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Jesus said
Come Follow Me!
            Christ wants a Relationship

Man wants a Religion            

A Comprehensive Study    

Jesus Christ, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, God of Gods - To Him
be all power, honor, glory, praise, majesty, rule and
dominion - Forever and ever. Amen  

Christ’s humble servant,

July, 2003

Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens:

let thy glory be above all the earth.
 
 Foreword
 
The author lived most of his life as a religious man and as such has nothing worthy
of merit or praise to offer. This book is dedicated to the Lord of my life, Jesus Christ.
All focus and attention must be directed to Him alone. The Lord through His mercy
led me into the wilderness several years ago. Having reached the end of my self and
realizing my inabilities, I truly repented and forsook my selfish life. During this time
He fed me with the bread of life (manna), which is the life and broken body of Jesus
Christ, and Him crucified. He gave drink of living waters, which is the Holy Spirit who
teaches of Christ, empowers and leads in the path of righteousness. The wilderness
is that place where we must put aside the things of man – those that the flesh
desires – and wholly seek God’s will and purposes. In this wilderness there was much
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self denial, personal sacrifice, persecution, and loss of friends and family relations.
The old man had to be put to death. The old religious life had to be torn down and a
new life rebuilt on a sure foundation, which is Christ Jesus. Opinions had to be
purged and truth grasped. Throughout it all Christ was with me and I would not
trade this for anything the world has to offer. The old is gone and there is no turning
back (Gal 2:18).
 
The author is a sinner saved by grace. In keeping with the grace that brings
salvation, I endeavor to live soberly, godly and righteously during this pilgrimage on
the earth. Not living to the flesh or worldly lusts, but allowing Christ to redeem and
purify me from all sin. I have no inherent capability to do this in my own strength,
just a love and desire to seek God and to perform His will. Jesus Christ gives me the
ability and power to follow, in keeping with His will. Jesus is my Lord and through
love and devotion I will zealously serve Him. The author is a fanatic for sure, and
extreme only in the eyes of those who do not know Christ. I use to be a believer, but
now I am a follower.
 
I will say in advance that you cannot speak the truth without offending the flesh.
The two are diametrically opposed to one another. Those whose heart is on this
world may not understand the things written herein. This book will challenge the
flesh, and as such the flesh will certainly rise up in dispute. The self seeking religious
man will surely take offense to this book because it will surely undermine his
authority, but will set Jesus in His rightful place. Mark 11:28, “And say unto him, By
what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do
these things? Jesus spoke the Father’s Words. We are commanded to do the same.
John 7:16, “…My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me.” The authority for this
book is the Word of God and the necessity is a heartfelt belief that this is in the
Lord’s will to bring glory to Christ. The words are those of Christ’s or a paraphrase of
the same. All comments can be and are defended through the scripture.
 
The author is not trying to throw stones at anybody’s past. If I did, I would have to
save the really big ones for myself. What I am trying to do is positively affect your
future by pointing you to Jesus Christ and the truth of His gospel.
 
 

The author takes no personal glory for this book. I absolutely yield to the Lord’s
desire: Jeremiah 9:23-24, “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his
wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in
his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth
me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and
righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” The
author’s desire is to understand, know, serve, and obey the Lord Jesus Christ. May
God’s will reign supreme!

The use of scripture and references contained herein are from the Authorized King
James Version Bible

 
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Introduction
 
This book is written from a heartfelt desire to help others by way of the
light the Lord has graciously shed in my life through intense study of His
Word, leading of the Holy Spirit, much prayer and a genuine desire to
absolutely obey God’s will in the course of a daily walk of faith in Christ. I
once lived as the religious described in this book until the Lord showed me
undeserved mercy by bringing me to the end of myself and revealing the
great need that I have for Him. Perhaps my failures and more importantly
God’s solutions will be of value to those seeking the truth by the Spirit as
they journey down the narrow path that leads to eternal life. The author
realizes that even if one holds all truth, without charity, he is nothing (1
Cor 13). Charity is love directed first toward God and then toward One’s
Neighbors. Let us love one another with the love of God.
 
The author realizes that we are all unique before God and each come to
Him from varied backgrounds and situations. The Spirit no doubt deals
with each of us in an appropriate and personal manner as He sees the
need based upon these circumstances. Although we may each interact
with the Lord in distinct ways, there is no doubt that ultimately the Spirit
is leading us all to the same place of conforming to the image of Christ in
holiness and righteousness. We must be obedient and faithful to yield to
God as we have knowledge and the ability to change wrongful areas of our
lives. In other words, as the light of Christ shines and reveals
inappropriate areas in our lives (darkness) that we have the immediate
ability to change, then we must be faithful and obedient with the
knowledge He has given us. Many will disagree with the conclusions in this
book. Those who truly seek the Lord and want to be faithful must discern
whether their contention is based upon the flesh or the Spirit. Fortunately
we have God’s Word and the Spirit will also teach those who are willing to
learn, and I encourage you to seek Him. The Lord does hear all those who
cry out to Him in repentance, genuinely desiring to serve Him. Ezekiel
33:11, “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure
in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live:
turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die…?The beauty is
this, once you are truly converted, you will voluntarily follow the Lord and
adhere to His Word based upon the love you have for Him. No one will
have to tell you to do anything. There will be no need for rules to follow;
His Spirit will lead you and Christ’s Word will give you understanding. You
will be drawn to His wonderful light. Amen
 
Many of the same truths are often stressed throughout this book in
different ways for emphasis. Although this may seem repetitive at times, a
purposeful and consistent life-changing message is being conveyed and
hopefully will emerge and be understood. Having once been religious, yet
hypocritical, the author understands how deception can blind the eyes to
gloss over fundamental truths or interpret them in wrongful ways.
Reaching out to God is not a difficult thing to do for those who will humble

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themselves and yield to Him. Man has put many a stumbling block in the
path by seeking God his way and for his purposes.
 
This book is primarily written for the “professed believer” who is not a
whole-hearted follower. Those who are lukewarm and in great danger of
being spewed (vomited) out of Christ’s mouth due to their complacency
and disregard for their lack of the meaningful ongoing relationship that
the Lord desires to have with them (Rev 3:16). Those who think they are
rich (self-sufficient) and have need of nothing, but are actually poor
(spiritually lacking), miserable (far from God), naked (sinful) and blind
(deceived) - Rev 3:17. For those who have conceded to the doctrines of
Balaam, meaning that they have mixed their belief in Christ (less than
faith) with paganism, idolatry and the things of the world, yet believe that
all this is acceptable within the grace of God (Rev 2:14). For those who
have chosen to walk in their will over God’s as evidenced through their
daily thoughts, manners, deeds and actions. This is a message for those
who do not necessarily believe they are in need of one and do not
necessarily desire to listen. The hope is that a great light will be shed on
the dark deception that encapsulates many, and that hearts will change
and repentance be sought for the purpose of an enduring and eternal
relationship with Jesus Christ through living faith. Whether you as the
reader have strayed from this daily obedience, reliance and trust in God
that He desires, you alone will have to determine. I exhort you to: 2
Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove
your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in
you, except ye be reprobates?” Please ask the Holy Spirit to convict your
heart as you read, lift the blindness and reveal the truth of God’s Word to
you. 1 Corinthians 11:31, “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not
be judged.” So I encourage you: Lamentations 3:40, “Let us search and
try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.”
 
The message of this book is not only to present the truth, but to “call-out”
the reader to start living (applying daily) the truth of God’s Word.
Undoubtedly most will think they are now living as such. I challenge you
to submit fully to God (see Chapter One – God’s Order) and start to see
(as He removes the blindness) just how incorrect this presumption may
be. We must “follow” in a tangible way - existing in reality (not imagined
or pretended, but rather – authentic, genuine and substantive).
 
For those actively following the Lord in their daily lives, the author’s
message is, Acts 14:22, “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and
exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much
tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” The church body is called to
encourage, advise, strengthen, and warn each other (exhort) as well as to
instruct one another in faith and holiness (edify). We live in wicked times
and persecution and tribulation abounds for those who truly follow Christ.
Sometimes one can feel all alone and it’s encouraging to know that others
are also enduring. The author acknowledges that the concepts detailed in

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this book set a high standard. However these truths are no more than an
application of God’s eternal and unchanging Word to the modern era in
which we live. For this reason scripture is referenced and used
throughout. The Bible should be one’s only true source of information on
matters of faith, and you are highly encouraged to read and meditate on
God’s Word daily above all else. Rest assured that what seems impossible
to man is possible through Christ by His Spirit, which has been given to
us.
 
The author does not claim to be the purveyor of new and original ideas.
Many of the conclusions drawn from the scriptures referenced within this
book and human history have been understood for some time. While the
author cannot necessarily claim originality or uniqueness of
understanding, he can claim to have diligently sought the guidance,
teaching and leading of the Holy Spirit on all matters contained herein.
The Holy Spirit teaches and this is His work as written through this earthly
vessel (Jn 14:26). For the Spirit searches the deep things of God (1 Cor
2:10) and reveals them to us such that we have the mind of Christ (2 Cor
2:16). The author claims no wisdom of his own and quickly found that
endeavoring under his own strength and devices became a tedious and
frustrating process full of uncertainty and disorder leading to
unfruitfulness. It was only when the author prayed, yielded and listened to
the Holy Spirit that there was joy, peace, wisdom, and organization. At
times the author could hardly write the things fast enough that were given
of the Spirit. Therefore I say with all humility, To God be the glory! This
book is offered for your consideration, but is in no way intended to replace
your individual responsibility to study God’s Word and seek His Spirit to
see if these things be so (Acts 17:11).
 
The use of the terms religious, religious institutions and religious
organizations denote those people or groups who try to reach or please
God through man’s way (will) rather than God’s way. Since man’s way
always seems right to him there is much pride and deception involved (Pv
14:2 & 21:2). God is approached humbly through living faith whereby one
is motivated by love and led by the Holy Spirit in accordance with God’s
Word. This is an enduring life of obedience and devotion empowered and
sustained by the filling of the Holy Spirit. There are many things in this
book that will shock the religious mindset. There is no attempt to cover all
the myriad of erroneous doctrines and traditions that have manifested in
man-centered religion(s). Those beliefs that do not accept Jesus Christ in
the flesh, Him crucified and His bodily resurrection need not even be
mentioned. The examples used herein are for the intent of conveying to
the reader God’s purposes and not to correct all known error. The author
does not intend to judge anyone, for only Christ judges righteously as He
has the authority and knows the thoughts and intents of one’s heart (Jn
5:22, Heb 4:12). The reader must examine his own heart before God and
make necessary corrections.
 

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When writing this book the author acknowledged and petitioned God that
this is a hard message and the people will never accept it. The Lord
impressed upon me that the message was not mine, and the truth was
not mine, but His. The author has endeavored to look at modern society
through scriptural eyes and has truly grieved over the sin that abounds –
much of which many do not even take notice. There have been days when
I was truly overwhelmed. The author petitioned the Lord that the things
written in this book are very hard to live up to. The Lord impressed upon
me that the strength must come from Him and will be given to those who
seek it. The author petitioned the Lord that the tone of this book may
seem self righteous. The Lord impressed upon me that He would have it
written sternly. The author acknowledges that he is least among men and
that, 1 Timothy 1:15, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all
acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of
whom I am chief.” If the Lord can change my heart and my way of life,
then He can do it for anyone and I pray that readers will truly heed this
call. Time is so short and world events are coming to a conclusion. This is
absolutely the time to draw near to the Lord in love and cleave to Him. Lift
up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh (Lk 21:28).
 
The author does not consider himself to be a prophet or anyone special
with unique or exclusive revelations from God. The author does not seek
to garner followers or start a religious work or receive any personal glory.
The author does not have a product to sell or a religious movement to
endorse, nor is the author soliciting gifts or donations in any way. The
author’s only desire is to be a humble and obedient servant used of the
Lord to minister and bring life to others. Any fruit of this work will most
likely be known to God alone. This book is to be freely given and you are
at liberty to make copies and distribute them as the Lord leads. The
content of this book has undergone considerable prayer and personal
struggle (fear and trembling) before the Lord and I ask that it not be
changed in any way (Php 2:12). Freely ye have received, freely give (Mt
10:8).
 
This book contains those things the Lord has revealed to the author and is
supported by accompanying scripture. Due to the extensive use of
scripture, this book should not be construed/viewed as adding to the Word
of God or the author’s own version of the gospel. Each of us has an
individual responsibility to seek God through His Spirit to understand His
Word and then apply this understanding to our lives and live it. Only the
Spirit knows the things of God (1 Cor 2:11) and we must receive the Spirit
to understand them (1 Cor 2:12). This book should be more appropriately
thought of as preaching put to print (1 Cor 1:21). The author’s desire is to
point you in the way and provide encouragement.
 
When discussing human achievement, it is not the author’s intent to give
a concise, chronological and detailed rendering of the development of
knowledge and technology over the ages, but rather to show how man has

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used his knowledge to further his rebellion against the truly loving and
trustworthy God and creator of us all. Major grievances of man’s self-
seeking purposes are included as examples, but the real danger is the
extent and degree (often very subtle) that man’s exaltation of himself is
incorporated into daily life. We either exalt ourselves and follow man’s
ways or humble ourselves and follow God’s way.
 
This book may seem condemning, but the purpose is not to condemn. It is
the sin and rebellion that this book takes issue with and not individuals.
This book is for the purpose of teaching, encouraging, edifying, and
exhorting. This book will also be a reproof and rebuke for some. Isaiah
29:24, “They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and
they that murmured shall learn doctrine.” If we are guilty of violating
God’s Word then we must seek repentance if we love the truth (light) and
hate the sin (darkness). The author also realizes that those who reprove
must also being willing to be reproved. We must forsake all sin and
rebellion. Only through Christ can forgiveness, deliverance and
sanctification be found. We are all equally guilty before God and when we
truly see our sin, none has any justification to throw stones. The purpose
is to open eyes and hearts through conviction and turn hearts to God (Ez
33:9). I pray that the Holy Ghost will convict the reader’s heart. Mark
1:15, “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at
hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Always remember, 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.” Look to Christ alone and not to man
or man’s institutions. Truly the Lord can transform the vilest and most
corrupted man if he will see his sin and turn to God. Amen.
 
When addressing the issue of salvation, most want a formula or
prescribed method of attaining eternal life – a recitation (i.e. sinner’s
prayer). They desire to know what steps are necessary or what must be
accomplished and what are the allowable limits. The central problem is
that most think of salvation with regards to being saved from something,
namely hell or eternal damnation. The only thing we must desire to be
saved from is SELF, that being our fallen sinful nature. Rather than
thinking in terms of being saved from something, it would be more
applicable to think of who we must be endeared to, namely Jesus Christ.
Salvation is not a formula, ritual, practice, method, mental
acknowledgement, repeated statement, outward reformation, religious
education or ceremony, but rather the result of a heart and life lived for
God. Salvation is the result of a life dedicated to God by abiding in Christ
Jesus - the fruit of God working in us (Jn 15:2, 8, Js 5:7)! We must come
to understand Christ’s gospel with our heart (Mt 13:15). The clearest
evidence of such is the divine influence of the Holy Spirit in one’s life,
which will always be manifested in one’s actions (fruit). This book contains
a comprehensive and thorough study of the Word of God (scriptures)
regarding eternal life and right standing before God. The answer is clear,
but is not the one, two or three-step approach that man desires to follow.

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This book addresses finding your life in Christ – How one is saved, who
does the saving and what are the evidences.
 
The author understands that most people read a book for entertainment
or for a benefit. A benefit is thought of in terms of gain and not loss.
Herein may lay the paradox – the mystery! For to gain spiritually and
eternally (reconciliation with God) one will certainly suffer loss in the flesh
and temporal (worldly, earthly) – Col 3:2-3. Most think in terms of the
here and now and are motivated by physical senses (see, hear, touch,
taste and smell) and comfort (acceptance, security). Many of the details of
this book will be summarily dismissed as extreme or minority views with
no further consideration because of the implications of accepting such
truth. This book will challenge your understanding and commitment. This
is the purpose of the Holy Spirit – to take the self-centered and fleshly
and transform it into a work fit for the Lord’s use. Will you be repelled or
will you surrender? There will be much shaking and those with hearts
toward God will fall out. Some may think it impossible to live up to the
truth contained within this book. The Lord would say: Isaiah 41:10, “Fear
thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will
strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the
right hand of my righteousness.” Please keep this in mind as you read
through this book.
 
This book establishes necessary foundations at the beginning and builds
upon these fundamentals such that one can understand the end. Precept
upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little (Is 28:10-13).
You are therefore encouraged to read consecutively from the start. The
Lord has stressed in His Word that the gospel is a mystery and those who
do not seek God’s will shall not see it or understand it (Rm 16:25-26, 1
Cor 2:7). Many who followed Jesus were in fact seeking selfish benefit and
never grasped His message (Jn 6:66). Please be willing to set aside your
purposes and seek His as you read through this book and pray that the
Lord will give you clarity of vision.

Chapter 1 - The Beginning

 
In order to understand the totality of our condition before God, it is
necessary to comprehend man’s original transgression. We must
recognize that nothing has changed with man’s nature since the initial sin.
We are naturally born into the world with a disposition toward evil and are
quickly corrupted (Gen 8:21). For the imagination of man’s heart is evil
from his youth (Gen 8:21). Man originally chose his will above God’s and
the rebellion has continued through the succeeding generations since
Adam. There are two main issues. The first involves atonment for the
sinful nature which has been passed down to and partaken of by all men
(Rm 5:12). Sin takes many forms in the flesh, but the root is pride and
self. By the offense of one, judgment has come upon all men unto

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condemnation (Rm 5:18). All have sinned and are equally guilty (Rm
3:23). The second issue involves God’s plan to reconcile man back to
Himself (Rm 5:10, Eph 2:16, Col 1:20). God has provided a way through
Jesus Christ for man to relinquish his self will and come back under His
authority (Rm 5:17, 19paid the penalty of the broken law. Christ first
fulfilled the law through His perfect obedience to the Father, and then
became the atonement for us.In keeping with His character (His way –
Heb 3:10, 12), God’s way requires that a man freely approach Him
through love, devotion and obedience – known as faith. A man must die
to self (his old sinful rebellious nature, Rm 6:6, Gal 2:20, Lk 5:36, 17:33)
and be born again as a new man with God’s nature (Jn 3:3, 5, Eph 4:22-
24, 2 Cor 5:17, Col 3:9-10, Ps 51:10). God gives you a new heart and
must be approached through living faith (Eph 3:17, 2 Cor 1:22, Heb 8:10,
16, 1 Thess 3:13). Reconciliation can never be complete in us until our
rebellion is broken and our hearts are changed to lovingly perform God’s
will and thereby bring glory to Him. Let us now consider the beginning.).
Jesus
 
Genesis 1:27, 2:8-9,16-17, “So God created man in his own image, in the
image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Now the
LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the
man he had formed. And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out
of the ground-trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In
the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil. And the LORD God commanded the man, You
are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the
tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will
surely die.” Man was created in God’s image and for God’s pleasure (Gen
1:26-27, Rev 4:11). All things were created by H
 
God’s test for man in the garden was not difficult for man to accomplish.
Man had access to all the other fruit trees as well as the tree of life. Man
was only required to abstain from the one tree. Notice in the lead-in verse
that God stated that to disobey Him would bring death (if you sin you will
die) – physical and eternal! God’s penalty for disobedience was severe,
because to disobey would be to question and judge God’s very authority.
Whenever we place our will above God’s we have done just that and it is
very grievous. The penalty is death! Good and evil cannot co-exist
(light/darkness). Evil is corrupting. Whenever evil is present confusion
reigns (Dan 9:7). Light excelleth darkness and God has prevailed (Eccl
2:13).
 

Evil in the Midst

 
There was another presence in the Garden of Eden. Lucifer (Light Bearer)
was once an anointed Cherub that walked in Eden the garden of God, and
provided a spiritual covering for God’s earthly creation (Ez 28:13-14).

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Lucifer is a created being (spirit) who was perfect in all his ways until
iniquity was found in him (Ez 28:15). The iniquity found was self-
exaltation resulting in complete outright rebellion against God. Lucifer
attempted to exalt himself above God (Is 14:13-15, Ez 28:2). The seed of
iniquity was in Lucifer’s heart by reason of his wisdom and perfect beauty
(Ez 28:12, Ez 28:2, 31:8-10). Perhaps the timing was due to jealousy of
God’s new creation, man. His heart was lifted up because of the
brightness of his beauty and this corrupted his wisdom (Ez 28:17). The
scriptures define true wisdom as seeking to know and perform God’s will
(Job 28:28, Pv 9:10). This is a complete and perpetual dependence upon
God and a heartfelt desire to please Him. Lucifer’s wisdom was corrupted
because he now sought to live and perform his own will above God’s. He
was perfect as originally created, but was not content. Thus, God cast him
from his heavenly presence and he fell as lightning to the earth (Is 14:12,
Lk 10:18). God has already pronounced a judgment upon him of an
eternal separation into the lake of fire to be carried out at the end of the
Christ’s millennial reign upon the earth (Rev 20:10, Jn 16:11). The
everlasting fire was prepared for Lucifer, for there was no need for such a
place prior to his rebellion (Mt 25:41). Until such a time, God chooses to
use him to try the hearts of men. Lucifer is now known as Satan or the
devil. The name is characteristic of his nature; he is a murderer and a
deceiver, the Father of all lies (Rev 12:9, Jn 8:44). He is a murderer
because he brought death into the world through his deceit and because
he misrepresents the character of God. Satan is so deceptive and
convincing through his lies, half-truths, misrepresentations and
ambiguities that he convinced a third of God’s angels to join him in his
revolt against God (Jude 1:6, Rev 12:4). He now goes to and fro in all the
earth seeking whom he may devour (Job 1:6-7, 1 Pt 5:8). Satan is much
inferior to the Lord God Almighty and is limited in what he is allowed to do
(Job 1:10, 1 Cor 10:13). Man is always allowed to freely choose to serve
God. Satan tries to blind the hearts of men and take man’s focus off of
God such that man becomes self serving or in bondage to the devil (2 Cor
4:4). The devil does this through deception and appealing to the selfish
lusts of men (2 Cor 11:13-15, Rev 20:8). Satan has set up principalities,
powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places to
accomplish this (Eph 6:12). When man steps outside of God’s will he also
moves outside of God’s established protective hedge (1 Jn 5:18). Man
reaps what he sows because his actions have consequences (Gal 6:7, 1
Sam 2:3, Job 4:8, 34:11).
 
In keeping with his original intent and rebellious nature, the devil desires
to be worshipped. He wants the glory, honor and praise that go to God
alone. God desires man to worship him freely out of love and devotion.
The devil solicits worship out of fear, deceit (trickery), and by force
(bondages). Those who are self-serving and follow their own will have
rejected God and His authority (dishonored Him) and have submitted
themselves to the devil and his rebellion. One day these rebellious ones
will be shocked to see their chosen master (Ez 28:17, 19, Rev 17:8):

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Isaiah 14:16-17, “They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and
consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble,
that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and
destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?”
When one professes to follow God (Christ), but does that which opposes
Him, the devil gets glory – the accuser flaunts it before God. Conversly,
when one worships/praises God in the midst of one’s adversity (hardships,
difficulties, hard times, trials, sufferings, tribulations) God gets the glory
(Consider Job, Chapters 1 and 2). When one stands for God’s truth (and
lives it) when all others are going with the worldly flow – God gets glory
from (due to) the one individual.
 

Temptation
 
Genesis 3:1-5, “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the
field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea,
hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the
woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the
garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden,
God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God
doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened,
and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” The deceiver and
tempter entered the garden as a serpent. The deceiver always masks his
presence and cannot fully speak the truth (2 Cor 11:14). The first thing he
tried to do was place doubt in the heart of Eve as to God’s intentions.
Unbelief is rebellion against the will of God. Satan planted this seed
(thought) in Eve’s mind, hoping that it would grow. Eve lives in the midst
of paradise and knows of God’s love, but allows her attention to be
focused on the one restriction. The devil craftily takes man’s focus off of
God and places it upon man. What man wants and what is desirable to
man rather than what God wills. The temptation is for man to have
knowledge of good and evil resident within himself rather than depending
upon God for it. The objective would be to become just like God, meaning
that man could decide what he wants to do for himself apart from God.
Man would decide what is right and what is wrong. Man could seek his
own will above God’s will and determine his own actions. Knowledge
would be the key to make this happen. Man would become as God
because he would now independently decide what he wanted to do for
himself with no more reliance, obedience or true love for the one true
God. He would essentially attempt to make himself equal with God. Satan
also says that God is lying and suggests He is unfair and trying to deceive
man, the very thing he is guilty of. The devil always plays opposites with
the things of God because he is the ultimate in rebellion. Note also that
Eve added a requirement of not touching the fruit, to what God had
originally said. Man always seeks to add to or improve upon God’s
commands. Lies and deception are also weapons of the devil that have

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plagued man from the beginning. When man seeks his will apart from
God, spiritual blindness clouds man’s reasoning, confusion reigns and man
is easily overcome by the devil. This will be further explored within this
book.
 
Satan’s manipulation of Eve is the basis of witchcraft. The serpent
beguiled Eve through his slyness and cunning (2 Cor 11:3). One of the
main aspects of witchcraft is to manipulate others to do something that
they would not otherwise do for the purposes of a selfish benefit such as
control. The devil through his hierarchy places baited hooks before men to
determine how best to draw individuals from God through their own
selfish lusts (2 Cor 2:11). The great condemnation is that man chooses (is
not forced) to live in darkness through his own will (Jn 3:19-20). Man may
have a predisposition to sin (fallen nature, Rm 5:12), but God has
provided a way of reconciliation for those who will repent and turn to Him
with a whole heart (Ez 18:30-31, Lk 13:3, 15:7, 2 Pt 3:9,Jn 3:16, Ps
119:2, Heb 10:22). Man’s selfish lusts are where strong holds are
established (2 Pt 2:18-19). When one truly repents and submits himself to
God, the Spirit works to tear down these strong holds (2 Cor 10:3-4). This
tearing down does not appeal to one’s flesh because any stronghold is
based upon a fleshly lust or desire (2 Cor 10:3-5). The flesh defends
the strongholds. The flesh profits nothing (Jn 6:63)! The Spirit must
subdue the flesh (deny) and this is never an easy battle. Addictions to
cigarettes, drugs or alcohol would be good examples of strong holds and
the battle involved to overcome them. There may be a physical
component, but there is also a spiritual component involved. To clean up
the outside accomplishes nothing if the inside (heart) remains unchanged
(Lk 11:39). The key is that we do not fight these battles in our own
strength, but that which comes from God as one dies to self, is converted,
and submits to Him (Php 4:13). There is also no need for deliverance from
strongholds if one has no real intent to forsake them. When we are
serious toward God, He gives us the ability and deliverance we need.
 
Notice what the devil told Eve in verse 5, “ye shall not surely die.” This
has been “THE LIE” of the devil since the very beginning - you can sin and
not die. This is what Satan did, he transgressed God’s will and made
himself to be as God. Can you see how the devil appeals to man to join
his rebellion by doing the same? The devil says that you can rise above
God (disobey) and do your own will and not die. It is so important for us
to understand this lie of the devil. You cannot transgress and then live
apart (independent) from God. The truth is that if you are rebellious and
disobedient to God, ye shall surely die. Until man puts down his rebellion
and submits to God, there will be no reconciliation and life. The devil came
in deception speaking the opposite of truth and then suggested that God
was the deceiver (Rev 3:5). That which is opposite of God is confusion and
rebellion. Man accepted the devil’s lie in the Garden of Eden and has
mostly held to it ever since, particularly in man’s religious endeavors. This
is clearly evident in doctrines that promote eternal security, meaning that

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once saved (by man’s definition) man cannot lose salvation through any
effort of his own (sin and not die). Christ came to deliver from sin, but
many wish to retain it and stay in the darkness, yet seek reconciliation
with God on their terms (Jn 3:19). The tree of knowledge of good and evil
was known by its fruit, and so is the lie that man accepted in partaking of
it (Mt 7:17-20 & Mt 12:33). For the fruit of a lie is death and all liars go to
hell (Rev 21:8, Pv 12:22). By nature man loves a lie. The seriousness of
sin and the resulting death is another truth that will be explored within
this book. To seek the flesh (man’s will) there must be a disregard/loss of
God’s will (disobedience). So what will be the result? God says (Gen
2:17), “you will surely die” and the devil says (Gen 3:4), “ye shall not
surely die.” These are two completely opposite views (resultant ways of
life). God states, you will obey Him and the devil says, you do not have to
– one view is in rebellion to the other (as is the devil to God). Man will live
his life in conformance to one or the other of these statements and the
consequences will be eternal. Many transgress (violate) God’s will and
believe they shall “not surely die” – they have bought into the lie. Jesus
said simply calling Him Lord, Lord would not guarantee life, only
submitting to Christ as Lord and doing the will of the Father (Mt 7:21-23).
 
We must never get into conversation (dialog) with the devil (in thought)
or through his workers in questioning the Word of God. Satan is very
crafty and deceives greatly, and his influence will overcome us. His
arguments appeal to the flesh and the flesh will find agreement. God’s
wrath will be against those who hold the truth in unrighteousness and this
is the devil’s ploy (Rm 1:18). The Lord says: James 4:7, “Submit
yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
The devil cannot harm those who are truly submitted to God because God
will not allow it. The devil tries to make us an adversary of God (Is 63:10)
thereby giving him power over us (examples – 1 Chr 21:1, Job 1:9-11, 3-
5, Is 63:10). The devil has the power of death (Heb 2:14). To reject God
is to reject life and choose death (Pv 8:36). Our victory is in our
submission to God. Our weakness is actually our strength (realizing our
need for God, 2 Cor 12:9, 13:4). Notice that Eve discussed (gave ear) the
matter of God’s rule with Satan and was soon overcome. She should have
walked away and sought God. When the devil places temptations before
our eyes, we are helpless as long as we are fixated upon the lust or
enticement. We must turn our eyes from the temptation and put them on
Christ (Ps 16:8, Pv 4:27). When we reject God’s truth (love not) for our
own lusts and desires, then Satan overcomes us (2 Tm 2:25-26). When
we consider these desires and lusts, we are making agreement with the
devil and will be brought into bondage (servants of sin). Dying to our will
gives the devil no foothold or place in our life. Jesus said of him: John
14:30, “Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this
world cometh, and hath nothing in me.” Jesus totally denied the flesh and
the devil had no place in Him. We are not to allow ourselves to be
overcome, but are rather to be overcomers (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 26, 3:5, 12,
21). Revelation 21:7, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I

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will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Christ’s perfect and sinless life,
which was acceptable to the Father, will also be discussed within this
book.
 

Lust of the Flesh

 
Genesis 3:6, “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food,
and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one
wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her
husband with her; and he did eat.” Notice that Eve was enticed by her
own lust. The fruit was suddenly appealing and desirable to her so she
began justifying it in her mind. James 1:13-15, “Let no man say when he
is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil,
neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is
drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived,
it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
Notice the process: temptation, strong willful desire, capitulation resulting
in sin and then death. The devil will appeal to or foster a wrongful desire.
Satan could deceive, but had no power to make Eve eat of the fruit. The
devil could not force her free will. If there were no desire, then the
temptation would have had no power. The temptation was not greater
than Eve could endure, had she desired God’s will, then there would have
been a way of escape from it (1 Cor 10:13). Eve was enticed and drawn
away by selfish want. If allowed, temptations tend to grow in one’s mind
and eventually come forth (2 Cor 10:5). When she thought about and
justified the temptation, she eventually gave in to it and this disobedience
became sin. This was disobedience and rebellion against God and His
authority. When man dies to himself, meaning his will, then temptation
will have lost its desire, sin would not result and death would lose its
sting. Jesus said over and over, Matthew 10:39, “He that findeth his life
shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” Those
who seek to retain self-will shall eventually lose all. Those who die to self
and live for Christ’s sake will actually find themselves in Him. Romans 6:7,
“For he that is dead is freed from sin.” This concept is so hard for man to
understand. The flesh wants to rule and in order for that to happen it
must have control (subdue the Spirit). When we seek the things of the
flesh we will never be fulfilled and actually become controlled by the
things we seek to control (Ps 10:3). If one seeks to gain ten thousand
dollars and realizes his goal, then he will immediately desire twenty
thousand dollars (new goals are set, Eccl 5:10, 1 Tm 6:9). If one has a
strong desire for a certain possession, almost as soon as it is obtained the
fulfillment and satisfaction will be fleeting or gone and a new and different
possession will be sought. The one who desires to gain comfort and
security from his career will end up serving his job above all else and still
not have that which he seeks. If things do not go according to our plans
we become upset and seek to regain control. This is a never ending
process that serves the flesh (self) and not God – accumulate, gain,

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conquer and control. The things that are accumulated must be maintained
and the fear is that they will be lost or damaged. There is a constant
competition, and drive for more and better. This is a heavy yoke,
tremendous burden and a great bondage. This is serving self and not God.
Proverb 27:20, “Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man
are never satisfied.” The man that seeks to gain his life loses it – now and
eternally. Most even pray to God (trying to control Him to serve their
desires) to help them continue in this rebellious self serving cycle. God
wants so much better for you, but you have to see your need and be
willing to forsake all and yield. You cannot serve two masters (Mt 6:24).
Our desires, our wants, our lusts are rebellion against God and His
purposes. This makes self the priority and relegates God to a servant. The
paradox is that the one who dies to the flesh and loses all (for Christ)
actually finds contentment, security and life (1 Cor 1:27:28). You no
longer have to perform and please others. You no longer strive for things
nor do they rule over you. You love God with all your heart and serve Him
daily. You just “be” in Christ. You please God and not yourself and find
there is such a peace, contentment and freedom (2 Cor 3:17). His yoke is
truly easy and His burden is light (Mt 11:30). You praise and worship
Jesus in everything you do all the time. You have nothing and yet possess
all things (Pv 13:7, 2 Cor 6:10). When you seek God first, He provides for
your needs and this is great security (Mt 6:25-34). Your eyes are not on
the needs, but are on God and this is a big difference. This is coming back
under God’s authority (and renouncing your own). You find that there is
much to be enjoyed without seeking after the things of this world. When
things come back into order, yielded to God: coveting and unfulfillment
become contentment; competition, want and gain becomes sacrifice for
God and for others; bondage becomes freedom; control, conquering and
rebellion become yielded and humble; taking becomes giving; insecurity
becomes acceptance; and frustration becomes peace.
 
Man gave in to his flesh and his desires. 1 John 2:16, “For all that is in the
world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,
is not of the Father, but is of the world.” These are the things the world is
seeking after. The more we yield to the flesh or darkness, the more power
it gains over us - it rules over us and the light becomes dimmer. Our
control is an illusion and we are quickly overcome. These are the things a
follower of Christ must overcome through a life of living faith as
demonstrated by love and obedience to God. Christ overcame and did not
give place to the devil because He died to the things of the flesh and
sought only the Father’s will (Jn 5:19, 30, 6:38, 8:29, 14:30, Rm 15:3).
This is victory! We must seek Christ’s light and rid ourselves of darkness.
We follow Christ, for He leads “The Way.”
 
The Condemnation
 
This then is the condemnation: Man, rather than humbling himself and
choosing God’s will, exalted himself and chose his own will. Man chose

15
darkness rather than light. This is the basis of all sin. The chief
components are pride, and self (flesh). Man thought that he could be self-
sufficient. This is the exact same thing Satan had done! Man took on the
nature of Satan (his image) and refused the nature of God. Man chose to
obey the devil rather than God in seeking his own selfish desires. Man who
was created in the image of God, fell through his disobedience and
conformed to the image of the devil. Consider Satan’s rebellion: Isaiah
14:13-15, “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I
will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount
of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the
heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be
brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” Can you see the I, I, and the
Me, Me? Can you see how this negates the one true God of all? The devil
exalted himself and was cast down and greatly humbled (Ez 28:13-17,
31:16). When we exalt ourselves, we will be humbled (Job 41:9, Ps
147:6, Mt 23:12) for no flesh will glory in God’s presence (1 Cor 1:29).
The devil convinced man to take his focus off of God and place it upon
himself, just as he had done (Ez 31:7-10, Lk 10:18, 2 Pt 2:4, Rev 12:7-
8). Man now reflects the characterisitcs of Satan – to be self seeking and
rebellious. Man wants to do what is right in his own eyes (Pv 16:2, 21:2).
Because man chose himself (known as the flesh) over God, man is now
under the authority (control) of the flesh. The flesh wants to rule man’s
actions and man serves it. If you try and deny the flesh (rest, food, heat,
comfort, entertainment, praise, etc.), then you will begin to understand.
The flesh is a hindrance in serving God – it wants to be served! Man
sought the way of the flesh in opposing God. Now man MUST approach
God in faith (Heb 11:6, Rm 9:30), which “bypasses” the flesh. Faith
denies the flesh its security and its understanding. The next point to
consider is that man believes his knowledge will ultimately save him (in
the flesh). Man uses his knowledge to exalt himself and carry out his own
will. This concept shall be examined in a later chapter.
 
When man chose to believe Satan, man was judging God’s motives and
purposes. The devil misrepresented God as not being fair in denying man
the benefit of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Man was
to love God with all his heart, mind, soul and strength (Mk 12:30).
However, man judged God as hard and unjust and disobeyed Him in favor
of self rule. Whenever God is excluded there is darkness (for God is light)
and this is evil. We will explore within this book how man always judges
God and His Word through eyes turned in on self. Whenever God is
excluded, the devil gets some glory and worship – he wants to be like the
most high. Isaiah 14:14, “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I
will be like the most High.”
 
The devil seems to have gained some authority on earth due to his prior
position; man’s fall; and man having taken on Satan’s nature by following
his counsel in disobeying God. Although the devil’s powers are superior
compared to man, they are much inferior to God’s (Eph 1:20-21). The

16
devil has been referred to as the god of this world and the prince of the
power of the air (2 Cor 4:4, Eph 2:2). The devil is not a true god, only in
the sense of the leader of all rebellion against the one true God. Most men
will submit and serve Satan in some way (broad path). His temporal
authority is only what God allows him to have. There was an
acknowledgment of Satan’s authority when he tempted Jesus: Luke 4:5-6,
“And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all
the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto
him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is
delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.” Jesus destroyed
the devil’s power through the cross (Gal 1:4). Our victory is found in
Christ – and only in Him!
 

God’s Order
 
What does it mean “ascend above the heights of the clouds” and “be like
the most high” and “ye shall be as gods?” God has a chain of authority of
which He is sovereign (supreme in power, possessing supreme dominion,
Is 42:5, 44:6, 43:10, 45:7, 12, 18, Dan 4:35). This chain of authority
extends to His dealings with man - His creation. 1 Corinthians 11:3, “But I
would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head
of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” Jesus is
submitted to God (the Father), man must be submitted to Christ (the
Son), and woman must be submitted to man (Eph 5:22-24). The child
must be submitted to his parents (Mt 15:4, Eph 6:2). Each layer of
authority has responsibilities. This is God’s divine order (Is 45:9)! What is
being submissive? To submit/yield to the authority of another without
objection or resistance. To be ruled by the decision, will or judgment of
another. This encompasses meekness, obedience, surrender, yielding, and
humbleness. In heaven, the angels are in submission to God’s authority
(Mt 6:10, Lk 11:2, Heb 1:5, 2:5, Jude 1:6). We just read how Satan
(Lucifer) tried to rise above God’s authority to determine his own course
and seat himself as god. Satan convinced man to do the same. Anyone
who rebels against God’s order (chain of authority) at any level is a
transgressor. To determine your own way is to place yourself above God.
If this seems strange to you in this rebellious age, then you are probably
not submitted. What you must strongly consider is what Christ said,
Matthew 18:4, “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little
child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” A child is the last of
God’s order (submissive to all). God desires such submission in all of us
and this is not a dishonor. To be anything else is to be prideful. To be first
you must be last and a servant to all (Mk 9:35). To be greatest/chiefest,
you must be servant of all (Mt 23:11, Mk 10:44). This confounds the
flesh! To be submissive is to be meek. Meekness is submission to the
divine will of God (Ps 22:26, 25:9) and these will inherit the earth (Ps
37:11). The Lord reveals truth to those who are submitted (Mt 11:25).
Jesus submitted to His earthly parents as a child (Lk 2:51) - living by

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example. We will study Christ’s total submission to the will of the Father in
Chapter Two. In the end, all things will be restored through Jesus: 1
Corinthians 15:24, “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered
up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all
rule and all authority and power.” Also see Chapter Seven, “Woman as
Head of Man?” And “Symbology of Marriage.”
 

Sin
 
Genesis 3:7, “And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew
that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made
themselves aprons.” Prior to his disobedience, man was innocent and pure
– there was no shame. (Gen 3:25). Man was innocent in his actions when
he was submitted to God. Once man’s eyes were opened, he understood
his sinfulness and this is what his sudden awareness of his nakedness
represented. Man tried to atone for his own sin in his way by making a
covering of fig leaves and by hiding from God (Gen 3:8, Job 31:33). This
is another important point that will be developed within this book. Man
mostly tries to reach God through man’s way rather than God’s way (Pv
16:25, Eph 2:8-9, Ti 3:5). Man’s pride does not want to yield to God. You
may be surprised to learn that what the sewed fig leaves represented has
developed into the many visible religious institutions of today.
 
