E23. False Religion-RABBINIC JUDAISM

E23. FALSE RELIGION - RABBINIC JUDAISM & SECULAR ISRAELI SOCIETY

BASELINE

• As Christian evangelicals, we need to be prepared to defend our faith; some may claim Christians share the same faith as false religions, and need to be lovingly corrected

• Followers of Christ are to know the theology as laid out in the Bible and pray for discernment to recognize false teaching and those distorting God's Word

• Always look out for teaching that deviates from the FULL counsel of God's Word; accurate theology is supported throughout the ENTIRE Bible

Matthew 22:36-40 NIV

[36] “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” [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.' [40] All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Colossians 1:15-17 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. [17] He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Isaiah 46:9-10 NIV

[9] Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. [10] I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'

EVANGELICALISM

• Understand the five foundational tenets of the Protestant belief:

1. Sola Christus

• The only atonement for human sin that satisfies the wrath of God is the work of Jesus Christ at the cross

• Christ is the Mediator between God and man

2. Sola Fide

• We are justified by faith alone

• We declare our belief in God

3. Sola Gratia

• We are saved by grace alone

• We cannot earn salvation by any other means, including works

• Grace can be considered God’s riches at Christ’s expense

4. Soli Deo Gloria

• The purpose of human life is to glorify God in all things

• Whether we consider our families, work, children; whatever we do is to glorify God

5. Sola Scriptura

• Scripture alone is the infallible source of divine revelation and final authority that binds the conscience of the believer with ecclesiastical matters

• Scripture is not the only authority, but the final authority

• All mankind needs to know about salvation is within its pages!

• It is not enough to know all things ABOUT Jesus Christ -- that He lived, was a good teacher, died on a cross, etc -- but every individual must put their TRUST in Him for their salvation <M130>

• Do not be afraid when speaking to others about God and Scripture, for He has already given you His written Word and the Holy Spirit will provide words to speak

1 Corinthians 2:13 NIV

[13] This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.

Psalm 81:10 NIV

[10] I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.

• It is by faith alone that we can be saved (Eph 2:8-9)

• Anyone who thinks their 'being good' will earn salvation are trusting in a works-based salvation

• According to the Bible, no one other than Jesus Christ offers salvation and there is nothing else we can do to earn salvation

** The resurrection we celebrate isn’t just an historical event; it also plays an important role in our daily lives <L120>

• Who is this man that we are talking about today?

• What sets the Christian faith apart from all other beliefs and religious systems out there in the world?

It might come down to this...

• If you go to the tomb of Confucius, you will find that it is occupied

• If you go to the tomb of Buddha, you will find that it, too, is occupied

• If you go to the tomb of Muhammad, you will find that it is occupied

• But if you go to the tomb of Jesus Christ, you will find that it is empty because He is alive; we serve a living Savior!

Romans 8:11 NIV

[11] The Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Philippians 3:10 NIV

[10] I want to know Christ---yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death

Galatians 2:20 NIV

[20] I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

BEWARE!

• Some aspects of false teachings sound Biblical and 'con' people into believing the teachings are part of the Christian camp

• Looking deeper, however, reveals that other aspects of these false teachings are not found in the Bible or will cherry-pick verses to support their narrative and ignore other verses that contradict

• Don't get caught up in the religious trappings but get down to a personal relationship with Christ and live out your life for Him

• All the religious trappings can be marshaled by Satan to accomplish his agenda <M1506>

• Don't support heretical denominations that lead people away from the true Christ

• Too many in today's Church (especially the young people) are getting jaded with traditional Christian spirituality and want to move toward a more emotional and experiential religion; paganism offers them this experience <S2012>

• Contend for the faith with accurate theology and don't determine your theology based on personal feelings and experiences <P162>

• No doubt there are individuals in false religions who are 'nice people' but that is not the point: we need to look at WHAT these false religions are teaching and HOW they are leading people astray <H86>

Jude 1:3 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.

RABBINIC JUDAISM & SECULAR ISRAELI SOCIETY <B23>

• Rabbinic Judaism does not have an accurate understanding of the Mosaic traditions and their purpose

• Their understanding of the Mosaic tradition has lost the purpose of Christ and now simply equates to another form of paganism

• As of 2025: approximately 70% of Israel is secular, with values mirroring progressive secularists in the west, while 30% is composed of all religious stripes <G77>

• Religious beliefs morph and change as time goes by and they choose whatever Rabbinical author supports them at the time

• An example can include what is needed (such as red heifer ashes) for the building of the deceptive third temple when, if push comes to shove, they will do whatever it takes to get the job done; the Antichrist who practices in it will be deceptive so why not the temple itself? <P1700>

• In the end, they offer this 'veneer' that looks like God is at the center of their beliefs but close inspection shows otherwise; they have proven to be expedient, willing to push their narrative or goals forward at any cost

1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV

[1] Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

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.

Titus 2:1 NIV

[1] You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.

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 (also see Consequences & Guarding Against documents)

** Most Jews still don't believe that Jesus, who came 700 years after Isaiah's prophecy, was their expected Messiah

• They're still waiting for the coming of their Messiah, while Christians are waiting for Christ's second return (Jul 2025)

Isaiah 53:3-5 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. [4] Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

• Most Christians know the Messiah, however, is not just a man but Immanuel 'God with us' <H86>

• Isaiah prophesied that the Jews will look back on their error of rejecting and crucifying Christ, some 2000 years later <K110>

• This 'turn to Christ' is confirmed by the prophet Zechariah

• Jews who make it through the Tribulation are the ones who will turn to Christ and be redeemed

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.

Hebrews 9:11-12 NIV

[11] But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. [12] He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.

** Nothing, not even Israel’s rejection of their Messiah in the first century AD, can alter His love for His chosen people or cancel His oft-repeated statements through the Old Testament prophets whereby He solemnly pledged to restore a still-future kingdom to Israel.

This does not mean, as some errantly suggest, that all Jewish people will receive eternal life or secure a place in Jesus’ future kingdom on the earth. No. Forgiveness of sins and eternal life have always come through faith in Jesus. In the Old Testament, saving faith consisted of believing what God revealed about His Son and His future sacrifice for their sins. Today, we look back with a clear picture of all that His death and resurrection signify for our deliverance from the penalty of sin and our receipt of eternal life.

Scripture reveals that the time will come when a Jewish remnant will turn to Jesus as they recognize Him as their Messiah and Savior. Zechariah wrote about a great repentance of a remnant of the people of Israel, which will happen during the last days (12:10-13:1). Paul likely had this passage in mind when he confidently predicted the salvation of the Jewish people that would happen after the church age (Romans 11:25-36). <B26>

** Satan masquerades as an angel of light and is the master of deception <H9993>

• He does not only operate through outright falsehoods but through half-truths and seemingly logical reasoning that ultimately lead people away from God

• For instance, the danger of AI in theological discussions is that it can present arguments that sound biblically sound but lack the discernment and spiritual depth that only the Holy Spirit provides

• A well-structured Christian argument without the Spirit’s guidance may win an intellectual debate but fail to transform a heart

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.

** All the way back in the first century, the apostle Paul pleaded and warned believers to be on guard against men within their own ranks who would try to draw away disciples <F66>

Acts 20:28-29 NIV

[28] Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. [29] I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.

• False teachers will distort the truth of God’s Word, teach only selected parts of it, or take Scripture out of context to deceive the flock

• These are also tactics of certain modern day evangelical leaders who some might describe as emergent, liberal, or postmodern

• Doubt and uncertainty are the devil’s tools going all the way back to the Garden of Eden when the serpent tempted Adam and Eve by getting them to question God’s literal words

• We can practically take those deceptive words, “Did God really say…?” and finish the question with whatever ending you’d like in order to plant seeds of doubt in the minds of believers

• The danger, of course, with accepting ambiguity over truth is that it leaves the door wide open to debate right and wrong in terms of feelings and experiences

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.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 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.

** Deception is not just 'telling outright lies' intended to get people to be ignorant to the truth, but the 'muddying of waters' so they cannot see the truth clearly <M1501>

• The enemy will use any means to promote delusional thinking

• Satan wants nothing more than confused believers that do not follow the Holy Spirit

• We live in the Information Age but how much of what info we are fed is correct, now considering the intro of AI and censorship? <W2202> (Nov 2024)

• Any idea that is counter to the Word of God must be rejected immediately

• Discernment is only found through the work of the Holy Spirit and Word of God

Mark 13:5 NIV

[5] Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you.

2 Timothy 3:1,5,7 KJV

[1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. [7] Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

** Do not depend on your limited human intellect and ability to reason

• Besides, who gave you this intellect (ability to think) in the first place?

• Do you think it's possible that you may not be able to fathom the mysteries of the universe or does your ego not allow you to consider this?

• God can prevent those who do not recognize Him from understanding; He can blind people from seeing the truth

Ephesians 4:17-18 NIV

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.

** Jesus was not the only one who claimed to be the Messiah, but the false teachers in His day ended up dying and their claims died with them <P162>

• If Jesus did not raise from the dead, then His followers would have scattered like the others

• Instead, Jesus' disciples went to their death defending what they knew to be true: that Jesus was the promised Messiah and is the Son of God

Acts 5:35-37 NIV

[35] Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. [36] Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. [37] After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.

** I understand the temptation to think ‘everyone can choose their own spiritual path’ and ‘all roads lead to heaven’ — trouble is, not all religious claims can be right, so we need to determine what is true and what is false!

