Holy Week Message, part 2: Jesus Knew ALL

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In part 1 of the Lion and Lamb Ministry Holy Week Messages, we learned that the LORD Jesus Christ is NOT divided, and that He is the Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd and the Chief Shepherd. And, NOW we learn that...

JESUS KNEW ALL

“But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all. And needed not that any should testify of man; for he knew what was in man.” John 2:24-25.
To know all is to be omniscient. Let us read the Apostle Peter’s words to the LORD Jesus, “And he (Peter) said unto Him, LORD Thou knowest all things.” John 21:17. Then woman at the well said to the LORD Jesus, “I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.” John 4:25. Note Christ’s reply, “...I that speak unto thee am he.” John 4:26.
That sinful woman learned that day that Christ needed not that any should testify of woman; for He knew what was in woman. Christ saw Nathanael under the fig tree. But because it was NOT with physical eye-sight, Nathanael cried, “Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God.” Christ assured Nathanael that He would see greater things. John 1:46-51. In John 13:1, Jesus knew that His hour was come that He should depart out of the world, “Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.”

JESUS KNEW FROM THE BEGINNING

“But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.” John 6:64. “For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.” John 13:11.

THE CHIEF SHEPHERD AND SIMON PETER

“This is now the third time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, LORD; thou knowest that I love thee, He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea LORD; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, LORD, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” John 21:14-17.

Here the chief Shepherd was instructing one of His under-shepherds to feed and tend His lambs and to feed His sheep. The LORD’s Pastors are expected to feed the LORD’s sheep and lambs. Those who are Faithful in this will receive a crown of glory when the chief Shepherd shall appear.

Then the shepherd has another duty; he is to keep the wolves out of the flock. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.” Acts 20:28-29. It’s a shame that MANY of today’s Pastors and Preachers are, in fact, the wolves!

The LORD Jesus pictures Himself as the good Shepherd in Luke 15:4, “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?”

Then remember the words of the Shepherd-King in Luke 12:32, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Remember, right here the LORD is addressing the Apostles BEFORE His death and resurrection, and BEFORE the direct revelation given to the Apostle Paul concerning the Body of Christ.)

Simon Peter became a Faithful shepherd. He was Faithful unto death. John 21:18-19, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.”

WHAT CHRIST KNEW ABOUT THE WOMAN AT THE WELL

In John 4:5-26 is recorded a most interesting story of a sinful woman of Sychar of Samaria. Before the story, we read in John 4:4, “And he must needs go through Samaria.”

Now we see why He must needs go through Samaria. The Savior was wearied with His journey and He sat at noontime on Jacob’s well. “There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.” John 4:7. The woman was surprised that Jesus should have asked her for a drink “for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.” John 4:9, “Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, ‘How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.’” Then the LORD Jesus talked to that poor sinful woman about water that would satisfy her soul. He called it “living water.” John 4:10. “’But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.’ The woman saith unto him, ‘Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.’” John 4:14-15.
Here we think of 1 Timothy 1:15, “This is a Faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” Note also Luke 19:10, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” The LORD Jesus Christ came to be the Shepherd seeking lost sheep. He came into the world to save sinners.

Almost any person will say, “I am a sinner,” because all of us ARE sinners. But only the LORD Himself can convince the individual that he is not only a sinner, but a LOST sinner. The sinner will not be much concerned about salvation until he realizes that he is LOST.

The LORD went right to that woman’s conscience after He had her interest and attention. He will now get right at her sin. “Jesus saith unto her, ‘Go, call thy husband, and come hither.’ The woman answered and said, ‘I have no husband.’ Jesus said unto her, ‘Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.’ The woman saith unto him, ‘Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.’” John 4:16-19. Another moment or two and she learned that she was in the presence of the Messiah, the Christ.

Note what she did, “The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, ‘Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?’ Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.” John 4:28-30. Note also John 4:39, “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, ‘He told me all that ever I did.’”

She knew that the Messiah could tell all things. Now the Messiah had read her sinful heart. But here we have the confirmation of John 3:17, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” and 2 Cor. 5:19, “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”

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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.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

FACT: The Bible IS the Inspired Word of God in Written Form

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It is quite obvious to many believers that the Bible itself is under attack. The Bible was the textbook for America for over 100 years and we produced the greatest generation of scholars, scientists, lawyers, judges, doctors, teachers, and preachers that the world had ever seen!

But now, people think they are more sophisticated, and have become "judges" and "critics" of the Bible. Its historicity and accuracy is being challenged by many people, both secularists as well as the religious people. People continue to question the authenticity of the Bible and even the majority of Americans doubt that the Bible IS THE Word of God and that it is inspired of God.

