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Sunday, October 30, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Transcendental Meditation

Bible Questions Answered:
“...and so these friends of mine has asked me to join their TM sessions, what do you think?”
Terry/ Chicago, Illinois U.S.A.

Bible Answer:
Transcendental Meditation goes hand in hand with ….
Yoga, and Channeling.

Wkipedia
TM is one of the most widely practiced, and among the most widely researched meditation techniques. Independent systematic reviews have not found health benefits for TM beyond relaxation or health education. Skeptics have called TM or its associated theories and technologies a pseudoscience.

In TM initiation rites, a person is asked to bring some flowers, fruit, and incense as a sacrifice upon the altar.
Question, who is receiving this sacrifice?
Question, who's altar is it?

In TM, a mantra is used.
Mantra: A hymn, or portion of a text.
New World Dictionary

Mantra, a musical word, such as ting, eng, or yang, chanted to bring inner peace in meditation.
This is the same, kind of state of mind a “medium,” enters to speak to spirits.
These actions are nothing but an open invitation to possession.

The Word of the Lord:
(Just a few scriptures/ concerning Chanting, Meditation, and Peace.)

Matthew 6:7 KJV
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

II Timothy 3:5 KJV
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Psalm 1:1,2 KJV
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Psalm 19:14 KJV
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my Strength, and my Redeemer.

Psalm 77:12 KJV
I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.

Psalm 119:97,148 KJV
97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

Psalm 29:11 KJV
The LORD will give strength unto His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace.

Psalm 85:8 KJV
"I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for He will speak peace unto His people, and to His saints..."

Psalm 119:165 KJV
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Proverbs 16:7 KJV
When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Isaiah 9:6,7 KJV
6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end..."

Isaiah 26:3 KJV
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 26:12 KJV
LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us..."

Isaiah 32:17 KJV
And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Isaiah 48:18 KJV
O that thou hadst hearkened to My commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

Isaiah 54:10 KJV
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

Isaiah 54:13 KJV
And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

Isaiah 57:19 KJV
I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.

John 14:27 KJV
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 16:33 KJV
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace..."

Romans 1:7 KJV
"...Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Romans 5:1 KJV
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Romans 14:17 KJV
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Romans 15:13 KJV
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Romans 15:33 KJV
Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

II Thessalonians 3:16 KJV
Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Christians-False

Bible Questions Answered:
“...a person says he is a Christian, and yet others say he is a cultist, what goes on here?”
Alex/ New York, New York U.S.A.

Bible Answer:
In America, we have something very special called “The National Bureau Of Standards.”

The early Colonists, addressed the issue of an honest system of weights and measures in 1781.
“The "Office of Weights and Measures" became the "National Bureau of Standards" on July 1, 1901, that was reorganized into the National Institute of Standards and Technology on 1988. In 1905 a meeting was called that would be the first "National Conference on Weights and Measures".

In-part, Wiki-Pedia

We must have a “standard,” for the measurement of what a “yard,” is, a “foot,” “inches,”a gallon, a bushel, etc.
And for all time, it is here where those “Standards,” are kept and protected. Everything else, must by necessity, conform to them, if that would not be the case, there would be chaos, for one man's measure of wheat, may not be what another mans would be.

In that light, could this thought be any less important for eternal values? There must always be “Standards,” and they must be based upon, the absolute bedrock of truth.

A beginning tenant of faith is that the Lord Jesus Christ is God's “eternal,” son!
God the Father, cannot be an eternal Father, without an eternal Son!

Question: May a person who says he is a Christian, not be a Christian?
Answer: Yes!

An example ….

Matthew 7:21-23 KJV (Be sure to read the whole chapter.)
21 Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.

Doing the Work of the Lord, and called a worker of iniquity! Why the very idea!
Who said that anyway?
Jesus Christ.

Well, what on earth was wrong? Oh, they did the work of the Lord alright, but something very important....”they themselves weren't living it!”

And their false piety, lead innocent people astray, so without hesitation, our Lord called them workers of iniquity.

What was and still is the answer here?
Matthew 7:21 KJV
Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;
but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.

Now that is but one example, of men claiming Christ, but He denying them!

Here is another!
There are those today, who so readily testify that they are Christians, but though they do so testify, they indeed are not!

Why not?
They are not, because they do “not,” believe as Christian people do believe!
They are not, because they do "not," believe the Word of God!

To be a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, a tenant of faith, must invariably be that of believing the Lord Jesus Christ is eternal co-existent with the Father and Holy Spirit!

God's word, indelibly states that the Lord Jesus Christ, is eternal!