• Even though many religions believe in ‘a God’, that does not mean they are ‘the same God’

• Studying the tenants of religions can help reveal which falsely claim they worship the same as the Christian God

• It turns out, there IS NO OTHER than the God of the Bible!

• For instance, Muslims don’t view God the same as Christians:

“A vital difference between the Islamic and Christian views of God is the biblical concept of the Trinity. In the Bible, God has revealed Himself as one God in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. While each Person of the Trinity is fully God, God is not three gods but three in one.

The Trinity is essential to the Christian faith. Without the Trinity, there would be no incarnation of God’s Son in the Person of Jesus Christ. Without Jesus Christ, there would be no salvation from sin. Without salvation, sin would condemn all to an eternal hell.” <G72>

• Likewise, is the Muslim’s tendency to pick and choose which teaching to believe spoken from ‘the great teacher’

“You cannot say Jesus was a true teacher and yet deny His teaching that He is the only way, truth, and life. You cannot believe Jesus was a great prophet and yet reject His prophecy that He would die and rise again in three days. You cannot admit Jesus is a good man yet disbelieve His claim to be the Son of God.

You cannot consider becoming a Christian without realizing that Christianity excludes all other religions (Acts 4:12). The inescapable conclusion of Christianity is this: either Jesus bears your sin on the cross or you bear your sin in hell.” <G72>

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.

Luke 22:70-71 NIV

[70] They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied, “You say that I am.” [71] Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.”

John 3:35-36 NIV

[35] The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. [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.

1 Peter 2:24 NIV

[24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

[13] “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. [14] But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

** The idea that there is no salvation outside of Jesus Christ gnaws at the relativistic mindset of people who believe that all roads lead to heaven <W2205>

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.

Acts 4:12 NIV

[12] Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

** Some people today like to envision a meek and mild Jesus who walks around with a lamb draped around His neck, saying, “Whatever you want to believe is cool with Me -- as long as you’re true to yourself.”

However, that isn’t the Jesus of the Bible. In essence, Jesus was saying to the Samaritan woman, “Your form of belief is the wrong form. It is not going to lead you to God.” Jesus clarified the issue and brought it back home. He also pointed out that all religions are not true. <L120>

Regardless of our culture and century, it's important that we worship the right God. There is coming a time when we will be held accountable whether we adhered to the Biblical Jesus or fabricated a deity of our own.

John 4:20-21 NIV

[20] Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” [21] “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.

Exodus 20:2-3 NIV

[2] “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. [3] “You shall have no other gods before me.

** Christ's admonition for those to have 'eyes to see' and 'ears to hear' – to understand what is written in Scripture and Christ’s teachings – is recorded by numerous authors throughout Scripture

Jeremiah 5:20-21 NIV

[20] “Announce this to the descendants of Jacob and proclaim it in Judah: [21] Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear:

Matthew 13:15 NIV

[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.'

Mark 8:17-18 NIV

[17] Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? [18] Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember?

Mark 4:9,23 NIV

[9] Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” [23] If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”

Isaiah 29:18 NIV

[18] In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.

** We're talking unique signs and events, not similar signs and events that have happened periodically throughout the centuries <G77>

• There have been signs in the heavens that come around every so many years, but God's wrath in the end times will be nothing ever seen before

• Unique events such as Wormwood or when the sun intensifies its heat, as described in the book of Revelation

• Wormwood = the name of a bitter poison

• There are also predicted signs by secular astronomers who have studied the path of an asteroid called Apophis, named after an Egyptian god of death and darkness

• This asteroid, the size of the Rose Bowl Stadium that seats over 92,000, will make a very close pass by Earth; most claim it will not hit the Earth

• Apophis passed by Earth in 2004, 2013 and is predicted in 2029, 2036, 2051 and 2066

• Scientists are keeping their eye on 2029 because it will pass within about 20,000 miles (32,000 kilometers) of our planet's surface, closer than many geostationary satellites

• A scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson claims if it goes through a keyhole (600 mile range) then the earth's gravity will pull it in to hit the earth April 13 2029 <G77> (Jun 2025)

Luke 21:11 NIV

[11] There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

Revelation 8:10-11 NIV

[10] The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water--- [11] the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.

Revelation 16:8-9 NIV

[8] The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire. [9] They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.

1 Thessalonians 5:5-6 NIV

[5] You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. [6] So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

** When Jesus told the first century Jews they could recognize false prophets by their 'fruit' He was referring to their 'words' <H85>

• A false prophet or false teacher cannot be identified merely by his outward appearance or actions

• False prophets are masters of disguise

• They love to look the part and walk the walk, but if you listen closely to what they say, you will begin to discern an evil heart

Matthew 7:15 NIV

[15] “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

** The apostle Paul wrote in the book of Romans about his Jewish kinsmen <F697>

• We are told that the covenants belong to the Jewish people, for the biblical covenants are how God mediates His blessings to the world

• The Abrahamic covenant (Gen 12:1-3; 15:18-21), the Davidic covenant (2 Sam 7:8-14), and the new covenant (Jer 31:31-34) contain God’s promises to bless the children of Israel with a land and a royal seed, who would go on to bless the entire world with the forgiveness of sins

• The covenants contain the promises of God, and represent His character and nature

• The covenants were given to the house of Israel and affirm the continuing place and purpose for Israel in God’s redemptive kingdom program, even while being in a state of unbelief (Rom 11:25)

Romans 9:3-5 NIV

[3] For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, [4] the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. [5] Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.

Genesis 12:1-3 NIV

[1] The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. [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. ”

Genesis 15:18-21 NIV

[18] On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, “To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates--- [19] the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, [20] Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, [21] Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites and Jebusites.”

2 Samuel 7:8-14 NIV

[8] “Now then, tell my servant David, 'This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. [9] I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth. [10] And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning [11] and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. “ 'The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you: [12] When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. [13] He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. [14] I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 NIV

[31] “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. [32] It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them, ” declares the Lord. [33] “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. [34] No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Romans 11:25 NIV

** The Pharisees devoted their lives to an empty religion

• When exposed, they had two choices – to humbly repent or strike against the threat

• The Pharisees decided to strike back and kill Jesus for exposing their shallow empty religion <R1795>

Matthew 12:14 NIV

[14] But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.

** Believer beware, for Satan masquerades as a representative of God!

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.

• No wonder false religions are on the rise when those who call themselves believers in Christ cannot discern the fake from the real

• False religion is also attractive to the world because they belong to the Kingdom of Darkness and cannot hear the voice of God; yet those deceived believe they are doing something righteous by advocating for a religion they don't know is false

Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

John 8:47 NIV

[47] Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

• The most dangerous of false religions are those that 'appear' to be Scriptural but twist its meaning ever so slightly

• False teachers typically espouse empty words and an abundance of intellectual knowledge; words and knowledge does not save but must be believed and put into action

• In the end when they stand before God, many will be surprised their words and knowledge did not get them anywhere; they never submitted to the will of God

2 Timothy 3:5 NIV

[5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

James 1:21-22 NIV

[21] Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. [22] Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

• It is imperative believers in Christ continually deep-five into the Bible to learn from God's 'primary source', for only then can they identify a prevalent Doctrine of Demon

• Believers must examine themselves for a false sense of assurance, such as believing in a formulaic prayer and never examining the condition of their heart to determine their motives and priorities

• In order to have an acceptable walk with God, the desires of a believer's heart must center on Christ; He will not accept a divided heart

Proverbs 23:26 NIV

[26] My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways,

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.

2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV

[5] Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you---unless, of course, you fail the test?

Luke 6:43-45 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. [45] A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

• When all is said and done, God will judge the heart of every individual to determine whether they truly believe in Him or are putting on an act

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!'

** Is your eschatological view based on the actions of man or God?

• The perspectives of Amillennialism, Postmillennialism and Preterism are man-centric in that they depend on MAN doing something in order for their view to evolve

• These man-centric perspectives are contrary to Premillennialism that depends on the actions of GOD; man is a bystander waiting for something to happen <G70>

• God has a history of initiating with man <V203> including offer of salvation, promise of land to the Jews, eternal inheritance, Jesus born in Bethlehem, giving sight to the blind, dismantling the walls of Jericho, creation, and on it goes

• God doesn't need us, so why would His plan for end times be different?

Revelation 22:20 NIV

[20] He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

** The theory of Modalism states that the Holy Trinity (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) cannot exist all at the same time; they can only exist one at a time and their presence depends on the situation

• This theory attacks the very nature of God and possibly cuts people off from salvation, as does any false teaching

• If you don't have the true God, you don't have the true Christ, and you don't have the true Spirit <M130>

John 3:34-35 NIV

[34] For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. [35] The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.

John 14:6-7 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. [7] If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

• The Bible teaches that the Father is God, that Jesus is God, and that the Holy Spirit is God and there is only one God

• In other worlds, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not forms of God: each of them is God!