SO, WHAT DO WE MEAN BY "INSPIRATION"?

Inspiration does NOT refer to the writers, but rather to the writings. 2 Timothy 3:16 says "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God." 2 Peter 1:20-21 insists that the writers were controlled by the Holy Spirit so that what was written was accurate and exactly what God wanted to communicate to us.

There is "external evidence" (like manuscripts, historical and archaeological facts, geographical information, etc.) as well as "internal evidence" (what the Bible claims about itself) that affects what we mean by "inspiration."

Here is a possible definition: INSPIRATION IS THE ACT OF GOD BY WHICH HE COMMUNICATED HIS WORD IN WRITTEN FORM AND DIRECTLY CONTROLLED THE WRITERS SO THAT WHAT WAS WRITTEN (original autographs) WAS FREE FROM ERROR!

The Bible is not only "inspired of God" - it is also inerrant (without error in the original autographs). It is the most translated and distributed book before the invention of printing (1450 AD) in the history of the world! No other writing is close to its manuscript evidence. Over 5500 Greek manuscripts, 10,000 Latin manuscripts, and over 1000 manuscripts in other languages - all before the invention of printing! Incredible to say the least!

Inspiration refers to ALL that was written - not just parts of it. If you can't trust the Bible's historical facts, then how can you trust its moral and spiritual teachings? The Bible is the most amazing book of all history - actually it is a library (like an integrated software system!) of 66 books.

The Old Testament has 39 books in the Protestant Bible (exactly the same as the Jewish Bible, the Tanakh, but organized differently in three major sections - the torah, the prophets, and the writings.) The New Testament contains 27 books. The ROMAN Catholic Bible has added some 14 Jewish apocryphal books, but the early church NEVER considered them inspired of God even though some of them do contain valuable history. There have been some modern attempts (Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Judas, etc.) to add books to the Bible as though they were on the level of the Canon of the Scriptures - but it won't work! These "pseudo-graphic" writings clearly reveal that they are outside the realm of Biblical authority and authenticity.

The Bible itself will bring a person salvation Romans 10:17, 2 Timothy 3:14-15, 1 Peter 1:23-25; and give discernment to the believer as to what is right and wrong Hebrews 5:11-14. Through the Bible we gain effectiveness in prayer John 15: 7, 1 John 5:14; and we are enabled to live victoriously over sin Psalm 119:9-11, John 15:3, 1 Peter 2:2-3. Through the Bible the true believer can be equipped for every good work 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Next up, is our message, "The Bible: Which Version?".
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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.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

FACT: The Bible IS the Final and Complete Revelation from God

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Welcome to the first in our four part series on The Bible being the Final and Complete Revelation from God. Upcoming messages include: The Bible IS the INERRANT Word of God; The Bible IS the Inspired Word of God; and, The Bible...Which Version?

We want to answer the question...IS THE BIBLE THE FINAL AND COMPLETE REVELATION FROM GOD IN WRITTEN FORM?

Now of course, if that statement is true, then the Quran is NOT a revelation from God and neither is the Book of Mormon, nor any other writing claiming to be inspired of God as The Bible is! You got that! Then next

BUT LET'S LOOK AT THIS FIRST...HOW DO WE KNOW IF A PERSON IS SPEAKING FROM GOD'S REVELATION OR NOT?

That is an excellent question since so many religious leaders claim that God speaks directly to them as He did in the Bible. The following issues need to be addressed whenever you run into such a claim:

1. If what is predicted does NOT happen, then God did not tell them it would, no matter what they say! Read carefully Deuteronomy 18:21-22.

2. If the gospel that is preached is NOT the gospel of Jesus Christ found in the Bible, then God did NOT speak to them! Read Galatians 1:6-10.

3. If what they say does NOT agree with the Bible, then God did NOT speak to them! Read Isaiah 8:19-20; II Peter 3:2.

4. If they ADD any additional "truth" to what the Bible already says, then God did NOT speak to them! Read Revelation 22:18-19.

OK NOW...WHY DO WE BELIEVE THAT THE BIBLE IS A COMPLETE AND FINAL REVELAATION FROM GOD?

1. A THEOLOGICAL reason - nothing is omitted that BELIEVERS need to know!

2. A LOGICAL reason - early church leaders were closer to the issue. They consistently rejected claims by other writings.

3. A FACTUAL reason - no attempt was made to change this completed Bible to the Council of Trent (1540-1546 AD). That council was a reaction to objections by the reformers regarding church tradition being more important than the Bible itself, and the failure of many church teachings to be supported by Biblical authority.

