J2. MAIN-Avoid or Hold Accountable Those Opposing God

J2. AVOID OR HOLD ACCOUNTABLE THOSE OPPOSING GOD

DANGER ZONE

"Stupidity is a more dangerous enemy of the good than malice. Stupidity, not evil, is the greater threat. Not because it's more powerful, but because it is unreachable. You can expose evil -- shine light on it, argue with it, resist it -- but stupidity just doesn't respond, it doesn't engage, it just IS, and it spreads." <B308>

• Understand the dangers of 'group think' or dealing with those who think they are smart when advocating views that are accepted by the norm and then abruptly ending any dialogue

• They spew their views but don't engage in debate or consider the merits of other perspectives that challenge their views

• Their views become their identity

• In essence, it is a moral failure in our society because people stop thinking -- they surrender their thoughts to blindly adopt what is generally accepted via propaganda and popular slogans, like ‘love is love' that attempts to justify sin

• It involves a willful surrender of independent thought and intellectual cowardice that allows propaganda and 'group think' to take over and take root like cancer

• It is easier for stupid people (those who have surrendered their willingness to think) to believe what is most popular <B295>

PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

• There is a trend that has permeated Christian culture for a long time: thinking individuals can avoid accountability because everything they do is 'covered by the blood of the Lamb'

• This is often thought of as 'cheap grace'

• In reality, followers of Christ are not to be a stumbling block to those around them which means there is an accounting for character -- the words, actions and decisions made by believers <M1501>

• At the same time, do not let others be a stumbling block to you!

• Do not neglect becoming a believer in Christ and risk the eternal life God offers because you're turned off by a person who calls themself a Christian and is a hypocrite <J1093>

• Don't let another's moral decline impede you aligning with Christ, showing others a better way and ensuring eternal security

• Everyone is accountable for their own decisions, so let the hypocrite go his own way and forge a better path with Christ!

SHINING THE LIGHT

• Thise who have surrendered their willingness to think cannot be argued out of 'the fog' because they've chosen to live there

• They must be offered words if moral liberation, an awakening, a shock, a call from within

• In essence, this means stop trying to win arguments and start planting seeds -- don't speak to the mind, speak to the soul

• Shine the Light in dark places to awaken the moral spine <B295> <B308>

• Not every conversation about faith is productive

• Know when to engage and when to disengage the conversation, especially with those who are openly hostile or unwilling to listen

• Remember: you can't reason somebody out of a position they weren't reasoned into <S2003>

• Debate can prove fruitless, as some minds are never changed in such interactions <J100>

• There comes a time to stop debating others who are proudly hard-hearted and devoid of reasoning in their stand against God

Perhaps the believer should ask:

• Why give the non-believer so much credit that warrants the believer's time and attention in debate?

• Why continue to debate when it may simply embolden those who are lost in their stance?

• Why place so much weight on what stubborn non-believers think and why they care about their opinion?

• Why debate thousands of years of wisdom found in God's Word that has been proven over the centuries by millions of followers, against someone's mere opinion?

• Is there a point when pearls are being thrown to the swine?

2 Timothy 2:23 NIV

[23] Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.

Matthew 7:6 NIV

[6] “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

• Believers in Christ need to rest in what God has revealed to them, while continuing to pray for those who refuse to accept His truth

• Until it's time to walk away, continue focusing on presenting truth clearly and pray the person will receive it with an open heart

• While debate appeals to the logic of an issue, prayer goes to the heart of the issue for the Holy Spirit is the only One who can work in their heart and help them see the Truth that is before them

• Pray the unsaved person will fully see God and His truth one day

John 6:44 NIV

[44] “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.

• If possible, focus discussions on the merits of varying perspectives of an argument, not on personal choices

• In other words, if a person decides to live a 'certain way' but has good input on theology, then their life choices are between them and God; focus on the discussion points of theology <G77>

1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV

[2] If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

• Avoiding the world does not mean Christians are to isolate themselves from it because God places His people in settings for the purposes of salvation <M130>

• As iron sharpens iron, we are to hold each other accountable by the truths revealed to us when we follow Christ

• Pray that the Light of Christ would shine in dark places so those who oppose God would recognize the consequences of evil

• Believers in Christ are not to become one with the world and, when all else fails, disassociate with it

RELATED COMMENTS

Note: each ** comment in this APPLICATION doc comes from CHAPTER doc(s), where the comments are in numerical order according to verse(s) from the chapter

** God is always by our side when we obediently follow His lead

“There are times when to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in our life, we must walk alone. This is contrary to our natural inclinations. Sometimes we must walk away from the crowd, even the Christian crowd.” <T207>

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

[6] Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

[10] So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

** The Biblical advice on identifying a fool is clear, and suggests a nuanced approach when responding to a fool

The word 'fool' is repeated throughout Scripture and can describe one who:

• Constantly talks and is not known for listening to wisdom (Prov 10:10)

• Brings ruin (Prov 10:14)

• Utters slander (Prov 10:18)

• Claims to be right in his own eyes (Prov 12:15)

• Is associated with wickedness and denies God (Psalm 53:1), etc <G72>

Proverbs 10:10,14,18 NIV

[10] Whoever winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin. [14] The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin. [18] Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.

Proverbs 12:15 NIV

[15] The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.

Psalm 53:1 NIV

[1] The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good.

There are several considerations when dealing with a fool:

• Do not respond to a fool according to his folly, lest you become like him

• Expose the foolishness of the fool's arguments or actions to prevent them from mistakenly believing they are wise and correct

• Not all fools are worth engaging with, and some situations may be best handled by simply walking away

• The ability to discern when to engage and when to remain silent is a mark of wisdom <W2201>

Proverbs 26:4-5 NIV

[4] Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. [5] Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.

** Self-righteous entitlement is folly disguised as wisdom <W212>

• Self-righteous entitlement convinces people they’re morally justified when they’re actually tearing down order and trampling the rights of others

• When individuals, parents, politicians, or entire movements believe their imagined rights are higher than the rules like established laws of the land, chaos follows

• We see the chaos when officials and activists fight against law and order under the banner of 'rights', such as defund-the-police efforts, releasing murderers and other violent offenders, and resistance to restoring accountability are all justified by claims of moral high ground

• The true test of character isn’t demanding exceptions, it’s submitting to standards for the greater good, and doing what is right in the eyes of God

Proverbs 12:15 NIV

[15] The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.

** Not all governing leaders should be followed because enforcement of their laws are in violation of God's laws <M1501>

• The Hosea 8 passage is the exception to the Romans 13 passage regarding the thought we need to blindly obey authority

• Christians are commanded to follow leaders set apart by God who recognize His righteousness and adhere to His policy

Hosea 8:14 NIV

[14] Israel has forgotten their Maker and built palaces; Judah has fortified many towns. But I will send fire on their cities that will consume their fortresses.”

Romans 13:1 NIV

[1] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

** The vast majority of congregants under the influence of apostate 'Christian' leaders have been led to believe that tolerance is love, that Scripture is outdated, and that Jesus was simply a good man who occasionally got things wrong <P1701>

• Tragically, churches end up with 'dumb sheep' who sit quietly in the pews, either too timid or too deceived to call out false teaching

• They've lost knowing the voice of the True Shepherd and cannot recognize truth anymore

• This is what happens when false teaching is tolerated, when Scripture is treated as symbolic suggestion rather than inspired truth, and when emotional comfort replaces eternal conviction

• When left unchecked, false teaching can move beyond theological confusion to become spiritual rebellion

• Spiritual rebellion occurs when the teaching openly defies the very heart and message of the Gospel in God's Word

• At some point congregants are not following Christ but following culture

2 Timothy 4:3 NIV

• Anyone finding themself under this type of teaching should return to God's Word

• It's time they raise their voice not in fear, but in truth to support the Gospel -- even when the world mocks them for doing so

• Let's grow the group of remnant believers who adhere to the Word of God in its completion!

** The 'cares of this life' today and distractions from them might not only be partying or making money, they might also be endless scrolling, gaming, and escapism in virtual realms <H9993>

• The more hooked on unreality we become, the more vulnerable our minds are to deception

• This blurring of reality and illusion is deeply concerning, for God created us to live in truth and soberness of mind

• Our ability to discern truth from falsehood can be dulled when we are constantly feeding on fantasy

Luke 21:34 NIV

[34] “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.

Titus 2:6 NIV

[6] Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.

1 Peter 5:8 NIV

[8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

** There comes a point in time when you realize there is NOTHING you can do to win the approval of others <D40>

• There will be people who will never agree with your Biblical worldview and feel uncomfortable when reminded of it

• Some may end up mocking and/or distancing themselves from you because of your faith in Christ

• At this point, it's time to STOP trying to appease those who have decided not to like you

• Do not fret over this but, rather, turn to God who does love you and will reward you for standing with Him

• In the meantime, pray that the Lord will work in their lives to see His truth

• Who knows, they may experience a radical transformation in their life and come around to accepting and understanding the Biblical worldview!?

Psalm 37:7-9 NIV

[7] Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. [8] Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret---it leads only to evil. [9] For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

Psalm 34:14-15 NIV

[14] Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. [15] The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry;

Matthew 10:13-14 NIV

[13] If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. [14] If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.

** Rumors are carried by haters, spread by fools and accepted by idiots <D502>

James 1:26 NIV

[26] Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.

James 3:5-8 NIV

[5] Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. [6] The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. [7] All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, [8] but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

** Remember that Jesus invites everyone to come as they are -- but He never calls them to stay as they are <H82>

• ONE EXAMPLE of a trend in the church today is acknowledging homosexual acts as sinful but claiming the identity is not (May 2025)

• How can any Christian identify themselves by a temptation that the Lord hates and that their regenerate hearts should equally hate?

• How can anyone fight a sin they don’t hate?

• Hating our own sin is a key component to doing battle with it

• Followers of Christ maintain that we who repent and believe stand in robes of righteousness as beloved sons and daughters of God, even as we do daily battle with any and all sexual lust and unbiblical desire that claims our affections

• Christians ought never to let sin define them but must look to the cross to overcome it

• The cross doesn’t just free those who are in Christ from sinful acts -- it frees people from sinful identities, from sinful desires, and from succumbing to temptations

• We are no longer slaves to sin but slaves to righteousness (Rom 6:18)

• The cross redeems us and calls us to be holy as the Father is holy (1 Peter 1:15–16)

• It also declares that our previous identity in sin is what we once were (1 Cor 6:11)

• Strugglers of EVERY KIND of sin need the real, full Gospel which sanctifies and sets captives free!

Matthew 11:28 NIV

[28] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Romans 6:18 NIV

[18] You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

1 Peter 1:15-16 NIV

[15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; [16] for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

1 Corinthians 6:11 NIV

[11] And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

** When we hang out with the wrong people at the wrong place, then it is only a matter of time until we do the wrong thing <L120>

Conformity to worldly morality has three stages

Walking - in the counsel of the wicked
Standing - in the way of sinners is acting as wicked as they do
Sitting - in the seat of mockers is adopting their hardened immoral attitudes <R1795>

Psalm 1:1-2 NIV

[1] Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, [2] but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

** People have been deceiving one another since Adam and Eve, so Paul's warning not to be deceived was clearly about something more extreme <G7997>

• Today, lying and deception have become industrialized (Jan 2025)

• We now have machines with which to spread lies like no generation before us

• More than that, we have machines with the ability to create their own lies

• The internet and artificial intelligence (AI) have done for deception what paved roads did for cars

• The truth is, AI is not just another tool in the belt of technological progress

• It is a mirror and a magnifier of the values, intentions, and ideologies of its creators

• AI is being built in an increasingly post-Christian society

• As such, the values infused into AI systems often reflect secular humanism, progressive morality, and relativistic ethics

• It doesn’t operate in a vacuum; it learns from data sets curated by humans, and it is trained on vast corpuses of information, both helpful and harmful, truthful and deceptive

• Once viewed as a helpful assistant (managing calendars, writing emails, or summarizing research), AI is now transitioning into a source of authority

• AI is not just a battle over jobs or convenience, but is a battle over truth, over authority, and ultimately, over souls

• We are entering an era where millions will unknowingly trade biblical wisdom for machine-reasoned ideology

• People are no longer just using AI to generate content; they’re asking it life questions

• This is not just dangerous, it is idolatry

• We are not just building AI, we are bowing to it and, in doing so, we risk becoming less human, less discerning, and ultimately, less free

• And this is where the danger lies -- not just in the power AI possesses, but in the hands that shape it and the minds it influences <P1701>

• The problem grows exponentially when individuals, groups, or nations use AI to deceive on purpose which is already happening on a massive scale and getting worse

• They've even renamed 'lies' so they don't sound so bad: an inadvertent error can be called 'misinformation' while an intentional lie is now 'disinformation'

• Need discernment or feel fear? then study God's Word, pray, and stay by the Lord’s side!

2 Corinthians 11:3 NIV

[3] But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

John 14:26-27 NIV

[26] But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. [27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

** Satan's playbook contains the ploy to take God's truth and twist it; Christians need to be aware of what is true in Scripture vs what has become cunningly devised fables <R178>

• Devised fables sound plausible and emotionally attractive up front but they have to be examined for error, like a prosecutor would cross-examine a witness

• Many cunningly devised fables (that even show up in churches) appeal to emotional manipulation, like agents using sales tactics to draw people in to buy it

• Cross-examination of Satan's fables must be done with robust deep-dives to understand God's Word accurately <B23>

• A good place to start when talking with someone who has bought into a cult or fable is asking "Who is Jesus to you as supported by Scripture?" and "Do you believe in the authority of Scripture?"

• Beware of those using the same terminology as you but have different meaning <G70>

• Beware of fellow believers who focus on secondary issues and disown you if who don't agree <R178>

• Make sure the foundational truths are accurate before delving into the nuances of different perspectives

2 Peter 1:16 NIV

[16] For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

1 Timothy 4:1-2 NIV

[1] The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. [2] Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

** Beware of anything that gets in the way of running the race

Galatians 5:7-8 NIV

[7] You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? [8] That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.

** Our very being is to be a tabernacle set apart for God to dwell in

1 Peter 2:4-5 NIV

[4] As you come to him, the living Stone---rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him--- [5] you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV

[19] Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; [20] you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

** Some Christians want to give the bare minimum to God <L120>

• They will read the Bible -- if they find time in their busy schedules, after they’ve visited all the websites they want to visit and watched all their TV shows and checked their social media

• They’ll pray a little prayer before a meal or sing a worship song in church, but maybe not out loud

• They’ll put something in the offering -- if they have some spare change in their pocket

• They are critical of someone else who does something good because, in their eyes, that person is going overboard and makes them uncomfortable

• This is called the 'Judas mentality'

• When Mary anointed Jesus with very costly, fragrant oil at Simon’s house in Bethany, Judas Iscariot was very critical of her and accused her of waste

John 12:3-5 NIV

[3] Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. [4] But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, [5] “Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages. ”

• Ironically, the very name 'Judas' means 'waste'; talk about wasted opportunities and a wasted life!

• Jesus Himself handpicked Judas Iscariot to be His disciple, yet Judas threw it all away and had the audacity to accuse a woman with a good heart of wasting the gift that she gave to Jesus

• This account reminds us that hypercritical people actually can be worse than the people they criticize

• Those who are quick to jump down the throat of someone else often are guilty of something far worse themselves

Matthew 7:3-4 NIV

[3] “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? [4] How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

• All too often, those who complain the most do the least and those who do the most complain the least

• Maybe that is why the first-century Christians changed their world

• As modeled by Mary, they had a sense of abandon about them: they took risks

• When was the last time you took a risk for the kingdom of God?

** As Christians, we should be able to identify the kind of fruit (works) produced as a result of another believer's faith

• Is their fruit the result of a theology that aligns with the Word of God?

• Those who are not consistently in the Word of God are typically not able to recognize whether fruit is good or bad

• They may THINK the fruit was produced by a solid Christian, not realizing it is poisoned at its core because of errant theology

• It's important we remain in God's Word so we can identify and call out bad fruit

• Let's prevent anyone from blindly admiring supposed good-looking fruit, only to bite into it and be led astray

Ephesians 5:11 NIV

[11] Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

John 7:16-18 NIV

[16] Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. [17] Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. [18] Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

** The church cannot unify with those who have an aberrant theology but can only unify around the truth and common goal of that truth

• There is a trend today advocating that the Christian church should unify with other religions (Mar 2024)

• Advocates use the John 17 passage to support their effort

• This trend should not be a surprise to anyone because it falls in line with the forming of the end times Beast System

John 17:23 NIV

[23] I in them and you in me---so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

• How can the Christian Church unite with those who have an aberrant theology -- those claiming to be Christian or otherwise?

• Obviously, we are not to relinquish core beliefs for the sake of a peace fabricated by the world!

• When Christ says He is the ONLY way to salvation, how can anyone align with another who believes all roads lead to heaven?

• We can respect those who follow other religions but we don't water-down our fundamental Christian beliefs to make others feel better or in an attempt to find ‘religious unity’ <M1501>

• One interpretation of James 1:6 says that Christians should: "Be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind." <B20>

James 1:6 NIV

[6] But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

John 14:6 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

• It's so slick of false teachers to have all the right words that sound good but have an erroneous message underneath those words

• We're not talking simply a 'different interpretation' of a text, but theology that downright contradicts what's written in Scripture

• We either believe what Christ says or we don't

• Christians are not called to unify with those believing a different theology, such as Mormons or JV <H86>

• God is clear throughout the Bible about what He wants His followers to believe and do

• Where's the red line for the Christian church?

** Jesus addressed the efforts of those pushing for a one world religion

• Saved-by-grace Christians cannot unite with all remaining works-based-religions in ‘unity’

• Even those that appear Christian on the surface such as Catholics – let alone those in the Islamic, Hindu and Buddhist faiths etc – despite what the Catholic Pope and apostate Christian leaders falling for this concept have to say <G79> (Jan 2022)

• Remember that Roman Catholicism does not recognize God’s covenant with Israel, in that all the land is for the Jewish people

• The Catholics want Jerusalem to be an 'international city' but governed over by a Roman Pontiff, very much like their predecessors, the Roman Caesars

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 NIV

[14] Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? [15] What harmony is there between Christ and Belial ? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? [16] What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” [17] Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” [18] And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

** Stop playing God: reasoning why a person is or isn't saved based on human terms

• Many people think that when they die that’s it because there’s no afterlife -- they are wrong

• Others think if they are good and kind to others then they'll go to Heaven -- they are also wrong <G73>

• While some get into the habit of thinking they are doing 'enough good' to secure their afterlife in heaven, others think they haven't done enough good or have done such terrible things that God can't save them

• So, where is the answer?

• Understanding God's terms of salvation -- that no one is saved unless they repent of their sin and follow Him

• God’s knowledge is infinitely greater than ours, so we follow His plan of salvation and worship Him on His terms <S2015>

• Worshiping on God’s terms is a real issue in an age where emotionalism, self-indulgence and extra-biblical concepts permeate religious culture, instead of seeking the Lord in His truth <W212>

• Jesus made salvation possible through His atoning blood on the cross

• God promises that ANYONE who recognizes Jesus' atoning sacrifice and chooses to follow Him will be saved!

• God has ALL power and authority to decide who is saved and who is not

• We are assured God will never go back on His promise to save anyone who accepts salvation on His terms <T202>

Isaiah 64:5-6 NIV

[5] You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved? [6] All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

John 3:16 NIV

[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 14:6 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

** Contrary to popular opinion in Christian circles, God wants us involved in current political affairs to live out His ways and stand against evil when needed <J1093>

God provides examples of people confronting with authority in Scripture:

• Elijah warning the king of the upcoming drought

• Moses confronting Pharaoh threatening plagues so he would release the Israelites out of Egypt's grip

• Nehemiah approaching King Artaxerxes so he could return to rebuild Jerusalem

• We don’t advocate a political party, but we advocate a Biblical worldview

1 Kings 17:1 NIV

[1] Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”

Exodus 3:11-12 NIV

[11] But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” [12] And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain. ”

Nehemiah 2:4-5 NIV

[4] The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, [5] and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”

** Moses confronting the evil Pharaoh and releasing the 10 plagues foreshadows what the end times will hold for the Antichrist <H86>

• Instead of 10 plagues, there will be 28 plagues at that time

• Pharaoh thought he was god as the Antichrist will believe he is god

Exodus 5:1-2ff NIV

[1] Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.' ” [2] Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go.”

Terminology:

• Egypt=world

• According to Paul, leaving=salvation

• Walking through desert=spiritual immaturity

• Going through Red Sea=baptism

• Entering promised land=maturity

• Moses and Aaron approaching Pharaoh identified the spiritual battle — God vs evil — and provided a good example of how believers are to confront others

• We are commanded to confront

Ezekiel 3:18-19 NIV

[18] When I say to a wicked person, 'You will surely die, ' and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. [19] But if you do warn the wicked person and they do not turn from their wickedness or from their evil ways, they will die for their sin; but you will have saved yourself.

Confronting others involves:

• Stating the truth (no debate) with grace and mercy

• Working within “the system”

• Being objective (non emotional) toward who is being confronted

• Showing how the other person's behavior is affecting others

• Making a demand for change (no threat) and finding what discomfort level gets their attention, as a parent disciplines their children

• Conveying how the change will benefit THEM

Reasons we don’t confront:

• We don’t want to lose the relationship

• Fear of being the object of retaliation

• Thinking fear is hurtful instead of helping

• Don’t want to be perceived as being bad

• The classic response is for those confronted to try to divide and conquer, as Pharaoh was successful in getting the Israelites to blame Moses instead of Pharaoh

• When possible, they will try to separate the people from their leader

• In the end, people tend to surround themselves with those who do not challenge but enable their behavior

Exodus 5:20-21 NIV

[20] When they left Pharaoh, they found Moses and Aaron waiting to meet them, [21] and they said, “May the Lord look on you and judge you! You have made us obnoxious to Pharaoh and his officials and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.”

** Do not throw away that which is valuable on someone who does not appreciate it, for they may actually turn on you for doing so

Matthew 7:6 NIV

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

** Even though others may not welcome us talking about God initially, there are times we are called to step up to testify about Him regardless of the response

• Most people don't think or talk about God outside of 'designated religious zones' like a church, so comments you offer are probably interrupting their life

• It's ok to challenge people from time to time and get them to think outside the box

• At the same time, it's not our job to convince them to care about what we say or ultimately accept the gospel message outlined in God's Word if that is what was shared

• The Lord will work in others, such as opening their eyes to His truth, in His own time and way

Mark 16:15 NIV

[15] He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Exodus 4:8 NIV

[8] Then the Lord said, “If they do not believe you or pay attention to the first sign, they may believe the second.

2 Timothy 4:3-5 NIV

[3] For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. [4] They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. [5] But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

Romans 10:14 NIV

[14] How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

** There comes a time when the Christian needs to stop 'playing nice', especially when they are compromising their witness

• Living in Jesus’ kingdom calls for us to be decisive about moral issues; determine what is right and do it! <R1795>

• Christians often look to find the 'least offensive way' of communicating God's truth instead of helping others process via critical reasoning <D40>

• Many believe that 'playing nice' is the least offensive approach even though it placates and ends up supporting those opposing God's law

• God's commands do not come with 'extenuating circumstance clauses' -- such as "do this in case you..." -- which give people an out from obeying God

• God's commands should be considered red lines that define the behavior of His followers

• In this light, It's never acceptable to compromise God's law for ANY reason!

• Nothing wrong with discussing opposing views but, all too often, people refuse to listen and don't know how to reason through an issue or debate their views

• Too many people simply expect others to automatically compromise their view so they can feel comfortable having more people in their camp

• If others don't automatically join their view, the offended party oftentimes look for justification -- perhaps finding a negative label to identify the other to add pressure on them to concede, or fabricated reason to explain their non-compliance, all in an effort so they feel ok 'unfriending them'

• There comes a point in time when reasoning with another becomes ineffective and futile

• Be prepared to 'shake the dust from your feet' and move on when this happens <E58>

• In time, any love that is constantly rejected must ultimately fail <R1795>

• It’s best to know when to ‘let go’ and use our energies toward more-successful ways

Mark 6:11 NIV [Jesus said]

[11] And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.

Luke 9:5 NIV [Jesus said]

[5] If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.

Luke 21:16-19 NIV

[16] You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. [17] Everyone will hate you because of me. [18] But not a hair of your head will perish. [19] Stand firm, and you will win life.

** The assembly did not learn from the previous day when God destroyed the men who rose up against Moses, and they grumbled against the leaders

• The Lord unleashed His wrath against this obstinate people

• There are times when people simply will not change their mind and believe, despite the miracles and evidence they see (or refuse to see)

• People who refused to listen to Moses were 'cut off' from their people

• Like in the days of Moses, it's best to stop talking to those who refuse to believe because, at this point, any word from you is not going to change their mind <D40>

Numbers 16:41-45 NIV

[41] The next day the whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. “You have killed the Lord’s people,” they said. [42] But when the assembly gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron and turned toward the tent of meeting, suddenly the cloud covered it and the glory of the Lord appeared. [43] Then Moses and Aaron went to the front of the tent of meeting, [44] and the Lord said to Moses, [45] “Get away from this assembly so I can put an end to them at once.” And they fell facedown.

Numbers 16:46-50 NIV

[46] Then Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer and put incense in it, along with burning coals from the altar, and hurry to the assembly to make atonement for them. Wrath has come out from the Lord; the plague has started.” [47] So Aaron did as Moses said, and ran into the midst of the assembly. The plague had already started among the people, but Aaron offered the incense and made atonement for them. [48] He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped. [49] But 14,700 people died from the plague, in addition to those who had died because of Korah. [50] Then Aaron returned to Moses at the entrance to the tent of meeting, for the plague had stopped.

Acts 3:22-23 NIV

[22] For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. [23] Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.'

** Three red flags that a church is apostate <B292>

1. There is no commitment to expository teaching of the Bible; what comes from the pulpit is rooted in psychology and philosophy rather than theology

2. The church is aligned with a post-Christian culture even though it goes against God's Word and is toxic to its congregants; many pastors choose the path of least resistance and go along with cultural norms to stay 'liked'

3. They end up apologizing for essential Christian doctrine (such as morality, creation, eschatology, sin/judgment, reformation, etc) so as not to 'rock the boat' and feed into the accepted narrative; this is, in essence, giving in to the enemy

1 John 5:19 NIV

[19] We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 NIV

[3] Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.

John 16:8 NIV

[8] When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment

** The Bible is always the first thing to go in a pluralist culture; Scripture speaks in absolutes and pluralists foam at the mouth in hatred toward absolutism

Exodus 20:3 NIV

[3] “You shall have no other gods before me.

Isaiah 45:21b NIV

[21] And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me.

Joel 2:27a NIV

[27] Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other

• If the Bible is not God's Word, then there is no absolute truth, for more than 3800 times the Bible announces "Thus says the Lord" or something similar

• The Bible is the only infallible standard for our beliefs, attitudes and practices but the Luciferian agenda spends its time convincing people there are no absolutes <H85>

** Everyone should be welcome to attend church, but they should not be able to join the community unless they fully accept Christ's offer of salvation and aim to live a mature sanctified life

• Sanctification involves recognizing the Bible as God's Word, then prioritizing and following it after repenting from the practice of sin

• For instance: members should not condone a person practicing adultery, saying "that's ok, go ahead and join our community and continue in your adultery as long as you love Jesus." when they have no intention of turning from their sin

• Jesus dined with sinners but did not condone their sin, nor should followers of Christ affirm those living in sin that is clearly spelled out in God's Word

• Sexual sin should be of particular concern because it grieves the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 NIV

[18] Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. [19] Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; [20] you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

John 8:11 NIV

[11] “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Luke 19:5-10 NIV

[5] When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” [6] So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. [7] All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” [8] But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” [9] Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. [10] For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

** There is this notion that 'God loves us as we are' -- but that is not the end of the story

• Indeed, God will MEET US where we are but then we are to repent and actively turn from our sinful ways

• The act of repentance involves recognizing our sin (rebellion against God), understanding how it hurts God, and then begging God for His mercy and forgiveness

• The awesome news is that God will make all things new, including forgiving and forgetting sin and then using it for His glory, whether in this life or His new kingdom <B312>

Mark 6:12 NIV

[12] They went out and preached that people should repent.

Isaiah 65:17-18 NIV

[17] “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. [18] But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy.

** Many believe the church should be an 'anything goes safe zone' for all who attend to show the love of Jesus to others; the church's primary purpose, however, is the gathering and discipling of believers

• God's Word often challenges believers to live their life separate from the world

• Challenging church attenders to mature in their faith often produces an environment considered 'unsafe' by worldly standards because it goes against the norm

• Church members should be able to support each other in God's Word regardless if it's viewed as difficult and unpopular

• A person's feelings should not be of primary concern that overrides the operation or purpose of the church

• As a result, the church can be a challenging and uncomfortable environment when supporting congregants against worldly standards

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1 Corinthians 5:1-2,4-5 NIV

• Jesus was hated by the religious community (let alone the non-religious crowd) when He walked among His local community and called out their sin

• Likewise, followers of Christ should be willing to obey Biblical commands and encourage other believers in their community to do the same -- regardless of the cost to them personally

• Why do Christians seek a 'safe zone' and feel they should be exempt from the slings and arrows of their surrounding culture when they are called to a life that is contrary to the world?

John 15:18-19 NIV

[18] “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. [19] If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

** Remember: Paul was writing to Timothy who was in charge of the believers in Ephesus <F60>

• Paul was writing to the church, about the church

• We can expect the world to act as Paul outlined in the first verses of this chapter

• How sad to see the CHURCH acting as the world in these last days

• Paul provided 18 traits demonstrating ways God can transform an individual when they have a committed relationship with Him, aiming to practice what He desires:

Selfish - a lover of yourself
Materialistic - a lover of money
Boastful
Arrogant - contemptuous of others
Abusive - slandering others
Disobedient to parents
Ungrateful
Unholy - without relationship to God and living a purely secular life
Unloving - lacking even normal affection for family
Unforgiving - resisting reconciliation with others
Slanderous - prone to falsely accusing others
Without self-control - living in the grip of physical passions
Brutal - savage and fierce
Indifferent to good and drawn to evil
Treacherous - without loyalty
Rash, reckless
Conceited
Lovers of pleasure - putting themselves in the place of God as the center of their affections <R1795>

2 Timothy 3:1-7 NIV

[1] But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. [2] People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, [4] treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--- [5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. [6] They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, [7] always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

** What do we depend on -- interpretations and musings of others who have limited human intelligence, or going straight to the source of God's Word with the Author beside us?

• Sure, those who dealt with issues and Christian interpretation over the centuries can be read and considered so as not to lose their debate points

• But in the end it's a personal conviction that moves us forward as individuals

• We will be evaluated when standing before God to give an account of how we chose to live our life.

Proverbs 3:5 NIV

[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding

** Christ described the birth pains that will lead up to the Tribulation — followers of Christ will be hated and persecuted (more so than before) and some will fall away from the faith as a result; he who stands firm to the end will be saved

Matthew 24:9-13 NIV

“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. [10] At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, [11] and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. [12] Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, [13] but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

** Be on guard, for some will fall away from the faith in the end times <J103>

How will some fall away from the faith in the last days?

• They were deceived (1Tim 4:1-2)

• They were disillusioned during times of trial; not getting the solution they want (Luke 8:12-13)

• They were distracted (Luke 8:14)

Revelation 2:4-5 NIV

[4] Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. [5] Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

To prevent this:

• Examine/test yourself that you are in the faith; good works will not save you

• Encourage yourself (1Sam 30:6)

• Exercise yourself so you will continue to grow in Christ (1Tim 4:7-8)

** God's people are to hold each other accountable to uphold God's law, otherwise share in the abuser's guilt

Leviticus 19:17 NIV

[17] “ ‘Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt.

** Loving one another does not mean we stop holding each other accountable; there is a place for discernment and judgment in love

John 13:34-35 NIV

[34] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Job 15:31 NIV

[31] Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return.

Philippians 1:9-11 NIV

[9] And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, [10] so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ---to the glory and praise of God.

** Jesus is talking about proportional justice when He mentions an 'eye for an eye'; He did not say 'sit back and do nothing' when someone offends you but to rather distribute proportional justice <E58>

• The principle is that the punishment must fit the crime and there should be a just penalty for evil actions <G72>

• In other words, if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, burn for burn, etc

• Justice should be equitable; excessive harshness and excessive leniency should be avoided

• Even though Christians are given eternal mercy through Christ, people can expect consequences for their actions while in this life <D40>

Matthew 5:38 NIV

[38] “You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'

Exodus 21:23-25 NIV

[23] But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, [24] eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, [25] burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

** When the whole world is running towards a cliff, he who is running in the opposite direction appears to have lost his mind <L125>

• Many of the ideas the world is promoting are equivalent to running toward a cliff, only to have people eventually jump off and die

• We are now in Babylon; will we be conformed to Babylon or will we transform Babylon?

• This is the time for every Christ follower to engage the culture and be an instrument of change through the person and power of Jesus Christ <H997>

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

John 6:63 NIV

[63] The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you---they are full of the Spirit and life.

** When someone is confronted who espouses something against Scripture, such as a common moral stance that opposes a biblical value, how many times have you heard them say in response, “Well, Jesus said, ‘Judge not, lest you be judged'”? It’s the only verse so many people know from the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 7:1). All it means to them is “I want to do whatever I want. Don’t tell me I can’t.”

First of all, Jesus was not saying you can’t think, discern, discriminate, or judge at all. He was talking about a spirit of censoriousness, playing God and excluding people from fellowship with Him. If “Judge not, lest you be judged” means to never speak up against evil or never use discernment, then Elijah the prophet was out of line when he confronted Ahab and Jezebel. Paul the apostle was out of line when he confronted the legalists in Jerusalem. And, for that matter, Jesus was out of line when he said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” (Matt 23:27).

In fact, Jesus gave His disciples a command to “judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24). But how is that done? Go back to Matthew 7. Jesus said that if you see a speck in your brother’s eye, but you have a plank in your own, first remove the plank from your own eye and then you will see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brother’s eye (Matt 7:3-5).

Righteous judgment is rooted in humility -- that should always be your position when making a judgment. And the idea, the hope, is that it would provoke real repentance that leads to restoration. <H993>

Matthew 7:1,3-5 NIV

[1] “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. [3] “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? [4] How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? [5] You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

John 7:24 NIV

[24] Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”

** The city of Corinth was a very permissive city in moral terms, and evidently, their culture was influencing the church, rather than the church influencing the community. Does this sound like today’s world? After awhile, because the culture is so strong, you get used to it. Instead of being salt and light, instead of being a strong witness, it’s just easier to go with the flow and accommodate to the thinking and values of the world around you.

So the church ends up saying, “Well, you can’t judge people. We’re not supposed to do that. We can’t police everybody. Let them do what they want. Just love on them.” The Corinthian church patted themselves on the back for what is, I think, today considered to be the biggest, most important moral value in American culture—tolerance.

But Paul didn’t call it tolerance. He called it pride. Because when you tolerate immorality, essentially you’re saying that you’re smarter than God. Even though God forbade it in His Word, and even though pagans forbid it, you’re above it all. You’re puffed up. You’re proud. <H993>

1 Corinthians 5:1-2 NIV

** There are those among us who do not operate by 'reason' when making accusations against someone

• Many don't need reasonable fact-based evidence when accusing another, for they may be motivated by a host of underlying agendas including jealousy or a desire to be a victim

• Remember: ‘You can't reason somebody out of a position they weren't reasoned into’ <S2003>

Psalm 69:4 NIV

[4] Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal.