Isaiah 9:6 KJV
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Any school boy could tell you who this “child, born,” is!
It was of course the Lord Jesus Christ.
The was who the Prophet Isaiah was speaking about.

Any school boy could tell you, that the Prince of Peace, refers to the Lord Jesus Christ.

OK, thus said, don't forget Isaiah's prophetic truth of this same person, “The Everlasting Father.”

That's right the Lord Jesus Christ, is, was and always will be “Everlasting.

Everlasting: Never coming to an end; lasting forever; eternal.
(New World Dictionary Of American English.)

Micah 5:2 KJV
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be Ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

The Prophet Micah states a prophetic truth...

Who was born in Bethlehem?
Well, ask any school boy, it was God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, that's who, of course!

Well what does Micah say of the Lord Jesus...
“whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”

Micah, stated, that the Lord Jesus Christ, God's Son, is, was and always be Eternal, that's what everlasting means.

Hebrews 7:3 KJV
Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a Priest continually.

Hebrews 7:3 NLT
There is no record of His father or mother or any of His ancestors—no beginning or end to His life. He remains a Priest forever, resembling the Son of God.

What did the Apostle say?
Jesus Christ, no earthly father or mother brought the Lord Jesus Christ into existence!

“Well pastor, now I know you have gone too far! What about Mary?”

Mary did “not,” bring the Lord Jesus Christ into existence, she was but a conduit, to give the Lord Jesus Christ mortality, the ability to be on earth, in the flesh. Not that virtuous Mary is not blessed among women for this reason, she is.

Hebrews 7:3 KJV
“...having neither beginning of days, nor end of life;”

The Lord Jesus Christ, had “no,” beginning of days! We know what this is, as any school boy would, why that's eternal!

Why oh why can't people believe the simple, word of God?

So we see that not all who call themselves Christian, are claimed, by the Lord, for He openly says so!
Matthew 7:21 KJV
“...Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven...”

They claim Him, but He denies that He knows them!

Hebrews 13:8 KJV
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

And of course this is but one thing that may separate one from Claiming/ and Actually being a Christian.

Just in passing here is one more, and there are many!

Another indelible tenant of faith is that of the inerrancy of the Word of God!

II Timothy 3:16,17 KJV
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

II Peter 1:19-21 KJV
19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; where unto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the Day Star arise in your hearts:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

And Almighty God, warns those who would “dare,” to add or take away from His Word!

Revelation 22:18,19 KJV
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Proverbs 30:6 KJV
Add thou not unto his words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

One more “false claim,” that denies the name Christian to those who hold to it.
God does not change!
He was never a man, who became a spirit or anything else!

John 4:24 KJV
God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.

Psalm 102:25-27 NLT
25 Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands.
26 They will perish, but you remain forever; they will wear out like old clothing. You will change them like a garment and discard them.
27 But you are always the same; you will live forever.

Malachi 3:6 KJV
"For I am the LORD, I change not..."

Hebrews 1:12 KJV
"... thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail."

James 1:17 KJV
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of Lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

James 1:17 NLT
Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens.
He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

Yes, a person may claim to be a Christian, “but,” his theology, and his life, reveals whether he is or not!

Romans 3:4 KJV
"God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar..."

Isaiah 8:20 KJV
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Spiritual Danger

Bible Questions Answered:
“Ok so the Bible says not to practice talking to spirits, but what can happen if a person uses a Ouija board with their friends?”
Otis/ London, United Kingdom

Bible Answer:

To take part of spirit activities, opens one up to, evil spirit oppression, and or possession.

Oppression, evil spirits outside the heart of man, oppressing, with dread, melancholy, foreboding, and fear.
Manifestations by evil spirits, noises, shadows, etc. etc.

II Timothy 1:7 KJV
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Psalm 42:9 KJV (43:2)
"...the oppression of the enemy"

Ecclesiastes 7:7 KJV
Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad..."

Ecclesiastes 9:3 KJV
This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

I Peter 5:8 KJV
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Possession, evil spirits within the heart of man.

I Corinthians 6:19 KJV
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

If God, is not in your life, your temple is empty, with its door open.

Ephesians 6:12 KJV
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

I Timothy 4:1 NLT
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.

Matthew 4:24 KJV
"...those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick..."

Matthew 9:32,33 KJV
32 As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marveled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

Matthew 12:22,43-45 KJV
22 Then was brought unto Him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and He healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.
43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

Mark 1:23-26,34 KJV
23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.
34 And He healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew Him.

