Online home for members of the Body of Christ for the training and promotion of the Children of God as Ambassadors for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20).
There is something even more important to notice about these waters above the firmament. Look again at the passage concerning the second day:
"And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: AND SO IT WAS. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day." (Genesis 1:6-8 KJV)
Something is missing there. Do you remember what was said previously? This work on the second day is the ONLY day in the Genesis narrative where the Lord does NOT say it "was good." Therefore, when you consider the statement the Lord makes in Genesis 1:31 where He says that all that was made was "very good"...
"And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day." (Genesis 1:31 KJV)
...it must be considered so in the context of circumstances. The context is the overall work of the preparation of the Earth for Man. The term "very good" does not mean "perfect," and the sea of separation placed between the world above and the world below was not good, but necessary. It would not be until the work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross that a way would be made for crossing that barrier (the sea, or waters, above the firmament).
This is part 3 of 3 of our video series on The Biblical Firmament
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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God"2 Cor. 5:20. THIS is The Body of Christ's Commission!
There is no doubt that the member of the Body of Christ needs much training along Bible lines in order to work successfully with sinners in an effort to bring them to Christ; but the all-important thing is to believe in the terrible consequences of sin, the awful penalty awaiting the sinner at the Great White Throne judgment, and to know from personal experience that The LORD Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is an almighty Savior from sin and its consequences. Both here and hereafter.
Such knowledge should create within the heart of every Child of God a passion for lost sinners, an earnest and sincere desire to see them brought to The LORD Jesus Christ, and washed in His blood.
A man said to me once, "If I believed what you do about eternal punishment and that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ could save sinners from the sorrows of the second death, I would use every ounce of strength in my being to tell every sinner in this town the story and then move to another place and do the same thing."
The sinner knows that the Child of God is not in earnest about these eternal issues. Many Children of God never seriously take the message of salvation to sinners. It is UNBELIEVABLE, the wasted moments, hours, and days of God's people, while millions on this earth are perishing without the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
And, regardless of what you might think, even many of your neighbors have never heard the Gospel of Grace before. They might be aware of other sentiments CALLED "The Gospel", but it would AMAZE you to know the number of people who have sincerely never heard the True Gospel.
"When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at THINE hand"Ezekiel 3:18. The Apostle Paul said, "For the love of Christ constraineth us"2 Cor. 5:14. Also, "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men"2 Cor. 5:11. He likewise said, "I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise and to the unwise"Romans 1:14. If this Hebrew Christian, Paul, was debtor to the Gentiles, surely WE are debtor to the Gentiles AND also the Jews.
Think of the passion for souls that dominated the life of this man who said, "I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren"Romans 9:3. The Apostle Paul believed that eternal darkness awaited every man who failed to receive through The LORD Jesus Christ, the gift of Eternal Life. He tried in his day to reach every sinner he possibly could with this message. How full was his life! Which begs the question: What are YOU doing?
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God"2 Cor. 5:20. AGAIN, THIS is The Body of Christ's Commission!
"How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things"Romans 10:15.
Saul asked this of Christ, "What wilt thou have me to do?"Acts 9:6. In contrast, the Apostle Peter said concerning the Apostle John, "LORD, what shall this man do?" To this Jesus replied,"What is that to thee? Follow thou me"
Therefore, if no other Child of God assumes his or her responsibility, remember the Savior, is saying to YOU, "Follow thou me" There are nearly a billion souls who have never heard the gospel story. What are YOU going to do about it? RIGHT Where you live...
Some day we are going to look into the face of The LORD Jesus Christ, our Savior, and give an account of what we did with the Life He gave us. "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men"2 Cor. 5:11. "When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at THINE hand"Ezekiel 3:18. "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men" Acts 20:26.
May the LORD from this moment on have your life and mine fully dedicated to Him. Will you say to Him now, "Here, Lord am I, send me" WOW! that we might measure up to the Apostle Paul's standard.
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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
. “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Luke 18:1
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Christians not only have the privilege of praying to The Almighty God, Who is their Father; but they are commanded to pray to Him. God’s children prosper spiritually just in the degree they obey this most important command.