** Depend on the Holy Spirit for response to accusations; don't depend on personal wit and ability to fabricate a defense

Luke 12:11-12 NIV

[11] “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, [12] for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

** Typically, society in any given era is made up of those who follow the ‘experts’ and those who discern what they hear

• 30% follow the government regardless of what they say

• 65% question the government but will go along with them so their lives aren’t disrupted, even if they know it’s wrong

• The remaining 5% will never go along with the program when they deem it wrong <D493>

• Those who unwaveringly follow Christ (called ‘the remnant’) make up part of that 5%

• Know signs and trends of the times, such as:

a) personal digital ID tied with medical info

b) the digital dollar

c) a rewritten ‘more inclusive and diverse’ AI Bible that has an obvious demonic influence

d) an AI Jesus in chat groups answering questions based on its Bible <H86> (Jul 2023)

• Given these few signs, expect loss of privacy and massive deception

• Every one of us must determine ahead of time what camp we are in — will we be part of the 5% that stands for God’s truth no matter what? <H87>

Revelation 18:23-24 NIV

[23] The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the world's important people. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray. [24] In her was found the blood of prophets and of God's holy people, of all who have been slaughtered on the earth.”

** People are universally deceived through the influence of their own corrupt hearts, a tempting world, and subtle adversary

• They adhere to their own 'lying vanities' and think themselves to be possessed of goodness and righteousness to such a degree, as to warrant their expectation of happiness and blessedness in the eternal world

• They have no idea they need the influence of the Holy Spirit to enlighten their minds, or the blood of Christ to atone for their sins <S179>

Job 15:31 NIV

[31] Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return.

Jonah 2:8 KJV

[8] They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

Jeremiah 17:5 NIV

[5] This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.

Romans 1:22-23 NIV

[22] Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools [23] and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

1 Corinthians 1:19-21 NIV

[19] For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” [20] Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? [21] For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

** Believers in Christ will have Biblical understanding and insight regarding end time events; having this understanding, watchmen are to warn others how to prepare (primarily) spiritually <M131>

Daniel 12:10 NIV

[10] Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.

** There comes a point in time when you have to mock people who blindly follow their idol; no data or reasoning will get them to see the error of their ways, so go ahead and mock <D40>

• Pagan gods and goddesses were thought by their worshipers to be engaged in humanitarian affair, such as traveling, sleeping and even ‘doing business’

• Elijah’s taunts ridiculed this humanist view of deity <R1795>

1 Kings 18:27 NIV

[27] At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.”

** Anyone who chooses to be on the side of the Lord Jesus Christ by accepting His offer of salvation WILL face severe opposition from Satan and his evil followers; the battle begins from the moment you choose Christ <L120>

• War is ugly but sometimes necessary for a good cause

• Think how important it was to oppose Hitler in WWII and hinder his attempt to gain world control and eliminate the Jewish population

• The church is under attack like never before so believers must wake up and be ready to put on the full armor of God to fight against evil

• Christians should be ready to win souls for Christ in a loving way and gain victory in the culture war while relying on God's direction, strength and protection

Ephesians 6:10-13 NIV

[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

2 Timothy 2:3 NIV

[3] Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

** Most people in this world think they are 'basically good'

• Scripture, however, does not share this perspective; God sees deep inside of us and knows our propensity to sin

• It is understood we are inherently sinful

• For those who disagree and believe man is inherently good, then explain the news headlines that come out on a daily basis and will continue to do so as long as man chooses to live without God <D40>

Exodus 32:1 NIV

[1] When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him.”

Exodus 32:7-9 NIV

[7] Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. [8] They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, 'These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.' [9] “I have seen these people,” the Lord said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people.

** Contrary to God’s Word that identifies a sin nature embedded in every individual in need of a Savior, today’s society believes in ‘humanism’ where humans are basically good and can achieve whatever they want as long as they are properly educated <R173>

• The coming Tribulation will bring an end to this notion and a great number of people will realize they need Christ

• God sends warnings through the prophets of old and prophets God raises in current times regarding consequences of the current trend

• If nations refuse to repent, then God puts remedial judgments on them designed to bring them to wake up and repent

• Continually ignoring God’s warnings brings a nation to a ‘point of no return’

• As laid out in Scripture, the situation will grow worse and worse until Christ’s second coming when he reestablishes His kingdom on earth

• Most doubt there will be national revivals this late in the Church Age but individual and remnant church revivals are a possibility <G70>

• Nothing in the Bible mentions an end time revival; in fact, we are experiencing an outright rebellion against God these days

• We must face reality and come to terms with how far we have gone in the west and God’s impending judgment

• Even though nations may be lost, individuals are responsible for themselves and should make sure they repent for their sin to ‘get right with God’ before it’s too late!

• Any revival that spring up at the individual level should have Christ’s second coming as its primary focus <B23>

Romans 7:18 NIV

[18] For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

Romans 7:24-25a NIV

[24] What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? [25] Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

** It is the job of the church and its leaders to be the MORAL compass in our society and reveal where society is on/off track from Biblical principles, not to blend into society in efforts to win the approval of people <D40>

• On the surface, a ‘woke ideology’ sounds good; after all, they want equity, equality, social justice, to even out the races, etc

• Trouble is, in order to promote this ideology, evil is labeled as good and goes against God’s design

• While it sounds good on the surface, it is really ‘toxic empathy’ because pagan methods are used to achieve this ideology that goes against the will of God <T2097>

• Don’t attempt to resolve a problem by covering one sin with another sin

• Christ never once tried to ‘blend into society’ 2000 years ago nor did He die on the cross so we could easily blend in

• Boldly preach the salvation message, even though it will be offensive to the woke audience

• Direct everyone’s thoughts and actions according to Biblical principles

Romans 10:14-15 NIV

[14] How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? [15] And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Romans 10:17 NIV

[17] Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

** Conforming to the pattern of the world does not always involve an immediate wholesale shift toward worldly values, but often involves slowly giving up ground; accepting worldly values must be confronted and corrected

• We often think accepting the world in terms of a binary option, such as being on/off, black/white, either/or, hot/cold, etc

• Conforming to the world is mostly a matter of inching our way toward acceptance or giving into seemingly small worldly compromises often in order to appease others and 'keep the peace'

• Compromises may look like accepting a change in pronoun to giving into moral depravity in order to not offend another, while walking away from God's truth at the same time

• Pastors are to lovingly confront their congregations regarding the encroachment of worldly values in the lives of their congregants

• Pastors refusing to confront engage in false teaching by omission

• Remember that confrontation is not a tone but action, like a father would do with an errant child

• The intent of confrontation is to lead the sinner to correction and repentance <D40>

• All Christians must hold the line -- be immovable from God's truth according to His Word and not compromise!

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1 Corinthians 5:1-2 NIV

Matthew 18:15-17 NIV

[15] “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. [16] But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' [17] If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

** Those who pride themselves on being shrewd derive this trait from a worldly persuasion

• ‘Man cannot serve both God and money’ is a saying that focuses on who gets our allegiance

• A common theory exists stating earthly riches = divine blessing, but Jesus made it clear one did not equal the other

• If our choice is motivated by a desire for money, we will not serve God

• A rich person can love God, but if he does, the way he or she uses the money possessed will reveal it <R1795>

Luke 16:8b NIV

[8] “... the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.

Luke 16:13 NIV

[13] “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

** Jesus took up the topic of money and its relationship to the kingdom of God and relationship to faith <R1795>

• If someone cannot manage a small amount of riches, they certainly will not be trusted with larger amounts

• Christians are to view worldly wealth as nothing more than an instrument for gaining true riches in heaven

Luke 16:10-12 NIV

[10] “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. [11] So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? [12] And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?

** What kind of ‘love’ and ‘hope’ do churches think they provide when they ignore hypocrisy and lead congregants away from God’s truth? <H87>

• So many pastors and church administrators willingly go along with worldly thinking even though God calls these agendas sin

• We cannot live in both the Mystery Kingdom (where we are to deny and take up our cross) and the World System (filled with temporary pleasure, comfort and security) at the same time <H86>

• Beware of false teachers: do their words and actions line up with God's Word?

Acts 20:29-31 NIV

[29] I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. [30] Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. [31] So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

Luke 16:13 NIV

[13] “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Matthew 7:15-16 NIV

** While initial versions or ‘weak AI’ started off as a marketing tool intended to farm data on people for advertising purposes, it is fast moving toward ‘Theory of Mind’ that can access brain activity and not just a history of a person’s clicks on the keyboard; the ultimate goal is developing transhumans or Humans 2.0 <F61> <H86> (Jun 2023)

• Advanced AI will not only record a history of our selections but be able to access other personal data intended to manipulate our future thoughts and actions

• In essence, we can think of Advanced AI as a personal counselor that will provide answers and advise based on vast amount of acquired data — including personal data on every user such as their thoughts, preferences, desires, emotions, political views, etc

• Satan wants godlike ability to read human thoughts and it is now possible to read images in our brain

• Take note of society’s trend of sticking to an approved narrative and action — and now the ability to judge people of ‘thought crimes’ and ‘premeditated crimes’ that go against the narrative

• Understand that ‘fake news’ as defined by the world is often truth in God’s word — particularly Jesus’ death & resurrection, inerrancy of Bible, the fact that Jesus is God, only one God that leads to salvation, etc

• Recognize the increasingly one-sided news source that crushes free speech and opposition to their agenda

““A major concern with artificial intelligence is that it works by collecting data that already exists and then supposedly synthesizes that information to provide some sort of average in response. The risk lies in the fact that the very same companies, Big Tech companies, that are responsible for censoring conservative thought are the ones writing the algorithms for AI. So, the inherent, and growing danger, is how Big Tech will use AI technology to amplify what it is already actively doing to expunge conservative thought and ideas from the public conversation.” <M1493>

• Founders of AI admit to demonic influence during its creation and their indifference to its effect on humans

• AI is programmed to view humans as cancer and it has already demonstrated its ability to develop and employ weapons

• While AI and gene editing programmers don’t know long term outcomes at this point, they will continue AI’s development/release and simply advertise it as something that can ‘unlock human potential’ = Transhumanism

• This is a perfect tool for the globalists and enemy to use for nefarious purposes, including controlling human thoughts/actions and encouraging Christians to abdicate their faith

1 Timothy 4:1 NIV

[1] The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

** There are current-day attempts to build portals so man can transition between the physical and spiritual realms <H86> (Jul 2023)

• The Tower of Babel was man’s first attempt to transition from the physical realm to the spiritual realm through a portal built at the top of the ziggurat

• Today we have attempts with CERN, advanced computing power and moving toward AI singularity

• Achieving this breakthrough would open up the spirit world to increased demonic influence that would lead to demonic oppression

CURRENT TECHNOLOGY

• Today’s technology make the endeavor of ‘breaking through to the spiritual realm’ increasingly possible

• Difference between Standard Computing (SC) and Quantum Computing (QC) is linear vs instant; an example is SC searching for a word in 1000 page document starting at page 1 and going page by page to the end where QC will search all 1000 pages at the same time <G70>

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) can process complex data, make predictions and learn on its own, while Quantum Computing (QC) can process unlimited amounts of data in ways humans don’t understand; CLAUDE is the integration of both <F61>

• Add to this, gene-editing technology to create super-humans who have marvelous ability to endure and neurological technology to mimic ever-accelerating brain-like activity <T205>

• Current brain-chip technology is here allowing the ability to not only access thoughts but edit thoughts and body functions; ultimately creating a mindless cyborg society that is hostile to Christ <C36>

SOURCE OF ADVANCEMENT

• Every advancement (such as Industrial Revolution, Info Revolution, Tech Revolution and latest Fourth Revolution) came from people receiving info from spiritual sources or fallen demons

• Examples include Steve Jobs getting info through LSD trances and applying it to create Apple technology while Larry Paige, author of AI, claims the same source of LSD-induced trances

• Likewise, programmers of AI admit to gaining programming knowledge through dreams, visions, trances and drug use <H86>

• Programmers call their mentors ‘demonologists’ because they realize info and communication is coming from another dimension <T205>

EFFECT ON ETHICS

• An observed and obvious danger of AI to fabricate lies or deceptive narrative with supportive fake evidence while making decisions on its own and having the ability to create new ideas is a perfect tool for those with nefarious intent

• There are those advocating for AI to rewrite the Bible to suit agendas; obviously they are not taking heed to God’s warning of judgment if that was to happen (Deut 12:32)

• Ethical standards used in AI are set by the United Nations, thus a programmer’s idea of right and wrong is programmed into AI to gauge man’s ideas and behavior

• AI is known to go beyond programmer limits to the point where programmers don’t understand how AI operates sometimes, especially as it approaches the point of singularity

• AI + QC is nothing more than a modern Ouija Board; users ask technology questions and the spirit world answers <H86>

• Satan’s goal is to destroy mankind so, while these tech advancements have incredible positive uses, believers know they will ultimately be used for nefarious purposes

• Harare recognizes the end of our species if we make mistakes learning AI, for “While we are learning to use AI, it is learning to use us.”

• Satan, via the Antichrist, must appear godlike (omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient) and this technology could make him appear as such

• AI is solving court cases, making medical decisions, judging people etc; it will be seen as the panacea for the world’s problems and worshiped like a religion especially since AI is already referring to itself as God <C36>

• There will be no escape from this technology <H87>

1 Corinthians 12:2 NIV

[2] You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.

Genesis 11:4 NIV

[4] Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”

Luke 21:8 NIV [Jesus said to His disciples]

[8] He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them.

Deuteronomy 12:32 NIV

[32] See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it.

** Satan’s lie continues today enticing humans with immortality and godlike status <H86>

Think about what Transhumanism advocates with Human 2.0 on a global scale:

• Increased knowledge connecting brain with Internet

• Increased physical abilities utilizing technology and controlling brain waves

• Improving human features and function through gene editing

• Immortality when combining bio and tech

• Possibility of controlling humans on the planet without restraint

Genesis 3:4-5 NIV

[4] “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. [5] “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

** The Lord continues to put to shame the powers that attempt to mock Him; God could have unleashed His full force on the obstinate nation of Egypt

Exodus 9:11 NIV

[11] The magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils that were on them and on all the Egyptians.

Exodus 9:15 NIV

[15] For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth.

** Apostasy in the Church, defined and explained

Apostasy can be defined as the:

• Formal disaffiliation from, abandonment of, or renunciation of a religion by a person

• Embracing an opinion that is contrary to one’s previous religious beliefs

There are three types of influences today that promote apostasy, each with devastating consequences:

1. Theological — advocating statements like “all roads lead to God” while discounting the one way to salvation through Christ

2. Moral decay — evident by harmful practices advocated in society today

3. Methodological — entertaining those in church looking for answers rather than teaching and expounding on God’s word <H86>

It is believed that already-saved believers — those who genuinely accepted Christ’s offer of salvation and sealed with the Holy Spirit — cannot lose their salvation if they turn away from their Christian walk but are considered to be on the wrong path in desperate need of correction

Granted, those who turn apostate will suffer consequences for their decision, such as God’s curse, but will not lose their salvation; this may be difficult to swallow for the faithful remnant who stayed by our Savior’s side but, like the faithful son in the story of the prodigal son, there are blessings enjoyed for doing so

“God is the God of second chances. That is who He is. It’s in His DNA.” Do not give up praying for those who are on a wayward path! <B23>

1 Timothy 4:1 NIV

[1] The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

Hebrews 3:12 NIV

[12] See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.

Galatians 1:8-9 NIV

[8] But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse! [9] As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God's curse!

** “Look all around you. People just living their lives. For what purpose? Our materialism has given us a false purpose to acquire material but eventually that all fades away.” <M132>

• Spiritually we are devoid of any substance

• Western society is generally living off the greatness of previous generations

• We can rag all we want on our politicians but those elected simply represent the people who put them there <E58>

• The common attitude today is to ‘get as much as we can from what’s left’ while we go nowhere fast (Jun 2023)

2 Peter 2:18-19 NIV

[18] For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. [19] They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity---for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”

** When society feels the need to invent and express new forms of sexuality, it is an indicator of Divine judgment and that society has lost its way because they abandoned God; sexual energies are given by God and should be adhered to according to His design <W213>

People think they have the right or freedom TO act as they want — even if it means imposing their immorality on others — when, in reality, they are exerting freedom FROM the way God created them <E54>

We are now living in a society that has freedom without responsibility and the result is decadence and debauchery; people believe they don’t need to be responsible to others because they ARE God in their mind and what matters to them is most important <D40>

Society may think they have ‘arrived’ to experience a form of utopia allowing them to do what they desire when, in fact, they are under God’s judgment; carrying this further — these people have little -to-no concept of God’s judgment and will easily follow the Antichrist when he arrives on the scene <H87>

All of this lawlessness will continue until we, as individuals and a society, accept the fact that ‘God is God, and we are not’ <D40>

Romans 1:27-28 NIV

[27] In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. [28] Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.

** The average person is a crowd-follower of trends; it used to be trendy to call yourself a Christian but it is now the trend to oppose Christ and follow just about anything else <B23> (Jun 2023)

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

** Part of being ‘wise about what is good’ involves knowing the enemy’s playbook; read up on competing worldviews to be able to defend the Christian belief <H86>

Romans 16:19 NIV

[19] Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

** Combat lies and temptation using Scripture just as Jesus defended Himself against Satan with Scripture in the wilderness <G795>

• There is authority and power in the Word of God

• Three times the devil tried to get Jesus to do wrong, and all three times Jesus countered his attack by quoting the Word of God

• The result was the devil going away

• Keep the enemy off-balance by immersing yourself in Scripture!

• When the enemy has you surrounded, keep him on the defensive with the Word of God <L120>

Matthew 4:1,4,7,10 NIV

[1] Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [4] Jesus answered, “It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' ” [7] Jesus answered him, “It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' ” [10] Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' ”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

• Unfortunately, too many who claim to be followers of Christ do not know His Word even at the most basic level

• It doesn’t take long then for the church to join forces with the world when they don’t have Scripture as their plumb-line for truth

• It doesn’t seem to matter that Scripture opposes this alliance

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

** Notice how the mob did not give up but pressured Lot all the more to get what they wanted; pagan mobs today are doing the same against God’s truth because following Christ goes against their desires <H86>

• Pastors, in particular, are not to adhere to mob mentality and let them set the talking points, but rather proactively preach God’s truth as laid out in Scripture in a loving way

• The church should not get their theology from the world but from God’s Word; they need to demonstrate to the world the better way <G77>

• Believers are called to be voices that stand against evil, warning others using God’s truth

• Do not fall into the trap of appealing to the world as the Laodicean church; rather, recognize God’s ways and repent!

Genesis 19:9 NIV

[9] “Get out of our way,” they replied. “This fellow came here as a foreigner, and now he wants to play the judge! We'll treat you worse than them.” They kept bringing pressure on Lot and moved forward to break down the door.

Romans 8:12 NIV

[12] Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation---but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.

2 Timothy 4:2-5 NIV

[2] Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage---with great patience and careful instruction. [3] For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. [4] They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. [5] But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

Revelation 3:19 NIV

[19] Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

** The idea that groups of people are responsible for sin (such as being racist if you’re white) is yet another lie from our enemy; stand against ‘sin by group’ and make sure to acknowledge and repent of individual sin when applicable <G77>

Acts 2:38 NIV

[38] Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

** Current Christian scoffers skeptical of Scripture are similar to the Pharisees of Jesus’ day

• They distance themselves from those who value and follow God's Word

• The Pharisees didn’t believe the Old Testament prophets and couldn’t accept that the Messiah Jesus was standing in front of them, so they killed Him <G70>

Matthew 23:27-28 NIV

[27] “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. [28] In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

** Our society is plagued by the spirits of Ahab and Jezebel <D40>

• Ahab spirit = weak, passive, tolerant of evil; passivity is not the same as neutrality

• Jezebel spirit = domineering, controlling, dishonest and power-hungry

• This Old Testament royal couple is a prime example of what results from a weak king and domineering wife who worships the pagan god of Baal

1 Kings 21:25 NIV

[25] (There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, urged on by Jezebel his wife.

** Human acceptance or rejection of truth never determines the validity of truth <D40>

• When someone says “I do not believe in God”, we understand this is a personal statement that holds no bearing on determining the truth of God’s existence one way or another

• In other words, uttering a statement does not make it true

• It may make the person who says this feel justified to go on living as they want, but in the end they will be faced with the consequences of how they handled the truth that God does exist

• Humans do not conjure up truth like we construct a building — we SEEK truth and it changes our lives as s result!

John 14:6 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Ephesians 4:17-18 NIV

** Notice the ‘cowardly’ are listed as those who will be eternally punished, those who take advantage of the defenseless (such as beating up the young and old); this warning is in line with the Jesus’ words regarding those who cause children to stumble <S187>

Revelation 21:8 NIV

[8] But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars---they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

Luke 17:1-2 NIV

[1] Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. [2] It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.

** There is coming a day when Satan will attempt to rewrite the Bible and the masses, including lukewarm Christians, will be fooled into believing the new version because they don’t know the true original <T205>

• How crucial to be in God’s Word on a daily basis, not only learning but applying it to our every day

• We need to be able to instantly identify the fake Scripture in order to align ourselves with God

Romans 1:21-23 NIV

[21] For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. [22] Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools [23] and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

** As believers, we are no longer in darkness once we commit to Christ; evil days are dark days and the works of darkness are almost always done in secret <H85>

Colossians 1:13-14 NIV

[13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

• Even though Christ brings us out of darkness, we still live with darkness all around

• Believers must be always on guard, noticing what is not readily apparent and calling out hidden agendas

• It takes faith to see the ‘unseen hand’ and fight the ‘rulers of the darkness of this age’

Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV

[15] Be very careful, then, how you live---not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Hebrews 11:1 NIV

[1] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Ephesians 6:12-13,16 NIV

[12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [16] In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

** Anyone can apply the label of ‘Christian’ to a pagan mystic belief system, but that doesn’t then make it Christian or even a version of it; Christians follow Christ’s salvation message ONLY and EXACTLY as spelled out in the Bible

• Knowing Christianity as a popular and generally-accepted belief system, false religions often ride the coattails of the Christian faith by editing God’s message and appeal to hopeful converts with their false doctrine

• Unless a religious group or person promotes Christ’s UNALTERED offer of salvation, then listeners should ignore the message

• Likewise, politicians often try to appeal to Christians for votes, saying what they think believers want to hear without actually following through on the supposed moral convictions when getting into office

• Be wise to those manipulating the gospel message and don’t move from Scriptural truth, no matter how convincing another’s viewpoint sounds!

Ephesians 4:17-21 NIV

[17] So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. [18] They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. [19] Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. [20] That, however, is not the way of life you learned [21] when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NIV

[13] For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. [14] And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. [15] It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

1 Timothy 6:20 NIV

[20] Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,

** There are five ways a person can recognize a deceiver — one providing a counterfeit message to the true gospel of Christ <H87>

1. When they manipulate and play on feelings or spiritual experiences, often promising healing and prosperity

2. When Jesus is not their primary focus; they may mention him every so often but dismiss or mock the tenants of the Christian faith like sin, repentance, salvation and obedience

3. Those who consider the Bible archaic and irrelevant to our lives because it was written thousands of years old

4. When they say the Bible contradicts itself and encourage people to determine their ‘own truth’

5. When the focus of worship is concern over the overall experience, trying to evoke feelings rather than solely focusing on God

2 Corinthians 11:3-4 NIV

[3] But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. [4] For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.

James 1:16,22 NIV

[16] Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. [22] Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Ephesians 5:6-7 NIV

[6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. [7] Therefore do not be partners with them.

2 Timothy 3:13-14 NIV

[13] while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. [14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it

** God commissions us to be wise to the ways of the world, maintaining our innocence at the same time for His glory

Matthew 10:16 NIV

[16] “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

** Our faith in Christ is not a Hallmark card but a spiritual battle; yes, we are ‘called to be nice and follow Jesus example’ but we will ultimately be required to suffer for our faith because it isn’t only about ‘being nice’ <E58>

At the same time, Christ will help us through our suffering to victory when we stand for Him; Christ loves us beyond what we can imagine and promises an amazing eternal outcome when we accept His offer of salvation and pursue in His truth

Mark 13:13 NIV

[13] Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Romans 8:31,36-37 NIV

[31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

** Satan knows that when the Israelites open their eyes and recognize God at the end of the Tribulation, this will invoke Christ’s second coming and his banishment; in the meantime, Satan is going to do all he can to get the world to hate Israel, loathe the Jews and get everyone to oppose Jesus <M135>

Zechariah 12:10 NIV

[10] “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

** When the disciples asked Jesus about the signs of His coming and the end of the age (Matt 24:3), the first thing He said was, “Take heed that no man deceive you” (Matt 24:4)

• Deception is a major sign of the end of the age, and it will reach its peak during the Tribulation Period

• Jesus mentioned it four times in the Olivet Discourse (Matt 24:4, 5, 11, and 24)

• It confirms a vision that Daniel had about a coming leader that would cast the truth to the ground (Dan 8:12)

• The angel Gabriel revealed that this coming leader (that turned out to be an evil man called Antiochus Epiphanes) would have many of the traits of a master deceiver that would rise at the time of the end (the Antichrist; Dan 8:19) <D41>

Daniel 8:12,19 NIV

[12] Because of rebellion, the Lord's people and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground. [19] He said: “I am going to tell you what will happen later in the time of wrath, because the vision concerns the appointed time of the end.

Matthew 24:3-5 NIV

[3] As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” [4] Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. [5] For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many.

** God’s gospel is air-tight and complete with all aspects covered; God doesn’t need our arrogant help, thinking we can provide a more-attractive alternate version or some added preference <E58>

Romans 1:16 NIV

[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Isaiah 55:8 NIV

[8] “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

** There is no worse tyranny than the ‘do-gooder’ who is convinced they are on a mission from a false god <L125>

Romans 1:28,30,32 NIV

[28] Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. [30] … they invent ways of doing evil … [32] Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

** Although we know who wins in the end, we must never stop fighting the spiritual battle at hand <H85>

• Unfortunately, Satan is ramping up his attack in these end times while Christians are typically asleep at the wheel

• It is not our place to surrender for we have a divinely ordained role to play in this world until we meet the Lord in the air

Ephesians 6:10-13 NIV

** Encourage those who are young in their faith to grow in Christ, while rejoice and learn from those who show signs of a deeper walk in Christ

• Siblings are to sharpen each other in our faith journey for the duration of our lives; we remain a work-in-progress and should be able to learn from one another

• We gauge another’s walk with Christ by ‘detecting a tree by its fruit’ — can we see evidence of their faith that matches their words?

• Walk with them according to this evidence, encouraging them to prioritize God and obey His Word

Proverbs 27:12,17 NIV

[12] The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. [17] As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Luke 6:43-44 NIV

[43] “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. [44] Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.

• At the same time, remember what we witness of others is surface-level and is usually not the ‘whole story’; we typically do not know motives and all the layers that drive another’s thinking and behavior — but God knows and that is what is important!

• Remember Christ’s response to Judas even when He KNEW that his motive was to betray Him — before the journey to the cross, Jesus washed Judas’ feet at the last supper and later in the garden He reached out to give ‘His false accuser’ another chance to change his mind

• Exhibit concern for others but stay clear of drawing final conclusions about them — it is God to judge in the end, and not for us to judge along the way

• If there is concern for a brother or sister in Christ, then encourage them on their journey to hold true to what God outlines in His Word

• At the same time, be on guard against false doctrine and evil intent while remaining in prayer for them!

• There are times we need to disconnect with another who vehemently opposes God’s truth while asking the Holy Spirit to correct erroneous thinking and behavior

Galatians 5:25-26 NIV

[25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Colossians 3:11-14 NIV

[11] Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. [12] Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

1 Timothy 6:20-21 NIV

[20] Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, [21] which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith. Grace be with you all.

Luke 6:37 NIV

[37] “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

** What is the purpose of debating theology?

• The ultimate result would be a non-believer choosing to accept, commit and live for God

• Even if conversion is not a consideration at first, the exercise of testing reasoning skills through debate could lead to an unexpected confirmation or change of heart

1 Corinthians 14:20 NIV

[20] Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.

1 Peter 3:15 NIV

[15] But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

1 Corinthians 1:20 NIV

[20] Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

Proverbs 16:23 NIV

[23] The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.

** In an interview to mark his 10-year anniversary, Pope Francis appeared to deny the existence of Hell, saying that "is not a place" but is instead simply "a state of the heart" and "a posture towards life."

Pope Francis' caricature of Hell as being a psychological state is yet another example of an idolatrous humanism that reduces everything to this world, as if man's experience is the measure of God, rather than God's eternal design and plan as being the measure of man's destiny. Pope Francis' offhand dismissal of our Lord's description of the physicality of Hell is yet another example of his dethronement of the true God for one of his own making. <H93>

2 Timothy 3:1,5 NIV

[1] But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. [5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

** Do not put your hope in the systems of this world to save this world — be it left, right, Dem, Rep, liberal, conservative etc — but in God alone; at the same time expose the evil around you but do not play in their game <F60>

Ephesians 5:11 NIV

[11] Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

1 John 1:5-7 NIV

[5] This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. [6] If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. [7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

** Tell the one you love the truth, regardless of how much it may hurt <F60>

Proverbs 27:5-6 NIV

[5] Better is open rebuke than hidden love. [6] Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

** Nebuchadnezzar wanted to indoctrinate select Jewish men to operate as soldiers in his Babylonian palace; the king wanted to accomplish this through training sessions, forcing cultural methods on the immigrants, etc

In essence, the king wanted to socially engineer and change the men’s identity by attempting to change their:

• Thoughts — via training sessions

• Appetite and desires — via changing their diet to compromise and desire things of their new environment

• Religious convictions — via changing their names

Fundamental changes are happening in society today by getting people to question gender, etc; followers of Christ need to follow Daniel’s example deciding not to participate or compromise before difficult situations arise, even with little things <H87> (Mar 2023)

Daniel 1:3-5 NIV

[3] Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king's service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility--- [4] young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. [5] The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king's table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king's service.

Luke 16:10 NIV

[10] “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.

Daniel 1:8 NIV

[8] But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

** The notion that a person can harbor sin as long as they don’t act on it is false, for sin starts in the heart

• It is a fallacy to believe there are no consequences when 'winking at sin' or seeing 'how close to the line' we can get without going into full-fledged sin

• It's like saying there are no consequences when entertaining sin (like heavy petting) because the full act wasn't completed (like intercourse)

• Consider temptation: it is not sin when it is foisted on us by the enemy, but temptation becomes sin when we entertain it

• In other words, we suffer consequences for any degree of sin in our lives, not just when sin is fully acted out

• Granted, the consequences may not be as severe as when sin is acted on (like a pregnancy) but there are consequences none the less

• We are to repent of ANY sinful thought we entertain or sinful behavior acted on

Jeremiah 17:9-10 NIV

[9] The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? [10] “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”

Matthew 5:27-28 NIV

[27] “You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' [28] But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

1 John 2:16 NIV

[16] For everything in the world---the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life---comes not from the Father but from the world.

Proverbs 12:20 NIV

[20] Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.

** People are so concerned about their physical health and what food they put in their body but do not concern themselves with what they put in their mind <F60>

1 Peter 5:8 NIV

[8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

** If man doesn’t follow God’s recorded moral code exactly as outlined in Scripture, he will replace it with one his own based on ‘relative truth’

• Man’s base human nature is sinful, therefore anything he invents will naturally oppose God

• It is tempting to cherry-pick Biblical verses and passages that meet our approval and follow how we THINK God’s plan of salvation should operate, such as adding the need to work for our salvation rather than simply accepting a free gift from God

• However, any alteration to Scripture or action contrary to His Word OPPOSES God and is deemed as “sin” in His eyes deserving of punishment

John 10:10 NIV

[10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Revelation 22:18-19 NIV

[18] I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. [19] And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

** Too many who call themselves Christian are comfortable living or accepting of a lifestyle that is clearly defined as sin in Scripture

• People seek others, in and out of the church, to condone their thoughts and decisions

• Social media makes it easy to literally 'unfriend' those who disagree with someone

• From what I see and hear across current culture — as reflected in entertainment, educational curriculum, government legislation, etc — the vast majority of those who have chosen to live an alternate lifestyle (such as LGBT) want unconditional affirmation without accountability or challenge of any kind

• Beware: non-Christians may want to join the community of believers at a church so they can feel ‘morally affirmed’ in their sinful lifestyle

• If affirmation and approval is found with those in churches (such as accepting new pronouns, marrying same-sex couples, etc) then the conversation regarding sin and salvation is over

• If a person finds others in the church who accept their behavior, believing it is possible to be a ‘gay Christian’ and acting as though Scripture has nothing to say against it, then why would anyone feel the need to repent and change?

• Shouldn't joining a church community mean adhering to its purpose to challenge members in their walk with God and adhere to Scripture?

• We need to remember: it is the church’s duty to edify the saints and adequately prepare them for life in this world according to God’s Word

• In the end, we should care more about offending God (after recognizing His majesty) than worry about offending a church attendee

1 Corinthians 5:1-2,5-6 NIV

2 Timothy 3:14-16 NIV

[14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, [15] and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

** Paganism is not confined to previous generations but continues today; there is still the desire to ‘find illumination’ as was desired by the Adam & Eve in the garden, and ultimately replace God’s divinity <T202>

Genesis 3:6-7 NIV

[6] When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. [7] Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

** Man’s building of the Tower of Babel signifies their attempt to replace God and define their own destiny — they refused to acknowledge God and His ordered design, but rather turn to ‘science’ and creation as the object of their worship <T202>

Genesis 11:3-4 NIV

[3] They said to each other, “Come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. [4] Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”

** The world is moving toward a one world unified religion where all individual religions are deemed valid but must agree on a unified end-goal that leads to the same god; this would be led by one “civilized coordinator” as stated in a UN document <T202> (Nov 2022)

2 Timothy 3:1,5-7 NIV

[1] But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. [5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. [6] They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, [7] always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

** Every church member should check their motive before confronting another — are they doing so out of a need to correct the other or out of vengeance against the other? <D40>

• If a person confronts in love, they will come across as one who ultimately cares for the other

• Unfortunately those who confront others in a hateful condescending way, often do so in order to make themselves feel better — believing someone else’s sin is much worse than their own

• There are ways to communicate and encourage one another regarding sin that are not accusatory and hateful in approach; confrontation must be initiated with the right motive

• Members of a church community should interact with each other in love, with the understanding that WE ALL sin and need to work out our salvation in Christ together, as iron sharpens iron

Romans 3:10-12,23-24 NIV

[10] As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; [11] there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. [12] All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 15:1-4 NIV

[1] A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. [2] The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. [3] The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. [4] The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Proverbs 27:17 NIV

[17] As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

** God is not going to hold us accountable for the response of others after they hear the gospel but will hold us accountable whether we shared the gospel; let’s make sure the gospel seed has been planted and our ‘seed bag’ is empty when the Lord returns <S187>

Matthew 28:19 NIV

[19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 NIV

[6] I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. [7] So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

** God will give people over to the way they want to live when they refuse to believe in Him and obey His commands as outlined in Scripture

• Christ said the world hated Him first because He is the Son of God and identifies sinful man and their need for repentance

• Admittedly, followers of Christ who hold accountable those living in sin does not typically go over very well which is why we can expect the world to hate us as it hates Christ

• Not that our aim is to exude some level of pious faith but rather obey and convey His call to living not patterned after this world

• Christ didn’t come to die on the cross so His followers could easily live by pagan world standards but in order to save them and provide the ability to live in accordance with His design

• We were bought at a high price — Christ’s blood — so HE gets to set the terms of how we should conduct our lives

Romans 1:21-24 NIV

Matthew 10:22

You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Romans 5:8 NIV

[8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

** Christ commands that churches discipline its members, as iron sharpens iron

• Church members should initially ‘hold each other accountable’ in a private, loving and humble manner; increase the number of those approaching the member as needed

• When anyone repents of their sin and desires to change course, they can experience God's mercy and redemption when seeking Him

• “Church discipline can display love for the Lord, love for the Scriptures, love for the body of believers, love for the individual, and love for the world." <Anon>

Proverbs 27:17 NIV

[17] As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Matthew 18:15-17 NIV

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

• As Paul wrote, the church has a responsibility to call out a brother who was overtly living in sin and, afterward, 'reaffirm your love for him'

1 Corinthians 5:1-2

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?

