“Holy Days”

             We have a lot of Holidays in America, but are any of them actually based on the Bible? Have we fallen into Satan’s trap and not question the legitimacy of these rituals/festivals/traditions. The term holiday means, “Holy Days.” We are going to focus more on the “Christian Holidays,” and see if they have any truth to them. We must know the truth and only with the knowledge of the Bible can we live a holy life and teach others, especially our children. We are not citizens of this world and must not follow festivities that are not true to God.             

            Easter is only mentioned in the King James version in Acts 12:4. It actually means “Pascha” which means Passover. It was during the annual Passover celebration that Jesus was crucified at Jerusalem. Passover is an annual Jewish religious celebration during the time of Moses when God delivered the Israelites from bondage and spared their first born. Easter like many holidays seem to have a connection too changing of seasons. Easter falls in close proximity to the vernal equinox, when there is equal periods of light and darkness. It is also around Spring time, trees and flowers are returning after winter, symbolism of rebirth. Many people celebrate Easter on a Sunday, but this day actually fell on a Thursday in 44 AD. Western and Eastern Christianity use different calendars (Gregorian vs Julian calendar) to determine what day the holiday falls on and it has just been a practice it falls on a Sunday. Easter comes from the Anglo-Saxon, Eostre, the name of the goddess of spring, before Christianity. Easter was also associated with Ishtar, the Assyrian and Babylonian goddess of fertility and sex. Her symbols are the same symbols people celebrate Easter with now. Symbols of eggs and bunnies which symbolize fertility and sex. Christianity adopted pagan rituals of conquered people in effort to help convert them. Easter in its true Christian meaning, is the celebration and belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Romans 6:3-11, Or are you unware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him by baptism unto death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, since a person who has died is freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him, because we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will not die again. Death no longer rules over him. For the death He died, He died to sin once for all time; but the life He lives, He lives to God. So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Christ’s death and resurrection is a DAILY hope of how the faith in God can overcome the forces of evil, of how truth will prevail and unmask the lie, of how love will triumph over sin and how the blessed hope of eternal life will even put an end to death one day. Nowhere in the Bible are bunnies or eggs mentioned to the connection of Christ’s resurrection. There is no Biblical command to commemorate or memorialize the day of His resurrection. 

            Also during this Easter time the practice of Lent/Ash Wednesday occurs. The Bible does not mention these practices anywhere. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent for Catholic churches. It is supposed to be a time for prayer and penance. I am sure many of us have friends who give up some particular food (like meat) or smoking, alcohol during this time period. Western and Eastern and churches start Lent on different days (Western churches start on 7^th Wednesday before Easter, Eastern churches on the Monday of the 7^th week before Easter). Of course the Bible does speak about repentance and fasting and we all know Jesus 40 day fast when he was tempted by the Devil (Matthew 4, Mark 1). This 40 day fast is not connected in any way with Jesus and the supposed observation of Easter. Practice of fasting and penance for Lent did not originate in the Bible. In Ezekiel 8:14, we see pagan practices inside the temple. They mention a woman weeping for Tammuz. Tammuz is an ancient Mesopotamian god associated with shepherds, who was also companion to the goddess later known as Ishtar (mentioned in Easter). He was the god of fertility and agriculture and many stories connect him to other idols like Osiris and Adonis. The Bible does teach us to self-examine ourselves and the importance of fasting and prayer. It does not however teach any ritual about Lent or Ash Wednesday. I Timothy 4:1-7, Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, through the hypocrisy of liars whose conscience are seared. They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer. If you point these things out to brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching that you have followed. But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather train yourself in godliness. 

            Holy Communion/Lord’s Supper connects us with Jesus not only in the memory of his death and resurrection, but also to strengthen us. Jesus is the Bread of Life. John 6:51-57, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever. The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. Truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life in yourselves. The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day, because my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. In Matthew 26:26-29 (Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20), Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” I Corinthians 11:25-26, In the same way also he took the cup, after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. There is Biblical truth that we should partake in the Lord’s Supper in order to examine ourselves and in remembrance of him.

            Halloween is definitely not in any way connected to God, but promotes Satan. It is used to remember the dead. It was influenced by ancient Celtic harvest festivals which have pagan roots. People dressing up as the devil, demons, ghosts, masked killers, promoting sex and alcohol having no part with God’s people. Leviticus 19:31 (Leviticus 20:6), Do not turn to mediums or consult spiritists or you will be defiled by them; I am the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 18:10-13, No one among you is to sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire, practice divination, tell fortunes, interpret omens, practice sorcery, cast spells, consult a medium or a spiritist, or inquire of the dead. Everyone who does these acts is detestable to the Lord, and the Lord your God is driving out the nations before you because of these detestable acts. You must be blameless before the Lord your God. Playing with things of the occult like Ouija boards, listening to demonic music allow Satan to enter into your heart and this is very dangerous. Isaiah 8:19-20, inquire of the mediums and the spiritists who chirp and mutter, shouldn’t a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? Go to God’s instructions and testimony! Do not let our children be deceived because it promotes candy but the meaning behind only promotes sin and Satan.

            Catholics pray to dead saints and ask their priests for forgiveness, which the Bible teaches us that this is a sin. In I Samuel 28, we see Saul consulting a medium because he was afraid as the Philistine were at his doors and did not obey God. Samuel had died and God was not answering Saul due to his disobedience. He disguised himself and asked the medium to consult a spirit for him. The ironic thing was the Saul had removed all the mediums from his kingdom because he knew it was sinful against God. The medium herself tells Saul, “You surely know what Saul has done, how he has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why are you setting a trap for me to get me killed? He asked to bring up Samuel and he appeared, which terrified the medium. Because of Saul’s obedience he was told by Samuel that he will lose his Kingdom to David. I Chronicles 10:13-14, Saul dies for his unfaithfulness to the Lord because he did not keep the Lord’s word. He even consulted a medium for guidance, but he did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. I Timothy 2:3-6, This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time. We must confess our sins to God and only He can forgive us. I John 1:9, If we confess our sins, his is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. There must be a change within your heart/mind/soul. This is why repentance is so important in a Christian’s life. 

            Thanksgiving originated with the Pilgrims and they instituted a three-day feast of thanksgiving to God on December 13, 1621 and celebrated with their native Indian friends. In 1789, George Washington issued a proclamation declaring a day of public thanksgiving to God. Other Presidents issued similar proclamations with days and months varying. In 1863 was when they officially designated the last Thursday in November for Thanksgiving by President Lincoln. There is no biblical precept for this holiday but we can use it as a day for remembrance and thanks. Thanking God for all His wonderful love and sacrifice for us. Giving thanks to God is, of course, very biblical. Everyday should be Thanksgiving Day, not just the last Thursday in November. There is nothing wrong with getting together as a family and thanking the love of God in our lives, every day is a blessing to be alive. It is a gift from God and thanksgiving is more than just one day of the year. It is not about getting the best deal on Black Friday and the arguments/fights/lusting after useless things of this world. 