So many problems and schisms of the Body of Christ could be solved today, if God’s people would give themselves to prayer. How many defeated Christians there are, because of the neglect of prayer!
“He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
“The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers:” 1 Peter 3:12.
Is it not wonderful to think that a way has been provided whereby creatures here on this earth can really communicate with the Creator, who is all powerful and all wise; with the Great God who is a loving and compassionate Father of redeemed sinners, sensitive to all of their needs? The ears of the Reigning God, Who is Willing, Faithful and able, Who has never yet made one mistake, are open unto the praises and petitions of His children.
“Pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:6
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16.
“We know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26.
It is recorded of The LORD Jesus, the Son of God, went up into the mountain to pray, and that He continued all night in prayer to God. Luke 9:28, Mark 6:46, and Luke 6:12. Therefore, If the Holy Son of God prayed as He did, how about us? Men ought always to pray and not to faint!
The members the early Church “gave themselves continually to prayer” Acts 6:4.
Christians are told to “pray without out ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:7.
“Pray always” Colossians 1:3 and Ephesians 6:18.
“Continuing instant in prayer” Romans 12:12.
“Give yourself to prayer and fasting” 1 Corinthians 7:5.
“Pray lest ye enter into temptation” Luke 22:46.
“Pray for one another” James 5:16.
“Be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer” 1 Peter 4:7.
“In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God”Philippians 4:6.
“Night and day praying” 1 Thessalonians 3:10.
“Evening and morning, and at noon will I pray” Psalm 55:17.
“Supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men” 1 Timothy 2:1.
“The prayer of the upright is His delight.” Proverbs 15:8.
“What is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? And what profit should we have, if we pray to Him?” Job 21:15.
“All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 21:22.
“THAT YOUR PRAYERS BE NOT HINDERED.” 1 Peter 3:7
“Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” James 4:3.
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Psalm 66:18.
“When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”Mark 11:25.
“Whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” 1 John 3:22.
“And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us.” I John 5:14.
“If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you.” John 16:23 and John 14:13.
When Stephen was dying he said, “LORD Jesus, receive my spirit.” Acts 7:59. But on the authority of the LORD Jesus, prayer should be directed to the Father, in the name of the Son.
May God help us to always be faithful in prayer.
Here are a few examples of answered prayer from the Old Testament Scriptures.
May God help us to hear afresh the words of the Lord Jesus Christ as we look all about at the abounding sin and the powerless congregations, torn apart by demonic influence, remember, “This kind goeth not out but by PRAYER and fasting.” Matthew 17:21 and Matthew 9:29.
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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
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“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth:” 2 Timothy 2:15. “We are His workmanship.” Ephesians 2:10.
As we stated in a previous article, we are not ready to work FOR God until we are sure that we are first the workmanship OF God, “created in Christ Jesus”. “God hath chosen you unto salvation through belief of the truth.”2 Thessalonians 2:13; “Thy Word is truth.” John 17:17. The sinner saved by grace is the workmanship of God. To be saved by Grace is to be Born Again, “not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.”
There are times when some seem fearful that the Word of God will be destroyed; but the Psalmist said: “Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in Heaven.” Psalm 119:89. Truly the Word of God liveth and abideth forever. Men and generations may change in their attitude toward God’s Word, but His Word never changes. By this Word of God, we are Born Again, and become new born babes. “As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby.” 1 Peter 2:2.
Some young Christians, as well as old ones, are unceasingly active, but growing very little, because they are not regularly and systematically studying the Word of God.
One of the signs of a healthy Christian is a real appetite for the Word of God, an appetite satisfied by constantly feeding upon that Word. Jeremiah said, “Thy Words were found, and I did eat them, and Thy Word was unto me the joy and the rejoicing of my heart.” Jeremiah 15:16.
Hundreds of times in the Bible do we find the expression, “The Word of the Lord.” “God spake all these things.” Surely the Word of God is life giving and powerful, and “is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”. Hebrews 4:12.
The moment doubt creeps into the heart as to the plenary inspiration of God’s Holy Book, the moment the individual begins to question the infallibility, accuracy or integrity of the Word of God, the moment Holy respect for God’s absolute authority begins to wane; what follows is that if faith and obedience are not restored, “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:25
The Psalmist said, “I rejoice at Thy Word, as one that findeth great spoil.” Psalm 119:162.