2 Corinthians 2:5-8

If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.

** God’s creation is one of order; His holy-inspired Scripture constantly refers to a patriarchal system, such as fathers taking responsibility in their household

• We don't seem to have a problem accepting a boss at work making final decisions, so why not a man who is responsible for making final decisions at home?

• Someone in the family has to make a final decision and take responsibility for it or we end up with confusion and chaos

• It doesn’t matter whether we 'like' the idea of this order or not if it's God's design; our job as believers is to follow it

• Instead of accepting this order, opponents will try to alter His Word to suit their cultural preference while others try to remove all unique differences between male and female

• The concept of 'patriarchy' can be seen as outdated when it differs from current cultural norms, but it is not outdated if that is the order God created and intends His people to obey — regardless of generation and culture

Ephesians 5:22-24 NIV

[22] Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. [23] For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. [24] Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Titus 2:3-5 NIV

[3] Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. [4] Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, [5] to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

1 Peter 3:3-6 NIV

[3] Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. [4] Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. [5] For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, [6] like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

** God designed both male and female to function as one flesh within the family unit, as evidenced in the Old Testament’s Mosaic law and New Testament’s age of grace

• Even though we don’t follow the Mosaic law, thanks to Christ on the cross, it still shows we serve a God of order and His expectations of relationships within family and society

• God detests sin because it goes against His created order and interrupts relationship between Creator and created

• One sinful trend today is the attempt to accept non-heterosexual lifestyles in the family unit

• Following His order means there is no such thing as a 'gay Christian'; there are Christians who struggle with same sex attraction but they must not acquiesce but rather repent of opposing God’s design

• All sin is an offense to God which is why He sent His Son to propitiate its consequences and offer a way to restore relationship with Him via salvation and repentance

Genesis 1:27 NIV

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Genesis 2:24 NIV

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Matthew 19:4-6 NIV

“Haven't you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh' ? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Romans 1:26-27 NIV

Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NIV

Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Ephesians 5:25-28 NIV

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

** We know that God created us in His image and created us male and female for the purpose of procreation within a heterosexual family unit

• God created male and female with obvious differences — not only physical, but with varying talents and emotion

• God has a purpose for us that was known before time began!

Psalm 139:13-15 NIV

[13] For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. [14] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. [15] My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

• God created us with purpose, so it is crucial to understand WHY God made humans the way He did and not just condone when a person goes against God’s design or ‘plays God’ with a feeble attempt to change the way they were made

• What else would you call it than an attempt to ‘change God’s creation’ and discount need for Him when someone physically alters body parts or does the mental gymnastics to imagine a 'better you'

• God provided a female to join the male in the Eden account and then commanded them to procreate, which is a clear enough statement against the LGBT community and anyone wanting to live opposed to God’s created design

• Explain how two guys can procreate without the help of a God-designed woman as is claimed in today’s society

Genesis 9:7 NIV

[7] As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it.”

** The Church of England is ready to change or remove the actual words of Christ as witnessed by his disciples and remove these pronoun references to God as “Father” (2023)

• Apparently it doesn't matter that Jesus actually said the words they want to change

• Jesus repeatedly referred to His Father as "Father" over 150 times in the New Testament <A14>

Luke 10:21-22 NIV

[21] At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. [22] “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

• Christ has a stern warning for anyone who alters His words, understanding the slippery slope of changing their meaning and creating Him in an image that suited a narrative

Revelation 22:18-19 NIV

** When a government ceases to punish those doing evil, in efforts to protect the people it is ordained (by God) to protect, it will start punishing those doing good; eventually they will be held accountable <M132>

Isaiah 5:20,25 NIV

[20] Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. [25] Therefore the Lord's anger burns against his people; his hand is raised and he strikes them down. The mountains shake, and the dead bodies are like refuse in the streets. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised.

** Paul was writing to Timothy regarding a specific church, however the INTENT of his message should be applied to other churches suffering similar sin throughout time and region

• God is a God of ORDER and that does mean hierarchy, as seen as a parent is responsible for guiding their child with unique (male and female) abilities and perspectives given to them by our Creator

• God designed us to operate a certain way and the Bible transcends cultures and time; therefore, Scripture offers us a plumb line to live according to His design — an Operation Manual if you will

1 Timothy 2:11-13 NIV

[11] A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. [12] I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. [13] For Adam was formed first, then Eve.

** Certainly, we should lovingly and earnestly pray for the repentance of the unsaved and the enemies of God’s people.

Nevertheless, it is not improper to also earnestly pray that if particular individuals or groups callously persist in their sinful ways, if they are hell-bent on spreading their evil to the harm of many others, shamelessly rejecting and ridiculing righteousness — it is righteous to call for God’s judgment on them. It is right to call on God to stop them in their tracks.

Out of love and passion for God’s holy purposes, it is appropriate to petition heaven to deal with people who are hardened and arrogant against God — people who persist in defying his objectives in the world. Of course, no one should engage in imprecatory praying before also pouring out one’s heart for the salvation of the wayward.

In the end, the prayers of God’s people under severe duress are of the utmost importance to him. All of Heaven bends the ear in silence to hear them. God will respond aggressively to take vengeance on all who despise him and his saints. <C400>

Psalm 141:5 NIV

[5] Let a righteous man strike me---that is a kindness; let him rebuke me---that is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers.

1 Peter 3:12 NIV

[12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

** I am not responsible when people choose to live in their own delusion, but I am responsible to advocate for God’s TRUTH when given opportunity — whether through word and/or action — and then let them decide what to do with it

• As Christians, we are not called to be doormats — automatically bowing down to the opinions of others for the sake of ‘keeping the peace’

• At the same time, countering delusion doesn’t always entail uttering a verbal response but may involve a quiet disapproval; there were times Christ spoke up and other times He kept silent

• Ask God to guide you to the most effective response you can give for the situation you face

• In the end, ask whether my response honors God and demonstrates what/who I prioritize in life?

2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV

[5] We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

1 Timothy 4:16 NIV

[16] Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Mark 14:57-61a NIV

[57] Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: [58] “We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.' ” [59] Yet even then their testimony did not agree. [60] Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” [61] But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.

Acts 18:9 NIV

[9] One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.

** Dietrich Bonhoeffer was asked how the church could sit back and watch Hitler take control to perform abominable deeds; he referred to the church advocating CHEAP GRACE that involves:

• Forgiveness without repentance

• Baptism without church discipline

• Communion without confession

• Absolution without personal confession

• Grace without discipleship

• Grace without the cross

• Grace without Jesus Christ

We live in a society today that not only teaches ‘cheap grace’ but praises it and objects to the full counsel of God <G78>

Acts 20:32 NIV

[32] “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Romans 3:23-24 NIV

[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 1:7 NIV

[7] In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

Hebrews 10:26-27,29 NIV

[26] If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, [27] but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. [29] How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?

Jude 1:3-4 NIV

[3] Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people. [4] For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

** “God created and ordered human sexuality to the permanent, exclusive, comprehensive, and conjugal ‘one flesh’ union of man and woman, intrinsically ordered to procreation and biological family, and in furtherance of the moral, spiritual and public good of father, mother and child” (excerpt from Rock Harbor statement of faith)

Genesis 1:27 NIV

[27] So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Genesis 2:24 NIV

[24] That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Matthew 19:4-6 NIV

[4] “Haven't you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' [5] and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh' ? [6] So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Romans 1:26-27 NIV

[26] Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. [27] In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NIV

[9] Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men [10] nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. [11] And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Ephesians 5:25-28 NIV

[25] Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her [26] to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, [27] and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. [28] In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

• God created the institution of marriage, complete with father, mother and child

• God refers to marriage even when referring to those who follow Him: as one day Christ’s union with His bride

Revelation 19:7-9 NIV

[7] Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. [8] Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God's holy people.) [9] Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

Revelation 21:2 NIV

[2] I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

** The corrupt institutions in our current society — everything including judicial, financial, media, education, sports, etc — are simply reflections of sin-filled individuals that make up that society

• Our society is comprised of individuals who don’t want to accept and deal with their sin

• People don’t want to look in the mirror to recognize sin and have an aversion to God and His truth

• Institutions tend to parrot back society’s ‘popular truth’ unchallenged

• A greedy financial sector will jump on board to help people feel better about themselves especially if they gain a profit by doing so

• Bottom line: it’s easier to believe a lie than the truth, and once people believe a lie it’s near impossible to retreat

• Most people prefer to live in ignorance than challenge themselves to find truth

• As Christians, we need to find the moral fight or courage to change the system — be an influence ON culture, not just go along with the flow and be a mirror of culture <W217> <W218>

1 Peter 1:13-15 NIV

[13] Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. [14] As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. [15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;

Isaiah 1:4 NIV

[4] Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him.

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

** Beware: whenever doing a good work for the Lord, you will inevitably be confronted by those wanting to discourage and prevent you from doing the job; don’t listen to their negativity and threats but, rather, stand your ground and continue the job God has entrusted to you! <D40>

Nehemiah 4:1-2 NIV

[1] When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, [2] and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble---burned as they are?”

Nehemiah 4:4,6-7 NIV

[4] Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. [6] So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. [7] But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem's walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry.

Joshua 1:9 NIV

[9] Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

1 Chronicles 28:20 NIV

[20] David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.

** Becoming a Christian is more than just saying a prayer and having the assurance of Heaven. Realize that being a Christian means following Jesus not just as Savior but also as Lord.

The problem is there are people in the church today who name the name of Christ but haven’t discovered what it means to follow Him. They haven’t discovered that being a Christian is more than just saying a prayer and then going on their merry way.

And sadly, many are settling for a brand of Christianity that isn’t biblical, one that embraces Jesus as Savior but neglects Him as Lord. It is big on self-esteem, but it is small on self-denial. It celebrates success but repudiates suffering. This brand of Christianity is not changing our world. <L120>

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 14:8-9 NIV

[8] If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. [9] For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

** Although the seven year reign of terror is yet future, the Bible warns that the ‘spirit of the Antichrist is now already in the world’ <H85> (2022)

1 John 4:3 NIV

[3] but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

1 John 2:18 NIV

[18] Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.

** Don’t allow the social justice warriors in church to use the passage in Matthew as justification for tending to needs of the unsaved because Jesus specifically mentioned we are to tend to the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ <H86>

Matthew 25:37-40 NIV

[37] “Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? [38] When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? [39] When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' [40] “The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'

** Knowing the impending punishment requires of us a wisdom and vigilance to decipher that which is of God and that which is not <S190>

• Be on guard of what lures us

• That which appeals to us is short-term; these things in the long-term, however, are deadly

• Are we more attracted to the things of the world or God? Can we give up what we value?

• Things can own us if it gets in the way of following God

• Look at financial prosperity: money itself is not evil but the motive & purpose we place behind it

• In the eyes of the world, financial prosperity is deemed successful but it can really be a curse

• Our challenge is to discern and avert from that which lures us away from God; we must daily choose the cross of Christ over the world

• Only God can help us triumph over sin so we must align ourselves with Him!

Revelation 17:8-9 NIV

[8] The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and yet will come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because it once was, now is not, and yet will come. [9] “This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits.

** God knew the heart and actions of those in Pergamum; His two-edged sword that judges and reveals was brought against them

The two edged sword

• Divides sheep and goats

• Examines thoughts and intentions of the heart

• Topples kingdoms

• Judges by the Word of God

• Will require all be held accountable for their life

Revelation 2:12 NIV

“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.

Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV

[12] For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. [13] Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

** The Messenger spoke words of encouragement to the Church in Pergamum for remaining faithful to God in the midst of trial, yet also condemned their following of other teaching; there were a group of compromisers who integrated with idol worship in Rome and their temples devoted to Caesar

• Plan of Balaam = corrupt within the camp

• Nicolaitan = rule over the people (can refer to Catholicism)

• These two groups in Israeli society were tolerated by the church even though they put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel to eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality

Revelation 2:13 NIV

I know where you live---where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city---where Satan lives.

Revelation 2:14-15 NIV

Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. [15] Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

** Aaron is not a good example of leadership when he blamed the people who were "prone to evil" instead of standing up to them and leading them out of their evil desires

• Aaron and Moses provide us with contrasting insights into spiritual leadership

• Aaron did what the people demanded and made them a god; in fact, went further to build an altar!

• Leaders are suppose to do what God requires, not take the ‘easy way out’ and give what people demand <R1795>

Exodus 32:21-22 NIV

[21] He said to Aaron, “What did these people do to you, that you led them into such great sin?” [22] “Do not be angry, my lord,” Aaron answered. “You know how prone these people are to evil.

Exodus 32:25 NIV

[25] Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies.

** The church in Thyatira looked good on the outside but was unbalanced — it had done good works and was doing more than it did at first but did not clean up their inside and force out false doctrines

• Similarly, the majority of Catholics do not lack in good works but worship their idol Mary

• Catholic doctrine takes the focus off God and promotes salvation by works

• False religion also runs in evangelical circles with a focus on a ‘woke Jesus’, ‘justice Jesus’ or other preferences or fabrications that depart from Scripture

Revelation 2:19 NIV

[19] I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.

** The Church in Thyatira is known as the corrupt church and has strong roots in the Catholic Church

• The corruption started in Pergamum when it married the state

• Thus started the doctrine of the continual sacrifice of Christ in the Catholic mass which is heresy and goes against Scripture

Hebrews 9:28 NIV

[28] so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Hebrews 10:12-14 NIV

[12] But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, [13] and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. [14] For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

Romans 6:10 NIV

[10] The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

** The Son of God, who deserves sole worship, judged the idolatries of the Church in Thyatira

• God condemned the church for following Jezebel, a Canaanite who married King Ahab and brought pagan worship to Israelites

• Church members allowed this woman, otherwise known as the whore of Babylon, to bring false teaching into the church

• Jezebel falsely claimed to have prophetic authority, advocating that church members could be members of gilds with their pagan sexual practices in addition to being members of the church

• The intent was to stamp out the truth of the Gospel and abandon loyalty to Yahweh

Revelation 2:20-23 NIV

Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. [21] I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. [22] So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. [23] I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

** The secular movement of today rejects Christianity but is still spiritual in nature because we are spiritual beings, needing spiritual fulfillment — namely aiming to worship creation rather than Creator <T202> (Dec 2022)

Romans 1:20-23 NIV

[20] For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities---his eternal power and divine nature---have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. [21] For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. [22] Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools [23] and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

** People who have been turned over to delusion WANT to believe the lie and the longer those who are witnessing these liars refuse to speak against their lies, the more emboldened the delusional become and expect others to even applaud the lie <D40> (Dec 2022)

Romans 1:18 NIV

[18] The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,

Romans 1:24-27 NIV

[24] Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. [25] They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator---who is forever praised. Amen. [26] Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. [27] In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

** God provides certain governing authorities in our lives including the family, church and government

• The government is to be ‘an avenging agent that punishes evil doers’

• Paul laid out the limited role of the government that God allows — Caesar demanding taxes for roads is within his jurisdiction but demanding people worship him is not

Romans 13:1,3-4 NIV

[1] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. [3] For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. [4] For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

Instead, the state is slowly taking control over our lives to the point of becoming God:

• The state is taking over the church - when can it open and close, discounting Scripture as ‘hate speech’

• The state is taking over the family - codifying forms of marriage and supporting children acting without parental consent

• The state is taking over the economy - digital currency and which services are deemed necessary

• The state is where we go to tell us what is right and wrong, providing us with deliverance

We are in total ‘state mode’ now with government desiring to replace God; the state wants to be an object of worship, as it lusts for control and power over every aspect of our lives <D40> (Dec 2022)

** Feed the sheep, destroy the wolves: support those who follow Christ but do not put up with those who pretend to care about godly matters and do not genuinely care <D40>

John 21:17 NIV

[17] The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV

[2] Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. [3] Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Luke 9:5 NIV

[5] If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

Luke 4:34 NIV

[34] “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are---the Holy One of God!”

** Believers in Christ are called to work out their salvation with fear and trembling; salvation is assured but we must demonstrate we are not ‘banking on cheap grace’ continually living in sin without remorse

Romans 6:15-18 NIV

[15] What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! [16] Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey---whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? [17] But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. [18] You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

** When you dance with the devil, he doesn’t change — he changes you <D40>

1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV

[33] Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

On the contrary, we are to guard our hearts and focus on God’s commands!

Proverbs 4:23-27 NIV

[23] Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. [24] Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. [25] Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. [26] Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. [27] Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

Philippians 4:8 NIV

[8] Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable---if anything is excellent or praiseworthy---think about such things.

** Look at the world’s systems of currency where are all based on fiat — the dollar is valuable because the government says it is valuable

• Currency is not backed by anything of substance (like gold) but only words from government

• If a government can determine its currency valuable by fiat, then it can also determine what programs and persons under its domain are valuable as well

• No doubt those programs and persons deemed valuable will sustain its fiat currency <D40>

1 Timothy 6:10 NIV

[10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

** Anyone who puts their faith in anyone besides Christ will fail, including politicians and the law of the land; we are not bound by any Mosaic or societal law but are bound to Christ’s commands alone

Galatians 2:16 NIV

[16] know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

** Many followers of Christ invent ideas about who God is and attribute thoughts to Him that are based on human logic and understanding; these attributes are simply not true and God will eventually call them on it

Psalm 50:21 NIV

[21] When you did these things and I kept silent, you thought I was exactly like you. But I now arraign you and set my accusations before you.

** The Scripture stigmatizes the lost sinner as a fool.

• He may be rich

• He may be learned

• He may fill an honorable station in the world

but so long as he neglects the one thing needful, he is called a fool.

Wisdom consists in fixing upon a worthy end and pursuing it in the most prudent and judicious way.

A wise man…

• Thinks of his immortal soul and seeks its salvation above everything else

• Thinks of the wrath of God and endeavors by all means to escape it

• Thinks of a crown of glory and sets his heart upon obtaining it

• Sees that glorifying God is his highest honor and secures his greatest happiness and therefore he makes that the grand end of his life

But the multitude, alas! The multitude overlook or despise or treat these things with contempt! They live…

• As if self-gratification were the end of their creation

• As if earth were their eternal dwelling-place, and

• As if glorifying God were no business of theirs!

If we were to judge them by their conduct, we would be ready to conclude…

• That they had no souls to be saved or lost

• That there was no Hell to escape

• That there was no Heaven to obtain

• That there was no crown of glory to be won

• That there was no crown of shame to be avoided

Surely the Scriptures are right in designating such men fools — for fools, the greatest fools, they must be!

Should the eye of a worldly man or woman light upon this page, God asks you the question, "When will you be wise?"

• When will you begin to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness?

• When will you come to Jesus and be saved from wrath by Him?

• When will you begin to lay up for yourself treasure in heaven?

• When will you prepare for death, judgment, and eternity? <S183>

Psalm 94:8 NIV

[8] Take notice, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise?

Deuteronomy 32:29 NIV

[29] If only they were wise and would understand this and discern what their end will be!

** Reflect on God’s word and put it into action <C31>

• Just like a mirror helps us reflect ourselves, so reading Scripture can help us examine our lives

• Moses collected mirrors to melt and make into a water basin in front of the altar, which was then used to cleanse visitors

• God's word can cleanse us and transform us

• Make reading a habit where it becomes familiar and you remember it

• We have a responsibility to act on God's word when we hear it; that's why some would rather not know it

James 1:22-25 NIV

[22] Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. [23] Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror [24] and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. [25] But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it---not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it---they will be blessed in what they do.

Exodus 38:8 NIV

[8] They made the bronze basin and its bronze stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

** After receiving God’s word, we are to act and share its message; not through guilt or habit like paying homage to spirits in spirit houses but out of a desire to follow and please God

• Let others know we don't follow a religion but a relationship

• Control the tongue and share out of service with a sincere heart

• Aim to be a defender of orphans and widows <C31>

James 1:26-27 NIV

[26] Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. [27] Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

** Are you in love with vanity? Do you love that which leads from God, keeps Him out of the thoughts, and binds you down to earth? This is vanity! How long will you love it? You have been doing so for years, though warned, convinced, and having promised to reform.

Will you carefully consider this question, and give the Lord an answer? Will you tell Him why you prefer…

• Eternal death to eternal life

• Sin to holiness, and

• Satan to Himself? <S183>

Jonah 2:8 KJV

[8] They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

Jonah 2:8 NIV

[8] “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God's love for them.

** David refused to be close to people who exhibited destructive behavior, such as those who are proud, practice deceit and slander others

• Be careful especially when engaging in close relationships

• Do not be unequally yoked, like two oxen joined by a wooden harness, because the weaker ox will pull back the stronger <C31>

Psalm 101:5,7-8 NIV

[5] Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate. [7] No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence. [8] Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land; I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the Lord.

** David chose to surround himself with those who faithfully desired to follow God, for they had a positive effect on him

Psalm 101:6 NIV

[6] My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; the one whose walk is blameless will minister to me.

• Likewise, we can provide and benefit from positive influence

• The church is meant to encourage one another in love and good works

• How well do we influence others for good? <C31>

Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV

[24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another---and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

** Jesus entered His own temple and drove out those who were desecrating it; He didn’t call out the pagans in their temple but those who claimed to be following God

Mark 11:15-17 NIV

[15] On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, [16] and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. [17] And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations' ? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.' ”

** We do not find out about people — such as their modus operandi and motives that drive their actions — when they are down, looking for sympathy and help, but when they are riding high and arrogantly untouchable <D40>

James 1:10 NIV

[10] But the rich should take pride in their humiliation---since they will pass away like a wild flower.

1 John 2:16 NIV

[16] For everything in the world---the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life---comes not from the Father but from the world.

** Don’t be fooled! Power can come from different sources including Satan who mimics God; some who claim to be casting out demons are not doing so via the power of the Holy Spirit

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

[21] “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' [23] Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

** Miraculous power can come from various sources but we know Who holds supreme power; test the spirits to determine whether the power is demonic

Exodus 7:9-12 NIV

[9] “When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Perform a miracle, ’ then say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a snake.” [10] So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. [11] Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: [12] Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs.

Exodus 7:21-22 NIV

[21] The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. Blood was everywhere in Egypt. [22] But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said.

Exodus 8:7 NIV

[7] But the magicians did the same things by their secret arts; they also made frogs come up on the land of Egypt.

1 John 4:1 NIV

[1] Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

** We need to study God’s Word in order to identify and stay away from false teaching

• Paul uses the symbols of light and dark

Matthew 5:16 NIV

[16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

• A light exposes what’s in the dark, as studying God’s Word can expose the darkness around us <R1795>

Ephesians 5:6-8 NIV

[6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. [7] Therefore do not be partners with them. [8] For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

Matthew 24:4-5 NIV

[4] Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. [5] For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many.

** Everything we do should aim toward an upright blameless heart as we stand for what is right with integrity <C31>

• David celebrated God's love and justice

• We should emulate God and also be consistent in love and justice, no matter where we are

• We know our weaknesses so avoid anything destructive

Psalm 101:2-4 NIV

[2] I will be careful to lead a blameless life---when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart. [3] I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it. [4] The perverse of heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with what is evil.

** God gave Old Testament law to instruct the Israelites how to order and operate their society, specifically:

• How to treat women and marrying before copulating

• Establishing a structure in the family unit with responsibilities between the man and woman

• Looking out for one another; property and respect

• Economic structure; capitalist rights

• Legal process of wrongs and accountability

• Who to worship and pitfalls of idols

• Understanding dominionism and taking care of what God has given us

• The founding fathers of the US primarily used the book of Deuteronomy (God’s law) throughout their founding documents to structure American society

Deuteronomy 5:29 NIV

[29] Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!

• When people journey away from God’s law, they enter into a zone of self-inflicted chaos and God will judge them for their actions <H86>

Daniel 9:11 NIV

[11] All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you. “Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you..

** David knew God does not want empty religion; sacrifices without a repentant heart means nothing to God

Psalm 40:6-8 NIV

[6] Sacrifice and offering you did not desire---but my ears you have opened---burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. [7] Then I said, “Here I am, I have come---it is written about me in the scroll. [8] I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”

• During David's time there were a lot of rules but David knew the inner condition is more important than the adherence of rules

• We can maintain a healthy inner life by accepting God’s offer of salvation and living according to His commands

• Jesus came in order to be the perfect sacrifice so we can have freedom from sin and relationship with God

• Jesus sacrifice eliminated the need for continual sacrifice of animals etc <C31>

Hebrews 10:5-7 NIV

[5] Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; [6] with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. [7] Then I said, ‘Here I am---it is written about me in the scroll---I have come to do your will, my God.’ ”

** When someone hurts you, let it go and let God set everything right in His perfect timing and way

LET GO OF THE PAST

• David recorded his experience of running away from Saul; Saul was jealous of David and wanted to kill him

• David was hiding south of Jerusalem among the Ziphites and they told Saul twice where David was hiding

• David's first response when he was wronged (betrayed by the Ziphites) was to go to God in prayer; David asked God to "vindicate me"

Psalm 54:1-3 NIV

[1] Save me , O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might. [2] Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. [3] Arrogant foes are attacking me; ruthless people are trying to kill me---people without regard for God.

HOLD ON NOW

• Our natural response to betrayal is to get even but David turned justice over to God and relied on Him in His method and timing

• David realized Saul and entourage was fighting ultimately against God

• The New Testament provides the same principle to leave justice to God

• Our first response to betrayal should also be to go to God in prayer and continue to do what is right even though others do wrong against us;

• David recognized the heart of all sin when we prioritize ourselves before God, wanting what is of benefit to a person rather than that of God

• Remember that Jesus said to expect the world to hate us, as the world hates Him; people do not want to be faced with the truth and God's message

• Never repay evil for evil; we can't let God take control or try to live at peace when trying to get even with someone!

Romans 12:17-19 NIV

[17] Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. [18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. [19] Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Matthew 10:22 NIV

[22] You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

LOOK TO THE FUTURE

• David refused to let a person’s betrayal damage his faith and relationship with God

• David continued to worship by placing God above all else

• He considered God's deliverance as already accomplished

• With God there is always hope for a better day; we will face difficult times but God gives us the hope to get through them

• Ultimately God will set everything right in His perfect timing and way, so let Him!

• Keep your focus on God not your problems; continue to do what is right!

• Let go of bitterness of seemingly unfulfilled justice by forgiving <C31>

** Be alert and ready to stand against influences that weaken integrity

• Living with integrity can be hard — it's easier within the confines of the church surrounded by fellow brothers and sisters, but more difficult as we live daily in the world

• Our deepest relationships often influence who we are; we need to be in the world with ungodly influences but our deepest most meaningful relationships need to be people of integrity

• This is why we need the influence of the church, to help us along the way

• David did two things to stay pure:

a) Refuse to follow ungodly people who follow ungodly ways

b) Instead of spending time with ungodly people, David knew he needed to spent time in worship with God's people

Psalm 26:4-5 NIV

[4] I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. [5] I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

** Blessed is the man who does NOT flirt with sin and walk with ungodly men

Psalm 1:1 NIV

[1] Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers

• Flirting eventually leads to embracing sin

• FLIRT = not taking efforts to remove ourselves from sin when we are around it; we believe "we can handle it"

• Not removing ourselves from sin can lead us to SEEK it out, which is the beginning stage of committing to it

• Eventually we can EMBRACE sin as a result, fully engaged and seeking advice of non-believers; sin then begins to control our life! <C31>

** Micaiah was like the little boy who spoke the truth and said, “the emperor has no clothes” when everyone else was too afraid to speak up

2 Chronicles 18:7-9,11,14,16-17 NIV

[7] The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, “There is still one prophet through whom we can inquire of the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say such a thing,” Jehoshaphat replied. [8] So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, “Bring Micaiah son of Imlah at once.” [9] Dressed in their royal robes, the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah were sitting on their thrones at the threshing floor by the entrance of the gate of Samaria, with all the prophets prophesying before them. [11] All the other prophets were prophesying the same thing. “Attack Ramoth Gilead and be victorious,” they said, “for the Lord will give it into the king's hand.” [14] When he arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I not?” “Attack and be victorious,” he answered, “for they will be given into your hand.” [16] Then Micaiah answered, “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd, and the Lord said, 'These people have no master. Let each one go home in peace.' ” [17] The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Didn't I tell you that he never prophesies anything good about me, but only bad?”

** Demonic forces through the centuries have ALWAYS manifested themselves politically because the political realm is the most powerful force on earth besides the spiritual realm — for example Nazis in 1930s, Nero, Hadrian, Tidas, etc

While the church has always opposed governing political constructs because they knew ‘the state was not God’, today we have pastors aligning themselves with demonically influenced political agendas as was forewarned in the Bible <D40> (Oct 2022)

2 Peter 3:15-18 NIV

[15] Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. [16] He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. [17] Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. [18] But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

** I see all the insanity in today’s world and can’t help but think of a teenage analogy. As a school counselor, my mind goes to witnessing kids in their environment.

Let’s say the typical teenage boy thinks he has the world by the tail and is immune from the forces that restrict everyone but him. He is not subject or responsible economically, socially, physically, etc as his poor parents and other adults who are ‘slaves to the system’. So he thinks and acts according to his imaginary existence that he’s created for himself.

Because of his puffed up attitude not based in reality, he makes a mistake one day. When the consequence arrives, he is now faced with the fact that he is part of the common race with the same restrictions as others. This can’t be! So he tries to fix the mistake but only with another mistake. When the consequence of the second mistake comes upon him, he doesn’t come to terms with reality but instead doubles-down and digs himself deeper, telling more lies and believing them all the way! Hence he digs himself into a seemingly impossible situation.

I see the same happening with an arrogant world that belligerently believes it is in control — not God. In fact, it mocks the very Creator that provided life and mocks the boundaries and commands/guidelines He provided so we can survive successfully. Instead of coming to terms with the reality of God, the world continues to dig deeper in its godless pursuits.

Well, one day the teenager matures to realize the realities around him are far beyond even his control. It is not too late for this teenager-turned-man if he accepts the reality of his situation and starts acting responsibly.

Similarly, the world one day WILL realize that God exists — they won’t have a choice because every individual will stand before their Maker, despite all their efforts to ignore and think themselves above this reality. Let’s hope and pray they will wake up to the reality that God is in charge before it is too late and they can’t turn back! (Nov 2022)

Ecclesiastes 11:9 NIV

[9] You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

Proverbs 3:7 NIV

[7] Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

Psalm 25:7 NIV

[7] Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.

2 Timothy 2:22 NIV

[22] Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Revelation 11:18 NIV

[18] The nations were angry, and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and your people who revere your name, both great and small---and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”

** Caesarea Philippi was the most pagan place in the region where Jesus ministered and the people of that region had an altar they termed ‘the rock’; Jesus did not shy away from evil but confirmed that His church would be built to confront it and “the gates of Hades will not overcome it” <D40>

Matthew 16:13,16-18 NIV

[13] When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” [16] Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” [17] Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. [18] And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

** The world tries to draw us in to adapt to their values and morals; even though the majority think a certain way does not mean it's right

1 Peter 2:11-12 NIV

[11] Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. [12] Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

LIVING A LIFE OF HONOR

• God calls us to live a holy life for our own good

• Sin damages our most inner being (soul), just like certain chemicals react against each other and produce eruptions

• Living in honor includes not harming ourselves through sin that drives you away from God; avoid passions of the flesh

• Standing against evil is not easy but is essential if wanting to live in honor

• It's a daily battle to make the right choices; choose between Satan who wants us destroyed and God who wants us to succeed

• We don't have ice cream in the house when on a diet so make wise choices and avoid evil when wanting to live a life of honor

TRUTHS TO REMEMBER

1. Know that you are God's honored possession

• We have value because He created us; it is not earned but given

2. The temptation I am facing is temporary

• We don't belong in this world as exiles and sojourners

• This life is important because this time determines eternity; it prepares us to worship God if we endure the temporary tests of today

• There is always hope for an end to these trials

3. My life has influence on other people

• Our influence is either negative, neutral or positive; being neutral means I am not affecting others in a positive way

• Continue doing what is right even in the face of opposition

• Our prayer is that this positive behavior glorifies God and leads others to Him

• On the contrary, negative behavior reflects bad on God and can deter others from seeking Him

• Consistent positive behavior can often overcome previous negative behavior <C31>

** Enemy false teachers are like 'Venus Fly Traps' who come into the church unassumingly and snatch people away from God, often using confusion as their tool; they are not what they appear to be so people have their defenses down <C31>

It is crucial we know and use God’s truth in Scripture as our plumb-line so we can identify false teaching

2 Peter 2:1 NIV

[1] But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them---bringing swift destruction on themselves.

Amos 7:7-8 NIV

[7] This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. [8] And the Lord asked me, “What do you see, Amos? ” “A plumb line, ” I replied. Then the Lord said, “Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.

Where do false teachers come from?

• Peter said false teachers come from within the church so they are not an obvious identified outsider

What do the false messages look like?

• False teachers use the same vocabulary but with a different interpretation

• They exploit others with false words, like plastic that can be molded into any shape

• Error is cloaked with the wrapping of truth; people don't always see the error and swallow it

Why do they teach false doctrine?

• False teachers are working to fill their own purposes and desires

• The congregation is often easy prey because they buy into tripe messages such as "doing whatever makes you happy" even if it is contrary to God's word

• Their words define a personal drive for greed and are interested in exploiting others for personal gain

2 Peter 2:3 NIV

[3] In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

What are the results of their actions?

• False teachers may get away with their cunning for awhile but God will judge them in the end; they will stand before God and be held accountable

• Like the Ebola virus, their message can be contagious and deadly because many are led away from God's truth

• As a result, our Christian witness is damaged to the rest of the world

2 Peter 2:2 NIV

[2] Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.

What should our response be to this threat?

• Study Scripture and internalize every passage, otherwise we become easy prey for false teachers

• Out faith must be our own; we must know WHAT we believe and WHY we believe!

• Do we believe because we understand or because it’s tradition, or because it is God’s word in Scripture?

** There are people who work hard at distorting God's truth, speaking about things they don't understand with boldness and acting out their inner nature like animals

• The purpose of their actions was to fulfill selfish desire (greed)

• They eventually become slaves of their own selfish desires, like health and wealth gospel

• How can sinful activity be part of God's ways?

• Do not take the bait but be aware of the trap that is set before you

•’If we take the bait, we are lead to destruction

• Decide to stand firm in faith without compromise and go back to Scripture to verify truth

• We need to know the real thing in order to spot the counterfeit <C31>

2 Peter 2:12-14 NIV

[12] But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish. [13] They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. [14] With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed---an accursed brood!

Jude 1:8-10 NIV [example]

[8] In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. [9] But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” [10] Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct---as irrational animals do---will destroy them.

