The enemy of our souls is called "the prince of the power of the air" in Ephesians 2:2. That means he and his forces are at work in the air all around us all the time. Thus we are constantly in an atmosphere where we have forces that are contrary to us at work all around us. These forces do not like us and will do any thing they can to destroy us. If they cannot destroy us, they will at least try everything they can to try to trip us up or weaken us.
God has made provision for us to be able to stand in the midst of these forces. Later, in Ephesians chapter 6 Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God that we may be able to stand against all the wiles of the devil. One of those pieces of armor that Paul speaks of is the shield of faith by which we can quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked. Daily we need to make sure our shield of faith is in place. Notice also that this shield will quench ALL the firey darts. Not just some. Not just maybe. But of a certainty will quench those fiery darts that are sure to come our way.
Notice that Paul also said "above all, taking the shield of faith." It seems that this is more important than the other parts of our defensive armor.
Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Friday, August 28, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Chrislam!!!???
Tonight while watching a show an PBS I was shocked. One of the stories they did was about a church in Nigeria where they preach from the Bible and the Koran. They call their religion Chrislam. The people claim to have recieved miracles through prayer at this church. Of course the people on PBS were extolling the virtues of such a church that would combine these two religions. They talked to an "expert" anthropologist who showed her great lack of knowledge as far as I am concerned. She showed that she had no real understanding of the Christian faith.
Here is a link to the clip and an article about it: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/video/blog/2009/05/chrislam_combines_christian_an.html
One of my thoughts about this is that this is just a step toward a One World Religion. In the end of this age, just before Jesus returns to set up His kingdom on the earth, the Bible indicates that the world will be under the leadership of the person we call the "Antichrist." This man of lawlessness, son of perdition, beast, etc. as he is referred to in the scriptures, will rule over a One World Government. Working alongside this "antichrist" will be the "false prophet." I believe this false prophet will preside over a One World Religion. There are different "interfaith" organizations in the world working toward bringing all the faiths together.
I know that Christians are often looked upon as intolerant of the other religions or as narrow minded. But the Bible is very clear that there is only ONE way to God the Father and that is through Jesus Christ.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
A couple of scriptures that come to mind in particular concerning chrislam are the following:
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Galatians 1:8-9 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
I would also have to say that the miracles that the people in that chrislam "church" experienced were lying signs and wonders.
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Here is a link to the clip and an article about it: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/video/blog/2009/05/chrislam_combines_christian_an.html
One of my thoughts about this is that this is just a step toward a One World Religion. In the end of this age, just before Jesus returns to set up His kingdom on the earth, the Bible indicates that the world will be under the leadership of the person we call the "Antichrist." This man of lawlessness, son of perdition, beast, etc. as he is referred to in the scriptures, will rule over a One World Government. Working alongside this "antichrist" will be the "false prophet." I believe this false prophet will preside over a One World Religion. There are different "interfaith" organizations in the world working toward bringing all the faiths together.
I know that Christians are often looked upon as intolerant of the other religions or as narrow minded. But the Bible is very clear that there is only ONE way to God the Father and that is through Jesus Christ.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
A couple of scriptures that come to mind in particular concerning chrislam are the following:
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Galatians 1:8-9 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
I would also have to say that the miracles that the people in that chrislam "church" experienced were lying signs and wonders.
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
They overcame him by.....
Again I apologize for having such a long period of time between posts. And once again it is primarily due to my health. Last Tuesday night my parents were visiting from out of state. In the process of preparing for them to come....cooking, cleaning, etc....I pushed my body far beyond its current limits. Then on Thursday I had some injections in my spine. I am finally starting to recover from overdoing it. Also I am starting to feel some positive effects of the injections. Praise God!!!
What I would like to write about tonight is something I have thought about quite often. I thought about it alot immediately after 9/11. The muslims are quite willing to give their lives for their cause (religion). But I wonder in these United States how many Christians are willing to lay down their lives for our "cause?" People in other countries do it everyday. We have not yet had to face that question here. But I am relatively certain we in this country will have to face that in the not too distant future. I have aske myself the question, "Am I willing to give my life for Jesus Christ?" I am as certain as I can be that the answer is, "Yes."
There is a verse in Revelation 12 that is often quoted. Although generally the last phrase is left off. Here is the quote: "they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony." The last phrase is an extremely important part if someone is to be a true disciple, a true overcomer in God's kingdom. Do you know what that missing phrase is? When I have asked this question only about 25% of the people have been able to finish the verse.
Revelation 12:10-11 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
To be a true disciple it is necessary to love not your life unto the death. As a Christian our lives are no longer our own. Jesus told us it was necessary to take up our cross. In that day the cross signified death. As we know Jesus was crucified on a Roman cross. Our death is a daily death to our own will, to our desires and a submission to the will and desire of our God. I tend to believe that if we daily take up our cross we would be willing to pay the ultimate price of martyrdom.
Luke 9:23-25 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
What I would like to write about tonight is something I have thought about quite often. I thought about it alot immediately after 9/11. The muslims are quite willing to give their lives for their cause (religion). But I wonder in these United States how many Christians are willing to lay down their lives for our "cause?" People in other countries do it everyday. We have not yet had to face that question here. But I am relatively certain we in this country will have to face that in the not too distant future. I have aske myself the question, "Am I willing to give my life for Jesus Christ?" I am as certain as I can be that the answer is, "Yes."
There is a verse in Revelation 12 that is often quoted. Although generally the last phrase is left off. Here is the quote: "they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony." The last phrase is an extremely important part if someone is to be a true disciple, a true overcomer in God's kingdom. Do you know what that missing phrase is? When I have asked this question only about 25% of the people have been able to finish the verse.
Revelation 12:10-11 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
To be a true disciple it is necessary to love not your life unto the death. As a Christian our lives are no longer our own. Jesus told us it was necessary to take up our cross. In that day the cross signified death. As we know Jesus was crucified on a Roman cross. Our death is a daily death to our own will, to our desires and a submission to the will and desire of our God. I tend to believe that if we daily take up our cross we would be willing to pay the ultimate price of martyrdom.
Luke 9:23-25 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
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