“I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12.
The ignorance of the Word of God among Christians is appalling!
Think of the wonderful privilege that we have today with the complete revealed Will of God, bound in one volume, with every help imaginable; and yet how few Christians are taking advantage of their opportunity.
I heard a great line a while back that rings so true, “The Church today needs more teach and less preach.” Careful and prayerful Bible students are not easily swept off their feet with false doctrines into Satanic and fanatical cults. “Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace.” Hebrews 13:9.
God’s instruction to the saint is, “Try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1. Well how can we try them unless we know the Scripture which is “given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Every Christian should be like those at Berea, who “were more noble than they at Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11.
If you want to be a sower for God, remember, “The sower soweth the Word” Mark 4:14. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17.
There is no substitute for the Word of God. God has not promised to bless our logic and eloquence; unless they convey to the human heart His own eternal Word. Nor has He promised to save souls by human philosophies and schemes. The seed is the Word of God,“the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation.” 2 Timothy 3:15.
When the Son of God was tempted by the devil He used the Sword of the Spirit, “It is written.” Luke 4:4; Luke 4:8-12. So every Christian in his conflict against the Devil is instructed to use the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17 . But how can you if you don’t know it!
Remember then, Christian, you cannot grow spiritually; you cannot defeat Satan; you cannot please God and get the greatest joy in your Christian life in service and victory; you cannot escape heresies; unless you diligently, systematically, and prayerfully study God’s Holy Book.
“How sweet are Thy Words unto my taste! Yea sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103.
So we are born by the Word of God. 1 Peter 1:23. James 1:18-21. 2 Thess. 2:13.
We grow by the Word of God. 1 Peter 2:1-2.
We are built up by the Word of God. Acts 20:32.
We are separated by the Word of God. John 17:17.
We are clean through the Word of God. John 15:3.
We are to go everywhere and preach the Word of God. 2 Timothy 4:2; Acts 8:4.
“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” 1 Peter 1:24-25.
“For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven” Psalms 119:89.
“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving kindness and for thy truth; for thou bast magnified thy word above all thy name.” Psalms 138:2.
“Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it” Psalms 119:140.
“Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil” Psalms 119:161-162.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105.
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16.
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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
A young man waited around recently in a meeting to talk with me. The first question I put to him was, "Are you saved?" He replied, "I hope so." I said, "Do you hope that Christ died for your sins?" He said, "I know He did." Then I asked, "Do you hope that you believe on Him?" He said, "I am sure that I do." I then read to him these words from the Word of God: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth Him that sent me, HATH EVERLASTING LIFE, and shall not come into judgment; but is passed out of death into life." John 5:24.
"Do you truly believe?" I asked the young man. "I most certainly do", was his reply. Then said I, "Are you saved?" He said, "I can only say...I hope so." I said "Forget what YOU say, but what does the Word say? Read it for yourself.""Heareth "believeth" hath everlasting life.""Does it say that if you hear and believe you have the right to hope that some day you might be saved?" "No," he said, "hath everlasting life." Then, I said, "why do you not believe it and have the assurance?" He said, "I wish I could."
Dear friends of the Lion and Lamb Ministry, dear Christians the world over, do not dishonor the LORD Jesus Christ, by doubting his Holy Word.
Satan causes many unsaved religious people to feel that they are perfectly safe and that all is well with their souls; while on the other hand he brings doubt and fear into the minds and hearts of many true believers who are really saved, but who are untaught in the Word of God. Many such believers when asked the direct question, Are you a Christian? or Are you saved? reply "I believe so" "I think I am, or, I hope to be saved when I die."
Many Christians are being taught by ignorant teachers to do all kinds of things to keep from losing their salvation. Others depend very largely for their assurance upon their feelings of their faithfulness in service. The Bible speaks of believers as those: "Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time, Wherein ye greatly rejoice." 1 Peter 1:5.