• The Trinity is a concept that is impossible for any human being to fully understand, let alone explain

• God is infinitely greater than we are; therefore, we should not expect to be able to fully understand Him

• Rather than attempting to fully define the Trinity with our finite human minds, we would be better served to focus on God’s greatness and His infinitely higher nature <G72>

Romans 11:33-34 NIV

[33] Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! [34] “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”

** God exalted His Word equal to His own Name; those who place themselves above the Word of God, place themselves above God <M130>

Luke 24:45 NIV

[45] Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Psalm 119:18 NIV

[18] Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Ephesians 6:11,17 NIV

[11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

** Satan is behind every corrupt religion and false system of belief that goes against the truthful knowledge of God; we must rely on God and His Word to help fight this 'truth war' <M130>

• Satan is not behind the wretched, corrupt, sinful behavior of any given society -- the sinful nature of flesh takes care of that

• We are engaged in spiritual warfare that is a battle of the mind; the battle typically involves responses to great insights and ideas, ideologies, theories, viewpoints, belief systems, psychologies, philosophies, religions

• People who latch on to corrupt ideas end up building fortifications that become their tombs

• The architect of these deceiving ideas that go against God is Satan

• Humans cannot rely on human weaponry when fighting spiritual battles

• Spiritual warfare must be fought by asking God to combat evil; human weapons are no match for massive strongholds no matter how noble the effort

• Believers in Christ must rely on God "who is in you" and who "is greater than the one who is in the world"

1 John 4:4 NIV

[4] You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV

[25] For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

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.

Ephesians 6:12 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.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV

[3] For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. [4] The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

** Thank God for the comforts and blessings of this life, but do not let them become your idols!

Man's god is whatever:

• He depends upon

• Rules his mind

• Governs his affections

• Is the chief object of his delight

If there is anything you would not give up for God, it is your idol. If there is anything that you seek with greater fervor than you seek the glory of God, that is your idol. That for which you live, is your idol.

Man is such an idolater that if he cannot idolize anything else he will bow down and worship himself! If we had no idols in children, friends, wealth, ourselves -- we would not need half the trials we have.

If we are, indeed, Christians, then we have broken a great many idols. We have still some more to break and we must keep the hammer going until they are all broken!

Cast out the idols from your hearts. Let them all go. Love no one else and nothing else, as you love Him. <S185>

Ezekiel 14:3a NIV

[3] “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces.

Ezekiel 20:16b NIV

[16] For their hearts were devoted to their idols.

1 John 5:21 NIV

[21] Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

** Society can debate ‘what is true’ all it wants but the only truth was laid down by God before He formed the first universe so “it’s over, it’s decided” <W217>

• Society has fallen into this trap of thinking that instead of accepting reality and God’s truth, we can interpret it and talk about it until we massage it into what we want it to be

• Many people open God’s Word and claim it says what they want it to say — in essence, they refuse to believe what it really says <D40>

• God is sovereign and the truth that He laid out in His Word is the blueprint we are to live by

• It doesn’t matter if people don’t like it or have had their feelings hurt by it — God’s truth is God’s truth

• His truth will heal and bring factions of society together if everyone is willing to go there

John 8:32 NIV

[32] Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

** 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.

** 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.”

** A relationship with God is not a sentimental journey or method by which to make life easier, but is defined as knowing God, His righteousness and obeying His commands <M130>

• Believers are not commissioned to go make disciples that have an emotional relationship with God but disciples who obey His commands

• Most people love all the free food and healing Jesus can provide but don’t like His challenging words that hold us accountable

• This is true regardless if Israel in the Old Testament wanted to follow God or Church Age believers want to follow Christ

Leviticus 26:3,9 NIV

[3] “ 'If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, [9] “ 'I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you.

Matthew 28:19-20 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, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

John 8:31 NIV

[31] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.

** 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.

** 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.

** Idolatry is preferred by non-believers because idols don’t have moral dictates; these statues aren’t telling you “do not sin” like God sets out with the Ten Commandments <C392>

Jeremiah 10:8 NIV

[8] They are all senseless and foolish; they are taught by worthless wooden idols.

** Satan has convinced the masses that THEY can accomplish whatever THEY deem important without the help of God; pride and narcissism at its best <E58>

• Look at the amount of self-righteous acts people are willing to do to advance their social agenda, deemed important by the world around them

• For instance, some think they can 'save the planet' by drinking out of a paper straw and 'help the poor black boy' because they think he needs their help while avoid being labeled a racist at the same time, etc, etc (Feb 2024)

• On the contrary, we are to determine what is important to GOD via His Word and He will help whoever calls on Him to accomplish His will

• Adhere to God’s agenda and understand He alone will determine the future according to His will at both global and personal scales

Mark 10:27 NIV

[27] Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Philippians 4:13 NIV

[13] I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Proverbs 16:3 NIV

[3] Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

** Many of us could honestly admit that we commonly place ourselves at the center of the stories we inhabit. When we grant God a place (all too often we forget him entirely), it’s to notice how he fits in around our own story. We may be mystified or angry or sad that he hasn’t intervened more frequently. Or we may be genuinely grateful for what he’s done. But at the deepest level, we’ve flipped the script: God inhabits our stories, rather than the other way around. <W2191>

Job 38:1-3 NIV

[1] Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: [2] “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? [3] Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.

Genesis 3:4-6 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.” [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.

** 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.

** The Land grant was based on specific boundaries that should never be changed

• Israel occupies only 10,000 square miles in a Middle East region of 8.4 million square miles <G7997>

• The current size of Israel is about the size of New Jersey

• The specific boundaries of Israel are not to be expanded or reduced by one foot

• There isn’t one country in the world that would have to abide by biblical boundaries and not try to expand its territory through war or other human means

• The country of Israel is unique <M135>

Deuteronomy 2:18-19 NIV

[18] “Today you are to pass by the region of Moab at Ar. [19] When you come to the Ammonites, do not harass them or provoke them to war, for I will not give you possession of any land belonging to the Ammonites. I have given it as a possession to the descendants of Lot. ”

** 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

** 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.

** When people reject the one true God, they are foolish and make up their own religion

• False religion cannot save anyone

• Those entertaining false religion simply do not comprehend the complete righteousness of God

• People tend to make God less holy than He is, while thinking they are more righteousness than they are

• Christ makes it possible so we do not need to earn salvation through works, as most false religions support

• Those in false religions reject the only way anyone can approach God — by believing in His Son Jesus Christ <M130>

1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV

[18] For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of 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.

** Defending against false religion is done through meditation upon the Word of God — one of the most important of all the means of grace and growth in spirituality, yes there can be no true progress in vital and practical godliness without it. Meditation on Divine things is not optional but obligatory, for it is something which God has commanded us to attend unto. <P161>

Psalm 143:5 NIV

[5] I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.

** 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.

** God will eventually give man over to his sin if he remains unrepentant and continues to reject God

Romans 1:24 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.

Romans 1:28 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.

** God issued serious consequences for those living in sin, wanting them to be an example so others would avoid the same fate

• Discipline is needed when guiding others

• Modern history shows how vulnerable people are to cults

• If anyone incites us to abandon the Lord for a cult, we will ‘not listen to his words’, for it is the Lord your God you must follow and Him you must revere <R1795>

• Severe discipline was not only a consequence for the evil doer but to preserve the community

• Paul must have had this text in mind when he instructed the church in Corinth with a similar command <M130>

Deuteronomy 13:10-11 NIV

[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. [11] Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and no one among you will do such an evil thing again.

1 Corinthians 5:13 NIV

[13] God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”

** 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.”

** 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.

** “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong, but it’s knowing the difference between right and almost right” <S185>

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.

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.

** Even with John ‘preparing the way’ as was prophesied in Isaiah and with the Jewish people eagerly awaiting the coming Messiah, they still missed or knowingly ignored the obvious sign of Jesus’ coming; how many are missing or ignoring the signs today of Jesus’ second coming?

Luke 3:1,3-4,15-16 NIV

[1] In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar---when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene--- [3] He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. [4] As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. [15] The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. [16] John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

** Watching for the Lord to return isn't optional for believers. Jesus didn't leave us that option. It's every bit as instrumental to our walk, faith, and responsibilities as is going out to make disciples of all nations.

• Nowhere in the Bible does God tell us to dismiss the prophetic word

• Nowhere in the Bible does God call Bible prophecy a "distraction", as some criticize

• Nowhere in the Bible (or history for that matter) does prophecy go unfulfilled

The age-old trade of pinning Matthew 24:36 to every prophetic discussion was only applicable up to 1948. However, after Israel was rebirthed as a nation again after nearly two millennia of diaspora, we really can't use that excuse any longer. Say what you will, but the fact we have a Jewish Bible, written by Jewish men, about a Jewish Messiah, who foretold on numerous occasions that Israel would be revived as a nation in the last days, doesn't leave us the option to feign ignorance any longer.

Furthermore, Matthew 24:36 was not the final matter our Lord said about the subject (see Revelation 3:3). While it is true that no man (or angel) will know the exact time of His return, we are expected to know the general time of His return so as not to be caught off-guard or asleep (1 Thess 5:1-9, 2 Thess 2:1-8, Hebrews 10:24-25, Revelation 3:3). <G70>

Revelation 3:3 NIV

[3] Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

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.

** God will reward those who do not follow false teaching yet follow the morning star, or Jesus Christ

Revelation 2:24-25 NIV

Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, [25] except to hold on to what you have until I come.’

Revelation 2:26-28 NIV

To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations--- [27] that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’ ---just as I have received authority from my Father. [28] I will also give that one the morning star.

** In that day, the Lord will cleanse His people from all sin, idolatry and pagan worship; there will be no false prophets

Zechariah 13:1-2 NIV

[1] “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity. [2] “On that day, I will banish the names of the idols from the land, and they will be remembered no more,” declares the Lord Almighty. “I will remove both the prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land.