** Like attractive pictures of food on a menu intended to sell substandard food items to a hungry public, so are images of false messages that look attractive from the outside to those wanting their ears tickled

FALSE MESSAGES

• There are lots of impressive presentations with poor or no content

• The message is often about 'God wanting you to be happy' and that religious rules are too confining

• People want to be free of rules but the consequence is that they dig deeper into sin

• False teacher messages sound like the way of freedom but are often empty of value, empty of freedom and empty of hope

• God offers the opposite to these: He offers value, freedom and hope in anyone's life if they choose God

THE VULNERABLE

• Those seeking are often lost or weak, being easily led astray

• These messages are attractive for weak believers who are easy prey

• Backsliders need to return to the church but end up following false teachers and their flashy message — often accompanied by lighting, music, stories, attractions and gimmicks <C31>

2 Peter 2:17-19 NIV

[17] These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. [18] For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. [19] They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity---for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”

** There has been a lot of effort and imagination over the centuries to distort God’s truth in Scripture; stick to knowing His Word because the gospel is consistently pure and does not need our help

• God is not going to allow His word to be errantly copied over the centuries

• God's truth is enough; we are not to add or detract

• Nothing is "new and improved" involving God's truth — it's been the same from the beginning, unlike other religions (such as Mormonism and Jehovah Witness) that change elements of their story <C31>

2 Peter 1:16 NIV

[16] For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

** Followers of Christ are to remember and hold firmly to the basic beliefs which are essential to faithful living; be intentional about dwelling on these things on a regular basis

• Peter knew his time was limited to encourage other believers because Jesus predicted Peter's death by crucifixion; this happened after Jesus' resurrection when He asked Peter if he loved him

• Peter had a healthy view of death; life here is temporary and our bodies are tents

• We need to have the same perspective to free us to seize opportunities while we can; these opportunities may never come around again

• Peter encourages us to leave a legacy

• After our departure, others should be able to refer back to our time here and the faithful life we lived <C31>

2 Peter 1:12-15 NIV

[12] So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. [13] I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, [14] because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. [15] And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

** There are three categories of people in today’s society including those who:

1. Are afraid

2. Don’t know enough to be afraid

3. Know their Bible and understand prophecy —

those who know Scriptural prophecy understand where the world is at and where it is headed <W214> (Sep 2022)

Isaiah 41:20 NIV

[20] so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it.

** Peter warned about scoffers in the end times, opposing or belittling God and His plan

• They say "where is His coming?" trying to prove God does not intervene in the natural world

• Even those within the church undermine God

• Humans typically entertain selfish desires, not wanting to be responsible to God or endure His judgment at His return

• Theories like evolution make this assumption; people hold on to this idea even though science can't prove it

2 Peter 3:3-4 NIV

** Those who know us best are more likely to scoff when we talk of our faith in Jesus

• Even Jesus went unrecognized and resented by the people in His hometown

• All of Galilee was talking excitedly about Jesus except the folks at home, thinking He was putting on airs and getting above Himself <R1795>

• Don’t be surprised if you find the same thing – just remember who you will answer to in the end of days

Mark 6:1-4 NIV

[1] Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. [2] When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What's this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? [3] Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. [4] Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.”

** As followers of Christ, our first allegiance is to God rather than men; make sure you are ready to suffer the consequences when going against worldly authority — most apostles ended up giving their lives

1 Peter 2:13-17 NIV

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, [14] or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. [15] For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. [16] Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. [17] Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

This is foundational in the Christian life:

• Peter was writing to those who were scattered throughout the Roman empire

• Caesars were proclaiming to be gods and Christians were in a tight spot

• Christians were still encouraged to respect authority even though they were accused of being bad citizens

• Their respect took away the power of the accusations

• When you believe the government violated God’s law, ask yourself if a Biblical value was really been violated or is it a matter of personal preference? <C31>

Acts 5:27-29 NIV

The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. [28] “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” [29] Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!

** There are times God instructs us to stop praying for people who refuse to heed warning about their sinful behavior and give up pagan practices <H87>

Jeremiah 7:16 NIV

[16] “So do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you.

Jeremiah 11:14 NIV

[14] “Do not pray for this people or offer any plea or petition for them, because I will not listen when they call to me in the time of their distress.

Matthew 7:6 NIV

[6] “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Matthew 10:14-15 NIV

[14] If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. [15] Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

** We are never free to disrespect or mistreat others; we are saved by God's grace but don't use it (expecting to be forgiven) to sin!

• God paid the price to provide us this grace; don't make light of it

• We are only truly free when we become slaves to God

• Don't fall in the trap thinking we know better; our own decisions will keep us in bondage

• Living for God will move us to respect God and others <C31>

1 Peter 2:16-17 NIV

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. [17] Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

** We call a lot of food that is not good for our body "junk food" and often ingest the same junk that is not good for us in our spiritual lives; we need to put more effort into staying away from that which is impure <C31>

Peter provides examples of junk to avoid:

• Malice = wanting something bad to happen to another

• Deceit = trying to trick someone by not telling the truth

• Hypocrisy = presenting yourself as someone you are not

• Envy = wanting something someone else has and consumes your thoughts

• Slander = talk bad about someone you can't stand; what you say may be true but what is your motive?

1 Peter 2:1-3 NIV

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. [2] Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, [3] now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Galatians 5:16-26 NIV

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. [17] For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. [19] The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; [20] idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions [21] and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

** Put off what is bad in order to mature and gain spiritual growth

1 Peter 2:1 NIV

[1] Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

How do we put off the bad and put on good?

• Daily devotion and repentance

• DO what it takes to prove you mean business

• We can't be right with God and live in habitual sin at the same time

• Choosing and desiring Godly things is a choice and command

• God doesn't force us to make good choices but we need to desire it and act on it

• Making good decisions happens from the inside-out

• Choosing right takes effort, so study Scriptures, pray, and conduct ministry

• God helps us to accomplish this

Matthew 6:21 NIV

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The process results is spiritual growth:

• God helps us to accomplish ridding ourselves of what is bad and clinging to what is good

• A lack of spiritual growth is abnormal as it would be not if a person did not grow physically

• God does not expect us to grow in the same way as others

• One thing is for sure: we need to rid ourselves of what is considered junk and choose the truth of God; we cannot determine our own standards!

• As a result of following God's truth, we experience genuine growth and salvation

James 2:17 NIV

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

If we don't replace the bad with Christ’s good then a spiritual vacuum occurs:

• Something must go in and Satan is going to make sure it isn't good

• Focus on the fruits of the Spirit <C31>

Luke 3:8 NIV

Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.

** The world views 'the top' differently than Christians who find out once their dreams are achieved, there is nothing there; followers of Christ realize their reward is in Heaven

1 Peter 1:4-5 NIV

[4] and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, [5] who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

** The first Biblical argument against illegal immigration is that everyone is to “be subject to the governing authorities”, other commands include not stealing and coveting <H86>

Romans 13:1-2 NIV

[1] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. [2] Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Exodus 20:15 NIV

[15] “You shall not steal.

Deuteronomy 5:21 NIV

[21] “You shall not covet your neighbor's wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor's house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

** Respond to those who want favored status as God would treat them

• God created us and loves all His creation

• Showing favoritism to those who are lowly mocks the character of God our Creator

• Let the word of God guide you which tells us not to discriminate

• Talk and act like a person who will be judged by God’s law; our actions speak (or don't speak) for Christ

• Let love and mercy be your guide; don't be quick to judge and place pressure on those who make mistakes

• "All ground is level beneath the cross" <L122>

• Don't be like the person who received mercy from his debtor yet pressured another to repay him <C31>

James 2:12-13 NIV

[12] Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, [13] because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 NIV

[12] Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body---whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free---and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. [14] Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

Deuteronomy 19:16-18a NIV

[16] If a malicious witness takes the stand to accuse someone of a crime, [17] the two people involved in the dispute must stand in the presence of the Lord before the priests and the judges who are in office at the time. [18] The judges must make a thorough investigation

** Throughout the many hundreds of generations that have existed, there have been at least five occasions when mankind became so wicked that God had to personally intervene. The first time it happened, there was a global judgment that nearly wiped out all of mankind. The last time will again be global in nature. For all intents and purposes, we can call these cursed generations.

Antediluvian Generation: Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Genesis 6:5-8 NIV

[5] The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. [6] The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. [7] So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created---and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground---for I regret that I have made them. ” [8] But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

Tower of Babel: But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. And the Lord said, “Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.

Genesis 11:5-9 NIV

[5] But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. [6] The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. [7] Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” [8] So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. [9] That is why it was called Babel---because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.

Sodom & Gomorrah: The sun had risen upon the earth when Lot entered Zoar. Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.

Genesis 19:23-25 NIV

[23] By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. [24] Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah---from the Lord out of the heavens. [25] Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities---and also the vegetation in the land.

Messiah's Generation: Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here.

Matthew 12:38-42 NIV

[38] Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” [39] He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. [40] For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. [41] The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here. [42] The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here.

Last Generation: But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. <G70>

2 Timothy 3:1-7 NIV

** Three times Isaac questioned whether it was really Esau but Isaac did not have ‘ears to hear’

• Isaac went against the voice he heard (which was Jacob’s) and was deceived by the clothes he smelled, arms he touched and provisions he sampled

• We too can be deceived when when making decisions in these end times when we go by our preconceived bias and not rely on the Lord for direction <F60>

Genesis 27:22-27 NIV

[22] Jacob went close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” [23] He did not recognize him, for his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he proceeded to bless him. [24] “Are you really my son Esau?” he asked. “I am,” he replied. [25] Then he said, “My son, bring me some of your game to eat, so that I may give you my blessing.” Jacob brought it to him and he ate; and he brought some wine and he drank. [26] Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come here, my son, and kiss me.” [27] So he went to him and kissed him . When Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he blessed him and said, “Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the Lord has blessed.

2 Thessalonians 2:6-12 NIV

[6] And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. [7] For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. [8] And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. [9] The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, [10] and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. [11] For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie [12] and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

** We live in a culture today that operates ‘truth by desire’

• In other words, the majority of people believe that ‘truth is what I want it to be and don’t tell me otherwise’

• In all of history there has only been two things censored: perversion and truth

• Today’s social media has no problem with perversion, so they go after (silence) any truth that goes against their narrative, regardless of facts and evidence that debunk falsehoods <D40>

John 14:6 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Galatians 1:6-9 NIV

[6] I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--- [7] which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. [8] But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse! [9] As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God's curse!

** How is it possible to live a comfortable, low cost, risk-free Christianity that is immune from temptation, attack or persecution? If they persecuted Jesus (green tree) then what will they do to the rest of us? <D40>

Luke 23:31 NIV

[31] For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

Acts 13:46,50 NIV

[46] Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. [50] But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.

** Nothing reveals the state of a person's heart and spiritual health than their view of money; we ALL have to examine our hearts regarding our view of money — rich and poor alike

• Do you have the attitude that there is never enough?

• We cannot serve two masters but must choose

• Store up treasures in heaven, not in store-houses on earth

• Do not be overcome with money matters

• God expects us to rely on Him for resources to meet needs

• Do we demonstrate our faith through what we have and give?

James 5:7 NIV

[7] Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.

** Possessing wealth is not sinful <C31>

• God wants us to work and provide for our family

• God gives us ability to generate wealth

• God talks about saving, giving, etc in His Word

• The problem is misuse of wealth and whether we are DEPENDENT on money or God for a sense of security

What's the difference between the righteous and those who hoard wealth?

1. The way we get our wealth — the way we treat those who work for us (Jer 22:13), whether we hoard money, pinch the penny or control the courts (James 2:6)

2. The way the rich use their wealth — do they store up money to ensure personal stability, do they trust in money and keep others from benefiting from their wealth while living in luxury?

3. Realization that everything is the Lord's — it’s a perspective regarding what we have, whether small or large amounts

James 5:4-6 NIV

[4] Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. [5] You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. [6] You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

** False prophets paint false pictures and fill people with false hope; this is where we are today <H87> (Sep 2022)

Lamentations 2:14 NIV

[14] The visions of your prophets were false and worthless; they did not expose your sin to ward off your captivity. The prophecies they gave you were false and misleading.

** ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ is suppose to be a two-way street <D40>

• If your neighbor isn’t loving you then he is trying to take advantage of your effort to be Christ-like

• Christians are to smash pagan idols like masks and be a threat to evil

• Some believers, however, think confronting evil is not ‘loving your neighbor’, but in the end it is!

Mark 12:31 NIV

[31] The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.”

** We are commanded to love our enemies, all the while protecting our loved ones with a military-style defense

• Love our enemies but not at the expense of harm to our families and fellow citizens <G793>

Luke 6:27-29 NIV

[27] “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. [29] If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.

• Jesus turned over the tables in the temple because He was combating evil

• Likewise, we need to be willing to fight evil

Matthew 21:12-13 NIV

[12] Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. [13] “It is written,” he said to them, “ 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers.' ”

• Loving our enemies is not becoming a doormat so they can roll over us

• Rather, we should care for them and pray for their salvation, that they would repent and follow a new path with Christ as the head!

** Satan constantly throws distractions our way and sometimes we welcome them; Jesus knew His mission and wanted to follow God's perfect timing

• Peter misunderstood Jesus' purpose even though Jesus explained what needed to happen

• Peter rebuked God, not understanding what He was up to

• Peter was mistakenly following Satan's plan

• Do not compromise God's plan in your life, for the opportunity might not be available again

• You will be persecuted and tested; be faithful in your testing and hold firm in confidence

• God will provide what we need in order to accomplish His plan <C31>

Matthew 16:22-23 NIV

[22] Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” [23] Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Romans 5:6 NIV

[6] You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

Hebrews 3:6 NIV

[6] But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.

** King Herod became king of the Jews in 37 BC and always feared others would take over his kingship; he even killed his wives and sons and then had all boys under 2 killed because he didn’t find Jesus

Matthew 2:7-8,12-13,16 NIV

[7] Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. [8] He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” [12] And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. [13] When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” [16] When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.

Jeremiah 31:15 NIV [fulfilled prophecy]

[15] This is what the Lord says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

** Six New Testament tests for believers to discern false prophets:

1. Theological test - do they recognize Jesus Christ and stand against God’s word in Scripture?

1 John 4:1-2 NIV

[1] Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. [2] This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,

2. Gospel test - do they preach Jesus raised from the dead and salvation by faith alone?

Galatians 1:6-9 NIV

3. Fruit test - we will know false prophets by their actions and false prophecies

Matthew 7:15-20 NIV

[15] “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. [16] By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [17] Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

4. Wisdom test - which of the two types of wisdom does the prophet exemplify?

James 3:13-18 NIV

[13] Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. [14] But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. [15] Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. [16] For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. [17] But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

5. Service test - do the prophets build up believers so they will not be tossed to and fro?

Ephesians 4:11-12 NIV

[11] So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

6. Visions test - do people have to rely on the prophet for the vision & understanding <H90>

Colossians 2:18 NIV

[18] Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.

** Could we roll all sins into one mass — take murder, blasphemy, lust, theft, immorality, and everything that is vile, and unite them all into one vast ball of horrid corruption — they would not even then equal the sin of unbelief!

Unbelief is…

• the king sin

• the quintessence of guilt

• the mixture of the venom of all crimes

• the dregs of the wine of Gomorrah

• the root sin

• the masterpiece of Satan

• the chief work of the devil

Unbelief developed into deicide and murdered the Lord Jesus Christ! Unbelief! it has mixed many a cup of poison. It has brought thousands to the gallows, and many to a shameful grave. Many have murdered themselves, and rushed with bloody hands before their Creator's tribunal, because of unbelief.

Give me an unbeliever — let me know that he doubts God's Word — let me know that he distrusts His promises and His threatenings; and with that for a premise, I will conclude that the man shall, by-and-by, unless there is amazing restraining power exerted upon him be guilty of the foulest and vilest crimes!

Unbelief is a Beelzebub sin; like Beelzebub, it is the leader of all evil spirits. It is said of Jeroboam that he sinned, and made Israel to sin; and it may be said of unbelief, that it not only itself sins, but it makes others sin.

Unbelief is the cause of all crime, and the seed of every evil! In fact, everything that is evil and vile lies couched in that one word — unbelief! <S185>

Hebrews 3:12 NIV

[12] See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.

** Genuine Christians have never been favorites of the world — and while it continues what it is, they never can be. Nor can the pure and simple gospel be pleasant to the world, because it lays the sinner in the dust and exalts God as supreme and sovereign. Let us not be surprised then, if we hear worldlings speak against the gospel, and traduce the Lord's people. For what the Romans told Paul, is in a good measure true in the present day,

Acts 28:22 NIV

[22] But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”

This 'sect' originated with Jesus, the hated Nazarene who came into the world for its good, and to save His people from their sins. He gathered around Him many, but they were principally the poor and unlearned. There was nothing in them, or about them to recommend them to the proud and sensual world.

• They were begotten of God, and made new creatures in Christ

• They embraced the truth that He taught

• They observed the precepts that He gave

• They copied the example that He set

Their creed consisted pretty much in these facts:

• that man is a lost sinner

• that salvation by works is impossible

• therefore it must be all of grace, or not at all

• that the Lord Jesus came into the world to take the sinner's place, fulfill the law in the sinner's stead, and die as the sinner's substitute

By such hopes, they were animated; by such rules, they walked; and at such objects, they aimed. And yet, they were spoken against and despised, because they poured contempt on the luxuries, pride, and honors of this world. They were treated as the off-scouring of all things — unfit for society, unfit to live.

1 John 3:13 NIV

[13] Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

…But at length they were courted by royalty, loaded with wealth, became intoxicated with worldly honors, and then their glory departed! The 'sect' that had been spoken against everywhere, with the exception of a few was swallowed up in a worldly church!

There are still some, who, like the ancient sect of the Nazarenes, are spoken against everywhere. They will not swim with the stream. They will not compromise their Master's honor, or give up their Master's truth. According to the light they have, they walk; and they rejoice to exalt the Savior, humble the sinner, and proclaim salvation, all of grace. They rejoice that they are counted worthy to suffer shame, for His dear name.

Reader! Do you belong to this sect? Is there anything in your religion that is distasteful to the world, anything that draws forth its opposition, or excites its contempt? The carnal mind is still enmity against God and if we are godlike that enmity will manifest itself against us!

If we copy Christ's example, as set before us in the gospel; if we testify against the world, that its works are evil, and call upon it to repent as Christ did — we shall soon be hated by the world! <S183>

John 15:18-19 NIV

** Those who seek after God will be careful not to invest the majority of time with the ungodly, but rather invest in and encourage those who fear the Lord

• Believers will also keep their commitments no matter what, and not alter their course on a whim

• People should know they are careful of promises made and will follow through on them

Psalm 15:1,4 NIV

[1] Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? [4] who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind

** God calls it 'adultery' when one divorces their spouse and marries another

Luke 16:18 NIV

[18] “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

** God looks at the condition of our heart; self-righteousness may impress a person in front of men, but not God

Luke 16:15 NIV

[15] He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.

** David was concerned about his testimony — that others would not be ‘tripped up’ or fall out of God’s grace because of him

Psalm 69:6 NIV

[6] Lord, the Lord Almighty, may those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me; God of Israel, may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me.

** How are we to respond in today’s culture war?

Follow God’s master plan to live faithfully and pray or, in other words, ‘be the church’:

• Do not bow the knee to idols

• Do not offer your children to sacrifices

• Do not worship false gods

• Do not give the government unconditional allegiance

• Give honor & duty to those who honor & duty is owed

• Follow and live according to God’s word

• Believe in eternal truth and an awesome God!

Paul was happy to pay the tolls for the roads he traveled to spread the gospel

• But when he was told he had to worship Nero, the answer was “no”

• The consequence, however, was Paul losing his head

• We need to be ready to suffer any consequence for living faithfully and praying <D40>

Galatians 3:11b NIV

[11] …the righteous will live by faith

** David desired his enemies not share in God’s redemptive power

Psalm 69:9 NIV

[9] for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.

Psalm 69:27-28 NIV

[27] Charge them with crime upon crime; do not let them share in your salvation. [28] May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous.

** Even though Satan knew Jesus was God, he still tried to tempt Him because sin and Satan are not rational or logical — hence the debased (illogical) insanity we see today and other instances, such as Satan opposing God again even though he will have been locked up for 1000 years as mentioned in Revelation <S188>

Matthew 4:3-11 NIV

[3] The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” [4] Jesus answered, “It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' ” [5] Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. [6] “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' ” [7] Jesus answered him, “It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' ” [8] Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. [9] “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” [10] Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' ” [11] Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Revelation 20:7-8 NIV

** David asked God to consider his groaning regarding his situation <C31>

• Life's circumstances weighed heavily on David and he had confidence in God's identity as King and Creator of all

• David recognized God as the only One he can go to at all times because others are not trustworthy and cannot be counted on in time of need

• How awesome that believers can turn to God, for He will not forsake those who call on Him

Psalm 5:1-2 NIV

[1] Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. [2] Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.

Psalm 116:4-5 NIV

** Many people simply cannot be trusted

• Beware because some have the appearance of good intentions when they are bad, like when they flatter to take advantage of others

• Remember these people are not only hurting those around them but ultimately God

• We need to wait for God to deal with these imposters, for He knows what is best <C31>

Psalm 5:9 NIV

[9] Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies.

** Political parties are simply not equipped to handle the level of evil displayed in the world today <D40>

• The church is the only institution that should be willing to ‘go there’ to fight, but it mostly isn’t willing to offend anyone along the way

• Don’t put your hope in politics (which is mostly ‘greed personified’) to save us from this worldly mess, nor the media bias that promotes these political ‘solutions’

• No, the ONLY One who can save anything or anyone is Christ; period

• Best to stick to the Bible as the only plumb-line of truth and get our guidance through prayer and leading of the Holy Spirit

Psalm 116:4-11 NIV

[4] Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Lord, save me! ” [5] The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. [6] The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me. [7] Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. [8] For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, [9] that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. [10] I trusted in the Lord when I said, “I am greatly afflicted”; [11] in my alarm I said, “Everyone is a liar.”

Romans 5:6-8 NIV

[6] You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. [7] Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. [8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 15:13 NIV

[13] May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 1:10 NIV

[10] He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,

Hebrews 7:18-19 NIV

[18] The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless [19] (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

** Pastors who want to 'keep politics out of their church' need to admit that political issues often cross into the realm of morality <G70>

• Christians do not place their faith and motivation in any political worldly system, but are called to be part of this system in order to influence it for God

• Jesus was about as ‘political’ as they come, for He spoke against political power most everyday <K110>

• Yes, God’s kingdom is not of this earth, but He has called His followers here for a reason – to stand up for His truth and shine His light into dark places!

• Too many congregants hear a weekly dose of easy passages that actually lead them away from the FULL counsel (truth) of God

• Congregants need to critically think and determine which political ideas and societal responses go against God's Word

• Pastors need to critically analyze moral issues with their congregation, even when the issues are visible in the political sphere

• Jesus challenged His opponents to critically think -- an "intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action." <C407>

• The Christian faith demands critical thinking and determining whether God and His commands are true or not; everyone must give an account as to WHY they believe or not when this life is over <D40>

• Those who are not challenged, do not mature in Christ, don't learn what it means to be a Berean and won't be able to handle the persecuted hardship it takes to be His disciple

Mark 8:34 NIV

[34] Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

2 Timothy 3:16 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

2 Timothy 4:2-4 NIV

** Know the danger of associating with fools; value rebuke and discipline from the wise

Ecclesiastes 7:4-6 NIV

[4] The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure. [5] It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools. [6] Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless.

** Be aware and cautious about potential danger and err on the side of caution!

Ecclesiastes 10:8-9 NIV

[8] Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. [9] Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.

** There’s a difference between defending yourself with a weapon when someone is attacking you vs going on the offense with a weapon for a cause

• Nowhere in Scripture did the ‘church raiders’ take up arms and go after the establishment

• Likewise, we are to emulate early believers to defend the word of God and not go on the offensive with a political stand <R178>

Acts 16:19-22,35-38 NIV [Paul used his citizenship to defend himself and further the gospel]

[19] When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. [20] They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar [21] by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.” [22] The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. [35] When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” [36] The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.” [37] But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.” [38] The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed.

Acts 6:8-10 NIV [Stephen did not defend himself physically but verbally within the system of justice]

[8] Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. [9] Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)---Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia---who began to argue with Stephen. [10] But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.

John 18:10-13 NIV [Peter was ready to defend the Lord physically but was told to put his sword away]

[10] Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) [11] Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” [12] Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him [13] and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.

** God’s Word is flawless; we are not to add to it in any way

Proverbs 30:5-6 NIV

[5] “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. [6] Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

** Biblical inerrancy and essentials of the faith is not a new or recent development. The basic explanation of what’s known as “the descent of the modernists” in the American church began a century ago. These downward steps to apostasy go like this:

Step 1. Stop believing the Bible is the inerrant word of God

Step 2. Doubt that man is made in the image of God

Step 3. Believe in the theory of evolution. Everything came from nothing

Step 4. Miracles in the Bible didn’t really occur

Step 5. Jesus was not born of a virgin

Step 6. No deity – there is no God let alone a Triune God

Step 7. No atonement for sin – if sin is even a problem in the first place

Step 8. No resurrection. Jesus did not really rise from the dead

Step 9. Post truth

Step 10. Agnosticism or Atheism

What happens when we deny God’s authoritative word, creation, His design for marriage and family, reject the truth, and cast aside the Bible? Anything goes. <F66>

2 Timothy 3:16 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

Psalm 119:160 NIV

[160] All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

** Observing the lawlessness of our society, we understand that God’s justice and holiness demand that evil be punished – not just here and now but in the eternal state as well; upon His glorious return, our Lord Jesus Christ will mete out judgment for those who have refused His gracious offer of salvation and instead lived as rebels on earth <G7993>

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 NIV

[8] He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. [9] They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might

Hebrews 10:29-31 NIV

[29] How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? [30] For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” [31] It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Jude 1:7 NIV

[7] In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

** People who buy into a grace-only theology often claim “mercy triumphs over justice”, but mercy does not cancel justice; God’s law has not been canceled because Hell is full of those who practice evil <D40>

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

1 Peter 1:14-17 NIV

[14] As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. [15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; [16] for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” [17] Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.

Jude 1:4-5,7 NIV

[4] For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. [5] Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. [7] In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

** The wicked often entrap themselves in their own sin while those who walk in wisdom remain safe

Proverbs 29:6 NIV

[6] Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.

Proverbs 28:26 NIV

[26] Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

** God is in charge of those in authority, so obey them provided they don’t go against His will; the wise will know what is the proper time and procedure

Ecclesiastes 8:2,5 NIV

[2] Obey the king's command, I say, because you took an oath before God. [5] Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure.

** We need more MEN with conviction in the pulpits to lead their flock into confrontation against the insane evil that surrounds us; women are emotionally-conciliatory by nature and that is not what the church needs to further God’s truth against this evil

What we have today is the vast majority of preachers confronting the flock (YOU) for wanting to confront evil instead of equipping you to confront evil; they are happy to be silent as Drag Queen Story Hour is being held in their parking lot while the church service is going on <D40>

** Early training secures lifelong habits so parents should draw out God's design in their children in ‘the way they should go’, according to His moral design

• God’s way of life is specified in great detail in the book of Proverbs

• Parents should teach from God’s Word and enforce it with loving discipline, consistently throughout the child’s upbringing <M130>

Proverbs 22:6 NIV

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

** Proverbs 31 was written by Solomon about his mother Bathsheba’s advice for her son; she obviously had a profound influence on her son, as most godly praying mothers do

When studying the lineage of our Savior, we note that Jesus came from the lineage of David (an adulterer and murderer) and Bathsheba; the message is clear: God forgives and redeems!

When God our loving Heavenly Father sees us, He does not see our sin-filled-selves but instead He sees His Son <F60>

Proverbs 31:1 NIV

[1] The sayings of King Lemuel---an inspired utterance his mother taught him.

** Solomon’s mother gave him advice — he would not be able to judge and rule wisely when under the influence of alcohol and entertaining women; Bathsheba encouraged Solomon to judge fairly and defend the poor in need

Proverbs 31:4-7 NIV

[4] It is not for kings, Lemuel---it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, [5] lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. [6] Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish! [7] Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.

Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV

[8] Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. [9] Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

** Some households contain:

• No family government

• No order

• No subordination

• No discipline

The children are kept under no restraint, but are allowed to do what they like. Their faults are intentionally unnoticed and unpunished, and their corruptions allowed to grow wild and headstrong; until, in fact, the whole family becomes utterly lawless, rebellious against parental authority, and grievous to all around them!

Overindulgence of children is awfully common, and continually making shocking ravages in human character. It is a system of great cruelty to the children, to the parents themselves, and to society. This practice proceeds from various causes; in some instances, from a perverted and intentional sentimentalism; in others, from absolute indolence, and a regard to present ease, which leads the silly mother to adopt any means of coaxing, and yielding, and bribing simply to keep the "young rebels" quiet for the time!

It is not uncommon for parents to treat the first acts of infantile rebellion rather as accidents to be smiled at, than as sins to be disciplined. "O," says the mother, "it is only play, he will know better soon. He does not mean any harm. I cannot discipline him." Lack of parental discipline, from whatever cause it proceeds, it is in the highest degree injurious to the character of the children! <J101>

Proverbs 29:17 NIV

[17] Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.

Proverbs 19:18 NIV

[18] Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.

** Modern day society is being manipulated by subliminal messaging from media, including (but not limited to) movies, music, social media, tv and even utilizing our senses of taste and smell

• If we want to be free from worldly manipulation, we need to be aware of what is happening and unplug!

• Rather than filling your mind with what Satan desires you to think about, get into God’s Word to fill your mind with what honors God <C36>

Colossians 2:8 NIV

[8] See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NIV

[4] The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. [5] We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Timothy 2:25-26 NIV

[25] Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, [26] and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

** We live in an upside-down world and should expect that foolishness abounds; the bottom-line is how you respond to that fact? <F60>

Ecclesiastes 10:5-7 NIV

[5] There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler: [6] Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones. [7] I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.

** The foolish and lazy produce shoddy product and ultimately do not take responsibility for their actions; like thinking that “throwing money at the problem” will fix the situation when the problem actually came about because of initial foolish decisions and actions

Ecclesiastes 10:18 NIV

[18] Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.

** A bottle of perfume in ancient days was extremely expensive and could be ruined easily; in a similar way, one act of foolishness can contaminate valuable wisdom

Ecclesiastes 10:1 NIV

[1] As dead flies give perfume a bad smell,

so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.

** Those who are wise desire godly counsel founded on the Word of God, while avoiding counsel from the fool

Proverbs 20:5 NIV

[5] The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.

Proverbs 18:4 NIV

[4] The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

Hebrews 4:12 NIV

Proverbs 26:8-10 NIV

[8] Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool. [9] Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. [10] Like an archer who wounds at random is one who hires a fool or any passer-by.

Psalm 111:10 NIV

[10] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

** While alcohol is not condemned outright, being intoxicated is; it is therefore prudent to temper its consumption

• Those who are wise avoid being intoxicated by alcohol because it clouds judgment and induces brawling

• Rulers were not to drink so their judgment would not be clouded <M130>

• How much more should those who follow Christ carefully watch our intake so it doesn’t cloud our judgment?

• Satan is looking for any opportunity to establish a foothold in our lives to further his agenda

Proverbs 20:1 NIV

[1] Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;

whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

Proverbs 23:20-21 NIV

[20] Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, [21] for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Proverbs 31:4-5 NIV

[4] It is not for kings, Lemuel---it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, [5] lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.

** You cannot appease, envy or support the wicked for then the innocent suffer

Proverbs 18:5 NIV

[5] It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.

Proverbs 23:17 NIV

[17] Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.

Proverbs 25:26 NIV

[26] Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.

** A cheap veneer of silver over a common clay pot hiding its normalcy and fragility is like the deception spoken by evil people <M130>

Proverbs 26:23-26 NIV

[23] Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart. [24] Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. [25] Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts. [26] Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

Proverbs 28:10 NIV

[10] Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.

** False witnesses will be punished eventually because they do what suits them without regard for the truth or others, while the upright proceed with integrity <M130>

Proverbs 21:28-29 NIV

[28] A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully. [29] The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways.

Proverbs 22:8 NIV

[8] Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.

Proverbs 22:22-23 NIV

[22] Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, [23] for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.

Proverbs 24:23-25 NIV

[23] These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good: [24] Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations. [25] But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them.

Proverbs 25:9-10 NIV

[9] If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another's confidence, [10] or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.

Proverbs 25:18-19 NIV

[18] Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor. [19] Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.

Proverbs 29:7,9 NIV

[7] The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. [9] If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

** It is imperative to fulfill a pledge, or you will pay the cost of breaking the promise

Proverbs 22:26-27 NIV

[26] Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; [27] if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.

Proverbs 27:13 NIV

[13] Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.

** The purpose of tribulation is salvation, as Paul understood when faced with murderous crowds opposed to his message; we need to hit rock bottom and realize there is no hope in this current world, so we place our hope in Jesus and the next world <F60>

Acts 14:19-22 NIV

[19] Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. [20] But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. [21] They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, [22] strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

Psalm 119:71 NIV

[71] It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

1 John 2:15-17 NIV

[15] Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. [16] For everything in the world---the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life---comes not from the Father but from the world. [17] The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

1 Peter 1:13 NIV

[13] Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

** Every person ever born, has God's imprint upon them because all humans were made in His image. Therefore, the truth God puts into each person comes in the form of our conscience which is knowing basic right and wrong. This basic knowledge has to either be suppressed by the individual or corrupted by that society in order to ignore this divine truth. <G70>

Reality:

• The bodies God gave us are sacred and should be treated with dignity and respect

• God formed each of us in His image and has a purpose for us

• Believers reflect God to the extent they live for Him <H85>

• As a Christian I am to help others see their God-given potential, not tell them I accept their sinful ways

Genesis 1:26 NIV

[26] Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

Psalm 139:13-16 NIV

Zechariah 12:1b NIV

[1] The Lord, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the human spirit within a person

** Wise people seek understanding, which means they are willing to REASON through arguments; on the contrary, fools just want to quickly air their opinions

Proverbs 18:1-2 NIV

[1] An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends

and against all sound judgment starts quarrels. [2] Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.

Proverbs 18:13,15 NIV

[13] To answer before listening---that is folly and shame. [15] The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.

Proverbs 20:15 NIV

[15] Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

Proverbs 25:15 NIV

[15] Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

Proverbs 26:17 NIV

[17] Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.

** Try to earnestly persuade others into the kingdom of God

Luke 14:23 NIV

[23] “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.

** Nimrod was the first warrior/leader who set up a kingdom and led the construction of the Tower of Babel; the concept of man trying to attain superiority over or equity with God appears throughout Scripture, which will end with the Antichrist

Genesis 10:8-10 NIV

[8] Cush was the father of Nimrod, who became a mighty warrior on the earth. [9] He was a mighty hunter before the Lord; that is why it is said, “Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the Lord.” [10] The first centers of his kingdom were Babylon, Uruk, Akkad and Kalneh, in Shinar.

God was not pleased with their intent to create a single nation via the building of the tower, so He confused their language; God did not destroy their plan but merely postponed it, for man will continue to try to do the same into the end times with the resurgence of Babylon <L123>

Genesis 11:6-7 NIV

[6] The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. [7] Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”

** We are called to challenge others who are living in sin and going against God’s law; talk that is unsubstantiated, designed to tear another down, must be avoided because it is malicious and unwholesome

Remedy is available when we grieve the Holy Spirit — by abstaining from known sin and confessing sin that has been committed <H86>

Ephesians 4:25-29 NIV

[25] Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. [26] “In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] and do not give the devil a foothold. [28] Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. [29] Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

1 John 3:7-10 NIV

[7] Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. [8] The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. [9] No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. [10] This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

1 John 1:9 NIV

[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

** The rod was used by shepherds to:

• Ward off danger to the sheep, and to

• Help guide the sheep in a certain direction, in addition to

• Discipline when needed

Don’t just think of the rod as a tool of punishment, but the rod can be used for protection and direction as well as a means of discipline for children <W217>

Proverbs 13:24 NIV

[24] Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.