The sinner is saved by the power of God through The Faith; and receiving the salvation, he becomes a Christian. The Christian is kept by the same power; by the same God; through the same Faith. Let us refer to three verses in the Epistle to the Romans and emphasize the expression "much more" "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. MUCH MORE then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, MUCH MORE, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life" Romans 5:8-20.
Certainly if God loved us when we were the children of wrath, when we were His enemies, out in the world in sin, serving the devil, He will not love us any less, now that we have become His children. Looking moment by moment to our Father for grace and strength and guidance, we should walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called. We should seek to please Him in thought, word and deed; that is, we should act like God's children. But we are His children by Faith in Christ Jesus. By grace are ye saved. "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform (further perfect) it until the day of Jesus Christ."Philippians 1:6.
A Christian should be confident that the same sufficient grace of the same almighty Savior, that saved his soul, will keep him until the day of redemption."Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall at appear, we shall be like Him: for we shall see Him as He is." 1 John 3:2.
Let us always remember that it is the Gospel of Christ, which is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. When you believed the gospel of salvation, "Ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession." Ephesians 1:13-14. And furthermore God clearly states that this sealing is "unto the day of redemption,"Ephesians 4:30. "For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."Hebrews 13:5.
Can you not rest, as the Apostle Paul did, in the gracious promises of the faithful God? Paul said, "in hope of eternal life which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began."Titus 1:2. Therefore he had always sweet and blessed assurance.
Paul was willing to rest his soul in the One who died for him, and who had taken His seat in heaven, where He ever liveth to make intercession for His saints, and who is, therefore, "able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God, by Him." Hebrews 7:25.
It was this same Christ who declared to His disciples in the John 10, that He was the Good Shepherd who would give His life for the sheep. In this chapter He said: "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father which gave them me is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."John 10:28-29. Eternal life is eternal life. It is not life for a few months, for a few years. It is life that is forever. And remember Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life." John 6:47. When He entered heaven once for all, He obtained eternal redemption for us. Hebrews 9:12.
Eternal life never depends upon our faithfulness in service; it is the gift of God to believers. Romans 6:23
Our desire always should be to be faithful in service for Him who has done so much for us, and who said, "If any man serve me, him will my Father honor.†But at the same time we should say at all times, “And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God, by faith."Philippians 3:9. We are not righteous in God's sight, because of our righteous acts, but because of the acts of Christ, the Righteous. We should live righteously because we are on the way to heaven. But we are not on the way because we live righteously, but because we are righteous by The Faith in the One who was made sin on the cross of Calvary that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Cor. 5:21. We are not discounting the value of good works, but want to impress upon your mind and heart that the believer is justified without works. Christians should always maintain good works.
In Exodus 12 is recorded the story of the Passover. The children of Israel were instructed to slay the lamb and sprinkle its blood above their doors and thus escape the wrath of God when He came that night in judgment upon all the firstborn males of Egypt. God said, "When I see the blood, I will pass over you."
"Under the blood" was the only place of safety that dark night. No one was safe because he felt all right, or felt safe.
How many thousands of poor deluded sinners there are today on the road to perdition, to suffer forever the sorrows of the second death, who FEEL all right. They are apparently not the least disturbed about their spiritual welfare or their eternal destiny. "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."
The story has been told of two Hebrew boys, the firstborn sons, who were delivered that night in Egypt. Their fathers had been very careful to see that the blood was placed where God had told them. Therefore, the two boys were perfectly safe and in no danger of judgment. But, according to the story, there were two entirely different scenes in the two homes. The boy in one home went peacefully to sleep, having absolute confidence in God's promise and the assurance that he would rise to see another day. In the other home, the boy spent a sleepless and restless night and continually had to be reassured by his father as to the faithfulness of God and his own security under the blood. When the morning came he was just as much alive as the other firstborn, but he was worn in mind and body, and he was ashamed because of his lack of trust and confidence in the almighty Deliverer. Both boys were equally safe, but they were by no means equally certain and assured. So it is with Christians today. Are you not safe, sheltered under the precious blood of Christ?
It is dishonoring to God for any true believer to doubt his salvation!
"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father." Romans 8:15. "The Spirit Himself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God." Romans 8:16. And joint-heirs with Christ. Is it not blessed to be saved for time and eternity? Let us remember that "Jesus having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end." John 13:1.