Mark 5:1-13 KJV
1 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
2 And when He was come out of the ship, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshiped Him,
7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the Most High God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
8 For He said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
9 And He asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
10 And he besought Him much that He would not send them away out of the country.
11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
12 And all the devils besought Him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

Mark 9:17-27 KJV
17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto Me.
20 And they brought him unto Him: and when he saw Him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
21 And He asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.
22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

Acts 8:7 KJV
For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

Acts 16:16-18 KJV
16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Revelation 16:13,14 KJV
13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

Be sure to read the blog postings....
Bible Questions Answered: .... Occult-The Rise Of The
Bible Lessons: ... Occult

As a temple of the Holy Spirit, we are to be full of the presence and power of God.

I Thessalonians 4:4 KJV
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor;

II Timothy 2:21 KJV
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

Psalm 18:28 NLT
You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.

Psalm 27:1 NLT
The Lord is my light and my Salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my Fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

Psalm 56:13 NLT
For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.

Psalm 119:105 KJV
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path

Psalm 119:130 KJV
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Proverbs 4:18 KJV
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Romans 13:12 KJV
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

I Peter 2:9 KJV
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

I John 1:7 KJV
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.


Monday, October 24, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Occult-The Rise Of The

Bible Questions Answered:
“...as a teacher I see the rise of the occult among my students. What part can I do …?
Brendy/ Houston, Texas U.S.A.

Bible Answer:
Though today it has become a simply a piece of decoration for some, if you can, and some work places, today you can't, wear a cross.

When asked reply...
This cross reminds me to be separate from the world.

Or wear the symbol of the Holy Spirit, the Dove as was seen at our Lord's baptism with John (Matthew 3:16 KJV).

Speak of your faith, when and however you can.
Pray for your students and friends who are involved in spiritual deception.

Concerning the occult, be sure to read the blog posting …. Occult

Spiritual deceptions, miracles, and rebellion:

Leviticus 19:26,31 NLT
26 ...“Do not practice fortune-telling or witchcraft.
31 “Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 20:6-8,27 NLT
6 “I will also turn against those who commit spiritual prostitution by putting their trust in mediums or in those who consult the spirits of the dead. I will cut them off from the community.
7 So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the Lord your God.
8 Keep all My decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the Lord who makes you holy.
27 “Men and women among you who act as mediums or who consult the spirits of the dead...They are guilty of a capital offense.”

Deuteronomy 18:9-14 NLT
9 “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, be very careful not to imitate the detestable customs of the nations living there.
10 For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. (Abortions-Ed. Note) And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft,
11 or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead.
12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord. It is because the other nations have done these detestable things that the Lord your God will drive them out ahead of you.
13 But you must be blameless before the Lord your God.
14 The nations you are about to displace consult sorcerers and fortune-tellers, but the Lord your God forbids you to do such things.”

II Kings 17:16-18 KJV
16 And they left all the commandments of the LORD their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshiped all the host of heaven, and served Baal.
17 And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire (Abortion), and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him to anger.
18 Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of His sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only.

II Kings 21:1-6,10-15 NLT (An evil King in Judah.)
1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother was Hephzibah.
2 He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, following the detestable practices of the pagan nations that the Lord had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites.
3 He rebuilt the pagan shrines his father, Hezekiah, had destroyed. He constructed altars for Baal and set up an Asherah pole, just as King Ahab of Israel had done. He also bowed before all the powers of the heavens and worshiped them.
4 He built pagan altars in the Temple of the Lord, the place where the Lord had said, “My name will remain in Jerusalem forever.”
5 He built these altars for all the powers of the heavens in both courtyards of the Lord’s Temple.
6 Manasseh also sacrificed his own son in the fire. He practiced sorcery and divination, and he consulted with mediums and psychics. He did much that was evil in the Lord’s sight, arousing His anger.
10 Then the Lord said through His servants the prophets:
11 “King Manasseh of Judah has done many detestable things. He is even more wicked than the Amorites, who lived in this land before Israel. He has caused the people of Judah to sin with his idols.
12 So this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I will bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of those who hear about it will tingle with horror.
13 I will judge Jerusalem by the same standard I used for Samaria and the same measure I used for the family of Ahab. I will wipe away the people of Jerusalem as one wipes a dish and turns it upside down.
14 Then I will reject even the remnant of my own people who are left, and I will hand them over as plunder for their enemies.
15 For they have done great evil in My sight and have angered Me ever since their ancestors came out of Egypt.”

I Chronicles 10:13,14 NLT
13 So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord. He failed to obey the Lord’s command, and he even consulted a medium
14 instead of asking the Lord for guidance. So the Lord killed him and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.