Sin is basically any act by man that negates the will of God. Sin is an
affront to the very “being” of God. It challenges His authority on every
level. All manner of fleshly fruit results and is physically manifested such
as these examples: Foul language, adultery, fornication, uncleanness,
lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath,
strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings,
lying, homosexuality/perversions, covetousness, maliciousness, deceit,
insolence, rebellion, disobedience to parents, gambling, spite,
pride/arrogance, wickedness, gossip, boasting, blasphemy, false accusers,
incontinence, unthankfulness, gluttony, mischief, scheming, selfishness,
traitors, coarse jesting, unmerciful, lovers of selves, etc. In addition you
are equally guilty if you take pleasure in them who do these things or
pleasure in unrighteousness in general such as thoughts or wicked desires
which have yet to be acted upon (Rm 1:32, Mt 5:28, 2 Thess 2:12). Sin
could also be neglect of God’s will by not doing things you should have
done (Ps 19:12-13). A tree is known by the fruit it produces (Lk 6:43-44).
Matthew 7:20, “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn
down, and cast into the fire.” The fire is eternal damnation and separation
from God.
 
Satan’s aim is to compel us to sin, through our own lusts (choices), and
then accuse us before God (Rev 12:10). By making us an enemy of God,
we become defenseless, lost and quickly overcome. The devil is
determined to kill and destroy, but you allow him to do so when you

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alienate yourself from God. Satan is a thief, but is not after money or
temporal possessions. The devil comes to steal the souls of men and send
them to damnation for eternity. John 10:10, “The thief cometh not, but for
to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (Jesus) am come that they might
have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Our strength
comes from our weakness. When we become broken and yielded to God,
He shows Himself strong for us. Pride and arrogance seek to usurp and
conquer and are characteristics of the devil. Taking pride in yourself and
your abilities is exalting self above God’s purposes.
 
Those that are Christ’s must walk as children of the light as led by the
Spirit in all godliness, righteousness and truth (Eph 5:8-9). Galatians
5:22-25, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance (self control): against
such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh
with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the
Spirit.” Crucifying the flesh is dying to your will. Walking in the Spirit is
faithful loving obedience to God’s will.
 

Priorities
 
Genesis 3:6, “…she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also
unto her husband with her; and he did eat. God has established that His
authority supersedes all else and that obedience to Him takes priority. We
are often highly influenced by those around us, particularly close family
members. In this case Adam willfully disobeyed God to please Eve
(hearkened unto his wife, Gen 3:17). Family can be a great influence for
good or evil. Jesus said: Luke 14:26, “If any man come to me, and hate
not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and
sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Christ is
saying that nothing can take priority over Him – family or self. Jesus
further said, Matthew 10:35-37, “For I am come to set a man at variance
against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter
in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his
own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not
worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not
worthy of me.” Those who follow Jesus will have a spiritual outlook and
their desire will be to serve Him. Those who do not will have a fleshly
outlook and their desire will be to serve themselves. This will create
conflicts within families. Adam chose to follow his flesh in obeying Eve and
disregarding God’s command. To be reconciled to God, we must come
back under His authority and our loyalties must be to Him foremost. There
will always be other influences to pull us from God and we must stand
firm. Often those close to us will be hurt when we reject their will in favor
of God’s purposes.
 

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Our fellow man and friends can also be a great influence in leading us
away from God in seeking the things of this world. When you stand for
Christ, you may find that many will separate from your company (Lk
6:22). We must choose our friends based upon spiritual life and their
heart toward God. Those who seek the flesh will have no interest in
denying it to serve Christ. This would be a mixing of light and darkness
and a source of continual conflicts or damaging influence that would most
certainly lead opposite from God. 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Be ye not unequally
yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness
with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”
 
The devil will use our friends or family to hinder us in serving the Lord.
The devil does not play fair and is out to exalt himself, destroy man and
take glory from God anyway he can. Friends and family tend to exert the
most influence on us (Gen 3:17). Satan once used a close friend of Jesus
to try and hinder His purposes. Matthew 16:22-23, “Then Peter took him,
and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not
be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me,
Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that
be of God, but those that be of men (also Jn 14:28).” We must recognize
God’s will and be faithful in it regardless of any self-sacrifice and
persecution required of us.
 

Denial
 
Genesis 3:9-12, “And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him,
Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was
afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee
that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded
thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom
thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.” Notice
that Adam’s innocence is now gone. What was once good has now been
corrupted by man’s disobedience and newly gained knowledge and self
will. Initially, man tries to hide or cover up his sin (Job 31:33). When
questioned of his transgression, man immediately blames others and even
God himself. Adam said “the woman whom thou gavest to be with me”
placing guilt on Eve, yet implying that it was ultimately God’s own fault.
Many will blame God for their own failures or circumstances. Adam
attempted to transfer his guilt, but he clearly knew God’s commandment
not to eat of the tree (Gen 2:17-18). Blaming God is judging God and woe
to him that striveth with his maker (Eccl 5:2, Is 45:9). Eve was deceived,
but Adam was not (1 Tm 2:14). Adam’s sin was willful (deliberate) and he
did not reverence God’s command thereby judging Him unworthy of
obedience. Eve blamed the serpent (Gen 3:13), but she also knew God’s
commandment (Gen 3:2-3). Man errs greatly by trying to hide or justify
his sin rather than confessing and repenting of it (Is 55:7, 1 Jn 1:9). God
can work with a truly repentant heart, but no mercy can be given for the

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one who will not acknowledge any wrong (Pv 28:13). Adam had
understanding of God’s will and similarly we also have God’s Word (Bible),
which is His revealed will for us. Jesus said: John 12:48, “He that
rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the
word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” Even
though we have this precious Word, many will disregard it and be lacking
on the Day of Judgment. Romans 2:6, “Who will render to every man
according to his deeds.” No doubt these will attempt to shift blame or seek
justification on that day. Our deeds concern our thoughts, actions, and
attitude of the heart toward God - our faith (or lack). toward Him. These
manifest in our outward actions.
 
Notice that Adam and Eve suddenly realized their sin and are embarrased
of their nakedness. When we overcome sin in our lives there will be
nothing that we do that we would be embarrased for God or others to see
or know about. If you are embarrased about certain things in your life
(thoughts, activities, etc.) and would not want them displayed for God or
others to see, then these things are surely sinful and must be overcome.
If suddenly everyone could read each others minds, would you be
embarrased with the content of yours? These things are indicators of your
heart.
 
Sacrifice
 
Genesis 3:21, “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make
coats of skins, and clothed them.” A sacrifice had to be made to obtain
those skins. Animals had to die to provide this temporary covering for
man. Sin always requires a sacrifice. God is holy, righteous and perfect;
he will not overlook or excuse sin. There must be an acceptable
atonement and the cost of it is very high. Atonement is reconciliation after
enmity whereby reparation is made by giving an equivalent for a wrong
committed. God always required the best for sacrifices whether
unblemished animals or the choice fruits of the harvest. Animal and grain
sacrifices could never provide a complete atonement and were only for a
temporary covering. Hebrews 10:4, “For it is not possible that the blood of
bulls and of goats should take away sins.” Sin was such a grievous issue
with God that He sent His own Son to atone for man’s sin by suffering and
dying. Jesus became the unblemished final sacrifice for our sins, the lamb
that was slain (Rev 5:12). Jesus was unblemished by reason of the sinless
and well pleasing life he lived upon this earth. Hebrews 10:10, 12, “By the
which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus
Christ once for all. But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins
for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.” Adam chose his will over
God’s and thus brought sin and death into the world. To restore things
back into right order and atone for man’s evil; Jesus had to totally choose
God’s will over His own. In doing so, Jesus was well pleasing to the Father
and reconciliation was made for all who would acknowledge Jesus and put
their faith in Him by following His example. Jesus always says, “Come,

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follow me.” Colossians 1:19-20, “For it pleased the Father that in him
should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his
cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether
they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” How can we neglect so great
an offer of salvation (Heb 2:3)? We conform to Christ’s image (Jn 12:44-
45, who is the image of the Father – Jn 14:9) by abiding in Him and are
thus restored to being the image of God.
 
In the Garden of Eden, man sought to gain his will or freedom to choose
his own destiny. To gain his freedom for SELF, man had to revolt
(rebellion) against God’s authority which he was under. The whole concept
of sacrifice should tell us one thing. To be reconciled back to God, we
must now give up or “sacrifice” the things we want (the selfish freedom
we gained) in order to come back under God’s will and purposes. We now
deny SELF (that which we rebelled to obtain) to seek God’s will (that
which we revolted against and lost). We “sacrifice” the best of our wants
and desires to seek God’s will (Ps 50:5). We are to present ourselves as
living sacrifices holy and acceptable to God, not conforming to the world,
but being transformed by the renewing of the mind to demonstrate the
good, acceptable, and perfect will of God (Rm 12:1-2). This is why Jesus
said: Matthew 10:39, “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that
loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” Finding our life is seeking SELF.
Losing our life is denying SELF for God’s will – crucifying self (Gal 5:24). 2
Timothy 2:11, “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall
also live with him.” This is also why Jesus said that if any man come after
Him he must deny himself daily and take up his cross and follow (Lk
9:23). Our love (sacrifice) must be without dissimulation (false motives,
hypocrisy, pretensions – Rm 12:9). The original revolt or disobedience
(transgression) had to be atoned for. Man could not do this. For a time
unblemished animal sacrifices provided a temporary covering (Heb 10:4-
12). Christ’s unblemished life and subsequent suffering and death
(sacrifice) provided the permanent atonement – forgiveness of past sins
(Rm 3:25). Just as in the beginning, God still requires man to perform his
will (1 Pt 4:2, Heb 10:36, Mk 3:35, 6:10, Rm 12:2, Eph 6:6). Man’s flesh
wants to seek its own in keeping with the rebellion (fallen nature). The
flesh must be overcome, subdued, and denied to perform God’s will and
this is the nature of the battle (Gal 5:15-16). God has established that
man will approach Him through faith (Heb 11:6). The just shall live by
faith (Rm 1:17). This is love and obedience with a whole heart toward God
to perform His will. This faith must be lived out daily and requires devotion
to God. This faith cannot be self seeking (would defeat the whole
purpose), but must desire to glorify God alone. Jesus has provided us with
strength (power) to live a life of sustained faith and has sent the Holy
Ghost to equip, strengthen, teach, and guide us (Jn 1:16). 1 Peter 1:5,
“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to
be revealed in the last time.” Our life of faith reconciles us with God
eternally. 1 Peter 1:9, “Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation
of your souls.”

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God initially desired Adam and Eve to serve Him out of love. This is why
there was a choice in the garden. God’s desire has not changed and we
must still approach Him freely in love. You cannot serve God for any other
motive. We live in a world full of choices. The Lord will determine who
freely and lovingly chooses to serve Him during this time. God is
longsuffering and you have a lifetime to decide whom you will serve
(however, God will not be mocked). When your life ends, so do your
choices. God is not looking for a death bed confession, but a heart of faith
toward Him and a relationship of love (Jn 10:3). To be truly reconciled to
God, our hearts must also be reconciled.
 

Restoration
 
Man having disobeyed and being soiled with sin could no longer partake of
the life that is found in God. Genesis 3:23-24, “Therefore the LORD God
sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he
was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the
garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way,
to keep the way of the tree of life.” Sin is a bitter fruit and has brought
much toil, pain, hardship, disorder and suffering into the world. Most put
undue emphasis on things of this world, but God’s purposes are eternal (2
Cor 4:18). Those who are fleshly have a shortsighted temporal outlook –
the here and now, what can be seen and felt. Those who are spiritual live
for what is eternal – the substance of things hoped for (Heb 11:1). The
sufferings of this world are not worthy to compare with the glory to be
revealed in us for those following Jesus (Rm 8:18). Those who are
concerned with the things of this world and seek to gain place will one day
realize how misplaced their efforts were. 1 Timothy 6:7, “For we brought
nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” The
only thing of value is seeking reconciliation back to God. How many rich
men have died only to have another acquire that which he lost (Eccl 2:18-
19, 5:15-16, Job 27:8, Lk 12:20)? How many have gained all that their
eyes beheld only to lose it all in a dying breath, including their very soul
(Mt 16:26, Eccl 2:18, Ps 49:10)? It doesn’t matter whether your rich, wise
or foolish, we all die the same (Eccl 2:16). The only thing one takes
beyond the grave is a record of a life lived (Ps 49:17).
 
Jesus provided a way back to the tree of life. Matthew 7:14, “Because
strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few
there be that find it.” Jesus Christ is the gate that one must enter and the
path is the way of holiness (Is 35:8, Pv 16:17). Luke 13:23-24, “Then
said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto
them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will
seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” To strive means to endeavor with
earnestness, to labor hard, struggle and fight. Traveling this path requires
much endurance, perseverance, reproach, self denial, sacrifice, obedience,

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forgiveness, devotion and love. This path has many trials and tribulations
along the way and there will be suffering in the flesh (Rm 8:17, Php 1:29,
2 Tm 2:12) – there will be obstacles. Many will find the ease of the broad
path to destruction much more to their liking, since one may enjoy the
pleasures of sin for a season, where there are no rules, just right - in your
own eyes (Mt 7:13, Heb 11:25, Pv 21:2). This way is whatever you (self)
want it to be and the devil will somewhat cater to you for the price of the
sinful bondages that are inflicted, the separation from God and the
resulting eternal damnation that is justified. Those who have put their
faith in Jesus and have been reconciled to God through newness of life are
heirs to the promise of eternal life (Rm 5:10, 6:4, 2 Cor 5:18). These
righteous ones who have freely chosen God’s will over their own, shall be
given access to the tree of life. Revelation 2:7, “He that hath an ear, let
him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh
will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of
God.” That which was lost will be found once again. Revelation 22:14,
“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to
the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Recall
how Adam did not keep God’s commandment and was denied access to
the tree of life. Things have now come full circle. Blessed are those who
keep Christ’s commandments (Josh 22:5 = Mk 12:30-31 = Mt 22:40, also
Jn 14:15, 15:10) for they will be given access to the tree of life. The fruit
of the righteous is a tree of life (Pv 11:30).
 
It is also important to note that when Jesus spoke of the broad and
narrow ways (Mt 7:13-14) that He was speaking to professed believers. In
verse 21, Jesus states that not everyone who calls Him Lord will enter into
the kingdom of heaven because many of these will continue to work
iniquity even though they had good works (v. 22-23). Those that do God’s
will shall enter into His kingdom (v. 21, 24). The unconverted seem to
think that once they acknowledge Christ that they can continue in their old
life as if they never had made a commitment. Jesus warned in verse 15 to
beware of false prophets that come as sheep, but are really ravenous
wolves. These will tell the sheep that God’s grace allows for continued
willful sinfulness and self-centeredness. In other words the devil’s lie to
Eve, you can sin and not die.
 

Summary
 
Choosing between the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good
and evil was a time of testing (Deut 8:2-8, Ps 7:9, Pv 17:3). The time of
testing has not concluded. Man still retains free will to choose whom he
will serve. Only God can draw man unto Christ because there is no
inherent desire in man to die to his will (Rm 3:11, Jn 1:12-13, 6:44, 65).
Mankind has fallen from God’s grace, but God’s purposes continue. The
Lord’s will is to reconcile all things unto Himself through His Son, Jesus
Christ for His glory (2 Pt 3:9). God’s will shall ultimately prevail and order

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will be restored (Ps 103:19). Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am
God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
God has yet to deal with man as he deserves: Psalm 103:10, “He hath not
dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.”
Man’s nature is sinful, but through Christ, a man’s nature can be
regenerated (by God) such that he becomes a new creature with God’s
nature (2 Cor 5:17-19, Php 2:13, Eph 4:24). Man is weak, but Jesus has
provided overcoming power through His Spirit (Jn 1:12, 2 Sam 22:33).
The corruptible shall put on incorruption and the mortal, immortality. 1
Corinthians 15:55-57, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy
victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But
thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ.” Man chose to have knowledge of good and evil, but due to
rebellion took on the nature of evil. God gave us the law through Moses.
The law is God’s requirements for good, yet man cannot fulfill them on his
own and thus the strength of sin is the law. Praise God that there is
victory through Jesus Christ. There is no other way for reconciliation to
God apart from faith in Christ. No one will be able to say they have earned
their place in eternity. Apart from God’s love (sacrifice), mercy
(undeserved/unmerited) and grace (ability to walk righteously) there is no
reconciliation or salvation.
 
This world is temporal and quickly passing (2 Cor 4:18, Is 65:17, Rev
21:1). Man’s carnal life is as a vapor or fading flower (Js 4:14, 1 Pt 1:24-
25, Job 8:9, 14:2, Ps 78:39, 103:15-16, 144:4, 1 Chr 29:15). Psalm
90:9-10, “For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our
years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and
ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their
strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” Each
man has been allotted a space of time (some more than others) to freely
choose whom he will serve (Josh 24:15). That which is dust shall turn to
dust again (Eccl 3:20). Your spirit will return to God who gave it (Eccl
12:7). God observes the ways of man (Ps 11:4, 14:2, 33:13-15,
53:2, 94:9, 102:19, 139:7, Pv 5:21 & 15:3, Job 11:11, 24:23, 34:21, Jer
16:17, 23:24, Heb 4:13). Man’s actions on this earth are recorded (Ps
56:8, 69:28, Ex 32:32-33, Job 16:19, Dan 12:1, Mal 3:16, Lk 10:20, Rev
17:18, 20:12, 15, 21:27, 22:19) – even your hairs are numbered,
meaning that God does not miss the smallest detail or thing done secretly
(Lk 12:20). All men will die and face judgment (Eccl 8:8, Heb 9:27). Man
can choose life in Jesus Christ or death by following his own knowledge in
pursuit of self. Those who freely and loving submit to God through their
faith in Him will be chosen to be with Him eternally. Those who reject
Christ and freely choose their own desire will eat of the fruit of their own
way and thoughts (Pv 1:31 & 2:13, Jer 6:19). They will be eternally
separated from God and totally given over to their strong selfish desires,
never to be fulfilled, while enduring never ending enhanced torment of
body, soul and conscious in a darkness that can be felt in a lake of fire
(Job 10:22, 26:6, Ex 10:21, Mt 8:12, 18:8, 22:13, 25:41, 46, Mk 9:44,

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46, 48, 2 Thess 1:9, Jude 1:13, Rev 14:11, 16:10, 19:20, 20:10-15).
Satan and those spiritual rebellious ones (angels, Rev 12:7) who followed
him were cast out from God’s presence. Rebellious man will also be cast
from His presence, for hell hath enlarged herself and is never full (Is 5:14,
Pv 27:20, Is 5:14). Rebellious man will be consigned to the place
prepared for his god, the devil (Mt 25:41).Take heed Oh man to walk in
the ways of the Lord (Ps 86:11).Hebrews 10:31, “It is a fearful thing to
fall into the hands of the living God.”

Chapter 2 – What Did Jesus Do?

 
Much like the world, popular Christendom likes to come up with witty feel
good sayings and fads which can be mass marketed and sold as all sorts
of trinkets and paraphernalia. Perhaps you have heard of the phrase,
“What would Jesus do (WWJD)?” Supposedly when one finds oneself in an
unsure situation, they just evoke this spiritual test to determine the
correct course of action. The scriptures reveal that we should be taught
and led by the Holy Spirit. The difference being that the latter looks to
God and the former to one’s own mental reasoning and human strength.
Unfortunately, the WWJD remedy is only as good as the devotion of the
practitioner. In actuality, those who wear the necklaces and bracelets
would have to evoke the test to such a degree every time the television is
turned-on that they would have to stop watching it, and I do not think this
has been the case, but I pray it would be. For most, this will become
yesterday’s pet rock idea that will be considered a bit too restrictive to
one’s self-will. Many get caught up in speculative reasoning which no
doubt varies from one to another and is certainly highly influenced by the
whims of the flesh depending on how much one wants to do the thing in
question. Rather than wonder what Jesus would do, have we not missed
the obvious? Why not ask, “What did Jesus do?”
 
Did you know? Jesus was sent of another but eagerly came. Did not speak
His own words; did not perform His own works; submitted to another’s
will putting His will totally aside; forsook the things of the world, having
only the clothes on His back; was tempted, yet did not sin; became as a
servant; was persecuted by the religious; and traveled the “Way of the
Cross” resulting in His laying down His physical life for you. Jesus often
used the term, “follow me” and He certainly set the proper godly example.
It would be very wise of us to take note of how Jesus walked and apply
the same devotion in our lives. Jesus walked in God’s grace and His life
demonstrates the proper application of grace (the ability to perform God’s
will, Heb 2:9). We will examine in detail just how Jesus did walk during
His time on this earth. Jesus said: John 6:38, “For I came down from
heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (also Jn
4:34). There is a message for each of us that choose to truly follow Jesus,
John 14:12, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the

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works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he
do; because I go unto my Father.”
 
It is so important to note God’s love for us. God did not tell us to go do
something and then leave us hanging. God came and demonstrated His
love by example and what His expectations are for us. John 10:4, “And
when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the
sheep follow him: for they know his voice.” Jesus walked first and the
sheep followed after – in His footsteps. God walked the walk, just as a
man, and then said, “Come follow me.” Jesus knows the sheep and the
sheep know Him and this is a relationship (Jn 10:3-4, 14). When we follow
Christ, He will lift us up and empower us through His Spirit to complete
the course. No one will be able to tell God that He just doesn’t
understand. Jesus Christ will be able to judge absolutely righteously (Jn
8:15-16, Ps 96:13, 98:9). Even the best arguments of those who have
rejected Him will never hold. God is supreme and has considered all; none
will be able to say He has judged unfairly. He does not require that we do
something that He was unwilling or unable to do. Jesus walked the walk!
Hebrews 2:9, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the
angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he
by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” Jesus came and
bear witness and exhibited the truth – He demonstrated the nature of His
kingdom: John 18:37, “…for this cause came I into the world, that I
should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth
my voice.”We will either follow the truth or our opinion of the truth
(human reasoning) – this translates into following the Spirit or the flesh.
Jesus will lead us on the path of righteousness.
 
Adam disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden and chose his will over God’s
will. This resulted in sin and death for all mankind. Romans 5:12,
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin;
and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” This brought
about a separation between man and God. Isaiah 59:2, “But your
iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have
hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” In order to correct the
grievous transgression that came about due to Adam and bring
reconciliation between man and God, an acceptable sacrifice had to be
offered for atonement. No acceptable sacrifice could be found in mankind
because man was tainted with sin. Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and
come short of the glory of God.” Man could not in and of himself correct
his condition (Ps 14:3). Proverb 20:9, “Who can say, I have made my
heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Notice the “I” in the verse as in
something you do. Therefore God in an overwhelming display of love sent
His only begotten Son to be the only truly acceptable sacrifice (Jn 3:16).
Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we
were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus Christ would be the
unblemished Lamb of God and His blood would be the atonement (1 Pt
1:19, Rev 1:5). The atonement would be offered as an equivalent to make

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reparation and amend for man’s offense. Galatians 1:4, “Who gave
himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world,
according to the will of God and our Father.” In order for Christ to
accomplish the reconciliation, He had to live the life that Adam failed to
live. Jesus had to do the opposite of Adam by choosing God’s will over His
will. Adam disobeyed God; Jesus would have to absolutely obey the
Father. By totally submitting His will to the Father, Jesus lived a sinless
life that was acceptable to the Father (Mk 1:11). Romans 5:19, “For as by
one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of
one shall many be made righteous.” Through Christ, we are born again
with the nature of God. Jesus, as a man, had to be the image of God
(what man was created to be). Jesus was so successful that He could say:
If you have seen me, you have seen the Father (Jn 14:9). Man must also
be the image of God (that of Christ, Gen 1:27, Col 3:10). This was the
way things were to be from the beginning. Man was originally expected to
willingly and sincerely submit his will to God in a loving and obedient
relationship – to cleave to Him (Deut 11:22, Josh 23:8).
 
The life of Jesus Christ is our example to follow on this earth. 1 Peter
2:21-24, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered
for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no
sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled,
reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed
himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in
his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto
righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed (reconciled to God).”
Following in His steps is getting very specific and exacting and the wise
will heed this call. It should also be noted that we are to live unto
righteousness and not in a manner that suits our will (Pv 21:21). Many
will live to the flesh and use God’s grace as a covering for their ongoing
sinful lives (Pv 8:36, 14:2). They will never even see the hypocrisy (Mk
7:6). This is using God’s loving intent to draw man unto Himself as an evil
means to further distance man and push him away. Psalm 23:3, “He
restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his
name’s sake.” Jesus restores us from our fallen state for the intent to
follow the narrow path of righteousness for His glory that He is due and
fully deserves (Ps 96:8). Our role is to submit and obey! The Holy Spirit
gives us this ability. Proverb 8:20, “I lead in the way of righteousness, in
the midst of the paths of judgment.” The Lord loves righteousness (Ps
11:7, 15:1-2, Pv 15:9). Those not actively following righteousness are in
rebellion against God and have not been converted and are given to
blindness, which is deception. An “example” is defined as a pattern or
model for imitation. “Following” is conforming to, being the same as,
moving in the same direction, in harmony with, adhering, being led or
guided by, and obeying. Let us now consider with an open, yielded, and
teachable heart, the great example Christ gave for us to follow. He that is
of God heareth God’s words and every one that is of the truth heareth
Christ’s voice (Jn 8:47, 18:37). 1 John 2:29, “If ye know that he is

28
righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of
him.” You are encouraged to search the scriptures and see if these things
be not so (Acts 17:11).
 
The atonement was for whosoever will (1 Tm 2:4). This is Christ dying for
us while we were yet sinners – for the ungodly (Rm 5:6, 8). This is the
Father’s love and his longsuffering that none should perish, but all repent
(2 Pt 3:9). The atonement is God’s love and great sacrifice given for
everyone and makes it “possible” for one to be saved and reconciled to
God. 1 John 4:9, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us,
because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that
we might live through him.” However, salvation (eternal life) is conditional
and not for everyone, it is only for those who believe (Jn 3:15-21).
Believe means an unconditional surrender to the Lordship of Christ as
evidenced through your faith and love toward God. Salvation will be
limited to those who enter through the strait gate (Christ) and journey
down the narrow path (Mt 7:13-14, Lk 13:24). Psalms 118:19-20, “Open
to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the
LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.” Jesus
is the gate/door (Jn 10:9). Many will profess, say they believe and claim
the atonement, yet never enter the gate (door) or travel the path. We
bow low in humbleness and repentance to enter the strait gate, and are
led of the Holy Spirit through Christ’s power along the narrow path (2 Cor
13:4). The journey is in the steps of Christ and it conforms us to His
image. Those who do not enter into Christ’s life are said to be in
“unbelief.” Unbelief is rebellion to God’s authority, usually in favor of your
own. What we sow (plant) in this life is what we shall reap (harvest). If
one sows sunflower seeds, one will reap sunflower seeds and should not
expect to reap watermelons. Similarly, if we sow to the flesh we will reap
of the flesh death. If we sow to the Spirit, then we will reap of the Spirit
everlasting life. Galatians 6:7-8, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for
whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to
his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit
shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Therefore, claiming or professing
the atonement, yet living to the flesh will only produce death. Beware and
be not deceived. A gospel of the flesh is opposed to Christ and all He
stood for; please consider Romans Chapter 8 carefully. Many will plow in
wickedness, reap in iniquity, eat the fruit of lies (they believe Satan’s lie
that you can sin and not die), because they trusted in their way (Hos
10:13). To trust in your own way is what the devil convinced Adam and
Eve to do.
 
We live in a very religious world. There has never been such a confusing
multitude of choices. Within the envelope of what is called Christianity one
canfind a huge range of ideas and lifestyles. Most of these are foreign to
what Christ preached and lived. The term “Christian” has almost lost
meaning. When Christ’s true gospel is preached the self seeking religious
will quickly distance themselves from it. Many of those who will listen may

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never apply it to their lives (Mk 4:17). This chapter will detail just how
Christ walked and how we are to follow. You may find yourself getting
uncomfortable in the light of Christ. Your tolerance will be relational to the
darkness in your life and your defense of it. You alone will have to
determine if you want to remain in the darkness. Jesus will never force
you into the light. Recall that within the scope of this book, the religious
are those who try and reach God through man’s way rather than God’s
way. Of course they assume that their way is God’s way and this is the
deception.
 

Who is Jesus?
 
John 8:12, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of
the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have
the light of life.” Who is Jesus that we should follow and obey Him? God
has revealed Himself to mankind as triune or three in one (unity), namely
the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Eph 2:18). Jesus is one with the
Godhead revealed to mankind as the Son and is the brightness of God’s
glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by
the word of his power and sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high
(Heb 1:3). As a man, Jesus was the perfect image of the Father (Jn
12:45, 14:9, Col 1:15, 2:9). Jesus said, I and my Father are one, and if
you have seen me then you have seen the Father (Jn 10:30, 12:44-45 &
14:9). 1 John 5:7, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the
Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” The full
Godhead manifested itself to man at the baptism of Jesus. Luke 3:22,
“And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him
(Jesus), and a voice (Father) came from heaven, which said, Thou art my
beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” Colossians 2:9-10, “For in him
dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in
him, which is the head of all principality and power.” Jesus exactly fulfilled
all existing prophecies concerning Himself such that the detailed record of
Christ would be accurate and true. God always honors His Word.
 
Jesus is the very Word of God, John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus’ very name is
the Word, Revelation 19:13, “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in
blood: and his name is called The Word of God.” Christ’s Word is eternal,
redeeming, and we will one day be judged by it (Ps 96:13, 1 Pt 1:25, Jn
8:31, 51, & 12:48, Is 40:8). Christ came to the earth in the form of a
man. John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,
(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)
full of grace and truth.” Jesus is the beginning and the end, which is, and
which was, and which is to come (Rev 1:8, Is 44:6)). Jesus is He that
liveth, and was dead, but is alive forever more (Rev 1:18).
 

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Jesus is an eternal king after the lineage of David (Is 9:6-7) and a high
priest after the order of Melchisedec (Ps 110:4, Heb 5:10, 6:20, 7:1-4,
17). The Melchisedec priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood
(Heb 7:11). Hebrews 7:26-27, “For such an high priest became us, who is
holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than
the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up
sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did
once, when he offered up himself.” Jesus is the great “I AM” who revealed
Himself to Moses in the burning bush (Ex 3:14). This revelation was later
personally confirmed, John 8:58, “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I
say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” Jesus was the spiritual rock
from which the children of Israel drank in the wilderness and that followed
them (1 Cor 10:4). Jesus is the bread from heaven (Jn 6:32-35). Jesus is
the only way by which men may be saved (Jn 14:6, 1 Jn 5:11). Acts 4:12,
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Christ is
the firstborn among many brethren and we are to conform to His image
(Rm 8:29, Col 3:10-Eph 3:9). Jesus is now greatly glorified in heaven.
Revelation 19:16, “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name
written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
 
Colossians 1:13-20, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness,
and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we
have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is
the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him
were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible
and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or
powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all
things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the
church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all
things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in
him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of
his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say,
whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” Several things
should be noted in this scriptural text. Jesus’ earthly presence is the
image of God, and as such is our example (Col 3:10). Jesus has
preeminence in all things for and He has a kingdom (Jn 18:36). Jesus is
the head of the church, which is His body. Jesus is the door for
redemption, justification and reconciliation to God (1 Cor 1:30). Ephesians
1:21-23, “Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion,
and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that
which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to
be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of
him that filleth all in all.” Hebrews 1:8-9, “But unto the Son he saith, Thy
throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the
sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated
iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of

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gladness above thy fellows.” Make no mistake, Christ rules in
righteousness and holiness.
 
Jesus will come again as a righteous judge. Luke 3:17, “Whose fan is in
his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat
into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.” There
will come a day of separation and justice (Acts 10:42, 17:31, Rm 2:16, 2
Tm 4:1, Heb 10:30, 1 Pt 4:5, Dan 7:9-14).
 
It should also be noted that when God the Father speaks, the Holy Spirit
accomplishes His Word (Ps 104:30, Is 55:11). Genesis 1:1-2, “In the
beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was
without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And
the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” The Holy Ghost also
overshadowed Mary for the conception of Jesus (Mt 1:18, 20). Jesus sent
His Spirit to work in the hearts of His disciples (followers – past, present,
and future) to conform them to His image (which is the image of God) and
thereby lead them in paths of righteousness and holiness for His
namesake. Proverb 15:9, “The way of the wicked is an abomination unto
the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.”
 

Jesus was sent by the Father

 
God the Father sent Jesus the Son to reconcile man to Himself through
the Son (Rm 5:1). John 8:42, “Jesus said unto them, If God were your
Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God;
neither came I of myself, but he sent me.” Jesus came to seek that which
was lost by offering forgiveness and grace to whosoever would receive
Him (Lk 19:10). John 3:17, “For God sent not his Son into the world to
condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
Jesus eagerly left the glories of heaven to perform the Father’s will. Jesus
humbled Himself and put His very “glory” aside to fulfill the Father’s plan
for mankind. In doing so, Christ knew that He would be misrepresented,
falsely accused, belittled, questioned, blasphemed, spied upon and taken
advantage of and would face persecution, rejection, betrayal,
abandonment, hunger, temptation, torture, penalty of our sin, and death,
but came anyway! As stated earlier, Jesus took on the form of a man and
dwelt among us. John 1:11, “He came unto his own, and his own received
him not.” When you consider that God in His infinite righteousness and
holiness does not even look upon sin, then you can begin to see what a
sacrifice it was for Jesus to become the filth of sin for us (Habakkuk 1:13,
Rm 8:3). The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all (Is 53:6). Jesus
never sinned once, yet was penalized as if He had done the most vile
things (Heb 4:15). Isaiah 53:6, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we
have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the
iniquity of us all.” Whereas we have all sought SELF and our own authority
(rebelled against God), Christ totally died to SELF in submiting the

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Father’s authority, yet bore our iniquity (He had no iniquity). 2 Corinthians
5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we
might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Because God does not
look upon iniquity and is of purer eyes than to behold evil, He turned from
Christ when He became as sin on the cross. Matthew 27:46, “And about
the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama
sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken
me?” During the time of darkness, Jesus was separated from God for us
(Is 54:7-8). The King of all who lived the only perfect life, died an
excruciating death as a condemned and despised criminal. Mark 15:27-28,
“And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the
other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was
numbered with the transgressors.” This is man’s justice. This is very
telling of what his executioners - religious man, can do when left to his
own will. Religious man is capable of all manner of evil (Jer 17:9).
Consider what those who claimed to represent Christ did in the
inquisitions and heresy hunts in Europe during the historical period known
as the Dark Ages. Men and women were hunted down, tortured and
slaughtered for not joining certain religious institutions that sought
absolute power and rule.
 
Praise God that events did not end at Jesus’ death. Jesus rose from the
dead three days later in great victory! We are now made righteous before
God, forgiven by Christ’s shed blood through faith as we conform to the
image of His Son (1 Jn 1:7, 1 Pt 1:2, Rm 8:29). We conform as we live
our faith daily through love in obedience to Christ through the leading of
His Holy Spirit. When Jesus completed the Father’s will in great victory, he
returned to the Father. John 16:28, “I came forth from the Father, and am
come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.” Jesus
had greatly humbled Himself and as a result, the Father then exalted Him.
Philippians 2:9-11, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and
given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and
things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus
Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” To be great in the kingdom
of God, you must become a servant (Mt 23:11-12).
 

Victory in Death?
 
Some might wonder how Jesus gained victory in death. This is part of the
wisdom of God’s plan. Death results from sin (Rm 5:12, 6:23). The sting
of death is sin (1 Cor 15:56). Man has a fallen nature and sin reigns unto
physical death (Rm 5:21). Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed unto
men once to die, but after this the judgment.” The devil operates under
bounds set by God and uses sin and death to destroy man by eternally
separating him from God. The devil has the power of death (Heb
2:14). Satan’s devices are to take man’s attention off of God and

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then corrupt him such that he will live selfishly and ultimately
worship Satan. The devil lures man (through his own lusts) into
corruption and then accuses man before God demanding the
penalty for his deeds (Rev 12:10). 1 John 3:8, “He that committeth
sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this
purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the
works of the devil.” Christ came to set the captives free (Jn 8:36).
Job is a good example of how Satan, the tempter and accuser,
maneuvers against man (Job 1:6-12 & 2:2-7). The devil tests man
with the purpose of causing him to willfully sin. Jesus was tested
and tried, but never sinned, and thus He could not legally be
required to die (Heb 4:15, 1 Pt 2:21-22). Jesus was innocent, yet
the devil instigated His death. Satan had tried to get Jesus to
worship him in the wilderness temptation and throughout His
walk. When he could not get a foothold in Christ’s life, he plotted
to destroy Him (Jn 14:30). The devil could not kill Christ, but could
entice men of their own free will (envy, greed, jealousy) to do this
for him. Luke 22:2-4, “And the chief priests and scribes sought
how they might kill him; for they feared the people. Then entered
Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the
twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests
and captains, how he might betray him unto them.” Jesus had
once told the scribes, Pharisees and religious leaders they were of
their father the devil and that his will they would do (Mt 26:3-4,
Mk 15:11, Lk 22:53, 23:23-24, 24:20, Jn 8:44). Later, they did just
that as the chief priests and officers moved the people to demand
Jesus be crucified (Mt 27:20, Mk 15:11, Jn 19:6). Jesus actually
laid down His life to provide the atonement for man and also
legally triumphed over Satan regarding sin and death. The paradox
was that by Jesus’ death laid the victory. Hebrews 2:14-15,
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood,
he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death
he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the
devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their
lifetime subject to bondage.” The devil and his principalities didn’t
understand God’s plan. 1 Corinthians 2:8, “Which none of the
princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not
have crucified the Lord of glory.” As a result, Colossians 2:15,
“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of
them openly, triumphing over them in it.” The prince of this world
is judged (Jn 16:11)! Death had no hold on Jesus. Romans 6:9,
“Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more;
death hath no more dominion over him.” Jesus conquered death
and could proclaim, Revelation 1:18, “I am he that liveth, and was
dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the
keys of hell and of death.” Jesus brought life to those who were
dead, our life is now found in Him (2 Cor 4:10-11). Colossians 3:4,
“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also

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appear with him in glory.” Has Christ become your very life, or is
He just a part of your (self) life?
 

Jesus came as a Servant

 
Jesus humbled Himself and became a servant. Philippians 2:7-8, “But
made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a
man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the
death of the cross.” Humbleness and obedience are the essence of faith
and this is how man will be saved in Christ. We are further told: 2
Corinthians 8:9, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that,
though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through
his poverty might be rich.” This astounds the mind when you consider,
John 1:3, 10 “All things were made by him; and without him was not any
thing made that was made. He was in the world, and the world was made
by him, and the world knew him not.” By humbling Himself in obedience
to the Father and service to mankind, Jesus made a way for us to be with
Him eternally and partake of His divine riches. Mankind is undeserving and
mostly rebels against God even to this day! Jesus came with purpose,
Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto,
but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Jesus became a
servant in that He never sought His own, but always looked after the
needs of others. He healed, delivered, served, fed, gave, ministered,
taught, loved, prayed for, defended, suffered, forgave, and laid down His
life willingly. Jesus was totally giving and never selfish. Christ
demonstrated love (sacrifice) for God first and to His neighbor second by
the life He lived. Jesus’ service to God was not about synagogue
attendance, but rather lived out every day among everyone He came into
contact with (the good, bad and ugly). This is how it must be with us also.
Jesus did not set out to perform religious works for merit. Christ’s focus
was on performing the Father’s will and in so doing great works resulted.
The works were out of obedience to God’s will and not justification of self
– big difference! This is also how we are to be.
 
Just before His death, Jesus set an example for His followers: John 13:4-
5, 12-16, “He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a
towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and
began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel
wherewith he was girded. So after he had washed their feet, and had
taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye
what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for
so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also
ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that
ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The
servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he
that sent him.” Jesus was telling them that those with greater

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responsibilities are not superior to the others, but should be as a servant
to them rather than their master. Man has never understood this concept
in his religious systems and has always established Nicolaitan layers of
lordship and authority (rule). The most familiar to all is the clergy and
laity system of the Protest-ant religion and the Priesthood (Pope, Cardinal,
Bishop, and Priest) system of the Romanism (Roman Catholic) religion.
Mark 10:42-44, “But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye
know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise
lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you,
shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be
servant of all.”
 
Jesus always lived by example, Luke 22:27, “For whether is greater, he
that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but
I am among you as he that serveth.” Now we are to serve each other, but
more important, follow Christ and serve Him. John 12:26, “If any man
serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant
be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” As servants, we
must always be conscious of how we perform. To serve Jesus is to deny
self, take up your cross, and follow Him daily (Lk 9:23). A servant always
looks to the needs of his master first. We also serve Jesus by abiding
(continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand firm, tarry, in the
same state, be one with) in Him, continuing in His Word, obeying His
commands and producing acceptable fruit (Jn 8:31, 14:15 & 15:4-5). 1
Thessalonians 2:12, “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called
you unto his kingdom and glory (also Col 1:10, 2:6).” We must be Christ’s
witnesses on this earth (Lk 14:34)
 
We are now servants to Christ first and then each other (charity).
Servants seek always to please their Master and not themselves – for they
are not their own. 1 Corinthians 6:20, “For ye are bought with a price:
therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Jesus sought always to please the Father, and we are to seek always to
please Christ. This means that our Lord is always on our mind throughout
the day and we are always conscious of our faith and service toward Him.
When we have done all, we have only done that which is required (Lk
17:10). As servants, everything we own belongs to our Lord and is to be
used for His purposes as directed. 1 Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover it is
required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” Let us be faithful!
 

Jesus was Tempted as we are

 
Jesus was tempted as we are and understands our struggles (Heb 2:18).
Hebrews 4:15, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched
with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we
are, yet without sin.” Even though Jesus was God, He came to the earth

36
as a man and had no advantage over us. Hebrews 2:16-18, “For verily he
took not on him the nature of angels (supernatural); but he took on him
the seed of Abraham (natural, as man). Wherefore in all things it behoved
him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and
faithful (trustworthy) high priest in things pertaining to God, to make
reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath
suffered being tempted, he is able to succour (help, aid, relieve) them
that are tempted.” Jesus is truly a trustworthy Lord who will judge
righteously. Jesus took his mind and attention off the world and self and
directed it to doing God’s will. To be self-centered is to oppose God’s rule
in your life in favor of your own. When tempted, we must take our
attention off the temptation (desire) and our flesh, and place it upon
Christ. The more we are fixated upon the temptation the stronger it
becomes because we are willingly yielding to it – and are soon overcome.
We must yield to Jesus.
 