Zechariah 13:3 NIV

[3] And if anyone still prophesies, their father and mother, to whom they were born, will say to them, 'You must die, because you have told lies in the Lord's name.' Then their own parents will stab the one who prophesies.

Ezekiel 36:26-29 NIV

[26] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. [27] And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. [28] Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God. [29] I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine upon you.

Jeremiah 31:1-2 NIV

[1] “At that time,” declares the Lord, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.” [2] This is what the Lord says: “The people who survive the sword will find favor in the wilderness; I will come to give rest to Israel.”

** 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.

** 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.

** 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.

** When it boils down to the ultimate question: we either believe there is ONE God that we worship or we believe WE can become gods to do whatever we desire

• The second option is obviously the more popular idea in our fallen world

• Believers in Christ need to stand against the enemy who is deceiving multitudes into believing their own godhood

• Christians understand we become children of God, not God

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.

Romans 6:22 NIV

[22] But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

Ephesians 2:19-22 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. [21] In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. [22] And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

• God will have the final say and will destroy man’s attempts at godhood

• God will not be mocked

Psalm 2:1-7 NIV

[1] Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? [2] The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, [3] “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” [4] The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. [5] He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, [6] “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain. ” [7] I will proclaim the Lord's decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father.

Galatians 6:7 NIV

[7] Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

** 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

** Those who do not follow Christ don't understand His teachings, often finding them rubbish and distorting them

2 Peter 3:16 NIV

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.

** Do not seek happiness but focus on God and He will provide deep-seated happiness and contentment; true happiness is the byproduct of seeking God

• The world is constantly searching for happiness in the next relationship, job, purchase, etc

• The world uses the wrong definition of happiness; Christians also buy into this definition, sometimes overtly and sometimes by default

• We can find true happiness through attitude, action and intent

• Everything we need in life to be happy, everything we need to be fulfilled, is found in a relationship with God, our heavenly Father. <L120>

ATTITUDE

• True happiness is more important than good circumstances

• God’s happiness surpasses the temporal satisfaction of this world

• Circumstances are fleeting; we need a constant peace and joy instead

• The key to happiness has to start with God

Psalm 119:2 NIV

[2] Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart--

• God wants what is best for us

• We, in contrast, do not make the best choices so our dependence on Him is needed

• He knows us, supports us, loves us, disciplines us, and saves us as no one or any thing can

• God’s will for our life opens up through knowing Him; we must focus our attention on KNOWING GOD better in order to know His will

• True happiness is the byproduct of seeking God, much like bubble-wrap — it started as wallpaper but because it flopped ended up revolutionizing the packing industry

ACTION

• We need a lifestyle that reflects obedience to God; attitude has to become action

• God teaches us the best way to live life; He provides us with an Owner's Manual Bible so we can do this <G79>

• Believe God's ways are always the best ways and choose to make obedience a daily habit

• Applying God's ways can change who we are, our attitude and action

Psalm 119:1 NIV

[1] Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.

• The focus is still on God, not self

• Obediently walk in HIS ways to please Him because we love Him, not to appease Him so He won't get angry

Psalm 119:3 NIV

[3] they do no wrong but follow his ways.

INTENT

• Lifestyle follows an honest desire to live rightly; we need to want to have a deep longing to know God and please Him

Psalm 119:5 NIV

[5] Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!

• We realize we will always struggle to do what is right because of Satan, but our INTENT should be what God wants of us

• Do we long to develop a passion to consistently and sincerely follow Him?

Psalm 119:6 NIV

[6] Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.

• God will never let us down, for He will never put us to shame

• God is perfect in understanding, power and love <C31>

** All religions except Christianity require people to attain what is needed for salvation, but God reaches down to OFFER us salvation if we simply accept His terms as outlined in His Word; followers of Christ don’t need to earn merit <J102>

Religion = man’s attempt to reach God

Bible = God’s attempt to reach man

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.

** 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.’ ”

** 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!

** It is important to know the enemy and how to respond

Who is Satan?

• Angel who chose to rebel against God

• God gave free will to angels as He did man

• God does not focus much on Satan in his Word

• We know he is an enemy of God and of His creation

• He is personal — not an abstract force but an individual who has a purpose for what he does

• He is powerful, but not all-powerful as God; he is no match against God

What does Satan do?

• His workers attempt to shift our belief and focus off God at every turn

• He does not want us to come to know or mature in the living God

• Sometimes works via cults, using Scripture and twisting its meaning; hence it is imperative we go back to Scripture as our plumb-line

• He wants to destroy the faith of Christians and make lives ineffective

• His greatest weapons are temptation and deceit, getting us to focus on what seems fulfilling on the outside but is actually destructive on the inside

• He preys on people who are weak in what they believe, not recognizing truth

What do we do in response?

• Be aware of Satan but not fearful or obsessed — rather focus on God

• Our job is not to focus on Satan as a competitor

• Be alert, sober-minded, vigilant about his purpose and power

• God instructs us to resist his attacks and He gives us the means to do it

• Think of the example when preparing to shoot a gun — we need a proper stance to do so

• Never give up, never give in

• Put on the full armor of God to remain standing

• We do not need to be victorious against the enemy; let God fight the enemy on spiritual terms! <C31>

1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV

[8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. [9] Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Ephesians 6:10-13 NIV

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.

** Some people want to argue that we don’t need to concern ourselves with the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament Law of Moses because it is only for the people who lived in Old Testament times, but 9 out of 10 commandments are repeated in the New Testament Law of Messiah except the commandment regarding the Sabbath <H86>

1 Timothy 1:8 NIV

[8] We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.

Exodus 20:2-3,7-8,12-17 NIV

[2] “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. [3] “You shall have no other gods before me. [7] “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. [8] “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. [12] “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. [13] “You shall not murder. [14] “You shall not commit adultery. [15] “You shall not steal. [16] “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. [17] “You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

** Bad theology leads others to live in sin on a perpetual basis

• It’s erroneous to believe it’s “loving” to help another perpetuate a lie and continue living in sin; Jesus calling Pharisees “white-washed tombs” was not exactly what we would call a loving remark, yet Christ needed to call out their hypocrisy and their need to change their thinking

• Remember the illustration of God being a coin with two sides: God is MERCY on one side (thankfully or we would have no hope at all) and God is JUDGE on the other side (who judges us for unrepentant sin) — and the entire coin is made out of LOVE

• Bottom line: God deals with sin and those who reject Him and they will be judged and suffer His wrath

• Is it loving to let another live in sin and they eventually be judged for doing so?

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 iron teeth in Daniel’s vision signify consuming while bronze claws signify Grecian swiftness of tearing things apart; the changes in ‘green policy’ religion happen quickly and all nations across the globe are on board, thus the one world global system will devour the whole earth as recorded in Daniel

Daniel 7:19,23 NIV

[19] “Then I wanted to know the meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others and most terrifying, with its iron teeth and bronze claws---the beast that crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. [23] “He gave me this explanation: 'The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it.

Another perspective to this is found in Revelation 17 where the Whore of Babylon is supported by this one world government; the kings make a deal with this wealthy woman draped in scarlet from Babylon (where it is the center of all false religions and center of the Antichrist) to unite everyone

Revelation 17:1-6 NIV

[1] One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters. [2] With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.” [3] Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. [4] The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. [5] The name written on her forehead was a mystery: Babylon the great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth. [6] I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God's holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished.

The green agenda is a religion:

• Worship — of the government who ‘promise’ to resolve the problem

• Salvation — is saving the planet

• Sin — of pollution and carbon emission

• Enemy — are humans

• Eschatology — is the threat to Mother Earth if global warming is not stopped

• Priests — are the globalists, corporations, Saudi Arabia

• Disciples — who promote are in education, legal, media, politics, entertainment, those who want to stay woefully ignorant, etc

• Sacrifice — standards of living so once seal judgments come many are starving and dying to enhance depopulation to solve the problem <H86> (Sep 2022)

** We are to be an Abraham who lived in this world but not of it, compared to Lot who lived in this world and was attached to it; Lot was attached to his way of life to the point of hesitating to leave when God was ready to destroy Sodom <D40>

Genesis 19:15-16 NIV

[15] With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished. ” [16] When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them.

Genesis 19:27-28 NIV

[27] Early the next morning Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the Lord. [28] He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah, toward all the land of the plain, and he saw dense smoke rising from the land, like smoke from a furnace.

** Let’s keep our eyes focused on God alone; take advantage of quiet times to focus on the Lord, our Provider

• Don't simply ‘open your mind’ because evil forces would love to enter; focus on God's word and remain in prayer

• Thank God for His protection

• The more your mind is on God, the less it is on your problems

• Fill your mind with godly thoughts <C31>

Psalm 16:8 NIV

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

** Your happiness arises from that on which you place your affections. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

If your affections are placed upon a poor empty creature, or if like Judas your heart is so depraved that you desire only the moneybag, or like Reuben you are content for worldly convenience to continue on this side Jordan — then remember that you are bartering eternal life for a mere fantasy and deceiving yourself into irretrievable and endless ruin!