Isaiah 8:19-22 NLT
19 Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead?
20 Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict His word are completely in the dark.
21 They will go from one place to another, weary and hungry. And because they are hungry, they will rage and curse their king and their God. They will look up to heaven
22 and down at the earth, but wherever they look, there will be trouble and anguish and dark despair. They will be thrown out into the darkness.

Isaiah 47:8-15 NLT
8 “Listen to this, you pleasure-loving kingdom, living at ease and feeling secure. You say, ‘I am the only one, and there is no other. I will never be a widow or lose my children.’
9 Well, both these things will come upon you in a moment: widowhood and the loss of your children. Yes, these calamities will come upon you, despite all your witchcraft and magic.
10 “You felt secure in your wickedness. ‘No one sees me,’ you said. But your ‘wisdom’ and ‘knowledge’ have led you astray, and you said, ‘I am the only one, and there is no other.’
11 So disaster will overtake you, and you won’t be able to charm it away. Calamity will fall upon you, and you won’t be able to buy your way out. A catastrophe will strike you suddenly, one for which you are not prepared.
12 “Now use your magical charms! Use the spells you have worked at all these years! Maybe they will do you some good. Maybe they can make someone afraid of you.
13 All the advice you receive has made you tired. Where are all your astrologers, those stargazers who make predictions each month? Let them stand up and save you from what the future holds.
14 But they are like straw burning in a fire; they cannot save themselves from the flame. You will get no help from them at all; their hearth is no place to sit for warmth.
15 And all your friends, those with whom you’ve done business since childhood, will go their own ways, turning a deaf ear to your cries.

Jeremiah 27:9 KJV (Warnings of Jeremiah.)
9 “‘Do not listen to your false prophets, fortune-tellers, interpreters of dreams, mediums, and sorcerers who say, “The king of Babylon will not conquer you.”
10 They are all liars, and their lies will lead to your being driven out of your land. I will drive you out and send you far away to die.

Micah 5:12 NLT
I will put an end to all witchcraft, and there will be no more fortune-tellers.

Zechariah 10:2 NLT
Household gods give worthless advice, fortune-tellers predict only lies and interpreters of dreams pronounce falsehoods that give no comfort. So My people are wandering like lost sheep; they are attacked because they have no shepherd.

Matthew 7:21-23 KJV (Deceptive Works)
21 Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 24:23-26 KJV
23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
25 Behold, I have told you before.
26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

Acts 16:16-18 NLT (Paul and Silas)
16 One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a demon-possessed slave girl. She was a fortune-teller who earned a lot of money for her masters.
17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved.”
18 This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her.

II Corinthians 11:13-15 KJV
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Galatians 5:19-21 NLT
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these.
Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

II Thessalonians 2:3-12 NLT
3...For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and
the man of lawlessness (Anti-Christ) is revealed—the one who brings destruction.
4 He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God.
5 Don’t you remember that I told you about all this when I was with you?
6 And you know what (Who-The Holy Spirit) is holding him back, for he can be revealed only when his time comes.
7 For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way.
8 Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will kill him with the breath of His mouth and destroy him by the splendor of His coming.
9 This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles.
10 He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.
11 So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies.
12 Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth.

Revelation 13:11-15 NLT (A religious cheerleader for the lawless one mentioned in II Thessalonians 2:8,9.)
11 Then I saw another beast come up out of the earth. He had two horns like those of a lamb, but he spoke with the voice of a dragon.
12 He exercised all the authority of the first beast. And he required all the earth and its people to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed.
13 He did astounding miracles, even making fire flash down to earth from the sky while everyone was watching.
14 And with all the miracles he was allowed to perform on behalf of the first beast, he deceived all the people who belong to this world. He ordered the people to make a great statue of the first beast, who was fatally wounded and then came back to life.
15 He was then permitted to give life to this statue so that it could speak. Then the statue of the beast commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must die.

Revelation 16:14 NLT
They are demonic spirits who work miracles and go out to all the rulers of the world to gather them for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God the Almighty.

Revelation 19:20 NLT
And the beast (The man of lawlessness (Anti-Christ) was captured, and with him the false prophet who did mighty miracles on behalf of the beast—miracles that deceived all who had accepted the mark of the beast and who worshiped his statue. Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.

Revelation 21:8 KJV
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Bible Lesson: Miracles Of The Power Of The Holy Spirit-Enduement Of Power

Bible Lesson: Miracles Of The Power Of The Holy Spirit: Enduement Of The Power.