Christ submitted Himself to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 4:1-4,
“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of
the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was
afterward an hungered. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If
thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But
he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but
by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Jesus had been
fasting for the purpose of denying the flesh to seek God’s will through the
Spirit. He was about to enter into His earthly ministry. The devil always
tempts at a point of weakness. Jesus must have been very hungry after
forty days without food; nevertheless He denied self to perform the will of
the Father. John 6:57, “As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by
the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” Christ’s life
was found in the Father (to do His will) and our lives must be found in
Christ. Why was Jesus led into a wilderness and why did He fast for forty
days and forty nights? Forty is symbolic for bearing iniquity (Num 14:34,
Ez 4:6, Deut 9:18-19, 25, 10:10, 25:3, Jonah 3:4, Gen 6:7:4, 12). Jesus
bore the iniquity of all men (Is 53:11-12 – “for he shall bear their
iniquities”). Recall that the children of Israel spent forty years in the
wilderness bearing their iniquity (Num 14:33-34, Ps 95:10). Deuteronomy
8:2-3, “And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led
thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove
thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his
commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to
hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy
fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by
bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the
LORD doth man live.” What this is saying is that God expects you to die to
your will (self) and live for His will – His every Word. To live by every
Word of God is to come totally under God’s authority (Lk 4:4) – this is
what is demonstrated in Christ’s perfect life. We are not to be guided by
our flesh (i.e.hunger in this case), but by God’s purposes. Jesus said to

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seek first (foremost) the kingdom of God and His righteousness and the
needful things of the flesh God will provide (Mt 6:32-33). Your will must
be to obey God with all your heart in humbleness (meekness). To live by
God’s Word may cause you to have to deny self. Jesus was refusing the
evil and choosing the good and bearing the sins of the people (just as
Moses had done – Deut 9:18-19, Ps 106:23) in the wilderness experience
(Is 7:14-15). Christ would later state: John 4:34, “Jesus saith unto them,
My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”
Christ esteemed the Father’s Words more than necessary food (Job
23:12). Jesus was “proved” by the devil’s temptations (three times) in the
wilderness. He was tempted with carnal needs (flesh over the Spirit),
personal glory, and great power. Notice how the devil craftily tries to take
Jesus’ focus off of God and put it upon Himself (and His needs – hunger).
This is what Satan did to Eve in the Garden of Eden. If Jesus had
commanded the stones to be made bread it would have been totally for
selfish reasons no matter how justifiable it may seem (self-preservation).
He would have been exalting His will over God’s purposes (feeding the
flesh and denying the Spirit). Christ’s ability to perform signs and wonders
(turn rocks to bread) was to accomplish God’s will and not serve His (as a
man) selfish desires. Satan was also questioning Jesus’ divinity thereby
tempting Him to prove Himself. Jesus appropriately responded with the
Word of God (as we are to do) establishing His intention to live totally
within the Father’s will rather than His own. The sword of the Spirit is the
Word of God (Eph 6:17, Heb 4:12).This is our spiritual offensive weapon.
If we do not live the Word (doers) then our sword is dull and useless. The
author stated in the Introduction that he had a wilderness experience. The
Lord showed me my own inadequacies and absolute need for Christ. I saw
my sin and shame and how I had brought dishonor upon a truly righteous
God. During this time, as I yielded and died to my will and submitted
totally to God, He gave me a new heart (conversion). My yielding was not
mere words, but actions. I came out of this experience with a great
hunger (Ps 107:9-10) for God’s Word, which still burns within me today.
The Lord will try our hearts to know what is in them and see if we will
obey (Ps 7:9, Pv 17:3, 1 Thess 2:4). Let us all seek God for a wilderness
experience.
 
The devil again attempts to draw Christ’s attention off of God and onto
self. Matthew 4:5-7, “Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and
setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be
the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his
angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up,
lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It
is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Putting God to
the test in this situation would have been totally self-centered for
purposes of ego (self-worth, self-esteem) and personal glory (Deut 6:16).
God does not wait at our beckoned call to serve us and we are not to put
God in the position as our servant (exalting self above God). This is
putting God under “our authority” – Woe! Perhaps Jesus could have

38
justified such a feat by saying this would launch His earthly ministry in a
spectacular fashion such that all would believe (jumping from the temple
– Mt 4:5). Men usually seek such justification and notoriety. Again the
devil appealed to any doubt that Jesus might have had as to who He was
and to His pride. Notice that the devil can quote scripture (Ps 91:11-12)
even though he misapplies it. Satan’s workers do the same (2 Corinthians
11:13-15) and we are to beware. Again, Jesus is humble and meek (does
not exalt self) and responds appropriately realizing the true intent
(application) of God’s Word. Notice the true intent of God’s Word in both
of these cases requires a denial of the flesh in favor of the Spirit. The devil
will also use God’s Word to try and persuade us to tempt or prove God.
The motivation for proving God is always due to a selfish want or desire
and is unacceptable (Ex 17:1-7).
 
Lastly, the devil tries one more appeal to Jesus to consider selfish desires.
Matthew 4:8-10, “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high
mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory
of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt
fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence,
Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only
shalt thou serve.” Lastly, Jesus is tempted with great power, but puts all
self interest aside and proclaims that He will serve only the Father – Praise
God! Jesus came in humbleness, not self exaltation. We must always put
God’s interest above our own. To “only worship and serve God” is being
totally under His authority – as opposed to your own authority (Lk 4:8).
The devil tempts Christ to seek His glory through the flesh and have
immediate satisfaction. God’s way requires obedience through the Spirit
and a denial of the flesh (Lk 24:26, 46). God’s way requires humbleness.
Many who claim Christ want the kingdom (heaven) now – immediately;
and do not wish to follow Jesus in the path of the cross. The path of ease
(no sacrifice) that the devil offers is the broad way. The devil has never
given up on his aim to rise above God’s throne and is deluded that
somehow he will ultimately accomplish this. He is determined to keep as
many men as possible from inheriting the glory that he was once
participant in and is now denied. Satan has the audacity to suggest that
Jesus fall down and worship him (I will rise above the most high, Is
14:13-15). Jesus never intended to set up an earthly kingdom. Once He
had to seek solitude because the people were going to make Him a king
by force (Jn 6:15).
 
At the conclusion of this particular time of temptation: Luke 4:14-15, “And
Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a
fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their
synagogues, being glorified of all.” Notice that Jesus did not return under
the power of the flesh nor was He led by the flesh. Many allow the flesh to
rule their lives – its wants, needs and desires. We must put down the flesh
and be led by the Spirit. Jesus came to seek the lost sheep (those who
would receive Him) starting in the synagogues (religious gatherings) in a

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religious system gone awry (far from God’s purposes). This will be evident
in this chapter.
 
Temptations will come and go and we must always be dying to self and
seeking God’s purposes to overcome them. Luke 4:13, “And when the
devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.”
The wilderness temptation had ended, however Jesus would be tempted
many other times during His earthly walk (Lk 22:28). For instance when
Christ was apprehended in the Garden of Gethsemane, He could have
ended it in a second: Matthew 26:53-54, “Thinkest thou that I cannot now
pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve
legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus
it must be?” Notice that Jesus thoughts were not on His predicament, but
on fulfilling God’s purposes. Just minutes earlier Jesus had prayed that
God’s will be done concerning his forthcoming death (Mt 26:42). On the
cross many were saying: Mark 15:30-32, “Save thyself, and come down
from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among
themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. Let
Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and
believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.” Jesus could
have come down and showed them all who He was, but that would have
been exalting self rather than humbling Himself unto death to fulfill God’s
plan.
 
In all these cases, the temptations themselves were not sins. Incorrectly
responding to a temptation produces a sin. For those who seek to live
God’s will, God provides a way to overcome. One only falls prey as one
seeks his own will rather than God’s. In these cases, Jesus took His mind
off the temptations and placed it upon God’s will (His Word). We are
blessed when we endure temptations. James 1:12, “Blessed is the man
that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown
of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” Correctly
responding to temptations as Christ did reveals our love and devotion to
God and rejection of self. Seeking God’s purposes through daily living faith
is His desire for us. Jesus is our life, and not just a religious devotion.
 
We must consider if we are seeking our own selfish will in this life. Do you
seek God’s will and purposes in your life while following Christ’s example?
Perhaps you are greatly tempted by selfish things such as career,
possessions, authority, entertainment, praise, carnal delights, etc? When
we put our will aside and truly seek God’s, then we are on the narrow
path. John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” It’s really not
about “I.”
 
Jesus didn’t Exalt Self
 
Jesus was/is the Messiah (Christ). He walked humbly and went about
doing the Father’s will never publicly announcing who He was (Jn 8:50).

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Christ did reveal Himself to select individuals who would receive His truth
(Mt 11:27, Lk 10:22, Jn 4:25-26). These individuals were most certainly
considered to be unworthy by the religious. Luke 10:22, “All things are
delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but
the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son
will reveal him.” For instance, Jesus revealed Himself to a Samaritan
woman (Jn 4:25-26) of questionable character (Jn 4:18), yet He did not
reveal Himself to the religious leaders. Christ told those He touched not to
make Him known (Mt 12:16). Jesus never sought personal selfish glory
(Jn 5:41). John 7:18, “He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory:
but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no
unrighteousness is in him.” Notice that seeking your own glory is
unrighteousness. Many thought Jesus was a great prophet and some
thought He was the Christ, but no one was sure (Lk 7:16-17, 9:19-21).
When Jesus delivered many of devils, He didn’t want the devils to reveal
who He was (Lk 4:33-35). Luke 4:41, “And devils also came out of many,
crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking
them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ (Also
Mk 1:34).” AND Mark 3:11-12, “And unclean spirits, when they saw him,
fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. And he
straitly charged them that they should not make him known.” The
religious did inquire: John 10:24, “Then came the Jews round about him,
and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the
Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus said the Father’s works that I do bear witness
of me (v. 25). What Christ was saying is that if one is truly seeking God’s
will he shall know. Those who walked closest to Jesus didn’t know for sure
who He was until: Matthew 16:13-17, “When Jesus came into the coasts
of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say
that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the
Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He
saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered
and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus
answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh
and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in
heaven.” Jesus had not prior revealed His true earthly capacity to the
apostles. Jesus’ identity was spiritually discerned by those who received
His Words and sought God’s will. We seek God through the Spirit and not
the flesh. The flesh is spiritually blind (Jn 12:40, Acts 28:27). After
revealing Himself to His disciples, Jesus said: Luke 9:21, “And he straitly
charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing.”
 
We are about to learn that Jesus came absolutely performing the Father’s
will. He spoke the Father’s Words and did the Father’s work. Jesus spoke
the Word powerfully such that all were amazed. The Word was confirmed
by great miracles and wonders such as healings and deliverances. Jesus
lived His message by example and with no sin (and the Father was well
pleased). Jesus was not to be accepted by a title (Messiah), but by God’s
message and power. Jesus said: John 14:11, “Believe me that I am in the

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Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’
sake.” John 7:40-43, “Many of the people therefore, when they heard this
saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. Others said, This is the Christ.
But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Hath not the scripture
said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of
Bethlehem, where David was? So there was a division among the people
because of him.” The Word of God cannot be totally understood apart
from the Spirit (Mt 13:15). This people had the Word, but not the Spirit.
The flesh cannot discern the things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:14, “But the
natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are
foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are
spiritually discerned.” Discernment belongs to the spiritually
mature (Heb5:14). They debated over fine points of which they did not
even have complete understanding. This is how many miss God today –
they are religious, but do not have His Spirit. John 8:25-27, “Then said
they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same
that I said unto you from the beginning. I have many things to say and to
judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those
things which I have heard of him. They understood not that he spake to
them of the Father.” They were looking through the flesh and could not
understand the Spirit.
 
Christ came into Jerusalem meekly sitting upon a colt the foal of an ass
(Mt 21:5). Zechariah 9:9, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O
daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and
having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of
an ass.” Jesus is the King of Kings, but didn’t exalt Himself or make such
announcements. Christ was the most just man who ever lived, but was
decisively (thoroughly) rejected by the religious ones who claimed to
follow God. Jesus didn’t seek justice, but was coming to offer up Himself
to make provision for mercy (Acts 13:39).
 
Just before Jesus was killed, the High Priest asked Him a question that He
was obligated to answer. Matthew 26:63-64, “But Jesus held his peace.
And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the
living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you,
Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power,
and coming in the clouds of heaven.” Now there was no doubt that the
religious were about to kill God’s only Son and their Messiah. In the book
of Mark we are told the high priest asked Jesus if He was the Christ: Mark
14:62, “And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on
the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” This is
significant because Jesus is “I AM.” On an earlier occasion the Pharisees
had questioned a man that Jesus had healed and said: John 9:28-29, “we
are Moses’ disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this
fellow, we know not from whence he is.” When God had spoken to Moses,
He identified Himself as “I AM” (Ex 3:13-14). Jesus also had once said to

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the Jews: John 5:45-47, “Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father:
there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye
believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye
believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” Jesus is worthy
of more glory than Moses (Heb3:3). Do you know that these very religious
men killed Jesus, who is “I AM?” – and they rejoiced in it (Jn 16:20).
 

Jesus did the Father’s Will

 
Jesus came to restore that which had been lost back to the Father. To
succeed Jesus had to live within the Father’s will at all times. Failure to do
so would result in the same failure as that of Adam. John 6:38, “For I
came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that
sent me.” If Christ were to live for self and/or try and serve God by His
own means, then He would be following His will and not the Father’s.
Hebrews 10:7, “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is
written of me,) to do thy will, O God” (also v. 9). Jesus was focused on
doing the Father’s will whatever it may demand. This is a surrendering of
self totally to God. John 8:28-29, “Then said Jesus unto them, When ye
have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I
do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these
things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone;
for I do always those things that please him.” Christ was faithful to God
(Heb 3:2)! Jesus never sinned, yet could do nothing of Himself. This
demonstrates a total faith and reliance upon God. Similarly, we can do
nothing of ourselves, John 15:5, “I (Jesus) am the vine, ye are the
branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth
much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” Branches in the vine that
want to be self sufficient and do not abide soon wither and are cast into
the fire (Jn 15:6). Note that to be a non-abiding or withered branch, you
had to have once been in the vine. Let us take heed lest we fall and come
short (1 Cor 10:12, Heb 3:6, 14, 4:1, 2 Pt 3:17). Man often does try and
reach God through his own means and this is what much of man’s
religious endeavors represents. We are to have a living relationship with
Christ through faith. We must forsake our efforts and look solely to His.
Our life is found in Christ and must become indistinguishable as we die to
ourselves (Lk 6:40, Gal 2:20, Col 3:3). Relationship saves, religion
deceives. Consider the relationship: John 14:20, “At that day ye shall
know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.”
 
Jesus never sought earthly things, not lands, houses, career, money,
possessions, entertainments, prestige, or power. In other words, Jesus did
not seek after the things of the world (1 Jn 2:15). Jesus never instructed
His disciples to seek worldly things either, not even to build big church
buildings or cathedrals. Jesus didn’t come to establish a physical kingdom
but a spiritual one. Luke 17:21, “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo
there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” We carry the

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kingdom of God with us wherever we go. Christ didn’t go down to the
synagogue to find God, but lived in relationship with Him everyday in all
things. Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world (Jn 18:36). Romans 15:3, “For
even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of
them that reproached thee fell on me.” Jesus bore the transgressions of
man against the Father (Ps 109:25). This culminated upon the cross: Luke
23:34, “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what
they do...”
 
Christ demonstrated being poor in spirit through total dependence upon
God the Father. John 5:19-20, “Then answered Jesus and said unto them,
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what
he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth
the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all
things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these,
that ye may marvel.” God will reveal His purposes to those who truly seek
Him (Jn 7:17). John 5:30, “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I
judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but
the will of the Father which hath sent me.” Jesus has stated three
separate times that He can do nothing of Himself, but looks to the Father
as His example and follows Him. Christ’s life produced perfect results and
we certainly must pay close attention to this if we are seeking Him. We
are to do nothing of ourselves, but are to do those things Christ did, as led
by His Spirit – to follow Him! Notice that I didn’t say we are to do nothing,
just not our works (things of self). We must do those things Christ has
commanded us. There is an order (hierarchy) here, Man submits to Christ,
Christ submits to the Father (1 Cor 11:13). 1 Corinthians 3:23, “And ye
are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” Jesus proclamation reveals a life where
SELF has been completely put to death. Christ’s delight was found in
pleasing the Father by performing the Father’s will. This was so complete
that Jesus could make the following statement when facing death and
taking on the sin of the world: Luke 22:42, “Saying, Father, if thou be
willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be
done.” Jesus’ faith rested in God even to His own demise. John 8:54-55,
“Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father
that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not
known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall
be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.” Jesus had a
lovingly relationship and obeyed God. We must take note of this. Our
delight must be found in abiding in Christ and following Him by living our
faith daily – being joyful in the Lord (Ps 5:11). We must have a
relationship with Christ.
 
Jesus sought the Father’s will in all things. Followers of Jesus are not to
seek their own will for they are no longer to be self serving. For you are
dead to self and the life you live is unto Christ who lives in you (Gal 2:20,
2 Cor 5:15). Colossians 3:1-4, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those
things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set

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your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are
dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life,
shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Whatever is
done in word or deed is to be done for Christ with all thanksgiving (Col
3:17). Matthew 10:39, “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that
loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” Jesus is our life! This paradox is
understood as follows: If we live for self, we will die. If we die to self, we
will live (in serving Christ). His will must become our will. The devil
attempts to persuade us to do the opposite. To live for self and do what is
right in our own eyes. Proverb 16:2, “All the ways of a man are clean in
his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits (motives).” Do what
makes you feel good. This is what Satan did and his rebellion continues.
Those that join in this rebellion will suffer the consequences of separation
from God and damnation. Consider the very depth of man’s rebellion: Acts
4:26, “The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered
together against the Lord, and against his Christ.” God sent His Son in
love (great sacrifice) to reconcile the world to Himself (Jn 3:16). Man has
by and large rejected God’s gift! Woe!
 

Jesus did the Father’s Works

 
Jesus’ love (sacrifice), peace, compassion, obedience, doctrine, mercy,
forgiveness, signs and wonders, and self control bore witness of Him.
Jesus also wrought many miracles such as healings, deliverances,
authority over nature, raising the dead, and miraculous provision (Mt
15:31, Lk 7:22). John 5:36, “But I have greater witness than that of John:
for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works
that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.” Even at the
age of twelve, Jesus was in the temple about God’s will: Luke 2:49, “And
he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must
be about my Father's business?” Jesus always gave and never took. Christ
did not perform any of His own works, for that would fall short. He looked
to the Father and obeyed His every direction. John 14: 31, “But that the
world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me
commandment, even so I do…” The victory is in obeying the Father’s will
through Christ Jesus.
 
Christ placed the Father’s work above all things. John 9:4, “I must work
the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no
man can work.” Christ was focused, John 5:17, “But Jesus answered
them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” When the religious leaders
and people saw the miracles of healings and deliverances they marveled,
and said, for we never saw it on this fashion, and have seen strange
things to day (Mk 1:27 & 2:12, Lk 5:26). Even the winds and the sea
obeyed him (Mk 4:41). Mark 6:51, “And he went up unto them into the
ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves
beyond measure, and wondered.” A blind man that Jesus had healed

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spoke some words of wisdom to the religious leaders, John 9:31-33, “Now
we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of
God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Since the world began was it not
heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this
man were not of God, he could do nothing.” Followers of Christ are told
that greater works than these shall ye do (Jn 14:12). This means that we
do not do our own works, but those of the Father – just like Jesus! To do
anything, our focus must be on Christ and not self.
 
Jesus completed all the work the Father gave Him to do: John 17:4-5, “I
have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou
gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self
with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” We are also to
bring glory to Christ in our abiding faith. John 15:8, “Herein is my Father
glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” We must
complete Christ’s work, John 20:21, “Then said Jesus to them again,
Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” Do
you see the significance of this statement? Jesus sends us to do as He was
sent of the Father. Matthew 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the
world. Amen.” To “observe” is to conform to the things Christ would
have us do, namely to follow His example. The Father was “well
pleased” with Jesus’ example. Unfortunately many will try to enter
another way - theirs (Jn 10:1). The religious man tells us what we
must do through his institution; Jesus says, follow My example
and find your life in me.
 
Disciples of Christ are to abide in Him. When we do, the Father prunes us
(takes away unwanted parts) to conform us to Christ’s example (Jn Chap
15).  Jesus said: John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in
God, believe also in me.” This is what the Father expects of us. John 6:29,
“Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye
believe on him whom he hath sent.” To believe means to have full faith
and confidence in Jesus - to commit and entrust your whole life to Him –
to see Him as worthy. This belief will be demonstrated in your daily life
through your thoughts and actions. Faith is much more than a mental
acknowledgment or verbal profession, but seeks to live God’s will with a
whole heart (Deut 4:29). By faith ye stand (2 Cor 1:24).
 

Jesus Spoke the Father’s Words

 
Jesus did not speak His own Words that would be relying on His own
earthly logic and intellect – the flesh. John 12:49-50, “For I have not
spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a
commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know

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that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore,
even as the Father said unto me, so I speak (also Jn 8:38).” Jesus came
with purpose. He did not desire His own knowledge of good and evil as
Adam had done. Jesus trusted in the Father for knowledge, as Adam
should have done. God’s knowledge brings life, Adam’s brought death.
John 3:34, “For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for
God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.” Jesus was full of God’s
Spirit as He sought to please God. He boldly proclaimed the Word of God
with power and authority such that all marveled (Mk 5:20). Mark 1:22,
“And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that
had authority, and not as the scribes.” It was also testified of Jesus that
never a man spake like this man (Jn 7:46). The people were astonished at
his doctrine (Mk 11:18). The religious authorities questioned among
themselves, John 7:15, “And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth
this man letters, having never learned?” Jesus knew all things because He
was listening to the Father and was faithful to do what was required of
Him. The religious studied their whole lives and knew nothing of God
because they sought Him through the flesh (their will). Jesus did not seek
glory, but always gave glory to the Father. John 7:16-17, “Jesus answered
them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man
will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or
whether I speak of myself.” Even at the age of twelve, Jesus astonished
the learned religious men. Luke 2:46-47, “And it came to pass, that after
three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the
doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard
him were astonished at his understanding and answers.” Jesus fulfilled all
prophecy concerning Himself: Deuteronomy 18:18, “I will raise them up a
Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words
in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.”
Jesus did speak all the Words the Father commanded Him. Christ said we
would do the same: Matthew 10:20, “For it is not ye that speak, but the
Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.”
 
Christ’s Words came with demonstration: Luke 4:32, “And they were
astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.” Jesus healed
sickness, gave sight to the blind (physical and spiritual), restored hearing
and speech, gave mobility to the lame. Jesus raised the dead and
delivered people from demon possession (Lk 7:12-15, 8:49-55, Jn Chap
11). All of these things Christ gave His followers the power to also do (Lk
9:1, Mk 6:7-13). When we livefor God and are filled with His Spirit, then
His Word is confirmed with power. Had Jesus come to these men in word
only, He would have been very quickly rejected and dealt with in an
unseemly manner. The miracles and power of God, the signs and wonders
that He operated in were undeniable. These religious men were forced to
tolerate Jesus for a time due to the power He operated in. These men did
constantly seek His demise and they plotted and sought opportunity
against Him (Mt 12:14, 26:4, Mk 12:12-13, 14:1, Lk 4:28-29, 19:47).
Eventually they killed Him – only because it was in the Father’s will and

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Jesus laid down His life (Jn 10:15, 17-18, 1 Jn 3:16). They hated Him
because He undermined their authority. Do you seek God’s authority or
your own?
 
Jesus’ life and the things that He did confirmed the words he spoke. He
lived by example! One’s confession (or profession of belief) is empty and
without merit if there is no demonstration and application of it in one’s
life. John 14:10-11, “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the
Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but
the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am
in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’
sake.” When we die to ourselves as Jesus had done, then Christ can live
and produce works through us. 1 Peter 4:2, “That he (follower) no longer
should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the
will of God.” We are to live to the will of God; how many still live in the
flesh and lusts of men? Do the religious even address this? Jesus said,
John 8:26, “I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that
sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard
of him.” The message that Christ brought transformed the hearts of men
and has brought great hope to many. This message draws you to God and
was lived out by Christ’s example. Let us follow!
 
We have Christ’s Words (Bible) and are to live within His truth. Jesus said
if we continue in His Word, we would be His disciples and His Word would
set us free (Jn 8:31-32). To be set free you must realize your bondage
and desire freedom. We must live Jesus’ whole Word and not just those
portions we deem appropriate or are willing to follow (Deut 4:2). Many
may choose God’s justification (remission of sin and absolution from guilt
and punishment through the atonement of Christ) and redemption
(deliverance of sinners from the bondage of sin and the penalties of God's
violated law by the atonement of Christ), but refuse His sanctification (the
act of making holy, the act of God's grace by which the affections of men
are purified or alienated from sin and the world, and exalted to a supreme
love to God). However, justification and redemption are given for the
purpose of sanctification. In other words, most want God’s forgiveness
and deliverance from hell, but have no real desire to conform to Christ’s
example in whole hearted love for Him. This is doing what is right in your
own eyes – tailoring God’s Word to suit your selfish purposes (Deut 12:8).
This judges Christ as unworthy. This is to remain in a state of rebellion
against God, choosing your will over His. Jesus said to the religious: John
8:38, “I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that
which ye have seen with your father (devil).” When we are filled with the
Holy Spirit, He will guide us and teach us Christ’s whole doctrine. We are
to speak and live this Word in love and faithful obedience. Those that seek
forgiveness and redemption, but reject sanctification will be lacking. The
gospel purifies, the flesh corrupts.
 

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Jesus Prayed
 
Jesus sought God fervently in prayer. We have learned how Christ only
spoke and performed those things the Father directed. Jesus stayed in
constant communication with the Father. Communication is a vital part of
any relationship. Luke 6:12, “And it came to pass in those days, that he
went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to
God.” After this particular prayer, Christ knew who to choose as His
apostles (v. 13). Communication and understanding are so foundational
for relationship. Elements of Jesus’ prayers were: giving glory to God,
seeking God’s will (knowledge, words, works, direction), thanking God,
submission to God, praise of God, God’s will for others including enemies,
in faith without doubting, and for needful provision. We must pray to God
without ceasing, to know Him and His will in our lives (1 Thess 5:17).
Jesus said of prayer: Matthew 6:6, “But thou, when thou prayest, enter
into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father
which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee
openly.” This is intimacy between you and God. Christ often sought quiet
places away from all distractions in which to pray and so must we (Mt
14:23). Mark 1:35, “And in the morning, rising up a great while before
day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”
We must put away all worldly distractions and prioritize time to be before
the Lord.
 
Jesus sought strength in prayer: Luke 22:41-44, “And he was withdrawn
from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying,
Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my
will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from
heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more
earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down
to the ground.” Jesus struggled with His impending death, nevertheless He
prayed that God’s will be done – and it was! Jesus carried an incredible
burden to that cross because of His love for you. Let us always be mindful
and never forget this. We must also struggle with fleshly desires and go
before God to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Php
2:12). Perhaps the contents of this book will lead you to go before God
with fear and trembling to work out inconsistencies in your life? We are
moving toward God or away?
 
Religious prayers are often said in public to be seen of men (Mat 6:5) –
perhaps at Sunday go to meeting. Relationship prayers are as follows: You
must turn off the television (or radio) and put down the newspaper (or
magazines) or any other of these common distractions and spend quality
(needed) time; very often; seeking God through prayer in quiet solitude.
When you seek first the kingdom of God, while putting worldliness aside,
you are dying to SELF and allowing Christ to increase in your life. Your life
will begin to change! Hopefully the Lord will reveal to you how the

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television, radio, newspapers and magazines are greatly impeding your
spiritual walk. Whatever the Lord reveals to us we must be faithful and
obedient to do what is required. This is how we become conformed to
Christ’s image. Your obedience will almost always require a
sacrifice on your part. Your willingness to sacrifice will reveal your
motives. Your motives will either be to live in the Spirit or the
flesh, God’s will or yours. The flesh does not die easily. Prayers
should not be self-centered. Your prayers should seek to know and
live God’s will. You should pray for others; praise and worship
God; and offer Him thanksgiving.
 

Jesus Forsook the Things of the World

 
Matthew 8:20, “And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the
birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his
head (no house).” Jesus did not seek carnal things, He had eternal
purpose – so must we. Matthew 6:25,32-33, “Therefore I say unto you,
Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink;
nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than
meat, and the body than raiment? (For after all these things do the
Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all
these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you (food, clothing, needful
things, Mt 6:25-32).” This is how Jesus lived and this was demonstrated in
his walk. He sought only the will of God and was content and thankful for
whatever the Father’s provision might be. Sometimes Jesus slept in a boat
(Mt 8:24, Mk 4:38, Lk 8:23), in the mountains and fields (Mt 15:33, Mk
8:2-3) or not at all (Lk 6:12). Other times Jesus slept at a follower’s
home. Sometimes He ate well and other times not at all (Mt 4:2, Lk 4:2,
Jn 4:31-34). Jesus wore His only earthly possessions (raiment). Jesus
didn’t carry around money. Observe how He paid the tax collectors:
Matthew 17:27, “Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to
the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and
when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that
take, and give unto them for me and thee.” When we truly seek God and
put Him first, He will provide for our needful things. Man does not dictate
nor direct God’s provision in any way and this is unsettling to the flesh.
What we are to do is thankfully receive God’s provision in whatever way it
is manifested. Man desires security, consistency and fulfillment. God
requires faith and will often provide in manners that confound the flesh -
not in a way we expect. The flesh is bypassed in order to develop the
spirit. This was demonstrated throughout Israel’s wanderings in the
wilderness (manna and water from rocks). Those living for the flesh will
murmer and complain from a rebellious nature. Those that seek God will
humble themselves, trust in Him and be thankful. Jesus was
acknowledged as a king, but his kingdom did not consist of castles, lands,
possessions and wealth (Jn 6:15). Christ rules and reigns in hearts

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through love. Let the religious institutions (denominations) of man take
note.
 
The Jewish people wanted to make Jesus a king by force, but He was not
seeking personal glory. John 6:15, “When Jesus therefore perceived that
they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed
again into a mountain himself alone.” On another occasion his brethren
wanted Him to go up to Jerusalem at the feast of tabernacles and do some
miracles and wonders and show everyone his glory (Jn 7:3-4). Jesus had
to go to this feast (could not violate Lv 23), but not in this way. Therefore,
He sent the brethren ahead of Himself (v. 8). Jesus came later, John 7:10,
“But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the
feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.” Jesus was humble and never
sought such personal glory. When men were seeking after Him, He would
go to the next town or to the desert places (Mk 1:37-38, 45).
 
Seeking the things of this world is an exaltation of self. This is feeding
one’s flesh rather than seeking God’s purposes, and is enmity toward God
(1 Jn 2:15-17, Js 4:4, Rm 8:7). To live for the temporal things of this
world is to deny the Lord and those things eternal (2 Cor 4:18). We are
not to even get caught up in the needful things (cares) of this life (Mk
4:19). Mary who was a friend of Jesus, was cumbered (weighed down)
about the cares of life and found out that there is only one truly needful
thing, which is to hear the Word of God and take it to heart (Lk 10:38-
42). The world seeks its own will and not that of God, do not be entangled
in the pollutions thereof (2 Pt 2:20). Jesus said: John 6:27, “Labour not
for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto
everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath
God the Father sealed.” Let us seek after eternal things.
 

Jesus was Filled with the Holy Ghost

 
Jesus needed no repentance, but set the example for us in baptism.
Matthew 3:13-15, “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John,
to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be
baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto
him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all
righteousness. Then he suffered him.” John was the greatest prophet ever
to live, but immediately saw his filthiness (sin) compared to Christ’s
righteousness (Mt 11:11). Jesus had no sin, but was baptized for our
example to fulfill all righteousness. Mark 1:10, “And straightway coming
up out of the water, He (Jesus) saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit
like a dove descending upon him…” The Spirit descended on Jesus and
filled Him. Luke 4:1-2, “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned
from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty
days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and
when they were ended, he afterward hungered.” Jesus began His ministry

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with the filling of the Holy Spirit and was led by the same Spirit in all
things during His time on the earth. The prophets of old had ministered by
the Holy Spirit and this is vital to accomplishing God’s purposes (2 Pt
1:21, Mic 3:8, Mk 12:36, Lk 1:15, 67, 2:25). Jesus denied the flesh by
fasting while seeking God as directed by the Spirit. The devil tempted
Jesus during a physically weak point; however, Christ was at a spiritual
high point. The temptations were repelled by the sword of the Spirit which
is the Word of God (Eph 6:17, Lk 4:3-13). We know that God’s Word is
quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword when used for
God’s purposes (Heb 4:12). Followers of Christ must also deny the flesh,
be led of the Spirit and submit to God – with our eyes upon Christ (Rm
8:1). In doing so we can also resist the devil and he will flee from us (Js
4:7). Jesus came to the earth as a man. He completely yielded His will to
the Father and was led of the Spirit in all things.
 
In God’s timing, Christ began His ministry: Luke 4:14-15, “And Jesus
returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame
of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their
synagogues, being glorified of all. Notice that Jesus has power through the
Spirit. God put His Spirit upon Jesus (Mt 12:18). He had been fasting forty
days and forty nights. This Holy Ghost power is the enabler for carrying
out God’s purposes. Jesus went into the synagogue in Nazareth and stood
to read. Luke 4:17-21, “And there was delivered unto him the book of the
prophet Esaias (Isaiah 61:1-2). And when he had opened the book, he
found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath
sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives,
and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are
bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the
book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of
all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began
to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” The
Spirit of the Lord was truly on Jesus whom He depended upon to
accomplish His work on earth: Acts 10:38, “How God anointed Jesus of
Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing
good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with
him.” The Spirit empowers and gives supernatural abilities. Jesus had
totally died to self on this earth and served God, thus the Spirit was given
to Him without measure (Jn 3:34). Recovering sight to the blind had a
physical and spiritual purpose to it. We are blind to the truth of the gospel
until Christ opens our eyes to see (cannot perceive, Jn 3:3). Those looking
for God through the flesh rather than the Spirit end up serving the flesh
(will of) rather than God.
 
Jesus was Persecuted by the Religious
 
Christ was rejected by those who claimed to represent God (Mk 8:31).
John 1:10-11, “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and

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the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him
not.” Can you imagine? The Jews had built a tremendous religious system
that claimed to worship God. God sent His only Son to them and they
didn’t even recognize Him. Some had to have known Jesus was the Christ,
but were so protective of their religious system, and so full of jealousy and
envy that they refused to let themselves believe (Mt 27:18, Mk 15:10).
Others knew He was the Christ but feared man (Jn 12:42). In both cases,
man ultimately chose his will by rejecting the Messiah. Recall that Jesus
only spoke the Father’s words. They not only didn’t acknowledge Him or
receive His Words, but wanted to kill Him. Jesus said: John 8:37, “I know
that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath
no place in you.” Jesus violated some of their sacred doctrines and
traditions and they hated Him and persecuted Him. John 5:16, “And
therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because
he had done these things on the sabbath day.” They trusted in these
doctrines of man (their interpretations) more than God and had no heart
or compassion for those suffering (no love). Things are no different in the
religious systems today. They sought to kill Christ everywhere He went
(Lk 19:47, Mk 12:12, Jn 5:18, 7:1, 10:31, 11:8). They sent spies to be
among Jesus and His followers (moles/infiltrators) to find fault in His
Words (Lk 20:20). Jesus spoke the truth to them to bring them to
repentance (this is love), but how did they react: Luke 4:28-29, “And all
they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with
wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the
brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him
down headlong.” Jesus even went to the cross for such as these and
proclaimed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk
23:34). Jesus was meek, humble and full of love and dead (void) of self.
They hated Christ without a cause (Jn 15:25).
 
Jesus sacrificed in love, and He received rejection and ridicule from the
religious. Isaiah 53:3-5, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of
sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from
him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne
our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken,
smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon
him; and with his stripes we are healed (restored to God).” The religious
reviled Jesus every way they could. They derided Him (Mt 13:55-57,
21:15, Mk 5:40, 15:29, 31, Lk 16:14, 20:2, 23:35, 39); they falsely
accused Him and called Him names (including the devil himself, Mt 9:34,
12:24, 26:60, Mk 3:22, 14:56, Jn 7:20, 8:48-49, 9:16, 24, 10:20,
18:30), they plotted against Him and tried to trick Him with questions and
situations (Mt 12:10, 38, 17:24, 19:3, 21:23, 22:15, Mk 3:2, 6, 10:2,
11:18, 12:13, Lk 11:53-54, 14:1, 20:20, Jn 8:6); they tried to seize Him
(Mk 12:12, 14:46, Lk 20:19, Jn 5:16, 7:32, 10:39, 11:57); and they tried
to kill Him (Mt 12:14, 21:46, 26:4, 16, 27:20-22, Lk 22:2, Jn 7:25, 8:59,
11:50, 53-54). Through all of this, Jesus did not become bitter or have

53
unforgiveness toward them (1 Pt 3:18). The devil used the lusts of men
(envy, jealousy) to attempt to cause Jesus to lash out or develop a heart
of resentment (animosity) or dislike toward others – to quench His love.
Christ endured such contradiction of sinners against himself (Heb 12:3).
Had Jesus given in to these temptations, He would have submitted to the
devil (sinned). Can you see how difficult this was? Jesus did not hide out,
but was always about the Father’s will even to His own personal
detriment. He suffered reproach for the sake of the Father. Christ is truly
worthy and judgment will be harsh for those who reject Him.
 
One would expect to find solace and support with those who claimed to
represent God. Jesus’ message offered hope and life. His message was
authoritative and confirmed by great signs and wonders. Christ’s works
were compassionate, loving and caring. Psalm 35:12, “They rewarded me
evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.” How could God’s people reject so
great a visitation? They were focused on themselves (food, miracles,
kingdoms, doctines, traditions, positions of power, love of praise) and not
God. God actually became their enemy and they fought against His
purposes. They had form, but no substance. They had ceremony, but no
meaning. They spoke with their lips, but their hearts were misaligned.
This is a message for the religious man of today! Salvation and life are
found in God through Christ, apart from the religious institution.
God is looking at your life, not your religious devotion (Ps 50:23).
1 Corinthians 15:34, “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for
some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.”
The knowledge of God is to stop sinning and seek righteousness.
Repent!
 

Christ’s Actions were Constantly Judged

 
In scripture, we have two distinct relationships. The first and foremost is
to God, and the second is to each other (Lk 10:27, Mt 22:37-40). We are
told not to judge. Most of us think of this in terms of each other. However,
the most significant judgments are against God Himself. Jesus came
perfectly doing the Father’s will, speaking the Father’s Words and doing
the Father’s works, yet He was constantly being unfairly judged by
religious men. Everything Jesus did was questioned and judged by the
religious, His authority, motives, doctrine, healings deliverances,
observance of the law, friends, family and associations, education, sanity,
etc. These learned religious even came to the astounding conclusion that
God’s own Son was serving Beelzebub (devil) and was mad/crazy (Mt
12:24, Jn 10:20). John 8:49, “Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I
honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.” Jesus once healed a blind
man on the Sabbath day and the religious judged Christ to be a sinner
and excommunicated the man He healed out of the synagogue (Jn 9:24,
34). The religious often get so caught up in their doctrine and presumed

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authority that they loose sight of love and compassion (Mt 23:23, Lk
11:42).
 
Although qualified, Jesus judged no man. Christ always shined the light on
sinfulness and hypocrisy (as we are to do), but never personally
condemned individuals. Jesus told the religious, John 8:15-16, “Ye judge
after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true:
for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.” The religious
judged unfairly with selfish intent. Christ also said, John 7:24, “Judge not
according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” Many a
religious man judges God today. They believe His actions are cruel or
unfair, so they recreate God in their own image. For instance, many will
say that a truly loving God would never send someone to hell for eternity,
so they just interpret God’s Word and re-write their doctrine to disallow it
(Jude 1:7). Others will be unable to disassociate the sin of homosexuality
from the individual and say that God loves and accepts us all and will open
their arms to include the unrepentant individual, but also justify the
offence and thereby re-write God’s Word to their liking. Some will dislike
God’s chain of authority with man as head of woman and will interpret
God’s Word to place woman over man. God’s will on these matters is clear
in scripture, but scripture will be ignored and craftily twisted. Remember
the devil twists the meaning of scripture and so do his workers. Man
judges God for his own selfish intent. John 12:47-50, “And if any man
hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge
the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not
my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the
same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but
the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should
say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life
everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto
me, so I speak.” When we misrepresent God’s Word, we reject it. When
we reject God’s Words we judge God. God will turn the tables one day and
we will be judged by the correct interpretation of the Words that were
rejected or twisted. Woe unto you O man, you best seek understanding of
God’s Word now by desiring to do God’s will (see understanding God’s
Word – Chapter 6). We must not reject Christ’s truth because it is what
sanctifies us (Jn 17:17). Jesus lived an example of sanctification through
the truth for us to follow (Jn 17:19). Jesus said that everyone that is of
the truth (desires to know and live within) hears His voice (Jn 18:37) – as
opposed to their own version that they consider truth. If we do not obey
the truth, there will be indignation and wrath and we will be destroyed
(Rm 2:8, Acts 3:22-23).
 