Lord, if this is my happiness, then let others enjoy the things of this world! For my part, I am content to deny myself and take up my cross and follow You! <S181>

Psalm 16:11 NIV

[11] You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

** 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.

** Unbelievers don't want us to go to God for resolution and will often try to keep us from Him

** 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.

** A little wisdom eases efforts in life and wise living often produces a good outcome, even if not as expected; in contrast, lack of Scriptural wisdom leaves one unprepared to handle the tough times

Ecclesiastes 10:10 NIV

[10] If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

[13] No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

** We must not, like Job’s friends, decide that a man is a great sinner because calamity falls on him nor believe that outright prosperity is proof of righteousness; outward appearances are no criterion for judgment <B20>

Ecclesiastes 9:1,6 NIV

[1] So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God's hands, but no one knows whether love or hate awaits them. [6] Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun.

Job 38:1-3 NIV

** Notice the first commandment is to love and worship God; only when we do this first, do we prepare ourselves to carry out His second commandment

If we love God with all our heart, soul and mind then we want to obey and please Him at ALL times

Allowing and advocating what is a clear violation to God — such as homosexuality, abortion, and any other sin listed in Scripture — is NOT “loving others” as God desires but loving others in a human-reasoned way so we can compromise when things get uncomfortable <D40>

Matthew 22:36-39 NIV

** To those who believe we serve a New Testament God who only cares about grace and the God of the Old Testament is not around anymore: understand that God still deals with sin and those who reject Him will suffer His wrath <R173>

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.

Hebrews 13:8 NIV

[8] Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

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.

** Science is NOT TRUTH, despite many believing it is and throwing the term “it’s science” around as though it has just proven their theory; on the contrary, science is the OBSERVATION of truth!

Think of what happens when people try to create their own science and ignore self-evident reality:

a) Think of GRAVITY as the reality all around us that existed before we got here and will exist long after we’re gone

b) A PARACHUTE (God’s Word) as the way to navigate your way through reality so you end up surviving

People can ignore gravity-reality but will suffer the consequences if they do; reality doesn’t change for us… we change for it <D40>

** 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.

** The power of good and evil can come from the same tongue

Proverbs 18:20-21 NIV

[20] From the fruit of their mouth a person's stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. [21] The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

James 3:6-10 NIV

[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. [9] With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. [10] Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

Proverbs 21:23 NIV

[23] Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.

Proverbs 24:28 NIV

[28] Do not testify against your neighbor without cause---would you use your lips to mislead?

Proverbs 25:23 NIV

[23] Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue---which provokes a horrified look.

Proverbs 30:11,14 NIV

[11] “There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers; [14] those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among mankind.

** 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.

** 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 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.”

** 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.

** Godless man tries to control every aspect of his life, including seeding the clouds to induce rain, rather than acknowledging our Creator and asking Him to provide rain when needed

Zechariah 10:1 NIV

[1] Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime;

it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.

** 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 paid 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.

** God values and takes pleasure in the heart of man, not the surface valuations common to worldly thinking

Psalm 147:10-11 NIV

[10] His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; [11] the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

** God gave His Son out of love so we would not perish in Hell if we believe in Him and receive Him in faith; we are already deserving of Hell but God gave us a ‘way out’ so behold the goodness and severity of God!

The four gospels does NOT emphasize God’s love yet mainstream Christians do — we know John 3:16 but do we know verses 15 & 17? Instead, they distort what love is and base it on feelings and self-deserved reward instead of sacrifice

God’s law as outlined in the Old Testament is relevant for us today and must be the baseline of our actions otherwise man reaches the depths of depravity; we love God and others by keeping His law, summarized by the Ten Commandments

Yet, today, the mainstream church often promotes the idea that Christians are not bound to the common law of ethics or morality outlined in Scripture and they boil the gospel down to 3 words: “God is love” which after some time becomes “love is god” <C36>

John 3:14-18 NIV

[14] Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, [15] that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” [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. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. [18] Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

1 John 4:7-10 NIV

[7] Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. [8] Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. [9] This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. [10] This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

** Micah chapter 3 is a reflection on the state of the church today; we are witnesses to pastors who care more about being popular and woke instead of knowing and speaking the truth of God’s Word and encouraging their followers to do the same <K110> (Jan 2022)

Micah 3:1-4 NIV [government leaders]

[1] Then I said, “Listen, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel. Should you not embrace justice, [2] you who hate good and love evil; who tear the skin from my people and the flesh from their bones; [3] who eat my people's flesh, strip off their skin and break their bones in pieces; who chop them up like meat for the pan, like flesh for the pot? ” [4] Then they will cry out to the Lord, but he will not answer them. At that time he will hide his face from them because of the evil they have done.

Micah 3:5-7 NIV [church leaders]

[5] This is what the Lord says: “As for the prophets who lead my people astray, they proclaim 'peace' if they have something to eat, but prepare to wage war against anyone who refuses to feed them. [6] Therefore night will come over you, without visions, and darkness, without divination. The sun will set for the prophets, and the day will go dark for them. [7] The seers will be ashamed and the diviners disgraced. They will all cover their faces because there is no answer from God. ”

** God utters strong language against religious activity solely based on ritual, where people ‘act out’ their religion but their heart is not tuned to God

Amos 5:21-23 NIV

[21] “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. [22] Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. [23] Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.

** 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.

** 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.

** 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.

** God will bring about His justice to all antichristian forces/nations who oppose Him; they will not have a choice in facing reality

Ezekiel 38:4 NIV

[4] I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army---your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords.

** God describes in detail the horrific events of the last days/war; not exactly politically correct!

Ezekiel 39:15,18-20 NIV

[15] As they go through the land, anyone who sees a human bone will leave a marker beside it until the gravediggers bury it in the Valley of Hamon Gog, [18] You will eat the flesh of mighty men and drink the blood of the princes of the earth as if they were rams and lambs, goats and bulls---all of them fattened animals from Bashan. [19] At the sacrifice I am preparing for you, you will eat fat till you are glutted and drink blood till you are drunk. [20] At my table you will eat your fill of horses and riders, mighty men and soldiers of every kind,’ declares the Sovereign Lord.

** There were three basic religious groups or belief systems in Jesus’ day, including the:

• Pharisees — those who were more interested in following oral tradition of the Torah; deviated from its writings

• Essenes — were focused on the ancient writings of the patriarchs; same as our Bible today

• Sadducees — didn’t believe in eternal life so you might as well have your best life now

The Essenes hid the patriarchal Scriptures — what we know as Dead Sea Scrolls today — and had divisions among their sect, including the:

• Hyper idolatrous party — for instance, members of this group would not go into cities with any statue (perhaps political figures, etc) even though residents did not bow down or worship them; statues or anything else becomes a problem when they become an idol!

• Circumcision party — forcing Gentiles to get circumcised; Paul makes it clear that we must follow the law of God, not outward signs and following the law of Moses

• Hyper blasphemy party — where members were sensitive to not call anyone “lord” except the Deity God; even though military ranks included the category of lord and it was a form or respect and stature

We have members of the idolatrous and blasphemous parties today, with people trying to convince others not to have Christmas trees, holiday cards, etc, because of pagan parallels; circumcision is not an issue today for westerners because it was seen as a positive step toward good health by governments decades ago

The original ancient Essenes didn’t have anything to do with the other groups because they followed the patriarchs and wanted to protect their writings by hiding them in caves; this group always believed in Trinitarianism, that the Messiah would become man incarnate, that He would die for the sins of mankind in 32AD, etc

How awesome that the recently discovered Dead Sea Scrolls confirm to the smallest detail and exact date what is in and understood from our Bible today! <J105>

** Satan and his minions disguise themselves as Angels of Light and is why his false religion is called Doctrine of Demons <M130>

The Bible warns about its:

• Presence – which is everywhere all the time

• Prophets – advocating its lies

• Peril – to those who propagate and follow it

• False religion, even that which claims to be based on Scripture, is so globally attractive because the whole world belongs to the Evil One

• Sinners cannot understand the word of God and are resistant to the truth because they belong to the Evil One

John 8:43-45,47 NIV

[43] Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. [44] You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. [45] Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! [47] Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

• It is easy for people to be led into a damning religion and difficult for unsaved people to receive God’s truth

• It is natural for people to want to follow Old Testament works-religion and dismiss the requirement of faith Christ outlined in the New Testament

Matthew 7:13 NIV

[13] “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

Matthew 7:15-16 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?

• Intellectual and verbal knowledge of Scripture is not saving knowledge of Scripture

• Christ is talking to Pharisees that egotistically had a form of godliness but denied its power

Matthew 23:27-28 NIV

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

• People who call themselves Christian can say and believe all the right things — like salvation prayer, going to church, believing a creed or even following a theology — and be lost at the same time

• Beware of a false assurance and notion of “cheap grace” in an effort to improve life and try to make the good outweigh the bad

• No, we are to self-examine ourselves to test the condition of our heart and ensure we have been changed, then ACTING on this change

If the answers to the following are centered on God, then that is the work of the Holy Spirit and your life in Christ is genuine:

• “What are my affections, desires, loves, motives?”

• “Am I more interested in the gifts than the Giver?”

• “Am I indifferent to God’s scripture?”

• “Do I act on my convictions and bear fruit?”

2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV

[5] Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you---unless, of course, you fail the test?

James 2:14-17 NIV

[14] What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? [15] Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? [17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

** 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

** If a person continues to reject God, then God will remove Himself from them and remove other believers from them

Ezekiel 14:7-8 NIV

[7] “ 'When any of the Israelites or any foreigner residing in Israel separate themselves from me and set up idols in their hearts and put a wicked stumbling block before their faces and then go to a prophet to inquire of me, I the Lord will answer them myself. [8] I will set my face against them and make them an example and a byword. I will remove them from my people. Then you will know that I am the Lord.