Bible Location: Jerusalem, the upper room.

Servants used: One hundred and twenty followers of the Lord Jesus.

Bible Text: Acts 2:1-42 KJV

Acts 2:1-47 KJV
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing Mighty Wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day (9:00 A.M.).
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18 And on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke:
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:
21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a Man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it.
25 For David speaketh concerning Him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day.
30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto My Lord, Sit thou on My right hand,
35Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

After our Lords resurrection, He was seen for forty days by hundreds of people, not the least of which were His own men.

Luke 24:49 KJV
And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Acts 1:1-5 KJV (Luke)
1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
2 Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen:
3 To whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the Promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

At the end of ten days of waiting upon God, in the upper room, the disciples, Mary, and many others experienced the “Promise of the Father.”

Now it would be good at this juncture to point out something. For some fifty days, these dear saints were Christians! That is, they were followers of Christ and had a measure of the Holy Spirit within their lives, for “no man can say that "Jesus is Lord," and “not,” have the Spirit, within!

I Corinthians 12:3 KJV
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

When we agree to this simple scriptural statement, we must prayerfully realize something. Jesus called His followers, on to another experience in the Holy Spirit, an experience, that He called an “enduement of powerLuke 24:49 KJV.

Why would anyone need this special endument of power from God the Holy Spirit?
After all didn't the disciples perform deliverance and miracles before Pentecost?
Answer: Yes.
See: Mark 6:7-13 (the 12)/ Luke 10:1-24 (the 70).

These disciples had already used two of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit as mentioned in
I Corinthians 12:8-10 KJV.
The two used of course were “gifts of healing,” and “working of miracles,I Corinthians 12:9,10 KJV.

The disciples had a measure of God's Spirit, but not the full enduement, the fullness of the power of the Holy Spirit, else why would our Lord, call upon a special day of waiting for it???

For this reason, Christ told His followers “...tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” Luke 24:49 KJV.
Our Lord, told that to Christian people, who already had a measure of the Holy Spirit within their lives.

More, there is something more that we need, we need the enduement of power that comes from the Holy Spirit. That is, if we wish to be an obedient witnessing servant of the Lord.
And so they prayerfully waited for the power, calling upon the name of the risen Lord.

Oh, how men have fought, over something so very simple and beautiful!

Homily:
As has been mentioned here in these postings, Christian foreigners visiting our country for the first time, often remark among themselves, why does this country have so many kinds of different churches?

Why, indeed.
All have learned men of highest degree, of which they would more than gladly boast, and yet, one group towards another are vehemently opposed.

The answer is not so hard. Men have dispositions.

And men steer their theology in the direction of their dispositions.

Disposition: One's customary frame of mind; one's nature or temperament. An inclination or tendency (i.e. a disposition to quarrel).
New World Dictionary

And what makes up a person's disposition? A life time of experiences, from youth up.
Yes, is it any wonder the boy has the disposition of the father?

God's people are admonished....
Proverbs 22:6 KJV
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Life itself is a powerful teacher. The hatred of the father, will the son see it and live it, yes.

Many churches, many different beliefs, all because of the dispositions of the fathers and their sons, through the years of time.

How dry, and hateful some, who want “none of it.”
That of course is their disposition.

Oh how well the beloved apostle put it.

II Corinthians 3:6 KJV
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Question: Were there some who knew of the calling of the disciples to the upper room, though they themselves also were Christians, yet they would never, go and spend ten days on their knees calling upon God for the power of the Holy Spirit, no matter what heavenly cause it might be?

Answer: The answer is a definite, yes!
Not all who were called Christian at the time of Christ, ascended the upper room! That was true then, and it is true, yet today, and that is their choice.

Revelation 22:11 KJV
He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

The added Gifts of the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus wanted His servants to wait for were gifts for evangelism.

I Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT
4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all.
5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord.
6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.
9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing.
10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.
11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

Is this “enduement of power,” something Christian people should seek today?
Answer: Yes!
Who said so?
Peter....

Acts 2:39 KJV
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.

Is that you? Yes, if you are a Christian!

Some, by their disposition, are quite content. Content in their spirituality, to do nothing more than attend church and live their lives.

But our Lord, commanded in Mark 16:15 in The Great Commission, His people to be a confessing, evangelizing church!

Mark 16:15 NLT
15 And then He told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.
16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.
17 These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages.
18 ...They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”

May a person, witness, teach, and preach with out this enduement?
Answer: Yes, but with out the “Power,” of God the Holy Spirit!
Read it again, and then once more.