Do you doubt that God will hear and answer the prayer which Christ made for His own: "Father, I will that they also, whom Thou has given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory?" John 17:24. We believe our Savior. And because we believe Him, we are going to say with Paul: "I am persuaded, that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."Romans 8:38-39.
If you have really surrendered to the Son of God and are trusting in His finished work, if you have thrown yourself on the Grace and merry of God for your salvation, in other words, if you have committed your way unto the LORD and you are also trusting in Him, remember that he will bring it to pass. Do not say, "I think I am saved," "I hope I am saved," "I believe I am saved:" But say, "I know I am saved." God says so. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God:" 1 John 5:13.
If you know that you believe, then you know that you are saved. Why? Because God's Word says so. And, "He, that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself." 1 John 5:10.
Now, bow and thank God for your assurance!
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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
This is the instruction that God has given unto the saint: “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” Ephesians 6:11 . The Christian who fails to recognize the power, subtlety, devices, and wiles, of Satan will suffer defeat at his hands.
The Apostle Paul said concerning Satan, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices” 2 Cor. 2:11 . He wrote to this same congregation these words, “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” 2 Cor. 11:3 .
The Apostle Peter wrote: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist steadfast in the faith” 1 Peter 4:8.
The same Holy Spirit, who dictated to these two servants when they wrote, also used the Apostle James to say these words: “Submit yourself therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” James 4:7 .
Years ago I heard an evangelist pray to God in these words, “O Lord, rebuke and defeat for us his satanic majesty.” Then after I had studied the Scriptures I realized why he used the title. I could then understand what Paul meant when he said “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers be transformed as the ministers of righteousness” 2 Cor. 11:13-15 .
Jude records the fact that “Michael the archangel when contending with the devil, he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke thee” Jude 9 .
The Lord Jesus Christ, of course, could say with authority, “Get thee behind me, Satan”Luke 4:8 . “Get thee hence Satan”Matthew 4:10 . But every human being UNLESS equipped with the spiritual armour of God and protected by the power that is in Christ Jesus, is just as helpless in the hand of Satan as is a little mouse in the claws of a cat. If Michael could not rebuke and defeat Satan, surely no human being can.
A while back I spoke to a group concerning Satan one evening and the pastor’s six‑year‑old girl was on the front seat. Much of the message went into her little heart. The next morning when her mother went to the door to call her from bed, she saw the little girl shaking her fist and mumbling with a very serious expression on her face. After the mother had stood for a moment she said, “What was mama’s little girl saying?” The little girl replied, “Mama, I was just saying, if the devil bothers me today, I am going to knock the ‘stuffin’ out of him.” Some poor Christians are trying to do this, but he is too much for any of us. The task is too great. Only Divine power can defeat the supernatural power of “that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world”Revelation 12:9 .
The Lord Jesus Christ spoke of the sinner as being the house of the strong man (Satan), and said that He alone could bind the strong man and take his house. Matthew 12:26-33 . The moment the Word is preached to the sinner, Satan tries to cause the seed to fall by the way side and then he devours the seed. Mark 4:15 . It is Satan, as the prince of the power of the air, that controls the motives, desires, thoughts, acts, and words of the unsaved of this world, make NO mistake about that, and learn to recognize it. Ephesians 2:2-3 .
It is Satan, as the god of this age, that blinds the minds of the poor unbelieving lost sinners, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ should shine into their hearts. 2 Cor. 4:4 .
Now pay attention, Satan has RELIGIOUS children, and sows them as tares among the wheat, the Children of God. Matthew 13:38 . John 8:44 . It is quite often difficult to tell a cultured, moral, religious, agent of Satan, tare in the congregation FROM the wheat.
When the LORD Jesus Christ died on the cross he destroyed Satan’s power of death. Hebrews 2:14 . But his final defeat will not come until this same Jesus binds Satan and puts him into the bottomless pit for one thousand years and ultimately casts him into the lake of fire. Revelation 20 .The everlasting fire was originally prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew: 25:41.