** 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.

** God asked whether the ‘religious elders’ should even be heard because they had unrepentant hearts and were more concerned about ‘the show’; do we act the same, publicly going to God when really trusting in something else?

Ezekiel 14:2-3 NIV

[2] Then the word of the Lord came to me: [3] “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all?

Psalm 66:18 NIV

[18] If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened

** 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)

** 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

[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.

** Believers are to actively oppose and prophesy against those who encourage others to trust in anything or anyone other than God

Ezekiel 13:17-18 NIV

[17] “Now, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own imagination. Prophesy against them [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?

** 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,

** 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.

** Evil doesn’t win forever, for one day there will be a reckoning against this world and evil doers will be judged; God’s perfect government will replace what we see now! <M131> (Sep 2021)

Psalm 2:1-6 NIV

** How is Christianity different from all other man-made religions?

• Being a Christian offers the only hope for the believer that after we die, we gain what we can only imagine in this life

• It's not like the Muslim who fears a non-existent god whose only call is for them to die a martyr for “allah”

• It’s not like the Buddhist who believes in a long dead philosopher that is only good for this life and attempts to live a morally clean life

• For the Christian, to die is to gain....it is everything! <T201>

1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV

[9] However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”---the things God has prepared for those who love him—

** 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.

** Remember: the peace that Jesus brought was a peace between us and God, not peace between each other <H86>

Matthew 10:21-23 NIV

[21] “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. [22] You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. [23] When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

Matthew 24:9 NIV

[9] “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.

** 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 — 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?

** God knows that Israel will come back to Him AFTER He regathers them in their land and gives them life; the Tribulation, ultimately, is for the purpose of saving the Jewish nation — a nation that has already gathered from the ends of the earth

This is the Old Testament version of God’s grace; He knows that Israel cannot keep the law of Moses yet blesses them and gives them their land after He disciplined them, revealing God’s love and glory <R176>

Jeremiah 29:10-14 NIV

[10] This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. [11] For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. [12] Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. [13] You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. [14] I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Ezekiel 37:1-7 NIV

[1] The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. [2] He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. [3] He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know. ” [4] Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! [5] This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. [6] I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord. ' ” [7] So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone.

Ezekiel 37:11-14 NIV

[11] Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, 'Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.' [12] Therefore prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. [13] Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. [14] I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord. ' ”

Ezekiel 20:41-44 NIV

[41] I will accept you as fragrant incense when I bring you out from the nations and gather you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will be proved holy through you in the sight of the nations. [42] Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I bring you into the land of Israel, the land I had sworn with uplifted hand to give to your ancestors. [43] There you will remember your conduct and all the actions by which you have defiled yourselves, and you will loathe yourselves for all the evil you have done. [44] You will know that I am the Lord, when I deal with you for my name's sake and not according to your evil ways and your corrupt practices, you people of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord. ' ”

** 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.

** We rely on God’s truth and to speak this truth to set people free, especially in these last days

Psalm 43:3 NIV

[3] Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.

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

Ephesians 6:11-14 NIV

[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. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place

Zechariah 8:16 NIV

[16] These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts

John 8:32 NIV

[32] Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

** 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>

** God is not looking for a temple of stone, since as the Creator of all things, the whole universe is His dwelling place; Stephen cited this passage before the Sanhedrin to point out the limiting of God to a temple made with hands

On the contrary, God is looking for a heart to dwell in, a heart that is tender and broken, not one that is concerned with externalities of religion; God is looking to dwell in the heart of a person who takes His Word seriously <M130>

Isaiah 66:1-2 NIV

[1] This is what the Lord says:

“Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? [2] Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.

** God conditionally satisfies our soul when we walk in fellowship with Him; this deep satisfaction does not come from material goods <M130>

Isaiah 58:13-14 NIV

[13] “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, [14] then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

** How can we learn contentment? One step toward contentment is patient submission to unavoidable ills and hardships. No earthly lot is perfect. No mortal ever yet in this world, has found a set of circumstances without some drawback.

There are:

• Trials which we cannot change into blessings

• Burdens which we cannot lay down

• Crosses which we must continue to carry

• Thorns in the flesh which must remain with their rankling pain

When we have such trials, why should we not sweetly accept them as part of God's best way with us? One who accepts with patience, that which he cannot change--has learned one secret of victorious living.

Another part of the lesson is that we can learn to moderate our desires. "Having food and clothing," says Paul again, "let us be content with these." Very much of our discontent arises from envy of those who seem to be more favored than ourselves. Many people lose most of the comfort out of their own lot--in coveting the finer, more luxurious things which some neighbor has. Yet if they knew the whole story of the life they envy for its greater prosperity, they probably would not exchange for it their own lower life with its more humble circumstances. Or if they could make the exchange, it is not likely they would find half so much real happiness in the other position, as they would have enjoyed on their own.

Contentment does not dwell so often in palaces--as in the homes of the humble. The tall peaks rise higher and are more conspicuous--but the winds smite them more fiercely than they do the quiet valleys. And surely, the lot in life which God makes for us, is always the best which could be made for us for the time. He knows better than we do, what our true needs are.

The real cause of our discontent is not in our circumstances; if it were, a change of circumstances might cure it. It is in ourselves, and wherever we go--we shall carry our discontent heart with us. The only cure which will affect anything, must be the curing of the fever of discontent in us.

A fine secret of contentment, lies in finding and extracting all the pleasure we can get from the things we have--the common, everyday things; while we enter upon no mad, vain chase after impossible dreams. In whatever state we are in, we may find therein enough for our needs.

No earthly misfortune can touch the wealth which a Christian holds in the divine promises and hopes. Just in the measure, therefore, in which we learn to live for spiritual and unseen eternal realities--do we find contentment amid earth's trials and losses. If we would live to please God, to build up Christlike character in ourselves, and to lay up treasure in Heaven--we shall not depend for happiness, on the way things go with us here on earth, nor on the measure of temporal goods we have. The earthly desires are crowded out by the higher and spiritual desires. We can do without childhood's toys--when we have manhood's better possessions. We desire the toys of this world less, as we get more of God and Heaven into our hearts.

Paul knew this secret. He cheerfully gave up all that this world had for him. Money had no power over him. He knew how to live in plenty; but he did not fret when poverty came instead. He was content in any trial, because earth meant so little--and Christ meant so much to him. He did not need the things he did not have. He was not made poor by the things he lost. He was not vexed by the sufferings he had to endure--because the sources of his life were in Heaven and could not be touched by earthly experiences of pain or loss.

These are hints of the way we may learn to be content in whatever circumstances. Surely the lesson is worth learning! One year of sweet contentment, amid earth's troublous scenes--is better than a whole lifetime of vexed, restless discontent! The lesson can be learned, too, by anyone who is truly Christ's disciple; for did not the Master say, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you." <M136>

Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

[11] I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. [12] I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. [13] I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

** 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.

** Establishing one’s own righteousness is at the heart of all false religion

Romans 10:3 NIV

[3] Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness.

** People looked at Jesus on the cross and pitied Him because they believed He was being punished with thieves; on the contrary, WE would be the ones punished if it wasn’t for Jesus being on the cross and Jesus' love for us led Him to endure all these things!

Note: Pentecostals believe Christ on the cross dealt with sin that includes disease; healing and salvation come together today via the Holy Spirit

Isaiah 53:4-5 NIV

[4] Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:9 NIV

[9] He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.

1 Peter 2:21-25 NIV

[21] To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. [22] “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” [23] When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. [24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” [25] For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

** Like the rest of Adam's discontented family, I am often grumbling at my griefs, complaining of my afflictions, and on the brink of quarreling at the conduct of Providence itself!

To be without afflictions is impossible here below, where man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward. Not to feel when afflicted, is a stoical, impious stupidity. But to sink under troubles of any kind, is beneath the character of the Christian. Yet, when I reflect on that eternity of bliss which is before me, on that world of glory of which I am an heir, I wonder that my afflictions are not more.

Is it too much for me to stumble among the 'rough stones of adversity', to have my flesh pricked with the 'thorns of trouble' — who shall so soon walk the golden streets of Heaven, and wear a crown of immortal glory!

Though the whole earth should rise up against me — if Heaven, and the God of Heaven are for me, I am in perfect safety in the midst of all the storms and tempests, whirlwinds and hurricanes which can blow! <M134>

Lamentations 3:1 NIV

I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of the Lord's wrath.

Romans 8:35-39 NIV

[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [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. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

** 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.

** From a spiritual standpoint, God warns us of being deceived by sorcerers or pharmaceutical poisoners during the last days; we will not be of clear mind to know what is going on

Revelation 18:23 KJV

[23] And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

Isaiah 5:20 KJV

[20] Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

** Just as the prophets of old did not speak from their own understanding, in the same way we must not apply our own private “interpretations” to what they wrote; we must let the words speak for themselves <B26>

2 Peter 1:20-21 NIV

[20] Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. [21] For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

** Jesus identified the Jews as the ‘enemy of the Gospel’ for they tried to achieve salvation through works and not by the Old Testament recognition that they were to throw themselves at the mercy of God to be redeemed from sin <M130>

Romans 11:25-28 NIV

[25] I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, [26] and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. [27] And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” [28] As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs

** 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

** Stern warning to the leaders of Israel who lead others astray

Isaiah 9:13-16 NIV

[13] But the people have not returned to him who struck them, nor have they sought the Lord Almighty. [14] So the Lord will cut off from Israel both head and tail, both palm branch and reed in a single day; [15] the elders and dignitaries are the head, the prophets who teach lies are the tail. [16] Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray.