Job was one that God said was a perfect and an upright man, one that
feareth God, and escheweth evil (Job 1:8). The devil falsely accused him
and said Job only loved God because God blessed him. Satan said if God
removed those blessings that Job would curse God. The Lord allowed the
devil to do just that. Job responded in his misery: Job 1:21-22, “And said,

55
Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither:
the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of
the LORD” (also Eccl 5:15). Job 1:22, “In all this Job sinned not, nor
charged God foolishly.” Notice that a perfect man seeks to do God’s will
(fears God) and turns away or withdraws from evil (escheweth). It is very
important to note that Job did not judge God’s actions or falsely accuse
Him. Many will lash out at God when things do not go their way (fleshly).
Do we praise Him in the good and the bad?
 
We are not to pass judgment upon others. We see their sin; we condemn
the sin, but not the sinner. When we condemn the person, we are passing
judgment. Only Christ has the authority to judge motives (Jn 5:27).
Matthew 7:1-2, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what
judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete,
it shall be measured to you again.” We shine the light of truth on the
darkness of sin, but none is qualified to throw stones. We are capable of
the same sins and only Jesus sustains us. If a brother in Christ continues
to knowingly sin, then we disassociate ourselves until repentance is made.
We also disassociate ourselves from those who desire to continue in error
and cause problems: Romans 16:17, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark
them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye
have learned; and avoid them.” Our desire is to be like Christ’s desire, to
see men delivered out of sin and not to condemn men in sin – to deliver
and save. Also in following our Lord’s example, we will not justify sin.
 
Followers of Christ will be known by love (1 Jn 3:11, 4:16). 1 John 4:8,
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” Love is not just
loving those who love you back (Mt 5:46-47). Love is sacrificial. 1 Peter
2:23, “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he
threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:”
Jesus did not revile those who reviled Him. This would have been
defending self and would not display God’s love. God is loving and
longsuffering toward us (1 Jn 4:9). We are to be the same toward others.
Romans 5:5, “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is
shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Jesus had said, Matthew 5:44, 48, “But I say unto you, Love your
enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and
pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Be ye
therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” We
love our enemies so that we may be the image of God who created us.
Jesus was the perfect example of God’s love and we are also to be perfect
and display God’s love. We are His witnesses on this earth and must not
dishonor Him. Matthew 5:38-41, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An
eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist
not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him
the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy
coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go
a mile, go with him twain.” Jesus was about to be sentenced to death but

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did not even defend Himself. Matthew 27:13-14, “Then said Pilate unto
him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he
answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled
greatly.” Sometimes we must bite our tongue, even when we are falsely
accused. Our justification is in God, not before men. If you are right
before God, then what does it matter what man will think?
 

Jesus didn’t come to Condemn

 
Jesus came in love as a true light in this dark world. John 1:4-5, “In him
was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in
darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” Jesus came that we all
might be saved. John 3:17, “For God sent not his Son into the world to
condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
Jesus came as our example. His light exposed sin, and He reproved those
who were wrong, but He did not condemn anyone. Luke 19:10, “For the
Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Men will
choose their own commendation or condemnation by the way they
respond to God’s love. John 3:18-19, “He that believeth on him is not
condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he
hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is
the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved
darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” To believe on
Him is to live a life of faith that demonstrates it. When we choose the
darkness, we cut off the light – Jesus is the light. Darkness is that which is
not found in Christ (1 Jn 1:5).
 
Jesus claimed to keep the whole law (Mt 5:18) and He also said He
condemned no man (Jn 3:17). The religious set a trap for Him. John 8:3-
6, “And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in
adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him,
Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in
the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest
thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him.
But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as
though he heard them not.” Their plan was diabolical – If Jesus agreed to
stone her, they could accuse him of condemning others against His own
Word. If Jesus said to let her go, they could accuse Him of not keeping the
law. This seemed like a no-win situation. Initially Jesus writes with His
finger in the ground. This is significant because Jesus (as God – great I
AM) gave the law: Exodus 31:18, “And he gave unto Moses, when he had
made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of
testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.” How did Jesus
respond to this no-win situation? John 8:7-8,  “So when they continued
asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without
sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped
down, and wrote on the ground.” Jesus shined the light into their own

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hearts and they realized that they were equally guilty and equally
condemned under the law. Then just as significant He stooped down again
and wrote on the ground representing what He came to do – that is
amend the law to allow for mercy (not license)! God originally wrote the
law with His finger (Ex 31:18, 32:16). Jesus came to seek that which was
lost (mercy for sinners, Lk 5:32, 19:10,). Consider how Jesus amended
the law: Hebrews 9:15-17, “And for this cause he is the mediator of the
new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the
transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called
might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament
is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a
testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at
all while the testator liveth.” Christ payed with His own life (His blood)!
Jesus then told the women He did not condemn her and to sin no more.
Christ came to give mercy and to set us free from sin! Mercy can be
granted for those who acknowledge their wrong and turn from it. Those
who continue in their sin need no mercy, for they can see no wrong.
 
We are to be like our Lord and be His lights in this dark world. Matthew
5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” We are also to expose
sin for the purpose of persuading those in error to repent and turn to God.
Acts 26:18, “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light,
and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness
of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in
me (Christ).” We must reprove sin: Ephesians 5:11, “And have no
fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”
We have no authority to condemn anyone. Our hope should be to see the
vilest sinner turn his heart to God rather than be condemned to an
eternity in hell. Judgment is in the hands of God and we must not forget
this. Jesus said: Luke 15:4-7, “What man of you, having an hundred
sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the
wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he
hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh
home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them,
Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto
you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth,
more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
This must also be our attitude.
 

Jesus was Betrayed and Forsaken by Friends and Followers

 
Jesus went about delivering, healing, feeding, teaching and ministering to
the people demonstrating God’s love (sacrifice) for man. He knew that
many followed Him for selfish reasons. John 6:2, “And a great multitude
followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that
were diseased.” Christ was the hope of some and entertainment or a free

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meal to others. John 6:26, “Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily,
I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because
ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.” Some were seeking gifts rather
than the giver. Some were seeking benefits (blessings) rather than Him
(Christ) from whom all blessings flow. John 12:37, “But though he had
done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him.” How
sad! Jesus tested their resolve (heart) with some hard sayings. The people
wanted a sign such as bread from heaven (Jn 6:30-31). Christ told them
the Father had sent the true bread from heaven that giveth life to the
world (v. 32-34). The people said give us a continuing supply of this bread
(v. 34). Jesus revealed His deeper purpose to man, by revealing that He
was the bread sent from the Father and that man should eat of Him for
life (v. 35-59). The meaning was that His broken body and His shed blood
would provide atonement and reconciliation to God (Lk 22:15-20, Rev
1:5). This was not well received, because man was only concerned about
self and meeting his carnal needs.  Man could not grasp the spiritual
significance. John 6:60-61, “Many therefore of his disciples, when they
had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus
knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth
this offend you?” The harder teachings did produce a separation and the
results must have been disappointing. John 6:66-68, “From that time
many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said
Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered
him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” The
people had followed and listened to Jesus. Luke 19:48, “…for all the
people were very attentive to hear him.” The problem was that they were
hearers that never became doers. They wanted blessings, but not
sacrifice. They never took His Words to heart. How many religious today
do the same? Peter chose the spiritual because he understood that eternal
life cannot be found in the flesh through selfish want. Jesus gave full
devotion, but many fell back when their flesh was offended or not satisfied
(Mt 13:20-21). For those weak in faith, tribulation and persecution will
take an immediate toll. Let the reader beware! We must ask ourselves
why we follow Christ. Do we follow seeking to gain something
(blessings, eternal bliss, rewards, and escape from hell) or do we follow
because we love Him with all our hearts and want to see Him glorified and
His will performed in our lives even to the expense of our comfort or
personal detriment (sacrifices)? This is a question of eternal significance!
 
Jesus’ own family members did not believe in Him. John 7:5, “For neither
did his brethren (sibling brothers) believe in him.” These were his natural
brothers by the same earthly mother (Mk 6:3). They had grown up with
Jesus and had to have known how perfect He was. They had seen the
great miracles that He performed. Even his brothers did not fully
understand His purposes. They thought He was going to be an earthly
king and they would have great honor or office in His kingdom. Christ was
so humble that He had not even revealed God’s full purposes to His
earthly family. They must be spiritually discerned. Jesus had once replied

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to a comment about His earthly family: Matthew 12:48-50, “But he
answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who
are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples,
and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the
will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister,
and mother.” Those who do (obey, perform, keep, live, apply) God’s will
shall be in God’s eternal family. Doing God’s will must be a living
application and demonstration and not a shallow profession.
 
Can you imagine how difficult and isolating it must have been to be
constantly rejected by those who should understand you? Matthew 13:54-
58, “And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their
synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath
this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s
son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses,
and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence
then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him. But
Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own
country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there
because of their unbelief.” They could only see Jesus as the carpenter’s
son – how dare He. They lived by the flesh and were insulted (annoyed)
by Christ and thought Him unworthy for their regard so they outright
rejected Him. They presumed that God would send the Messiah in a
different way under other circumstances. John 7:27, “Howbeit we know
this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence
he is.” The problem with the religious is that they are not in tune with God
because often they are seeking their own purposes and through the flesh.
God turns their wisdom into foolishness (1 Cor 2:14). Perhaps that
familiar one down the street has the Word of God and a ministry that can
save your soul?
 
Jesus was rejected by His people, religious peers, disciples, friends, local
community and family members. Psalm 69:4, “They that hate me without
a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy
me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that
which I took not away.” Notice the last part of the verse: Jesus restored
that which He didn’t take away. Adam broke fellowship with God through
his disobedience and thereby separated man from God. Jesus reconciled
man back to God through His perfect obedience – He restored! How
precious! Another prophesy concerning Jesus stated: Psalm 69:20,
“Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked
for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found
none.” Jesus endured this for you and me, but we didn’t deserve such love
(which is sacrifice). When we truly lift Christ up, deny ourselves and follow
Him, we will have a taste of such rejection. You will find the world, even
the religious world, will go just so far with you, but no further. Familiar
family or friends will not take you serious. To truly follow Jesus is to
become a bright light in a dark world. The Lord will provide for our loss

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both now (with persecutions) and eternally (Mk 10:28-30, Lk 18:28-30).
The important thing is not how others view you, but having your heart
right before God.
 
Christ had twelve disciples that he designated as apostles and these
closely followed Him. Jesus had love for them all. One was not as he
seemed. Psalm 41:9, “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted,
which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.” Judas
Iscariot followed Jesus but showed little regard for others and was mostly
concerned for himself. Judas was in charge of the money bag and was a
thief (Jn 12:6). Mark 14:10-11, “And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve,
went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. And when they
heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought
how he might conveniently betray him.” Judas waited for an opportunity
when Jesus was alone and came with a multitude. Judas came forth and
acknowledged Christ with a token kiss (Mk 14:44). Luke 22:48, “But Jesus
said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?”
Betrayal is often preceded by flattery. So, Jesus was betrayed by a close
friend, one of whom He had revealed His heart and purpose to.
 
The followers of Christ had once expressed their love and devotion to
Him. Jesus said: John 16:32, “Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come,
that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me
alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.” Having
been apprehended by the religious authorities, Jesus’ remaining friends
left: Mark 14:50, “And they all forsook him, and fled.” Everyone feared for
their own life (Jn 16:32). Jesus was now left all alone to face those who
sought His life. Christ was humiliated, beaten, mocked, and falsely
accused (Ps 35:11), but there was one more disappointment to endure
before His torturous death. One of Jesus’ closest friends, Peter had
blended in with Christ’s accusers to see what would happen. He had been
confronted twice about having been a follower of Christ and on both
occasions denied it. Peter had to be a bit more forceful and convincing for
his last confrontation with the religious authorities. Matthew 26:74, “Then
began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And
immediately the cock crew.” Jesus must of heard: Luke 22:61-62, “And
the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word
of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt
deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.”
 
During His walk upon the earth, those religious ones who claimed to love
God had persecuted Christ often. All that would have been necessary to
end these persecutions was a little bit of compromise. Praise God that
Jesus never compromised the things of God to find personal comfort or
please man. Do you ever compromise a little to get along or do something
you desire? – maybe to fit in? Near the time of His death, Jesus had been
totally forsaken by man. Things often become darkest before the
victory(always remember this).. Upon the cross, Jesus was for a time,

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forsaken by God (Mt 27:46, Is 54:7-8). Mark 15:33-34, “And when
the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the
ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying,
Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God,
why hast thou forsaken me?” While He was hanging there in agony, the
crowd and passers by railed upon Him, wagged their heads and continued
to mock (Ps 109:25, Mt 27:39, 41, 44). I don’t think we can comprehend
such isolation. Jesus endured it all for you and for me as the blood poured
from His many wounds. This blood was His very life (Lv 17:11). This is the
path that Jesus walked. This is the narrow path – a path of reproach.
Through all this, Jesus went to the cross and died for you anyway! How
can we neglect so great a salvation (Heb 2:3)? Being a follower of Christ
who stands for the truth by faith in an uncompromising way can be a
lonely walk at times. Sometimes you feel all alone as others mock on.
Many will not understand you and be offended; some may betray you and
others will forsake you (Php 1:29). Men will separate from your company
and you will be much maligned (Lk 6:22). Galatians 4:29, “But as then he
that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the
Spirit, even so it is now.” However, Christ promises that He will never
leave nor forsake you and that there will be blessings as a result of
standing for His namesake (Heb 13:5-6, Mt 5:10-12). All it would take is
some compromise on the believer’s part to fit in and find comfort or unity
(not just with the world but also with the religious). Those who profess
Christ, yet fit in well with the world should examine themselves carefully
(2 Cor 13:5). For the true follower, compromise can never be an option;
they are being obedient to the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 1:5, “For as the
sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by
Christ.” Our lives must be as our Lord: 1 Peter 4:13, “But rejoice,
inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory
shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” There is a
message here for the religious institutions who wish to be popular in the
world with the things of the world to attract the world. Justification of evil
numbs the conviction to sooth the conscious and leads to compromise
which is always served lukewarm (Rev 3:15-16). Compromise is a short
cut to the broad path that leads from God’s purposes to those of self.
 

Set Apart
 
When Jesus came He was not like everybody else. No one else even
understood Christ or His purposes. Jesus totally sought God and denied
self in perfect obedience. This simply cannot be said of the religious
people of that time or even of Jesus’ closest followers (while He was alive)
– Mk 16:14. Jesus was totally alone (without equal) with regards to His
obedience, self denial and dedication to God. No one else even
understood. No one else lived such perfection. Romans 3:11,“There is
none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.” Can you
imagine having no one else on this earth to truly relate to? Of course

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Jesus put his faith and trust in God and not man. We are now to follow
Christ and the example He lived/set. When we do, one finds that, as you
die to self and all the things of this world, you also become more isolated
from it (not physically, but relationally). People just will not understand
you. Why you do not do the things they do, celebrate the things they
celebrate, or speak the same language (foul)? You may go in a room full
of people and feel totally alone (Jer 15:17). Everyone will be talking about
the things of the world such as politics, sports, news events, television
programming, lewd language/jesting and movies. All you want to talk
about is Jesus Christ and Him crucified – but does anyone want to hear (1
Cor 2:2)? You will probably feel isolated even when you are around
religious people. The religious want to discuss these same worldly things
or big name preacher personalities, building programs or facilities,
religious entertainments or events – you know, religious things. They have
lots of buzz words and a certain lingo. A follower wants to talk about his
true love, Jesus Christ. A believer wants to talk about what the Lord has
been saying to his heart or doing in his life. He wants to talk about a very
real and on-going personal relationship. Do the religious talk all around
this because they do not have such a relationship? We must all examine
our hearts and motives. The author recently heard several people having
a religious conversation that lasted about an hour and not once was Jesus
Christ mentioned (only institutions, preachers, entertainments and
popular crowd pleasing places). One can be very religious and yet have no
relationship with Christ. What/who is the joy of your heart?
 

Speaking in Parables
 
Jesus often spoke in parables (Ps 78:2-3, Mt 13:13). Matthew 13:35,
“That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will
open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept
secret from the foundation of the world.” The gospel is a mystery, hidden
wisdom, (Mt 13:11, Mk 4:11, Rm 16:25-26, 1 Cor 2:7, Col 2:2-3) and
those living in the flesh will not understand it (Mt 13:11-17, Mk 4:12, Jn
3:3, Acts 28:25-27, 1 Cor 2:14). Only the Spirit reveals this hidden
wisdom (1 Cor 2:10). Those who follow after the lusts of the flesh have
their minds blinded by Satan that they perceive not (Jn 12:40, 2 Cor 4:4,
Lk 8:12, Mk 4:15) – it has not been given to them to know (Mt 13:10-11).
Those who think of themselves as wise in the world and prudent will not
know or understand (Lk 10:21). Their heart is waxed gross, and their ears
are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed (Mt 13:15). Isaiah
44:18, “They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes,
that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.”
They have eyes and think they see, but perceive not the truth; they have
ears and think they hear, but do not understand (they reject truth and
believe error, Is 6:9, Mt 13:14, Pv 20:12). They will see and hear religious
things (through fleshly eyes), just not the truth of the gospel. The truth is
circumvented (evaded, thwarted, eluded) by the flesh. God does not give

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those things that are precious and holy to those who will not appreciate
them and will trample them under foot (Mt 7:6). The things of God are
spiritually discerned and are given to those who truly seek God’s will and
come under His authority (Mt 4:11-12). We must take heed how we hear
(Lk 8:18). Those who have, will be given more; those who have not, will
lose all to those who have (Mt 13:12). Jesus said: John 16:25, “These
things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I
shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of
the Father.” Jesus only spoke to the multitudes in parables (Mt 13:34).
Therefore those around Christ could not truly understand Him – even His
disciples had trouble (Mt 13:36, 15:17, 16:9, 11, Mk 4:10, 13, 7:17-18,
8:17, Lk 8:9, 24:45, Acts 1:6). Christ once told them: Mark 8:18, “Having
eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not
remember?” He said this because of their lack of perception about a
discernable matter (Mk 8:14-21). Jesus had also told His disciples that He
would be killed, but rise again the third day (Mt 26:2, Mk 8:31, 9:9-10,
31-32, 10:34, Lk 18:33, 24:7). Luke 9:44-45, “Let these sayings sink
down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands
of men. But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them,
that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying (also
Lk 18:31-34).” After Christ had risen they still did not understand that He
would rise from the dead (Lk 24:11, Jn 20:9). Christ then appeared to the
disciples and upbraided (chastised, reprimanded) them with their unbelief
and hardness of heart concerning His resurrection (Mk 16:11-14). Jesus
then opened their understanding that they might understand the
scriptures (Lk 24:45-46, Jn 2:19-22). The same misunderstandings of
Christ’s Words are true today. Jesus’ disciples were given the benefit of
additional explanation from Christ concerning the parables (Lk 8:10, Mt
13:16-17, Mk 4:11-12, 34, Jn 10:6). Jesus spoke the Word as they were
able to hear it (Mk 4:33). The mystery of the gospel was revealed to Paul
through revelation of the Spirit and not through any of his extensive
religious training (Eph 3:3-5). We must take heed what we hear – for our
misunderstandings may be echoed back to us (Mk 4:24, also see Chapter
6, Knowing the Truth of God’s Word). When we truly have ears to receive
(the truth, and live within it), more will be given (Mk 4:24). If not, we lose
that which we think we have (Mk 4:25). By nature man follows the will of
the flesh through fleshly eyes and understanding. The flesh simply cannot
understand those things spiritual (1 Cor 2:14). This is why Jesus sent His
Holy Spirit (covered in Chapter Six). We can read or hear God’s Words,
but the Spirit makes alive through truth and understanding - unfolds
(guides/testifies – 1 Cor 2:9-13). The apostles had Jesus to guide them
initially and give understanding and were later filled with the Spirit at
Pentecost (Acts Chapter 2). We now have access to the Spirit by faith
since God has poured out His Spirit upon all flesh (Acts 2:17). When we
are led by the Spirit (having subjected ourselves in obedience – faith),
then we are no longer led by the flesh – and are thus, sons of God (Rm
8:14). We must understand that all that comes before (higher priority)
Christ in our life is a thief and a robber and will blind to the gospel truth

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(Jn 10:8). All the things of man that we fill our hearts with will rob us of
Christ’s truth and this will become apparent in this book (example –
Chapter Three, A Tremendous Idol). The gospel is still a mystery to many
as they seek God through the flesh (see Chapter Seven, Church Growth).
Do we not see this manifested throughout religious history? Men can read
God’s Word in the flesh, but only through the Spirit will men understand
it. Reading the Word through the flesh results in all manner of error as is
easily seen in what might be termed Christian church history (that
recorded by fleshly man) resultant in the hundreds of denominations and
factions of today. This is not the unified “one body” of Christ spoken of in
scripture. The religious super-structure that exists today is a great
reproach and dishonor to the gospel Christ spoke. Jesus spoke of love, yet
religious man has a history of killing.
 

What is Love?
 
What is love? Jesus is the very embodiment of love. Most think of love as
purely emotional and maybe sensual. The real meaning of “love” is to
sacrifice “self” for the person you care for. 1 John 4:9-10, “In this was
manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only
begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is
love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be
the propitiation for our sins.” God sacrificed His only begotten Son for us!
Jesus left the glories of heaven to take the form of a mere man. Jesus
denied Himself totally for the benefit of others. All the time Jesus was
giving His all; those He loved were rejecting Him. Christ never gave up
and this is love! Jesus never condemned though it was in His authority.
Jesus demonstrated His love: John 14:31, “But that the world may know
that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so
I do...” Jesus was about to demonstrate His love of the Father (and you)
to the world by His sacrifice and obedience (faith) in laying down His life.
Notice how we are to love: Ephesians 5:2, “And walk in love, as Christ
also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a
sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Jesus sacrificed much for
you. John 14:23, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me,
he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come
unto him, and make our abode with him.” Can you see how this is faith?
We are to love (sacrifice) and obey Jesus. We sacrifice our will and cherish
and obey God’s will. God reciprocates with a precious relationship. Jesus
demonstrated this: John 15:10, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall
abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and
abide in his love.” We must be following our Lord’s example. John 13:24,
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I
have loved you, that ye also love one another.” Jesus loved through His
sacrifices and demonstrated His love with His own shed blood (Jn 15:13).
We are to also deny self and sacrifice for one another – this is love (1 Jn
4:7-8). Love is sacrificial, longsuffering, humble, and giving. So: 1 John

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4:11-12, 21, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one
another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God
dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. And this commandment
have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.”
 
Those who consider God’s love as unconditional and all things just
working out in the end, best think again. Love does not rejoice in iniquity
(sin), but rather in truth (1 Cor 13:6). Jesus said: Luke 5:32, “I came not
to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Jesus did not come to
excuse sinners to remain in darkness, but rather to forsake it. Love does
not justify wickedness. All men will not ultimately be reconciled to God.
Love is longsuffering, but there are limits for patience and acceptance.
God has stated throughout His Word that He will separate the rebellious
ones into eternal damnation. God will not violate His very Word; that
would make Him a transgressor. God has stated that 1) He does not lie
(Ti 1:2, Heb 6:18); 2) He hates lying, it is an abomination (Pv 12:22);
and 3) All liars will go to hell (Rev 21:8). God is making an open show of
the wrongs of the devil (father of all lies) and rebellious man before all of
creation - do not suppose that God will become like them by justifying the
wicked in the end. God upholds all of His Word, unlike man who picks and
chooses. God does not deny Himself. 2 Timothy 2:13, “If we believe not,
yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” God is not going to
concede His authority to you or Satan. The rebellious will be separated for
eternity!
 

Away with this Man

 
Jesus came to His own and they received Him not (Jn 1:11). They had
built a great religious structure full of their doctrines and traditions which
they held in higher regard than the commandments of God (Mt 15:3, Mk
7:9). Jesus Words found no place in them for they had not the love of God
(Jn 5:42, 8:37). Jesus violated some of their sacred doctrines and
traditions and they hated him and sought to kill him (Jn 5:16). They
eventually apprehended Jesus and brought him before the authorities
(Pilate). Pilate knew the chief priests delivered Jesus up for envy (Mk
15:10) and offered to the people to release Jesus or a notorious criminal
(Mt 27:17). Luke 23:18-19, 25, “And they cried out all at once,
saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a
certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.).
And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into
prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.” Jesus
was God’s own Son who did nothing but the will of God (Jn 6:38).
Barabbas represented man’s will and the works of the flesh. Psalm
35:12, ‘They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.” The
people clearly rejected God in favor of their own will. Acts 13:28, “And
though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that
he should be slain.” Many read this and say, “How awful, I would never

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have rejected Christ,” yet everyday their life says, “Away with this man”
as they choose their own will over God’s. Most are not even conscious that
they are doing this. This is why we must be led of the Holy Spirit and not
our own desires or instincts. So the choice is: man’s will or God’s will – It’s
been this way since Eden.
 

The Ultimate in Self-Denial

 
Christ walked not after the flesh but after the Spirit (Rm 8:1). Romans
5:6-8, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for
the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet
peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God
commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ
died for us.” Would you give your very life for those who hate you, judge
you, reject you, belittle you, despitefully use you and have forsaken you?
For those who were just plain undeserving? Christ gave everything He
had, His very life for you! Is this not precious to you? John 10:17-18,
“Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I
might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself.
I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This
commandment have I received of my Father.” Evil men plotted to kill
Jesus (under Satanic influence), but that’s not why He died. The only
reason Christ died was because He laid His life down to give you the
opportunity to be reconciled to God for eternity. John 10:11, “I am the
good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” You have
reached the ultimate in self denial when you can lay your life down for
another, especially one who does not deserve it. John 15:13, “Greater
love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Christ endured the shame and torturous death on a Roman cross
(Heb12:2). He that is hanged on a tree is accursed of God (Deut 21:22-
23). Galatians 3:13, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law,
being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that
hangeth on a tree (also Gal 4:4-5).” Christ’s death for us is a precious
thing and how we respond will be “the consideration” on judgment day.
Those who have chosen wisely have their names written in the Lamb’s
book of life. Revelation 21:27, “And there shall in no wise enter into it any
thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a
lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Is your name in
the Lamb’s book? Are you enduring daily (Mt 10:22, 24:13, Heb 3:6, 14)?
 
Consider that as Christ was upon the cross suffering, bleeding and slowly
dying, He could have stopped it all. We know in the garden of
Gethsemane that He struggled with the instinct that we are all born with,
to live and not die. Psalms 22:16-18, “For dogs have compassed me: the
assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my
feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my
garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.” Jesus was in

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great pain and anguish, forsaken, as the gawkers mocked on. Psalms
71:11, “Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there
is none to deliver him.” Psalms 22:7-8, “All they that see me laugh me to
scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on
the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he
delighted in him.” Jesus endured the slow death due to His love first for
God and then for you. You were on His mind as He proclaimed, Father
forgive them for they know not what they do (Lk 23:34). Christ died that
we might now serve the living God (Heb 9:14-18). For those who will
follow, Christ sealed His testament and has purchased them with His own
blood (Acts 20:28, Heb 9:24). God said that the life of the flesh is in the
blood (Gen 9:4, Lv 17:14, Deut 12:23). As Christ hung on the cross, His
life (blood) slowly spilled out for you. Jesus’ perfect acceptable life
(blood), is the atonement for your sins (covers) if you will “follow.”
Leviticus 17:11, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given
it (Christ’s) to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls:
for it is the blood (of Christ) that maketh an atonement for the soul (His
acceptable sinless obedient well pleasing life).” This is why Jesus said:
John 6:53, “Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no
life in you.” Christ lived a life in the flesh totally subservient to the Father
in doing (obeying) His perfect will. We must partake of the life (atoning
blood) that He gives to us. Hebrews 9:28, “So Christ was once offered to
bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear
the second time without sin unto salvation.” Your life is found in Christ’s
blood. If you have not the blood then you have no life.
 
Just before Christ died, He did two noteable things. Luke 23:34, “Then
said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…” Christ
forgave those who mocked and killed Him. He died for the undeserving
and did not hold their transgression against them and died with no
bitterness of heart. Secondly: Luke 23:46, “And when Jesus had cried with
a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and
having said thus, he gave up the ghost.” Christ had totally committed
Himself to the Father during His earthly walk. Jesus now trust His Spirit
into the care of the Father (Ps 31:5) knowing the Father would redeem
Him from the grave (Ps 49:15). Jesus resigned Himself totally to God’s
will. There was no reason to protest His unjust treatment at the hands of
these religious men. Isaiah 53:7-8, “He was oppressed, and he was
afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the
slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not
his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall
declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for
the transgression of my people was he stricken. Your sins (iniquity,
transgressions) are what sent Jesus to the cross and He did not even
protest going there for you. He was the most righteous man that ever
lived. Is this not precious to you? – does this not find place in your heart?
 

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Jesus was FAITHFUL in all that God (the Father) gave Him to do (Heb
3:2). We are also asked to be faithful to Christ and endure until the end.
Will you be found to be a good and faithful servant (Mt 25:21, 23)?
 

Conforming to Christ’s Image

 
In the garden, Adam thought the devil more trustworthy than God. Man,
who was created in the image of God (Gen 1:27, 5:1), disobeyed God and
took on Satan’s nature (fallen). Man obtained knowledge of good and evil
which was contrary to God’s will. We were innocent before God. Man
became evil and self seeking, rebellious – opposite and contrary to God.
Through Christ, we can be reconciled back to God: Colossians 3:10, “And
have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image
of him that created him (also Col 1:20).” Jesus, the good Shepherd,
restores us back to the image of God: Psalms 23:3, “He restoreth my
soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake
(also Rm 5:10, 2 Cor 5:18, 20).” Jesus made peace between man and
God through Him by faith (Rm 5:1, 10). He does this for His glory – we
are undeserving! We naturally are “born” with a fallen nature, but we can
be “born again” with the nature of Him that created us. Wow! We can be
restored back again. This new man is renewed after the image of the
creator (Col 3:10). God will restore all things through Christ (Acts 3:21,
Col 1:21)! When we follow the Holy Spirit in obedience: 2 Corinthians
4:16, “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish,
yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” In our heart we become more
like Christ day by day! This is done as we “follow” Him day by day – we
walk in His ways (Ps 119:3, 128:1, Col 2:6). We are transformed. 2
Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the
glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image (Christ’s) from glory
to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” The life of Jesus is manifest in
our mortal flesh (2 Cor 4:11). The Spirit leads us down the narrow path
(out of darkness into light, Ps 25:10). As we obey the Spirit and put aside
the flesh, we are changed into Christ’s image. This is the will of God –
Christ was well pleasing to God (Mt 3:17, 17:5, Mk 1:11, Lk 3:22). God
works in us to do His will and make us well pleasing in His sight (Heb
13:21). The characteristics of the new man are righteousness and holiness
(Eph 4:24). Psalms 85:13, “Righteousness shall go before him; and shall
set us in the way of his steps.” When we follow Christ it is a path of
righteousness. Jesus guides our feet (Lk 1:79). To be reconciled to God,
we must lose that which we gained in the Garden – our will to decide our
own life. We lay down all weapons of rebellion and yield to God through
Christ. We live for Christ and come back under God’s authority by
submitting to Him – freely (2 Cor 5:15, 18-19). We are to be holy as He is
holy (1 Pt 1:15-16). We must come unto the measure of the stature
(figure/distinction) of the fullness of Christ (Eph 4:13). We grow up
(mature) to be as Jesus (likeness, Eph 4:15) after having received Him as
a child (Mk 10:15, Lk 18:17).

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Jesus is the express image of God (Jn 14:9, 15:19, Heb 1:3, 2 Cor 4:4,
Col 2:9): Colossians 1:15, “Who is the image of the invisible God, the
firstborn of every creature.” We are to be as Christ: Romans 8:28-29,
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he
did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his
Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” God’s
predetermined purpose for mankind was that each individual would freely
choose to conform to the image of His Son – to follow. Brethren are those
who resemble one another. 2 Corinthians 4:10-11, “Always bearing about
in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be
made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto
death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in
our mortal flesh.” As we die to ourselves (our will and desires), we
conform to Christ’s image such that His life is manifested in us. Galatians
3:27, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on
Christ.” We literally put on Christ in conforming to Him (Jn 3:30). The life
of Christ is seen in us when we walk as He walked (2 Cor 4:11, Col 2:6,
Hos 14:9). 1 John 2:6, “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also
so to walk, even as he walked.” AND Psalm 119:3, “They also do no
iniquity: they walk in his ways.” AND Hosea 14:9, “Who is wise, and he
shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the
ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the
transgressors shall fall therein.” We have determined in this chapter that
this may seem an overwhelming task. What is impossible for man is
possible through God (Lk 18:27). Jesus has sent His Spirit to comfort,
guide, convict, teach and empower us just as the Spirit had done for
Christ. You cannot follow Christ in your own strength. Your eyes must be
constantly upon Jesus - abiding. Peter was walking on water as long as his
eyes were on Jesus. The moment he took his eyes off of Christ and looked
upon circumstances around him, he began to sink (Mt 14:28-31). We
must abide in Christ always (John Chapter 15). Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in
the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (also 2
Sam 22:33).” Our paths are directed, we just obey (example Num 9:16-
23). We do not know the way of the path by ourselves.” Many within the
religious world want to conform Christ to their image. This will always be
the result when man leads rather than the Spirit. This “other Jesus” or
“other gospel” presented by man will be the justification for satisfying
their will (and flesh) rather than submitting to God’s (Gal 1:6-11, 2 Cor
11:3-4). God requires that we seek Him with faith (Rm 5:1-2, Heb 11:6).
This faith is lived out daily (Rm 1:17-18). Some will “profess” but the
genuine will “follow.” Some identify (believe) with Christ’s image, but the
real will conform to His image. These will bear fruit, some thirty, some
sixty and some one hundred fold (Mk 4:8). Let us all desire to bear a one
hundred fold increase. Luke 6:40, “The disciple is not above his master:

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but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.” Psalm 128:1,
“Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.”
 
When you have the nature of God you will desire and seek His purposes.
Otherwise you have a different nature about you. Ephesians 4:24, “And
that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness
and true holiness.” Therefore it is only natural that you would want to
conform to Christ’s image. In other words, your expression of the nature
God has given you will manifest itself in similar fashion to that of Christ
when He walked as a man, because Jesus did everything that was well
pleasing to the Father (in His will) and He and the Father were one (Jn
10:30). Jesus had the nature of the Father (Jn 8:54-55). We yield and
obey God through our faith and become the image of God that we were
intended to be (Gen 1:26-27). Philippians 2:13, “For it is God which
worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” God works on
us to meet that end (Heb 13:20-21). When you truly die to self and serve
God in seeking and performing His will, then you must be careful not to
fall back into the ways of the old man. Galatians 2:18, “For if I build again
the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.” Luke 9:62,
“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and
looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Hebrews 10:38, “Now the just
shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no
pleasure in him.”
 
Many people ask God to transform them into what He would have them
be, but they are not willing to do their part. Relationships are giving and
require self sacrifice, self denial and effort on our part. God does not make
us do anything. God has given us a free will to choose to serve Him. God’s
desire is that we will repent and seek Him with a whole heart. We must
freely choose to serve God every day in our actions and thoughts. If we
choose to love the darkness or dwell therein, God will not make you serve
him by leaving your heart’s desire (Jn 3:19-21). Your approval or
condemnation will be revealed by your heart as evidenced through your
actions. God does not desire forced servitude from those who love
darkness (sin, self, and rebellion). Those who choose such things will be
separated from God rather than forced to serve Him. God gives the truly
repentant His nature and desire to perform His will and the grace (ability)
to do it. Conforming to Christ’s image will be the evidence of eternal life.
God has also sent His Holy Spirit to give us the ability to do His will. 2
Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the
glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory,
even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” If we are being led of the Holy Spirit
then we will be conforming to Christ’s image daily as we die to our self.
Many just want to be translated from the start of the narrow path to the
end. The journey is following in the steps of Christ and this is what
conforms us to Christ’s image. The peaks and the valleys teach us
dependance upon God and show us our need. This is when God tries and
tests our faith. We are put through the flame to burn away the impurities.

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We learn through application in our daily lives. Think of it as training to be
with God eternally – that is learning to die to self and to absolutely obey
God. Learning to glorify God in the good and the bad.
 
When we are following Christ’s steps and conforming to His likeness we
will love God foremost in our lives and actions, and then love our
neighbors. Our love will be sacrificial in denying self for God and others.
We will lay down all resistance and rebellion toward God and seek His
purposes (will) with a whole heart. His desire will be our desire. We will
seek God to be filled with His Holy Spirit and be led and taught of the
Spirit with the Word. We must seek relationship with Christ through our
prayer, study of His Word and daily walk. We will abide in Christ and
speak His words and perform His works. We will live in humbleness and be
forgiving and longsuffering. How do you know if following Christ and
conforming to His image has been wrought personally in your life? You will
know if Christ has turned you from your iniquities (Acts 3:26, Job 11:14).
We must put aside all iniquity and stop seeking the things of the world
(Acts 3:26, 2 Tim 2:19). We will live our life of love and obedience (faith)
to God as we walk daily and shall endure until the end. Remember that
Christ suffered for us and we must be ready to suffer for Him – to be
partakers (1 Pt 4:1, 13, Rm 8:17, 2 Tm 2:12). Jesus said: John 17:18,
“As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into
the world (also v. 20).” We have covered in this chapter how Christ lived
in the world. The world hated Jesus and so it also hates His followers.
When we suffer for Christ namesake then He is glorified (1 Pt 4:14).
Hebrews 10:36, “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done
the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” We commit ourselves to
God who preserves us and judges righteously (1 Pt 2:23, 4:19). We are
kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation (1 Pt 1:5).
 
So, John 6:57, “As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the
Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” Christ was totally
submitted to the Father. We are to be totally submitted to Christ (refer to
Chapter One – God’s Order). Christ was the very image of the Father. We
are to be the image of Christ. John 4:34, “Jesus saith unto them, My meat
is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” Our meat
(very life, Jn 6:33, 35, 51, 53) is to do the will of Christ and finish His
work. When we eat of Christ, we will live forever (Jn 6:58). John 6:56,
“He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in
him.” We partake of Christ’s brokeness (flesh) and His life (blood). How do
we do this? John 6:57, “As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by
the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” We have
studied in this chapter how Christ lived by the Father’s will. We must live
according to Christ – to conform/follow. Jesus said, John 17:18, “As thou
hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world
(also Jn 20:21).” This message applies to ALL who will “follow” Him (Jn
17:20). To “follow” is to be in harmony – to keep Jesus’ commandments
(Jn 14:15, 23). We have read how Jesus conducted Himself in this world -

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as He was sent. We are to conduct ourselves likewise – common purpose.
Jesus was led of the Spirit to accomplish this. We have also been given
the Spirit and sent in like manner. Our obedience will conform us to the
image of Christ and our walk will be in His footsteps. This will not be
accomplished in our strength or abilities, but by our obedience to God
working in us. No man will boast in his own merit, our boasting (glorying)
will be in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:9, 1 Cor 1:31, Ps 34:2, 44:8).
 
Romans 5:18, “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon
all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free
gift came upon all men unto justification of life.” Through Adam’s offense,
all men (Adam’s descendants) became like him. Men are self seeking,
disobedient, fleshly and rebellious toward God, which leads to death
(through the offense of one, Rm 5:18). Through Jesus Christ’s obedience,
all men can be reconciled back to God and be well pleasing. This happens
through God’s grace which transforms us to Christ’s image (as opposed to
Adam’s). We become humble and obedient with a heart of love toward
God. This grace is sustained through righteousness (Rm 5:21). God works
in us through our faith (obedience) and transforms us. It’s a question of
natures – Adam’s or Christ’s. Only through Jesus will we be made
righteous (Rm 5:19) – just men made perfect (Heb 12:23).
 

He is Risen
 
Had Christ sought His will and not the Father’s, then He would have
remained in the grave under sin, and mankind would have suffered defeat
with no possible reconciliation with God. Praise God, Jesus did get the
victory. Matthew 28:5-8, “And the angel answered and said unto the
women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the
Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the
dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see
him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre
with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.” Mourning
and sadness were turned into joy! Jesus, as a man, accomplished that
which mankind (Adam and all subsequent) had failed to do. 1 Corinthians
15:20-22, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the
firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came
also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ
shall all be made alive.” Jesus obtained the victory! Now all men can be
reconciled to the Father through Christ Jesus – Great Joy! All of creation
will acknowledge that Jesus is truly worthy (Revelation Chapter 5). Christ
is unblemished, without sin or transgression, He has a name that is above
every name and an everlasting dominion over heaven and earth (Ps
145:13, Dan 4:3, 7:14, Eph 1:21, Php 2:10, Rev 5:13).
 

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We must be risen with Jesus. Colossians 3:1-11, “If ye then be risen with
Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the
right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on
the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When
Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in
glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth;
fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and
covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God
cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some
time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger,
wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie
not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his
deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge
after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor
Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free:
but Christ is all, and in all.” That old sinful man must first die before we
can be risen with Christ. Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ:
nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I
now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me,
and gave himself for me.” We now live by faith (love and obedience) to
Christ Jesus (Rm 1:17). The old man who loved the things of the world
and fleshly delights is now dead, crucified and gone. Our life is now
exclusively in Christ Jesus. Jesus is our hope, dream, aspiration, joy, etc.
God converts us and we become a new man who no longer lives in man’s
knowledge from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. We now live
in the knowledge of God with His nature. Can you see how God has
reconciled His relationship with man (through Jesus) as is it was prior to
man’s fall? All men can partake, but this reconciliation will only apply to
those who freely and lovingly choose to obey Him in this life of faith
through Jesus Christ submitted to God.
 