Satan can even now cause a saint to lie to the Holy Ghost. Saints, for sins in the flesh, were delivered to Satan for the destruction of the flesh. Acts 5:3 . 1 Corinthians 5:5 . Satan can hinder the most consecrated saint. 1 Thessalonians 2:18 . Satan can make a church officer fall through pride, especially if a novice is appointed to this office. 1 Timothy 3:6 . Many of these cases have come under our observation. We see this all the time.
Notice the language used in this verse, “Lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” 1 Timothy 3:6
If you will read carefully the twenty-eighth chapter of Ezekiel, beginning with the fourteenth verse, and the fourteenth chapter of Isaiah, beginning at the twelfth verse, you will learn that Satan was the anointed cherub of God, perfect in the day he was created, until he fell through pride. All sin began with the “I will’s” of Satan.
There is no use trying to understand or explain the “Why” of Satan. It is a mystery, but it will all work out to the glory of the Son of God. We DO know that Satan is a person, that he was a perfect creature of God, and that he fell from heaven because of his revolt against his Creator. Christ said: “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven” Luke 10:18 . However, currently, Satan still does have access to Heaven. THAT will be resolved later. Revelation 12:7 .
There was something besides any evil influence from within that tempted The LORD Jesus Christ in the wilderness and offered Him all the kingdoms of the world. Luke 4 . Matthew 4 . Christ had NO evil within to tempt Him. He was holy, harmless and undefiled. The LORD Jesus Christ made no mistake when He acknowledged Satan as the prince of the world. John 12:31 .
Now this is important, The Satan of the Scriptures is quite different from the devil of tradition. Satan is more than evil. He is a person with mighty power. He is the enemy of God and His holiness, of The LORD Jesus Christ and His disciples. As the accuser of the brethren he accuses them night and day. Revelation 12:10 . The saints overcome him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony. Revelation 12:13 .
Satan afflicts with sickness. Luke 13:16 . Job 2:6-7 . Satan is directly or indirectly responsible for all of the sin, sickness, sorrow, crime, poverty, and death in the world.
He, as the “serpent”, beguiled Eve. He was the first to challenge and criticize the Word of God and to corrupt it, and make NO mistake about it, EVERY destructive critic of this age, in and out of the pulpit, is his agent and servant, as ALL of them down through the ages have been.
Satan entered into Judas, the son of perdition, to betray the Lord Jesus Christ. And he will also enter again the son of perdition, the Antichrist, or man of sin, who is to be Satan’s man. 2 Thessalonians 2:4-9 .
Nothing but the Shield of Faith will enable the Christian to quench the fiery darts of this evil one who is playing havoc with the sleeping saints and the worldly churches of this day, to say nothing of the millions who are lying in heathen darkness. He has struck, with a terrible blow, many of the most useful servants of God in the Body of Christ.
The pastor’s little girl who heard the story of Satan and the story of The LORD Jesus Christ, said to her mother when saying her prayer, “Mother, from now on when Satan knocks at my heart’s door, I’m going to say, Lord Jesus, you open the door.” Only in Christ is there victory over this constant and relentless enemy. So let us read carefully over and over concerning the armour that God has provided for us and let us put it on.Ephesians 6:10-18 .
Satan wanted to sift Simon as wheat. Luke 22:31 . Satan bound with an infirmity for many years a daughter of Abraham. Luke 13:16 . He was on hand when the sons of God went forth to worship God. Job 1:4-6 . He afflicted Job. Job 2:7 . Satan has led many of God’s children into his religious healing schemes in these last days. And let’s never forget, the Antichrist is coming with the power of Satan performing miracles. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-13 .
The Son of God, The LORD Jesus Christ, was manifested to destroy the works of Satan. Let Christ be our refuge, our strength, our Conqueror. He is altogether able to assure victory.
Take a moment and read what is yet to take place on this earth when Satan comes down to reign with the beast and in the antichrist. Revelation 12:7-15 . But now read, and note, Colossians 2:15 and what Christ did to principalities and powers.
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle NOT (a regular mistake for most Christians is looking at the person and NOT the evil spirit behind that person) against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the WHOLE armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day (the day that the moment of temptation is on you), and having done all, to stand”Ephesians 6:11-13 .
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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