** God’s righteousness will shine for all to see and then His people will rest safe with the destruction of His adversaries all around

Isaiah 5:16-17 NIV

[16] But the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will be proved holy by his righteous acts. [17] Then sheep will graze as in their own pasture; lambs will feed among the ruins of the rich.

** The first commandment of the decalogue says, "You shall have no other gods before Me." The meaning of this precept, which is the foundation of all religion, is not merely that we shall not acknowledge any other God besides Jehovah —but also that we shall treat Him as God! That is, we...

• must love Him with all our hearts,

• serve Him with all our lives, and

• depend upon Him for our supreme felicity.

It is obvious that whatever we love most, and are most anxious to retain and please, whatever it is we depend most upon for happiness and help — whatever has most of our hearts — that is in effect, our God!

It does not matter whether it is friends, possessions, desires, or our own selves! These are the idols of the heart! <J101>

1 John 5:21 NIV

[21] Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

** As the years advance, most people have no clue what is happening and what will happen. It is the era of great fear because almost no one has a handle on the happenings or the future. This is not news, for thousands of years ago scriptures said that "My people will perish for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). This lack is widespread and universal in its scope. God once more proved His love for us by scriptural forecasts and prophecies that are happening as I type this. They are contained in the Bible; the answers to these questions were always there. You don't have to dig them out. In the Old Testament, He used prophets to warn us; in the New Testament, Jesus Himself was not only the world's Savior but highlighted the future. These prophetic teachings of Jesus were listed in Chapter 24 of Matthew's gospel writings as well as the Book of Revelation starting with Chapter 4.

Jesus called these items birth pangs, mirroring the human experience. It is important to remember that they increase in time and intensity. The culmination of these occurs in the Tribulation period which we will discuss later. These are so bad that scripture tells about millions of people losing their lives in this seven-year period before the second coming. And just before the ending of the Tribulation, the War of Armageddon takes place. If you are not familiar with these seven years, you should investigate, as there is a safety feature available to avoid the intensity of this era. <M1492> (Oct 2020)

Hosea 4:6 NIV

[6] my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.

** 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.

** Wisdom should be the focal point of all instruction and sought at all costs; there is no wisdom apart from what is attached to good doctrine <M130>

Proverbs 4:2 NIV

[2] I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.

1 Timothy 4:13,16 NIV

[13] Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. [16] Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

2 Timothy 3:10,16 NIV

[10] You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, [16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

Titus 1:9 NIV

[9] He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

** The world clamors for peace and long life which its inhabitants could attain if only recognizing and abiding by God’s commands

Proverbs 3:1-2 NIV

[1] My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, [2] for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.

Proverbs 3:13-18 NIV

[13] Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, [14] for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. [15] She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. [16] Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. [17] Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. [18] She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.

Proverbs 3:21-26 NIV

[21] My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; [22] they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. [23] Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. [24] When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. [25] Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, [26] for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.

Proverbs 4:20-22 NIV

[20] My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. [21] Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; [22] for they are life to those who find them and health to one's whole body.

** The godless have no hope because they cannot go to God

Job 27:8-10 NIV

[8] For what hope have the godless when they are cut off, when God takes away their life? [9] Does God listen to their cry when distress comes upon them? [10] Will they find delight in the Almighty? Will they call on God at all times?

** Eliphaz, friend of Job, assumed he was suffering because of some grievous sin <M130>

• Eliphaz thought a moral order was at play, oversimplifying God’s pattern of retribution with simple logic

• The simple axiom ‘the righteous will prosper and the wicked will suffer’ does not always hold up in the human experience

• Eliphaz was partially right but not everything we reap in life is the result of something we have sown

Job 4:5-8 NIV

[5] But now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged; it strikes you, and you are dismayed. [6] Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope? [7] “Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed? [8] As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.

Galatians 6:7-9 NIV

[7] Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [8] Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. [9] Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

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.”

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NIV

[7] or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. [8] Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. [9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. [10] That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

John 9:1-3 NIV

[1] As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. [2] His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” [3] “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

** God will do the same today, similar to Pharaoh rejecting God’s truth and power that Moses brought to him! Today we notice those who do not even consider facts/reason because they gravitate toward (demonic) power that they think will buy them security — whether individuals who feel helpless or government officials who don’t want to lose grip on what power they have. In the end, God gives them over to delusion of power so He can display His power!

Exodus 7:11-12 NIV

[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.

When a culture replaces God with ‘anything’, God will give them over to what they want but they will not be happy with the results; they will witness His power and Truth while their idols fall. It is imperative as Christians that we remember TRUTH NEEDS TO BE STATED so God’s power can be fully appreciated and everyone stand without excuse before the Lord giving an account for their life. DECLARE TRUTH REGARDLESS OF RESPONSE! <H86>

Exodus 7:2,5 NIV

[2] You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country. [5] And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.”

Exodus 7:6 NIV

[6] Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them.

** The Scriptures give us sufficient instructions on what we should believe. They are a sufficient rule of faith. The Holy Scriptures give us complete directions in matters of practice. They are a sufficient rule of life.

In short, the sacred writings manifest the only worthy principles and vigorous springs of a suitable conduct towards God, one another, and towards ourselves.

And where do you think this godlike religion proceeds? Does not its nature prove its origin to be divine? Does it not evidently bear the lineaments of its heavenly Author? Can you ever imagine that such a pure, such a holy, such a perfect system — could be the contrivance of wicked, infernal spirits, of selfish, artful priests, or politicians, or of a group of daring impostors, or wild enthusiasts? <D43>

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.

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.

** Today and into the end times, Christians must continually ask whether the plethora of agendas advocated by society are trying to conjure their own truth (via flawed “evidence” or propaganda) and substitute God’s law? Some agendas may even exhibit powers that come from demonic sources. We must continually test how each agenda handles God and His Word. If the agenda is fundamentally Antichrist, then you must choose your side — will you adhere to God’s Word or the other religion/agenda?

Christians know God’s power ultimately rules supreme so we do not need to be afraid WHEN choosing to be on God’s side! While others who are deluded will continue to deny God’s power, Christians can rest knowing the Truth.

Deuteronomy 13:1-3 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.

Matthew 24:23-25 NIV

[23] At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Messiah!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. [24] For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. [25] See, I have told you ahead of time.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 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.

Revelation 13:13-14 NIV

[13] And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people. [14] Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.

** Daniel chapter 3 is a typology of the end times as described in Revelation 13: Nebuchadnezzar forced people to bow down to his image but when the 3 men who refused were thrown into the 7-times-hotter fire, they were not consumed but accompanied by the Son of God

Revelation 13:11,14-15 NIV

[11] Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. [14] Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. [15] The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed.

Daniel 3:1-6 NIV

[1] King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. [2] He then summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. [3] So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it. [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.”

Daniel 3:12-13,16-18 NIV

[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.” [13] Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, [16] Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. [17] If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. [18] But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. ”

Daniel 3:21-26 NIV

[21] So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. [22] The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, [23] and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. [24] Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” [25] He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” [26] Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire,

** The people who lived in Jerusalem depended on the ultimate good-luck charm: the Temple. They thought that as long as the Temple stood in Jerusalem they would have God’s favor and be protected from harm (Jeremiah 7:4, 10). Meanwhile, they lived sinful lives, oppressing aliens, widows, and orphans, and worshiping false gods (7:5-7). They had misplaced their faith—instead of trusting in God, they were trusting in the Temple.

True faith never involves superstitious belief in the power of an object. God wants us to respond personally to him and his will. Attending church, taking Communion, teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, wearing a cross—these exercises grow out of our love for God; they don’t gain us his favor or protection. <T2091>

** 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!

The standard of the world, and the standard of the Lord Jesus--are indeed widely different. They are more than different--they are flatly contradictory one to the other. Never be satisfied with the world's standard of Christianity!

A crucified Savior will never be content to have a self-pleasing, self-indulging, worldly-minded people!

It costs something to be a true Christian. It will cost us our sins, our self-righteousness, our ease and our worldliness!

The ways, and fashions, and amusements, and recreations of the world--have a continually decreasing place in the heart of a growing Christian. He does not condemn them as downright sinful, nor say that those who have anything to do with them are going to Hell.

He only feels they have a constantly diminishing hold on his own affections, and gradually seem smaller and more trifling in his eyes. <R170>

1 John 5:4-5 NIV

[4] for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. [5] Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

** Many people profess to be Christians but their daily lives differ in nothing from thousands of non-professors all around them.

They are rarely, if ever, found at the prayer-meeting, they have no family worship, they seldom read the Scriptures, they will not talk with you about the things of God, their walk is thoroughly worldly, yet they are quite sure that they are bound for Heaven!

Inquire into the ground of their confidence, and they will tell you that so many years ago they accepted Christ as their Savior, and "once saved, always saved" is now their comfort.

There are thousands of such people on earth today, who are nevertheless, on the Broad Road that leads to destruction, treading it with a false peace in their hearts and a vain profession on their lips! <P161>

Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

Titus 1:16 NIV

[16] They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

** 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.

** The way to Heaven lies through much tribulation. All our troubles are not over when we are saved by Christ; nay, then commonly our greatest sorrows begin! Nor are we to expect freedom from our troubles, until harbored in Heaven.