Luke 24:49 KJV
And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Acts 11:16 (Peter)
Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that He said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Is this baptism of the Holy Spirit for you as a Christian, yes!
Our God only loves and cares for His people!

Luke 1:53 KJV
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away.

Matthew 7:7,8,11 KJV
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?

Luke 11:13 KJV
If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
(Yes this enduement of power, involves, ASKING! it is not, automatic, or assumed.)

I Corinthians 1:25-29 KJV
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in His presence.

Hebrews 11:6 KJV
But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

James 1:17 KJV
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Should you seek this baptism of God's Spirit?
The Apostle Paul, who wrote 14 out of 27 New Testament books, said the following.

I Corinthians 13:1 KJV
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels...”

I Corinthians 14:5,18,39 KJV
5 I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

The early Pentecostal Church, was a miraculous church, and no wonder that it's very first day, 3,000 souls were added to it (Acts 2:41).

Our world today, needs something, it needs a church that is on it's knees seeking the power of God.
Will you be part of the problem, or part of the promise, and power?


Thursday, October 20, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Satan's Character.

Bible Questions Answered:
“Around this time of the year (Halloween ed.) my friends dress up as devils and demons. Some say the devil is not like we make him out to be but the wisest creation. What do you think?”
Terrance/ Beverly Hills, California U.S.A.

Bible Answer:

Satan's Character:
Fallen Angel:

Isaiah 14:12-19 KJV
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.
15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;
17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?
18 All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house.
19 But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.

His Work:

I Peter 5:8 KJV (Adversary)
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Ephesians 6:12 KJV (Wicked)
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

II Corinthians 11:13,14 KJV (Deceiver)
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Matthew 13:19 KJV (Satan, causes confusion and despair.)
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

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

I Chronicles 21:1 KJV (Provoke: to stir up to do evil.)
And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

John 13:2 KJV (Turns men away from God.)
And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him;

John 10:10 KJV (Satan, a thief, as he robs men, a killer and destroyer, destroying the life and Godly blessings a person could have)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 8:44 KJV (Satan, murderer, and liar.)
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Acts 5:3 KJV (Causes men to lie.)
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Matthew 4:5-7 KJV (Satan distorts, perverts the scripture.)
5 Then the devil took Him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple,
6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order His angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”
7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

Job 2:7 KJV (Sends sickness.)
So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

Hebrews 2:14 KJV (Inflicts with death.)
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

II Timothy 1:7 KJV (Gives fear.)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

I Thessalonians 2:18 KJV (Hinders the work of God.)
Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

II Corinthians 2:11 KJV (Satan, plans and schemes against us.)
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Revelation 12:10 KJV (Accuses us before God.)
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Genesis 3:4 KJV (Tempts all of humanity.)
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Luke 22:31,32 KJV (Satan, causes men to deny Christ.)
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Matthew 26:73-75 KJV
73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrayeth thee.
74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the Man. And immediately the cock crew.
75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

Where is Satan at work today?

Job 1:7 KJV
And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

I Peter 5:8 KJV
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Our Protection:

Ephesians 6:11 KJV (Read verses 12-18)
Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

James 4:7,8 KJV
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you..."

I Peter 5:8,9 KJV
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith..."

Satan's judgment:

Matthew 25:41 KJV
"...everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:"

Revelation 20:10 KJV
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are (Ed. note: they have been there already, 1,000 years.), and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Witnesses From Heaven

Bible Questions Answered:
“In our group we had this question come up, do our loved ones in heaven, know what is happening on earth?”
Wendy/ Little Rock, Arkansas U.S.A.

Bible Answer:
Since the first century, no doubt believers everywhere have asked this question. In the Word of God, there is a more than hint, that they do know what is transpiring here on earth.
A verse often cited is that of...

Revelation 6:9-11 NLT
9 When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of all who had been martyred for the word of God and for being faithful in their testimony.
10 They shouted to the Lord and said, “O Sovereign Lord, Holy and True, how long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?”
11 Then a white robe was given to each of them. And they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of their brothers and sisters—their fellow servants of Jesus who were to be martyred—had joined them.

Here John saw believers in heaven, who have been martyred for their confession of faith. And they said “O Sovereign Lord, Holy and True, how long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?Revelation 6:10 KJV

They knew that back on earth, the people who had killed them, had “not yet,” come under judgment, and so they cried out, for vengeance.

I Corinthians 4:9 NLT
Instead, I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world—to people and angels alike.

Philippians 3:20 KJV (The Apostle Paul)
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:

The Apostle Paul, had been to heaven, and if anyone should know, he should.