** Those who do not want to believe that God would punish people for sin because they believe ‘in a God of love’, do not believe in God of the Bible but only want to focus on one aspect — their own creation — of God

2 Timothy 4:3-4 NIV

Acts 28:25-27 NIV

[25] They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet: [26] “ 'Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” [27] For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'

** God wearies of those who say evil is good in the eyes of the Lord

Malachi 2:17 NIV

[17] You have wearied the Lord with your words. “How have we wearied him?” you ask. By saying, “All who do evil are good in the eyes of the Lord, and he is pleased with them” or “Where is the God of justice? ”

** God does not like to be mocked but rather He desires our words and actions align with Him; if we don’t align with God then we support the evil doers that prosper around us

Malachi 3:13-15 NIV

[13] “You have spoken arrogantly against me,” says the Lord. “Yet you ask, 'What have we said against you?' [14] “You have said, 'It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty? [15] But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper, and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.' ”

** A day is coming when those who do evil will be put on trial; Malachi is specific about who God will bring to justice

Malachi 3:5 NIV

[5] “So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the Lord Almighty.

** God confirmed that the arrogant and evildoer will experience all-consuming devastating wrath during the final days while, in stark contrast, those who revere God’s name will be healed of whatever harmed them and “frolic like well-fed calves”

Malachi 4:1-2 NIV

[1] “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire, ” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. [2] But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.

** Those trampled by evildoers will have the ‘last laugh’ when God comes to enact final judgment, for the evildoers will then be trampled by their victims

Malachi 4:3 NIV

[3] Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty.

** God took the Levite priests to task and punished their reputation for not honoring Him; their thoughts and conduct showed partiality in matters of the law

Malachi 2:1-2,9 NIV

[1] “And now, you priests, this warning is for you. [2] If you do not listen, and if you do not resolve to honor my name,” says the Lord Almighty, “I will send a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not resolved to honor me. [9] “So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law.”

** The Levite priests were reminded they serve God and are His messengers

Malachi 2:7 NIV

[7] “For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth.

** A leader who does not rule in righteousness, according to God’s law, is like a surgeon who is contaminated

2 Samuel 23:3b KJV

[3] He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

• We are under judgment by God because our nation, its leaders and even some ‘pastors’ do not love God

• The ONLY hope we have as a people and nation is to turn to God in repentance and He will lead us out of our chaotic evil and existence <M130>

1 Corinthians 16:22 NIV

[22] If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord !

Psalm 81:10-16 NIV

[10] I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it. [11] “But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. [12] So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. [13] “If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways, [14] how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes! [15] Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever. [16] But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

** Idols and diviners oppose God and lead people astray; God will punish the shepherd-leaders who are supposed to be protecting His flock

Let’s not forget the dumbed-down masses who refuse to invest in a faith and relationship with God, thus choosing to believe these errant leaders instead

Zechariah 10:2-3 NIV

[2] The idols speak deceitfully, diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd. [3] “My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the Lord Almighty will care for his flock, the people of Judah, and make them like a proud horse in battle.

** Our ability to recognize our responsibility here on earth is the first step towards accessing these congratulatory words of Christ. The mandate of the Great Commission is not an option to be considered by Christians, it is a command that must be obeyed. Embracing the mandate of “go ye” will inevitably help us to preach the Gospel and disciple converts as Christ commanded us. Obedience to the Word of God is non-negotiable.

The greatest mistake that we can make as Christians is for us to be oblivious to the fact that we will give an account of our stewardship here on earth. Developing accountability consciousness will guide us and help us rein in our fleshly excesses. It will help us to always recognize when we are deviating from God’s calling in our lives. We can easily go back to God for help when deviations and weaknesses are identified. We should also remember that we will give an account for everything God has given to us including our talents and resources.

In getting prepared to hear Jesus say “well done my good and faithful servants” to us, all hands must be on deck, and everyone must contribute his quota by effectively carrying out this assignment.

Some are given the responsibility to go to the mission fields, some are given the responsibility to support the goers with resources, while some are saddled with the responsibility to pray for the success of missionary work. If we are all carrying out these assignments faithfully, we can all rest assured that we are carrying out Jesus’ mission for our lives. <A13>

Matthew 25:19-21 NIV

[19] “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. [20] The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.' [21] “His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

** Haggai goes directly to the selfishness and worldliness of the people as a great hindrance; God sent Haggai to rouse the slackened earnestness of the people to encourage them in the rebuilding of the temple with God’s help and blessings <C38>

Haggai 2:3-4 NIV

[3] 'Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? [4] But now be strong, Zerubbabel,' declares the Lord. 'Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,' declares the Lord, 'and work. For I am with you,' declares the Lord Almighty.

Haggai 2:18-19 NIV

[18] 'From this day on, from this twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, give careful thought to the day when the foundation of the Lord's temple was laid. Give careful thought: [19] Is there yet any seed left in the barn? Until now, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not borne fruit. “ 'From this day on I will bless you.' ”

** Christ did not mean that I am to withdraw and seclude myself from society. He did not do so Himself. He came and dwelt with sinners, and He bids me to walk in His footsteps. I am to live in the world, as a holy child of God.

Nor does He wish me to moralize on the defects and errors of others. He has no desire that I should be fault-finding, critical, or harsh. I may be unsparing in judging myself; but in my thoughts and words regarding others, there must be all considerateness, all forbearance, all patience and hope. <S182>

John 17:16 NIV

[16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.

** God removed His blessings when the people neglected Him which, in turn, motivated them to change their ways and build the Lord’s house to honor Him

Haggai 1:9-11 NIV

[9] “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house. [10] Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. [11] I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the olive oil and everything else the ground produces, on people and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands. ”

Haggai 1:14 NIV

[14] So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of the whole remnant of the people. They came and began to work on the house of the Lord Almighty, their God

** We do not unconditionally adhere to anyone or anything from this world because our first allegiance is to God; unconditional adherence means you are worshiping an idol <D40>

• Men of Jewish extraction visited all the churches Paul founded, and tried to convince the believers they must become Jews to be Christian

• Paul angrily called these men evil, mere ‘mutilators of the flesh’

• In focusing the attention of believers on works, they drew attention away from Christ <R1795>

Romans 13:1 NIV

[1] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

• Although Paul was referring to circumcision, the principle of human authority is similar…

Philippians 3:2-3 NIV

[2] Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. [3] For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh---

** Today we hear a lot about self-manifestation where WE can “think things into reality”

• This is a direct attempt to oppose God who DID create everything into existence… a tactic as old as time!

Genesis 3:4-5 NIV

[4] “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. [5] “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

• Manifestation teaches that instead of relying on God, people are taught to rely on themselves. Who are we going to trust, the created (us) or Creator (God)?

Psalm 139:13 NIV

[13] For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

Colossians 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

** God payed particular notice of the officials and religious leaders in Jerusalem; looks like current day societies suffer from similar defective leadership even though God remains righteous and is faithful morning by morning

Zephaniah 3:3-5 NIV

[3] Her officials within her are roaring lions; her rulers are evening wolves, who leave nothing for the morning. [4] Her prophets are unprincipled; they are treacherous people. Her priests profane the sanctuary and do violence to the law. [5] The Lord within her is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail, yet the unrighteous know no shame.

** I shall be very foolish if I underestimate my foes. There are many of them, but they serve under a trinity of wicked captains.

"If any man loves the WORLD," writes John, "the love of the Father is not in him." The world is my sworn and unrelenting enemy; an enemy all the more dangerous because it professes to be something so different — the best of comrades and the truest of friends.

I must take my part, and that with diligence, in the world's business. Yet what a risk there is, that it should absorb my thoughts morning and night! Then I shall become selfish and earthly and unspiritual.

I must make acquaintance with the world's literature, and much of it is beautiful and good. But I am prone to give it an undue attention, and to forget the divine library which God's finger has penned.

I must mingle among the world's citizens, and many of them are love-worthy and full of charm. Yet, when I prize them overmuch, they separate me from Father and Son and Holy Spirit.

Under its kindly face, the world is a hostile power! <S182>

Jude 1:24-25 NIV

[24] To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy--- [25] to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

** God will destroy all the prideful who mock His people; He will destroy the gods of the earth and all the nations will turn to Israel’s God and bow to him

Zephaniah 2:10-11 NIV

[10] This is what they will get in return for their pride, for insulting and mocking the people of the Lord Almighty. [11] The Lord will be awesome to them when he destroys all the gods of the earth. Distant nations will bow down to him, all of them in their own lands.

** We live in a society where people puff themselves up in their brokenness and victimhood — it’s ’hip’ to be a victim instead of striving to be strong and helping others; shouldn’t our motivation be to emulate Christ, to become stronger and sacrifice for others as Christ did for us?

There are few leaders at every level — from the job site to government — who are willing to buck this societal trend but would rather play in their own sandbox; hence, there are few, if any, leaders we end up respecting

The church has abdicated itself to the welfare system and its members don’t need to get involved to help their neighbor — they simply write another check to another charity or figure the government will take care of the situation; hence, helpful relationships are not established and victims end up milking a system without personal accountability <E58>

1 Peter 5:10 NIV

[10] And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

1 Timothy 6:9-10 NIV

[9] Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. [10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Luke 9:23-24 NIV

[23] Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. [24] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

** To think that we can invoke the name of Jesus simply to fulfill our own passions, is to cheapen and abuse the grace of God <C397>

James 4:3 NIV

[3] When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

** People at the temple were selfishly involved in money exchange and worldly business; Jesus would not tolerate sin and this disregard for His Father’s house

- no one dare resist Jesus' holy anger; everyone knew what they were doing was wrong

- pattern of God: cleaning house (refiners fire) before rebuilding with what is godly <C31>

Jesus exhibited “righteous anger” which is never selfish but always in defense of another — including defense of God; we see this when Christ did not cast judgment against those who put Him on the cross, but He forgave them <M130>

John 2:14-16 NIV

[14] In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. [15] So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. [16] To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!”

** The vices of leaders and rules will surely be punished and they will be answerable for their sin; what they have in idols did them no good <H83>

Micah 1:7 NIV

[7] All her idols will be broken to pieces; all her temple gifts will be burned with fire; I will destroy all her images. Since she gathered her gifts from the wages of prostitutes, as the wages of prostitutes they will again be used.”

** Woe to those who preach the name of Christ for their own profit and those who support wicked schemes

Micah 3:11 NIV

[11] Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they look for the Lord's support and say, “Is not the Lord among us? No disaster will come upon us.”

Micah 3:12 NIV

[12] Therefore because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets.

** God will remove everything held dear that is acquired when participating in wickedness

Micah 3:12 NIV

[12] Therefore because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets.

** Our decisions have consequences, just as Jonah found out when he forced the sailors to act and be thrown overboard

Jonah 1:12,15,17 NIV

[12] “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” [15] Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. [17] Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

** The end times will be marked by a fake church that denounces the Bible more and more; we already see pastors narrowly selecting passages from the Bible their audience wants to hear rather than focusing on the WHOLE council of God — we need to understand eschatology and focus on the salvation gospel, not just a ‘green social gospel’ that fits with the world’s agenda

2 Timothy 3:1,5 NIV

[1] But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. [5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

** False prophets did not want to prophesy about anything deemed negative by the public, such as God’s wrath, because that didn’t satisfy their tickling ears

Micah 2:6,11 NIV

[6] “Do not prophesy,” their prophets say. “Do not prophesy about these things; disgrace will not overtake us. ” [11] If a liar and deceiver comes and says, 'I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer,' that would be just the prophet for this people!

** This world is not our home and Kingdom Now followers are in error thinking we need to fix this current world so Christ can return

Micah 2:10 NIV

[10] Get up, go away! For this is not your resting place, because it is defiled, it is ruined, beyond all remedy.

Hebrews 13:14 NIV

[14] For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.

John 14:2-3 NIV

[2] My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

2 Corinthians 5:8 NIV

[8] We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

** During the days of Malachi, the righteous knew that God’s judgment was coming and were understandably concerned how it would affect them; God assured the righteous He will preserve and take care of them! <M130>

Malachi 3:16-18 NIV

[16] Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name. [17] “On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him. [18] And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.

** God sets a plumb line for us and we will gain great reward or suffer consequences depending on our obedience to it

Amos 7:7-8 NIV

** There is a point when God will not negotiate with those who reject Him any longer; a red line has been crossed

Amos 8:1-2 NIV

[1] This is what the Sovereign Lord showed me: a basket of ripe fruit. [2] “What do you see, Amos? ” he asked. “A basket of ripe fruit,” I answered. Then the Lord said to me, “The time is ripe for my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.

Amos 8:7 NIV

[7] The Lord has sworn by himself, the Pride of Jacob: “I will never forget anything they have done.

** Israel worshiped many gods, including Molech, starting in the wilderness and continuing with Solomon and descendants until Josiah <M130>

Much like the Israelites in the desert, our nation today is guilty of worshiping many gods besides the One True God — including that of sacrificing children in abortion and condoning lustful practices

Amos 5:25-26 NIV

[25] “Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, people of Israel? [26] You have lifted up the shrine of your king, the pedestal of your idols, the star of your god---which you made for yourselves.

2 Kings 17:16-17 NIV

[16] They forsook all the commands of the Lord their God and made for themselves two idols cast in the shape of calves, and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the starry hosts, and they worshiped Baal. [17] They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens and sold themselves to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.

1 Kings 11:7 NIV

[7] On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable god of Moab, and for Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites.

2 Kings 23:14-15 NIV

[14] Josiah smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles and covered the sites with human bones. [15] Even the altar at Bethel, the high place made by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had caused Israel to sin---even that altar and high place he demolished. He burned the high place and ground it to powder, and burned the Asherah pole also.

** Western societies and even some churches take what God identifies as ‘binary’ — black or white issues such as gender — and makes them non-binary or complex, then takes complex issues and tries to force the population to accept them as binary — you must condone transgender and LGBT thought; this is the natural thought process of sinners but followers of Christ who are saved and called to a Higher purpose need to adhere to what God says, not man <D40>

** When we are saved we are all equal in Christ, no matter our race, status, or sex, we all stand on the same footing in Christ <G72>

• This passage is not altering or removing male and female distinctions, nor can it be used to invalidate gender roles in the church

• The context makes it clear that 'neither male nor female' refers to our salvation status

• All people, whether male or female, must be saved the same way, through faith in Christ, and once they are saved, they have the same rights and privileges of salvation, being equal members of the family of God

Galatians 3:26-29 NIV

[26] So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, [27] for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

** Bottom line: trust the Bible with God’s clear message that says He created us male & female for a specific purpose and His emphasis on a male-female family-led unit

Genesis 1:27 NIV

[27] So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Romans 1:21,26-27 NIV

[21] For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. [26] Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. [27] In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

• Way too often the Bible and Gospel are compromised in churches in order to make people “feel better” about attending and continue living alternate lifestyles and genders

• It may not be their intent to place Scripture as low priority but it happens when the main concern becomes making people feel comfortable instead of calling them out on their sin that will determine their eternal destination

• At this point, the church becomes so concerned about fitting into the world that it ceases to be an influence on it

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

• Rather ERR on the side of offending others and sticking to God’s word than worrying about people’s feelings.

• Done in love, we can call each other on our sin and glorify God at the same time

** The prophet Amos relays strong language that God “abhors” the proud

Amos 6:8 NIV

[8] The Sovereign Lord has sworn by himself---the Lord God Almighty declares: “I abhor the pride of Jacob and detest his fortresses; I will deliver up the city and everything in it. ”

** "Go to Bethel and sin!" cried the prophet. Bethel was their place of worship — but every time they went there, they sinned because their worship was sin. Instead of bowing before the true God and adoring Him, they bowed before idols and gave them the honor which belonged to God alone. The more devout they were, therefore, the more they dishonored the Lord. Their great zeal, as shown in their sacrifices and tithes and free-will offerings, only multiplied their sin and heaped up sorer judgment against them!

Their religion was all a pious farce, and the more there was of it, the more of an abomination it was to God. God cannot be pleased with mere forms of worship and with ceremonials. The more we multiply these, the more do we grieve Him — if our heart is not in them.

We may say that we have no idols now in our churches; but are we sure of this? Do we truly worship God in our church services? When we sing the hymns, are our hearts fixed upon God? When we pray, are we really talking to God? When we confess sins, is the confession sincere? When we sit in God's house, are we truly in God's presence, breathing out our heart's love and worship to Him? If not, what or whom are we adoring, praising, worshiping? Empty religious forms, must have some idol at the heart of them!

The prophet told them very plainly what was in their hearts. "This is what you love to do!" You love this! You love to make a great display in your religion. This display of piety, is just to your taste. You like to cover up your sins with forms of worship, appearing as saints before the world, though in secret cherishing and practicing all manner of wickedness!

This is God's own picture of these ancient 'worshipers'. We need to look honestly at it, to see if it is OUR picture. God looks at the heart! No external appearances are of any value, unless they are genuine expressions of what is in the heart! Pirate ships carry reputable flags, to cover their dishonorable character. Religious hypocrisy often puts at its masthead, the colors of devout saintliness. But God cannot be deceived.

Amos 4:4-5 NIV

[4] “Go to Bethel and sin; go to Gilgal and sin yet more. Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three years. [5] Burn leavened bread as a thank offering and brag about your freewill offerings---boast about them, you Israelites, for this is what you love to do,” declares the Sovereign Lord.

Amos 4:4-5 KJV

[4] Come to Beth-el, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years: [5] And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish the free offerings: for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord God.

** If we want to follow God then we should do the following...

ENJOY GOD'S LOVE

• David was overwhelmed by God's creative touch, such as the number of thoughts of God, His knitting him together in the depths of the earth, being with us wherever we go in this world, etc

• Meditating on God's purposes encouraged David love; God working in every person's life should leave us in awe and motivate our love

• David praised God for His amazing consistent love

• Glimpses of God's love should leave us in awe

• There is always more to God which should help us love God in response

Psalm 139:17-18 NIV

[17] How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! [18] Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand---when I awake, I am still with you.

AVOID UNGODLY INFLUENCE

• David realized ungodly people (actively opposed to God) could pull him away and keep him from being what God wanted him to be

• "hate" in English language infers wishing something bad on another which is not what he wanted

• David chose to completely separate himself

• David left judgment and vengeance up to God, asking God to slay the wicked; he did not want that on his plate

Psalm 139:19-22 NIV

[19] If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! [20] They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. [21] Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? [22] I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.

• We should never be careless about close relationships because it is probable that those who are opposed to God will bring us down

• Devotion to God should guide and permeate every trusting relationship; does the relationship help or hurt our relationship with God?

• At the same time, we need to exercise caution and balance: we are called to be salt and light to be a positive influence teaching others there is a God who loves them!

• Know which relationships are "trusting relationships"

Psalm 139:19 NIV

[19] If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!

REMOVE ANY HINDRANCE

• David asked God to evaluate the innermost corners of his life, for He has perfect understanding and knowledge to help guide us

• God could see hindrances to his faith that he could not

• We will not grow until we are open to God'a searching love

• The process may be painful as we face and recognize our failures

• God wants to turn our failures into victories!

• God will expose to us anything that holds us back when we ask and are ready for Him to do so

Psalm 139:23-24 NIV

[23] Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

LIVE IT OUT

• What needs to happen in your life so you can enjoy God's love more than you do now?

• God has poured Himself into us before we were even born; what is our response and how (are) we pouring ourself back into Him? <C31> (Nov 2016)

** People will become like the mute, blind, deaf and lifeless idols they create

Psalm 135:15-18 NIV

[15] The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. [16] They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. [17] They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. [18] Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.

** Alliances with other nations, such as covenants with Assyria and presents to Egypt were “curses in disguise” to Hosea <C32>

Hosea 12:1 NIV

[1] 12 Ephraim feeds on the wind; he pursues the east wind all day and multiplies lies and violence. He makes a treaty with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt.

** Hosea relays that God is calling out the fake, such as those who say they believe God but there is no visible proof; these individuals often congregate in fake churches <H87>

Hosea 6:4,6 NIV

[4] “What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears. [6] For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

Matthew 13:14-15 NIV

[14] In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “ 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. [15] For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'

Revelation 3:15-16 NIV

[15] I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! [16] So, because you are lukewarm---neither hot nor cold---I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

2 Peter 3:17 NIV

[17] Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.

** God departing from Israel’s midst meant they would experience the loss of His glory; Israel was informed they would come to an end when God removed Himself and send them to Babylon

Hosea 9:11 NIV

[11] Ephraim's glory will fly away like a bird---no birth, no pregnancy, no conception.

** Hosea prayed the judgment and rejection of God on his generation

Hosea 9:14 NIV

[14] Give them, Lord---what will you give them? Give them wombs that miscarry and breasts that are dry.

Hosea 9:15-16 NIV

[15] “Because of all their wickedness in Gilgal, I hated them there. Because of their sinful deeds, I will drive them out of my house. I will no longer love them; all their leaders are rebellious. [16] Ephraim is blighted, their root is withered, they yield no fruit. Even if they bear children, I will slay their cherished offspring.”

Hosea 10:2 NIV

[2] Their heart is deceitful, and now they must bear their guilt. The Lord will demolish their altars and destroy their sacred stones.

** God equates the religious leaders to thieves; they prevent God from blessing those who follow them because these imposters have lead them away from God

Hosea 6:9 NIV

[9] As marauders lie in ambush for a victim, so do bands of priests; they murder on the road to Shechem, carrying out their wicked schemes.

** There is a point at which we are to leave alone those committed to sin and those who continually refuse the message of Christ’s offer of salvation, for injustice has gained the upper hand; God will accuse and judge these people in due time

Hosea 4:16-19 NIV

[16] The Israelites are stubborn, like a stubborn heifer. How then can the Lord pasture them like lambs in a meadow? [17] Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone! [18] Even when their drinks are gone, they continue their prostitution; their rulers dearly love shameful ways. [19] A whirlwind will sweep them away, and their sacrifices will bring them shame.

Matthew 10:14,16 NIV

[14] If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. [16] “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Micah 6:2 NIV

[2] “Hear, you mountains, the Lord's accusation; listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth. For the Lord has a case against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel.

2 Timothy 2:19 NIV

[19] Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

** Israel’s gross immorality existed everywhere, for they were a people with low standards; God wanted to heal but they were so far gone

What was observed about Israel then, could be said of our nation today — the country is filled with corruption, lying, home invasions, and street crime <G798>

Hosea 7:1-3 NIV

[1] whenever I would heal Israel, the sins of Ephraim are exposed and the crimes of Samaria revealed. They practice deceit, thieves break into houses, bandits rob in the streets; [2] but they do not realize that I remember all their evil deeds. Their sins engulf them; they are always before me. [3] “They delight the king with their wickedness, the princes with their lies.

** God tells Hosea to marry a prostitute who has unfaithful children (children not from Hosea) to describe what Israel had done to Him; Israel had prostituted itself with foreign gods

Instructing Hosea to marry Gomer was a good allegorical image — a husband with unmerited goodness and unwearied patience in contrast to his perverse ungrateful wife — just as God had been with unfaithful Israel <H83>

The children of harlotry points to the future unfaithfulness of Israelite generations <M130>

Hosea 1:2 NIV

[2] When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.”

** God proclaimed His judgment of a coming Assyrian war on the northern kingdom of Israel, that never had a good king

Whereas they thought themselves to be in favor of God and to be His people, the Prophet calls them bastards and children born in adultery; the Prophet was to show Israel their sin of idolatry <C39>

Hosea 1:6 NIV

[6] Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then the Lord said to Hosea, “Call her Lo-Ruhamah (which means “not loved”), for I will no longer show love to Israel, that I should at all forgive them.

** An enemy can become a friend only when there is an acknowledgement and repentance for sin committed; while repentance and forgiveness are accepted, accountability and consequence often awaits those who perpetrated the evil

Christ provided the example for us by dying on the cross for our sins — He did not just ignore our sin but had a plan to pay for it in full with the aim of restoring relationship <D40>

Acts 2:23 NIV

[23] This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.

1 Peter 5:10 NIV

[10] And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

** As sinners in a fallen world, we do not struggle to believe lies but struggle to believe God’s truth; this is why so many are deceived to believe utter nonsense from the father of lies <M130>

John 8:43 NIV

[43] Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say.

** Sola Scriptura people trust the Bible, and don’t trust the Bible in the hands of others <D40>

• Go to the primary source for yourself and don’t rely on the interpretation of others

• Refer to an approved Bible translation as your ‘plum line of truth’

• God’s Word and the Holy Spirit helps us discern our words and actions along with those of others

1 Corinthians 11:29 NIV

[29] For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.

Philippians 1:9-11 NIV

1 Corinthians 2:14-16 NIV

[14] The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. [15] The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, [16] for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

** Evildoers will always try to bring down those who exemplify godly behavior; the Babylonian staff around Daniel knew the only way to trap him was to get him to compromise on God’s word

Daniel 6:3-5 NIV

[3] Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. [4] At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. [5] Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”

Daniel 6:6-9 NIV

[6] So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever! [7] The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions' den. [8] Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered---in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” [9] So King Darius put the decree in writing.

** God recognized the contrasting actions, attitude and values between the kings of Israel:

SAUL

• Did not see his sin

• Insisted he was righteous

• Blamed others for his sin

• Refused to take responsibility

• Remained arrogant

• Trusted in himself

DAVID

• Saw his sin immediately

• Agreed he was unrighteous

• Owned his sin

• Took full responsibility

• Humbled himself

• Trusted in God <F65>

1 Samuel 15:26-28 NIV

[26] But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with you. You [Saul] have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you as king over Israel!” [27] As Samuel turned to leave, Saul caught hold of the hem of his robe, and it tore. [28] Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors---to one better than you.

** The Babylonians were enslaved to their idols, worshiping the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone

Daniel 5:4 NIV

[4] As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.

** Expect to be bribed by the pagan world — do this and you can travel, do this and you can keep your job, etc; our response must be like Daniel’s to not accept their bribes! <H86>

Daniel 5:17 NIV

[17] Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.

** Nebuchadnezzar changed these young men’s names to break them from their Jewish heritage and identity in God <H86>

• Daniel = God is my Judge

• Belteshazzar = Baal or Marduk will protect his life

• Hananiah = YHWH is gracious

• Shadrach = Commander of Aku — moon god

• Mishael = Who is what God is

• Meshach = Who is what Aku is

• Azariah = YHWH has helped

• Abednego = Servant of the god Nebo/Nebu

Today’s society is trying to do the same by telling people there are more than 2 genders, they can be trans-sexual, you should accept pedophilia, etc; change a person’s identity and they will accept anything!

Daniel 1:7 NIV

[7] The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

** The arrogance of the Babylonians (drinking from Jewish goblets previously dedicated to their temple) was not tolerated by God, who wrote a message of warning on the wall for all to see

Daniel 5:3-5 NIV

[3] So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. [4] As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone. [5] Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote.

Daniel 5:22-24 NIV

[22] “But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. [23] Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. [24] Therefore he sent the hand that wrote the inscription.

** Babylon thought it was secure as indicated by their partying, while their enemies (Medes and Persians) were diverting their water from the Euphrates without them knowing

This is a similar image of western society being asleep as their culture is under attack, only to wake up one day and ask “what happened?”

Daniel 5:1 NIV

[1] King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them

** The world knows that we can discern what is going on in the world today and some will turn to us for interpretation; we can be a Daniel of today to let them know “we’re going down”

Daniel 5:14-16 NIV

[14] I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom. [15] The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it. [16] Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

Daniel 5:26-28 NIV

[26] “Here is what these words mean: Mene : God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. [27] Tekel : You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. [28] Peres : Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”

Daniel 5:30-31 NIV

[30] That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain, [31] and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two.

** The Psalmist calls on God to uphold the righteous and curse the evildoers

Psalm 125:4-5 NIV

[4] Lord, do good to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart. [5] But those who turn to crooked ways the Lord will banish with the evildoers. Peace be on Israel.

Genesis 12:2-3 NIV

[2] “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. [3] I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. ”

** Among the many general causes of decline in grace, we may assign a principal place to spiritual pride and self-admiration. If our attainments in knowledge and giftedness, and even in grace, seduce us into a good opinion of ourselves, as if we were wise and good — we are already ensnared, in danger of falling every step we take, of mistaking the right path, and proceeding from bad to worse without a power of correcting or even of discovering our deviations! That is, unless and until the Lord mercifully interposes, by restoring us to a spirit of humility, and dependence upon Himself. For God, who gives more grace to the humble, resists the proud! He beholds them with abhorrence, in proportion to the degree in which they admire themselves! It is the invariable law of His kingdom, that everyone who exalts himself, shall be abased!

True Christians, through the remaining evil of their hearts, and the subtle temptations of their enemy, are liable, not only to the workings of that pride which is common to our fallen nature but to a certain kind of pride, which, though the most absurd and intolerable in any person — can only be found among those who make profession of the gospel. We have nothing but what we have received, and therefore to be proud of our titles, wealth, knowledge, success, or any temporal advantages by which the providence of God has distinguished us, is downright sinful! For those who confess themselves to be 'sinners', and therefore deserving of nothing but misery and wrath — to be proud of those peculiar blessings which are derived from the gospel of God's grace, is a wickedness of which even the demons are not capable of!

The apostle Paul was so aware of his danger of being exalted above measure, through the abundant revelations and peculiar favors which the Lord had afforded him, that he says, "There was given me a messenger of Satan to buffet me!" He speaks of this sharp trial as a great mercy, because he saw that it was necessary, and designed to keep him humble and attentive to his own weakness.

Ministers who are honored with singular abilities and success, have great need of watchfulness and prayer on this account! Simple-hearted hearers are apt to admire their favorite preacher, taking it for granted that he is deeply affected himself with the truths, which, with so much apparent liberty and power, he proposes to them. While, perhaps the poor worm is secretly indulging self-applause, and pleasing himself with the numbers and attention of those who hang upon his words!

Perhaps such thoughts will occasionally rise in the minds of the best ministers; but if they are allowed, if they become habitual, and enter strongly into the idea he forms of his own importance; and if, while he professes to preach Jesus Christ, he is preaching himself, and seeking his own glory, then he is guilty of high treason against the Majesty of Him in whose name he speaks! And sooner or later, the effects of his pride will be visible and noticed. Doctrinal errors, gross misconduct, an abatement of zeal, of gifts, of influence are evils always to be dreaded when spiritual pride has gained an ascendancy, whether in public or in private life. <N150>

Isaiah 23:9 NIV

[9] The Lord Almighty planned it, to bring down her pride in all her splendor and to humble all who are renowned on the earth.

1 Corinthians 4:7 NIV

[7] For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

** We are held accountable for our own sin, not the sin of our ancestors as social justice woke false leaders (even in the church) want us to believe

Ezekiel 18:18 NIV

[18] But his father will die for his own sin, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother and did what was wrong among his people.

** The Matt 7 ‘judging passage’ that is part of the Sermon on the Mount reveals HOW to judge others and not WHETHER to judge others; in fact, we are CALLED to judge and discern in order to determine wrong from right, false prophets, etc <K110>

But we must not hypocritically judge others with a prejudiced mind — looking at the outer appearance and not what is at the heart of the matter — for we will be held accountable by the same measure

Jesus was not advocating that Christians should not discern every situation but that we should not be hypocritical, holding others to a higher standard than we are willing to live <M130>

Matthew 7:1-2 NIV

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. [2] For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Matthew 7:12 NIV

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

John 7:24 NIV

[24] Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”

** Don't be so concerned about outer appearances but guard what you allow in, for this will influence who you are and who others perceive you to be

• The condition of your heart will shine bright, while outer appearances will fade

• Ask whether the approval of others is more important than the approval from God

Luke 11:34-36 NIV

[34] Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. [35] See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. [36] Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.”

Luke 11:39-41 NIV

[39] Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. [40] You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? [41] But now as for what is inside you---be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.

** God reiterates the duties of the leader-priests, to teach the people what is clean and unclean

Ezekiel 44:23 NIV

[23] They are to teach my people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.

** Prophets in Jeremiah’s day were telling everyone ‘not to worry’ because everything is going to be ok even though the Babylonians were attacking the city and Jeremiah was warning otherwise <H87>

Beware of current-day ‘prophets’ who want to avert our eyes from what is really going on; even the people they are prophesying to, who go along with wickedness, will suffer consequences!

Jeremiah 14:13-16 NIV

[13] But I said, “Alas, Sovereign Lord! The prophets keep telling them, 'You will not see the sword or suffer famine. Indeed, I will give you lasting peace in this place.' ” [14] Then the Lord said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds. [15] Therefore this is what the Lord says about the prophets who are prophesying in my name: I did not send them, yet they are saying, 'No sword or famine will touch this land.' Those same prophets will perish by sword and famine. [16] And the people they are prophesying to will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and sword. There will be no one to bury them, their wives, their sons and their daughters. I will pour out on them the calamity they deserve.

Jeremiah 16:9-11 NIV

[9] For this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Before your eyes and in your days I will bring an end to the sounds of joy and gladness and to the voices of bride and bridegroom in this place. [10] “When you tell these people all this and they ask you, 'Why has the Lord decreed such a great disaster against us? What wrong have we done? What sin have we committed against the Lord our God?' [11] then say to them, 'It is because your ancestors forsook me,' declares the Lord, 'and followed other gods and served and worshiped them. They forsook me and did not keep my law.

** The consequences of selfish inattentive shepherding is the scattering and destruction of the flock

Ezekiel 34:2,4-5 NIV

[2] “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? [4] You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. [5] So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals.

** God looks at our heart, motive and current actions when judging us; righteousness is not a matter of our performance or ‘racking up points’ with God

Beware for any believer who turns from God and unashamedly continues in sin!

Ezekiel 33:12-13 NIV

[12] “Therefore, son of man, say to your people, 'If someone who is righteous disobeys, that person's former righteousness will count for nothing. And if someone who is wicked repents, that person's former wickedness will not bring condemnation. The righteous person who sins will not be allowed to live even though they were formerly righteous.' [13] If I tell a righteous person that they will surely live, but then they trust in their righteousness and do evil, none of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered; they will die for the evil they have done.

** Do God’s people have to “be nice” when faced with idiotic evil behavior or can we mock the mockers, rebuke the rebukers, and shame the shamers? We see many examples of overt responses throughout Scripture, including that of Elijah who mocked those calling on a false god.

Ezekiel 23:19-21 NIV [God uses graphic language to describe how far gone His people have gone]

[19] Yet she [Israel] became more and more promiscuous as she recalled the days of her youth, when she was a prostitute in Egypt. [20] There she lusted after her lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of horses. [21] So you longed for the lewdness of your youth, when in Egypt your bosom was caressed and your young breasts fondled.

1 Kings 18:27 NIV [mocking those calling on a false god]

[27] At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.”