4. AN EXPERIENTIAL reason - it has the proven power to save and change lives who believe its message and obey its teachings.

5. A BIBLICAL reason - THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ARGUMENT OF ALL! God indicates that His written Word would be a complete and final revelation!

FOR YOUR DILIGENT STUDY, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING PASSAGES. These passages will also be in the description: Exodus 20:1; Deuteronomy 4:2; Deuteronomy 8:3; Psalm 19:7; Psalm 119:89, Psalm 152, Psalm 160; Proverbs 30:5-6; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:18; Matthew 24:35; Luke 16:31; John 10:35; John 16:13; Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Corinthians 15:1; Galatians 1:9; Hebrews 1:1-2; Hebrews 2:2-4; Jude 3; Revelation 1:1; Revelation 22:18-19

Hebrews 1:1-2 makes the clear argument that in the "last of these days" (which is the correct Greek grammar) in which God spoke directly, there would be a final revelation concerning His Son, our LORD Jesus Christ. That final revelation is the last book of the New Testament which calls itself, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ". It is an uncovering or unveiling of His Person and majesty like no other portion of God's Word. It is in that book (especially in its last chapter...22:18-19) that deals with the future...clear into eternity...that we have the warning against adding to its words or taking away any of its words. God's revelation ENDED with the Book of Revelation! We are no longer hearing God's direct and audible revelation. He is finished, and now holds us accountable for all that He HAS revealed to us about the past, the present, and the future!

MAY GOD RESTORE IN OUR HEARTS THE ABSOLUTE SUFFICIENCY AND ACCURACY OF THE BIBLE! IT IS THE INSPIRED AND INERRANT WORD OF THE ONE AND ONLY GOD, AND IT IS A COMPLETE AND FINAL REVELATION FROM GOD HIMSELF!


Next up, is our message, "The Bible IS the INERRANT Word of God".

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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.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Five Different Groups Addressed from Matthew to Revelation

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Now, it is of the utmost importance, in your study of the Bible, that you all become fully aware and learn of this very important fact...The Fact that from the first chapter of Matthew to the last chapter of Revelation 5, FIVE, different groups or classes of people are addressed.

And here they are:

1) To unsaved Israelites who were under the Law.

2) To saved Israelites who were under the Law before they became members of the Body of Christ.

3) To unsaved Gentiles who were aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and not under the Law.

4) To carnal saints and babes who were members of the Body of Christ.

5) To those who were of full age, called "the faithful in Christ Jesus."

The words of the Lord Jesus, in Matthew 15:24 and Matthew 10:5-8, should be self explanatory. Christ definitely declared that He Himself was sent ONLY to the lost sheep of the House of Israel, and instructed the twelve apostles, just as definitely, to go NOT in the way of the Gentiles; but rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.

The LORD Jesus Christ, was sent to Israel with a two-fold message; that is, to present "the Kingdom of Heaven" to the Nation with its rulers, and to offer salvation to individual Israelites.

In Matthew 8:12, Christ called the Israelites, both saved AND unsaved, "the children of the kingdom." In John 8:37 He said to the unsaved Israelites, "ye are the seed of Abraham." In Acts 3:25 Peter addressed the unsaved Israelites as "the children of the covenant." In Luke 1:16 and Luke 1:80 we read that John the Baptist appeared to Israel. In John 1:31 we read that John the Baptist baptized with water THAT Christ might be made manifest to Israel, (NOW you know why baptism was introduced, but this has NOTHING to do with the Body of Christ). In Acts 11:1-8 we learn that some of the twelve apostles contended with Peter because he preached to an uncircumcised Gentile, about seven years after Christ died. From all of this and many other Scriptures, we should know the significance of the statement, in Romans 15:8, that Jesus Christ was a Minister of the Circumcision, and should know that, from Matthew 1:1 to Acts 11:18, God's order was "to the Jew only." However, in Acts 11:18 we read that God did something for the Gentiles.

Some of the messages in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Acts, were addressed to unsaved Israelites, or Jews, and some of them were addressed to saved Israelites or Jews. Surely we must consider this if we would intelligently interpret and apply these Scriptures, right? For, if we don't we will just continue in the confusion that has resulted in all of the denominations of today.

In Galatians 1:11-18 we learn that the Apostle Paul was chosen by the Risen Christ, by a special revelation from heaven, to preach the Grace of Christ to heathen. The Apostle Paul tells us of his call to go to the Gentiles, in Acts 22:17-21, and Romans 15:16. In many respects the Gospel of Grace message that Paul proclaimed to Gentiles, not under the Law, differed from the Gospel of the Kingdom messages that Christ and the Twelve proclaimed to saved and unsaved Israelites. Therefore, to preach many of the messages of Matthew, Mark, Luke and the first nine chapters of Acts to the Gentiles not under the law, is to pervert God's Gospel of Grace to Gentiles.