II Corinthians 12:2-4 NLT
2 I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows.
3 Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know
4 that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.

Hebrews 12:1 KJV (Paul)
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Yes, indeed, how careful we should be running this race of life, if all of heaven is listening and watching what we do! To say nothing of the records, God keeps.

Daniel 7:10 KJV
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him: thousand thousands ministered unto Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

Revelation 20:12 KJV
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Christ-Sinless

Bible Questions Answered:
“...how can we tell if Jesus ever sinned...”
Johnny/ Los Angeles, California U.S.A.

Bible Answer:

We can tell, because the Holy Word of God tells us!

II Timothy 3:16,17 NLT
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
17 God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.

II Peter 1:21 KJV
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The Sinless Christ:

Isaiah 53:9 NLT
He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But He was buried like a criminal; He was put in a rich man’s grave.

John 8:46 KJV
Which of you convinceth Me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe Me?

II Corinthians 5:21 NLT
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

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

I Peter 1:18,19 KJV
18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot:

I Peter 2:21,22 KJV
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth:

I John 3:5 KJV
And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin.

Hebrews 7:23-28 NLT
23 There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office.
24 But because Jesus lives forever, His Priesthood lasts forever.
25 Therefore He is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through Him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.
26 He is the kind of High Priest we need because He is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven.
27 Unlike those other high priests, He does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when He offered Himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins.
28 The law appointed high priests who were limited by human weakness. But after the law was given, God appointed His Son with an oath, and His Son has been made the perfect High Priest forever.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Quarrels

Bible Questions Answered:
“...so we have a battle in the church over church suppers...”
Helen/ Hattiesburg, Mississippi U.S.A.

Bible Answer:
The House of God, is not a place for fighting and bickering!
Our Lord said His house would be a House of Prayer, so gather together on your knees and listen as much as ask.

James talks about small disputes that grow into wars.

James 4:1-3 NLT
1 What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?
2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.
3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.

The Word of the Lord:

Job 6:25 KJV
How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?

Proverbs 13:10 KJV
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 17:14,19 NLT
14 Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.
19 Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin; anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster.

Proverbs 18:6,7 NLT
6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.
7 The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.

Proverbs 20:1 NLT
Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.

Proverbs 26:21 NLT
A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.

Romans 2:7-9 KJV
7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life:
8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

I Corinthians 1:10 NLT
I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

I Corinthians 1:19,20 KJV (The father of disputes.)
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer* of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

*Disputer-Greek-Suzetetes-(Sood-zay-tay-tace): A disputant, i.e. a sophist, a disputer.

Disputer: To argue; debate, to quarrel. To question the truth of; doubt. To oppose in any way; resist. To fight for; contest....
(New World Dictionary

I Corinthians 3:3 NLT
for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?

Colossians 3:13 KJV
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

II Timothy 2:14,23,24 NLT
14 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.
23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.
24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.

Titus 3:9 NLT
Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time.

Brethren...
Philippians 2:14,15 NLT
14 Do everything without complaining and arguing,
15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Bible Lesson-Miracles Of The Power Of The Holy Spirit- Evil Spirits Cast Out By Unknown Follower Of Jesus

Bible Lesson: Miracles Of The Power Of The Holy Spirit- Evil Spirits Cast Out By An Unknown Follower Of Jesus.

Bible Text: Mark 9:38-40 KJV (Luke 9:49-50)
38 And John answered Him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbade him, because he followeth not us.
39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in My name, that can lightly speak evil of Me.
40 For he that is not against us is on our part.

Mark 9:38-40 NLT
38 John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.”
39 “Don’t stop him!” Jesus said. “No one who performs a miracle in My name will soon be able to speak evil of Me. 40 Anyone who is not against us is for us.

The beloved John, a Son of Thunder, was so very eager to tell the Lord, of his encounter with an unknown exorcist.

Mark 9:38 KJV
“...Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbade him, because he followeth not us.:”

This occurrence is so like that of another Son of Thunder, and his zealousness.

Matthew 18:21,22 KJV
21 Then came Peter to Him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Oh how the flesh, loves to glorify itself! And not just in the presence of men, but before the very presence of God.
Isn't there something intrinsically wrong with that?
The “one,” who should receive “any,” praise and glory, is certainly not man, but God!

Psalm 69:34 KJV
Let the heaven and earth praise Him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.

Psalm 107:32 KJV
Let them exalt Him also in the congregation of the people, and praise Him in the assembly of the elders.

Psalm 117:1 KJV
O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye people.

Psalm 135:1 KJV
Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise Him, O ye servants of the LORD.