            There is no evidence and no one can say exactly what day Jesus was born, especially on December 25^th, when the world celebrates Christmas. Many believe the reason why they chose December 25^th, is because it was the date of the winter solstice. People celebrated due to the fact that the worst of winter was over and could look forward to longer days and more sunlight. The Scandinavian’s celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. This was also connected to the god Odin. Families would bring home large logs, set one fire and people would feast till the logs burned out. They believed each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year. In Germany they honored the pagan god Odin also during the holiday. In Rome they honored Saturn, the god of agriculture. It was a time of hedonism during this period of celebration. People would have large parties, get drunk, dress as the opposite gender and would roam around the streets knocking on doors, demanding to be fed. If they were not appeased they would threaten and vandalize the homes. They also celebrated the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun on December 25^th. In the fourth century, church officials decided to institute the birth of Jesus as a holiday. It seems Pope Julius I chose December 25^th, most likely in an effort to assimilate the traditions of the pagan celebrations. Also since the days following the winter solstice gradually became longer and less dark, it was ideal symbolism for the birth of “the light of the world,” as mentioned in the Gospel of John. Greek and Russian orthodox churches celebrate Christmas 13-14 days after the 25^th. Again because Western churches use the Gregorian calendar and Eastern churches use the Julian calendar. In this country Christmas was not declared a federal holiday until June 26, 1870.

            Santa Claus is associated with Christmas and is a legendary figure who brings gifts to children. This traditions seems to be connected to a Saint Nicholas (Sinter Klaas) who lived in the 3^rdcentury, a man who was wealthy and used his inheritance to help the needy, sick and suffering. He was well known for his generosity to those in need and his love for children. A tradition of gift giving began in his honor. He still has a feast honored to him, on the anniversary of his death, December 6th. He did not enter into America till around the 18^th century in New York around 1773. The stories of Santa Claus became more popular and continued to grow in American culture. Now Santa Claus is all over in malls, associated with the Salvation Army, pretty much used to attract children and parents to spend money during the holidays. Many movies have been created about Santa Claus, one of the most famous one being “Miracle on 34^th Street.” There could also be a connection of Santa Clause with the god Odin. Mythology states Odin rode around on an eight legged horse Sleipnir, similar to 8 reindeers associated with Claus. Also Odin is known as the “god of wishes,” and Santa Claus is known for bringing gifts to good children. Children write wish lists and mail it to the North Pole hoping to get what they desire. In the US, Santa is now depicted as flying from the North Pole to every home with his reindeer. He enters through the chimney and delivers gifts to all the good children. There are different versions of Santa Claus in different countries. Pe’re Noel is responsible for filling the shoes of French children. A jolly elf named Jultomten is thought to deliver gifts in a sleigh drawn by goats in Scandinavia. Babouschka is a woman that visits children in Russia on January 5th, leaving gifts at their bedside in hope that one of them is the baby Jesus and she will be forgiven. Legend says that she purposely gave the wise mean wrong directions to Bethlehem so that they could not find Jesus and felt remorseful for her lie. La Befana is a kindly witch in Italy who rides a broomstick down the chimneys of Italian homes to deliver toys into the stockings of good children. Many countries have their own version of a Santa Claus as all of these origins are man-made and not Biblical in any nature.

            Most if not all holidays found on a modern calendar are created by man. There is no Biblical foundation to any of them. Dates, times, symbols are not consistent, but the Bible and Jesus are consistent. We must learn and know the truth or we can be lost in this world’s tradition/festivals. I Thessalonians 2:4, Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts. I Thessalonians 4:7, For God has not called us to impurity but to live in holiness. As Christians there is not one day just to Honor your Father and Mother, there is not just one day to love your neighbors/enemies, there is not just one day to be thankful, but every day is a blessing if we are alive. I am not judging you or forcing you to make any decision, that is between yourself and God. Your relationship with God will determine all your choices in life and what to participate with your family. Baptism, Fasting, Prayer, being Filled with the Holy Spirit and participating in the Holy Communion were all done by Jesus as an example and for us to IMITATE Him. That is our true purpose, to Imitate Christ. The truth is the truth and nothing can change the Word of God. All the holidays are supposed to be focusing on Jesus but some celebrate more the activity without understanding the meaning. Our mind must be on heavenly things and we must know the truth to teach the next generation. Psalms 78:5-7, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children so that a future generation-children yet to be born-might know. They were to rise and tell their children so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God’s works, but keep his commands. Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection should be celebrated every day of our lives with family and friends. It is the daily bread that feeds us and not just on holidays. 

 

Roots and Fruits

                In the Garden of Eden God created trees, seed-bearing trees according to their kinds (Genesis 1:11-12). Never did Adam and Eve have to water, cultivate or assist in these plants to grow. God himself tended to the Garden (Genesis 2:4-10), “At the time that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, no shrub of the field had yet grown on the land and no plant of the field had yet sprouted, for the Lord God had not made it rain on the land and there was no man to work the ground. But mist would come up from the earth and water all the ground. Then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils and the man became a living being. The Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east and there he placed the man he had formed. The Lord God caused to grow out of the ground every tree pleasing in appearance and good for food, including the tree of life in the middle of the garden, as well as the tree of knowledge of good and evil. A river went out from Eden to water the garden.” It was not till the original sin and disobedience that caused the loss of paradise. God was himself the gardener of paradise.    

                Trees and their roots are very important and symbolic to a Christian’s life. Trees are mentioned more than any other living thing other than God and people in the Bible. Trees symbolize strength, many are extremely old and have endured storms, gives shade and rest. Trees give us oxygen to breath. Trees are mentioned in Genesis and Revelation and they are the oldest living things on earth. Trees offer shelter, many houses are built from wood, gives us fruits/food and protection. The roots of a tree are hidden in the ground. They absorb and transport water and minerals from the soil to the rest of the tree to allow the branches to bear good fruit. Some roots are very deep and they help anchor the tree, which gives it strength. The deeper the roots, usually means the stronger and larger the tree will become. The surface of a tree are tough, have many marks/scars from battling storms and each mark could probably tell us a story.

Every major person in the Bible has a tree attached to them. When Noah wanted to know if the flood was over, he sent out a dove and it brought an olive branch (from an olive tree) to signify the land was dry. Genesis 18:1, the Lord appeared to Abraham at the Oaks of Mamre. Moses spoked to God in front of the burning bush (Exodus 3) and Joseph in Genesis 49:22, is a fruitful vine. Jesus is mentioned in Isaiah 53:2, He grew up before him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground. Parables used by Jesus about sowing and reaping, wheat and weeds and even the mustard seed (Matthew 13, Mark 4, Luke 8). The mustard seed can fit in the size of your palm, but when it blooms it is one of the largest trees and has strong roots. Jesus was crucified on the cross which was made from a tree. 