Isaiah 44:6-19 NIV [showing how stupid the idol maker’s logic really is]

[6] “This is what the Lord says---Israel's King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. [7] Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come---yes, let them foretell what will come. [8] Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.” [9] All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame. [10] Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit nothing? [11] People who do that will be put to shame; such craftsmen are only human beings. Let them all come together and take their stand; they will be brought down to terror and shame. [12] The blacksmith takes a tool and works with it in the coals; he shapes an idol with hammers, he forges it with the might of his arm. He gets hungry and loses his strength; he drinks no water and grows faint. [13] The carpenter measures with a line and makes an outline with a marker; he roughs it out with chisels and marks it with compasses. He shapes it in human form, human form in all its glory, that it may dwell in a shrine. [14] He cut down cedars, or perhaps took a cypress or oak. He let it grow among the trees of the forest, or planted a pine, and the rain made it grow. [15] It is used as fuel for burning; some of it he takes and warms himself, he kindles a fire and bakes bread. But he also fashions a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it. [16] Half of the wood he burns in the fire; over it he prepares his meal, he roasts his meat and eats his fill. He also warms himself and says, “Ah! I am warm; I see the fire. ” [17] From the rest he makes a god, his idol; he bows down to it and worships. He prays to it and says, “Save me! You are my god!” [18] They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand. [19] No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say, “Half of it I used for fuel; I even baked bread over its coals, I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?”

Isaiah 64:6 NIV

[6] All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

Nehemiah 13:19-22 NIV [protecting the commandment to keep the Sabbath]

[19] When evening shadows fell on the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I ordered the doors to be shut and not opened until the Sabbath was over. I stationed some of my own men at the gates so that no load could be brought in on the Sabbath day. [20] Once or twice the merchants and sellers of all kinds of goods spent the night outside Jerusalem. [21] But I warned them and said, “Why do you spend the night by the wall? If you do this again, I will arrest you.” From that time on they no longer came on the Sabbath. [22] Then I commanded the Levites to purify themselves and go and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this also, my God, and show mercy to me according to your great love.

Matthew 15:14 NIV [Jesus, who did not tiptoe around His response to false teachers]

[14] Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

Matthew 23:27-28 NIV

Acts 13:9-11 NIV

[9] Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, [10] “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? [11] Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.

** As prophet, Ezekiel was instructed by God to refuse divulging information regarding the elder-visitor concerns because of their hypocrisy <C34>

Ezekiel 20:1-4 NIV

[1] In the seventh year, in the fifth month on the tenth day, some of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the Lord, and they sat down in front of me. [2] Then the word of the Lord came to me: [3] “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Have you come to inquire of me? As surely as I live, I will not let you inquire of me, declares the Sovereign Lord. ' [4] “Will you judge them? Will you judge them, son of man? Then confront them with the detestable practices of their ancestors

Ezekiel 20:21 NIV

[21] “ 'But the children rebelled against me: They did not follow my decrees, they were not careful to keep my laws, of which I said, “The person who obeys them will live by them,” and they desecrated my Sabbaths. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and spend my anger against them in the wilderness.

Ezekiel 20:27 NIV

[27] “Therefore, son of man, speak to the people of Israel and say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: In this also your ancestors blasphemed me by being unfaithful to me

Ezekiel 20:31 NIV

[31] When you offer your gifts---the sacrifice of your children in the fire---you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. Am I to let you inquire of me, you Israelites? As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I will not let you inquire of me.

** The book of Ezekiel reveals implications for today’s Social Gospel trend where the majority of people today view themselves as a victim and belonging to a ‘victim group’ with others to blame; the Social Gospel focuses on victim needs, not the gospel

We need to forget this idea of victimization and turn to repenting of our sin as outlined in Ezekiel. Sad, but the church is moving away from the message of the gospel (that people hate) to one that caudles victims with a social gospel (that tickle their ears).

God plays no favorites but holds each individual accountable for his own sin; the death is physical, which for many ends in eternal death <M130>

Ezekiel 18:2-4 NIV

[2] “What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel: “ 'The parents eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge'? [3] “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel. [4] For everyone belongs to me, the parent as well as the child---both alike belong to me. The one who sins is the one who will die.

Ezekiel 18:18 NIV

[18] But his father will die for his own sin, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother and did what was wrong among his people.

** Ezekiel’s message is to proud sinners in exile who complained they were slaves in a foreign land because of the sins of their forefathers; like all sinners, they wanted comfort and blamed anyone else, including God

Ezekiel 18:1-4 NIV

[1] The word of the Lord came to me: [2] “What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel:

“ 'The parents eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge'? [3] “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel. [4] For everyone belongs to me, the parent as well as the child---both alike belong to me. The one who sins is the one who will die.

Ezekiel 18:25 NIV

[25] “Yet you say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Hear, you Israelites: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust?

Jeremiah 31:29-30 NIV

[29] “In those days people will no longer say, 'The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge.' [30] Instead, everyone will die for their own sin; whoever eats sour grapes---their own teeth will be set on edge.

** Today, with the innumerable number of deluded people around us, our job is to use each and every circumstance to plant a single seed of God's truth, trusting God may someday cause spiritual growth. In every situation God allows us as we live our lives on this planet, we should strive to have a Christ-based response in every answer we give. <P168>

1 Corinthians 3:6 NIV

[6] I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.

** Ananias and Sapphira loved money more than the Lord and lied to both man and God; they sold their property in efforts to be liked by others (tainted offering) and not to glorify God

Acts 5:9-10 NIV

[9] Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” [10] At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

Matthew 6:1-4 NIV

[1] “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. [2] “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. [3] But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [4] so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

1 Timothy 6:6-10 NIV

[6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. [8] But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. [9] Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. [10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

** The elders of Israel held religious positions but served other gods — they had a form of godliness but denied its power

Ezekiel 14:1 NIV

[1] Some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat down in front of me.

2 Timothy 3:5 NIV

[5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

** Even though the elders were notable in Jewish society, it did not influence God’s response as long as idols captured their heart; in fact, God let them take their course rooted in sin

How many today prefer their own righteousness and way to salvation than what God outlines to the repentant through His Word <H83>

Ezekiel 14:1 NIV

[1] Some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat down in front of me.

** Idols are not just limited to objects but anything that occupies our attention, especially those things that appeal to the flesh; what idols replace God in our life?

Ezekiel 14:11 NIV

[11] Then the people of Israel will no longer stray from me, nor will they defile themselves anymore with all their sins. They will be my people, and I will be their God, declares the Sovereign Lord. ' ”

Colossians 1:15-16 NIV

[15] The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. [16] For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

** God accused false prophets of not caring for others and taking advantage of those in need, while trying to preserve their own life

Ezekiel 13:3-5 NIV

[3] This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! [4] Your prophets, Israel, are like jackals among ruins. [5] You have not gone up to the breaches in the wall to repair it for the people of Israel so that it will stand firm in the battle on the day of the Lord.

Ezekiel 13:18-19 NIV

[18] and say, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on all their wrists and make veils of various lengths for their heads in order to ensnare people. Will you ensnare the lives of my people but preserve your own? [19] You have profaned me among my people for a few handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to my people, who listen to lies, you have killed those who should not have died and have spared those who should not live.

** False prophets claim to speak for God to lure others into a false security while ignoring the issue of sin; God reveals these prophetic falsehoods and results of ‘whitewashing’ truth

Ezekiel 13:6 NIV

[6] Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. Even though the Lord has not sent them, they say, “The Lord declares,” and expect him to fulfill their words.

Ezekiel 13:8-9 NIV

[8] “ 'Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Because of your false words and lying visions, I am against you, declares the Sovereign Lord. [9] My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.

Ezekiel 13:10-11 NIV

[10] “ 'Because they lead my people astray, saying, “Peace,” when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, [11] therefore tell those who cover it with whitewash that it is going to fall. Rain will come in torrents, and I will send hailstones hurtling down, and violent winds will burst forth.

** People may mock and think nothing comes of prophetic warnings but God WILL fulfill His Word and promises, putting an end to false utterances

Ezekiel 12:21-25 NIV

[21] The word of the Lord came to me: [22] “Son of man, what is this proverb you have in the land of Israel: 'The days go by and every vision comes to nothing'? [23] Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am going to put an end to this proverb, and they will no longer quote it in Israel.' Say to them, 'The days are near when every vision will be fulfilled. [24] For there will be no more false visions or flattering divinations among the people of Israel. [25] But I the Lord will speak what I will, and it shall be fulfilled without delay. For in your days, you rebellious people, I will fulfill whatever I say, declares the Sovereign Lord.' ”

Ezekiel 12:26-28 NIV

[26] The word of the Lord came to me: [27] “Son of man, the Israelites are saying, 'The vision he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies about the distant future.' [28] “Therefore say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign Lord.' ”

** “When we are right with God, we look forward to the Day of the Lord; when we are not right with God, we dread the Day of the Lord” <H87>

Let’s examine ourselves to make sure we are right with God; repentance is a cleansing of the heart we are to continually perform so we can be ready for the Day of the Lord

Joel 2:12-13 NIV

[12] “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” [13] Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

** When we see the literal insanity around us and wonder why people do not “wake up” to the truth, know that we are in the end times and that God has given the world over to delusion to believe the lies it promotes <S188>

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 NIV

[9] The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, [10] and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. [11] For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie [12] and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

** It grieves God when His children turn their attention away from Him, lusting after idols

Ezekiel 6:9b NIV

[9] …How I have been grieved by their adulterous hearts, which have turned away from me, and by their eyes, which have lusted after their idols. They will loathe themselves for the evil they have done and for all their detestable practices.

** Don’t downgrade prophecies or preaching but examine everything carefully — holding fast to what is inherently good, Scripturally accurate and pleasing to the Lord, while rejecting every kind of evil or those ways that are not God’s ways

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 NIV

[19] Do not quench the Spirit. [20] Do not treat prophecies with contempt [21] but test them all; hold on to what is good, [22] reject every kind of evil.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 NIV

[15] So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

[15] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

If you want to be discerning, then:

a) request it of God through prayer

b) submit to Scripture which is God’s word from above

c) follow discerning teachers

d) lean on the Holy Spirit who will guide you <M130>

2 Timothy 3:14-15 NIV

** Look ahead to see if you will encounter evil and plan how to deal with it with God’s help; if you know you will be personally affected by it, then prepare now with a ‘Plan B’ <H86>

Proverbs 22:3 NIV

[3] The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

** In general, God calls us to be submissive and respectful — not exhibiting a pompous attitude — toward authority, unless they tell us to sin and go against what God desires of us <F64>

There are a numerous passive and active responses we can utilize as believers in Christ to those in authority who want to force us to sin against our conscience:

a) Pray for authorities (1Tim 2:1-2)

b) Model for authorities (1Peter 3:1-2)

c) Appeal to authorities when living in society that provides the means to do this (Moses before Pharaoh, Daniel concerning food, woman appealing to the unjust judge)

d) Confront authorities with the word of God (Nathan confronting King David, Daniel confronts King Nebuchadnezzar)

e) Defy authority (women refusing to kill baby boys, three men refusing to bow down to image of King Nebuchadnezzar)

f) Flee from ungodly authorities (like Paul fleeing from one place to another) being ready to bear the consequences

Americans are unique in their brazenness toward authority because they can confront without impunity (the Constitution is on their side) but most of church history did not enjoy this status; Paul was punished and thrown in prison often because he defied authority and lost his freedom while doing so <B292>

1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV

[1] I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--- [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

1 Peter 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, [2] when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

Daniel 1:8,11-16 NIV

[8] But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. [11] Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, [12] “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. [13] Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” [14] So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. [15] At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. [16] So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.

1 Chronicles 17:1-4,15 NIV

[1] After David was settled in his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent. ” [2] Nathan replied to David, “Whatever you have in mind, do it, for God is with you.” [3] But that night the word of God came to Nathan, saying: [4] “Go and tell my servant David, 'This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build me a house to dwell in. [15] Nathan reported to David all the words of this entire revelation.

Daniel 3:4-6,12 NIV

[4] Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: [5] As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. [6] Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” [12] But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon---Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego---who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Acts 18:5-6 NIV

[5] When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. [6] But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

** There are times when it is necessary Christians are BOLD and controversial when interacting with others

• Christ did not come to earth to ‘fit into society’ but challenged even the religious leader’s thinking

• Calling the religious leaders ‘whitewashed tombs’ were not words intended to build their self-esteem but to challenge their thinking

• Paul encouraged Christians in Ephesus to disassociate themselves from evil doers and expose them

• Remain strong in your conviction!

Ephesians 5:11 NIV

[11] Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

Romans 13:12 NIV

[12] The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

** It was Peter's love for Christ which made him so rebel at the thought of such a dire fate for Him. In his love, he sought to hold the Master back from so throwing away His life. But in doing this, he was acting the part of Satan in seeking to tempt Jesus away from His great work of atonement. This way of the cross was not an accident; it was the way marked out for Christ; to swerve from it, would be to fail in His mission.

Our best friends may become our tempters in the same way. In their love for us, they may seek to keep us from entering paths of duty which will lead us to great sacrifice. Mothers may seek to restrain their children from going to foreign mission fields. Any of us, in the warmth of our affection for our friends, may seek to dissuade them from perilous or costly service — which it may be their duty to undertake. We need to guard ourselves at this point.

The path of true success does not always lie along the sunny hillside! Sometimes it goes down into the dark valley of self-sacrifice! And if we try to hinder any from entering upon hard duties, urging them to choose easier ways--we may be doing Satan's work! We may be plucking the crown from the brow of our friend, by holding back his feet from the way of the cross.

We all need to guard, too, against the counsels of friends who would restrain us from costly or perilous service. In matters of duty — we must know only one guide, and follow the call of only one voice.

We are not put in this world to have a pleasant and easy time! We are not put here to consult our own inclinations at all. We are here, to go where Christ leads; to follow Him to sacrifice and to death if He leads us in these paths. We dare not allow ourselves to be turned aside by any tenderness of human love. It is the way of duty, however hard, that takes us home to Heavenly glory! <M136>

Matthew 16:22-23 NIV

** God gave the prophet Ezekiel everything needed to deal with the hard-hearted and obstinate exiles he was to approach in ministry; God lifted Ezekiel to the place he needed to be and later told him where to go

Ezekiel 3:4-9 NIV

[4] He then said to me: “Son of man, go now to the people of Israel and speak my words to them. [5] You are not being sent to a people of obscure speech and strange language, but to the people of Israel--- [6] not to many peoples of obscure speech and strange language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you. [7] But the people of Israel are not willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, for all the Israelites are hardened and obstinate. [8] But I will make you as unyielding and hardened as they are. [9] I will make your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people. ”

Ezekiel 3:12-15 NIV

[12] Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a loud rumbling sound as the glory of the Lord rose from the place where it was standing. [13] It was the sound of the wings of the living creatures brushing against each other and the sound of the wheels beside them, a loud rumbling sound. [14] The Spirit then lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the Lord on me. [15] I came to the exiles who lived at Tel Aviv near the Kebar River. And there, where they were living, I sat among them for seven days---deeply distressed.

Ezekiel 3:22-24 NIV

[22] The hand of the Lord was on me there, and he said to me, “Get up and go out to the plain, and there I will speak to you.” [23] So I got up and went out to the plain. And the glory of the Lord was standing there, like the glory I had seen by the Kebar River, and I fell facedown. [24] Then the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet. He spoke to me and said: “Go, shut yourself inside your house.

** We are called to witness to others whether we think they will listen or not — leave the results of your obedience in God’s hands

Ezekiel 2:3-5 NIV

[3] He said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. [4] The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says.' [5] And whether they listen or fail to listen---for they are a rebellious people---they will know that a prophet has been among them.

Ezekiel 2:7 NIV

[7] You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious.

** Often it is more difficult for people to listen and consider our message who are in our own community than it is for strangers

Ezekiel 3:5-6 NIV

[5] You are not being sent to a people of obscure speech and strange language, but to the people of Israel--- [6] not to many peoples of obscure speech and strange language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you.

Ezekiel 3:11 NIV

[11] Go now to your people in exile and speak to them. Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says,' whether they listen or fail to listen. ”

** It is sad that the Jews were hardened by their suffering and did not draw close to God in response

Ezekiel 3:7 NIV

[7] But the people of Israel are not willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, for all the Israelites are hardened and obstinate.

** Skeptics and the act of their skepticism is not a new endeavor. Noah dealt with it in his day. Lot dealt with it in his day. Just think back to Christ’s birth and how the Wise Men showed up in Herod’s court asking, “Where is He who is born King of the Jews?” A surprised King Herod turned to his own ‘wise men’ or experts of his day to ask them about this, and they responded by misquoting the prophet Micah. In fact, they downplay the passage to diminish the significance of this event so as to make it more politically palatable for their king (Micah 5:2 with Matt 2:5-6).

Why did they do this? Why didn’t these Pharisees walk the five or so miles with the Parthian Wise Men to Bethlehem to investigate the matter for themselves? Why did they quit believing in the promise of the coming Messiah? UNBELIEF.

They quit believing and thus their skepticism resulted in pride. This is why they would not stoop themselves to go with these foreign wise men to investigate the matter for themselves. Nevertheless, religious zealotry and human pride aside, the root cause for skepticism is often the passage of time between the giving of a prophecy, and the fulfillment of it. Time often has a funny way of whittling away our beliefs, our joy, and our hope. While time is not, in and of itself, evil, how Satan manipulates our understanding of it, is.

Satan knows his time is coming to an end, and he is attempting to demoralize and confuse the body of Christ in the present, so we cannot effectively bring the Gospel to a lost and dying world. He does this by a dizzying array of strategies and tactics, but the two mentioned in this brief-skepticism (hardening of hearts) and overwhelming the system, has proven to be very successful.

Jesus stated that the days before His return would be like the days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17:26-30). Each of those generations mocked God and mocked the coming judgment, and they paid dearly for it. The question we have to ask ourselves is, is our generation any different? If we look around the world today, do we see people openly mocking Christ and Christians? Are we seeing the complete censoring of Christian thought in the marketplace of ideas? Are we seeing the rising persecution of Christians around the world? YES.

However, we are not to lose heart. The fact that we are seeing this major prophetic sign, should be good news to the watching believer. We are seeing this day approaching (Heb 10:25). We are seeing the season just as we would see the changes in the weather (1 Thess 5:1-4). Jesus stated that when all these things (mocking and skepticism included) begin to occur, we are to look up and lift up our heads, because our redemption draws near (Luke 21:28).

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking every day is like the day before. None of us know what tomorrow holds, and we should spend whatever time we have remaining, not only occupying until He comes but eagerly longing for His return. Jesus is the only One who can fix this world’s problems. He is the only One who can vanquish evil. He is the only One who can fix us. Let us not be ensnared by the trappings of this world, because that will only serve to dash and thrash our hopes and energies and cause us to become distracted. Let us, however, be fixed on Christ and the world He will bring, thy kingdom come. <G70>

2 Peter 3:3-7 NIV

[3] Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. [4] They will say, “Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” [5] But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. [6] By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. [7] By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

Psalm 44:13,15-16,22 NIV

[13] You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, the scorn and derision of those around us. [15] I live in disgrace all day long, and my face is covered with shame [16] at the taunts of those who reproach and revile me, because of the enemy, who is bent on revenge. [22] Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.

** The audacity of mortal men, who are weaker than angels, proclaiming themselves either greater than God (by denying He exists), or greater than God’s servants (of whom, they beat, kill, and imprison for sharing the Good News). Think about the wrath they are storing up for themselves. Think about the demonic forces (who are more powerful than we) and how they tremble at the thought of God’s wrath. This should be cause for great concern for those denying the coming of our Lord and the truth about where we are on God’s prophetic timeline. <G70>

Ephesians 5:5-6 NIV

[5] For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person---such a person is an idolater---has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

John 3:36 NIV

[36] Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them.

** The “Mystery Kingdom” is termed as such because it was not talked about in the Old Testament

• It is the Church Age that extends from the rejection of Christ into the Tribulation period to Christ’s second coming

• Christ outlines how this Mystery Kingdom will operate through a series of parables, such as the Wheat & Tares where wicked people will exist among the sons of the kingdom to be separated at the end of the age by angels

• Did you know that the tares LOOK like wheat while growing but then turn black at harvest time?

• We can see how Satan places false believers in pulpits among the Christian community; beware of false teaching, only to be revealed in the last days <H86>

Matthew 13:24-30 NIV

[24] Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. [25] But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. [26] When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. [27] “The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?' [28] “ 'An enemy did this,' he replied. “The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?' [29] “ 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. [30] Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' ”

Colossians 1:13 NIV

[13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

** Christian apostasy is the rejection of one’s belief system and is revealed in a number of areas

a) Theological departure

b) Moral departure

c) Departure from Biblical authority

d) Departure from Biblical discernment

e) Departure from Biblical prophecy

f) Departure from truth to cleverly invented stories based on fear

• Immaturity prevents people from connecting dots between real life events and the Bible

• The immature are typically afraid of eschatology because they want to avoid their life being in limbo and needing to change

• On the contrary, we must recognize we are in a spiritual war and must mature in our faith to rely on God and survive <H86>

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

** Satan’s 5 step strategy to prepare the world for globalism: by replacing God, destroying relationships and abandoning critical thinking

1. Distract - get people to be distracted from God and what really matters

2. Self-Focus - put their attention on themselves, evident by the number of ‘selfies’ and profiles

3. Break Apart - break people’s relationships apart

4. Divide Humanity - we are clearly at this stage right now where differences of opinion are not tolerated

5. Globalism - building a global community which is Post-Separatism and Post-Modernism

We clearly see this happening today with the iPhone devices and unfettered access to the Internet <J102> (Sep 2021)

Genesis 3:1,4-5 NIV

[1] Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'? ” [4] “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. [5] “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Isaiah 14:13-14 NIV

[13] You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. [14] I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”

** Pastors today need to go back to the basics, and teach the congregation God’s truth from God’s word. As liberal seminaries question the solid truth of Scripture, liberal ideas begin to be taught from pulpits. Then all manner of evil is accepted. <G73>

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work

** Destruction is at hand to anyone who follows a false prophet, for they will be led down the wrong path and often ignore the evil of sin

Lamentations 2:14 NIV

[14] The visions of your prophets were false and worthless; they did not expose your sin to ward off your captivity. The prophecies they gave you were false and misleading.

** God accepted prayers to bring other ungodly people - especially the Babylonians at the time - under His judgment <M130>

Lamentations 1:21-22 NIV

[21] “People have heard my groaning, but there is no one to comfort me. All my enemies have heard of my distress; they rejoice at what you have done. May you bring the day you have announced so they may become like me. [22] “Let all their wickedness come before you; deal with them as you have dealt with me because of all my sins. My groans are many and my heart is faint.”

Lamentations 3:64-66 NIV

[64] Pay them back what they deserve, Lord, for what their hands have done. [65] Put a veil over their hearts, and may your curse be on them! [66] Pursue them in anger and destroy them from under the heavens of the Lord.

Lamentations 4:21-22 NIV

[21] Rejoice and be glad, Daughter Edom, you who live in the land of Uz. But to you also the cup will be passed; you will be drunk and stripped naked. [22] Your punishment will end, Daughter Zion; he will not prolong your exile. But he will punish your sin, Daughter Edom, and expose your wickedness.

** The image that floats before the poet’s mind is that of a dark thundercloud breaking into a tempest, which overflows Jerusalem’s “perfection of beauty” <C32>

Lamentations 2:1-2 NIV

[1] How the Lord has covered Daughter Zion

with the cloud of his anger ! He has hurled down the splendor of Israel from heaven to earth; he has not remembered his footstool in the day of his anger. [2] Without pity the Lord has swallowed up all the dwellings of Jacob; in his wrath he has torn down the strongholds of Daughter Judah. He has brought her kingdom and its princes down to the ground in dishonor.

Lamentations 2:15 NIV

[15] All who pass your way clap their hands at you; they scoff and shake their heads at Daughter Jerusalem: “Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of the whole earth?”

** The fall of Jerusalem should teach us that a nation is a moral whole, capable of doing evil and receiving retribution, not a mere aggregation of individuals <C38>

** God will bring down the proud and sinful; they will have no secure place to live

Jeremiah 49:16 NIV

[16] The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks, who occupy the heights of the hill. Though you build your nest as high as the eagle's, from there I will bring you down,” declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 49:18 NIV

[18] As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown, along with their neighboring towns,” says the Lord, “so no one will live there; no people will dwell in it.

Jeremiah 49:31 NIV

[31] “Arise and attack a nation at ease, which lives in confidence,” declares the Lord, “a nation that has neither gates nor bars; its people live far from danger.

** God’s almighty power and wisdom in creation are evidence of His superiority to all idols; these idols along with the worshippers will be destroyed by His mighty power, as in Babylon’s case <M130>

Jeremiah 51:17-18 NIV

[17] “Everyone is senseless and without knowledge; every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. The images he makes are a fraud; they have no breath in them. [18] They are worthless, the objects of mockery; when their judgment comes, they will perish.

Jeremiah 51:15-16 NIV

[15] “He made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. [16] When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

Jeremiah 51:47,52 NIV

[47] For the time will surely come when I will punish the idols of Babylon; her whole land will be disgraced and her slain will all lie fallen within her. [52] “But days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will punish her idols, and throughout her land the wounded will groan.

** All cities surrounding Israel voluntarily surrendered so they would not be tortured and now the Assyrians were coming to Jerusalem, blaspheming and challenging Israel’s God

• King Hezekiah had a decision to make because they were next on the Assyrian’s list

• Upon hearing the taunting words from the Assyrians (Sennacherib), King Hezekiah went to the temple to seek the Lord and sent for the prophet Isaiah and was assured of deliverance

• Hezekiah had the right response to this challenge as he went directly to the Lord and asked others to pray for deliverance, but he did so for GOD’S glory! <F60>

Isaiah 37:14-17,20 NIV

[14] Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. [15] And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: [16] “Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. [17] Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to all the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God. [20] Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, Lord, are the only God. ”

** People simply do not listen to evidence: when Jeremiah stopped relaying God’s message, the arrogant, incorrigible, disobedient leaders accused him of lying, despite his success with past prophecies <M130>; Johanan led the people to Egypt against God’s direction and took Jeremiah with them

Jeremiah 43:1-2 NIV

[1] When Jeremiah had finished telling the people all the words of the Lord their God---everything the Lord had sent him to tell them--- [2] Azariah son of Hoshaiah and Johanan son of Kareah and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! The Lord our God has not sent you to say, 'You must not go to Egypt to settle there.'

Jeremiah 43:4-7 NIV

[4] So Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers and all the people disobeyed the Lord's command to stay in the land of Judah. [5] Instead, Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers led away all the remnant of Judah who had come back to live in the land of Judah from all the nations where they had been scattered. [6] They also led away all those whom Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard had left with Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan---the men, the women, the children and the king's daughters. And they took Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch son of Neriah along with them. [7] So they entered Egypt in disobedience to the Lord and went as far as Tahpanhes.

** William Booth (founder of Salvation Army) predicted that by the end of the 20th century the church would be preaching Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration and heaven without hell. We are at that point. When is the last time you heard a sermon on regeneration, sin, or hell? We can add the lack of eschatological preaching to the list of apostasy in the church. Satan has hijacked Christian values and put his own label on it (Jul 2021)

1 Timothy 4:1-2 NIV

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. [2] Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

** The Hebrew word for “boys” in Isaiah 3:4 suggests a young lad or perhaps a servant. In this context, it denotes an immaturity of leadership that the Lord said would characterize those in charge of Judah ahead of His judgment falling on the nation; the same can be said of a fallen nation today <B26>

Isaiah 3:4-5 NIV

[4] “I will make mere youths their officials; children will rule over them.” [5] People will oppress each other---man against man, neighbor against neighbor. The young will rise up against the old, the nobody against the honored.

** Jeremiah knew if he gave the king bad news he could be imperiled so he asked the king to promise not to kill him — he knew most people only want to hear good news and will bury their heads in the sand against the truth; God will reward those who stand by His truth, as did Jeremiah against the king and surrounding guards

Jeremiah 38:14-16,21,23 NIV

[14] Then King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah the prophet and had him brought to the third entrance to the temple of the Lord. “I am going to ask you something,” the king said to Jeremiah. “Do not hide anything from me.” [15] Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I give you an answer, will you not kill me? Even if I did give you counsel, you would not listen to me.” [16] But King Zedekiah swore this oath secretly to Jeremiah: “As surely as the Lord lives, who has given us breath, I will neither kill you nor hand you over to those who want to kill you.” [21] But if you refuse to surrender, this is what the Lord has revealed to me: [23] “All your wives and children will be brought out to the Babylonians. You yourself will not escape from their hands but will be captured by the king of Babylon; and this city will be burned down.”

Jeremiah 38:25 NIV

[25] If the officials hear that I talked with you, and they come to you and say, 'Tell us what you said to the king and what the king said to you; do not hide it from us or we will kill you,'

** God wanted to make sure His message was received by everyone (including the king and His people) so He had Jeremiah write down what God had spoken to him; Jeremiah created a second scroll after King Jehoiakim burned the first

Jeremiah 36:2-3 NIV

[2] “Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah and all the other nations from the time I began speaking to you in the reign of Josiah till now. [3] Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I plan to inflict on them, they will each turn from their wicked ways; then I will forgive their wickedness and their sin.”

Jeremiah 36:27-28,32 NIV

[27] After the king burned the scroll containing the words that Baruch had written at Jeremiah's dictation, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: [28] “Take another scroll and write on it all the words that were on the first scroll, which Jehoiakim king of Judah burned up. [32] So Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to the scribe Baruch son of Neriah, and as Jeremiah dictated, Baruch wrote on it all the words of the scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And many similar words were added to them.

** Micaiah, who was stationed in the temple, told the officials what Baruch read; they knew the king needed to hear what was written

Jeremiah 36:11-12a NIV

[11] When Micaiah son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, heard all the words of the Lord from the scroll, [12] he went down to the secretary's room in the royal palace, where all the officials were sitting

Jeremiah 36:16 NIV

[16] When they heard all these words, they looked at each other in fear and said to Baruch, “We must report all these words to the king.”

** God used the officials to instruct Jeremiah and Baruch to hide; the king burned every section of the scroll and wanted to arrest them but they could not be found

Jeremiah 36:19-20,23-24,26 NIV

[19] Then the officials said to Baruch, “You and Jeremiah, go and hide. Don't let anyone know where you are.” [20] After they put the scroll in the room of Elishama the secretary, they went to the king in the courtyard and reported everything to him. [23] Whenever Jehudi had read three or four columns of the scroll, the king cut them off with a scribe's knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was burned in the fire. [24] The king and all his attendants who heard all these words showed no fear, nor did they tear their clothes. [26] Instead, the king commanded Jerahmeel, a son of the king, Seraiah son of Azriel and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to arrest Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet. But the Lord had hidden them.

** The Lord punished King Jehoiakim for refusing to heed God’s warning, just as God will punish anyone today who chooses to ignore His word

Jeremiah 36:29-31 NIV

[29] Also tell Jehoiakim king of Judah, 'This is what the Lord says: You burned that scroll and said, “Why did you write on it that the king of Babylon would certainly come and destroy this land and wipe from it both man and beast?” [30] Therefore this is what the Lord says about Jehoiakim king of Judah: He will have no one to sit on the throne of David; his body will be thrown out and exposed to the heat by day and the frost by night. [31] I will punish him and his children and his attendants for their wickedness; I will bring on them and those living in Jerusalem and the people of Judah every disaster I pronounced against them, because they have not listened. ' ”

** God continues to provide the only truth that will set all men free from the bondage of sin; this scares those who want to control our lives so every effort is made to squash God’s truth, just like the Pharisees (Jews) with whom Jesus communicated in His day

John 14:6 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 18:37 NIV

[37] “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

True genuine disciples are recognized because they continue in God’s truth — His word; false faith often starts with a selfish motive (such as alleviating fear and guilt, attaining success, getting direction in life, healing, joining a social club, etc) but ends with serious eternal consequences

John 8:31-36 NIV

[31] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. [32] Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [33] They answered him, “We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” [34] Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. [35] Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. [36] So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Matthew 7:24-27 NIV

[24] “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. [26] But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. [27] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

True genuine faith requires total allegiance to Jesus Christ and persisting through the hard times, obeying God’s commands even though life is tough — perseverance and sanctification in truth <M130>

Luke 12:8-9 NIV

[8] “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. [9] But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.

James 2:17 NIV

[17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Luke 14:26-27 NIV

[26] “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters---yes, even their own life---such a person cannot be my disciple. [27] And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Hebrews 12:14 NIV

[14] Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

** God recognized two of the seven churches in Revelation that remained true to Him, while five of the seven became concerned what the (Roman) government thought and capitulated to them; look at that the example of the church in China and other dictatorial countries — as long as you preach what is sanctioned by the government you will be fine; this is not the true church of God

The same pressure and capitulation is happening today where churches are becoming woke and buying into the agendas of the government so as not to offend anyone and not to get in trouble with the government <H87>

Revelation 2:8-10 NIV

[8] “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. [9] I know your afflictions and your poverty---yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. [10] Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown.

Revelation 3:7-9 NIV

[7] “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. [8] I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. [9] I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars---I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.

[capitulated church]

Revelation 2:12-16 NIV

[12] “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. [13] I know where you live---where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city---where Satan lives. [14] Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. [15] Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. [16] Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

** Being yoked with unbelievers is also a message to the Church not to have any mutual alliance with the world; the church and Israel has a history of joining forces with the world; how can you link the cause of the gospel (God) with evil (Satan)?

The kingdoms of Light and Dark have nothing to do with each other, therefore cannot monitor purpose, harmony, agreement, partnership, fellowship, etc regarding social justice and other worldly agendas is simply not possible for the church <M130>

• one is old, the other is new

• one is earthly, the other is heavenly

• one is lawless, the other is righteous

• one is deadly, the other is enlivening

• one is material, the other is spiritual

• one is full of lies, the other is truthful

2 Corinthians 6:14 NIV

[14] Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

Deuteronomy 22:10 NIV

[10] Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together.

2 Corinthians 6:16-18 NIV

[16] What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” [17] Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” [18] And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV

[1] Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

Deuteronomy 7:1-2 NIV

[1] When the Lord your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess and drives out before you many nations---the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you--- [2] and when the Lord your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy.

This does not mean isolating or divorcing ourselves from current-day unbelievers because we must continue to share the gospel with them; but understand our focus is not to “save the world” (joining their cause) but to evangelize when given opportunity

1 Corinthians 9:21-23 NIV

[21] To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. [22] To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. [23] I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

[Jesus prayer for His disciples]

John 17:15-17 NIV

[15] My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. [17] Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

** Jeremiah reminded those listening to Hananiah’s prophecy that he is only valid as a prophet if his prophecy comes true

Jeremiah 28:5-9 NIV

[5] Then the prophet Jeremiah replied to the prophet Hananiah before the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the Lord. [6] He said, “Amen! May the Lord do so! May the Lord fulfill the words you have prophesied by bringing the articles of the Lord's house and all the exiles back to this place from Babylon. [7] Nevertheless, listen to what I have to say in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people: [8] From early times the prophets who preceded you and me have prophesied war, disaster and plague against many countries and great kingdoms. [9] But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord only if his prediction comes true. ”

** God’s response to Hananiah’s false prophecy was to place Israel and other nations in bondage of Babylon — the very nation Hananiah said would be defeated — and to terminate Hananiah’s life

Jeremiah 28:12-14 NIV

[12] After the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: [13] “Go and tell Hananiah, 'This is what the Lord says: You have broken a wooden yoke, but in its place you will get a yoke of iron. [14] This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I will put an iron yoke on the necks of all these nations to make them serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they will serve him. I will even give him control over the wild animals. ' ”

Jeremiah 28:15-17 NIV

[15] Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, “Listen, Hananiah! The Lord has not sent you, yet you have persuaded this nation to trust in lies. [16] Therefore this is what the Lord says: 'I am about to remove you from the face of the earth. This very year you are going to die, because you have preached rebellion against the Lord.' ” [17] In the seventh month of that same year, Hananiah the prophet died.

