of the flesh and eyes, pride of life). The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus. This fallen world of sin is temporal and is passing away like a worn out garment, but he who does the will of God abides forever. By studying God's Word and getting to know, our Father in Heaven we bear good fruit and develop good habits, but evil company corrupts good habits. Not only is a sinful lifestyle detrimental to us, but wasting time on vanity leads to spiritual stagnation, as well as backsliding. We need to spend time with God, to get to know him and his Word, so that we may live a victorious life in this dark world.

(Proverbs 12:26) The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

(1 Peter 3:8) Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

I have witnessed the way of the wicked leading many astray that is why we need to be the salt of the earth, as well as examples of the new birth. We may be the only lifeline that someone may have. We need to be like Christ to a dying world. Satan is very aggressive in his work to snare our souls; we need to be equally aggressive in sharing our faith with others.

 God's Word also teaches us to be loving, tenderhearted, as well as courteous with those in our life. We are not to return evil for evil, or reviling for reviling, instead we are to bless those who curse us. We are to be an example of righteousness to the lost. We need to bear the good fruit of God's Spirit who dwells within us. If God dwells within us, his attributes should be present in our lives.

 

Although, we are not to be yoked together with the wicked, we are called to be a light to those walking in darkness. I ask the Lord continually, to help me to look beyond the faults of others and see the need. There are many cruel and malicious people in the world, and there is a reason why they are that way. Many people are suffering in their bodies from cancer, pain, sickness, mental illness etc. Others, have experienced the deaths of loved ones, divorce, or unemployment. Quite often people take out their pain upon others. If we keep this in mind when encountering malicious people, then we can have compassion for them, instead of contempt. Christ tells us to pray for those who persecute or mistreat us. If you will pray for those who are offensive to you, then the Lord will open your eyes to their need. If a person is struggling with feelings of anger towards another, it is best to not talk about the situation. The more we talk about the person, who made us angry, the more likely we are to add fuel to the flame. Silence is golden if you need to be released from anger. To sum this up, we need to forgive others in the same way that Christ has forgiven us.                

(Ephesians 4:31) Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

(Matthew 5:23) Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

(Matthew 6:14) "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

 (Matthew 18:21) Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Finally, we need to put away all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking. We need to love one another, as well as forgive one another, even as Christ loved and forgave us. God's Word teaches that if we do not forgive our brother his trespasses, then our heavenly Father will not forgive us our trespasses. Peter asked the Master how often we should forgive our brothers who sin against us; he asked if seven times was enough. Christ replied, seventy times seven. In other words, Christ said that our forgiveness towards our brothers should be limitless.