In applying the truth of Matthew, Mark and Luke, and the truth in the first nine chapters of Acts to Gentiles, whether saved or unsaved, we must keep in mind the particular group of people that is addressed in the Scriptures we are studying. Many messages which the LORD's servants proclaimed to backslidden Israel are not intended by God to be included in the salvation message of Christ for Gentiles, not under the Law. We should keep in mind the statements, concerning these Gentiles, in many different verses, for instance read the second chapter of Ephesians, as well as Ephesians 4:18. In these verses we learn that the Gentiles, to whom the Apostle Paul preached the Gospel of the Grace of God, were strangers from the covenants, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, alienated from the life of God, and dead in trespasses and sins.

Surely any preacher who preaches to such people, "bring forth meat for repentance," the message which the LORD gave to John the Baptist for Israel, is out of the will of God. A dead man alienated from the life of God, could not bring forth fruit. But he could be made alive without doing anything. Ephesians 2:4-8. Romans 6:23.

Ok, so, so far we have dealt with the first three classes of people...unsaved Israelites who were under the Law, saved Israelites who were under the Law before they became members of the Body of Christ, and unsaved Gentiles who were aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and not under the Law. Now, here are the fourth and the fifth classes.

Group 4

1 Corinthians 3:2-3

"I have fed you with milk, and not with meat; for hitherto ye were not able to hear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal; for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"

Group 5

Ephesians 1:1 and Ephesians 4:13-14

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus." And, "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive."

These Scriptures should convince any student of the Bible that Paul would never have written to the carnal Corinthians what he wrote to the faithful saints in Ephesus. Let us note the last three verses of Hebrews 5, which we quote:

Hebrews 5:12-14

"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the Word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their sense exercised to discern both good and evil."

Here in this portion of scripture we are told of the two classes, within the Body of Christ: members of the Body of Christ who could take only the milk of the Word, God's truth for babes; and those who were of full age who could understand the deep things or the meat of God's Word.

In 1 Peter 2:2 we learn that the new born babes should have the milk of the Word. Note this verse, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby."

Now, you must keep in mind at all times, the saints in Corinth were just as much saints as were the saints in Ephesus. The difference was, the saints at Corinth were carnal and unable to take the strong meat which we find in the Apostle Paul's messages to the Ephesians and Colossians. Of course the "full-age" saints will feed on the milk as well as on the meat. But strong meat belongeth to saints of full age and carnal saints must limit themselves to a milk diet.

A love for religion, ritualism, or sectarianism (denominations), will keep a saint carnal just as much as a love of the world. Read that sentence over and over again. The Corinthians were sectarians. The Ephesians and Colossians accepted the Divine Truth of Ephesians 4:3-6 concerning the One Body, the One Lord, and the ONE BAPTISM.

***

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.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

The Faith of Jesus Christ...VERY Important Message!

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"Therefore by the deeds of The Law there shall NO flesh be justified in his sight: for by the Law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the Law is manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference" Romans 3:20-22

“....knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST, even we HAVE BELIEVED IN JESUS CHRIST, that we might be justified by THE FAITH OF CHRIST, and not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall NO flesh be justified.” Galatians 2:15-16

“But the scripture hath concluded ALL under sin, that the promise by FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST might be given to THEM THAT BELIEVE.” Galatians 3:22

“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.” (Phil. 3:9)

Why is this important?

Because it is NOT OUR faith in Jesus which justifies us, but the Faith OF Jesus Christ in us which justifies us.

In other words, it is HIS Faith at work in us and in our hearts which produces righteousness and the God kind of life. And what is most important about this is the implications it has for us and our faith.

First of all, it explains why The Faith is a GIFT and why we are saved through Faith by Grace and not as a work of our own. It is not our faith which justifies, but the Faith of Jesus given to us, which resides in us. Since it is not our faith that justifies, but the Faith of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ, whose Faith is now at work on the inside of us, we are not called upon to believe God out of our own miserable resources or self generated faith or mental efforts, or our attempts to believe.

We are only enabled to believe God through and because of the Faith of Jesus Christ as working in us. It is Jesus' Faith upon which we are dependent and upon whom we rely. It is upon His Faith, which is perfect and never fails, upon which we can rest and fully trust, because we know His Faith is sufficient for every need and greater than every obstacle.