Jesus is our all in all. Ephesians 1:19-23 “And what is the exceeding
greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working
of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from
the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far
above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every
name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to
come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head
over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that
filleth all in all.” Jesus is the head of the church. The body answers to
Christ, not to man or through his religious institutions. It’s all about Jesus!
Stop being religious and start “being” in Christ! – Jesus is your life,
everyday, all day, all the time (2 Cor 4:16). If our minds are on Christ,
then they are not on self or the world. Our outlook must become eternal
rather than temporal. 2 Corinthians 4:18, “While we look not at the things
which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which
are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” The
temporal wicked things will soon be gone: 2 Peter 3:13, “Nevertheless we,

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according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein
dwelleth righteousness.”
 

Jesus Glorified the Father

 
Christ came so that God could be glorified in the purpose of His
creation. Jesus provided reconciliation between God and man. All things
may now be brought back together in perfect harmony, unity and purpose
for which they were created. God was glorified in Jesus’ faithfulness and
perfect obedience: John 12:28, “Father, glorify thy name. Then came
there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify
it again.” God was ultimately glorified by giving Christ the reward for His
humble obedience. Philippians 2:9-11, “Wherefore God also hath highly
exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at
the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things
in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” John
13:31-32, “Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son
of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him,
God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.”
When we live a life of loving faith toward God, then He is glorified by our
actions. When we choose the light and forsake the darkness, God is
glorified. When we walk in the steps of Christ in love, we honor the Father
through our obedience. The Father is glorified when we totally yield to Him
– we surrender our will. This is submitting to God’s will and purposes and
is glorious. This is what it’s all about. If you think you are earning heaven
then your motives are totally wrong and you’re on the wrong path. You
must understand that man’s sole purpose is to serve God for His glory
(John 17:6-10). It’s about God and not about you. Those living in the
flesh really have trouble comprehending this. If you are just seeking God’s
blessings, then you are just seeking self. Our lives are not to be focused
on this world, but on Jesus and eternity to come. This is the hope of one
who is following Christ. While many religious may agree, the emphasis
may change when it comes to the specifics of the “cares of the world” and
applying them.
 
We have covered in this chapter how Christ was totally humble and died
to self while living solely for God. Jesus has now been greatly exalted. We
are also to do the same. Luke 14:11, “For whosoever exalteth himself
shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Those
who live for self are exalted in their own will shall one day be abased (Pv
16:18). Those who humble themselves and live for God’s purposes
(denying their own) shall one day be exalted. Humility goes before honor
(Pv 15:33, 18:12, 22:4). James 4:10, “Humble yourselves in the sight of
the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” This exaltation is not in terms of fleshly
desires, but rather being eternally in the presence of our Lord and
returning under His authority and order. 1 Corinthians 15:53, “For this

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corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on
immortality.” We cannot imagine what God has prepared for us that love
Him (1 Cor 2:9, Is 64:4). Our God is magnificent and so is that which He
creates.
 
Conclusions
 
Many suppose that Jesus came and did it all, such that nothing is
expected of them. This is a half-truth and as such is a great deception.
The Jewish people loved Jesus when He healed them (Jn 6:2). The Jewish
people loved Jesus when He fed them (Jn 6:26). The Jewish people were
not as excited about putting their will and sin aside and submitting to Him.
Similarly today, the people love the Jesus who forgives and gives mercy
and grace. The religious are not so excited about a Jesus who tells them
to die to self, forsake their iniquity (sin) and follow – that is exercise the
grace given. This requires sacrifice and self denial. 2 Corinthians 4:10-11,
“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the
life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live
are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus
might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.” It is true that Jesus made
atonement for our sin and now provides forgiveness and reconciliation to
God (Col 1:21-22). However, Jesus will not be a cloak for continuance in
sin (Jn 15:22). Christ’s forgiveness and grace could never be
accomplished or merited due to our efforts. It is also true that no man will
come to the Father apart from Jesus (Jn 14:6). God came down to the
earth as a man and set an example for us to follow (1 Pt 2:21-22). Most
religious teach a partial and one-sided gospel. Jesus lived the life of
obedience and faith that Adam was intended to live. God demonstrated
His love for us and requires no more of us than He was willing to do. God
also gives us His Spirit and the strength (power/ability) that we lack (His
grace, Ti 2:11-13) as we live in faith. Therefore: 1 John 2:6, “He that
saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”
AND Colossians 2:6-7, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the
Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the
faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” We
must have a living relationship with Jesus through communication
(prayer), obedience, and understanding (knowing His Word) which is
made alive through His Spirit (correct attitudes and heart). Scriptures say
that we are to know Christ and that He is true (1 Jn 5:20). How do we
know Him? You know Jesus by walking as He walked – you take up your
cross and follow. You deny self, sacrifice, and suffer shame for His
namesake – then you start to understand and truly know Him. Walk as He
walked and you will know Him! You will never know Christ as long as you
walk as self wants to walk and then attempt to abstractly identify with
Him. We must be faithful in keeping our eyes and heart only on Him and
not having them wander upon others (self and the world). God’s desire for
man is this: Deuteronomy 6:5,“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with
all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” This was

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reiterated by Christ as the greatest of all commandments, Mark 12:29-30,
“And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O
Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all
thy strength: this is the first commandment.” When we truly grasp the
totality of this commandment, then we will walk in God’s purposes. Our
heart will serve God with joy in total faith and obedience. Our outward
actions will match our inward nature. Many try (will of man) and force the
outside clean, through their strength (will of the flesh) or power (Jn 1:13).
Only God can change the inside which will manifest on the outside. Then
we will do that which is right in the sight of God with a perfect heart. This
is where God desires to take us. This is where the Holy Spirit is leading.
This is conforming to the image of Christ. What God told the children of
Israel holds so true today: Deuteronomy 10:12-13, “And now, Israel,
what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy
God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy
God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments
of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy
good?” We’ve got to cleave! The partial gospel says hear, receive and
accept Jesus. The full gospel says apply, sacrifice and conform to Jesus.
The partial gospel allows one to stay in the dark (Jn 3:19-20). The full
gospel requires one to come into the glorious light (Jn 3:21). The partial
gospel seeks a savior. The full gospel submits to a Lord. The partial gospel
says believe (merely acknowledge the facts) and attend religious services.
The full gospel says follow (living faith) twenty four hours a day. The
partial gospel adds a religious observance to your established life. The full
gospel will reveal your depravity and leave you humble and broken before
the Lord – and then becomes your only life. Only when you truly see your
need, can Christ be of value to you. New life in Christ is just that – the old
is dead and gone; behold, all things become new!.
 
David was told by Gad (prophet) to go up to the threshing floor of
Araunah and rear an altar and make a sacrifice to God (2 Sam 24:18).
Araunah offered to give David the threshing floor, oxen and wood for the
sacrifice, but David said he would not offer burnt offerings unto the Lord
that cost him nothing and that he would pay full price (2 Sam 24:21-25, 1
Chr 21:24). 1 Chronicles 21:26, “And David built there an altar unto the
LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon
the LORD; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of
burnt offering.” Solomon would later build the temple for God on this
threshing floor site (2 Chr 3:1). Many will seek to serve the Lord in a way
that cost them nothing. Others will give less than their best. In the time of
Malachi, Israel was offering sacrifices to God of blind, lame, torn and sick
animals and polluted bread (Mal 1:7-8, 13). These offerings had become a
clearinghouse for the unwanted rather than sacrifices of the best. Those
who offered them did not even see the problem – they were doing things
their way. How many today are oblivious to the sin in their lives rather
than grieved by it? We must be like Able who brought the firstlings of his

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flock – the best (Gen 4:4)! So, will we serve God as long as it cost us
nothing? Will we serve God with our less than best as we see fit? Will our
sacrifices be blind (deception, without understanding), lame (form
- without power or effort), torn (defeated), polluted (worldly), and sick
(unacceptable)? God desires us to serve Him with a whole heart of love
and total commitment His way and not our way (Ps 119:2).
 
Are you still self-seeking in your service to God? Are you looking for
blessings, or do you have an intense love for God such that you want to
see Him glorified starting with your own life with all necessary personal
sacrifice? When we truly die to our will and seek only His, then we will
know that we are on the correct path. God has always and consistently
looked for hearts that seek Him and His purposes and this is emphasized
throughout scripture. Jesus said, come follow me, and we now know how
He walked and where He went. The path of the cross was never meant for
the fleshly. It is rugged, uncomfortable and requires sacrifice. Man sought
the things of the flesh in his rebellion against God. Man often seeks God
through the flesh in his religions efforts. To be reconciled with God (only
through Jesus), man must lose his desire for the fleshly rebellion and
conform to God’s purposes. Can you see this in Christ’s earthly walk?
Jesus performed the Father’s will by speaking the Father’s Words, working
the Father’s works. In doing all this, Jesus turned the religious world
upside down – the same is true today. Jesus denied SELF by not pleasing
himself, overcoming fleshly temptations, not seeking personal glory, not
speaking His own words or relying on His knowledge. Jesus lived
humbleness, not seeking worldly things, and by not defending himself
(falsely accused, reviled, unfairly judged). Jesus loved God with a whole
heart and was devoted to Him. He loved others and placed them above
himself – even His enemies. Christ had a relationship with the Father
(prayer, fasting, demonstrated walk). In order to accomplish all of this,
Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit. Verily, Verily, I say, he that hath an
ear let him hear – Jesus Christ is our example to follow. Psalm 143:10,
“Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me
into the land of uprightness.” Christ came and told of the Father (Mt
11:27, Lk 10:22, Jn 1:18, 3:35, 5:19-20, 23-24, 30, 37, 7:28-29, 8:19,
27-29, 10:15, 32, 37-38, 12:49-50, 14:9-13, 31, 16:25-28, 17:21, 25).
Jesus and the Father are one (Jn 10:30). Jesus’ message (gospel) was
observed by His example (His walk/life). How many received what He had
to say (Jn 5:43)? John 3:32, “And what he hath seen and heard (of the
Father), that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.” For
whom the Father hath sent ye believed not (Jn 5:37-38). How many do
today (religious or otherwise, Jn 5:39-40, 44)? John 5:25, “Verily, verily, I
say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear
the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” These dead are
those who have died to self (Mt 16:25, Mk 8:35, Lk 17:33), have been
born again (Jn 3:3) and now see and hear (Mt 11:15, 13:9, 43, Mk 4:9,
12, 18, 20, 23, 33, 7:16, 37, 9:7, Lk 7:22, 8:8, 9:35, 10:24, 11:28,

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14:35). Jesus said of His followers: Matthew 13:16, “But blessed are your
eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.”

Chapter 3 – Jesus said, Come Follow Me

 
God came down to earth as a man and led by example. Matthew 4:18-22,
“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called
Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were
fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of
men. And they straightway left their nets (left livelihood), and followed
him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son
of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father,
mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the
ship and their father (left family), and followed him.” Matthew 9:9, “And
as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting
at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose,
and followed him. John 1:43, “The day following Jesus would go forth into
Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.” Their
responses in all cases: Yes Lord! These disciples immediately forsook their
livelihoods (fishing, tax collecting, etc.), and family and followed Christ
(Mk 1:18, 20). This is a very real demonstration of faith. Confession is
easy, but actions are convincing. We must be willing to leave all things at
Christ’s calling. You see, when you follow, Christ does not become a part
of your life, He becomes your life (Col 3:3-4, Lk 20:38, Heb 2:11). Many
desire to incorporate Christian aspects into their already established life
(Mt 9:16-17). Usually their priorities tend to be self motivated. To obey a
partial gospel is nothing more than doing what is right in your own eyes
and this is placing your will above God’s (Pv 16:2). However, we are to die
to our old lives (ways) and become a new creature, not a slightly modified
and improved old self. 2 Timothy 2:11-13, “It is a faithful saying: For if we
be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also
reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet
he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” Having died to self we are
“born again” to God with His nature to do His will (Eph 4:24). Psalm 40:8,
“I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” If
you’re still seeking your will (rebellion), then you’ve never died to self.
Your telling the Lord that you want to do the leading and for Him to follow
you. Your holding on to Adam’s nature and are unconverted.
Peter, Andrew, James, John, Matthew, and Philip demonstrated death to
self by forsaking their old lives and following Christ. This is not a one time
action, but a way of life - THE WAY (Jn 14:4-6)! This is faith in God! This
is the message: Romans 14:8, “For whether we live, we live unto the
Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live
therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”
 

Are You a Believer or a Follower?

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The use of the words “believe” and “follow” in the Bible have essentially
the same meaning. This is referring to a living faith in God, which is an
unreserved (unconditional) surrender of your will to God in full love and
obedience to Him, yielding to His purposes. This is seeing Christ as worthy
of your full trust and confidence and following in His example. This is
allowing God to rule in your heart (Col 3:15). We develop a very real and
personal relationship with Jesus. Questioning God or His purposes simply
reveals that you have not totally died to self and there is still some
rebellion within you – this is your judgment upon God’s purposes. You do
not have any authority to judge God. The only one who has presumed to
do such is Satan and this is the nature of his followers (he is their father –
Jn 8:44). To most the word “believe” is applied as a mere mental
acknowledgement, agreement and acceptance of Jesus Christ and what He
did, but not necessarily full commitment and submission to Him (Lk 6:46).
This may be evidenced in a desire for a Savior, but not necessarily a Lord
(Jn 13:13). However, anything short of full faith and commitment is
hollow, unacceptable and just plain lukewarm. These want to seize His
inheritance (Heaven/eternal life – Mt 21:38), but not from love. Christ
made a distinction between professing with your mouth and living with
your heart: Matthew 15:8, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their
mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.”
He said such worship was in vain (v. 9). Jesus said we must die to our old
lives and be “born again.” Until we die to our old way, there can be no
conversion (newness of life, new creature, Rm 6:4, 2 Cor 5:17, Gal 6:15,
Col 3:10). Most just want to incorporate being a Christian into their
existing life. Sort of like a membership with a get out of hell free card
benefit. Jesus either becomes your life or you have no life in Him. To
mentally acknowledge Jesus is equivalent to what the devils do. James
2:19, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils
also believe, and tremble.” If you have not totally surrendered to Him
then you are in rebellion just as the devils are. The devils believe, because
Christ’s existence is a fact (Mk 1:34). The devils do not follow because
they are in rebellion to Him and His purposes. You cannot live for self and
just have Christian aspects to your life. You are either a whole-hearted
follower or you are deceived. Self seeking (careers, possessions,
entertainments, money, etc.) is just that and is the opposite of seeking
God. This is a broad, yet temporal outlook that will never be satisfying or
fulfilling (2 Cor 4:18). Your either one or the other and you are what you
are – you decide. When you truly become converted, your desire will be
for your Lord and not yourself. If your belief does not fully manifest in
your actions, then for what purpose is it? Being a member at a religious
institution does not necessarily qualify you to be a follower. When you
follow, Christ is your life twenty-four hours a day (Col 3:4, Lk 20:38). He
is in your thoughts, prayers, motives, decisions, hopes and actions. Your
life is not separable from Christ, for they are one in the same – this is a
mystery (Eph 5:25-32). Your life revolves around Him and not you. Your
actions will be weighed based upon His light. Your life is found in Christ

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and that relationship and not in religious activities and works. Your heart
should always be to please Him and seek His will – for this you do
voluntarily out of love as you seek to glorify God. A believer’s faith will be
tested and tried (1 Thess 2:4). This process will draw us closer to God or
push us away. The heart will reveal itself under pressure and must be
purified. Impurities are identified and burnt away (removed) as the
purifying flame (trials and tribulations) is put to one’s life. This is a denial
of the flesh and is not necessarily pleasant, but is spiritually necessary. By
nature of the act, to “follow” is to submit, yield and obey.
 
Instead of “seizing the inheritance, God desires that we “bring forth fruits
in their seasons (Mt 21:41).” But what does this mean? Luke 8:15, “But
that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart,
having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” First
you must have a heart toward God, receive the truth of His Word (as
revealed by His Spirit, see Chapter Six), and apply the truth to your life
(live it, be doers). As the Spirit leads you and you obey, God performs a
work in you to conform you to the image of Christ (with whom God was
well pleased, Mt 3:17, 12:18, 17:5, Mk 1:11, Lk 3:22, 2 Pt 1:17).
Philippians 2:13, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do
of his good pleasure.” AND Hebrews 13:21, “Make you perfect in every
good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his
sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
This means that you die to self and come under His authority. This is the
fruit that God desires to be manifested in your life and will be evidenced
by God’s nature in you (love, joy, peace, self control, patience, etc.).
When you abide in Christ, God purgeth you to bring forth more (much)
fruit and thus He is glorified (Jn 15:2, 5, 8). This fruit is the patient work
of God’s labors in you. Psalms 1:3, “And he shall be like a tree planted by
the rivers of water, thatbringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also
shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Those that are
in Christ will yield results and fruits will appear. If not, the unfruitful
branch is cut away and thrown into the fire (Jn 15:2, 6, Lk 13:6-9, Mt
7:19).
 
Mark 8:34, “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples
also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Jesus said, “Whosoever
will.” What hinders you? The narrow path is not crowded; the invitation is
open to all. What is the cost? - Trading your love of self for the love of
another (Jesus). John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
What about those who will not “come after” or “follow?” Mark 8:35-36,
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his
life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it
profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Job
27:8, “For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when
God taketh away his soul?” To gain self will and supposed control is to
lose the life of Christ and ultimately your soul. After a life of doing what is

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right in your own eyes, what will you exchange for your soul (v. 37)? You
have nothing to offer God nor will you take anything with you beyond the
grave (Job 1:21). Will you shame Christ by rejecting Him? What goes
around comes around (v. 38).
 

Seeing the Value

 
Consider this parable: Matthew 13:44, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is
like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he
hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth
that field.” The kingdom of heaven is an eternal treasure whose value
cannot be comprehended. When a man finds this treasure (has eyes to
see) and realizes its worth, he is willing to part with everything (sacrifice)
that he has to obtain it (repentance) – Ps 119:14, 162. In other words
everything of value in his life becomes meaningless in comparison with
what he seeks to gain (new life). This man immediately begins to part
with all (his old way of life) and makes necessary changes to obtain this
treasure (new life). Many come professing Christ, but never really see the
importance of denying themselves, taking up the cross and following Him.
Hence they simply add one more interest (being a Christian) to their
already established lifestyle. They want the treasure, just not the sacrifice.
Jesus likened this to putting new cloth on an old garment (Lk 9:16). You
are just putting a Jesus patch on your old Adamic life. God may never
take priority in their lives and thus competes with other interests (idols).
These folks do not sell out (all they have) and do not obtain the treasure.
Truly following will require one to forsake sinful entertainments,
incorrigible friends, fleshly desires, idols, etc. Matthew 13:45-46, “Again,
the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly
pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold
all that he had, and bought it.” Those that truly recognize the value of the
kingdom of heaven will do anything to obtain it. This usually results in
significant changes in one’s life to conform to God’s will – totally
abandoning sinful lifestyles and forsaking much of what the world thinks is
important. Most will look for an easier way. If this does not make sense to
you or it seems extreme or fanatical, then you haven’t recognized the
value. Until you truly recognize the value, nothing will change.
 
Mark 10:17-23, “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came
one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall
I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest
thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the
commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not
bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he
answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my
youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing
thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor,
and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and

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follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he
had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his
disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of
God!” This was a very religious man that seemed to have all the bases
covered. He did everything that seemed to be required of him. Jesus did
not dispute this. Jesus looked deeper, into the man’s heart and went right
to the source of his problem. This man did not love God with his full heart
because he retained self-sufficiency and control. There was a big idol, his
self and resources (money). He obviously trusted (loved) in his resources
more than God, but didn’t see the problem. Riches can exalt and separate
one above others. Jesus loved him and provided a solution. Sell
everything and give to the less fortunate – tear down the idol and be free
of its hold (bondage). Deny yourself and make sacrifices for others – show
love. Submit and be a servant (humbleness and meekness) – become
least. Then Jesus asked him to follow. Jesus was already setting the
example. Christ was saying, put aside your religious endeavors and come
to me with a whole heart and have a living relationship. This man was
willing to serve God just so far (and zealously), but no further. This man
was willing to follow legalistically and keep a list of do’s and don’ts, but his
heart was on his riches and the things of the world. He could not see his
need for Christ. Perhaps he viewed his needs as greater than the those of
the poor. Jesus was asking him to make God the center of his life and he
was unwilling. He didn’t see the value. He wanted to follow a formula that
allowed him to reserve a huge area of his life for self – that which he
controlled. We must serve God His way. This is a very sobering message
to those of who have eyes on retirement and bank accounts for daily or
future provision. What if Jesus said, give away all thou hast and come
follow me? Perhaps this man like most just sought out another teacher
that would affirm or justify his desires rather than confront his pet idol.
His original question was, “what must I do?” Many ask the question, but
how many follow the answer? We die to ourselves and serve God with a
full heart! Do you ask the question expecting a certain answer? So much
of man’s religion is built upon the answer SELF wants to hear.
 

Counting the Cost

 
Matthew 8:19-20, “And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master,
I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The
foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man
hath not where to lay his head.” By nature the flesh seeks shelter and
comfort, but Jesus was following the Spirit and this is not a path of ease
to the flesh. Many are expecting blessings and worldly prosperity, but
Christ never sought these things and followers should not expect any
different. Jesus did receive much rejection and reproach. Christ’s kingdom
is not of this world. John 14:2, “In my Father's house are many mansions:
if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
Many have used this verse to suggest that we will each have a big

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mansion in heaven and be catered to by God in eternal bliss. The word
“mansion” is referring to a place of dwelling or room. We become a part of
God’s family and dwell with Him (Rev 20:3, 21:2). New Jerusalem
(heaven) will be an indescribably beautiful place, but do not suppose there
will be the same fleshly lusts or desires there. On earth things like money,
gold, houses, lands, possessions, and titles are highly sought after things
of the flesh. Jesus never sought these types of things and God views the
desire for them as negative and temporal. In the City of God these things
many hold so dear on earth are just building materials – the streets are
paved with gold and the walls are bricked with precious stones (Rev 21).
The beauty is for all to behold, but will never be used for selfish gain or
control.
 
Luke 14:26-27, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and
mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his
own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his
cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” We cannot have
anything or anyone in our life more important than God. Family members
tend to influence our decision more than love for God and this cannot be.
The reference to our “own life” is not only referring to physical life but our
self-centeredness and self-sufficiency. Bearing your cross and coming
after Jesus undeniably means to follow in His steps. The cross is the
shame and reproach that we will all suffer – many are the afflictions of the
righteous (Ps 34:19). This will make no sense to those living in the flesh.
Taking up the cross means death to self, the point of no return. When one
took up the Roman cross that meant they were not coming back. We die
to our old life and follow Christ into His kingdom. There is a cost to be
considered: Luke 14:28-30, “For which of you, intending to build a tower,
sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to
finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to
finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to
build, and was not able to finish.” We are to consider the cost of following
Jesus. We read of Jesus’ example in the last chapter. Study Christ’s
example and determine if you willing to follow the path of the cross to
completion? Yes, you will need the Lord’s help! Yes, you will need the
Lord’s strength! But are you willing? If not, you will start a work and not
complete it. You will become a hypocrite for all to see or be deceived with
many of the religious. Many will not consider the foundation they are
building upon. Luke 14:31-33, “Or what king, going to make war against
another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able
with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty
thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an
ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he
be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”
Following is not sitting on a church pew one or two days of the week (Mt
25:25-26)! Following is a daily living of your faith. Following involves
forsaking and self denial and is truly a narrow path. Christ forsook all for
you, and relationships are reciprocal.

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Urgency?
 
Luke 9:59-60, “And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord,
suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the
dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” There
is no life apart from “following” Jesus. When we do not follow Christ we
are as the living dead. This may have seemed like a reasonable request,
but when Christ calls there is no time or place for delay. God must take
precedent in our lives. We cannot have other priorities in our lives no
matter how rational or justifiable they may seem. Life is found in Christ,
all else leads to death. This man lacked a real zeal toward Christ’s calling.
This man assumed that his priorities would also be God’s and that his
ways would be God’s ways. Rather than providing Christ with a submissive
answer, he turned the circumstance around such that God was waiting or
answerable to him.
 
Luke 9:61-62, “And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me
first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said
unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is
fit for the kingdom of God.” How many say, Lord I will follow “BUT.” One
must be focused and committed to continue a work begun (2 Pt 2:20, 22).
Once a decision is made there can be no looking back (drawing back) or
distractions. Do we rebuild that which we destroyed – died to (Gal 2:18)?
Have you made a commitment to God and allowed other distractions to
interfere or take precedence? When we look back, are we not regretting
some aspect of our decision? Perhaps one misses (longs for) selfish or
sinful facets of their old life (Pv 14:14, 24:19-20). Maybe we want to hold
onto something that was let go or sacrificed? Perhaps Christ is saying to
you that you’ve made a confession so when are you going to put your
hand to the plough? Some answer “I go” but “go not” (Mt 21:30).
 

The Path of the Cross

 
The path of the cross is the path that Christ followed as detailed in the
last chapter. This could also be thought of as the narrow way that leads to
eternal life. This is not a path of ease, and following will require sacrifice
and denial; trials and tribulations; suffering reproach; unpopularity; death
to self; simplicity of life; patience; self control; righteousness; holiness
and godliness. This path is narrow and there is no room for your views,
just God’s purposes. The path is arduous (tough, difficult, demanding,
much effort) and only your faith in God will see you through to the end
(Mt 10:22). You may find that once you have decided to truly give your
whole heart to God, others may not be willing to go along with you on this
path. Some of these may be those that now make a profession of Christ or
are very religious. Many will look at this path’s rough terrain and prefer

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the well-beaten broad path of the world instead. There is no room on this
narrow path for selfish or worldly things. Christ will provide the necessities
along the way and His Spirit will guide and direct, but only as one yields to
Him. Proverbs 4:25-27, “Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids
look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways
be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot
from evil.” Our eyes must be focused straight ahead on Christ. This path is
narrow and we cannot turn to the left or the right. We must constantly
examine where we are going and remove ourselves from evil.
 

Stephen Follows the Path of the Cross

 
Stephen followed the path of the cross (Acts, Chapters 6-7): There arose
some murmuring in the Early Church because certain widows’ needs were
being neglected. The apostles wanted to devote themselves to the study
of God’s Word (as we all should be doing). Acts 6:2, “Then the twelve
called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason
that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.” So the apostles
appointed men for the task of “serving tables.” Stephen who is described
as full of faith and of the Holy Ghost was appointed to this duty. Now this
is not a high profile position that most would desire and requires a
humbling of oneself. Jesus once said: Matthew 23:11, “But he that
is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Stephen was faithful in the
small things and the Lord blessed him and promoted him (Mt 25:21, 1 Cor
4:2). Acts 6:8, “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders
and miracles among the people.” There soon arose certain of the
synagogue (the religious) that disputed with Stephen. Acts 6:10, “And
they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.”
Jesus had said: Matthew 10:19, “But when they deliver you up, take no
thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same
hour what ye shall speak.” Such was the case with Stephen: Acts 6:11-13,
“Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak
blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. And they stirred up
the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and
caught him, and brought him to the council, And set up false witnesses,
which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against
this holy place, and the law.” Character assassination (misrepresentation)
was the mode of operation for the religious. They had done the same
thing to Jesus – even the accusations of blasphemy and false witnesses.
Christ had said they were of their father the devil and his will they would
do (Jn 8:44). How did Stephen respond to all of this? Acts 6:15, “And all
that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had
been the face of an angel.”
 
Stephen then proceeds to preach through the wisdom of the Holy Ghost
and brings great conviction upon his accusers. Acts 7:54, “When they
heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him

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with their teeth.” Do you see how Stephen is following in the path of
Jesus? Humble, faithful, obedient and led of the Spirit. Is the Lord
pleased? Acts 7:55-56, “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up
stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on
the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and
the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” These religious folks
did not receive this at all: Acts 7:57, 59, “Then they cried out with a loud
voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And
they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive
my spirit.” How did Stephen react? Did he lash out and ask God to avenge
this wrongful deed? Acts 7:60, “And he kneeled down, and cried with a
loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said
this, he fell asleep.” Wow! He forgave them just like Jesus did. If we do
not forgive others, then we need not expect God to forgive us (Mt 6:15).
Scripture says he “fell asleep.” One must wonder if he even felt the stones
that crushed his body. Did not God receive the glory? He loved not his life
even unto death, literally dying to SELF to please God. Well done good
and faithful servant! During the stoning of Stephen: Acts 7:58, “…the
witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was
Saul (Paul).” This young man would later follow the path of the cross….
 

Paul Follows the Path of the Cross

 
Initially Paul started out as a persecutor of the Church (Acts 8:3, 9:1-2).
He was very religious and thought he was serving God. Jesus once said,
John 16:2, “They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time
cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.”
Paul was spiritually blind (Acts 9:8-9) until the Lord opened his eyes that
he could see (Acts 9:17-18). Jesus confronted Paul in a mighty way when
he was traveling to persecute Christians in Damascus. There was an
immediate noticeable change in Paul’s nature (Acts 9:20-22, 27, 29). God
chose Saul; thus having mercy on whom He will have mercy (Acts 22:14-
15, Rm 9:15). Jesus said of Paul: Acts 9:15-16, “…for he is a chosen
vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the
children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for
my name's sake.” Paul’s future suffering was not Jesus’ way of getting
revenge on him. No! Suffering and tribulation are a natural part of every
disciple’s walk (who boldly professes Christ). 2 Timothy 3:12, “Yea, and all
that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” AND John
15:19, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but
because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world,
therefore the world hateth you.” Everyone who truly follows Christ will
suffer at the hands of the world. Did Jesus Words come true for Paul (Acts
9:23)? 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, “Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as
a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in
prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I
forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned,

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thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In
journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine
own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in
the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In
weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in
fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are
without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.”
Paul taught the gospel of Christ: Acts 20:21, “Testifying both to the Jews,
and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord
Jesus Christ.” Paul went back to Jerusalem one last time to plead with the
religious. He had a good sense of what awaited him: Acts 20:22, “And
now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the
things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in
every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these
things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might
finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the
Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” From the moment
he entered into the temple the crowd grabbed him and thrust him out:
Acts 21:31, “And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the
chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.”
 
Paul was allowed audience before the people to present the gospel. Acts
22:22-23, “And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up
their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not
fit that he should live. And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes,
and threw dust into the air.” From that day forward Paul became
imprisoned, yet had the opportunity to testify before governors, kings,
and emperors. While in bonds (and suffering), many fellow believers were
ashamed of him and he exhorted Timothy not to follow suit (2 Tm 1:8,
15). Paul was sent to Rome where he was martyred for the cause of
Christ. Well done good and faithful servant! What did Paul say about all
this: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of
my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my
course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown
of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at
that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his
appearing.” Paul was offered for God’s glory! He kept the faith with his
eyes upon Jesus! Are we not all instructed to do the same?
 
Paul was raised to be a very religious man. He was a pharisees pharisee
and blameless in the requirements of his religion (Acts 26:5, Php 3:5-6).
He was taught at the feet of a very respected teacher (doctor of the law,
Acts 5:34, 22:3) and was zealous for his religion  (Acts 22:3). Paul said:
Galatians 1:14, “And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals
in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of
my fathers.” Paul was greatly accepted by his religious peers when he
lived a religious life of man’s attempts to serve God through the flesh. He
was given great authority by the religious leaders (Acts 8:3-4, 9:1-2,

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26:10, 12). Paul’s life and religion were intrinsically intertwined – this was
his very life. On the road to Damascus, Paul had an encouter with God
Himself – Jesus Christ. Acts 9:15-16, “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy
way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the
Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how
great things he must suffer for my name's sake.” Jesus stated: Acts
26:16-18, “But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto
thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these
things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear
unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto
whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from
darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may
receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are
sanctified by faith that is in me.” Paul didn’t choose Christ; Jesus through
His mercy chose Paul – for His purposes. Now Paul had to “come out” of
this religion that was his very life. He had to totally forsake the only life he
knew for Christ Jesus. Paul had a tremendous choice to make – to
continue to be religious and serve man or to serve God in His truth. He
later stated: Acts 26:19-20, “Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not
disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of
Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and
then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do
works meet for repentance.” Paul OBEYED God, forsook his religiosity (his
old life) and then taught the true gospel of repentance (Gal 1:13-17). Paul
brought forth fruits meet for repentance by forsaking this old dead religion
and totally losing his old life such that he could gain true life through
Christ (Lk 9:24). Paul counted all his religious efforts but dung compared
to the life in Christ: Philippians 3:7-11, “But what things were gain to me,
those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but
loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for
whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung,
that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own
righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of
Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him,
and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings,
being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain
unto the resurrection of the dead.” His righteousness was found in Christ
and not in religion (of which he was well trained) or the efforts and works
of man which he had once sought to perform. How many in the religious
world today would desire such things or even consider losing anything?
Paul conformed to Christ’s death by both dying to self (loss of position and
selfish life) and literally physically dying. The path of the cross is narrow,
but it leads home. The path you choose will lead to your eternal home.
 
When Paul left his religiosity behind, he became a very persecuted man.
The religious now turned upon him with a vengance (Acts 9:24, 23:14-15,
26:21, 1 Thess 2:15-16). Even so, Paul said: 2 Corinthians 12:10,
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in

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persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am
I strong.” Our weakness in SELF is our strength in depending upon God.
Paul was falsely accused by the religious just like Jesus had been. The
religious now sought Paul’s life just as they had done Christ’s. The Roman
governor had said of Jesus: John 18:38, “Pilate saith unto him, What is
truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and
saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. Later: John 19:4, “Pilate
therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth
to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him (also Acts 13:28).”
Now notice what the authorities said of Paul when the religious accused
him: Acts 26:30-32, “And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and
the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: And when they
were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth
nothing worthy of death or of bonds. Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This
man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar
(also Acts 23:29).” Paul was imprisoned and ultimately martyred. Jesus
and Paul were both innocent, but the religious relentlessly persecuted
them until they had their way. We will either accept the light, run from it,
or seek to extinguish it. Those in rebellion to God either run from or
persecute the truth.
 

A Bold Statement
 
Jesus was reaching the end of His path. John 13:36-38, “Simon Peter said
unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go,
thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.” Peter
knew what he meant, John 13:37, “Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot
I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. Jesus answered
him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto
thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.” Later, the
Lord’s Words rang true, when Peter denied the Lord a third time in a rage
of cursing (Mt 26:74). Peter had followed Christ from the beginning and
loved Him dearly. Peter thought he could follow the path of the cross, but
found he was not ready. The reality of persecution and losing one’s life hit
a little to close to home when it actually occurred (Mk 4:17). When Peter
should have been seeking the Lord and praying for strength, he was
sleeping (Lk 22:40-46). Peter did not lose faith because Jesus himself had
intervened earlier, Luke 22:31-32, “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon,
behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art
converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Peter thought he had strength in
himself, but our strength must come from God. Jesus had been praying
for strength in the Garden of Gethsemane, but Peter had fallen asleep (Mt
26:40). When Jesus found Peter and the others: Luke 22:46, “And said
unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” 1
Corinthians 10:12, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take

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heed lest he fall.” When we become confident in ourselves then watch out!
Our confidence must be in the Lord, not the flesh.
 
Shortly after Christ’s resurrection, Jesus and Peter had a conversation.
Jesus asked Peter if he loved him (and told him to feed His sheep) once
for each time Peter had denied Him prior to the crucifixion. Christ then
prophesied: John 21:18-19, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou
wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest:
but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and
another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This
spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he
had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.” This is so significant;
Jesus has just told Peter to follow in His foot steps, the path of the cross.
He has told Peter that he will physically die (be martyred) for Christ and
for God’s glory, but to follow anyway! Peter would have the opportunity to
follow through on his earlier claim. We must be prepared to obey Christ
unto death if required (Rev 12:11). Peter did follow Jesus and preached
the gospel of repentance (Acts 2:38). He performed many miracles
including raising the dead (Acts 9:37-41), suffered persecutions and
tribulations, and followed the path of the cross to his physical death for
Christ’s namesake. Peter once boldly announced to his religious
persecutors, “We ought to obey God rather than men,” afterwards, he was
beaten. His response was: Acts 5:41, “And they departed from the
presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer
shame for his name.” We must all be prepared to suffer shame for Jesus’
namesake. However, we cannot suffer if we are not professing Christ’s
name boldly before men and following.
 

The Two Kingdoms

 
In previous chapters we covered how man chose to follow his own will,
disobeyed God, and fell from God’s grace. Man now lives in a fallen world,
corrupted with sin. God has interacted with man through various means
since the fall for the purpose of redeeming and reconciling fallen man back
to Himself (Heb 1:1-4). God does not excuse or overlook sin and rebellion,
so man could not be redeemed without an acceptable atonement. God
sent Jesus, His only Son to be that acceptable sacrifice to once and for all
atone for man’s sin. Jesus came and lived a life devoid of self and in total
obedience to God, and thus was without sin. Jesus laid His life down as
the unblemished sacrificial lamb for all of mankind (1 Pt 1:19-20). This
sacrifice was acceptable to God and thus all men may now be reconciled
to God through Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:18-19).
 
So there now exists two kingdoms, the kingdom of Christ (Light) and the
kingdom of darkness (Acts 26:18). These may also be thought of as two
paths, one narrow with few travelers that leads to eternal life and one
broad and well traveled that leads to eternal damnation (Mt 7:13-14). The

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kingdom of darkness or the broad path is the fallen world that one is
naturally “born” into. The kingdom of Christ or the narrow path is that way
which one is “born again” into (Jn 3:3, Col 1:12-13, 1 Pt 1:23, 1 Cor
15:46). We must seek the light such that there is no darkness within us.
The narrow path is one of faith. The broad path is one of unbelief. Faith
and unbelief are determined through actions (doer of the Word?).
 

Kingdom of Christ
 
When Jesus says, “come follow me,” His kingdom is where He is leading.
Christ rules and reigns in this kingdom and it is one of righteousness,
holiness, peace and truth. Jesus’ kingdom begins now (Lk 17:21). God
dwells with His people in this place and eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
neither have entered into the heart of man, the wonderful things that
await for them that love Him (Rev 21:3, 1 Cor 2:9). God is light and in
Him is no darkness. Christ calls us out of the darkness into His light (1 Pt
2:9). Jesus’ desire is: Acts 26:18, “To open their eyes, and to turn them
from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they
may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are
sanctified by faith that is in me.” Jesus paid a heavy price for those who
will follow: Colossians 1:13-15, “Who hath delivered us from the power of
darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In
whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of
sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every
creature.” The path to this kingdom is not well traveled because it denies
the flesh (sanctification) and seeks only God’s will. 1 John 1:5,7, “This
then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you,
that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. But if we walk in the
light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the
blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Let us rejoice:
Galatians 1:4-5, “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us
from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” We have been instructed to
do that which is good and come to Christ’s light (Jn 3:19-21). 1
Thessalonians 5:5, “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the
day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” We have found a great
treasure through God’s mercy. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7, “For God, who
commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts,
to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus
Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of
the power may be of God, and not of us.” The power is of God and not of
ourselves.
 
Kingdom of Darkness
 
The kingdom of darkness represents the fallen world that we all know so
well. This is a world where man’s will is manifested, is mostly disobedient

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and rebellious toward God, and is highly influenced by Satan and his
principalities and the power of darkness (Lk 22:53, Jn 7:7). These are the
children of disobedience (Eph 2:2-3, 5:6, Col 3:6). Ephesians 2:2,
“Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world,
according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh
in the children of disobedience.” This is a world that has rejected Christ
and thus has not been reconciled with the Father. Because they have not
been reconciled, they walk in the course of this world. This is a passing
world that will soon come to an end (Heb 1:10-11, 2 Pt 3:7, 12-13).
Followers of Christ are sojourners, pilgrims and wayfaring men in this
world – just passing through (1 Chr 29:15, Heb 11:13, 1 Pt 1:17 & 2:11,
Is 35:8). These pilgrims grieve over the sin that abounds and seek a
country (Heb 11:14). Hebrews 13:14, “For here have we no continuing
city, but we seek one to come.” Jesus’ disciples are also ambassadors to
represent Him to this world and be His witnesses (2 Cor 5:20, Php 2:15).
God is in control and maintains presence for the elect’s sake and for all
those who will repent, turn from their sins and receive Christ – for God’s
glory fills all the earth (Is 6:3). God maketh his sun to rise on the evil and
on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust (Mt 5:45).
For this reason there is some good in this fallen world. Those that proceed
on to hell are totally separated from God’s presence and blessings and this
is a nightmare that cannot be comprehended by the human mind. God
uses this world to try the hearts of men and reap an acceptable harvest
(Rev 2:23, 3:10, Lk 10:2, Js 5:7). Christ died for the just and the
unjust for the purpose that He might bring us to God (1 Pt 3:18).
 