Depending on good roots or bad roots we allow to grow, it will determine the greatness or weakness of the overall tree. It will determine whether good fruits or bad fruits grow. The roots are within us as mentioned in Job 19:28. The heart is the root, whether good or evil. Matthew 15:18-19, But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a person. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, slander. In Deuteronomy 29:18, Be sure there is no root among you bearing poisonous and bitter fruit. We must nourish our roots with reading/learning the Word of God, faith, prayer, love, humbleness, fasting and devotion to God. If we nourish the roots with all the sin of this world, it will not allow us to have a relationship with God. It will only lead to condemnation and hell. Malachi 4:1, For look, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every who commits wickedness will become stubble. The coming day will consume them, says the Lord of Armies, “not leaving them root or branches.” When Jesus returns, he will destroy all the evil roots Satan has planted and regrow the paradise, which was lost due to man’s sin. Matthew 3:10, The ax is already at the root of the trees, Therefore every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

Without strong and deep roots we will not be able to withstand Satan’s storm/temptations. Matthew 13/Mark 4/Luke 8, Jesus speaks about the sower and some landed on the rocky ground where it didn’t have much soil. It grew up quickly since the soil wasn’t deep and when the sun came up, it was scorched because it had no root and withered away. It is important to note that growing good, strong and spiritual roots takes time. Jesus has never said any of this would be easy and daily our faith will be tested by Satan. The disciples travelled alongside Jesus, saw his miracles first hand, probably had strong spiritual roots, yet Peter denied Jesus three times. We are not perfect, we will falter and sin. But if we have strong and faithful roots, growing on good ground we will be able to overcome and get back on the path and grow even greater fruits for the Glory of God. Proverbs 12:3, No one can be made secure by wickedness, but the root of the righteous is immovable. Our faith will be strengthened and we will be immovable against the storms of Satan. 

Hebrews 12:1, Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many. We must be vigilant and be aware that evil roots are growing in many churches. They may seem to be rooted in Christ but many are false prophets/teachings. We must be rooted with the Word of God to know that those are not the correct teachings of Jesus and not be deceived by Satan. I Timothy 6:10, For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. This verse makes more sense now more than ever. There are religious leaders preaching about wealth and prosperity rather than the truth of sin and repentance. There are so many famous politician, celebrities, athletes who literally have everything they could desire in this world, yet we see a majority of them unhappy/sinning due to not living a Christian life. Greed causes so many different types of evil upon your life and causes your roots to be weak in Christ. Depression, Alcoholism, Drug use, Adultery, Suicide, Pornography, Murder, Rape are just some of the evil roots that can be associated with the love for money. Our roots must be focused on Christ and He will give us everything we need in this life. 

Romans 11:16, Now if the firstfruits are holy, so is the whole batch. And if the root is holy, so are the branches. Proverbs 12:12, The wicked desire what evil people have caught, but the fruit of the righteous is productive. Once our roots are nourished with God’s word we start to grow spiritual fruits. Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These fruits not only helps us have a relationship with God but also shows the rest of the world we are believers. We must display the fruits in our lives, to serve one another humbly in love and be kind, good and faithful. If our roots are holy, our branches will be holy and produces the fruits God wants. In times of hardship and temptation these fruits will help us conquer Satan and be victorious. There are always battle scars on a tree who live for a long period of time. The same goes for our Christian lives. That is why longsuffering is one of the fruits. There will be ups and downs in our lives, but when the tree is rooted in God, it can take the hits and continue to thrive with faith.

In Revelation 14:14-20, and one like the Son of Man was seated on the cloud, with a golden crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. The sickle is used in farming for cutting during the harvest. One angel came out of the temple and tells the one seated on the cloud, “Use your sickle and reap, for the time has come, since the harvest of the earth is ripe. He swung his sickle over the earth and the earth was harvested. Then another angel who also had a sharp sickle came out of the temple in heaven. This angel had authority over fire, swung his sickle at the earth and gathered the grapes from the vineyard of the earth and he threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath. There will be a time during Tribulation where the good fruits will be harvested to heaven and the bad fruits will be destroyed. That will be the moment when God stops watering dead plants and His judgement will fall upon all of us.

Galatians 3:13, Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”). People forget what it means to the world during that time when someone is crucified on the cross. Deuteronomy 21:22-23, If a man committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God. This was a punishment for the worse sinners, a curse, yet Jesus was crucified when He is sinless. Jesus was crucified on a cross for our sins and took it upon Himself to take the curse from Adam and Eve’s disobedience. John 15:1-2, I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. God is the gardener of our souls and wants us to bear His spiritual fruits. When we feed our roots with the Word of God, prayer, fasting and all things of God we will grow spiritual fruits to help us in our life. But if we feed our roots with sin, our fruits will not be worthy to be harvested and we will be thrown into the winepress of God’s wrath. There will be a time of harvesting during the end days and when the sickle is swung, it would be wise to not be in the path of God’s wrath. 

 

Power of Words

I hate you! I love you! You are a disappointment! I am proud of you! You will never grow up to be anything! You can be whatever you want to be as long as you work hard. You are lazy. You are hard working. You are stupid. You are smart. Simple words can cause someone to feel special and loved or it can cause hatred, anger or depression. There is so much power in words and we can see it every day in our own lives. If a loved one praises or condemns you, it can ruin your day. Your boss scrutinizes your work or lack of hard work. Or if your boss shows appreciation for your hard work and dedication. Your child saying, I love you versus them saying I hate you. Simple words that can pierce your soul for good or bad. Proverbs 13:3, The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his ruin. Matthew 12:36-37, I tell you that on the day of judgement people will have to account for every careless word they speak. For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned. The words we see spoken today create more hate and anger and sometimes leads to death.

                Jesus had power in His words. We see it many times in the Bible. The more famous one is Matthew 8:5-13 (Luke 7:1-10), a centurion heard about Jesus, went to him and was pleading to heal his servant lying at home paralyzed and in terrible agony. A centurion were of high standards, well payed, they were able to read and commanded over 80 soldiers. The centurion showed so much faith and humbleness by saying that he is not worthy to have Jesus come under his roof and He only needed to say the word and his servant would be healed. Jesus says He has not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith and the servant was healed that very moment. In Luke 7:11-17, a widow’s son died and was being carried out. Jesus had compassion on her and said, “Don’t weep.” He touches the open coffin and says, “Young man, I tell you get up!” The dead man sat up and began to speak. Matthew 8:16, He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. John 4:46-54, a royal official comes to Jesus and pleads with him to heal his son, who was about to die. Jesus tells him to “Go, your son will live.” The man believed and found his son healed. Mark 7:24-30, a Gentile mother comes to Jesus to ask him to cast out the demon in her daughter. Jesus says to her, “Let the children be fed first, because it isn’t right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” The mother replies, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” She was showing her faith and saying she only needed crumbs to have her daughter healed by Jesus. Jesus says, “Because of this reply (showing her faith), you may go. The demon has left your daughter.” Jesus’ words alone had great power and could heal without needing to touch.