This winter weather shall be useful to destroy those noxious weeds, which the summer of prosperity bred. By wintry trials, God will mortify and purge our corruptions!

At present we are tossed upon an ocean of troubles, fears and temptations--but these will make Heaven all the sweeter. Cheer up, then, O my soul, your salvation is now nearer than when you first believed! Yet a few more days, and then comes that blessed day you have so long waited and panted for!

God will shortly put a blessed end to all of your soul troubles, cares and watchings. The time is coming, when your heart shall be as you would have it, when you shall be discharged of all these cares, fears and sorrows, and never more cry out: "O my hard, my proud, my vain, my earthly heart!" <F63>

John 16:33 NIV

[33] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Matthew 25:34 NIV

[34] “Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

** Those intent on evil have not changed over the centuries

Psalm 64:2-6 NIV

[2] Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers. [3] They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows. [4] They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly, without fear. [5] They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, “Who will see it ?” [6] They plot injustice and say, “We have devised a perfect plan!” Surely the human mind and heart are cunning.

** We are not to add to or take away from the commands in God's word, for it is complete and sufficient to direct His people; God does not tolerate the altering of His word

Deuteronomy 4:2 NIV

[2] Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.

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.

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.

** We will be held responsible for our decisions and subsequent actions

Leviticus 17:15-16 NIV

[15] “ ‘Anyone, whether native-born or foreigner, who eats anything found dead or torn by wild animals must wash their clothes and bathe with water, and they will be ceremonially unclean till evening; then they will be clean. [16] But if they do not wash their clothes and bathe themselves, they will be held responsible.'”

** There is a limit to God's patience; we need to maintain a healthy fear and reverence of God

Exodus 33:3-6 NIV

[3] Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.” [4] When the people heard these distressing words, they began to mourn and no one put on any ornaments. [5] For the Lord had said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I might destroy you. Now take off your ornaments and I will decide what to do with you.’ ” [6] So the Israelites stripped off their ornaments at Mount Horeb.

Exodus 33:9-11 NIV

[9] As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses. [10] Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to their tent. [11] The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.

Exodus 34:2-3 NIV

[2] Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain. [3] No one is to come with you or be seen anywhere on the mountain; not even the flocks and herds may graze in front of the mountain.”

Exodus 34:29-30 NIV

[29] When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. [30] When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him.

** In response to God’s promises, New Testament believers STRIVE to live pure lives perfecting holiness out of reverence for God

“False religion panders to the human appetites represented by both ‘flesh and spirit’. While some believers might for a time avoid succumbing to fleshly sins associated with false religion, the Christian who exposes his mind to false teaching cannot avoid contamination by the devilish ideologies and blasphemies that assault the purity of divine truth and blaspheme God’s name.” <M130>

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.

2 Corinthians 6:16b-18 NIV

[16] 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.”

Romans 12:1-2 NIV

[1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God---this is your true and proper worship. [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.

Matthew 5:48 NIV

[48] Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

** The Old and New Testaments are words from God to be studied, meditated upon, prayed over, and memorized for the knowledge and objective meaning they contain and the authority from God they carry, and not for the mystical experience or feeling of personal power and inner peace they may stimulate

• Sound knowledge comes first, then the lasting kind of experience and peace comes as a byproduct of knowing and communing with God rightly

• As long as a person takes this view of the Bible and prayer, he/she is engaging in the same kind of meditation and prayer that Bible-believing followers of Christ have always commended <G72>

• There is power in the Word of God and we don't need new inventive ways (such as Latina Davina) to understand/apply it to our lives today... especially a way that opens us to depending on our feelings and experiences rather than having the Word of God as our foundation

• Trying to use Scripture to invoke feelings and personal messages is not why God gave us His word and the practice is extremely dangerous because any power/spirit can interfere to give the recipient false messages!

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.

1 John 4:1-3 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, [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.

** God gives us His law to guide us in what is right and wrong; anyone who does not base their teaching and judge their actions against the word of God is a false teacher

Romans 2:17-21 NIV

[17] Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; [18] if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; [19] if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, [20] an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth--- [21] you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?

** 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.

** It may seem as though God is not paying attention but His wrath will eventually come on those who reject Him and His ways

Psalm 50:16-17,21-22 NIV

[16] But to the wicked person, God says: “What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips? [17] You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you. [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. [22] “Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you

** Paul expresses his concern for the Israelites that their zeal may be founded in what is true, not based on their limited intellect and knowledge

Romans 10:1-2 NIV

[1] Brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. [2] For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.

** Jesus uses the word "the" to emphasize no other way; He is not "a" way but "the" way to truth and 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.

** Those in leadership often do not like when others seemingly usurp their authority/power or ideas and will respond in retaliation, but those who abide by God's commands/agenda will be protected

Acts 9:23-24 NIV

[23] After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, [24] but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him.

Acts 9:25 NIV

[25] But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.

Acts 9:29-30 NIV

[29] He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. [30] When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

** Perhaps some Pharisees wanted Jesus to simply go away and used Herod as an excuse; Jesus has the same message for Herod and Pharisee alike while proclaiming victory

Luke 13:31-32 NIV

[31] At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” [32] He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’

** Jesus called out the hypocrisy of the Pharisee's thinking

Luke 13:14-16 NIV

[14] Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” [15] The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? [16] Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”

Luke 14:1-6 NIV

[1] One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. [2] There in front of him was a man suffering from abnormal swelling of his body. [3] Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” [4] But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way. [5] Then he asked them, “If one of you has a child or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?” [6] And they had nothing to say.

** What tragic spiritual losses are suffered when we follow the errant teaching of God casting off or replacing Israel <T203>

• We miss the majesty of God protecting His chosen people and their eternally covenanted homeland in our day

• We miss the mercy and grace of God towards even the most rebellious of people by recognizing it is He who has regathered them as promised

• We miss the closeness of the Day of the Lord and do not have a reference point from which to see the day approaching

Romans 11:1-2 NIV

[1] I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. [2] God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don't you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah---how he appealed to God against Israel:

Romans 11:25-29 NIV

** God cares more about the condition of the heart than whether someone follows man's rules or traditions or is comfortable; often these rules nullify the Word of God

Mark 7:1-2,5-7 NIV

[1] The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus [2] and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. [5] So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” [6] He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “ ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. [7] They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’

Mark 7:8-9 NIV

[8] You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” [9] And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!

** It is repeated in Psalm 24 that WE have a responsibility to open our hearts and souls for His reception, so that the Lord may come in

Psalm 24:7,9 NIV

[7] Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. [9] Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

** 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,

** We cannot do anything on our own but must ask God in the moment to help us determine and accomplish what we know is right, for His honor and glory

Revelation 3:18 NIV

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

** Don't confuse selfish evil ambition as wisdom; make sure the wisdom you receive is backed or confirmed by Scripture

James 3:14-16 NIV

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.

James 3:17-18 NIV

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.

** 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 often trust in what we create; these idols made by human hands, hold no power, are untrustworthy, deceptive and can't fulfill the trust we put in them; idols are inanimate lifeless objects that may be inhabited by demons and ultimately keep us from God's truth

Habakkuk 2:18-20 NIV

“Of what value is an idol carved by a craftsman? Or an image that teaches lies? For the one who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. [19] Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’ Or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!’ Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.” [20] The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.

1 Corinthians 10:20 NIV

No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.

** Jesus told the parable of the wedding feast letting us know that 'many are called, few are chosen'

• The best interpretation of the invitation is that it symbolizes the gospel proclamation

• The wedding garment symbolizes Jesus’ righteousness that is transferred to those who accept His invitation <G72>

• Those who are called answer the invitation of the Lord

• Those who are chosen both accept the invitation and comply with its conditions <W212>

Matthew 22:11-14 NIV

[11] “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. [12] He asked, 'How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend ?' The man was speechless. [13] “Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' [14] “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”

** 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.”

** There will be false teachers among you but they are headed for destruction; trouble is, they are leading “many” astray — 51% in the church today believe God will accept people of all faiths and 65% do not believe there is a Satan (Jan 2021) It is plain that Jesus Christ is the only way!

2 Peter 2:1-3 NIV

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. [2] Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. [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.

2 Peter 2:18-21 NIV

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.” [20] If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. [21] It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.

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.

** You can always find someone to support your errant thinking; we now have the ability to test our thoughts and actions against Scripture

1 Kings 1:5,7 NIV

[5] Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” So he got chariots and horses ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him. [7] Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, and they gave him their support.

** Our awesome God cares about us even though we are 'nothing' in comparison to Him or His creation; yet God crowns us with glory and honor and gives us responsibility over His earthly creation

Psalm 8:3-8 NIV

[3] When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, [4] what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? [5] You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. [6] You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: [7] all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, [8] the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

** God will make Himself known to all at the end of this age

Matthew 24:27 NIV

For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Matthew 24:30-31 NIV

“Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. [31] And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

** You don't have to be wise or possess special ability to understand the ways of God; in fact, it is best to live by a simple faith (like a child) and not have to figure it out yourself

Matthew 11:25 NIV

At that time Jesus 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.

** Jesus told His disciples: there is nothing secretive about the message of Christ (for all will be revealed eventually) so proclaim it boldly; don't buy into false prophet's special interpretations!

Matthew 10:26-27 NIV

“So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. [27] What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.

** Everyone who claims to be a disciple of God has a responsibility to demonstrate the difference between the new life in Christ and the old life of self

Matthew 13:52 NIV

He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

E23.

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