God has and will judge wickedness on the face of the earth. There are
many examples of God’s judgments in the bible that are given for us to
take note. God judged the wickedness of the early world with a global
flood (Gen 6:5-7). God judged the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen
13:13 & 19:13). 2 Peter 2:6, “And turning the cities of Sodom and
Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them
an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.” God judged seven
nations in the Promised Land because of their wickedness, namely the
Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and
the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites (Deut 7:1-2 & 9:4-5).
These nations had done lewd things with family members, homosexuality,
bestiality, child sacrifice, sorcery (familiar spirits, sorcery, wizards),
enchantments, astrology, skin markings, prostitution, idolatry, and all
manner of evil (Lv Chapters 18-19, 20:23). Israel was warned not to do
these same things, Leviticus 18:28, “That the land spue not you out also,
when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you.” God
has also judged many individuals on the face of the earth due to their
wickedness (1 Kg 14:10-11 & 21:21-24, Acts 12:21-23). Israel
represented those who follow God in the Spirit, by faith (led by the cloudy
pilliar, looked to God for manna and water, etc.). The evil wicked nations
that possessed/occupied the promised land represented those who live
in/follow the flesh (lusts, desires, etc.). Israel was to go in and utterly

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destroy those nations. The flesh and the things of the flesh must die –
these oppose God. Those who live by faith in God will prevail – these
submit and obey God. We live in a country that does these very same
things and such is becoming much more prevalent and flaunted in society.
The Lord said not to make covenant or marriages with them, because they
will turn your children from following God (Deut 7:2-4). Do people even
consider this in our day? Many barriers have been removed and access to
evil is more available through the television, internet, movie rental,
magazines and general acceptance in the culture. Inhibitions are lowered
and acceptance is gained, what was once unheard of and done only in
secret starts to become open and more common. We are not to
participate in any of these evils (Deut 7:5). When one takes pleasure in
unrighteousness and loves darkness, their journey down the broad path
only gets darker and more deviant. These things are a snare and an
abomination to God (Deut 7:25). Judgment Day looms on the horizon as
the world is again as the days of Noah and of Sodom (wicked) and the
sins have reached to heaven (Lk 17:26-29, Rev 18:5). Luke 17:30, “Even
thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”
 
When one follows Jesus and has received His Spirit, the Holy Ghost works
to conform the individual to Christ’s image (Col 3:10). This process leads
one in paths of righteousness and holiness for Jesus’ namesake (Ps 23:3,
Pv 8:20). Jesus is the image of God (Col 1:15). When one rejects Christ
and continues to follow his own natural path (will) and desires (lusts), the
devil and his principalities work on that one to conform him to the devil’s
image. Proverb 4:19, “The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know
not at what they stumble.” This process leads to bondages, addictions,
lewdness and ever increasing darkness. Either individual will be
recognizable as to whom they serve through the fruit in their life. One
may show love, joy, peace, and self control, whereas the other may use
foul language, course jesting, bawdy behavior (course, vulgar, rude, lewd)
and have affection for the things of the world (Eph 4:29, Col 3:8). The sad
thing is that many who are lost do not see themselves as such because
their own darkness has blinded their eyes and minds such that they do not
understand or recognize their sin (2 Cor 4:4, Jn 12:40, 1 Jn 2:11). The
lukewarm are the religious who are living in darkness yet think they are in
the light by reason of a mere confession – deception. You cannot reason
with those who love the darkness. They will defend and justify their love
and relationship. Only those who seek the light will listen. This is the
challenge of this book, to reach those who will listen.
 

The Truth in Light

 
In the beginning God put a division between the light and the darkness
(Gen 1:4). The light is representative of God’s glory, righteousness,

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holiness and purity. The darkness is representative of disobedience to God
and the resultant evil (sin, transgressions and iniquities). Due to the
disobedience of man, the whole world lies in darkness (1 Jn 5:19). In the
midst of this darkness, God has provided His witnesses (lights). These
lights are represented in the creation account as stars which provide light
upon the earth (Gen 1:14-18). Jesus said: Matthew 5:14, “Ye are the light
of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” We are to release
all darkness and come to the light and be God’s witnesses upon this earth.
Daniel 12:3, “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the
firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever
and ever.” Jesus was the ultimate light come down to a rebellious
mankind. Consider Christ’s righteous light:
 
John 1:4-5, “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the
light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” Isaiah
9:2, “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they
that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light
shined.” John 8:12, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the
light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but
shall have the light of life.” John 3:19-21, “And this is the condemnation,
that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than
light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth
the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made
manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 12:46, “I am come a light
into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in
darkness.” Luke 11:35-36, “Take heed therefore that the light which is in
thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having
no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of
a candle doth give thee light.” Romans 13:12, “The night is far spent, the
day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us
put on the armour of light.” Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before
men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is
in heaven.” Philippians 2:15, “That ye may be blameless and harmless,
the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse
nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” John 12:36, “While
ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light...”
Psalm 27:1, “The LORD is my light and my salvation…” Ephesians 5:8,
“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk
as children of light.” Amen. Jesus is the light that leads us through the
darkness as we “follow.” Those whose eyes are not upon the light will
stumble and fall. In eternity there will be no sun nor moon, but the Lord
will literally be our light (in more ways than one, Is 60:19-20, Rev 21:23,
22:5).
 
When we live in darkness, choosing our will over God’s, choosing to seek
the things of the flesh rather than the things above, we become blinded to
the light (Col 3:1, 2 Cor 4:4). Bit by bit, day by day, thought by thought

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the light diminishes by our own choice of darkness – you grope in the
darkness (Job 12:25). The darkness increases in power and rules your
thoughts, actions and decisions, for you walk therein (Pv 2:13). Ephesians
4:18-19, “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the
life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness
of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto
lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” Consider those
who reject God’s Word: Romans 2:5-6, 8-9 “But after thy hardness and
impenitent (unrepentant) heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against
the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who
will render to every man according to his deeds. But unto them that are
contentious, and do not obey the truth (reject), but obey unrighteousness,
indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man
that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile.” We must “follow”
Christ in righteousness (and thereby be saved from wrath – Rm 5:9):
Light is sown for the righteous (Ps 97:11). God gives light in the way we
should go (Neh 9:33). Romans 1:17, “For therein is the righteousness of
God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by
faith.” AND Romans 2:7, “To them who by patient continuance (steadfast,
day by day) in well doing (righteousness) seek for glory and honour and
immortality, eternal life.” We must walk by our faith (Spirit) and not by
our sight (flesh) - 2 Cor 5:7. Man is justified by faith (Rm 3:28)! Satan
will try and imitate God’s light to draw men unto himself (2 Cor 11:14).
We must let Jesus shine in our hearts by choosing the light instead of the
darkness. We are called out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Pt
2:9). Ephesians 5:14, “Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and
arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” Consider this: 1
John 1:5, “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and
declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
Psalm 104:2, “Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who
stretchest out the heavens like a curtain.” Christ is our example to follow
in His steps and in Him is no darkness. This means that in this life we
should be striving, through Christ (abiding), to eliminate the darkness out
of our life as being obedient and led of His Spirit. 1 John 1:7, “But if we
walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with
another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
Notice the “if” we walk in the light. Some will “profess Christ,” yet stay in
the darkness and thereby not be cleansed from all sin. 2 Corinthians 4:6,
“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined
in ourhearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the
face of Jesus Christ.” Guard your heart from darkness and seek Christ’s
light (Ps 36:9). Proverbs 4:18-20, “But the path of the just is as the
shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Psalm
119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Proverb 4:19, “The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at
what they stumble.” Proverb 6:23, “For the commandment is a lamp; and
the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.” The light
shines more and more in our lives as we conform to Christ’s image day by

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day, until the perfect day when we see Him as He is (1 Jn 3:2). 2 Samuel
22:29, “For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my
darkness.” Job 29:3, “When his candle shined upon my head, and when
by his light I walked through darkness.” Followers walk through this dark
world on a narrow path led by the Spirit.
 
Those that love darkness want to hear all about God’s love in terms of
acceptance. They want a God of unconditional love – to sin and not die.
They want a God who will allow the love of darkness. Job 24:13, “They are
of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor
abide in the paths thereof.” They don’t necessarily want to come to the
light, they just want to be forgiven and have grace to remain in the
darkness. Often religious institutions will talk all about God’s love as they
choose to define it, yet rarely talk about the evil of sin or God’s righteous
judgment and a necessary life of righteousness and holiness. These are
known as smooth messages that will appease the flesh. Those who bring
these messages will be popular and praised. These are those that rebel
against the truth of the light and will not come to it. They reject God for
one of their own making.The truth is that God loves you so much that He
desires the best for you. He wants to remove you from the filth and
shame and bring you out of the darkness into the light. God gave His only
Son to accomplish this and this was a precious sacrifice. If you choose to
remain in the dark, you have rejected God’s true love –you condemn
yourself. The light of the wicked will be put out (Job 18:6-7).
 
What shall be said of those who love the darkness and will not come to
the light? Isaiah 59:6-7, “…their works are works of iniquity, and the act
of violence is in their hands. Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to
shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and
destruction are in their paths.” They behold obscurity (shadows,
muriness); for brightness, but we walk in darkness (Is 59:9). They depart
from God speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from
the heart words of falsehood (Is 59:13).
 

Understanding Sin
 
Until we understand our condition, there can be no remedy. John 8:31-34,
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in
my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's
seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall
be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” Notice that Jesus is
talking to those who believe in Him – they “profess Christ.” Jesus was
telling them that His truth would set them free, but they didn’t see that
they had a problem to be set free of. When you realize your sin, then and
only then can you see your need of deliverance from it. If you do not

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acknowledge your bondages, then you certainly can’t be freed from them.
If you cannot acknowledge truth and seek repentance then you cannot be
recovered from self and the snare of the devil, who takes captive at will (2
Tm 2:25-26). Unregenerate man is helplessly under the dominion of Satan
and sin because he has his nature. Jesus came to set you free, but you
first must see the need and then desire the freedom (1 Jn 3:5, 8-9). Just
because we know something is sin doesn’t mean we have power over the
sin. We need to understand that we are not going to be able to deliver
ourselves. When you realize your sin (the filthiness), then and only then
can you see your need of deliverance from it. Many in the religious world
acknowledge the sin, but don’t see the need for deliverance – they’ve
accepted it! They see a profession of Christ as a means whereby God now
overlooks or excuses continuance in sin. This is not continuing in the truth
(Word) – its rejection of the truth! The love of sin must be dealt with. You
must be converted (take on God’s nature) and have the desire of sin
removed. The kingdom of God is not about just following rules for rules
sake. The kingdom ofGod is about righteousness and holiness – having
correct attitudes, motives and love in your heart. The greatest joy you can
know is to serve God because you love Him and WANT TO – you serve
with joyfulness and gladness of heart (Deut 28:47)! – you delight yourself
in the Lord (Is 58:14, Ps 40:8)! In God we boast all the day long (Ps
44:8)! You do not serve out of fear of hell, fear of men, or guilty
conscious. No. You serve Him because He is the joy of your heart and you
love Him. John 8:36, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be
free indeed.” Luke 1:74-75, “That he would grant unto us, that we being
delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In
holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.” We obey
God out of correct desire (not compulsion), because we understand the
merit and hate the darkness and love the light. There are multitudes of
people who profess a certain fear of God (fear of hell, obligation, guilt,
abstract agreement with His truth, etc.) who nevertheless serve their own
gods to which their hearts are devoted and in which they put their trust.
Although they find agreement with God’s truth (unconnected from their
person), they are not able to apply it to their lives due to their stronger
commitment to SELF.
 
When Israel entered the Promised Land, they were to destroy the
wickedness out of the land. They were not to learn of the wickedness of
the people of the land or unite with them in any way. Deuteronomy
12:30-31, “Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following
them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou
enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their
gods? even so will I do likewise. Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy
God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done
unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt
in the fire to their gods.” They were not to seek after their own heart or
their own eyes which are used to go awhoring (away from God to the
things of the world, Num 15:39). Israel disobeyed God: Psalm 106:35,

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“But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.” They
walked after the imaginations (willfulness – their way) of their own hearts
and God said they would be cursed and He would blot their names from
under heaven (Deut 29:18-20). We live in a time when those who profess
Christ have mingled with the people and certainly learned their evil ways.
It is very important to note that even though we are to be a light in this
world, we have no justification to partake of the flesh or things of the
world. We do not become like the world to win the world because doing so
would only prove that the world has won us rather than vice versa. We
are to overcome and be separate (2 Cor 6:17, 1 Jn 5:4). The next thing
Israel did was: Psalm 106:36, “And they served their idols: which were a
snare unto them.” They became like the world around them and this
polluted them. Many who profess Christ today have done the same and
seem to think that grace allows them to do this. The next thing Israel did
was: Psalms 106:37-38, “Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their
daughters unto devils, And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their
sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of
Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.” Some who profess Christ
have sacrificed their children to devils through abortion. Many others have
sacrificed their children to the world by allowing the world through its
knowledge and entertainment to teach their children to live in a manner
that opposes God. I dare say that with most this message is one sided
(worldly) and not even balanced with parental teaching of Christ. Lastly:
Psalm 106:39, “Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a
whoring with their own inventions (ideas).”  When we seek our own ways
(flesh) and our ideas (opinions) apart from God, we are in great error.
Many will do this in a religious context and this becomes the nature of the
apostasy. So, how did God see this: Psalm 106:40, “Therefore was the
wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred
his own inheritance.” There is a message here for all of us who say we are
called by His name.
 
We are about to cover some material that the flesh will surely rebel
against. I say in advance, if you cannot acknowledge the sin, bondages
and the evil nature of your heart, then you cannot be free of them. You
then love the darkness and will not come to the light (Jn 3:19-20). Many
want to be saved from the consequences of sin and have no desire to be
saved from the wretched, evil nature of their heart. This is so predominant
in today’s form of Christianity. Please pray now that the Lord will open
your eyes.
 

Who is the Great I AM?

 
God referred to himself as “I AM” when inquired of by Moses. God IS
everything that we could image. He is our life, provision, health,
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deliverance, wisdom, salvation, etc. Jesus further stated this when He
said: John 8:58  Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Before Abraham was, I AM.” Jesus is the manna that man must live by.
John 6:48, 51, “I AM that bread of life. I AM the living bread which came
down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever:
and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of
the world.” This was further emphasized: 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.”
 
The problem is that man likes to place himself in the position of “I AM.”
Man mostly seeks his will over God’s purposes in keeping with the original
sin of disobedience in the Garden of Eden.  Man says, I am self sufficient,
have self-knowledge and will seek self-gratification. I will determine my
own way and walk therein. The religious qualify this by saying God will
understand because we “profess” Christ and grace allows it. Isaiah 47:8,
10, “Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that
dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I AM, and none else beside
me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children. For
thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy
wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in
thine heart, I AM, and none else beside me.” God is not mocked and man
continues to rebel and seat himself in the throne of God.  Jesus said: John
8:24, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye
believe not that I AM he, ye shall die in your sins.” To believe is to live
daily in demonstrated faith. There is only one way to God: John 8:12,
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I AM the light of the world:
he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of
life.” We are either following self or Christ and our actions reveal our
choice. The condition is: “He that followeth.” Would you believe that after
Jesus revealed Himself as the great “I AM” to a religious audience that
they looked for stones to kill Him (Jn 8:59)? Do not allow your religiosity
to cause you to be blind to the very light of God.
 
God wants to be the great “I AM” in your life. He is your creator, who
loves you and wants the best for you. God wants to be your Lord, Savior,
Father, provider, healer, knowledge base, guide, friend, special interest,
etc. The question is: Is He? Perhaps you are the great “I AM” in your life.
Full of self-confidence and assurance, seeking after those things you
desire? Perhaps a loved one is the great “I AM” in your life such as a
parent, spouse, special romance, or best friend (Lk 14:26)? Perhaps the
great “I AM” in your life is a respected leader such as the President, a
pastor/theologian, doctor or professor? Perhaps your faith is in a celebrity
such as a movie star or sports hero? Perhaps the great “I AM” in your life
is a thing such as a religious denomination/church, university, job/career,
sports team, prized possession, television/music or hobby/special
interest? The fact is that there can only be one great “I AM” in your life –

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and this is where your heart will be. If there were two, you would love the
one and hate the other (Mt 6:24, Lk 16:13).
 

The Path of Least Resistance

 
Consider a stream of water meandering through a valley. Water always
takes the path of least resistance and thus flows downstream. The course
of the stream is defined by the surrounding topography. If an object such
as a rock is in the path, water will either go around it or over it but not
through it. Water never flows upstream or against the current. Most
people live their lives in a similar fashion. They take the path of least
resistance. Most chart their lives by the course of the world to fit in and
get along. To differ from the norm (majority, popular culture) will bring
about separation, confrontation, self-denial and reproach. The flesh
(physical self) seeks acceptance and comfort. This is why man would
never in and of himself choose to follow God. Following the Lord requires
that we go against the flow/current of this world – a very narrow path.
This is discomforting to the flesh because it must now be denied worldly
acceptance, pleasures, cares and the comfort it seeks. The will of the flesh
must submit to the will of God. Had God not drawn us to Himself and
provided His Spirit, this would be an impossible task for man to fulfill. The
danger and deception occurs when we identify ourselves with God, but
then compromise and justify our actions such that we are flowing along
the broad stream of the world and are actually traveling opposite of God’s
will. We are no longer noticeable, because we are no longer going against
the current – we then become a part of the current (Ps 119:2-3). We
must understand Christ’s statement: John 10:27, “My sheep hear my
voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” The true sheep hear and
they will follow. Jesus Christ always went against the current (see Chapter
Two or read the Gospels) and so will His sheep. This is not a leisure
journey and will require a denial of the will of the flesh – a taking up of
the cross (Mt 16:24, Mk 8:34, 10:21, Lk 9:23). The flesh will never seek
the path of the cross. There will be suffering, trials, testing, and reproach,
which will require trust and obedience (faith). Fortunately those who
follow are not alone – His rod and staff comfort through this valley of the
shadow of death (Ps 23:4). Notice in the verse, Jesus “knows” us – we will
not be forsaken (Heb 13:5).
 

Worldliness
 
Because the world is fallen and man’s will is mostly manifested, man’s
works or desires (things of the world) are tainted with sin and rebellion (1
Jn 5:17, Is 40:17). Ephesians 2:2-3, “Wherein in time past ye walked
according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power
of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Among whom also we all had our conversation (life) in times past in the

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lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and
were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” Fallen man lives to
fulfill the lusts and desires of the flesh and the carnal mind. This is
displeasing and sinful to God and challenges His will. To walk in the course
of this world is to be opposed to Christ. Many seek worldly temporal
things. They want to establish their place in this world and partake of all
its offerings. This is the emphasis of their life and in doing so the
motivation is self. Beware: that which may seem important now in the
days to come will be forgotten and then you will face the judgment (Eccl
2:16, 5:15-16). Then there are those who have set their affections on
heavenly things, which are not visibly manifested in this world, but are
eternal (Col 3:1-11). To obtain the heavenly one must sacrifice the
earthly. We are not to walk in the spirit of the world (1 Cor 2:12). The
former are referred to as cold (broad path, darkness) regarding Christ and
the latter as hot (narrow way, light). Finally there is a group that seeks to
be a combination of the two. They seek the flesh and things of the world,
but also identify themselves with Christ – they are religious in seeking
God their way rather than His way. These are the lukewarm (double
minded, deceived). Christ actually preferred that we be cold or hot. The
lukewarm bring dishonor to God in that they claim to represent Him, but
live in a manner that opposes Him (Ez 20:39). They wrongfully represent
Him to the world. They want to be as the heathen (Ez 20:32). They are
adulterers with the world (Js 4:4). When we are endeared to Christ, then
we will not desire to do those things, which oppose Him. The things of the
world appeal to our flesh nature – those things that oppose Christ. The
world wants us to be as it is. This is why the narrow path is narrow and
less traveled. To be on this path, one must overcome the world or those
things that oppose Christ (1 Jn 5:4). Are you willing to suffer reproach for
Christ’s namesake?
 
Through his free-will man has established nations, cultures, governments,
education, religions, currencies, measures, entertainments, etc. in order
to fulfill the lusts and desires of his will. God does influence many things
and His glory fills the earth (and is in control), but much is also allowed to
be freely developed out of man’s rebellious knowledge and will (Is
6:3).The whole world lies in wickedness (1 Jn 5:19). God’s children are
not to live for the flesh or man’s will, but for God’s will (1 Jn 5:19-20). We
abstain from fleshly lusts (1 Pt 2:11). 1 John 2:15-17, “Love not the
world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world,
the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of
the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the
Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust
thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” These
scriptures are clear; to love worldly things is to oppose God and not even
know Him. Since we are pilgrims sojourning in this world, we do not seek
the things of the world. We have been reconciled to the Father through
Christ and now live for His will exclusively. In other words we have left the
broad path and are now on the narrow. We do not live in the flesh to the

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lusts of men, but to the will of God – for we shall one day give account (1
Pt 4:2, 5). We must escape the corruption that is in the world through lust
and not live by the principles (rudiments) of the world (2 Pt 1:3-8, Col
2:20). This will not be accomplished through a list of thousands of do’s
and don’ts, but through a changed heart and loving faith in God as led by
His Spirit. The Spirit will specifically lead (virtue, godliness, self control,
love), and in all cases it will be toward righteousness and holiness.
Romans 13:14, “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not
provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” The will of the Father is
that we be delivered from this present evil world through Jesus Christ (Gal
1:4). Christ will do nothing for you as long as you love the world and it’s
pollutions and entanglements.
 
So believers must not love or take enjoyment in the things the world
seeks after. This is equated to following the ways of Balaam (mixing the
things of God with the world, 2 Pt 2:15) and is grievous (2 Pt 2:15-16).
Balaam advised that God’s people could not be conquered unless they
could be corrupted with evil such that God would turn against them (2 Pt
2:18). Examples are numerous such as money, jewelry, possessions,
entertainments, power, control, etc. This is being allured through the lusts
of the flesh – through much wantonness (depravity, debauchery,
immorality, unrestraint, shamelessness, 2 Pt 2:18). Proverb 27:20, “Hell
and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. We
may require some things in the world to live, but these are not to be our
desire, nor are we to put hope, trust, and undue attention in them. Our
hearts are to be on God and He is to rule and reign over every area of our
lives. We are told to keep ourselves unspotted from the world (Js 1:27).
We are in this world, but not of this world, so we must walk in a way that
pleases God and is an example to the ungodly (Jn 15:19, 17:16). Because
we are in this world, we have certain needs such as food, clothing, and
shelter. We also work to provide for these things. However much of what
the world has to offer, a follower should not be joined to. God knows what
we have need of and we are to live simply, in moderation, and be content
with those things that we have (Mt 6:8, Heb 13:5, Php 4:5). 1 Timothy
6:6-8, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought
nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And
having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” Much of what the
world desires and man has developed such as television, movies, popular
music (rock, country, rap, etc.), magazines, newspapers, video games,
books, man’s knowledge, internet sites, alcohol, drugs, pornography, etc.
are in great contradiction to the Word of God. Romans 8:8, “So then they
that are in the flesh cannot please God.” These things are what the
scriptures refer to as the “pollutions of the world” and followers are not to
become entangled in them (2 Pt 2:20, Pv 22:3). These things will become
bondages and men will be overcome by them (2 Pt 2:19). These things
are stumblingblocks. I’m sure the flesh is now becoming offended at many
of the things written here. When the flesh is threatened or denied it lashes
out. 1 John 5:4, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:

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and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” The
flesh (man’s will) does not want to be overcome, but if its not then there
will be no reconciliation with God. To live in one’s own will is rebellion
against God and subject to due penalties (Job 21:30). We live in a time
when many are concerned (overcome) with the enjoyments of this world
and it’s cares and are overtaken in the evil thereof as caught suddenly in
a snare (Lk 21:34-35).
 
We live in a fast pace society where most feel they must be constantly
entertained. The world caters to this desire with all sorts of activities such
as television, music, books, newspapers, magazines, computers/internet,
video games, movie theaters, theme parks, events, careers, sports and
hobbies. These things are designed to draw your attention away from
God, impart a message and stay in your thoughts and conversation
throughout the day. In almost all cases the messages are worldly, man-
centered and contradictory to God’s Word. Consequently these are the
things people will think about and meditate on through the day. These are
the things that go into one’s heart and form the basis of who they are.
Since these things are contrary to God and His purposes, those who do
them will be also. We must zealously guard what goes into our hearts (Mt
15:18, 2 Pt 2:8) – we keep ourselves (1 Jn 5:18)! An example might be a
newspaper or television news story designed to get everybody’s attention.
These stories are always worldly with a humanistic message and will be a
topic of conversation for most throughout the day. When one story gets
old, it will quickly be replaced with another in a never ending fashion.
These are the things man thinks are important. Man is by and large self
seeking and rebellious toward God. When one truly becomes converted in
heart and purpose, one will see all these things of man for what they are
(unnecessary) and redeem the time for God since the days are evil (Eph
5:16, Col 4:5). We do not have time to dally (waste time): 2 Timothy 2:4,
“No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that
he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”
 
Rarely will one find quiet places in society with no distractions. A good
example would be what one encounters in a discount store these days.
There will be loud rock and roll music playing that is only interrupted by
hanging television sets all over the store. The atmosphere is busy with all
sorts of things to draw your thoughts and attention. Everything is
orchestrated to grab our attention and influence our minds. The point is
that for most, God will not be in their thoughts, just a desire to fulfill the
flesh (Ps 10:4). Perhaps there are some who like to enjoy a meal in a
restaurant without having loud rebellious rock and roll music playing or a
television suspended in the corner. We must guard what goes into our
hearts – do we even consider such? Does the sin which abounds grieve
us? For most, there is no time and maybe no desire, to sit down and read
God’s Word or pray quietly or without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17). These
things should grieve our heart – do they? If this sounds extreme to you, it
may just show where your heart is.

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Those who seek the things of the world should heed the advice and
conclusions of the wisest man who had the resources to seek all his fleshly
desires. Ecclesiastes 1:2, 13-14, 16-17, 2:10-11, “Vanity of vanities, saith
the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. And I gave my heart to seek
and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under
heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be
exercised therewith. I have seen all the works that are done under the
sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. I communed with
mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten
more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea,
my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. And I gave my
heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that
this also is vexation of spirit. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not
from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in
all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. Then I looked on
all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had
laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and
there was no profit under the sun.” Solomon did it all; he built works, had
bodily pleasures, planted vineyards, gardens and orchards, and had
servants, entertainment and great wealth. None of this satisfied. Our only
peace will be found in God when we submit to Him in love and are
restored to His purposes. Your joy will never be found in fleshly pleasures
or pursuits; this will only lead to dissatisfaction, unfulfillment and
continual never ending pursuit of fleeting contentment, eventually
resulting in physical and eternal death.
 

The seeds
 
In Jesus’ parable of the seeds, one of the groups of lost individuals were
those overtaken by the world. This particular group was described as:
Luke 8:14, “And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they
have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures
of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.” Seeking pleasures and riches
is serving self and not God. Many will say, “You have to live in this world.”
Those who put undue emphasis on the “cares” (needful things) also
brought no fruit to perfection (Lk 21:34). Unfruitful branches are taken
away from the vine (Christ), wither and are gathered and thrown into the
fire (Jn 15:1-10). Luke 13:6-9, “He spake also this parable; A certain man
had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit
thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard,
Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find
none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said
unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung
it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it
down.” The Lord is patient, but does eventually expect results. What did
Jesus say about those who seek the riches of this life? Mark 10:23-24,

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“And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly
shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the
disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and
saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to
enter into the kingdom of God!” Notice that they “trust” in riches – this is
what the rich do. Twice repeated is emphasis and should be heeded.
Those that seek pleasure, seek self and not God (Mt 10:39, Jn 12:25).
Your fruit or lack thereof will betray your heart. Let us be careful that we
do not become enemies of the cross of Christ and mind earthly things
(Php 3:18-19).
 

A Friend of the World

 
Adulterers and adulteresses are those who make a commitment and
marry one (Christ), but lust and have eyes for others (old man, world,
flesh, self). James 4:4, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that
the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will
be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” This is why self must die!
The flesh wants to do that which is contrary to the will of God. These are
spiritual paramours (one in an adulterous relationship). It wants to do
what is right in your own eyes – do what makes you feel good (Pv 12:15,
Deut 12:8). After an adulterer partakes of worldy pleasures, they feel they
have done no evil – they justify their actions. Proverbs 30:20, “Such is the
way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and
saith, I have done no wickedness.” This is the condemnation were their
can be no mercy: they do not acknowledge their evil or turn from it.
Proverbs 28:13, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso
confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Jesus said it plainly:
Luke 16:13, “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the
one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the
other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” A double-minded man is
unstable in all his ways (Js 1:8). You cannot live for this world and serve
God also; you become an enemy of God aligned with a rebellious fallen
world. James 4:8, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-
minded.” You will either yield to the world/self or Jesus, but not both.
Romans 6:16, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to
obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or
of obedience unto righteousness?”
 

Paradox?
 
There are what appear to be many paradoxes in scripture that are really
fine lines between God’s will and man’s interpretation or understanding
this truth. Often these paradoxes are twisted inaccurately. God has placed
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followers to be lights/salt in this world to represent Him and be a witness
(Mt 5:13-16). Christ walked openly in the world and we are to follow His
example. Even though Christ walked publicly, He remained pure. We live
in a fallen world and are now in a particularly sinful time at the end of the
age (as in the days of Noah). We are to live righteously in the midst, but
not become hermits in some wilderness cave. This can become a difficult
task (not to become tainted) and we must have discernment to know
good and evil (Heb 5:14). We must stay close to God through His Spirit
and Word. As we live righteously and do not seek or participate in the
things of the flesh, we actually isolate ourselves from most. When we do
not participate in worldly things many will interpret this as an affront
against themselves. We will at times be persecuted and men will separate
from our company due to our witness. Followers of Christ must be careful
not to become self righteous (Lk 18:11-12, Rm 12:3). Often you will be
asked why you do not do certain things. If you respond that it is because
you follow Christ, many of those asking the question will say, “I do to.”
Our actions will tell the real story. We will always seem this way (holier
than thou) to those who are convicted by our lives. We must constantly
examine our hearts before God and make sure that we have love (charity)
for others, placing them above ourselves, desiring only the best and never
looking down upon them (Php 2:3). You must not desire evil (witchcraft)
for any man. Christ came to deliver and save and we are to follow His
example.
 

Kiss the Calf - Everybody’s doing it!

 
Most will follow the world and all that is popular with the justification that,
“Everybody is doing it.” 2 Corinthians 10:12, “For we dare not make
ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend
themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and
comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” Our only rule of
measure should be the Word of God. God’s Word is truth, its eternal and
we will be judged by it (Ps 96:13, Jn 12:48, Is 40:8). The world does not
seek the things of God, nor does it know or even understand them (Job
21:14-15). He who plots his course by majority actions will be sorely
disappointed. Beware of peer pressure. “Everybody’s doing it” is merely a
justification to compromise and a sure way to become distaseful and
lukewarm. Those who compromise will “kiss the calves” in sacrifice to the
world rather than standing for Christ (1 Kg 19:18, Hos 13:2). They bow
down the knee to the image just like everybody else (Dan 3:7). Many will
walk after their own devices (maybe secretly), and do the imaginations of
their evil hearts (Jer 18:12, 2 Kgs 17:9-18). The Lord says: Jeremiah
13:23, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then
may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.” We must seek the
Lord for new life in Him (1 Kgs 19:18). Majorities have always sought to
subjugate (conquer, overcome, subdue, defeat) minorities. Pressure will
always be brought to bear to conform minorities to the majority norm.

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Truly following Jesus will make you a minority in this world. Many religious
people seek a compromise with the majority to maintain place without
suffering reproach or tribulation. Many of these were tested and are now
found to be lacking. When you follow Christ, you conform to His image by
dying to yourself through self-denial and sacrifice - Psalm 4:5, “Offer the
sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.” Israel
constantly rejected God for their idolatry, yet never departed from the
sins of Jeroboam (he instituted the worship of the golden calves), they
always had a kiss for the golden calf (2 Kgs 17:22, 34-41). Who should
we kiss? Psalm 2:12, “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from
the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that
put their trust in him.” Israel rejected God and God removed them from
His sight (2 Kgs 17:23). So it will be with all who reject God. Who will
stand as a light (witness, example) in this “everybody’s doing it world?”
These are the very ones that God is seeking to be with Him eternally.
 
Well….I’m not a bad person! God is totally righteous and Holy and you
cannot even comprehend such (Ps 145:17). You may not think yourself
bad compared to those around you in this “relative” world that man has
devised, but rest assured you are filthy, soiled and detestable when
compared with the heavenly (Job 15:15-16). God says that one lie will
send you to hell for an eternity (Pv 6:16-17, Rev 21:8). We must fall upon
God’s mercy. However, until you see your sinfulness and wickedness and
repent, there can be no mercy – only judgment. Psalm 147:11, “The
LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him (want to know and perform
His will), in those that hope in his mercy.” Living (applying, doing) our
faith in God through Christ as led by the Spirit secures mercy. This is the
basic question: Jeremiah 23:18, “For who hath stood in the counsel of the
LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his
word, and heard it?” – Live the Word! Mercy leads to grace, which is the
God given ability to walk in His direction.
 
When considering the evil/wicked things people do/follow/conform-to that
seem so innocent - many will say: well I don’t really think of - the thing in
question - like that; or that’s not what I intend for it to mean; this is so
innocent, its fun, fun, fun and we all know its not real. Everybody has
one: opinions, sentiment, speculation, persuasion, belief, perspective, and
conjecture – just what is truth (Jn Jn 12:48, 18:38)? Perhaps sentiment
best describes the reasoning of many folks. Sentiment is your belief of
what seems true, valid or probable mixed with feelings and emotion.
Which is the greater reality (quality or state of being actual or true,
substantial and substanative): 1) What you say? or 2) what you think? or
3) what you do? Often these are not in agreement in a person’s life. They
are all important and form who you are. What takes precedence (in rank)?
God says the greater reality is one’s actions – what they do (Is 29:13, Mt
15:8, Mk 7:6). Many will say one thing and do another! God will judge all
according to their works (ways/doings, see Chapter Seven, “Conclusion,”
for a list of scriptures). However, wicked thoughts and words will not

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escape notice either (Heb 4:12). Speech and thought (one or both) are an
ultimate part of actions. Actions are superior to words and thoughts.
Speech could be an action, but when in conflict with a deed, the deed will
outweigh (say and not do, Mt 21:28-31). Are your words
confirmed/justified by your actions (i.e. living your profession daily, live
by example)? So! Everybodys doing it – best make sure of what you are
doing. One should carefully examine one’s heart to determine if their
sentiment overules the truth – sentiment exalted above the throne of
God.
 

Consider Gideon
 
The children of Israel had done evil and God had forsaken them to their
enemies the Midianites (Judges 6:1). God sent a prophet with a message
for Israel to forsake their idolatry and turn back to God, but the prophet
was ignored (Judges 6:7-10, Neh 9:30, 35). God sent an angel to speak
with Gideon. Gideon could not understand why God had forsaken Israel,
yet he was blind to his own idolatry (Judges 6:13, Neh 9:28). Gideon’s
father had an altar to Baal and a grove beside it. The men of the town
worshipped there. Gideon was ignorant of God’s Word or he would have
surely known how displeasing this idolatry was to God. Israel was living
under God’s curses (Deuteronomy chapters 28 & 30) due to their own
idolatry, yet they refused to accept they were doing anything wrong. God
could not use Gideon until he forsook his idolatry and became obedient to
the Lord. Gideon was required to throw down his father’s alter and cut
down his grove (Judges 6:25). Obeying God’s direction immediately made
Gideon very unpopular with the men of the town and they wanted to kill
him (Judges 6:28-30). Through Gideon’s humble obedience and forsaking
of his idolatry, God exalted him to deliver Israel from their enemies. Most
people today are blind to their own idolatry and much of this comes from
ignorance of God’s Word. These may attend religious services often, but
how many read, understand and apply God’s Word to their lives daily?
Until we truly seek God we will also be dumb and blind to our own
idolatry. Once you become aware of your idolatry, you must then decide
to willingly forsake it rather than justify it. Before you think that you have
no idolatry in your life, you may want to consider some of the examples in
this book. Consider now the tremendous idol of the modern generation…
 

A Tremendous Idol
 
When one examines the scripture, there is no doubt that God wants our
attention focused upon Him. It is also evident that the things of this world
are designed to take our attention off of God and place it upon the things
of man or self, as greatly influenced by the devil. This was the tactic used
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by Satan in Eden. The things of the world are designed to appeal to lusts
and to constantly tempt. Most “professed Christians” will at least concede
that in scriptural theory, that we are not to live as the world depending on
how “world” is defined. The problem arises when one takes God’s
command and actually applies it to one’s life. The flesh will immediately
rise up and justify itself and its actions. This is the nature that is in
rebellion against God’s purposes. This is the fallen nature that must be put
to death. A true believer will be guided by the Holy Spirit and God’s Word
and the two will be in agreement. With this in mind, let us examine a
worldly example that is commonly and frequently indulged in by most.
Those who love not the truth are the same ones that justify the darkness
and are oblivious to their actions (or complacent) and will probably be
offended by the light having exposed this darkness.
 
There is a much cherished and revered item in almost every home in this
country. Many will spend hours a day bowing down and worshipping it.
Some begin and end their day paying homage. This item has such a hold
on people that it may be one of the worst addictions possible. This idol will
captivate (enthrall, hypnotize, mesmerize, fascinate, and enchant),
entertain, pacify, and teach. Its message is always one-sided and no
dialog is permitted. Parents will allow it to teach and instruct their children
in ideas that are contrary to their own deep held beliefs. Many will
experience the whole range of human emotions while serving it. No one
has to have this item, yet most cannot (I dare say, will not), imagine life
without it. Some will build special temples (rooms) for it or purchase one
that is big enough to encompass the whole room. Most will defensively
say, “Everybody does it.” What is this idol you might inquire? It is the
television set.
 
Many will now rise up in protest and say that they are most certainly not
addicted to it (1 Jn 1:6). Well I challenge you. Unplug the television,
remove it from your home and stop paying for cable service and we shall
see. Words are easy, but actions are convincing. These will respond, I
could, but I just don’t want to, I enjoy watching it and see nothing wrong
with it (we have to live in this world). Oh really, read on.
 
There is no dispute that television programming is full of graphic violence,
sex (and now homosexuality), adult situations, bad language, glorified
drug and alcohol abuse, course jesting, witchcraft/occult, etc. Every sin
that one can imagine is portrayed in an entertaining way – AS SEEN ON
TV! Every temptation one could conceive of is paraded before your eyes
and you willingly subject yourself to this. Romans 13:14, “But put ye on
the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the
lusts thereof.” Recall from Chapter One that Satan places objects of lusts
before our eyes. The devil’s desire is that we think upon and chase after
such things. This is how he overcomes man. For every abomination to the
Lord, which He hateth, has been brought before your eyes for your
pleasure (Deut 12:31). So how do you suppose the television

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programming fits into this? Be honest with yourself. Should we have a
television in our home? Deuteronomy 7:26, “Neither shalt thou bring an
abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou
shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed
thing.” It’s hard to believe, but most “professed Christians” (so-called)
view as a source of entertainment (enjoyment), the very sins that nailed
Jesus Christ to the cross. These same ones claim to know Him! No wonder
Jesus said that many would call him “Lord” and yet not enter into heaven
(Matthew 7:21-23). None of these will be able to tell God they “struggle”
with lust and they try not to lust but cannot help it – Not when they sit in
front of the TV. How foolish to watch lustful things and then think you
struggle with sin in your life. Hebrews 12:4, “Ye have not yet resisted
unto blood, striving against sin.” The TV will fill your heart full of all
manner of evil and wickedness to the extent that victory over sin in your
life will be impossible. Worse it will be an indicator that you have no desire
for victory over sin in your life – your passions give your heart away. Is
this not a continual mocking of God and a denial of all that is sacred? We
will justify what we choose not to overcome! We must understand: 2
Corinthians 6:16, “And 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.” Is the temple being filled with filth and evil? Do you find
agreement with the television idol? When God looks at your heart, what
will He find therein (1 Kg 8:39)? How will this manifest in your outward
actions? God takes no pleasure in wickedness and neither should we -
Psalm 5:4, “For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness:
neither shall evil dwell with thee.” We must be separate and come out
from such wickedness and not touch unclean things (v. 17). We must
cleanse our temples of filthiness of flesh and spirit (2 Cor 7:1).
 
The television is a destroyer of souls. King David (Beloved of God) once
said, “I will set no wicked thing before my eyes” (Ps 101:3). What about
those who do? Those who change the truth of God into a lie (as constantly
taught on TV), and worshipped and served the creature (things of man)
more than the Creator are given over to all manner of sins leading to
death (Rm 1:25-31) and love not the truth (2 Thess 2:10, Rm 1:18).
Romans 1:32, “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which
commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have
pleasure in them that do them.” Followers of Christ do not partake of
other men’s sins nor take pleasure in them, but rather keep ourselves
pure (1 Tm 5:22). Those who believe God’s truth are purifying themselves
and being led of His Spirit in paths of righteousness and holiness (Ti 2:14,
1 Pt 1:22, Js 4:8, Rm 8:14, 1 Jn 3:3). Followers set the Lord before them
always (Ps 16:8). They are living their faith every day and this faith
purifies the heart. Acts 15:9, “…purifying their hearts by faith.” What
about those who are seeking the flesh? 2 Thessalonians 2:12, “That they
all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in
unrighteousness.” There is no doubt that enjoying (being entertained by)

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acts of sin AS SEEN ON TV (or anywhere else) is having “pleasure in
unrighteousness.” Those who absorb the constant stream of ungodly
programming are lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God (2 Tm 3:4).
If we think about (desire) doing certain sinful things then we are equally
as guilty as if we had actually done them (Mt 5:27-30). God is looking at
our hearts and He will try them (Ps 7:9, Jer 17:10, 20:12, 1 Thess 2:4).
We are to put aside all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness and seek
God’s Word to the extent that we are doers and not hearers only (Js 1:21-
22). Thoughts become actions, hearts are darkened, imaginations become
vain (Rm 1:21)! The carnal mind serves the flesh (Rm 8:5-8). When
viewing television, your mind and your thoughts are constantly put upon
secular worldly (sinful) things of the flesh and not God. In addition to
taking pleasure in unrighteousness, many temptations will be implanted in
your mind and grow to produce additional sin, all of which leads to death.
 