                Prayer is power and it is words are used to heal, guide, strengthen and comfort. There is power in the words not only what we speak but what we hear. The voice of the Holy Spirit speaks to us. We can see how powerful the words are when we are filled with Spirit. In Acts 5:1-11, Ananias and his wife Sapphira sell a piece of property. They both kept back a part of the proceeds and gave a portion to the apostles. The Spirit filled Peter was given insight and asks, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds of the land? Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to people but to God.” After hearing these words, Ananias drops dead. His wife, three hours later is questioned by Peter and she also lies. Instantly she dropped dead after Peter says, “Why did you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door and they will carry you out.” The words in the Bible give us unimaginable strength over this world and the spirit world. Continually repeating them and memorizing them in our hearts help us when we face dark times and temptations. The word should be in our heart and it is part of the armor of God. It is the Sword of the Spirit and the Sword is the Word of God. The belt of Truth gives us the Word which becomes the Sword and can defeat any enemy. Jesus used Scripture to defeat Satan and there is power in those words! We must do the same.            

                We see Jesus tempted by Satan in Matthew 4 and Luke 4. The Word of God is our Sword against Satan and our Shield of Faith defends us against his attacks. Satan tempts Jesus and says, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread. Jesus replies, “Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Words from God give eternal life and sustenance for our soul. No food could ever give that feeling. Satan then takes Jesus and stands him on the pinnacle of the temple and says, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you and they will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Satan is so well versed with the Word of God that he will twist it for his advantage. Lucifer knows how to use the pulpit at churches to spread his word and not the Word of God. The wolves in sheep clothing have been among us since the beginning and they will continue to do the Lucifer’s bidding. Jesus replies, “Do not test the Lord your God.” The devil then takes Jesus to a very high mountain and says, “I will give you all these things (all the kingdoms of the world) if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.” Jesus defeated the devil’s temptation with the power of His words.

The words of Lucifer only bring death, doubt, lies, temptation, cause unbelief, suffering, rebellion and despair. Genesis 3, we see the words of Lucifer cause the loss of paradise. “Did God really say, you can’t eat from any tree in the garden,” Eve answers and says, “But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’” Lucifer answers, “No! You will not die. In fact, God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” We all know what happens next and the world lost paradise until Jesus sacrificed himself for all sinners. We see in Job 1, Satan speaks to God about Job and says, “Haven’t you placed a hedge around him, his household and everything he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he owns and he will surely curse you to your face.” God allows Satan to bring suffering to Job but in the end Job is rewarded for his faith many times over.  The words of Lucifer are intended to bring hate, disbelief, anger, anxiety, despair, sin, all the things Jesus does not want for you in your life. There is a reason the devil is called the Adversary and Tempter. His words will always be the opposite of God’s word.

The Word of God and the word of the devil is always opposite. Jesus uses His words to speak the truth, show love, compassion, heal, bring peace, comfort, to rebuke and guide us on the narrow path. The devil uses words for causing doubt, anxiety, hate, depression, all things to damn your soul. We are the children of God and our Heavenly Father speaks to us with love. We can see the joy our words can bring in people but it can also cause pain. Our words can be used as a testimony to show the power of God. How it brings comfort and saves the lost soul. The words you hear in church, from a pastor, Christian music can touch your heart and bring you closer to God. The people and the words they use around you can affect your relationship with God. It can bring you closer or it can cause doubt if it is coming from a non-believer. The words that come out of our mouth should be words of love and encouragement. John 14:10, “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who lives in me does His works.” Those who truly do the works of Jesus will have words similar to Him and will keep His commandments.

I Peter 2:1-2, Therefore, rid of yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that you may grow up into your salvation. This is how powerful words can be, Pope Francis expresses support for same-sex civil unions. There was also a time where the Pope promoted using conscience to navigate tough moral questions. This is the leader of the Catholic Church, using his words to spread the acceptance of sin to millions of followers! His word is not following the Bible. We must know the Word of God to decipher the words of untruth! We will suffer for Christ’s sake, I Peter 2:21-22For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. Romans 10:8-10, The message is near in you, in your mouth and in your heart. This is the message of faith that we proclaim. If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. We must not be lost and be able to fight the words of Satan! Let no deceit come out of our mouths and the knowledge of the Word of God will help us know the truth from lies. We must confess of God’s truth to the world to combat the lies we hear every day in this world. Our words must be pure! 

James 3:8, but no one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. The devil is full of wisdom as stated in Ezekiel and used his words to convince other angels to follow in his rebellion. He continues that war now using social media and technology spreading his words to deceive the world. Taming our words will not be an easy task. Every day it is a battle and we continually need to be in the presence of prayer using our words, asking God for help. Proverbs 18:21, Death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruit. This is true now, more than ever. Our words produce fruit and each believer is known by its own fruit. Luke 6:45, A good person produces good out of the good stored up in his heart. An evil person produces evil out of the evil stored up in his heart, for his mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. Ephesians 4:29, No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. Choose your words wisely as there is power in the words we speak. The last words none of us want to hear is “I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers (Matthew 7:23)!” Rather we want to hear Jesus saying to us, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!” Do not be deceived by the words of this world and accept sin. The true Word of God gives us His commandments and there is not deviation or acceptance of anything else in our lives. Use the power of words to give light and salt to the lost world!

 

Fitting In

                We live in a world that is much more technologically advanced then it was about 10 years ago. Yet fitting in is still a major goal and many use technology to reach it. But the truth is, majority of them reach their goal through lies and use social media as its major tool. They show this glamorous life online and everything seems to be perfect. Yet they are empty inside and depressed. Depression, drug use and alcoholism are on the rise. There is a void that can never be filled with this world. We see celebrities, actors, politicians and religious leaders use social media to spread their views, messages and show off their lavish life. Yet we see humans continue to fail when it comes to God’s word and commandments. The world of social media is a world of lies. Filters to change the way you look, snapshots of what seems to be a perfect life yet behind the scenes your life is falling apart, showing wealth when you are barely avoiding bankruptcy and seeking treasures of this world, rather than the treasures awaiting us in heaven. 