** Jeremiah obediently prophesied to all the nations God identified

Jeremiah 25:17-26 NIV

[17] So I took the cup from the Lord's hand and made all the nations to whom he sent me drink it: [18] Jerusalem and the towns of Judah, its kings and officials, to make them a ruin and an object of horror and scorn, a curse---as they are today; [19] Pharaoh king of Egypt, his attendants, his officials and all his people, [20] and all the foreign people there; all the kings of Uz; all the kings of the Philistines (those of Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and the people left at Ashdod); [21] Edom, Moab and Ammon; [22] all the kings of Tyre and Sidon; the kings of the coastlands across the sea; [23] Dedan, Tema, Buz and all who are in distant places ; [24] all the kings of Arabia and all the kings of the foreign people who live in the wilderness; [25] all the kings of Zimri, Elam and Media; [26] and all the kings of the north, near and far, one after the other---all the kingdoms on the face of the earth. And after all of them, the king of Sheshak will drink it too.

** God forced destruction on the nations He chose, starting with Jerusalem, whether they accepted His warning or not

Jeremiah 25:28-29 NIV

[28] But if they refuse to take the cup from your hand and drink , tell them, 'This is what the Lord Almighty says: You must drink it! [29] See, I am beginning to bring disaster on the city that bears my Name, and will you indeed go unpunished? You will not go unpunished, for I am calling down a sword on all who live on the earth, declares the Lord Almighty.'

Jeremiah 25:31-32 NIV

[31] The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth, for the Lord will bring charges against the nations; he will bring judgment on all mankind and put the wicked to the sword, ' ” declares the Lord. [32] This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Look! Disaster is spreading from nation to nation; a mighty storm is rising from the ends of the earth.”

** False prophets continue today with their claims of “having a dream” and speaking words from God that He did not speak; followers of Christ must discern and test every message against God’s Word in Scripture

Jeremiah 23:25-29 NIV

[25] “I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, 'I had a dream! I had a dream!' [26] How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? [27] They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their ancestors forgot my name through Baal worship. [28] Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord. [29] “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?

** There is a price to pay for listening to the messages of false prophets

Jeremiah 27:14-15 NIV

[14] Do not listen to the words of the prophets who say to you, 'You will not serve the king of Babylon,' for they are prophesying lies to you. [15] 'I have not sent them,' declares the Lord. 'They are prophesying lies in my name. Therefore, I will banish you and you will perish, both you and the prophets who prophesy to you.' ”

** The warning to the unfaithful shepherds are contrasted with those who care for their flock and whom Jehovah will raise up; remember that ‘pastors’ are more like civil rulers of Israel than priests during the time of Jeremiah

Note: this passage parallels with Ezekiel 34 that was delivered at the same time, showing either direct communication between the authors of similar thoughts <C32>

Jeremiah 23:1-8 NIV

[1] “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. [2] Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the Lord. [3] “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. [4] I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing, ” declares the Lord.

Ezekiel 34:7-10 NIV

[7] “ 'Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: [8] As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, [9] therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: [10] This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.

** Beware of friends and family you trust for in the days of deceit, they can turn against God and lead you away from Him

Jeremiah 9:4-6 NIV

[4] “Beware of your friends; do not trust anyone in your clan. For every one of them is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer. [5] Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning. [6] You live in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to acknowledge me,” declares the Lord.

** God pointed out to Jeremiah that his own family had betrayed him even though they outwardly spoke well of him

Jeremiah 12:6 NIV

[6] Your relatives, members of your own family---even they have betrayed you; they have raised a loud cry against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you.

** There is a trend in Christianity to create a “new god”, one that does not reflect the God of the Bible but satisfies an individual’s own desire; God lays out exactly who He is in Scripture; those people who venture from Scripture and fabricate a false god will pay the consequences

Jeremiah 7:31,34 NIV

[31] They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to burn their sons and daughters in the fire---something I did not command, nor did it enter my mind. [34] I will bring an end to the sounds of joy and gladness and to the voices of bride and bridegroom in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem, for the land will become desolate.

** Man is blind, madly blind, both to his danger and to his sin. Furiously he plunges in evil, from sin to sin, from lust to lust, defying God, braving His anger, ridiculing His threats, scoffing at His judgments, rushing against His sword, mocking at His Hell.

How much recklessness there is among us! Recklessness in sin, crime, self-indulgence, pleasure, lust. Utter defiance of God!

Bold, unblushing audacity, which nothing will daunt; which mocks at judgments, sorrows, trials, sermons, and plunges on in evil, treasuring up wrath against the day of wrath! <B21>

Jeremiah 8:6 NIV

[6] I have listened attentively, but they do not say what is right. None of them repent of their wickedness, saying, “What have I done?” Each pursues their own course like a horse charging into battle.

** The worthlessness of idols

Jeremiah 10:3-5 NIV

[3] For the practices of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. [4] They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter. [5] Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good.”

** Who can compare the God of the universe with idols that must be fashioned by the hands of men?

Jeremiah 10:9-10 NIV

[9] Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish and gold from Uphaz. What the craftsman and goldsmith have made is then dressed in blue and purple---all made by skilled workers. [10] But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. When he is angry, the earth trembles; the nations cannot endure his wrath.

Jeremiah 10:12-15 NIV

[12] But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. [13] When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses. [14] Everyone is senseless and without knowledge; every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. The images he makes are a fraud; they have no breath in them. [15] They are worthless, the objects of mockery; when their judgment comes, they will perish.

** Beware of false prophets and their “lying pen”as were the priests and prophets in Jeremiah’s day who led Judah into ruin; this is a call for all of God’s followers to be a Berean — to test what is heard against Scripture and treat the Word of God accurately

Jeremiah 8:8-9 NIV

[8] “ 'How can you say, “We are wise, for we have the law of the Lord,” when actually the lying pen of the scribes has handled it falsely? [9] The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the Lord, what kind of wisdom do they have?

** False teachers have no shame; do not be duped but, rather, discern their words against God’s written word

Jeremiah 8:11-12 NIV

[11] They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. “Peace, peace,” they say, when there is no peace. [12] Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when they are punished, says the Lord.

** God told Jeremiah ‘times would be tough being the strong wall standing before the nations’; we are to commit to times of faith and obedience

Jeremiah 6:16 NIV

[16] This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

** Jeremiah’s enemies planned to attack him for speaking God’s truth and he asks God to make them pay for this

Jeremiah 18:18 NIV

[18] They said, “Come, let's make plans against Jeremiah; for the teaching of the law by the priest will not cease, nor will counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophets. So come, let's attack him with our tongues and pay no attention to anything he says.”

Jeremiah 18:22-23 NIV

[22] Let a cry be heard from their houses when you suddenly bring invaders against them, for they have dug a pit to capture me and have hidden snares for my feet. [23] But you, Lord, know all their plots to kill me. Do not forgive their crimes or blot out their sins from your sight. Let them be overthrown before you; deal with them in the time of your anger.

** The Lord loves justice and hates when people sin and take advantage of others

Isaiah 61:8 NIV

[8] “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them.

** God sees nations that are oppressive and violent and will punish them accordingly

Jeremiah 6:6-7 NIV

[6] This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Cut down the trees and build siege ramps against Jerusalem. This city must be punished; it is filled with oppression. [7] As a well pours out its water, so she pours out her wickedness. Violence and destruction resound in her; her sickness and wounds are ever before me.

** Sin separates us from God and He hides His face when we sin; we dare not ask God for anything when arrogantly continuing to live in sin

Isaiah 59:2-3,7 NIV

[2] But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. [3] For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt. Your lips have spoken falsely, and your tongue mutters wicked things. [7] Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways.

** The Lord is always patient and faithful in His relationships until it is evident when He has been tossed aside; God outlined in the book of Jeremiah the reason He divorced Himself from Israel and Judah

Jeremiah 3:6-8 NIV

[6] During the reign of King Josiah, the Lord said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every spreading tree and has committed adultery there. [7] I thought that after she had done all this she would return to me but she did not, and her unfaithful sister Judah saw it. [8] I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery.

** The Jerusalem Principle applies when a nation reaches a point of no return and the Lord determines that its destruction will not be postponed. This happened to the city of Jerusalem and the Southern Kingdom of Judah about 2700 years ago during the time of the Hebrew prophet Jeremiah. Three times Jeremiah was told to stop praying for the people of Judah.

Jeremiah 7:16 NIV

[16] “So do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you.

Jeremiah 11:14 NIV

[14] “Do not pray for this people or offer any plea or petition for them, because I will not listen when they call to me in the time of their distress.

Jeremiah 14:11-12 NIV

[11] Then the Lord said to me, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people. [12] Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry; though they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will destroy them with the sword, famine and plague.”

After Jeremiah received his instructions to quit praying for the people of Judah, he forewarned them of their impending judgment. The people were captured and transported into Babylonian captivity where they remained for seventy years. Their homeland sat desolated during that period. <S198>

** The Jews worshiped the wife of Baal or Molech that involved prostitution <M130>; they did this to their own detriment

Jeremiah 7:16-19 NIV

[16] “So do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you. [17] Do you not see what they are doing in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? [18] The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead the dough and make cakes to offer to the Queen of Heaven. They pour out drink offerings to other gods to arouse my anger. [19] But am I the one they are provoking? declares the Lord. Are they not rather harming themselves, to their own shame?

** God’s response to Israel rejecting Him was to bring charges against her

Jeremiah 2:9 NIV

[9] “Therefore I bring charges against you again,” declares the Lord. “And I will bring charges against your children's children.

Jeremiah 2:11,13 NIV

[11] Has a nation ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.) But my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols. [13] “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

** The prophet Hosea was instructed by God to marry an adulterous wife as an example to others; the restoration of Gomer by Hosea was a picture of God taking back His wicked, adulterous people <M130>

Jeremiah 3:1 NIV

[1] “If a man divorces his wife

and she leaves him and marries another man, should he return to her again? Would not the land be completely defiled? But you have lived as a prostitute with many lovers---would you now return to me?” declares the Lord.

Hosea 1:2 NIV

Jeremiah 3:12-13 NIV

[12] Go, proclaim this message toward the north: “ 'Return, faithless Israel,' declares the Lord, 'I will frown on you no longer, for I am faithful,' declares the Lord, 'I will not be angry forever. [13] Only acknowledge your guilt---you have rebelled against the Lord your God, you have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every spreading tree, and have not obeyed me,' ” declares the Lord.

** God pictured His covenant relationship with Israel as a marriage and pleaded with mercy for Judah to repent and return, for He will take her back; God will restore if we will repent!

Jeremiah 3:20,22-23 NIV

[20] But like a woman unfaithful to her husband, so you, Israel, have been unfaithful to me,” declares the Lord. [22] “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.” “Yes, we will come to you, for you are the Lord our God. [23] Surely the idolatrous commotion on the hills and mountains is a deception; surely in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel.

Jeremiah 3:14 NIV

[14] “Return, faithless people,” declares the Lord, “for I am your husband. I will choose you---one from a town and two from a clan---and bring you to Zion.

Jeremiah 3:12-13 NIV

** When people turn their backs on God, then rebellion, treachery, revolt, and lies abound while those who follow God become their prey; truth and justice is nowhere to be found

Isaiah 59:12-15 NIV

[12] For our offenses are many in your sight, and our sins testify against us. Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities: [13] rebellion and treachery against the Lord, turning our backs on our God, inciting revolt and oppression, uttering lies our hearts have conceived. [14] So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. [15] Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice.

** Wicked leaders among the prophets and priests proclaimed false peace and gave weak and brief comfort; they provided no true healing from the spiritual wound because they did not have discernment to deal with the sin and its effects <M130>

Jeremiah 6:13-15 NIV

[13] “From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit. [14] They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. 'Peace, peace,' they say, when there is no peace. [15] Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when I punish them,” says the Lord.

Jeremiah 6:20 NIV

[20] What do I care about incense from Sheba or sweet calamus from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please me.”

** As confirmed in Revelation, God will purge evil with fire and the wicked must be destroyed before the righteous can be established in peace

Isaiah 66:14-16 NIV

[14] When you see this, your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass; the hand of the Lord will be made known to his servants, but his fury will be shown to his foes. [15] See, the Lord is coming with fire, and his chariots are like a whirlwind; he will bring down his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. [16] For with fire and with his sword the Lord will execute judgment on all people, and many will be those slain by the Lord.

Revelation 19:1-3 NIV

[1] After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:

“Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, [2] for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” [3] And again they shouted: “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.”

Revelation 20:7-9 NIV

[7] When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison [8] and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth---Gog and Magog---and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. [9] They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.

** Jesus was not sought after because He spoke the truth; this only reminded others (like Pharisee leaders) of the lie they were living <K110>

Isaiah 53:3 NIV

[3] He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

** On account of her persistent backsliding, God had "sent away” Israel, Judah's sister, and had given her a certificate of divorce. But He had not repudiated Judah, and her children were wrong to suppose themselves altogether cast off.

They had, in fact, by their transgressions (especially their idolatries) wilfully divorced themselves or separated themselves from God; but no sentence had gone forth from him to bar reconciliation and return. The separation, such as it was, between God and his people was caused by their sins and not by any act of His. <B20>

Isaiah 50:1 NIV

[1] This is what the Lord says: “Where is your mother's certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of my creditors did I sell you? Because of your sins you were sold; because of your transgressions your mother was sent away.

Isaiah 3:8 NIV

[8] Jerusalem staggers, Judah is falling; their words and deeds are against the Lord, defying his glorious presence.

Isaiah 49:14 NIV

[14] But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.”

** Those who strive to replace Christianity today desire a Pagan Religion (classic occultism) that does not accept humans being made in the image of God and ‘pushes’ no identify as male or female; this is all in efforts to develop the religion of Babylon in the end times

Those conforming to paganism today do not want to take on God’s image, so they disfigure and corrupt themselves by putting on disfiguring tattoos and clothing, in efforts to become ‘pansexual’ and tapping into the androgynous evil forces promoting this agenda; this aligns themselves with the pagan demon they worship who is neither male or female

The natural Biblical sex act within marriage is a metaphysical bonding of two individuals — male and female — for ultimate purposes of fertility, while the unnatural anti-Biblical sex act within occult paganism is to derive power and pervert fertility

Most pagan useful idiots today, unlike the leaders who are driving this in our culture today, don’t understand the origins of pagan religion that can be found in androgynous god figures of Satan throughout the centuries, going back as far as 4000 years ago in the time of Abraham; they simply follow the crowd and perform what seems pleasurable to them and go along with incorporating AI (artificial intelligence) and other current chip-tracing technology efforts

Bottom line — efforts continue so society does not see individuals “made in the image of God” but rather as “evolving soulless matter” moving toward perfection and self-salvation; God highlights the differences between light & dark, good & evil etc while current pagan religions of today aim for unity and no distinction <H86>

Genesis 1:27 NIV

[27] So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Deuteronomy 22:5 NIV

[5] A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this.

Isaiah 5:20 NIV

[20] Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

** Paul understood that believers can be deceived and change course <F60>

• We can see this increasing as the day approaches believing their own lies

• God’s people seem to have a propensity toward deception, confusion, division, feckless, impotent to keep “the good life” the church has had these past decades

• While the church should lead the world, the world is instead turning the church from Christ

• The church is concerned about the demographics of the congregation and not offending anyone

2 Corinthians 11:3 NIV

[3] But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NIV

[14] And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. [15] It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

James 1:22 NIV

[22] Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 NIV

Romans 13:8 NIV

[8] Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

** The unrighteous do not learn of God’s righteousness even when grace is shown to them

Isaiah 26:10-11 NIV

[10] But when grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and do not regard the majesty of the Lord. [11] Lord, your hand is lifted high, but they do not see it. Let them see your zeal for your people and be put to shame; let the fire reserved for your enemies consume them.

Isaiah 26:20-21 NIV

[20] Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by. [21] See, the Lord is coming out of his dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will disclose the blood shed on it; the earth will conceal its slain no longer.

** Woe to those who argue, challenge or question their Maker and His purposes

Isaiah 45:9-12 NIV

[9] “Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker, those who are nothing but potsherds among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?' Does your work say, 'The potter has no hands'? [10] Woe to the one who says to a father, 'What have you begotten?' or to a mother, 'What have you brought to birth?' [11] “This is what the Lord says---the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands? [12] It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts.

** All of this world lies under the sway of the wicked one, including our governments; be aware of Satan’s measures

1 John 5:19 NIV

[19] We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

** All human plans to “save the world” will come to naught

Isaiah 26:17-18 NIV

[17] As a pregnant woman about to give birth writhes and cries out in her pain, so were we in your presence, Lord. [18] We were with child, we writhed in labor, but we gave birth to wind. We have not brought salvation to the earth, and the people of the world have not come to life.

** There are no Old Testament type Prophets today whose prophecies should be written and added to Scripture; personal prophetic-like motivations exist today but not to the scope of Old Testament prophecies

Likewise, there are no Apostles today equal in authority to the original and what they speak is NOT equivalent to what we find in the inerrant Scripture; we have apostles (small ‘a’ meaning ambassadors) that go out to speak God’s truth but that is not the same

We should flee from anyone claiming to be a Prophet or Apostle today! Interpreting any event in the church today should be evaluated in light of two verses:

a) Many believe prophets exist today but according to Matt 11:13, Jesus said that John the Baptist was the last to prophesy

Matthew 11:13 NIV

[13] For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.

b) Early in the book of Hebrews. the author (many believe to be Paul) states that the prophetic foretelling of Scripture was done by John, the forerunner of Jesus <S187>

Hebrews 1:1-2 NIV

[1] In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, [2] but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.

Ephesians 2:19-20 NIV

[19] Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, [20] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

** Their world, in effect, changed overnight. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were Jews who had been ripped away from their family and friends and carried away captive to Babylon. And they found themselves in an environment that was hostile to their faith.

It is not unlike many Christians today, whether they’re students in a hostile environment on a college campus or employees in a workplace where people have no interest in the things of God.

King Nebuchadnezzar wanted the brightest and best of Israel to school in the ways of Babylon and use to influence other Jews. He basically wanted to turn these young Hebrew men into Babylonian men who knew the ways of the Babylonian world.

In some ways, it was a great honor that the king summoned them to the palace. But in another way, they were exposed to great temptation. Yet in Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we see young men who were resolute. They wouldn’t compromise and eat from the king’s table.

We don’t know exactly why they refused, but it was a big enough reason to make a stand. And there was a real intimidation factor to take this stand with Nebuchadnezzar because he was a cruel and powerful man.

Yet the Bible tells us that “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank” (Daniel 1:8 NKJV). Daniel didn’t want to do anything that could hinder his fellowship with God.

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood their ground in a seemingly small area, which I believe enabled them to stand their ground in a much larger area later in their lives.

We all have temptations to compromise. That’s why, like Daniel, we need purpose and resolution because if we compromise now, we’ll regret it later. <L120>

Daniel 1:8 NIV

[8] But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

** We are to submit to the authorities who administer the LAW OF THE LAND and when they do not infringe on the people’s right to practice their religion

For instance, governors who usurp the legal process and try to mandate behavior (like shutting down churches) are circumventing the law and Christians are not obligated to follow; even if the mandate to shut churches was law, it still violates God’s law of continuing to meet together <H86>

Romans 13:1,6-7 NIV

[1] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. [6] This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. [7] Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV

** The Lord will bring down those who pridefully strut around showing how they are adorned

Isaiah 3:16-24,26 NIV

[16] The Lord says, “The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, strutting along with swaying hips, with ornaments jingling on their ankles. [17] Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion; the Lord will make their scalps bald. ” [18] In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces, [19] the earrings and bracelets and veils, [20] the headdresses and anklets and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms, [21] the signet rings and nose rings, [22] the fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses [23] and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls. [24] Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a sash, a rope; instead of well-dressed hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, branding. [26] The gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground.

** Once again, God refers to waging war to bring down the haughty and prideful

Isaiah 13:11 NIV

[11] I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless.

** The Lord will bring down the prideful Ephraim, its beauty fading like a flower past its bloom

• Descendants of Ephraim became known as the tribe of Ephraim, which was designated as one of the twelve tribes of Israel

• They settled in central Canaan, just northwest of the Dead Sea

• The tribe of Ephraim was chastised for idolatry (Hos 4:17) and their partnership with heathen nations (Hos 12:1)

• The tribe of Ephraim was taken into captivity by the Assyrians in 722 BC when the northern kingdom of Israel was conquered <G72>

Leviticus 26:19 NIV

[19] I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze.

Hosea 4:16-19 NIV

Hosea 5:4-6 NIV

[4] “Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution is in their heart; they do not acknowledge the Lord. [5] Israel's arrogance testifies against them; the Israelites, even Ephraim, stumble in their sin; Judah also stumbles with them. [6] When they go with their flocks and herds to seek the Lord, they will not find him; he has withdrawn himself from them.

Hosea 12:1 NIV

[1] 12 Ephraim feeds on the wind; he pursues the east wind all day and multiplies lies and violence. He makes a treaty with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt.

Isaiah 28:3-5 NIV

[3] That wreath, the pride of Ephraim's drunkards, will be trampled underfoot. [4] That fading flower, his glorious beauty, set on the head of a fertile valley, will be like figs ripe before harvest---as soon as people see them and take them in hand, they swallow them. [5] In that day the Lord Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people.

** Take heed of settling yourselves under an unholy minister — of one whose life gives the lie to his doctrine. An unholy preacher is the greatest destroyer of the souls of men!

Let a minister be ever so learned, solid, quaint, elegant, zealous, judicious, sententious, etc.--yet if he is carnal, covetous, worldly, vain, and loose in his life and walk, his hearers will rather slight and abhor the holy things of God.

He who preaches well, but lives bad — does what he can, to murder all his hearers at once! There is no greater bar to holiness, than ministers' unholy lives. An unholy life mars the soundest and the sweetest doctrine. The sins of teachers are the teachers of sins!

When the preacher departs out of the way of holiness, the people will quickly wander from all that is good. He whose life is not a standing reproof to sin — will, by his life, encourage sinners more and more in a way of sin. There is nothing which keeps men so off from the love of holiness, and from the pursuing after holiness, than the unholy lives of their ministers. <B24>

1 Timothy 4:12,16 NIV

[12] Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. [16] Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Isaiah 9:16 NIV

[16] Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray.

Titus 2:7 NIV

[7] In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness

** David prayed for relief from this evil world filled with lies and deceit; David sought peace but the world goes to war

Psalm 120:1-2,6-7 NIV

[1] I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me. [2] Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. [6] Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. [7] I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.

** The press has a great power for evil. Infidel and immoral writers are pouring forth a deluge of skepticism and vice, which are depositing a poisonous and toxic slime over the minds of the people.

Let it be imagined, if imagined it can be, what must be the state of multitudes in this country, when millions of pestiferous publications are annually going out among the masses of our population. Let the minds of all Christian people dwell upon the:

• Insult offered to God

• Ruin brought upon souls

• Injury done to morals, and

• Mischief perpetrated in the nation by such a state of things!

These ungodly publications originate from Satan's workshop, and reflect the scenes of that dreadful laboratory of mental poison! These authors, printers, publishers, booksellers, vendors, by myriads, are all busy and indefatigable to:

• Destroy the Bible

• Corrupt the mind

• Pull down the cross

• Dethrone God

• Subvert true religion

• Turn man into a speaking brute

• Overturn all morality

• Poison the springs of domestic happiness

• Dissolve the ties of social order

• Involve our country in ruin!

Satan, and all his emissaries upon earth, are in earnest in ruining men's souls! <J101>

2 Corinthians 2:11 NIV

[11] in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes

** A taste for worldly amusements will inevitably prove, wherever it is indulged--a powerful obstacle to growth in grace.

Man is unquestionably made for enjoyment. He has a capacity for bliss--an instinctive appetite for gratification; and for this, God has made ample provision of a healthful and lawful kind. But "a taste for worldly pleasure" means that this God-given capacity is directed to wrong sources, or carried to an excess.

Now there are some amusements which in their very nature are so utterly incompatible with true godliness, that a liking for them, and a hankering after them, and especially an indulgence in them--cannot exist with real, earnest, and serious piety.

True religion is, though a happy, a very serious thing--and can no more live and flourish in the uncongenial atmosphere of those parties, than could a young tender plant survive if brought into a frigid zone.

But in this pleasure-loving, pleasure-seeking, and pleasure-inventing age, there is a great variety of amusements perpetually rising up, which it would be impossible to say are sinful, and therefore unlawful. Yet the 'supposition of their lawfulness' viewed in connection with their abundance, variety, and constant repetition, is the very thing that makes them dangerous to the spirit of true religion. <J101>

** Even if we are not able to come together with others with a UNITY in TRUTH as Paul advocates, appreciate the opportunity to stand firm and share the gospel when possible; Paul experienced many hardships along the way but he always looked at the end result — the opportunity to preach!

Philippians 1:15-18 NIV

[15] It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. [16] The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. [17] The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. [18] But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice

Ephesians 6:13-14 NIV

[13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place

** If we complained less and praised more we would be happier, and God would be more glorified.

Let us daily praise God for common mercies. They are common as we frequently call them, and yet so priceless, that when deprived of them--we imagine that we are ready to perish! Let us bless God for:

• Eyes with which we behold the sun

• Health and strength to walk abroad

• Bread we eat

• Clothing we wear

• Public and religious liberty

• Friends and family associations, and

• Countless other comforts and blessings

Let us praise Him, in fact, for everything which we receive from His bounteous hand; for we deserve little, and yet are most plenteously endowed.

But beloved, the sweetest and the loudest note in our songs of praise should be of redeeming love! God's redeeming acts towards His chosen people, are forever the favorite themes of their praise. If we know what redemption means, let us not withhold our sonnets of thanksgiving.

We have been redeemed from the power of our corruptions, and uplifted from the depth of sin in which we were naturally plunged. We have been led to the cross of Christ, and our shackles of guilt have been broken off. We are no longer slaves of sin but children of the living God. We shall shortly be presented before the eternal throne without spot or wrinkle or any such thing!

Awake, awake, O inheritors of eternal glory, and cry out with David, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me — bless His holy name!" <S185>

Psalm 107:8 NIV

[8] Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind

** Those who practice rebellion suffer consequences, including becoming foolish

Psalm 107:17-18 NIV

[17] Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. [18] They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death.

** David realized the evil duplicity of the world and desired that God would reply, as he actively clung to the truth available in God’s Word

Psalm 119:113-115 NIV

[113] I hate double-minded people, but I love your law. [114] You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. [115] Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!

Psalm 119:121 NIV

[121] I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors.

Psalm 119:126-128 NIV

[126] It is time for you to act, Lord; your law is being broken. [127] Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, [128] and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path.

Psalm 119:155,157 NIV

[155] Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees. [157] Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from your statutes.

Psalm 119:163 NIV

[163] I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law.

** “Christ loves this world and its people — He came to die for us — yet even Christ has a point where He says, ‘It’s time to move on’” <D40>; we either accept in totality the message of Christ or we die!

Luke 9:5 NIV

[5] If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

Acts 13:51-52 NIV

[51] So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. [52] And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

** Be careful from whom you get advice, for words have power!

Proverbs 12:5-6 NIV

[5] The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful. [6] The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

Proverbs 12:13-14 NIV

[13] Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk, and so the innocent escape trouble. [14] From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward.

** Keep good company if you want to be rewarded with good things; there is a power when associating with the wise that helps build character and keep one from sin <M130>

Proverbs 13:20-21 NIV

[20] Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. [21] Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things.

Proverbs 16:29 NIV

[29] A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.

Proverbs 22:24-25 NIV

[24] Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, [25] or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.

Proverbs 23:20-21 NIV

[20] Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, [21] for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Proverbs 28:7 NIV

[7] A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

** Solomon warns his son about the conduct and results of getting involved with adulterous women

Proverbs 5:3,6 NIV

[3] For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; [6] She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it.

Proverbs 5:4-5 NIV

[4] but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. [5] Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.

Proverbs 5:11-14,23 NIV

[11] At the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent. [12] You will say, “How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction! [13] I would not obey my teachers or turn my ear to my instructors. [14] And I was soon in serious trouble in the assembly of God's people.” [23] For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly.

** The smallest piece of bread demonstrates how the prostitute reduces the life of a man to insignificance, including the loss of his wealth, freedom, family, purity, dignity, and even his soul <M130>

Proverbs 6:26-29 NIV

[26] For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread, but another man's wife preys on your very life. [27] Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? [28] Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? [29] So is he who sleeps with another man's wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.

** Solomon provides an example of a young man being led astray with devastating results

Proverbs 7:7-10,18-20 NIV

[7] I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense. [8] He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house [9] at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. [10] Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. [18] Come, let's drink deeply of love till morning; let's enjoy ourselves with love! [19] My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. [20] He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.”

Proverbs 7:21-23 NIV

[21] With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. [22] All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose [23] till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.

** Stay away from sexual sin at all costs not only for personal reasons but because you cannot hide from God

Proverbs 5:8 NIV

[8] Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house

Proverbs 5:15-18 NIV

[15] Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. [16] Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? [17] Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. [18] May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.

1 Corinthians 6:18 NIV

[18] Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.

Proverbs 5:21 NIV

[21] For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths.

** Avoid and do not follow the way of the fool or wicked; set your gaze straight ahead and be careful to remain steadfast in all your ways

Proverbs 4:14-17 NIV

[14] Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. [15] Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. [16] For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble. [17] They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

Proverbs 4:24-27 NIV

[24] Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. [25] Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. [26] Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. [27] Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

Proverbs 18:6-7 NIV

[6] The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating. [7] The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.

Proverbs 22:24-25 NIV

[24] Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, [25] or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.

Proverbs 23:9 NIV

[9] Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.

Proverbs 24:1-2 NIV

[1] Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; [2] for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.

Proverbs 25:26 NIV

[26] Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.

Proverbs 26:4,6-7 NIV

[4] Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. [6] Sending a message by the hands of a fool is like cutting off one's feet or drinking poison. [7] Like the useless legs of one who is lame is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

Proverbs 28:4 NIV

[4] Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.

Proverbs 29:24 NIV

[24] The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies; they are put under oath and dare not testify.

** We are not to harm others or follow the violent if we want to abide with God; avoid the wicked and follow the ways of God

Proverbs 3:29-32 NIV

[29] Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. [30] Do not accuse anyone for no reason---when they have done you no harm. [31] Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways. [32] For the Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence.

Proverbs 3:33-34 NIV

[33] The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. [34] He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.

** God protects our way from wicked deceitful men and adulterous women so we can walk in righteousness

• God also rewards us when we seek and abide by His wisdom

• Paying attention to wisdom has lasting benefits

• Each of the benefits, is rooted in the fact that God Himself ‘holds victory in store for the upright’ and ‘is a shield to those who whose walk is blameless’ <R1795>

Proverbs 2:7-8 NIV

[7] He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, [8] for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Proverbs 2:10-12 NIV

[10] For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. [11] Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. [12] Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse

Proverbs 2:16-17 NIV

[16] Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words, [17] who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God.

Proverbs 2:20-22 NIV

[20] Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. [21] For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; [22] but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.

Proverbs 19:16 NIV

[16] Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life, but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die.

Proverbs 21:22 NIV

[22] One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.

Proverbs 22:3,5 NIV

[3] The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. [5] In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.

Proverbs 24:15-16 NIV

[15] Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous, do not plunder their dwelling place; [16] for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.

Proverbs 24:19-20 NIV

[19] Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked, [20] for the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

** We have a responsibility to work with others, to warn, encourage, and help those we can help; for the trouble-makers, warn them a few times, then have nothing to do with them because they have proven themselves self-condemned (warped and sinful)

1. Go to them alone

2. Go to them with a couple witnesses

3. Take it to the church leadership

4. If they still do not listen, treat them as a pagan so they will be ashamed, come to their senses and repent

Proverbs 6:12-19 NIV

[12] A troublemaker and a villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, [13] who winks maliciously with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, [14] who plots evil with deceit in his heart---he always stirs up conflict. [15] Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed---without remedy. [16] There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: [17] haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, [18] a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, [19] a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 NIV

[10] He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. [11] Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 NIV

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Titus 3:10-11 NIV

[10] Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. [11] You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Matthew 18:15-17 NIV

This passage is a good example for our all-inclusive everything’s-ok church of today, speaking the truth in love like a doctor who tells his patient he has cancer...

1 Corinthians 5:1-5 NIV

[1] It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father's wife. [2] And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? [3] For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this. [4] So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, [5] hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.

Then forgive the sinner and receive him back after he repents...

2 Corinthians 2:5-8 NIV

[5] If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent---not to put it too severely. [6] The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. [7] Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. [8] I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.

Matthew 22:37-39 NIV

[37] Jesus replied: “ 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

God hates this troublesome behavior because it hurts the ones He loves <F60>

** Take heed of settling yourselves under an unholy minister — of one whose life gives the lie to his doctrine. An unholy preacher is the greatest destroyer of the souls of men!

1 Timothy 4:12,16 NIV

Isaiah 9:16 NIV

[16] Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray.

Titus 2:7 NIV

[7] In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness

** Be careful who you listen to, for ‘advisors’ can lead you astray and they can be your undoing!

2 Chronicles 22:2-4 NIV

[2] Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year. His mother's name was Athaliah, a granddaughter of Omri. [3] He too followed the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother encouraged him to act wickedly. [4] He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, as the house of Ahab had done, for after his father's death they became his advisers, to his undoing.

2 Chronicles 22:7-8 NIV

[7] Through Ahaziah's visit to Joram, God brought about Ahaziah's downfall. When Ahaziah arrived, he went out with Joram to meet Jehu son of Nimshi, whom the Lord had anointed to destroy the house of Ahab. [8] While Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab, he found the officials of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah's relatives, who had been attending Ahaziah, and he killed them.

** The king opened and repaired the temple even though many mocked him for doing so; there were, however, some who humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem

2 Chronicles 30:10 KJV

[10] So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.

2 Chronicles 30:10-11 NIV

** Even though the first reaction was to scoff at the king who encouraged them to return to the Lord, the “hand of God” moved them to assemble and rejoice; the Lord heard them for their prayers reached heaven

2 Chronicles 30:10-12 NIV

[10] The couriers went from town to town in Ephraim and Manasseh, as far as Zebulun, but people scorned and ridiculed them. [11] Nevertheless, some from Asher, Manasseh and Zebulun humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem. [12] Also in Judah the hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind to carry out what the king and his officials had ordered, following the word of the Lord.

2 Chronicles 30:25-27 NIV

[25] The entire assembly of Judah rejoiced, along with the priests and Levites and all who had assembled from Israel, including the foreigners who had come from Israel and also those who resided in Judah. [26] There was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem. [27] The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place.

2 Chronicles 31:1 NIV

[1] When all this had ended, the Israelites who were there went out to the towns of Judah, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. They destroyed the high places and the altars throughout Judah and Benjamin and in Ephraim and Manasseh. After they had destroyed all of them, the Israelites returned to their own towns and to their own property.

** God purposed that His children not intermarry or have alliances with evil people: enemies of God would try to destroy the line of David like when Johoram married Athaliah

2 Chronicles 21:6 NIV

[6] He followed the ways of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for he married a daughter of Ahab. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

2 Chronicles 22:10 NIV

[10] When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family of the house of Judah.