Psalm 150:1 KJV
Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power.

Revelation 19:1 KJV
And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God:

The mote (spec of dust) versus the beam, the cart before the horse, flesh always gets it wrong.
As the people of God, we are always in danger of becoming a spiritual body of do gooders, doing more harm than good, when and if we are in the “flesh, and not in the “spirit.”

This was John's enigma, seemingly doing God's service, while doing the Kingdom of God harm.

Matthew 26:41 KJV
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Who was this “non-credentialed” itinerant preacher? John knew, he certainly was not part of the disciples, or followers of Jesus, that he knew of!

He was a man, who knew two things.
One, he believed Jesus to be the very Son of God.

John 3:2 KJV (Nicodemus)
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with Him.

Two, he knew by the power of Jesus name, even the evil spirits that bound people in illness, had to obey! This man, saw the great need of many, and so by faith ministered to them in the name of the Lord.

What denomination, what church had sponsored him, who did he represent? Answer, he represented the Lord, and His great empathy towards hurting humanity.

Well, what was Jesus' reply?

Mark 9:39-40 KJV
39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in My name, that can lightly speak evil of Me.
40 For he that is not against us is on our part.

The well meaning flesh of man, had failed, again.
Jeremiah 17:5 KJV
Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

When we depend upon our own fleshly thinking, our own fleshly aggrandizement, we shall fail, and great shall be our fall for it shall affect untold others beyond ourselves.


Question: Of what faith is God?
Take time, read it again, and think on it for awhile.

Is He Southern Baptist (Largest Protestant Church in America.), Catholic, Lutheran, some other denomination, some other theology, perhaps from your country?

Answer: He is “none,” of the above!

He is God, many try to put their brand on Him, claiming Him, for their own, but all is but puny, fleshly thinking, at best.
No, John, “... he that is not against us is on our part. Mark 9:40 KJV).

Our Lord, has His servants scattered all over this world. Who are they, they are humble ones ascribing no attention to themselves, humbly, honorably doing the work of Christ. And one day, great will be their “unsought,” reward.

Selah

Monday, October 10, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Provision- Our God's

Bible Questions Answered.
“...and so doesn't God promise to help us....?”
Tim/ Rochester, New York

Bible Answer:
Our God promises never to leave or forsake His children.

Philippians 4:19 KJV
But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

For God's child, we have the riches of heaven, because of the grace of God.

GRACE:

God's
Riches
At
Christ's
Expense

Hebrews 13:5,6 NLT
5 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
6 So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper so I will have no fear. what can mere people do to me?”

OUR GOD'S PROVISION WHEN WE ARE...:
(To mention just a few.)

Worried:

Isaiah 26:3,4 KJV
3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Have Spiritual hunger:

Isaiah 40:11 KJV
He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

John 6:35 KJV
And Jesus said unto them, I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.

Isaiah 41:18 KJV
I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

Need Strength:

Isaiah 40:29-31 KJV
29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Are Fearful:

Isaiah 41:10,13 KJV
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the Right Hand of My Righteousness.
13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Need to overcome:

II Chronicles 16:9 KJV
"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him..."

Psalm 34:7 KJV
The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.

Psalm 125:2 KJV
As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about His people from henceforth even for ever.

Isaiah 54:17 KJV
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the LORD.

Facing the enemy:

Isaiah 59:19 KJV
So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.

Psalm 91:15,16 KJV
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him My salvation.

In need answers:

Isaiah 58:9 KJV
"Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am..."

Isaiah 65:24 KJV
And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

In need of wisdom:

Ecclesiastes 2:26 KJV
"For God giveth to a man that is good in His sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy..."

Luke 21:15 KJV
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

James 1:5 KJV
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Facing temptations:

II Timothy 4:18 KJV
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

II Peter 2:9 KJV
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

In need of comfort:

Isaiah 66:13 KJV
"As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted..."

II Corinthians 1:3 KJV
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

When we need guidance:

Psalm 25:9 KJV
The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way.

Psalm 37:23 KJV
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delighteth in his way.

Psalm 48:14 KJV
For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death.

When we need healing:

Exodus 15:26 KJV
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

Deuteronomy 7:15 KJV
And the LORD will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.

Isaiah 53:5 KJV
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.

Jeremiah 30:17 KJV
"For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD..."

Need salvation:

Mark 16:16 KJV
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

John 3:16 KJV
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Acts 16:30,31 KJV
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

God, our provision.

Isaiah 49:15,16 NLT
15 "...Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!
16 See, I have written your name on the palms of My hands..."