When we try to fit in, we look in all the wrong places. The world can never satisfy us like Jesus Christ.  There is so much pressure for young adults to fit into this world. Believers at that age are fragile and are few in numbers. The world scoffs at our beliefs and ridicules our faith. As young adults, now more than ever need encouragement, knowledge of the word, prayer and support to help them resist Lucifer. His time for judgement is coming swiftly and he is attacking our basic need to fit in with this world. Yet Jesus lived a life that fits no one’s frame but His Heavenly Fathers. We all know the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32. There were two sons and the younger asked his father to give him his share. The father gave him his share and the son traveled to a distant country and spent all his money living lavishly. He lost all his money and a famine struck the country. He was so desperate he worked with pigs and fed them. As a Jew this is even lower than low having to work with unclean animals. He was so hungry he almost ate the food the pigs were given. He decides then to go back to his father and ask for forgiveness.             

His father saw him from afar and ran to him, threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. The son asks for forgiveness and states he is not worthy to be even called his son any more. The father forgives him and got the best robe for him, put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. They had a feast for the return of his lost son. As we read on we see his older brother is angry that his father accepted his sibling back and is having a feast for him. His father is just happy that his lost son who was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found. We all know the classic meaning of this parable. God wants us to know he loves us and wants us to return to him. The younger son wanted to indulge in the world and fit in with the world. He indulged in all the pleasures of the world and felt like he fit in. Yet what he learned and what some may never learn is that fitting in with the world does not end well. The people around you may just be using you, peer pressuring you into sin and being popular usually means you are a citizen of this world. But never fear or doubt that God is waiting for your return and even praying for your soul. The son had literally everything his heart desired living in his father’s house. He had security, health, wealth and love from his father. Yet the son wanted to go into the world and felt he needed to fit in. He wanted to see how the world lived and became wreck less with his decisions. There was no one that loved him like his father or to guide him and show him the correct path. His own selfish decisions to fit in and be part of the world lost him paradise. Many now choose to fit in with the world and will lose heaven as their paradise. 

We as true believers will never fit in this world. That is something that must be stressed to a young generation because they will face more persecution and ridicule than most adults. Young adults and children can be cruel/heartless and without support the young generation can fall into Lucifer’s trap. It is much harder for the youth to grow up as a believer in this world when so many things can throw you off your path. The internet can be damning to the soul and Lucifer can use it to attack your mind, self-esteem, cause anxiety, addiction and even depression. This is a whole new type of weapon at his disposal. We must remember again that our citizenship is in heaven and we are foreigners on earth. We can’t be friends with the world and it will hate us. James 4:4, Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the friend of the world becomes the enemy of God. John 15:18-19, If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you. The world hated Jesus and still does. The company you keep does matter and it makes a big difference in your life. I Corinthians 15:33, Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” As you get older you will learn the ones that really care about your development and growth as a believer will not cause you to sin. We do not need Fake Friends in our lives. Jesus kept close friendships all with one goal, to glorify His Father. He lost his life, many were beaten and hated for their belief. Don’t let fitting in, deter you from the love of God and He can only fill any void. Jesus is living water and will never let us thirst again and fills us with the Holy Spirit that will give us boldness to combat temptation. 

We must not fit in, because if we do how are we any different than the non-believers? 2 Corinthians 6:14-15, Don’t become partners with those who do not believe. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What agreement does Christ have with Belial (another name for Lucifer)? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? We are to preach, guide, rebuke, teach and pray for those unbelievers. Do you know who the first politician was? Lucifer himself, convinced a third of the angels to rebel against God. Giving false promises about becoming greater than God and because of their rebellion, were all kicked out of heaven. If we follow other non-believers to fit in we will be tempted and do sinful actions. Proverbs 13:20-21, The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm. Disaster pursues sinners, but good rewards the righteous. I Corinthians 10:31, So, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. There is a cost to following Jesus and it is worth the price. Luke 14:27, Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Jesus who was sinless came to break the bonds of sin and death by giving his perfect self for our unworthy souls. Without this sacrifice we would not have the gift of Grace and would not be able to enter into His Kingdom. 

Why must we not fit in? If we fit in we will lose the taste of salt and we will lose the light inside us. In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus explains we are to be like salt full of flavor and taste. Once we lose this taste, salt is useless. It is describing the inside of our souls should be pure and love abounding in our heart. “Don’t you realize, that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is eliminated? But whatever comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a person. From the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, slander. These are the things that defile a person (Matthew 15:17-20).” Salt also preserves food from going bad. In the Old Testament offerings to God was seasoned with salt (Leviticus 2:13). Part of the temple offerings included salt and it was used as a symbol and sacred sign in ancient Israel (Numbers 18:19, 2 Chronicles 15:5) and as well for a covenant of friendship. Salt is spread all over things and like that we as believers should spread our love and knowledge of God to all the corners of the earth. If we becoming sinful by fitting in we lose the power of the salt. We are to be a light to the world. No one lights a lamp to put it under a basket and hide it. No, light is used to show the way for all who are in the house. To prevent them from stumbling and falling. We are to shine before others, so that they see the image of Jesus in you and we imitate Him. It does matter who you hang out with, what you read, what you listen too, what you say and how you act. Fitting in with this world is the exact opposite of Jesus’s way. I continue to say it is not easy to do that, and that is the truth. That is why prayer, faith, church and other followers are important in our lives. We can’t do this alone! Jesus’s disciples had each other to lean on when they faced persecution and had the Son of God himself with them and yet they stumbled. We will never live a perfect life but we can imitate Jesus and have other believers to lean on when we falter. 

One of the hardest part growing up in this world is not fitting in. Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you-this is the Lord’s declaration-plans for your well being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Romans 8:28, We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. God has a plan and purpose for us. This journey was never meant to be easy but with the Holy Spirit guiding us, nothing can defeat us. I Peter 3:14-15, But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do no fear what they fear or be intimidated, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Internet or real life bullying or trolling from this world will happen, but you don’t see their emptiness inside them like God does. You see their false, made-up perfect life and see people who seem happy commit suicide. It is all lies and deception created by Lucifer. Matthew 10:22, You will be hated by everyone because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 16:25, For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it. 2 Timothy 3:10-15 speaks about the struggles in the Christian life. But you have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience love and endurance, along with the persecution and sufferings that came to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra. What persecutions I endured-and yet the Lord rescued me from them all. In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Evil people and imposters will become worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you and you know that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. It is so important to start our children early about God and give them the knowledge and strength to protect them when they don’t fit in. So many get lost because of lack of teaching, understanding, lack of discussion and worrying about being condemned rather than being rebuked and supported. Every generation faces new evils and temptations from Lucifer and we as believers must focus on the next generation and keep on open dialogue to help them journey this Christian life. Fitting in may not feel good for a moment, but knowing God’s paradise is awaiting us gives us the comfort and acceptance of our sufferings/persecutions in this world.