Ezekiel 8:9-10, “And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked
abominations that they do here. So I went in and saw; and behold every
form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the
house of Israel, pourtrayed upon the wall round about.” The similar
message for today is: behold the wicked abominations that they do here.
So I turned on the television and saw every form of wickedness, violence
and idolatry portrayed upon the screen from the imagination (acting,
special effects, etc.) of rebellious man. I focused my attention and became
one with it.
 
To live in God’s truth (Word) is to abhor (avoid at all cost) any evil and
wickedness (Eph 5:11, Pv 3:7, 8:13, 16:17, 22:3). Psalm 119:101, “I
have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.”
One cannot possibly expect to keep God’s Word if one intentionally
exposes oneself to evil. Perhaps keeping God’s Word is not a foremost
conscious action with many who “profess,” but do not follow Christ. Those
that seek the Spirit apply the Word and those that seek the flesh don’t.
Psalm 141:4, “Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked
works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.”
The world says “come,” partake of my pleasures – be entertained and
filled with laughter. Eat, drink and fill your heart with merriment – let your
flesh be at ease and cast the hours away. God says: “Come out” from
among them and be ye separate, touch not the evil thing (2 Cor 6:17).
One day you will wish you had the hours back! A choice must be made –
whom will you serve? Who will lead, guide and teach you? Who will hold
your thoughts and devotion? We must not be filled with the world’s
wickedness as continually spewed forth from the television. Warning: all
televised programming is not suitable for any age, any time. The wicked
do not abhor that which is evil (Ps 36:1-4) – this is an indicator.
 
The television must surely be the devil’s inspired invention. This one
device constantly takes man’s focus off of God and places it upon the
things of the world and man. Man’s attention is shifted to self and all

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manner of things that exalt themselves to oppose God. Consider this: a
popular movie that reflects sinful and rebellious behavior/ideas could
literally be viewed by millions of people at one time. Millions of hearts
could be dwelling on the same sinful and fleshly thoughts at the same
time. Many will later discuss their enjoyment of such things with others.
Oh how this must grieve God! Oh how this must be accomplishing the
devil’s purposes! The fact is that the television is being used for values
clarification (redefines). The whole world is becoming one in thought and
deed. Consider the tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9): man intended to reach
God his way, man intended to exalt himself, and man was making a
statement to God concerning the recent flood judgment (he would rise
above). God said: “Behold, the people is one, and they have all one
language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained
from them, which they have imagined to do.” The television
(programming) is making this nation (and the world) one in thought and
purpose. Six is the biblical number of man because he was created on the
sixth day. Thrice six (666) is the ultimate in man exalting himself. We are
on the verge of this and the devil will send his son, the antichrist, to lead.
 
Take heed what was told an audience of “believers” in scripture (Similar
list in Rm 1:24-32): 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Know ye not that the
unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived:
neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor
abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor
drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of
God.” This is our warning! We are further told in the same chapter that: 1
Corinthians 6:15-17, “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of
Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the
members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is
joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But
he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.” The harlot is worldliness and
all manner of idolatry and sinfulness. When you take pleasure in
unrighteousness you join yourself with the harlot and become one with it
in opposing all that is of Christ. This is the spirit of the antichrist. So, we
are one in Spirit with Christ or one in spirit with the Harlot. Choose whom
you will serve. A harlot speaking words of love is shallow because her
actions reveal the opposite. Many will have a form of godliness (maybe a
profession of Christ), but are lovers of their own selves (2 Tm 3:1-5).
Romans 1:18, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in
unrighteousness.” When you have eyes full of adultery (eyes for other
than Christ), you cannot cease from sin; and follow doctrines of Balaam
desiring the lusts of the flesh (2 Pt 2:14-16, 18). What a perfect example
of spiritual adultery (idolatry) the television is (Habak 2:19). The idols of
old were wood, stone and metal. They couldn’t speak. The idol of today
speaks all manner of abomination to an attentive and eager audience –
what a hold it has! Do not presume this to be innocent before God!
 

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Now many will say at this point that they do not watch the bad stuff, only
the wholesome entertainment. The problem is that there is no wholesome
secular entertainment on television. The whole premise of acting is to
present yourself to an audience as something you are not - to pretend and
convince of an untruth (deception). The audience is made voyers into lives
or situations of others to be taught a humanistic message. Some will say,
“I only watch the discovery channel.” This channel teaches evolution and
vast geological ages in contradiction to God’s Word. It teaches the worship
of the creation rather than the creator. This will be discussed in a later
chapter. How about the man-centered History channel? This is what man
deems important as edited by man and popular opinion. Even the
commercials on TV are evil. They are advertising which is nothing more
than witchcraft. Advertisers spend millions of dollars to manipulate you
into buying a product that you wouldn’t necessarily buy. They also want to
bury the thought of their product in your mind (hypnotism) and to entice
you into lusts and covetousness (Heb 13:5, Ps 119:36). Covetousness is
idolatry (Col 3:5). Advertisers must fixate your attention on their product
in a short moment of time by appealing to your inner lusts such that the
enticement will remain long after the appeal and result in a later action.
This is serious manipulation! Recall from Chapter One, Satan’s process of
enticement: temptation, lust or desire, capitulation, and action. Due to the
amount of money that is spent on advertising, you can be sure they are
getting a return. They create factitious (needs created by advertising)
lusts! When you willfully watch such things you are exposing yourself to
seducing spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Tm 4:1). These commercials
are the sorceries of the merchant men of the earth (Rev 18:23). Some will
contend and say there are some good things on TV such as the preachers.
One only has to listen to their message in light of God’s Word to realize
that they are presenting damnable heresies, making merchandise of you
(2 Pt 2:1-3), and are lover’s of money (2 Tm 6:10, 1 Pt 5:2).  Their
messages must be popular (sugar coated) to maintain audience and
receive the much coveted donations and offerings (Ti 1:11). False
prophets are always popular with the people and likeable. Their messages
appeal to your flesh and do not deny it.
 
Most people fit in with “Popular Culture.” This is defined as having values
that come from advertising, the media, and icons of style as targeted to
ordinary people in society. Where do your values come from? Those who
develop television programming, newsprint and movies want to shape you
(conform you) to their image. In many cases, they have succeeded. Who
will prevail in this battle – the flesh or the Spirit? Many who “profess
Christ” may find in an honest self-examination that their daily lives reflect
popular culture more than the Jesus described in the Bible (must read to
know). To live “popular culture” is to conform to the world. Popular culture
is defined on the television in a mass appeal to the lusts of an impatient
audience. In the American pop-culture driven society, you may find that
those who profess Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Mormonism,
Judaism, etc. have much more in common as far as how they live their

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daily lives (thoughts, desires, entertainments, American dream – the
ideal, etc.) than you may realize (a melted pot of compromise and wrong
ideals – see Chapter Four, What Does Man Teach Us?). Much of this is
defined, portrayed and propagated by television. You may say that your
core beliefs are different than these religions, but how are these lived out
or outwardly expressed in your life? What is your witness? The author
asks you, “professed” Christian – How is your hope and faith made
manifest in your daily actions? No doubt most could talk for hours about
television shows, movies, characters and actors. Could these same ones
discuss with any depth and detail eternal things of God’s Word?
 
Even if television programming was completely neutral or you just sat in
front of an empty box it would at a minimum be a tremendous waster of
time and as such an idol put before God. We are to redeem the time
because the days are evil (Eph 5:16). Would the Bible be read? Would the
prayers be offered? Can you imagine standing before God and realizing all
the time you sat in front of a little box – not to mention willingly filling
your mind with all that opposes Christ? This exposes your true heart! How
does your television time compare to your Bible reading time? Which one
is of eternal value? How much do you pray verses watch television? Which
truly receives more honor – God or TV?
 
Consider the following scriptures before you next view the television: 2
Corinthians 10:5, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that
exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity
every thought to the obedience of Christ.” The television programming is
designed to keep our thoughts on things of man (take captive) and off of
Christ. Everything shown on TV exalts itself against the knowledge of God.
True knowledge of God seeks and performs His will (Ps 128:1). Some
have no knowledge because their hearts are elsewhere (Hos 4:6). Your
thoughts are captive to the obedience of the world, not Christ (Ps
119:97). Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things, are true,
whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of
good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on
these things.” Very few (most likely none) programs would meet the
qualifications of this verse. 1 John 5:21, “Little children, keep yourselves
from idols. Amen.”
 
Many have noted how evil television programming has become and have
made comments to suggest that if it gets any worse they will have to stop
watching it. Well it continually gets worse, inhibitions are lowered, evil
becomes more acceptable and the day to remove it never seems to come
for most. Has the programming ever become more moral or godly? If it
were, would God desire you to sit in front of a box all day? A religious man
once told me about how awful television programming had become. I told
him that he should turn the television off and take it out of his home. He
became quiet and quickly dropped the subject. He was willing to

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acknowledge the darkness (evil), but that was the extent. This is why
some do not approach the light (Jn 3:20) and that’s the condemnation (Jn
3:19). Christ once told the Pharisees: John 9:41, “Jesus said unto them, If
ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore
your sin remaineth.” In other words if you are ignorant about a sin,
perhaps you could plead innocence. If you have knowledge of God’s truth,
yet ignor it or if you see your sin (have knowledge of it) and ignore it (or
justify), then you are definitely guilty. You no longer have a cloak for your
sin (Jn 15:22). James 4:17, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good,
and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
 
Many fill their lives with all sorts of distractions. These preoccupations
take away from the really eternally important things such as prayer, bible
study and family altars. The sad thing and an indictment is that many
families feel uncomfortable studying and discussing God’s Word together
or they just don’t know how. Perhaps it’s to convicting of their desired
actions. Many may also feel awkward praying for any length of time.
However, these same individuals could possibly talk for hours about a
sports event, news item or popular movie. Many need to relearn and
develop new ways of doing things. People naturally do not like change and
the flesh will fight this. Developing a new life is awkward at first, and
maybe uncomfortable, but then soon replaces the old life as the norm. We
must all rebuild on a sure foundation (1 Cor 3:11). In any case this will
not happen until your heart changes toward God. You must cry out in
repentance and allow God to convert you as only He can do.
 
Parents and grandparents who “profess Christ,” how can you allow your
precious little ones to be subjected to and taught by such evil? Even the
Disney tapes have been occultic since the early days with sorcerers,
fairies, witches, etc. Disney goes by the term, “Magic Kingdom.”
Scriptures have always revealed magicians and their enchantments as
opposing God and associated them with sorcerers, soothsayers, Chaldeans
and astrologers (Dan 2:2, 27, 4:7, 9, 5:11). Pharaoh’s Magicians
withstood Moses with their enchantments in the book of Exodus, chapters
seven and eight. Examples of occult in Disney would be Bedknobs and
Broomsticks, Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty,
Cinderella, Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Fantasia. No matter how you
glamorize witchcraft, it is still an abomination to God and challengers His
purposes (Ex 22:18, Lev 19:31, 20:6, Deut 18:10-13). The symbol of
Disney – Mickey Mouse, is often depicted in a sorcerers outfit with a magic
wand. Scriptures reveal that sorcerers are a great abomination with God –
a serious evil. So why do most view this as so innocent? – where does
your heart align, with God or the world? God has some grave things to say
concerning sorcerers in the book of Revelation (21:8, 22:15). The movies
absolutely have messages that are rebellious to God’s truth and seek to
teach worldly values. You can take your children to religious services and
send them to religious schools all you want, but the television and your
actions will probably become the real teachers.

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So, is television really a serious issue? Jesus said, Mark 9:47-48,  “And if
thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the
kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell
fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched (fire that
shall never be quenched, Mk 9:43-46, the worm – Is 66:24).” What do
you suppose Jesus was talking about? Jesus was saying that this issue of
sin and worldliness is so serious that you should go to whatever extreme
you have to in order to stop it. Hell is unimaginably bad! Christ was not
kidding, but was strongly emphasizing the effects of exposing your heart
to evil. Jesus repeats this statement, concerning the eye offending, twice
in the book of Matthew (Mt 5:29 and 18:9) – this means “pay attention” -
he that hath ears to hear. Do you always set the Lord before you (Ps
16:8)? When considering your relationship with Christ and the love of the
things of the world, you should ponder the question Jesus asked: Luke
6:46, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I
say?” Having read how Jesus walked when He was on the earth, surely
one cannot imagine Christ in a recliner in front of the television (WWJD?).
Jesus would never have taken pleasure in sin, loved the things of the
world, or entertained Himself. Why do you suppose that He would have
you do such? Those who would say Christ did what He did so we would not
have to, have basically turned the grace of God into lasciviousness and
made Christ the minister of sin (Jude 1:4, Gal 2:17). You are saying that
rather than deliver you from sin; Jesus came to allow you to do sin. This is
evil and blasphemous. This is saying that God, who would not overlook or
excuse sin, sent His only Son to justify sin. Where is the reconciliation in
that? This presumption would have God conceding to the will of man and
ultimately to that of Satan. The fact is that Jesus is the firstborn of many
brethren (Rm 8:29). Brethren are those who resemble each other. You
could never overcome on your own, but you sure can through Jesus
Christ. Jesus says that you must be an overcomer (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 26,
3:5, 12, 21, 21:7, 1 Jn 5:4). Why would Christ have us overcome if He
had overcome for us?
 
Our eyes must be on Jesus. Luke 11:34-36,“The light of the body is the
eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light;
but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed
therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body
therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of
light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.” Having
a single eye means that you are focused on Christ and not Christ and the
world. To look upon and enjoy darkness is to be filled with such. You
cannot claim to love Christ and then enjoy those things that oppose Him.
Your actions always become your choices – conscious or not.
 
Joshua 24:15, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose
you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers
served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the

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Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will
serve the LORD.” The question is whom will you serve? The gods of this
land as paraded across the television screen every night. These are gods
of money, sensual pleasure, lusts, covetousness, violence, entertainment,
self, and all manner of evil. One day you will stand before the one true
God. The countless hours of wasted time taking pleasure in evil will surely
be noted. How will you respond? Did you love God enough to seek Him
everyday? Was He the passion of your heart? Did you ever take the time
to read through His Word? Jesus said: Matthew 12:37, “For by thy words
thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” How
much more by the thoughts and intents of the heart? 1 Corinthians 10:14,
“Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.”
 
Many a conservative (patriotic?) religious man has taken issue with the
liberal news media. These constantly talk about how the media is liberal or
anti-Christian. They tell of their secret agendas or political leanings. The
odd thing is that these same ones depend upon the liberal news media for
all their information. The entire world’s news media is talking about the
same things – worldly things. Conservative or liberal, makes no
difference, there is only one needful thing and that is the Word of God.
The wise will understand and remove themselves from the things of the
world. Your mind will either be on the things of the world or the things of
God. There will always be worldly stories and issues designed to captivate
you and put your mind upon them – a little for the conservative and a
little for the liberal. If you really want to know the truth, both conservative
and liberal are headed in the same direction (the wrong one) - not in
rhetoric, but in actions. The news programs and talk shows usually pit one
group against another (political, ideological or special interest). This
produces bitterness and hatred – even from the conservative religious
folk.
 
Most will take issue with what has been said in these paragraphs because
the Lord’s conviction will now force a decision – for the inhabitants of the
earth have been made drunk (have lost their inhibitions, senses have
dulled) with such fornication (Rev 17:2). Most will choose to continue in
the darkness, but justification will now need to be sought by those who
“profess Christ,” but love the darkness (Pv 1:7, 23-33). Can you honestly
stand before God and tell Him you are justified to do these things? If so,
what biblical text can you possibly base your opinion upon given the
Lord’s desire that we have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
darkness or pleasure in unrighteousness? Ultimately you will answer for
such things. Please consider this very carefully: Galatians 5:24, “And they
that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” The
author came to this point in realizing that although “religious,” I had loved
the darkness and not the light. A man once told me that he believed much
of the defeat in his life was due to the television. This shined light upon
my darkness. At first I considered the fact that the television had always
been there and was such a huge part of my life – how could it be

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forsaken? It taught, comforted, pacified, informed, held my attention,
provided, and passed the hours away. In short, the television was seated
in the place of Christ; it was an idol, a god. Is it any different with you? I
may have been a bit reluctant at first, but the conviction remained (Ps
119:59). When I look back, those were dark times in my life. The decision
was difficult because the darkness around me was great and the
stronghold was well established. Praise God for the freedom today – all
things are possible through Jesus Christ. My duty as a member of the
church (Ekklesia – body of Christ) is to exhort and admonish those who
profess Christ to walk therein. I therefore urge you to come to the light – I
plead with you. Please abstain (withdraw, go without, give up) from
fleshly lusts which war against your soul (1 Pt 2:11). Some will say that
they could not live without the television. What you are really saying is
that your life is found in television. Our lives are suppose to be found in
Christ (Col 3:4), not that which opposes Him. Woe! For those who will
profess love for Christ, but continue to have eyes for another (world)
courting/wooing it with their time, resources and devotion (idolatry) while
disregarding the evil and seeking its dainties (covet): Ephesians 5:5-7,
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor
covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of
Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of
these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” Psalm 97:7, “Confounded be all
they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship
him, all ye gods.” There will be an accounting (Rm 14:12). Proverb 1:5, “A
wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of
understanding shall attain unto wise counsels (also Job 5:17, Pv 12:1,
17:10).” Proverb 9:9, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet
wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” Removing
oneself from evil is very wise – he that has an ear! Proverbs 15:10,
“Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that
hateth reproof shall die.”
 
It is worthwhile to note that this idol – known as television (that most
cannot do without) only came into being very recently in the history of
man. Television was not readily available to the public until the 1950’s. On
the timeline of man this is just a small blip at the end of the age,
characterized as in the time of Noah – when wickedness abounds. Those
who live in this last generation will be unique compared to those who
came before. When God looks at your life, how will this idol have
influenced it. Will you have been wise? The children of Israel had a very
difficult time parting with their idolatry (ex. worship of Baal and Ashtaroth
– the groves, Jdg 2:13, 3:7, 10:6, 1 Sam 12:10) and likewise the men of
today have a tremendously hard time parting with their idolatry (ex.
television). An honest question: The television and Bible disappear from
your home one day. Which will be first noticed as missing? Which one will
be missed (grieved or yearned for) the most? - be honest, consider
normal use.

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A New Doctrine?
 
The television topic was covered thoroughly because it is a perfect modern
day example of worldliness, idolatry and all manner of sinfulness that
most participate in with little thought that it may be wrong. Many will
attend religious services to worship God on one day and spend the rest of
the week in front of the television worshipping the world and never even
see the hypocrisy. 1 Corinthians 10:21, “Ye cannot drink the cup of the
Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table,
and of the table of devils.” So, am I trying to establish some new doctrine
that you must stop watching the television in order to be saved?
Absolutely not! This is just applying God’s Word to a modern day example.
Taking pleasure in unrighteousness is a huge indicator of an unconverted
heart. However, serving God out of fear or compulsion is no better and
does not correct the root problem. I will not establish a list of do’s and
don’ts because to change the outside, without having changed the inside
would be pointless and legalistic. Luke 11:39, “And the Lord said unto
him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the
platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.” Matthew
23:26, “Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and
platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” We must first be
converted and receive God’s nature whereby God writes His laws in our
hearts and minds (Heb 8:10-11 & 10:16). This is cleaning our inside. Our
attitude toward God must change. Then we serve and obey God due to
correct motives (attitudes), out of love and devotion. Having done this,
our outside will reflect our inside. Only God can truly change our hearts
and we must seek Him. Look at how the Holy Spirit changes us: Romans
12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and
acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The Spirit works on us to renew our
very nature (thoughts) to freely want to do what’s good and acceptable in
God’s will. We obey His laws (by the Spirit) because it is our desire to do
His will, but keeping the law is not our salvation – Jesus Christ is. We obey
out of love for Christ and due to our new nature in faith (Jn. 14:15). Our
obedience is demonstrated through our actions as convicted in our hearts.
 
If we just obey rules and laws with no change on the inside then we are
trusting in the rules and laws to save us and God will hold us accountable
to the letter. James 2:10, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and
yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” We will also fail because it
would be in our own strength. The Word of God does not profit unless it is
mixed with faith in them that hear it (Heb 4:2). Galatians 3:11, “But that
no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The
just shall live by faith” (Also Heb 10:38). Abstaining from filth (what’s on
TV) will not save us (only faith in God), but our faith will lead us to abstain
from the filth  - there is a difference (1 Pt 3:21-22). You cannot have a

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heart for God and then desire to do what opposes Him. Amos 3:3, “Can
two walk together, except they be agreed?” Abstaining from TV or
anything else is to no avail if you do not understand the merit of why you
should and if you do not understand the wrongfulness and the bondage of
sin you are under (1 Pt 3:21). Let us hold fast and not waiver in our faith
realizing that our faith will manifest itself in our deeds (Heb 10:23, Js
2:14, 17-26). This is one of the seeming paradoxes in scripture. So, if we
are truly converted in our hearts with a love for God, we will not desire
nor enjoy seeing all manner of sinfulness as depicted on television
because it opposes Him and we wish to bring glory and honor to our King.
 
When your heart (affections) is truly changed, you will serve God freely
and live righteously – you will delight in Him! There is peace and freedom
from all the imposed requirements and obligations of man (Mt 11:29-30).
You do not serve out of fear (hell), obligation, tradition, habit, peer
pressure, emotion or gain. When you have truly experienced God in your
life you do not seek to justify the minimum acceptable level of effort on
your part needed to receive or maintain salvation. You do not test the
envelope to see how far you can venture from the light into darkness and
yet still remain within the bounds of salvation. In other words you do not
use God’s provision of mercy and forgiveness (1 Jn 1:9) as a means of
compromise for living in the flesh. Many are wise to do evil, but to do
good they have no knowledge (Jer 4:22). The difference is that some will
look for loopholes while the true followers will live by the intent from the
heart. Things you once took no heed of now become unacceptable. As you
yield to the Holy Spirit, you become changed into Christ’s image. If you do
not yield you become stagnate or fall back. God allows us freewill;
otherwise love will not be the motivation or fruit. God operates within that
freewill. When we get out of line, God chastens us as a loving Father so
we will not be condemned with the world (1 Cor 11:32) and will be
partakers of His holiness and thus yielding the fruit of righteousness (Heb
12:5-11). Ultimately we will stand before God for acceptance or
condemnation (Mt 3:12, 12:36, 13:47-48 & 25:32-34, 41; Lk 3:17, Jude
1:15) – all judgment is given into the hand of the Son (Jn 5:22, Acts
10:42) who will judge righteously (Jn 5:30, 7:24 & 8:16, Rm 2:5, 2 Thess
1:5, Rv 16:7). Romans 14:12, “So then every one of us shall give account
of himself to God.” Jesus will make manifest the counsels of hearts (1 Cor
4:5). Beware: Luke 3:9, “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the
trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn
down, and cast into the fire.”
 

Becoming a Hermit?
 
Having read thus far, many will assume that the author is proposing that
we all move into individual caves somewhere and live like monks. Nothing
could be farther from the truth. The author is proposing something more
difficult. We must consider what brings God glory. God placed each of us

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in a world that is in rebellion to His will. God knows that we are in the
midst of such sin and revolt. Where is the glory in this? God receives glory
when we freely, lovingly and openly choose to serve Him in the midst of
those who do not. We become lights and witnesses (Mt 5:14-16).
Consider how Job brought glory to God (Job, chapters 1 & 2). Also
consider Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Daniel, John the Baptist and
Jesus. There is no doubt that we will suffer reproach in standing up for
God and this reproach brings God glory. To suffer in the flesh, we must
deny the flesh (it’s glory and honor) and truly exercise our faith toward
God. We obey and live the truth of God’s Word for all to see. When we
choose God to our own demise, He receives glory. We are choosing Him
over the world and the things therein (including man’s opinions). You will
not fit in with the world because to do so you will have been overcome by
it. In other Words, your witness will cease as you become as that which
you should differ. Putting away the television idol will get you lots of
attention from those around you. This will be a bold and shocking
conviction to most and a testimony of your devotion to God and intention
to walk in His truth. Good or bad, this is a tremendous witness – your
life’s example. You will suffer reproach and hatred from a rebellious world
due to your stand for righteousness (Lk 6:22-23, 1 Jn 4:5). There are
other shocking (to most) examples to come in this book – it’s a narrow
path too rugged for the flesh.
 

Grieving Over Sinfulness

 
The world is full of evil, but many seem to have no discernment or worse,
have just become indifferent, participant or accepting of it? Ezekiel 9:2-
6,  “And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which
lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand;
and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn
by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar. And the
glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he
was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with
linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side; And the LORD said unto
him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem,
and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for
all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others
he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let
not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: Slay utterly old and young, both
maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon
whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the
ancient men which were before the house.” When you cease to grieve and
sigh over the evil that is done around you it is sure sign of tacit approval
and indifference – or participation (Jer 8:6, 12)! Are you ashamed? Do
you blush (Jer 8:12)? This is a heart that is far from God. Romans 3:18,
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Those that love the darkness
(or are indifferent to it – desensitized) will face an eternal death without

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pity (Ez 7:4). The Lord hearkens to those who fear Him and think upon
Him (Mal 3:16). Notice that God said to begin with His sanctuary. How
many grieve over the sin that abounds (Ps 119:158)? Isaiah 5:18, “Woe
unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a
cart rope.”
 
Let us consider Lot: 2 Peter 2:6-9, “And turning the cities of Sodom and
Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them
an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just
Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation (living) of the wicked: (For that
righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his
righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) The Lord
knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the
unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” Lot was greatly
disturbed by the evil around him. The others in the city were not disturbed
by the evil – and participated. Lot was delivered, the others were not –
even though they were given opportunity to repent. Much evil goes on
everyday all around us. Much of this is so common place that it is just
accepted. Have you become desensitized to all of it? Perhaps many are
apart of it when they should be grieving. The author has been referred to
as fanatical and extreme by “professed Christians” for pointing out much
of the subtil evil done all around. We must abstain, abhor, eschew,
refrain, depart, hate, cease, reprove and cleanse ourselves from all evil
(eph 5:11, 1 Pt 3:11, 1 Thess 5:22, Rm 12:9, Ps 37:27, 97:10, 119:101,
Pv 3:7, 8:13, 14:16, 16:17, Is 1:16, Amos 5:15, 2 Cor 7:1).
 
When you grieve and sigh over the sin, rebellion and self-seeking that are
manifested all around you, then you can begin to see the merit of Christ.
You run to Him because you realize how pure and undefiled He is –
blameless, totally righteous, holy and without fault – well pleasing (Rev
4:8-11, 5:12). You realize that Jesus is the ultimate fruition of the nature
that you now have. Jesus as a man was the perfect image of God and now
He is raised in absolute Majesty and power. He is just and marvelous and
totally worthy of all glory, power, authority and rule (1 Pt 5:11). Jesus has
a dominion that is totally encompassing and will never end (Eph 1:21, Col
1:16). Christ’s name is above all and deservedly so (Php 2:9). You run to
Him because you desire to be as He is and you seek deliverance from the
sin and evil around you – that which vexes you everyday. This world is
rebellious to God’s purposes and does not receive those who seek Him.
Jesus is where the peace and comfort are for those who will follow. For
those who take no pleasure in the darkness around them, Jesus is a bright
and shining light with an irresistible draw. For those who have been given
God’s nature (new creature, 2 Cor 5:17), Christ is the virtuous fellowship
we seek (1 Pt 1:15-16). Those that come to that light must leave the
darkness (Jn 3:20-21). To appreciate the light, one must first learn the
wrongfulness and despair (misery, desolation, hopelessness, anguish,
gloom, and despondency) of the darkness and repent of their unrighteous
participation (Ez 33:11).

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So What is Following?
 
Following Christ is not a once made decision. Choosing to follow Jesus is
made through a myriad of decisions you encounter everyday. You are
confronted with these choices daily and you must choose Christ every
time. The topics may be endless, but you must choose Jesus over self and
situation. Who will rule over your life, self or Christ? Whose purposes will
be fulfilled, yours or Christ’s? Most will not even give thought to the
majority of life’s situations or their choices because God is not in their
thoughts (Ps 10:4, Mal 3:16). Many just do not grieve, sigh and cry over
the sin around them. Some situations may be much more revealing
regarding right and wrong and a compromise may be sought to
soothe the flesh. When we truly follow Christ, His Spirit will work
in our hearts to conform us to Christ’s image daily. This is done by
seeking God’s will and purpose over our own. Day by day, thought
by thought, decision by decision, situation by situation, you are
conformed to Christ’s image if you are being led by His Spirit (Rm
8:14, 2 Cor 4:16). Cumulatively, you are transformed into His
likeness. Your decisions for Christ may not always make you
popular with those around you. Remember the narrow path is not
well traveled (few). That majority traveling the broad path will
never understand those on the narrow (Gal 4:29).A heart that
grieves over sin is a pliable one that can be shaped for God’s
purposes.
 
The condemnation that man will face before God is that man refuses to
admit his fault – to see his wrong – the transgressions and rebellion
against God. Man will mostly justify his wickedness or blame others for his
faults/wickedness. This is a situation that cannot be forgiven because no
fault is acknowledged. Forgiveness can only be sought by one who
recognizes and grieves over his wrong. Forgiveness can only be granted to
one who turns from the wrongs he has committed. Why forgive if there is
no intent to reconcile? God is more than merciful, the condemnation will
be that God’s mercy was not sought.
 
There is only one true way to follow Christ and that is with a whole heart.
When our hearts are right we will choose to freely obey God in all
situations because we love God – He is our desire. No one will make us or
tell us we have to. When we come to this place, we have true Christian
liberty. Many may attempt to follow through fear. Perhaps fear of hell or
fear of what family members (man) will say. Sheep will follow, but goats
must be driven. If serving God seems compulsory, restrictive or like a
burden, then you are being driven. Those who are driven will be quick to
compromise or find a less restrictive path. Those who are driven will only
want to do the minimum that seems to be required. Those who are driven
will always wonder, “what’s in it for me (Job 21:15, 35:3).” Those who are

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driven may do things in secret. Those who are driven find comfort in
numbers. Those who are driven will at best grudgingly follow God. Those
who are driven will seek a multitude of counsels until they hear what they
are looking for (Ps 5:10). Hosea 14:9, “Who is wise, and he shall
understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways
of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the
transgressors shall fall therein.”
 

Blindness?
 
Oftentimes Jesus uses blindness as an illustration of the lack of spiritual
understanding. Those who are spiritually blind have not a love for the
truth (2 Thess 2:10). Those who seek the truth with an intent to live
within it, have their eyes opened. Jesus healed many of physical
blindness, but His purpose was to bring light to spiritual blindness.
Matthew 20:30, 32-34, “30  And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way
side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have
mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. And Jesus stood still, and called
them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him,
Lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them,
and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and
they followed him.” These men cried to Jesus in faith recognizing their
great need for him. There is a dual message here. These men’s need may
have seemed physical, but it was also very much spiritual. After receiving
sight they “followed Jesus.” When we receive spiritual insight, we must be
faithful and follow Christ. When our eyes are spiritually opened, following
Christ will be the evidence.
 
We must seek and follow Christ regardless of what others may say. Mark
10:46-52, “And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with
his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of
Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was
Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David,
have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace:
but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on
me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call
the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus
answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?
The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And
Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And
immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.” This
man understood his great need for Christ and cried out to God in faith. We
must come to this same place in our lives. Man tells us that we must hold
our peace and seek God man’s way – perhaps a little less dramatic. Men
(crowd) were between Bartimaeus and Christ and he realized that his
hope was not in following man (or heeding man’s way) so he cried out

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even more intently. Had Bartimaeus listened to man, he would still be
blind and his faith would have been crushed. Man can be a great
stumblingstone in the path to God. When we truly see our need for God
and cry out to Him, He responds. We must recognize that our hope is in
Him and not man. Bartimaeus came to Christ and cast away his garment
(old life). We must be willing to forsake the old sinful fallen way for the life
that is only found in Christ. This man’s faith in Jesus saved him and then
he “followed” Christ in “the way.” Notice that after one receives spiritual
sight, they follow. This is the fruit! We must look to God, disregard man,
forsake the old, and have great faith and follow daily.
 
Here’s a secret: Psalm 25:14, “The secret of the LORD is with them that
fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.” When we desire to know
and perform God’s will, He will lift the blindness from our eyes and we will
understand. Matthew 11:25, “At that time Jesus answered and said, I
thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid
these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto
babes.” We must become humble and dependant to see the kingdom of
God. The wise and prudent are proud and self sufficient. These do not and
cannot see their need for repentance and a new heart (Is 6:9-10). Those
who are babes before Christ understand what the most learned cannot (Lk
10:21, 1 Cor 1:19, 27-28). Jesus once took a blind man out of the city of
Bethsaida to heal him (Mk 8:22-23). Why? Because that city was full of
unbelief. Luke 10:13, “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee,
Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which
have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in
sackcloth and ashes (also Mt 11:21).” Once the man was healed Jesus
told him not to go into the town or tell anyone in the town (Mk 8:26). Woe
to Bethsaida!
 
Jesus had been teaching in the temple. The religious men did not receive
the things Christ was saying. John 8:59 – 9:1, “Then took they up stones
to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going
through the midst of them, and so passed by. And as Jesus passed by, he
saw a man which was blind from his birth.” Jesus came as a light into this
world that we would not walk in darkness (Jn 8:12). Jesus said regarding
the blind man: John 9:4-5, “I must work the works of him that sent me,
while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am
in the world, I am the light of the world.” The religious had rejected God’s
light, but here was a man who would receive it (Is 42:16). Notice that
Christ is not concerned about the many who were busy seeking stones,
but only the one. The modern religious tell us we (as if we can do
anything) must mass convince/convert the multitudes, but Christ is still
concerned about the one. The man being born blind is representative to
the spiritual blindness we are all born into (nature). John 9:6-7, “When he
had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and
he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him,
Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went

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his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.” Jesus required faith
(obedience) of the blind man. The religious had questioned everything
Jesus had done, this man just obeyed in faith and was made whole and
came seeing. This great miracle was performed as a result of his
willingness to obey. This was far more than a physical healing, but a
conversion of the heart. When the religious heard of the blind man’s
healing, they were not so impressed. Seems Jesus had healed this man on
the sabbath and this was a big religious no, no (they didn’t understand
the intent of the sabbath). A big inquisition was held concerning the
matter and when the blind man acknowledged Jesus, he was
excommunicated out of the synagogue (Jn 8:34). The religious told the
blind man that he was a sinner (Jn 9:34) and it turns out they were
sinners also. He saw his great need for Christ, the religious men did not –
this was the big difference. The religious thought they were serving God,
but were blind and far from Him. The blind man ended up seeing and
serving God. John 9:35-39, “Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and
when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of
God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that
talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which
see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.” The
blind man received the light, humbled himself and worshipped the source.
Recall from Chapter Two (Jesus didn’t Exalt Self) that Jesus did not exalt
Himself by revealing who He was. Jesus did reveal Himself to this blind
man. Why? He was willing to suffer reproach for Christ’s sake, was
obedient to Christ’s commands (Jn 9:7) and had a heart to receive (his
parents were not – Jn 9:20-22). Christ has said: John 14:21, “He that
hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and
he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will
manifest myself to him. (Also Rev 3:20)” The self righteous religious men
rejected the light and compounded their darkness. The humble are exalted
and the proud are abased (Mt 23:12).
 

It’s a Heart Thing!

 
God is looking at our hearts (searcheth) and He desires (reaches out to)
those that truly want to serve Him (2 Chr 16:9, 1 Cor 4:5, 1 Kg 8:39, 2
Chr 6:30) – He understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts (1 Chr
28:9). Psalm 119:2, “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that
seek him with the whole heart.” That which is in our heart will manifest in
our outward actions. David was a man that truly loved God with his whole
heart. David had sinned and done some grievous things. He committed
adultery and then premeditated a murder to cover it up. However, David
truly recognized his sin, grieved, and repented before God and followed
Him with his whole heart. The key is that David grieved over his
transgression and changed direction. David was a King, yet still greatly

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humbled himself before the King of Kings. Acts 13:22, “…he raised up
unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and
said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart,
which shall fulfil all my will.” Notice that God was delighted because his
heart was to do God’s will. To fulfill God’s will is to accomplish it. This is
what it’s all about! This was not the end result with David’s son Solomon
(Deut 17:17). Solomon had followed the Lord, but: 1 Kings 11:4, “For it
came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his
heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his
God, as was the heart of David his father.” Solomon built the high places
that became a snare for the people and kings of Judah (1 Kgs 11:5-9, 2
Kgs 23:13). Solomon’s son, Rehoboam did not prepare his heart to seek
the Lord and this was evil (2 Chr 12:14). Let’s consider King Amaziah: 2
Chronicles 25:2, “And he did that which was right in the sight of the
LORD, but not with a perfect heart.” Notice that God acknowledged his
deeds, but was looking at his motives. Amaziah served God in a legalistic
sense (Pharisaical) and his service, however right it may have been, was
of no value. Now consider King Asa: 1 Kings 15:14, “But the high places
were not removed: nevertheless Asa’s heart was perfect with the LORD all
his days.” He didn’t walk perfectly (the high places had been built by
Soloman – 2 Kgs 23:13), but his heart was right before God and this was
what was ultimately important. However, we must not be fooled into
supposing that we can think one thing and do another. Our actions will
reveal our true nature. So following a list of do’s and don’ts does not profit
at all if done for any reason other than love and devotion to God. If one
has such love and devotion to God, one will not intentionally walk in a
manner contrary to God either. You could never plot to do things you
know are wrong, yet still maintain love and devotion to God – it’s not
possible. King David said: 1 Chronicles 29:17, “I know also, my God, that
thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the
uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and
now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer
willingly unto thee.” God will test your heart (1 Thess 2:4, Jer 11:20,
17:10)! God knows the secrets of the heart (Ps 44:21). Consider what
was said of King Hezekiah: 2 Chronicles 31:20-21, “And thus did Hezekiah
throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and
truth before the LORD his God. And in every work that he began in the
service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to
seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.” He did that
which was in God’s will with all his heart and therefore, he did well.
 
The Lord is looking for the sincere and honest desire in our hearts to serve
Him (Lk 16:15). This will be manifested in our daily lives. If we confess
our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive. We must never use God’s mercy
and grace, as a means to live out our own will and selfish desire, our
actions will betray us. God sent His prophet: 1 Kings 14:7-8, “Go, tell
Jeroboam, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Forasmuch as I exalted
thee from among the people, and made thee prince over my people Israel,

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And rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it thee:
and yet thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my
commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do that only
which was right in mine eyes.” King Jehu of Israel also took no heed to
follow God with all his heart (2 Kg 10:31). We must follow with a whole
heart to please God. King Hezekiah pleaded with God on his deathbed,
Isaiah 38:3, “And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I
have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done
that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.” God agreed and
added fifteen years to his life (v. 5). We must continually examine our
own hearts and motives and ask God to do the same and we must repent
if necessary (2 Cor 13:5, Ps 139:23). We must serve in love and faith.
Psalm 32:11, “Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout
for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.” One day, God will make manifest
the counsels of the heart of each individual (1 Cor 4:5). If you seek God
with all your heart, you will find Him (Jer 29:13).
 
Jesus said: Matthew 15:18-19, “But those things which proceed out of the
mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the
heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false
witness, blasphemies.” These are the things that defile a man. God is
looking at our hearts and they will most assuredly reveal where our
devotion is. For with the heart a man believeth on Christ unto
righteousness (Rm 10:9-10). We must live unto righteousness! Simeon
prophesied of Jesus coming in saying that He would be spoken against
because the thoughts of many hearts would be revealed (Lk 2:34-35). Oh
man, rest assured that what you put into your heart will certainly proceed
out again. Jude 1:21, “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the
mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Some have impenitent
(unrepentant) hearts and are storing wrath against the day of wrath and
revelation of the righteous judgment of God who will render to every man
according to his deeds (Rm 2:5-6). We must remember: Proverb 15:11,
“Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the
hearts of the children of men?” Hebrews 3:12, “Take heed, brethren, lest
there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the
living God.”
 
This is beautiful: 1 Corinthians 8:3, “But if any man love God, the same is
known of him.” When we truly love God, He knows who we are (Nahum
1:7). The Creator of all will know who you are if your heart is toward Him!
Will there be anything more precious on Judgment Day than to be in God’s
good favor? 1 John 4:17, “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may
have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this
world.” To love is to obey. 1 John 2:5, “But whoso keepeth his word, in
him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in
him.” 1 John 5:3, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his
commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”
 

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Yes Lord!
 
Are you a Pilgrim just passing through, following the path of Jesus?
There’s good news for you my friend, the path of Christ did not end at the
cross, but continued to life everlasting… Weary pilgrims will find rest and
purpose: John 14:2, “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were
not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” When we
follow Christ, we will be where He is (Jn 12:26). The Spirit is leading, who
will follow? The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to
lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He
restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his
name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they
comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine
enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will
dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (Ps 23)” The Lord is still leading
(for He is true to His Word), are you following (Is 49:10)? Or worse, are
you trying to do the leading?
 
Luke 9:23, “And he (Jesus) said to them all, If any man will come after
me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” You
will follow someone or something, but who/what? 1 Peter 2:21, “For even
hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an
example, that ye should follow his steps:” The path is narrow, but the
guide is sure. Suppose you were in a deep dark forest. There were many
obstacles such as thorns/briars, wild animals, quick sand, thick brush,
jagged rocks, and high mountains with narrow ledges. Suppose it was
pitch black and you had no light. You were hopelessly lost and without
provisions. If an expert guide suddenly showed up with knowledge of how
to traverse the forest and mountain and had all the necessary provisions
you would need (without any cost to you). Would you not be thrilled?
Would you not explicitly obey the guide’s directions? Wouldn’t all your
faith and trust be in the guide as your Savior? You can attempt to go
through this life on your own. Perhaps you will become hopelessly
entangled in the cares of this world, or be devoured by your adversary
(devil) and his schemes or sink in your own desires. You walk blindly not
knowing what the future holds or the outcomes of your many decisions.
God knows everything! He wants the best for you. Won’t you put your
faith and trust in Him alone? Your efforts will fail – It’s a given. His way
will never fail.
 