***

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.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Christian as Ambassador for Christ: The Job Requirements - LLM

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"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!

"For we are laborers together with God" 1 Corinthians 3:9

"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.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

The Christian and The Power of Prayer to the God of Heaven - LLM

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“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.

Genesis 20:17 ; Jonah 2:1 ; Numbers 11:2 ; Nehemiah 1:4 ; 1 Samuel 1:27 ; Nehemiah 2:4 ; 2 Kings 6:17 ; Ezra 10:1 ; 2 Kings 19:15 ; Daniel 6:11

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.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

The Christian and God's Word, The Bible - LLM

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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.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

The Spiritual Warrior: The Christian, and, Satan: the Adversary - LLM

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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 whole world lieth in this one. 1 John 5:19

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.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

The Christian and the Christian's Heavenly Father - LLM

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“For ye are the children of God by Faith in Christ Jesus” Galatians 3:26

Only Christians are the children of God, and only because of the Faith in and of, the LORD Jesus Christ. Children of God!

God is not some impersonal principle, or some unknown inanimate force. God is a living, personal God. Some religious people know Him as the Supreme Being, but His children know Him as God the Father. Ephesians 1:3 , 1 Peter 1:3 and 2 Cor. 11:31 .

“Neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him” Matthew 11:27 . “God is Spirit” John 4:24 . “God is light” 1 John 1:5 . “God is love” 1 John 4:8 . “Our God is a consuming fire”Hebrews 12:29 .

“This is life eternal that they might know Thee, the ONLY true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent” John 17:3 .

This excludes all other gods. The ONLY true God is known as “The God of Peace” Hebrews 13:20 . “The God of all Comfort” 2 Cor. 1:3 . “The God of all Grace” 1 Peter 5:10 . “The Father of Mercies” 2 Cor. 1:3 . “The Father of spirits”Hebrews 12:9 . “The God of Hope” Romans 15:13 . This same God is known in the Old Testament Scriptures as the “God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” “The Lord which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.”

When we believe and receive Christ, we are instantaneously born of God and become the children of God. John 1:12-13 . Then we belong to the Household of God. Ephesians 2:19 . “For which cause He (The LORD Jesus Christ) is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Hebrews 2:11 . The LORD Jesus Christ said, “Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father, and to my God, and your God.” John 20:17 .

The Bible is very clear in its teachings that a person has to be born into the Family of God. One of the lies of Satan is that ALL men are the children of God. To be sure all have their being in God; for there is no life apart from the living God. BUT, it is one thing to be born of blood, the will of the flesh and of man; but something ENTIRELY DIFFERENT and separate to be born of God. John 1:13 .

Now, for example, the Prodigal Son had departed FROM his father’s house: some saints do, in this way, depart from God’s House and return. But NO UNSAVED one was ever IN God’s House. Remember, through unbelief, Adam departed from God and took the whole human race with him.

Now, to those religious “enlightened” men who rejected Him, the LORD Jesus Christ said, “Ye are of your father, the devil.”John 8:44 . To another the Apostle Paul said, “Thou child of the devil.” Acts 13:10 . Also, “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil.” 1 John 3:10 . Therefore, we see there are two kinds of children in the world, and the cross of Calvary stands between them.

What a sad day it will be when the great multitudes of religious people who are asserting sonship without obtainingRegeneration, will stand with all their guilt and sin uncovered before the true and Holy God in that awful Day of Judgment! Some religious self-righteous sinners are trying to behave like children of God without having experienced regeneration, without having received His Divine nature, the new birth which is the imperative for Divine sonship. Read Titus 3:5-7 .

Remember, it is one thing to be born of human parents within the natural law of procreation; it is another thing to be born of God by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. That which is born of the flesh is flesh. “Ye must be born again, ‘from above,’ of the Spirit” How? By believing and receiving Christ, as your LORD and Savior. John 1:12 .

“He that hath the Son hath the Father.” 1 John 3:1-7 .

“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying ‘Abba Father.”’ Galatians 4:6 .

“The Spirit Himself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God; and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.” Romans 8:17 .

“The Father Himself loveth you, because ye have loved Me.” John 16:27 .

When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians these words, “my God shall supply all of your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19 , he was confirming the statement of The LORD Jesus Christ, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him.” Matthew 7:11 .

“Pray to thy Father” Matthew 6:6 . This is the instruction of the Son, our LORD and Savior. So prayer should be directed TO the Father, THROUGH the Son, with the Holy Spirit making intercessions for us. Romans 8:26 . God delights to be addressed as“Almighty God, Our Heavenly Father, the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31 , while there is still time!

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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.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)