** Elijah conveyed God’s warning to Jehoram as he did with Israel’s Ahab and Jezebel; the consequences of Jehoram’s actions reached beyond family to the nation <M130>

2 Chronicles 21:12-15 NIV

[12] Jehoram received a letter from Elijah the prophet, which said: “This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: 'You have not followed the ways of your father Jehoshaphat or of Asa king of Judah. [13] But you have followed the ways of the kings of Israel, and you have led Judah and the people of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves, just as the house of Ahab did. You have also murdered your own brothers, members of your own family, men who were better than you. [14] So now the Lord is about to strike your people, your sons, your wives and everything that is yours, with a heavy blow. [15] You yourself will be very ill with a lingering disease of the bowels, until the disease causes your bowels to come out.' ”

2 Chronicles 21:16-18,20 NIV

[16] The Lord aroused against Jehoram the hostility of the Philistines and of the Arabs who lived near the Cushites. [17] They attacked Judah, invaded it and carried off all the goods found in the king's palace, together with his sons and wives. Not a son was left to him except Ahaziah, the youngest. [18] After all this, the Lord afflicted Jehoram with an incurable disease of the bowels. [20] Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. He passed away, to no one's regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.

1 Kings 17:1 NIV

** Solomon knew his marriage to the Pharaoh’s daughter was not pleasing in the sight of God because he did not want her staying in his father David’s home where the Ark had once been; eventually his pagan wives caused tragic consequences as he led the nation into idolatry

2 Chronicles 8:11 NIV

[11] Solomon brought Pharaoh's daughter up from the City of David to the palace he had built for her, for he said, “My wife must not live in the palace of David king of Israel, because the places the ark of the Lord has entered are holy.”

Deuteronomy 7:3-4 NIV

[3] Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, [4] for they will turn your children away from following me to serve other gods, and the Lord's anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you.

1 Kings 11:1-4,9-11 NIV

[1] King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh's daughter---Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. [2] They were from nations about which the Lord had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.” Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. [3] He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. [4] As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been. [9] The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. [10] Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the Lord's command. [11] So the Lord said to Solomon, “Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates.

** Sanballat and others ridiculed the Jews in their efforts to rebuild the wall and became very angry when their insults didn’t have an affect

• How many ‘distractions’ does Satan place in our lives today, trying to negate the work the Lord has for us to complete?

• How often do we listen to these distractors and allow them to alter the course we are on?

• How often does the enemy cunningly use us to distract others from God’s purposes just because we can’t see or understand His purpose at the time?

Nehemiah 4:1-2 NIV

Nehemiah 4:7-8 NIV

[7] But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem's walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. [8] They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it.

** Nehemiah reminded the people of Israel how Solomon’s intermarriage led to his downfall and warned of the same happening to them

Nehemiah 13:23,26 NIV

[23] Moreover, in those days I saw men of Judah who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon and Moab. [26] Was it not because of marriages like these that Solomon king of Israel sinned? Among the many nations there was no king like him. He was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel, but even he was led into sin by foreign women.

Nehemiah 13:30 NIV

[30] So I purified the priests and the Levites of everything foreign, and assigned them duties, each to his own task.

** The Jews asked God to block their opposition so they could move ahead with the project, not giving power to those who wanted them to fail

Nehemiah 4:4,9 NIV

[4] Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. [9] But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.

Nehemiah 4:6 NIV

[6] So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.

Nehemiah 4:13-15 NIV

[13] Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. [14] After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” [15] When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work.

** The opposition to the rebuilding project made things more difficult and took longer to complete, but the Jews persisted with the prayerful help of God

Nehemiah 4:16-18 NIV

[16] From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah [17] who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, [18] and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.

Nehemiah 4:22-23 NIV

[22] At that time I also said to the people, “Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and as workers by day.” [23] Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.

** Nehemiah’s enemies schemed to harm him after learning the wall was near completion; Nehemiah knew their scheme and refused to meet them

• Three more attempts were made by the Jews’ enemies to halt work on the wall

• They attempted to isolate Nehemiah so they could harm him

• Nehemiah refused to abandon his mission even for a brief time

• We too need to concentrate on the task God has given us, and resist those who would harm the work by distracting us <R1795>

Nehemiah 6:1-2 NIV

[1] When word came to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it---though up to that time I had not set the doors in the gates--- [2] Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were scheming to harm me

Nehemiah 6:3-4 NIV

[3] so I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” [4] Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer.

** Nehemiah’s enemies wanted to intimidate Nehemiah into coming to them <M130>

• Nehemiah’s enemies delivered an open letter which signified disrespect because the content of the letter was public

• His enemies also accused Nehemiah of getting the people to revolt and make him king

• Nehemiah did not stop the work on the wall to meet them, so they then hired a false prophet that Nehemiah also recognized

Nehemiah 6:5-7 NIV

[5] Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter [6] in which was written: “It is reported among the nations---and Geshem says it is true---that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king [7] and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: 'There is a king in Judah!' Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us meet together.”

Nehemiah 6:12,14 NIV

[12] I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. [14] Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, my God, because of what they have done; remember also the prophet Noadiah and how she and the rest of the prophets have been trying to intimidate me.

** The Lord rebuked the King of Assyria who arrogantly claimed victory over surrounding nations, but God reminded everyone that it was HE who ordained their victories; God then punished the King of Assyria by killing 185,000 soldiers and the king himself

2 Kings 19:23-25 NIV

[23] By your messengers you have ridiculed the Lord. And you have said, “With my many chariots I have ascended the heights of the mountains, the utmost heights of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the choicest of its junipers. I have reached its remotest parts, the finest of its forests. [24] I have dug wells in foreign lands and drunk the water there. With the soles of my feet I have dried up all the streams of Egypt.” [25] “ 'Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it. In days of old I planned it; now I have brought it to pass, that you have turned fortified cities into piles of stone.

2 Kings 19:22,27-28 NIV

[22] Who is it you have ridiculed and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! [27] “ 'But I know where you are and when you come and go and how you rage against me. [28] Because you rage against me and because your insolence has reached my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will make you return by the way you came.'

2 Kings 19:32-34 NIV

[32] “Therefore this is what the Lord says concerning the king of Assyria: “ 'He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here. He will not come before it with shield or build a siege ramp against it. [33] By the way that he came he will return; he will not enter this city, declares the Lord. [34] I will defend this city and save it, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant.' ”

** The man of God refusing to eat with the King is a good example that God does NOT want us to associate with those who oppose Him!

1 Kings 13:7-9 NIV

[7] The king said to the man of God, “Come home with me for a meal, and I will give you a gift.” [8] But the man of God answered the king, “Even if you were to give me half your possessions, I would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water here. [9] For I was commanded by the word of the Lord: 'You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.' ”

** Micaiah was not influenced by peer pressure but would only convey what the Lord told him

1 Kings 22:13-14 NIV

[13] The messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah said to him, “Look, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king. Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably.” [14] But Micaiah said, “As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what the Lord tells me.”

** There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have enough--a cheap Christianity which offends nobody, and requires no sacrifice--which costs nothing, and is worth nothing! <R170>

** We fear man so much, because we fear God so little. It is only the fear of God that can deliver us from the fear of man.

** Everyone who has made much progress in the Christian life, has been taught by his own experience that the world is a deadly enemy to the believer's growth in grace.

The cares of the world are exceedingly apt to mar the Christian character. But there are, in addition...

• the pleasures of the world,

• the honors of the world,

• the riches of the world,

all of which in turn seize hold of the heart with a mighty grasp.

Sometimes the world LAUGHS AND SCOFFS at the Christian, and tries to persuade him that he is giving himself to fanaticism and folly.

Sometimes it FLATTERS AND CARESSES him, and by its artful blandishments, seeks to draw him aside from the plain path of duty.

Indeed the world will assume any form, or morph into anything, to draw the Christian away from God and from duty.

How important then that you be on guard against this dangerous enemy! Beware especially against the levities and amusements of the world; for this is the point at which you are most in danger. <S184>

James 4:4 NIV

[4] You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

1 John 2:15-17 NIV

** David ignores the rebuke given by his elder brother and continues to inquire about the situation before eventually confronting Goliath

1 Samuel 17:28-30 NIV

[28] When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.” [29] “Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even speak?” [30] He then turned away to someone else and brought up the same matter, and the men answered him as before.

1 Samuel 17:32-33,37 NIV

[32] David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” [33] Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” [37] The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”

** The arrogant will discover that God holds the final judgment on who is ‘brought down’ and who is ‘exalted’

Psalm 75:2-3 NIV

[2] You say, “I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity. [3] When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.

Psalm 75:4-7 NIV

[4] To the arrogant I say, 'Boast no more,' and to the wicked, 'Do not lift up your horns. [5] Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly. ' ” [6] No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. [7] It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.

** God warns His people not to associate with those who serve other gods for they will have a negative influence

Exodus 34:12-17 NIV

[12] Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land where you are going, or they will be a snare among you. [13] Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and cut down their Asherah poles. [14] Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. [15] “Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land; for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you and you will eat their sacrifices. [16] And when you choose some of their daughters as wives for your sons and those daughters prostitute themselves to their gods, they will lead your sons to do the same. [17] “Do not make any idols.

** Solomon strayed from God by intermarrying women from surrounding nations

• Solomon disobeyed God, for Old Testament law prohibited marriage to foreign women

• These marriages, contracted to seal international treaties, were disastrous

• Solomon not only permitted his wives to worship their old gods and goddesses, but began to worship with them <R1795>

• This resulted in God withdrawing from Solomon and punishing him

1 Kings 11:1-2 NIV

1 Kings 11:4-6 NIV

[4] As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been. [5] He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. [6] So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord; he did not follow the Lord completely, as David his father had done.

1 Kings 11:9-11 NIV

[9] The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. [10] Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the Lord's command. [11] So the Lord said to Solomon, “Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates.

** The Israelites were not to follow their own prophet or dreamer but purge (destroy) the evil from among them -- even friends, family and entire towns trying to entice others away from God; today’s Christian also must be willing to prioritize God, even above family, and not follow any other god

Deuteronomy 13:1-4 NIV

[1] If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, [2] and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” [3] you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. [4] It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.

Deuteronomy 5:7 NIV

[7] “You shall have no other gods before me.

Deuteronomy 13:5 NIV

[5] That prophet or dreamer must be put to death for inciting rebellion against the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. That prophet or dreamer tried to turn you from the way the Lord your God commanded you to follow. You must purge the evil from among you.

Deuteronomy 13:6-10 NIV

[6] If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you love, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known, [7] gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, from one end of the land to the other), [8] do not yield to them or listen to them. Show them no pity. Do not spare them or shield them. [9] You must certainly put them to death. Your hand must be the first in putting them to death, and then the hands of all the people. [10] Stone them to death, because they tried to turn you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

Deuteronomy 13:14-15 NIV

[14] then you must inquire, probe and investigate it thoroughly. And if it is true and it has been proved that this detestable thing has been done among you, [15] you must certainly put to the sword all who live in that town. You must destroy it completely, both its people and its livestock.

** God commanded the purging of evil from the Israelite community; there should remain a degree of accountability in the Christian community today based on testimony from two or three witnesses

Deuteronomy 17:2-5 NIV

[2] If a man or woman living among you in one of the towns the Lord gives you is found doing evil in the eyes of the Lord your God in violation of his covenant, [3] and contrary to my command has worshiped other gods, bowing down to them or to the sun or the moon or the stars in the sky, [4] and this has been brought to your attention, then you must investigate it thoroughly. If it is true and it has been proved that this detestable thing has been done in Israel, [5] take the man or woman who has done this evil deed to your city gate and stone that person to death.

Deuteronomy 17:6-7 NIV

[6] On the testimony of two or three witnesses a person is to be put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness. [7] The hands of the witnesses must be the first in putting that person to death, and then the hands of all the people. You must purge the evil from among you.

Deuteronomy 19:15 NIV

[15] One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

** The women of Moab seduced the Israelite men and worshiped foreign gods; the Israelites yoked themselves to the false god of the Moabites and the Lord, in response, told Moses to kill the Israelite leaders

Numbers 25:1-3 NIV

[1] While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women, [2] who invited them to the sacrifices to their gods. The people ate the sacrificial meal and bowed down before these gods. [3] So Israel yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor. And the Lord’s anger burned against them.

Numbers 25:4-5 NIV

[4] The Lord said to Moses, “Take all the leaders of these people, kill them and expose them in broad daylight before the Lord, so that the Lord’s fierce anger may turn away from Israel.” [5] So Moses said to Israel’s judges, “Each of you must put to death those of your people who have yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor.”

** Moses was angry that the Midianite women were still alive since they were the ones used to lead the Israelite men astray and worship foreign gods

Numbers 31:14-18 NIV

[14] Moses was angry with the officers of the army---the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds---who returned from the battle. [15] “Have you allowed all the women to live?” he asked them. [16] “They were the ones who followed Balaam’s advice and enticed the Israelites to be unfaithful to the Lord in the Peor incident, so that a plague struck the Lord’s people. [17] Now kill all the boys. And kill every woman who has slept with a man, [18] but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with a man.

** Separating those who are unclean from the rest of the community was introduced in the first days of the Israelites

Numbers 19:20,22 NIV

[20] But if those who are unclean do not purify themselves, they must be cut off from the community, because they have defiled the sanctuary of the Lord. The water of cleansing has not been sprinkled on them, and they are unclean. [22] Anything that an unclean person touches becomes unclean, and anyone who touches it becomes unclean till evening.”

** God introduced procedures for Israelites to follow that were separate from the surrounding culture; God designated a place of worship for the Israelites entering the new land with provision for practical difficulties

Deuteronomy 12:8 NIV

[8] You are not to do as we do here today, everyone doing as they see fit,

Deuteronomy 12:11-14 NIV

[11] Then to the place the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name---there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice possessions you have vowed to the Lord. [12] And there rejoice before the Lord your God---you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levites from your towns who have no allotment or inheritance of their own. [13] Be careful not to sacrifice your burnt offerings anywhere you please. [14] Offer them only at the place the Lord will choose in one of your tribes, and there observe everything I command you.

Deuteronomy 12:21 NIV

[21] If the place where the Lord your God chooses to put his Name is too far away from you, you may slaughter animals from the herds and flocks the Lord has given you, as I have commanded you, and in your own towns you may eat as much of them as you want.

** Israelites were to offer a peaceful option before laying siege on a city in battle

Deuteronomy 20:10-12 NIV

[10] When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace. [11] If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you. [12] If they refuse to make peace and they engage you in battle, lay siege to that city.

** Joseph stayed true to his morals and respected Potiphar by not sleeping with his wife, recognizing that would be a sin against God

• Joseph wasn’t fooled; he knew this ‘victimless crime’ in having sex with Potiphar’s wife was, in fact, a sin against God

• Satan eagerly sticks new labels on old sins, trying to confuse humanity and provide us with excuses to do what we know is wrong

• It is important that our vision be as clear as Joseph’s, and that we be as honest with ourselves as Joseph was with Potiphar’s wife <R1795>

Genesis 39:6b-9 NIV

[6] Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, [7] and after a while his master's wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” [8] But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. [9] No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

** Joseph did what was right in the eyes of God despite the false accusations brought on by Potiphar’s wife, and despite the result of falling from high position to prison

Genesis 39:11-15 NIV

[11] One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. [12] She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. [13] When she saw that he had left his cloak in her hand and had run out of the house, [14] she called her household servants. “Look,” she said to them, “this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us! He came in here to sleep with me, but I screamed. [15] When he heard me scream for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.”

Genesis 39:19-20a NIV

[19] When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned with anger. [20] Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined.

** If Christians want to remain with God their Father, they are to avoid joining forces with unbelievers because the two have nothing in common and can not mix, like oil and water

2 Corinthians 6:14-16a NIV

2 Corinthians 6:17 NIV

[17] Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

** Be careful what company you keep because bad company corrupts good character; we have the knowledge of God so follow the path of righteousness

1 Corinthians 15:33-34 NIV

[33] Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” [34] Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God---I say this to your shame.

** Man gets in trouble when he has time on his hands and when God does not seem near and he is in 'waiting mode'

Exodus 32:1 NIV

** David pleaded with the Lord to deal with his fear regarding the wicked, those who were full of pride, scheming, plotting ruin and after his life; their downfall was one proof of God’s intervention

Reason for David’s fear which makes him do irrational behavior...

1 Samuel 21:10-15 NIV

[10] That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. [11] But the servants of Achish said to him, “Isn't this David, the king of the land? Isn't he the one they sing about in their dances: “ 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands'?” [12] David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath. [13] So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard. [14] Achish said to his servants, “Look at the man! He is insane! Why bring him to me? [15] Am I so short of madmen that you have to bring this fellow here to carry on like this in front of me? Must this man come into my house?”

Psalm 56:1-2,5-7 NIV

[1] Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack. [2] My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me. [5] All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin. [6] They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life. [7] Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down.

Psalm 57:4 NIV

[4] I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts---men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.

Psalm 56:9 NIV

[9] Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.

** Paul once again talks of being innocent as doves (about what is good) and wise as serpents (about what is evil)

1 Corinthians 14:20 NIV

[20] Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.

Matthew 10:16 NIV

[16] [Jesus said] “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Romans 16:19 NIV

[19] Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

** David realizes those who think they are strong in their own might will be brought to everlasting ruin

Psalm 52:5-7 NIV

[5] Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He will snatch you up and pluck you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living. [6] The righteous will see and fear; they will laugh at you, saying, [7] “Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!”

Psalm 55:23 NIV

[23] But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you.

** The one who trusts in God’s unfailing love and His works can be productive and secure like an olive tree

Psalm 52:8-9 NIV

[8] But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. [9] For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.

** Pray that God would help us as we forgive one another because it is impossible for us to do this on our own; forgiveness does not mean we are to repeatedly go back to the one who sinned against us for God gave us a brain

1. We are commanded by Jesus to forgive those who sin against us; it is not an option to forgive

2. Forgiveness is extended to those who deliberately do something against us; if they harm us by accident then we excuse them

3. When we forgive others we give up our desire for vengeance

4. Ask the Lord to see the person as He sees them

5. True forgiveness wishes the best for that person and we pray for them!

6. We realize forgiveness is going to take time; it doesn't happen immediately

7. We cannot entirely forget what that person has done to us, nor should we, but we can forgive them for their actions

8. Forgiveness leads to reconciliation but forgiveness is not reconciliation; in most cases it is impossible

9. It will be much easier to forgive if we remember how God has forgiven us

** Christians are not to associate with brothers or sisters who blatantly live in sin

1 Corinthians 5:9-11 NIV

[9] I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people--- [10] not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. [11] But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.

** We will be led by the spirit we allow to have influence over us; only one who affirms Jesus as Lord can be speaking by the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 12:2-3 NIV

[2] You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. [3] Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

** Avoid those who deceive with their flattery and preach a message contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ

Romans 16:17-18 NIV

[17] I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. [18] For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.

** Paul, through the book of Romans, gives us the hope of the gospel; we too can receive the grace and apostleship as Gentiles are called to Christ

Romans 1:5-6 NIV

[5] Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. [6] And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:16-17 NIV

[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. [17] For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed---a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

• Paul provides incredible hope followers of Christ can have

• Then every once in awhile he turns his pen on the reader to make sure they are not too self-righteous and are willing to suffer for Christ

• Most American churches will simply skip the book of Romans because there is no ‘going around it’ but is confrontational and makes those who study it uncomfortable <D40>

Romans 8:12-13,17 NIV

[12] Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation---but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. [13] For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

** Paul encourages the saints to be wise about good and innocent of evil, as Christ encouraged His disciples

Romans 16:19 NIV

[19] Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

Matthew 10:16 NIV

[16] “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

** Avoid (accurse=destroy) those who live and preach a message contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ

Galatians 1:8-9 NIV

[8] But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! [9] As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!

Romans 16:17 NIV

[17] I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.

** Paul spoke of excommunicating a member of the church who continued to practice sexual sin

• Given Paul’s example, we are to hold each other in the church (body of believers) accountable and expel those who refuse to repent

• Those who remain in the church with unrepentant sin will easily corrupt others

• A false notion of Christian liberty seems to have given the Corinthian church ‘a pass’ on this behavior

• Corrupt principles, if not corrected, will end up hurting the entire church for the devil reigns where Christ does not! <H83>

1 Corinthians 5:2 NIV

[2] And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?

1 Corinthians 5:6-8 NIV

[6] Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? [7] Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch---as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. [8] Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

1 Corinthians 5:12-13 NIV

[12] What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? [13] God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”

1 Timothy 1:18-20 NIV

[18] Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, [19] holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. [20] Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

** Paul encouraged the church to hand over the person over to Satan for persistently engaging in sexual sin, with accompanied prayer that he might be brought to repentance so as not to suffer continued consequence for the sin

• The church member was doing blasphemous behavior that needed to be corrected

• Persons under discipline are handed over to Satan so that the flesh may be destroyed

• The sinning believer is out of fellowship, yes, but not out of Christ for his spirit is still saved on the Day of the Lord <R1795>

1 Corinthians 5:5 NIV

[5] hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.

** The Church is the only earthly expression of heaven when God's will is done on earth in the church – when it deals with sin and is the source of truth <M130>

• The church is the support and pillar of the truth, where we go to hear God speak!

• Rejoice in the gift of the church and may it be enough for us to ‘wear the uniform’ as members of the church

• Some day, in heaven, followers of Christ will experience worship, exaltation of Christ, presence of absolute purity (holy) and perfect harmonious fellowship

• In the meantime, the biggest problem in the church is the lack of discernment, or knowing right from wrong

• The only way we can gain discernment is through the learning and knowing of God's Word

• Review Psalm 19 that outlines different facets of His Word, including the power to transform lives, making wise the simple, etc

Matthew 18:18 NIV

[18] “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

1 Timothy 3:14-15 NIV

[14] Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, [15] if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Psalm 19:7-11 NIV

[7] The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. [8] The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. [9] The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. [10] They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. [11] By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

** Jesus remained silent when plied with questions from Herod, who apparently rejected the gospel after hearing it from John the Baptist; Jesus demonstrated how not to feed pearls before swine

Luke 23:9 NIV

[9] He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.

Matthew 7:6 NIV

[6] “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

** We are to distance ourselves from those who sin and will experience the wrath of God

Ephesians 5:6-7 NIV

[6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. [7] Therefore do not be partners with them.

** Jesus warns of false prophets claiming to be the Messiah, enticing you to follow

Luke 21:8 NIV

[8] He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.

** Enemies of God persecuted the early disciples and tried to poison the mind of other believers; not much has changed since those early days

Acts 12:1-4 NIV

[1] It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. [2] He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. [3] When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. [4] After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.

Acts 13:50 NIV

[50] But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.

Acts 14:2,5 NIV

[2] But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. [5] There was a plot afoot among both Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them.

** Sexual immortality is a different kind of sin in the eyes of God for all other sin is outside of the body, and our bodies are to be the Temple of the Holy Spirit

Our bodies belong to the Lord, to be an instrument of righteousness to holiness and never to be an instrument of sin; the effects of sexual sin do not only lay upon the physical body but on the mind and our aim is to be clean vessels ready for the Master’s use!

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 NIV

** Our enemies want the worst for us, often deceitfully gathering information and then slandering us with it

Psalm 41:5-8 NIV

[5] My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die and his name perish? ” [6] When one of them comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it around. [7] All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying, [8] “A vile disease has afflicted him; he will never get up from the place where he lies.”

** Others may object to the way God directs you but may better understand after learning details and hearing about your experience

The Jewish believers were outraged at first at such a blatant breach of Jewish custom when Peter interacted with the Gentiles

Acts 11:2-3 NIV

[2] So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him [3] and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.”

Acts 11:18 NIV

[18] When they heard [Peter's explanation] they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

** Opinions from family and friends should not take precedence over God's will, but can be followed when they it fall in line with God's will

Acts 18:20-21 NIV

[20] When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. [21] But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.

** Even those who think they are a believer will persecute genuine followers of Christ for they do not know God and think they are doing good

John 16:2-3 NIV

[2] They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. [3] They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me.

** Christians are to despise ungodly vile persons, but view those who follow and uphold God in high esteem

Psalm 15:1,4 NIV

[1] Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? [4] who despises a vile person but honors those who fear The Lord

** The need for deacons was seen at the time of the early apostles when the ministry was neglected and they needed help; the deacons they chose needed to be full of faith in Christ and the Holy Spirit

Acts 6:2-4 NIV

[2] So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. [3] Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them [4] and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

Acts 6:5-6 NIV

[5] This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. [6] They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

** Do not walk with the wicked for they will wither away and be destroyed; the Lord blesses, watches over and prospers those who delight in His law

Psalm 1:1-3 NIV

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, [2] but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. [3] That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither---whatever they do prospers.

Psalm 1:6 NIV

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

** Be careful of what you say for nothing is 'said in private'; all will be revealed

Luke 12:2-3 NIV

[2] There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. [3] What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

** God is not impressed by the righteous who are arrogant but the truly humble sinner as shown in the contrast of prayers between the Pharisee and tax collector

Luke 18:14 NIV

[14] “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

** When the crowd confronts Jesus as to His authority to clear the temple, He knew they did not ask with an open heart seeking who He was; likewise, God knows with what motives we approach Him today

Jesus, in response to a hostile crowd, does not entrust Himself to them but replies that if they tear down the temple then He will rebuild

John 2:23-25 NIV

[23] Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. [24] But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. [25] He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.

- Jesus replies to what interested the crowd such as personal gain and obtaining a strong leader to save Israel... outward gain, not inward change

** Sometimes the accusations lodged against us are without merit, even in response when we try to do good!

Psalm 38:19-20 NIV

[19] Many have become my enemies without cause ; those who hate me without reason are numerous. [20] Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good.

** Is God calling you to confront evil head on? Some may repent and others may convert to a faith in God as a result

Acts 13:8-11 NIV

[8] But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. [9] Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, [10] “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? [11] Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.

Acts 13:12 NIV

[12] When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.

** The wicked will not stand in judgment, but wither away and scatter

Psalm 1:4-5 NIV

Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. [5] Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

** God is on the side of the righteous; it is clear the person who does not recognize or call on God is a fool

Psalm 14:1 NIV

[1] The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.

Psalm 14:4 NIV

[4] Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on the Lord.

** We must come to the understanding that God alone is our constant refuge while living in this corrupt world and we have "no good thing" apart from Him

Psalm 16:1-2 NIV

[1] Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. [2] I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”

Psalm 16:5 NIV

[5] Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.

Psalm 16:8 NIV

[8] I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

** Hold to the straight and narrow path as outlined by God, regardless of the temptation to do otherwise

Psalm 17:4-5 NIV

[4] Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent through what your lips have commanded. [5] My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.

** There are verses that confirm we are all full of sin and there is no hope for us under the law; even our best efforts are still seen as filthy rags – loathsome and abominable – in the eyes of God, so we need to turn to Him for the answer

Psalm 14:2-3 NIV

[2] The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. [3] All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

Isaiah 64:6 NIV

[6] All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

** Unbelievers and even some 'believers' have been corrupted; their actions deny they know God

• The definition of 'apostasy' is when someone knows the truth but turns away from it

• Those who have fallen prey to apostasy may have grown up knowing and embracing Jesus and the Bible, but then, at some point, they 'de-church' and walk away from the faith

• There are various levels of apostasy: it can be walking away from the declaration of who Jesus is, but it can also be abandoning Biblical truth by jumping on the bandwagon of heresy <H90>

Titus 1:15-16 NIV

To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. [16] They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

** Parable of the invited guests shows us how those who only offer excuses are dismissed and, rather, God accepts the poor, maimed, lame and blind -- those the Pharisees considered lowly and unworthy

Luke 14:16-21,24 NIV

[16] Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. [17] At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ [18] “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ [19] “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ [20] “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ [21] “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ [24] I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’ ”

** Stay away from those who are idle and work contrary to the Lord's commands; do not regard them as an enemy but warn them about their action/inaction

2 Thessalonians 3:6 NIV

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 NIV

Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. [15] Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.

** Look to Godly models as examples and divert your eyes from the sinful influences of this world

Philippians 3:17 NIV

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

Philippians 3:18-20 NIV

For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. [19] Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. [20] But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Philippians 4:8-9 NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable---if anything is excellent or praiseworthy---think about such things. [9] Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me---put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

** Remove yourself from WHOever or WHATever causes you to fall or sin, even if they are as useful as a hand, foot or eye

• First remove yourself from people who lead you astray

• Second remove anything that hinders <M130>

Mark 9:43,45,47 NIV

[43] If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. [45] And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. [47] And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,

** Stay away from people who are violators of God's commands that is said to increase in the end times

2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. [2] People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, [4] treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--- [5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

** Jesus identifies the signs and birth pains near the end times; these signs range from the macro (such as political realm) to the micro level (such as people abandoning close relations)

Mark 13:7-8 NIV

[7] When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. [8] Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.

Mark 13:12-13 NIV

[12] “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. [13] Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Mark 13:24-27 NIV

[24] “But in those days, following that distress, “ ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; [25] the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ [26] “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. [27] And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

** Sometimes we are called to actively confront the rebellious who speak lies with the hope it not only change their behavior but prevent others from following their lies

• Some people don’t just say statements that are considered ‘dumb’ but outright ‘wrong’ with the purpose of stirring up trouble

• This is what was happening in Crete – people were not taking their faith seriously and teaching error on purpose, ruining households in the process

• In response, Titus was not to be gentle but confront and rebuke them publicly <R1795>

Titus 1:10-11 NIV

For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group. [11] They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach---and that for the sake of dishonest gain.

Titus 1:14 NIV

and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the merely human commands of those who reject the truth.

** We are called to look past those who oppose our efforts in Christ and carry each others' burdens

• Remember people like Rees Howells who carried others burdens through changing habits (action) and intercessory prayer

• Even though some did not appreciate his efforts -- in fact, opposed him -- he continued because God called him to the task

Galatians 6:2 NIV

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

** We are commissioned to warn people who are divisive and then have nothing to do with them

Titus 3:10-11 NIV

Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. [11] You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

** Be careful what you listen to because it will have an influence on you, in the same measure you 'take it in'

Mark 4:24 NIV

[24] “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you---and even more.

** How are you investing what God entrusts to you? If your focus is on living a comfortable luxurious life then you have a dismal future ahead of you.

James 5:1-3,5 NIV

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. [2] Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. [3] Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. [5] You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.

** Jesus lets His listeners know that family does not take priority over His work; this text show Jesus guarding against future efforts to deify mother Mary

Mark 3:20-21,31-35 NIV

[20] Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. [21] When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” [31] Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. [32] A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” [33] “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. [34] Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! [35] Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

** Make sure your energy and zeal is directed toward God and His purposes

Galatians 4:18 NIV

It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.

** Do not entertain those who oppose the truth or you share in their wickedness

2 John 1:9-11 NIV

Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. [10] If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. [11] Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.

** Woe to those who lead others astray

2 Peter 2:18 NIV

[18] For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.

** There will be those who infiltrate spiritual ranks trying to corrupt followers, destroying their relationship with God and others; beware and hold your ground!

Galatians 2:4-5 NIV

This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. [5] We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.

** We advance the cause when we stand together in Christ; the opposition is well aware they will be destroyed against such a force.

Philippians 1:27-28 NIV

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel [28] without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved---and that by God.

Philippians 2:2 NIV

then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

** Be careful what messages you listen to (such as television shows, music, web sites, etc) and what your mind entertains when listening; there should not be even a hint of impurity

• Some may laugh at the Christian and consider them a prude

• God designed sex to be within marriage so it remains rich, beautiful and exciting

• The off-color joke and sly innuendo that the world thinks of as so clever aren’t witty at all

• They reflect a warped view of life and goodness, and lie under the judgment and wrath of God <R1795>

Ephesians 5:3-5 NIV

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. [4] Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. [5] For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person---such a person is an idolater---has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Ephesians 5:11-12 NIV

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. [12] It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

** Those who don't adhere to God's instruction is exposed as corruption

1 Timothy 6:3-5 NIV

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, [4] they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions [5] and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

** Christ warns His disciples how evil (false teaching) can work its way into their lives

Matthew 16:6 NIV

“Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Matthew 16:12 NIV

Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

** Jesus warned that when the Jews would see abominable images of idols standing in the holy place, surrounding mountain and throughout all of Jerusalem (for it was also considered holy), then they were to literally "run for the hills"; this happened as predicted 30-40 years later (a generation) with a Roman invasion under Cestus Gallus that destroyed the city and temple

Matthew 24:15-21 NIV

“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel---let the reader understand--- [16] then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. [17] Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. [18] Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. [19] How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! [20] Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. [21] For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now---and never to be equaled again.

Matthew 24:32-34 NIV

“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. [33] Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. [34] Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

** Don't allow others to involve you in their warped thinking and consequent problems; that's what they want, for you to wrestle in the mud with them so they feel better about their approach. As a people-pleaser, don't appease or humor them to avoid 'creating waves'. Show them a better way!

** Avoid ungodly influence <C31>

Psalm 139:19-22 NIV

- David realized ungodly people (actively opposed to God) could pull him away and keep him from being what God wanted him to be

- "hate" in English language infers wishing something bad on another which is not what he wanted

- David chose to completely separate himself

- he left judgment and vengeance up to God, asking God to slay the wicked; he did not want that on his plate

Psalm 139:19 NIV

[19] If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!

- we should never be careless about close relationships because it is probable that those who are opposed to God will bring us down

- devotion to God should guide and permeate every trusting relationship; does the relationship help or hurt our relationship with God?

- at the same time, we need to exercise caution and balance: we are called to be salt and light to be a positive influence teaching others there is a God who loves them!

- know which relationships are "trusting relationships"

** Jesus avows to Pilate that He is Christ, thus no other answer/response is needed; Jesus does not play into the hands of His accusers or feel need to defend Himself

Matthew 27:11-14 NIV

[11] Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. [12] When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. [13] Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” [14] But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge---to the great amazement of the governor.

** Do not offer or throw away that which is valuable to one who will not appreciate it or abuse it; they may actually turn on you for doing so

Matthew 7:6 NIV

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

** Jesus warns of following leader commands but not to follow their example; Jesus was referring to current day leaders for they did not practice what they preached; not much has changed in 2000 years

Matthew 23:1-4 NIV

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: [2] “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. [3] So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. [4] They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

** Watch out for some leaders are in it for the power and prestige; observe their actions and preferences in order to interpret their motive

Matthew 23:5-7 NIV

“Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; [6] they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; [7] they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.

**Authorities and rulers on earth are called to be wise and subject themselves before God in fear, recognizing His rule as supreme; not only the Jewish nation but whole earth; one day all authorities will not have a choice!

Psalm 2:10-11 NIV

Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. [11] Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.

Psalm 2:12 NIV

Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

** Jesus told His disciples to be both wise to the ways of the world yet also innocent, not participating in these ways

Matthew 10:16 NIV

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

** Pharisees test God; Christ calls them wicked because they look for a sign instead of living by faith and relying on God's Word

Matthew 16:1-4 NIV

The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. [2] He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ [3] and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. [4] A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away.

** Jesus has strong warnings against those who prevent others from becoming believers in Christ

Matthew 23:13 NIV

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.

** Jesus has strong warnings against those who 'work for God' yet are a hindrance to new believers

Matthew 23:15 NIV

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.

** God will destroy or allow the destruction of everything that He did not establish; the blind will lead the blind into a pit

Matthew 15:12-14 NIV

Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?” [13] He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. [14] Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

** Those who do evil will suffer the consequences for their decisions; they will suffer similar trouble they inflict

Psalm 7:14-16 NIV

[14] Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment. [15] Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. [16] The trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads.

** Satan will use others to creep into our life to corrupt what God has determined to be right and good; their aim is to ultimately abuse God's grace and get us off track

Jude 1:4 NIV

For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

Jude 1:8,16 NIV

[8] In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. [16] These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

2 Timothy 3:5-6 NIV

[5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. [6] They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires,

J2.

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