 

Romans 2:6-8, He will repay each one according to his works: eternal life to those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality; but wrath and anger to those who are self-seeking and disobey the truth while obeying unrighteousness. 

Prayer Dilemma

                I would suggest many people if they have the time, to watch Social Dilemma on Netflix. It shows the new way Lucifer is leading the world into destruction. Many of the people who were part of creating FB, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Tik Tok etc. who are mostly non-believers see the evil it can do. It causes the person to engage their mind and time into worthless matters. It will create a bubble around you and feed only things that you want and has nothing to do with the truth. It unconsciously controls you and the artificial intelligence runs algorithms to keep you engaged and send you things you will like by predicting your choices. The computer itself cannot decipher truth and only wants to keep you engaged. Facts and truth are no longer relevant and only opinions. Do you see how easily Lucifer connects the world and can influence it without resistance. He has made humanity into a product and is controlling free will by influencing it, giving you what you want to see, whether true or false. It has become the new drug and can cause heavy damage on many young minds who are already fragile. We have a prayer dilemma in this country and all over the world. Count the useless hours you were looking at your phone and engaging in social media. Many could not last a week without starting to feel with-drawls and anxiety. 

Now more than ever evil can communicate with each other and spread their poison to all the four corners of the earth. The Christian life is not complex, but will be a difficult and we see that Jesus’s foundation was prayer. It has more power than we understand and we underutilize it in our lives. We see in Luke 18:9-14, two people go to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee (world sees him as religious) the other a Tax Collector (world sees as sinner). The Pharisee stood and prayed “God I thank You that I am not like other men – extortioners, unjust, adulterers or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess” The Tax Collector, standing afar off, would not so much raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast saying, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” Prayer makes you humble and Jesus says that the Tax Collector is justified in his prayer. Prayer is not to lift yourself up in front of God or compare yourself to others. Prayer is to ask God to give strength to a sinful body/mind to overcome sin, protect us from the evil one and let God work us. We are weak no matter what status we have in society when it comes to the presence of God. We cannot be in the presence of God if we have pride (this caused Lucifer’s downfall) and our prayers will not be heard. 

We must imitate Christ (previous post) and the devil has many weapons at his disposal. Luke 15:16, states Jesus often withdrew himself into the wilderness and prayed. When He was exhausted, burdened, in agony or needed to be filled with the spirit He knew it can only be found in God’s presence and he went off to pray. It is with the power of prayer and fasting he was able to defeat the temptations of Lucifer. In Matthew 26 (Mark 14:32, 14:38, Luke 22:40, 22:46), Jesus is in Gethsemane and took Peter, James and John and He himself went a little further to pray to His Father. He told the three to stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. Three times Jesus returned from prayer and found them sleeping. In Luke 22:31-34, Jesus tells Simon Peter that Satan has asked to sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. Peter denies Jesus three times as he predicted and the rooster crowed after. Luke 9:28-36 again he took the three and as he was praying, the appearance of His face changed and his clothes became dazzling white (Jesus Transfigured). Suddenly Moses and Elijah were talking to him and they were speaking of his departure. Peter and the others woke up and saw His glory and the two men who were standing with Jesus. Peter asks Jesus if he should build tabernacles for the other two and while he was saying it a cloud appeared and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. A voice came out of the cloud saying, “This is my Beloved Son. Hear Him! Jesus was then found alone. The point of this was to show that we are only to pray to God/Jesus and not to any other figures or mortals/idols. He is the only connection we have to God and no other one can claim that truthfully. The Bible does not tells us to pray to Mary or any Saints. Jesus himself prayed only to God, His Heavenly Father. John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 

Prayer has POWER! We see it in all the miracles Jesus and his disciples did in the Bible. There is no way to live a Christian life without prayer and fasting. It gives us confidence, I John 5:14-15, This is the confidence we have before Him, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked of Him. God only wants to give us good things in our lives. Mark 11:24, Therefore I tell you, everything you pray and ask for – believe that you have received it and it will be yours. It shows faith and the confidence that there is nothing God will not give us. He gives us what we need, not always what we want in life. Prayer gives us boldness and allows us to be in the Spirit, Ephesians 6:18-19, Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. It gave the disciples boldness (Acts 4:13) against the Jewish leadership to preach the truth no matter the consequences. There is so much power that is available to us when we take our authority in prayer. It takes away anxiety, fear, doubt, brings healing and putting on his armor to fight the darkness. Elijah with the power of prayer, had God answer by shutting the heavens and prevented rain for three years. Jesus cast out demons, healed the sick and blind, raised the dead with the power of prayer. God doesn’t ask us to understand, comprehend or figure it out, He only asks us to pray and seek his trust (Isaiah 55:8). 

Prayer is talking to God and having a private conversation with him. Prayer should be private and pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly (Matthew 6:5-15). When we speak to our parents about something important we want or need, we do it privately. It is the relationship that is important and God our Heavenly Father knows what we need. That private time of prayer builds a relationship between God and yourself. It gives you strength and faith to know and face any obstacles the devil places in front of you. Jesus prayed to His Father out of love, faith and obedience. Jesus is actually praying for His children. John 17:9, I pray for them. I am not praying for the world but for those you have given me, because they are yours. Jesus the Son of God is praying for our souls and asking in verse 11, Holy Father protect them by your name that you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. He is literally praying for us in Heaven to be part of the Body of Christ and wants us to join him in his Heavenly kingdom. Does that not tell you itself the importance of prayer! If even the Son of God is praying to his Father, having a conversation and asking to protect us from this world so we may all receive the joy of salvation, we must focus on prayer. Do not worry about what to pray and just begin to speak to your Heavenly Father. Romans 8:26 In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. God already knows what we need, so open your heart and the Spirit can do the rest. Prayer can change your heart and your mind. 

The dilemma is that we are taking prayer our most valuable and powerful weapon for granted and choosing distractions hurt our relationship with God.  We are not trusting in the power of prayer and our God to protect us and give us guidance. When most people wake up in America or even the world the first thing they do is grab their phone or turn on the TV to see what is happening in the world. The world does not care what happens to you. Don’t ever say, you don’t have time to pray. The Lord’s Prayer itself is only a minute if even that long. When you wake up, pray! When you get dressed and about to eat breakfast, pray! When you get into your car to drive to work, pray! When you sit at your desk, pray! When you are about to eat, pray! When you get stressed at work, pray! When you get home safely, pray! When you are about to eat dinner, pray. When you get bad news, pray! When you get good news, pray! Have family prayer every evening. When you are about to go to sleep, pray! There is no time during the day you can’t be in the Spirit of Prayer. If Jesus can pray even during his crucifixion we have no excuse. Put the phone down, social media, television and any distraction and do not let it not rob you of your relationship with God. I see people buying all these self-help books, get rich books, prosperity gospel books, yet they neglect the one true book, The Holy Bible. You could read the Bible a 1,000 times yet every time find something new and something guided by the Holy Spirit for you to witness to the world. The world looks at other places for answers, when the real answer is literally in their face. Take your problems, anxiety, sickness, stress, and your fears all to God. The solution is God and Prayer! 

 

 

Anti-Trinity

          What is Lucifer’s ultimate goal in the fight against God his creator. In Ezekiel 28:12-15 God describes the beauty of Lucifer, You were the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz and diamond, beryl, onyx and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship off your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created. You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.” Isaiah 14:12-14, How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations.! For you have said in your heart: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation, On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High. Lucifer was prideful and jealous and wants to be even greater than his creator. Sin is rebellion against God and Lucifer was the first. He wants to be worshipped and anyone he can take away from God is a victory for him. God gave him dominion over the earth until the return of Jesus. Jesus proclaimed his kingdom is not of the earth in the Gospels. Jesus was offered the kingdoms of the world by Satan when he was tempted in Matthew 4. Lucifer currently is the God of this world. 2 Corinthians 4:4, In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the lift of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (CSB version).

         In Revelation 13, Lucifer gives power, his throne and great authority to the antichrist. The Holy Spirit is holding back from this occurring, but will one day will allow these events to happen to fulfill the prophecy and the 2^nd coming of Christ. The antichrist is pretty much what Jesus is to believers. Lucifer tempted Jesus to become his antichrist but we all know that did not happen. The world will worship this false Messiah, and the dragon (Lucifer) gave authority to the beast (antichrist). He will be allowed to do great things and blasphemies for three and a half years (Jesus ministry was three and a half years). He will make war with the saints and win for a time and will the leader of the unbelievers. Who ever does not have the name written in the Book of Life will worship him. 1 John 2:22, Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. The spirit of the antichrist is already in this world and is spreading the message of his father (Lucifer) to the world. It seems this beast will be mortally wounded but this wound would be healed and the world would marvel. The antichrist is Jesus in this unholy Trinity. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. For that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits in God’s temple, proclaiming that he himself is God. 

         In Revelation 13:11 we see another beast coming up out of the earth. He seems to be the prophet of Lucifer. He is given the same authority of the first beast and performs greats signs to the world. He deceives those on the earth, forces everyone to worship the first beast and tells those on earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. This person will even reign down fire from heaven. The prophet is given power to bring this idol to life and whoever does not worship it will be killed. He forces everyone who believes in the beast to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead. We as believers have nothing to fear about this seal. This seal is for those who believe in the antichrist and forsake the One True God. 2 Corinthians 2:21-22, Now it is God who strengthens us together with you in Christ, and who has anointed us. He has also put his seal on us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a down payment. Ephesians 1:13, In him you also. Were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of. Truth, the gospel of your salvation and when you believed. We as believers will already have the seal from God and “No weapon formed against shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgement you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me, says the Lord (Isaiah 54:17).” 

         Lucifer wants to make us rebel and war with the children of God. He hates believers more than anyone else, because unbelievers don’t need his attention. But believers have a direct relationship with God through prayer/fasting/obedience. Lucifer does not want you to believe or read Genesis (specifically Chapter 3) or Revelation. He hates these two books probably the most in the Bible. It shows in Genesis how Lucifer tries to convince Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. It shows even then how he wants to try and convince you that you will be like God. Lucifer things he should be greater than God himself. It is even ironic because he literally copies God’s plan. From him wanting to be God, his antichrist (Lucifer’s version of Jesus) and the prophet (Lucifer’s version of John the Baptist/Or Holy Spirit). I John 3:8-9, He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose of the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. Lucifer hates Revelation because it gives away his plan and end and the true believers will not be deceived. Revelation 20:10, The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. 

“Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8).” We can not take the devil lightly, he and his demons will continue to test our faith and obedience. The huge difference is that the devil is not omnipresent-everywhere, omnipotence-all powerful, omniscience-all knowing, only our God is! Lucifer will use his Anti-Trinity to cause many souls to fall into the lake of fire. God, Jesus, Holy Spirit and the True Gospel Church are his adversaries. We can not be neutral in this fight. Matthew 12:30, Jesus says it clearly, “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” Prayer is a powerful weapon against Lucifer (Prayer Dilemma on the next blog). Our prayers go into the air and then to the heavens to our Fathers’ ears. The devil is the prince of the air (Ephesians 2:2) and it probably passes his domain which infuriates him. Our God will never fail us and he knows what we need even before we ask. In Jesus’s sample prayer in Matthew 6, “He prays Deliver Us from the Evil one.” The devil is real and we need to pray to God to deliver us from Lucifer. He will tempt us everyday of our lives and it is the love and blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit that protects us. We forget that Lucifer/antichrist/prophet and the fallen angels have no chance of Repentance like the rest of us and their fate has already been written. The Anti-Trinity will fail and will be defeated by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ upon his return! We must endure and continue to have faith in the one true Trinity!

Speak to the Rock

 

                 In Numbers 13:1, God spoke to Moses and told him to send out spies from each tribe to survey the land. The spies scouted out the new land for 40 days and found grapes, pomegranates and figs. The land flowed with milk and honey like God had foretold. Verse 28, the spies report, nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large. All but two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb had faith in God to conquer the land he promised. The others gave Israel a bad report of the land, that there were giants (descendants from Anak) and they were like grasshoppers in the sights of the inhabitants. Israel refused to enter into the land. Joshua and Caleb in Number 14:9, Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread, their protection has departed from them and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them. Moses attempted to assure the people as well, and to believe God will fight for them just as He did in Egypt. Fear leads to disobedience and they face the wrath of God’s anger. God was so angry with Israel for not having faith and disobeying him he prevented them from entering into the promise land. God waited for that entire generation to die out before allowing the next generation to enter into God’s promise land. Deuteronomy 1:34-39 , And the Lord heard the sound of your words, and was angry, and took an oath, saying, Surely not one of these men of this evil generation shall see that good land of which I swore to give your fathers, except Caleb….because he wholly followed the Lord. Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall go in there. Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it. Moreover your little ones and your children, who you say will be victims, who today have no knowledge of good and evil, they shall go in there; to them I will give it, and they shall possess it. 

                God spoke to Moses in Numbers 20, while the people of Israel were complaining to him at the area of Kadesh. God told Moses in Verse 8, Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; this you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals. If we continue to read, Moses gets the people together. “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock? Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came our abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.” Because of Moses disobedience, God did not allow him to enter into the land of milk and honey (Canaan).  Numbers 20:12, Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them. Moses and the older generation of Israel were both punished for their lack of faith and disobedience. 

                Moses and the generation that escaped Egypt’s bondage did not get to enter into the promise land. The reason I use these passages is because the same thing is happening now. A wicked generation who does not fear or obey God is rising and they will not see the promise land, heaven. There are a few reasons for this rising in wickedness. The church is a building where we congregate and meet together to worship. Many of the young generations that left the church are due to traditions and rules that have nothing to do with the Bible. Matthew 15:3, He answered and said to them, Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition (Christian Standard Bible – Why do you break God’s commandment because of your tradition). The rigidity of churches have caused many young members to flee to large churches. They become just a person in the crowd and don’t feel judged or threatened. Many go to church on Sunday, go through the routine/motion and on Monday back to their addiction/adultery/pornography/sexual immorality/stealing/lying. They don’t have a relationship with God, but more with the church where they feel accepted and no one knows of their hidden sins. The issue is that these large churches may not follow God’s Word/Doctrine and the soul becomes lost. Matthew 15:14, They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch. The wrong churches preach about False Doctrine which puts the focus on Me, Health and Wealth, It is Ok to Sin, Better World or Go to Church Gospel as a routine. There is no repentance and no sorrow in the sins we have committed. There is no transformation in the mind, body and spirit. There is no baptism in the Holy Spirit. They do not learn the True Word of God and become confused and are taught false teachings. Matthew 15: 8-9, These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me, And in vain they worship me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. If the church you are going to lacks the Holy Spirit, the truth will be hidden from your heart. Every day is a battle with sin and if anyone tells you differently they are lying. Jesus said “Give us this day our daily bread,” not just Sunday bread.

We must know how to differentiate between God’s Doctrine and False Doctrines. Isaiah 14: 12-14, How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation, On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ If the focus of a church is about Self/Me then it is not the correct Doctrine. God’s Will is for us to focus on others, to be servants and pass His message to save souls. This is by no means any easy task and life will not all be fame and fortune as many false churches preach. Matthew 24:4-5, Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, I am the Christ and will deceive many. Yes we should reflect also on ourselves in the beginning to understand, commit, repent and get baptized before we can focus on others also. But once we have pushed the world aside and see the Glory/Grace/Mercy of God, now we should be focusing on others. Our Savior cleaned the feet of His disciples, He who commands legions of angels, He who does miracles, He who gave his life for our sins, He who is King, humbled himself and came from the Right Hand of God to save us! His disciples went out to the world as servants. Beware of packed churches but are empty in spirit! John 14:26, But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 16:13, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth. (Previous post about FILLED)

                We have also lost a generation due to us not spreading the word to all Gentiles. Many churches only minister to their own nationality/race. Jesus is for everyone and if it wasn’t for Him, we as Gentiles would never have received Salvation. I learned about a church who has all the technology and ability to spread the Gospel of Christ to the world. Yet they have a rule to not allow outsiders to listen to their messages. How can any church say they are following the Word of God, if they do not want to spread the Gospel to all nations. The internet has tons of traps and takes our time away from God. It makes us engage into Lucifer’s world. But it can also be used to spread the message of God’s Mercy/Salvation/Grace and His 2^nd Coming. Mark 16:15, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Matthew 24:14, And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations and then the end will come. Romans 10:15, And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things! We must preach the message in any way or form God has given a talent for us to do!  Ephesians 3:7, of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power. The gospel of God is not for just one specific race or nationality, Salvation is for all. It is our duty to spread the message to everyone and include everyone in our churches.  

                Churches are also quick to condemn and judge. Religion is an institution with rules, hierarchy and is quick to condemn and expel you from their religion. Jesus was hated by the Jewish religion and many other religions deny He is the Messiah. Jesus did not come for the righteous but for the sinner! Matthew 9:12-13, Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I desire mercy and not sacrifice. Luke 6:37, Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven (Also see in Matthew 7:1-2). I know many false preachers and people who want to sin use this verse. Churches also kick out a lot of people in their congregation who sin but that person is not given a chance to repent and be forgiven. Many churches argue and fight and because of it have broken up and split. Lack of forgiveness is rampant in our world. In John 8, we see the scribes and Pharisees bring a woman to Jesus who was caught in the very act of adultery. They were testing him, because the Law of Moses commands that this woman be stoned. All Jesus does is stoop down and writes something on the ground with his finger, pretending to ignore them. He says, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” Due to their conscience they all left and Jesus was alone with the woman. Jesus forgives the woman and tells her to sin no more. What a powerful message from Jesus himself. Instead of condemning and judging like the world and many churches, Jesus forgives. Jesus wants us to bring the sinners into church and forgive those who sin and who are in the church. We are not to condemn or judge but to rebuke with love. It is kind/caring/loving corrections when we become lost or sin. It is very painful to do but necessary many times in our lives. We need a steady diet of loving correction, because we are all sinners, even with a new heart in Christ. We are not perfect, only Jesus Christ was perfect. 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul is telling Timothy to convince, rebuke, exhort, will all longsuffering and teaching. We as followers of Christ have to love people enough to rebuke them even if they don’t want to hear it. What the person does after is their decision, but we are trying to prevent a soul from being lost. Imagine Peter who literally saw Jesus do all these miracles and Jesus said he will be his stone foundation, denied Jesus 3 times before the rooster crowed. No one is perfect and Jesus many of times had to correct his disciples with love. If we are rebuking for selfish reasons, traditions and not from the Word of God then we are sinning ourselves. We have lost so many followers in Christ due to selfish, false rebuking in the name of tradition. Rebuking is a part of a true follower’s life. I Timothy 5:20, Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. When we rebuke one another, we expose sin and a get to repent. It brings the followers of Christ closer and makes the relationship with God even stronger. (Imitate Christ message previously posted) John 3:17, For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 

                We have a generation growing up hating religion and in doing so missed the love that Christ is offering. Everyone will have a bad experience one time or another with a person or a church. I don’t think anyone could truly say they have ever had a bad experience with Christ. No Church is perfect, but we can see why we have lost many people to Lucifer’s church! We have disobeyed God and allowed rigidity and selfish traditions take over the church. I Corinthians 3:16-17, Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? In anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. Acts 17:24-25, God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshipped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath and all things. Jesus will not ask you at Judgement if you call yourself Pentecostal, Orthodox, Nondenominational, Methodist, etc! He will ask did you listen and obey my teachings? Did you imitate me? Did you love and forgive? Imagine escaping Egypt and wandering the desert and when you finally reach the promised land, you doubt God and disobey Him. That generation and Moses lost paradise that was promised. Instead of hitting the rock like Moses did, we need to speak to the world about the Love of Christ. We cannot afford to lose a generation and must obey God’s Will! How many more souls can we save if we Speak to the Rock and Obey God instead of striking the rock in disobedience.