Jesus said over and over, “come follow me.” The invitation is still open,
but time is drawing to a close. John 20:21, “Then said Jesus to them
again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I
you.” It’s time to get busy following! What hinders you?
 

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Conclusion
 
The author does not want to imply in any way that if you are not walking
a perfect life that you are totally lost and on your way to hell. You must
examine the nature of your heart to determine if your affections are own
things heavenly or things earthly – your eternal condition is
determined/known by God alone. There is dissimilarity between living for
self and living for God and we must understand the difference. The
clearest indicator is in the affections of the heart. Who is seated as the
authority in your life – Christ or self? To live for Christ is to be self-
sacrificing in a way that places Jesus first in all aspects of your life and
denies the flesh to achieve this. You gladly yield your will to accomplish
His. Decisions are made based upon the Spirit and the Word. Spiritual life
is a daily consciousness (awareness) of the corruption of your own heart
and a grieving over any personal sin or sin around you – you recognize
your need for Christ. Your mind is stayed upon Jesus and your desire is to
become Christ like. Your relationship is ongoing through a daily walk of
faith and seeking of the Lord through study and application of His Word
and prayer (communication). Are you being led by the Spirit? Do you obey
when convicted? Living for self tends to manifest itself in seeking
(dwelling on) the good things in life (or needful) and a need for constant
entertainment as driven by personal desire. One who lives for self is
oblivious (unmindful) or complacent to most of the little sins (thoughts,
deeds, actions) in daily life. Proverbs 14:9, “Fools make a mock at sin: but
among the righteous there is favour.” Decisions are based upon what you
want to do or your goals in life. Sacrifice and denial are things to be
avoided and upsetting to your needs. Morality and lifestyle may be judged
by the majority actions of those around you rather than the truth and
intent of God’s Word. 2 Peter 3:14, “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye
look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace,
without spot, and blameless.” Peace is the reconciliation between God
(the Father) and man that Christ offers (through His great and accepted
sacrifice) – Rev 5:9. To be without spot and blameless is to hunger and
thirst after righteousness and conform to Christ’s image as led by the
Spirit (1 Jn 1:6, 2:4). Those in the flesh tend to put undue importance on
the here and now rather than having an eternal outlook that prepares for
the Lord’s return (2 Cor 4:18). Colossians 3:1-2, “If ye then be risen with
Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the
right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on
the earth.” A believer’s life is in heaven (not in this world); so we look for
our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to be with Him (Php 3:20).
 
Jesus’ message to the followers: John 12:24-26, “Verily, verily, I say unto
you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone:
but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it;
and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If
any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also
my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.”

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Chapter 4 – How to Approach God
 
Perhaps you have begun to realize that the reality you have known, this
earth and all that is therein, is only a temporary anomaly in God’s grand
plan for things and is quickly passing (2 Cor 4:18)? Romans 9:28, “For he
will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short
work will the Lord make upon the earth.” This does not mean that God
doesn’t love us, just that this world is fallen and short of God’s ultimate
desire. All of us have had sincere moments of deep thought and
consideration about what is really important. Maybe reality surfaced for a
passing moment at the death of a loved one or during a devastating
illness or accident. You know, what’s it all about? The home, money, cars,
possessions, career, etc. are suddenly seen in a better light (due to your
humbled-ness) as to what they really are: eternally worthless - without
merit. Perhaps some reading this book are starting to realize that the
truth of the gospel is much more than what the religious institutions of
man have presented it as. Christ’s doctrine was never one of self or the
flesh. God’s truth cannot be franchised, regulated and institutionalized by
man nor is His Spirit answerable to man or directed by him. Faith in Christ
is much more than a mere mental acknowledgement and agreement of
who Jesus is through a quick repeated prayer. Much more than the
voluntary, yet implied mandatory, church (religious) attendance and
observances. James 2:19, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou
doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” The devils believe in
God, they know personally of His certainty (Mk 1:34). Even though they
believe, they are in rebellion to Him since they sought their own will by
following Satan. Oh man, it shall be no different with you. Do you
acknowledge God, but seek your own will? Do your opinions drive your
belief? If so, then you are in the same rebellion as the devils. Better to
face this reality now than when you stand before the throne of God. You
now have the ability to change course, but do not delay. Time is a fleeting
thing in a fallen rebellious world. Once dead there are no more chances,
you will stand on the merits of the life you lived. Faith in God is not a
religion, it’s a relationship. Consider the true path to salvation as
presented by Jesus Christ.
 

Consider
 
Identifying with Christ in His own words (see scriptures): You must Seek
Him (Mt 6:33, 7:7); Know Him (Jn 8:31-32, 11:25-26); Count the cost of
following (Lk 14:28-32); Be drawn of God (Jn 6:44); Repent (Mk 1:15);
Forsake (Lk 14:33, 18:22); Die to self (Lk 9:24-25, Jn 3:30); Be born
again (Jn 3:3); Receive the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:26, 15:26-27, 16:7-14); Do
not sin (Jn 5:14, 8:11 & 34); Self denial (Mt 16:24); Obedience/Love to
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God (Jn 14:15,21); Love others (Mk 12:31); God must be the priority (Mk
12:30); Love not the world (Lk 12:15); Know God’s Word (Mk 13:30);
Control your thoughts (Mt 5:27-30); Follow Christ’s example (Lk 6:40);
Devotion (Lk 16:13); Produce fruit (works, Jn 15:5, 8); Forgive (Mt
18:21-22); Persecution (Lk 6:22); Faithful (Mt 25:21); Follow (Mt 16:24,
Mk 8:34, Jn 10:27, 12:26) and Endure, firm and steadfast in confidence
until the end (Mt 24:13, Heb 3:6, 14).
  
 
Sermon on the Mount
 
Jesus delivered what must be the perfect message, known as the Sermon
on the Mount. Jesus thoughtfully laid out the path to salvation for all who
will heed and apply the message. These are the beatitudes or the way God
would have us be, presented as nine “blessed” statements of character.
Jesus lived the Sermon on the Mount. The scriptures say that which is
highly esteemed among men is an abomination to God (Lk 16:15).
Therefore we find many opposites in scripture that conflict with and
confuse the will of man. God says to be great you must be least; to live,
you must die (to self); to gain you must lose and the last shall be first.
Man always desires to exalt himself, yet God says, Matthew 23:12, “And
whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble
himself shall be exalted” (Also 1 Pt 5:6). God hates the proud and
arrogant, but hears the humble (Ps 34:15-19). Man desires self-
sufficiency, God demands dependence upon Him (Ps 34:22, 37:5, 23-24,
39, 62:7-8, 119:114). Isaiah 45:22, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all
the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.”
 

Poor in Spirit
 
Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.” To approach Christ you must first see your need for Him. To be
poor in spirit would be to recognize your inabilities and limitations and
your great need for God. This is to be a beggar crying in need of help
displayed as brokenness before God, and pleading for His mercy. This is a
humbling of oneself before God and a perpetual dependence upon God. To
be poor in Spirit is a constant attitude of need and reliance upon God
rather than man (flesh). Realizing that you are nothing, have nothing and
can do nothing. This is an emptying the heart of self such that Christ may
fill it. You realize that you have nothing to offer God from self. Your best
works of righteousness far miss the mark of God’s expectations and they
are as filthy rags. You realize that nothing you could ever do on your own
merits could ever warrant God’s acceptance or justify you. This is a setting
aside of self, a self-loathing, a self rejection in all respects, a casting away
all hope in yourself, all self dependence, all trust in our own wisdom
(knowledge) or righteousness, or your efforts of being good, and every
thing else which is your own. The one who is poor in spirit recognizes their

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absolute wickedness and just condemnation. Only at this point can you
acknowledge that Christ is the only possible hope for your helpless
condition. You now begin to seek God. Being poor in spirit would be the
opposite of being prideful, arrogant and self-willed. There is no self-
confidence, sufficiency, interest or assertiveness regarding your own
efforts. To be poor in spirit is to be utterly helpless, humbled, broken (Ps
51:17), emptied and destitute before God. When you can come to this
place, God can use you and thus you can become a member of the
kingdom of heaven. The poor in heart’s plea is: Luke 18:13-14, “And the
publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto
heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a
sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than
the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that
humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Therefore: James 2:5, “Hearken, my
beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith,
and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?”
 
We must recognize our inabilities and great need for Jesus or we will trust
in self rather than God. We will seek our will rather than His purposes.
Consider Paul: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “And he said unto me, My grace is
sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most
gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of
Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in
reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake:
for when I am weak, then am I strong.” This is a paradox; we are strong
when we are weak (Heb 11:33-34)? We cannot depend on self. When we
recognize our weakness, then Christ can show Himself strong. Consider
the old song: Yes Jesus loves me – for I am weak (humbled, broken,
dependant) and He is strong. We are to depend upon God for all. This is
humbleness and brokenness before God. Psalm 34:18, “The LORD is nigh
unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite
spirit (also Ps 51:17).” Luke 6:20, “And he lifted up his eyes on his
disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.”
 

Those who Mourn

 
Matthew 5:4, Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
To mourn is to realize the sinfulness in your life and to have deep regret
and godly sorrow for past thoughts and deeds (Ps 32:5). To mourn is to
see the shame of thy nakedness (sinfulness). This would include your own
iniquities (transgressions) and those sins you have committed against
others. You must realize your wickedness and your own inability to correct
the condition as evidenced by agony and contrition concerning how you
have transgressed God’s will and been displeasing. To acknowledge how
you have brought shame and dishonor upon God. Deep heartfelt sorrow
for past sins is not sufficient and must be accompanied with a desire to
forsake all sin in your life. Isaiah 55:7, “Let the wicked forsake his way,

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and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD,
and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly
pardon.” This is to mourn after the sin itself and state of your heart and
not just the consequence or penalty such as being caught or the ultimate
penalty of eternal hell and damnation. The primary concern is that you
have sinned against the loving God causing a separation. Isaiah 59:2,
“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your
sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” You realize if
uncorrected that your separation from God will be eternal. You see that
sin was such displeasure with the Holy Righteous God that rather than
excuse it or overlook it, He sent His only begotten son to be the sacrifice
for your sins to make atonement. You must realize that your way has
been a failure and that your only hope is to turn to God – He is where the
comfort is. Psalms 126:5, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” You
realize that you must die to yourself and start living a life that conforms to
God’s will and that only Jesus Christ can make this happen. You’re no
longer self-centered, but God-centered. Those who mourn desire
reconciliation with God. You understand that forsaking your old life not
only means to abandon it, but also to not look back favorably on sinful
aspects of it (Ez 18:27-28, 33:19). Psalm 119:59, “I thought on my ways,
and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.” This is true repentance which is
a hatred for your sin and an unconditional surrender to the sovereign will
of God. Romans 2:4, “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and
forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God
leadeth thee to repentance?” This acknowledges your rebellion against
God and puts self aside while yielding to Him. Psalms 145:18-20, “The
LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in
truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their
cry, and will save them. The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but
all the wicked will he destroy.” Joel 2:12-13, “Therefore also now, saith
the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and
with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your
garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and
merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the
evil.”
 
True mourning is always accompanied by a change in one’s life. Mourning
is also a continuing attitude throughout life and a constant self
examination whereby one is grieved by any personal transgression against
God’s will in their life. You also sorrow and grieve for all the sin committed
by others around you and the wickedness in and of the world itself. To be
blessed in mourning seems like a paradox, but it brings one to the place
of seeing their need for Christ to realizing how precious His sacrifice really
is. At this point Jesus can provide the comfort that you now realize you
need. Proverb 28:13, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but
whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” God can do a
work in the one that confesses and repents. Psalm 86:5, “For thou, Lord,
art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that

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call upon thee.” The more we see our wickedness the more distinct the
purity and righteousness of our Savior will become. Those who do not
acknowledge their fault or shift blame to others show their continuing
rebellion and justify their just condemnation. These shame God and bring
disrepute on Christ’s great sacrifice, thus no mercy shall be shown. Luke
6:21, “…Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.”
 

The Meek
 
Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth (also
Ps 37:11).” Palms 22:26, “The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall
praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.” We must
strive day after day against the sin of pride and rebellion. By our fallen
nature we are quick to justify self. We tend to be self-centered, but
spiritual meekness must be God-centered. True meekness submits to
God's sovereignty (as righteous and just) and justifies the Lord even in
your own condemnation (Neh 9:33, Job 13:15, Dan Chap 9). God will
teach the meek His way (Ps 25:9, 116:6). Scriptures say that one day
every knee will bow and confess Christ as Lord – the good, the bad, and
the ugly (Rm 14:11). Meekness is to be yielded and submissive to God’s
divine will – a dying to self. Job was stripped of everything he owned, yet
he never defended himself, but said: Job 1:21, “Naked came I out of my
mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the
LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” The first full
demonstration of meekness is to be able to surrender everything to the
will of God and commit everything unto Him that judgeth righteously (1 Pt
2:23).
 
To be meek is to be able to take correction graciously, putting aside all
self-righteousness and not to complaining under God’s chastening. Psalms
139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know
my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in
the way everlasting.” The Lord’s honor is more important than your own.
When the honor of God is being destroyed, we must defend His honor and
His truth (Word). We must understand that meekness is not standing for
our own honor. It is standing for God's honor. Meekness is also
forbearance under injuries. We must be able to be reviled without reviling
again. We must be able to suffer without threatening. Spiritual meekness
is how we view ourselves with regards to others. Meekness prefers others
above oneself. Philippians 2:3, “Let nothing be done through strife or
vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than
themselves.”
 
Jesus displayed meekness as prophesied. Isaiah 53:7, “He was oppressed,
and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a
lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he
openeth not his mouth.” Jesus was obeying God by laying down His life,

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rather than justifying self or avoiding sacrifice. Christ was brought before
the Roman governor and falsely accused, yet He did not open His mouth
in self defense. John 19:10, “Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou
not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and
have power to release thee?” Jesus accepted His fate as God’s purposed it
and there was no reason to protest. Matthew 11:28-30, “Come unto me,
all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my
yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye
shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is
light.” We must ask ourselves, can we put aside our flesh and our
thoughts without protest? Can we seek God’s will and follow it even if it
inconveniences us greatly? Notice that Jesus said, “come unto me.” Those
who do not come are excluded. Those that labor and are heavy laden see
their need and Christ gives them rest. Those who do not are self sufficient
and do not see their need. Those who live for the flesh will continue to toil
and labor seeking their will. Those who seek God’s will shall rest and be
content. God dwells with him that is of a contrite (remorseful, repentant,
penitant, regretful) and humble spirit and He will revive such (Is 57:15).
These tremble at His Word (Is 66:2).
 

Hungering and Thirsting After Righteousness

 
Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after
righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Righteousness is purity of heart
and correctness of life. Hunger and thirst are two distinct needs that every
human has and understands. The lack of either will soon weaken one and
eventually result in physical death. You cannot have just one and not the
other and require both to survive. The combined effect of the two
produces a tireless craving and extreme yearning. Hungering and thirsting
after righteousness is a continuing process that never ends and is a
matter of eternal life or spiritual death. This craving follows you
throughout your daily life (not just on one religious day of the week).
Psalm 107:9, “For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry
soul with goodness.”
 
Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness,”
this must become the priority in your life (Mt 6:33). The truly repentant
are concerned that these spiritual needs will not be met. Thus Jesus said
you are blessed in this condition because you will be filled. Jesus is the
bread of life (broken body of Christ) that we must hunger after to be
made righteous. John 6:51, “I am the living bread which came down from
heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread
that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” Jesus
redeemed us with His blood from a debt that we could not pay and gave
us justification before God the Father. John 10:9, “I (Jesus) am the door:
by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out

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(justification), and find pasture (satisfy hunger).” Nothing short of Christ's
righteousness will satisfy your hungry soul – no good works on your part.
 
The Holy Spirit is the living waters that you must thirst after for
purification. John 4:14, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall
give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in
him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” To thirst for
righteousness is the desire that all things offensive to God be removed
from your heart – to be cleansed from all sin and wickedness. Any sin in
your life should be a great source of grief to you. The Holy Spirit works
within to sanctify you and to lead you daily. As the Spirit leads, you must
yield to God’s will as convicted. This is not becoming righteous in your
own strength, but living within Christ’s strength, power and ability. 2
Samuel 22:33, “God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way
perfect.” God is our only hope to be made perfect. Psalm 63:1, “O God,
thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my
flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.” The
Spirit will lead in paths of righteousness to holiness. Hebrews 12:14,
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see
the Lord.” Those seeking righteousness apply the Word of God to their
lives and gladly live within it, and only the Holy Spirit gives you this
ability. That which is impossible to man becomes possible through God.
Isaiah 55:1-2, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and
he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and
milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for
that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not?
hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your
soul delight itself infatness.” Our hope should be Christ: 1 John 3:3, “And
every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is
pure.” If we truly love and follow Christ, then our desire will be
conforming to His image. In doing so, we will soon realize that self has to
die for this to be possible. 1 John 2:29, “If ye know that he is righteous,
ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.” Luke
6:21, “Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled...”
 

Repenting and Regeneration

 
John 3:3, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto
thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
The first four beatitudes explain the work of regeneration whereby God
creates in you a new heart (Ps 51:10, Ez 36:26). 2 Corinthians 5:17,
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are
passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Water baptism is
symbolic of dying to ourselves, being washed and purified with the Word
and then living anew for God (Jn 15:3). The old sinful man is covered over
(with water) and dies. The new man in Christ Jesus emerges from the
water. The old man would be that self-willed, self-seeking, rebellious,

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sinful person that does what is right in his own eyes. One determined to
live according to his own will in a manner based upon his own fleshly
desires. Romans 6:4-7, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into
death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the
Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have
been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the
likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified
with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we
should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.” The old man
cannot be salvaged or improved and must die; you must be “born again.”
Ephesians 4:22-24, “That ye put off concerning the former
conversation (life) the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful
lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the
new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
Regeneration is an act that God alone can perform, Philippians 2:13, “For
it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
You must yield to Him. The sinful man cannot understand repentance
because it goes against his interest of self. The unconverted is pursuing
the things of this world, not denying them. How can such a man grasp
that all the things he lives for must be crucified and put to death on the
cross? The unconverted will seek the flesh and thus be blind to the Spirit.
God says we must be broken, but the lost seek self-sufficiency. TAKE
NOTE: Psalms 147:11, “The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him,
in those that hope in his mercy.” Its not about you or your efforts – God
wants your brokeness and faithfulness.
 
When we submit to God in faith, men become equal before God. There is
no advantage to being rich, influential, intellectual, strong, self-sufficient,
etc. These things are actually disadvantages that must be overcome in
submitting to Jesus Christ as Lord. We die to these things in yielding to
God’s will. We must cast self aside and all the things the flesh seeks and
elevates. Our sincere heart and brokenness before God to fulfill His
purposes is what is important. This equals us all and gives no advantage
to the flesh.
 
The next four beatitudes detail the fruits of conversion – evidences of
regeneration. Conversion is what comes out of a man. The evil thoughts,
hard attitudes, and unmerciful spirit must be converted. The work of
conversion is the work of grace as well as the work of regeneration. The
work of conversion is the evidence. It is the fruit. Jesus said: Matthew
7:20, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” This new heart is
seen in one’s life through one’s actions. Conversion is continuous and
progressive. The conversion of the heart or the fruits of regeneration are
shown in the last four beatitudes. The Pharisees (religious) so missed
what God desired (Mat 5:20). They thought they had salvation due to
their forced outward righteousness (they kept the letter of the law). Their
hearts were unchanged. Jesus told them: Matthew 23:25-28, “Woe unto
you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of

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the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter,
that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and
Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed
appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of
all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men,
but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” Their hearts were not
regenerated and they showed no fruit of conversion. Grace, which is the
circumcision of the heart, was never worked in their hearts. They had no
compassion and were indifferent to the suffering of others (1 Thess 2:15-
16). God puts a new spirit within you and creates a new heart (Ps 51:10).
God will work in us to do His good pleasure, but we must let Him. The
Spirit works on us to make us like Christ.
 

The Merciful
 
Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
Mercy is undeserved love and is one-sided love. God has shown great
mercy toward us by extending forgiveness to us regarding our rebellion
and many transgressions. This redemption came at a great price – the
death of God’s only begotten son. Titus 3:5, “Not by works of
righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved
us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” We
are restored and transformed by His Spirit. We are expected to show
mercy toward others. Jesus best explained this mercy in the parable of the
king who took account of his servants (Mat 18:23-35). A servant was
unexpectedly and totally forgiven of a tremendous debt (after showing
remorse). The king had compassion on the servant. This same servant
then showed no compassion on a fellow servant who owed a small debt
and had him put in jail until the debt could be paid. When the king heard,
he asked the servant how he, who had been forgiven of his entire debt,
could do such a thing. Why he had no compassion or pity. He was then
handed over to the tormentors until he paid all. Jesus then said: Matthew
18:35, “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from
your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.” To be
merciful is to show love, tenderness, and kindness to those who have
come against you with bitterness and hatred – a heart that disposes to
overlook injuries or to treat an offender better than he deserves. 1 John
4:20-21, “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for
he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God
whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That
he who loveth God love his brother also.” Matthew 5:44, 46, “But I say
unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them
that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and
persecute you; For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye?
do not even the publicans the same?” Romans 12:20, “Therefore if thine
enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou

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shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” Luke 6:35-36, “But love ye your
enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your
reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is
kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your
Father also is merciful.” 
 
The Lord requires us to show mercy to those who don't have the
necessities of life. Psalm 41:1, “Blessed is he that considereth the poor:
the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.” 1 John 3:17, “But whoso
hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up
his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”
James 2:15-16, “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily
food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and
filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to
the body; what doth it profit?” Romans 11:31, “Even so have these also
now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.”
James 2:13, “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath
shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” When we show
love and mercy to others, then have just as same as done it for the Lord.
Matthew 25:34-40, “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand,
Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from
the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat:
I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison,
and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord,
when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee
drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and
clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto
thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you,
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren,
ye have done it unto me.” All of our actions really do have consequences.
 

The Pure in Heart

 
Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” A
wicked heart (Jer 17:9-10) is a mind in a state of devotion to self; a pure
heart is a mind in a state of devotion to God. Jesus is our example: 1 John
3:3, “And every man that hath this hope in him (Jesus) purifieth himself,
even as he is pure.” The purity of Christ will cause us to see our own
impurity – that which we have become blind to and comfortable in. When
we have a revelation of Christ, then the purity of Christ truly shines into
our soul, then we see the impurities of our hearts. All of the impurities
found in our heart must be purged out. Revelation 21:27, “And there shall
in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh
abomination, or maketh a lie: but they (the pure) which are written in the
Lamb's book of life.” Isaiah 35:8-9, “And an highway shall be there, and a
way (narrow path), and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean

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shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though
fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast
shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall
walk there.” These are those who choose to walk in righteousness and
who have been redeemed from their sins (Mat 1:21). Isaiah 52:1,
“Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful
garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more
come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.” The circumcised of
heart (also see Deut 30:6) are those who gladly hunger and thirst after
righteousness, those who understand spiritual poverty, those who have
learned to mourn over sin. These are those who yield to God. Those who
have been converted no longer walk in the ways of the world.
 
To be pure in heart is to serve God with correct motives. We must truly
love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mk 12:30). This love
is developed as we trust and obey God in all things – we yield to His
authority. We must never seek God with ulterior motives that are self
serving. We seek to glorify God in all things by doing His will.
 
When the emptiness of our heart is filled with the things of this world we
don't understand what it means to be purified. The ability to see God is
blinded by impurities of the heart. 2 Corinthians 4:4, “In whom the god of
this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light
of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine
unto them.” The desires and motives of the heart must first become pure.
We must correct our attitude – Is it self serving? Pureness must come
from a heart of love. We may not stand before God with belligerence,
bitterness, false accusations, sharp tongue, and a wrong attitude. The
Spirit of the Lord dwells with those of a pure heart (1 Tim 5:22). They are
fully conscious of His presence. 1 Corinthians 6:11, “And such were some
of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the
name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” We cannot be
justified in Christ without also being sanctified (set apart - cleansed,
purified and made holy). If we continue to follow the things or course of
the world, we cannot claim nearness to Christ. We need the washing of
the water of the Word (Ps 12:6, 51:7, Pv 30:5-6). We must desire a
purging of any impurity of the heart. Note: you can have a righteous
exterior, but be inwardly wicked. Satan’s strongholds are set-up in the
heart. After one’s heart is made pure, you have no need to argue with a
man to persuade him to give up worldly entertainments or
unrighteousness he takes pleasure in (i.e. television). However, before his
heart becomes pure, your best arguments avail nothing. He will only think
there is no harm in it and seek to justify it. The pure in heart become very
guarded as to what they will allow in their hearts and are keenly sensitive
against everything impure – for what goes into the heart determines ones
nature and also proceedeth out (external actions). We live in a wicked
world and must be watchful to the things which defile the mind. Even a
trip to the discount store can be a spiritual minefield. Things that most

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find innocent will grieve the pure in heart. We are admonished to think on
pure things (Php 4:8) and keep ourselves pure (1 Tim 5:22). Our very
thoughts must be brought into obedience to Christ (2 Cor 10:5). Purifying
the heart is a continuous process (1 Thes 4:4). The Lord is glorified only
with righteousness and true holiness, submission, obedience, and
reconciliation (1 Pt 1:22-23, 2 Cor 7:1). Christ has opened the gate of
heaven far enough that the foremost of sinners can enter in, but that way
is too straight and narrow to allow impurity. 1 Corinthians 6:9, “Know ye
not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?…”
 

The Peacemakers
 
Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the
children of God.” In Paradise there was a perfect peace - between man
and God and between man and creation. Due to the horrible contention
and enmity which sin has brought into the world there was a great loss of
peace. James 3:17, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then
peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” Purity (as previously discussed)
must come before peace. Christ was the greatest peacemaker. Jesus
brought peace between God and man: Colossians 1:20, “And, having
made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things
unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in
heaven.” The Lord Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb
12:2), and He is the only Peacemaker to whom we can look for salvation.
Ephesians 2:14, “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath
broken down the middle wall of partition between us.” The middle wall is
the separation between sinners and God, and also between each of us
(Gal 3:28). Ephesians 2:13, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes
were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Through the blood of
the cross and the blessed sacrifice, peace was again restored for anyone
who repents and believes. Look how God reaches out to us: Isaiah 1:18,
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins
be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like
crimson, they shall be as wool.” Jesus stepped into the wrath of the Father
to appease His wrath against our sins. Psalm 85:10, “Mercy and truth are
met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” A just
and righteous God can now show mercy to an unworthy sinner through
the blood and righteousness of Christ. First we must make peace with God
by laying down all our rebellion and self-centeredness – holding on to
nothing. Secondly we must be peacemakers with our fellow man. No
person can be a true peacemaker until they have undergone the work of
regeneration and conversion - The heart must change to have charity
(love first directed toward God and then others) – to think the best of
everyone and desire the best for them (within God’s framework). Jesus
came: Luke 1:79, “To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the
shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

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A peacemaker must guard against anger (Eph 4:26), and love their
enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and
pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you (Matt 5:44).
The heart of a peacemaker is: Luke 6:31, “And as ye would that men
should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” When others do not treat
us this way, we must not lash out in vengeance, but look to our Lord’s
example and take tribulation and persecution patiently: 1 Peter 2:23,
“Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he
threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.”
Judgment is in God’s hands. Evil thoughts and words must be purged from
your heart - little sparks ignite such great fires (Jam 3:5). James 1:19-20,
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to
speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness
of God.” When someone has been taken in a fault, our heart should go out
to restore such a one (Gal 6:1). We must never become self-righteous or
look down upon others (Jam 2:2-4). Peacemakers acknowledge that there
can only be one authority (Eph 4:15 & Col 1:18) and constantly
encouraging people to walk under the Lordship of Christ (The Word) by
living His words (Bible). We desire God’s will to be done on earth as it is in
heaven. After all, this temporal existence is a test, if you are not walking
in God’s will now; God knows you will have not such interest later.
Romans 5:1, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ:” 2 Corinthians 13:11, “…be of one mind,
live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.”
 

Those Persecuted
 
Matthew 5:10-12, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for
righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye,
when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of
evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for
great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which
were before you.” When you become a “follower” of Christ you can just
expect persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12, “Yea, and all that will live godly in
Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Jesus said quite plainly, Luke 21:17,
“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.” We are further
told, Philippians 1:29, “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not
only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.” The truth is that if
you are not suffering in some way for Christ then this could be a negative
indicator concerning your relationship. Suffering and persecution can take
a toll, but we are told by Jesus, John 16:33,”These things I have spoken
unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have
tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” When you
are walking the narrow path, the flesh will be inconvenienced and there
will be a separation between light and darkness, spirit and flesh. You may
lose some friends and be unpopular. Luke 6:22-23, “Blessed are ye, when

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men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their
company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the
Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold,
your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers
unto the prophets.” Family members may not embrace or be
understanding of your new relationship with Christ. Matthew 10:34-37,
“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send
peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his
father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law
against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own
household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of
me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of
me.” We cannot have anything more important than Jesus in our lives and
this will bring persecution. Luke 14:26, “If any man come to me, and hate
not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and
sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.”
 

What Does Man Teach Us?

 
We live in a culture that teaches, instructs, insinuates, and implies,
through television, radio, magazines, newspapers, etc. the very opposite
of what God desires us to be. We are told we should be proud,
independent and self-sufficient. Consider how most are being led: 1) Self
confidence - You can do anything that you set your mind to. Be all that
you can be! Dress for success. Have a positive mental attitude. Be in
charge (control). Trust in your own abilities and constantly seek to
improve yourself through education, skills, and ingenuity. Mind over
matter – there’s nothing you can’t do. Beat the next guy! Dreams will
come true! 2) Self sufficiency – Depend and rely on no one. Make your
own way – be your own man (boss). Invest in your future. Charter your
own course. Money is power. Golden rule - He who has the gold makes
the rules. Be independent. Set for life – retire early. Dog eat dog world.
Save for a rainy day. Believe in yourself, there’s nothing you can’t do. 3)
Self centered - You work hard and deserve the things you have. Big I, and
little you. Have it your way! I know the things I like! Speedy service – the
customer is always right. Get all you can and can all you get. He who has
the most toys wins. Deny yourself nothing. Never be satisfied with second
best. You deserve a break today! If it feels good – do it! Pay yourself first.
No rewards for second best. No rules, just right (in your own eyes). Take
no prisoners. Where’s the beef? 4) Be proud of yourself and all your
accomplishments. Proud to be an American! Self exaltation – thinking of
yourself more favorably than others. I’m special! I deserve better! We are
the champions. I win and you lose.
 
The world teaches us that we must get, get, get. The Lord teaches us that
we must decrease and die and come under His authority. We must not
trust in ourselves, but in God alone (2 Cor 1:9, 3:5). Jesus says, “My

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grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness”
(2 Cor 12:9). Our weakness is our dependance upon Him.
 

The ME-attitudes
 
The other side of the beatitudes might be termed the “ME”attitudes or the
way ME would have you be. Rather than blessings, these are woes (grief).
This would be the way the flesh tries to reach God on it’s terms. By his
very nature, man wants to exalt his will above God’s. ME would have God
conform to its image and serve man.
 

The Rich
 
Luke 6:24, “But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your
consolation.” To be rich is the opposite of poor in spirit (Pv 13:7). The rich
tend to depend upon themselves (self-sufficiency) for their needs (Ps
52:7). Their confidence is in their abilities, ingenuity or resources. Jesus
said, “Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into
the kingdom of God (Mk 10:24)!” Notice the words: “trust in riches” (Pv
11:28). Whereas the poor in spirit see their wickedness and need for God
and are very repentant, the rich are self-righteous. The rich are very
proud of their many accomplishments and are confident in their
resourcefulness (Pv 21:4). Luke 1:53, “He (Jesus) hath filled the hungry
(for righteousness) with good things; and the rich (SELF sufficient) he
hath sent empty away.” Recall the Pharisees: outwardly they appeared
very righteous; they kept the law; gave to the poor; made impressive
public prayers; dressed religious; fasted; and never missed worship
ceremonies. Yet we are told our righteousness must exceed theirs or we
will not enter into the kingdom of heaven (Mat 5:20). Until we die to self
and see the need for God and yield to His authority we will never have the
heart and motivation God desires. The rich have received their comfort;
this is as good as it will ever get for them. Luke 18:11-12, “The Pharisee
(rich) stood and prayed thus with himself (note: SELF), God, I thank thee,
that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even
as this publican (sinner). I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I
possess.” Notice the dependence upon self and not God. The lord said he
was not justified (v. 14). The rich (wealthy, resourceful, influencial,
powerful, intelligent) have the greatest need to humble themselves before
Christ, yet they are the least likely to acknowledge it.
 
Those who Laugh
 
Luke 6:25, “…Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and
weep.” To laugh is the opposite of mourning. Those that mourn see the
sin and wickedness in their life (and around them) and it is much grief to
them. They constantly seek Jesus, who came to save them from their sins

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(1 Jn 3:5). They realize that only through Christ will victory be achieved.
Even very small sins (thoughts, attitudes, actions) will cause distress to
those who mourn. Those that laugh are oblivious to such things.
(Note: These may be religious people who are active in forms of religious
service). Sin is not a serious concern to those who laugh and this will be
evidenced through their thoughts and deeds (fruits). They may take
pleasure in unrighteousness through various daily entertainments,
thoughts or conversations. They see no contradiction in seeking the things
of the world. They had much rather focus on perceived liberties than
sacrifices. Self-denial, obedience, forsaking, discernment, and separation
are just fanaticism to them. Those that laugh want to die a righteous
man’s death, but do not want to live a righteous man’s life. Those that
laugh are not so much concerned for the sin in their life as they are for
the consequences of it (eternal punishment). Those that laugh believe in
God, those that mourn follow God. Those that mourn seek God on His
terms; those that laugh seek God on their terms (have a form of
godliness) although they assume this (blind) is also God’s terms. Those
who laugh continue basically unchanged; those who mourn change
considerably and continue to. Those who Laugh will eternally mourn and
weep. Matthew 25:30, “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer
darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” This is the
message for those who laugh: James 4:9-10, “Be afflicted, and mourn,
and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to
heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you
up.” Pray to God that you will be able to see your sin and your need and
mourn and weep greatly. Only through your heaviness of heart over your
transgression will you be able to approach the Holy living God.
 
The Full
 
Luke 6:25, “Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger…” Those that
hunger constantly seek to know God and have a vibrant living relationship
with Jesus Christ – to be filled with His Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). To truly know
Christ, is to follow His example down the narrow path. Those who follow
will humble themselves; be obedient; be meek; will partake of Christ’s
sufferings (2 Thes 1:5); and will be peacemakers. In other words, they
will die to self and be led of the Spirit in paths of righteousness while
making necessary sacrifices along the way. To be full is just the opposite
(Lk 1:53). Many are content to have once made some “belief statement”
and are content to sit on a pew in a religious structure while others tell
them smooth messages. When discussing the Lord they will tell you, “I go
to church” rather than about a personal relationship with any depth. To be
full is to be unconcerned about the daily walk that one must take with
cross in hand (Lk 9:23). To be full is to deny the work of sanctification the
Lord wishes to do in you. Those that are full will hunger for that
relationship with God when they are eternally separated. Sanctification is
the act of making holy. In an evangelical sense, the act of God's grace by
which the affections of men are purified or alienated from sin and the

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world, and exalted to a supreme love to God. Luke 12:16-21, “And he
spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man
brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What
shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he
said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there
will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul,
thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink,
and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall
be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast
provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich
toward God.” This man depended upon himself, was prideful and lived to
satisfy his own will. When we do not trust and depend upon God, the thing
that we think will save us shall surely fail. To be full is self reliance for
sure and is an exaltation of self. The full just do not realize their absolute
need for God. They do not appreciate how far they are missing the mark
and their lack of a true relationship. Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifices of God
are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not
despise.”
 
The Popular
 
Luke 6:26, “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so
did their fathers to the false prophets.” This is the opposite of suffering
persecution or tribulation for Christ’s sake. Historically, false prophets
have always been well received. Why? Because they tell men what they
want to hear. Isaiah 30:10-11, “Which say to the seers, See not; and to
the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth
things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the
path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.” They cry
peace when destruction cometh. Their messages appeal to the flesh, are
feel good, and never require self-sacrifice or denial. Jeremiah 5:31, “The
prophets prophesy falsely (feel good messages), and the priests bear rule
by their means (Lord it over the people); and my people love to have it so
(fleshly, content, spiritual lazy): and what will ye do in the end thereof?” A
true prophet of God will always bring a message of self denial that the
flesh does not want to receive. These prophets are never well received
and are often mistreated, misrepresented, imprisoned or killed. A false
prophet will lead you away from God into the things of the flesh and
worldliness no matter how subtle. A true prophet of God will lead you to
God by way of righteousness and holiness. To meet that end you will
always have to deny the flesh and make self sacrifices. The Devil and his
workers will always work within in subterfuge. They will come as a sheep,
but inwardly be a wolf. Matthew 7:15-16, “Beware of false prophets,
which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening
wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.” What this means is that the
most likely place you will encounter such deceivers would be in a religious
institution claiming to represent Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, “For
such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into

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the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed
into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be
transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be
according to their works.” They gain your confidence and then lead you
away from God. Many of these are just as deceived about their standing
before God as those they teach. Jesus said, Mark 13:6, “For many shall
come in my name, saying, I am Christ (saying they believe in Jesus –
using His name); and shall deceive many.” Be warned! When men speak
well of you, it suggests that your walk does not bring conviction upon
others and perhaps their influence has altered you. This could be because
you do not confess Christ before men or that you have compromised your
relationship to be friendly with the world. Matthew 10:32-33, “Whosoever
therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my
Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him
will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” Silence can be
denial!
 
The Invitation
 
Luke 14:12-14, “Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou
makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither
thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a
recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor,
the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they
cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the
resurrection of the just.” The meal is a gathering or celebration. The Bible
says that it is easy to love a friend, but we are to reach out to those who
hate us and mistreat us (Lk 6:27, 32). Brethren would represent those
who already have the gospel. Kinsmen represent those that have no
appreciation for what you are saying because you are familiar to them and
they do not necessarily respect your spiritual insights  - (unbelief). Thus:
Matthew 13:55-57, “Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother
called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all
these things? And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A
prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own
house.” A second meaning to friends, brethren, and kinsmen would be
that we (followers) tend to spend more time in prayer, teaching,
encouraging, admonishing and proselytizing those who are close to us
(that we love) and thereby neglect our neighbors who may be more needy
and receptive concerning what we are saying (but are more unlovely). The
rich neighbors are the self-righteous who do not see the need for Jesus in
their daily lives. After all, they are a religious member of a denomination
and attend services weekly. They think they are spiritually self-sufficient.
We are not to expect recompense for our actions – not look for a fleshly
benefit. Many follow Christ seeking blessings so they are blinded to
sacrifice, denial and death to self. Followers of Christ are not to obligate,
seek reward, self-gratification or honor from others – we do not build idols

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to ourselves. Jesus said to take the gospel to those who would welcome
(receive) it. The poor are those who beg (in agony) for spiritual truth–
they mourn over their sinful condition. The maimed would be those who
have been spiritually hurt – maybe from the self-righteous. The lame
would be those who cannot spiritually walk on their own and need help.
The blind are those who are deceived (yet not self-righteous) and will be
receptive to doctrinal correction. This group is misfits in the world’s view
and has nothing to offer in return, yet God will be pleased to provide
payment on their behalf. Jesus always cared for the lame, blind, dumb
and maimed (Mt 15:30-31).
 
Open to All
 
Consider the following parable: Luke 14:16-24, “Then said he unto him, A
certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant
at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are
now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first
said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and
see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five
yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And
another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that
servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the
house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and
lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the
halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast
commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant,
Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that
my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which
were bidden shall taste of my supper.” The certain man is God. The great
supper is God’s provision for salvation. The invitation is God’s
reconciliation (salvation) through Jesus. Those that were bidden all knew
the man (were religious), but were more concerned about temporal
possessions, livelihood, and relationships – things of the world, than with
what was truly important which is a heart for God (obedience) and
relationship (the great supper). The inference is similar to Esau who sold
his birthright for a bowl of soup. These folks are so busy living for SELF,
that they do not see the value/importance/significance of what is truly
meaningful. They made light of the invitation (Mt 22:5). They did not have
time (shunned) to please the Lord God and submit to His will. The things
they were doing seemed much more important to them (SELF), and
frankly they did not see (deceived) why these things would be offensive to
God. They assumed they could serve Him in their own way and time. God
was angry because this reconciliation came at a great price – the death of
His only Son. Those invited took more consolation in temporal things than
truly meaningful eternal things. God then offered the invitation that was
meant for them (professed believers) to those who would obey Him
(Similar to Saul and David). This group of grateful/receptive people (poor,
maimed, halt and blind) has been previously defined (Mt 15:30-31). The

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highways and hedges represents salvation being open to all who will heed
(follow) the invitation with child like faith. Unfortunately those who had
been invited became eternally excluded because they did not see how
precious the invitation was. One came without a wedding garment and
was thrown into outer darkness (Mt 22:11-13). The wedding garment is
the preparation that must be done in advance. Only through Christ can
our soiled garments be made spotless.
 
Additional Examples
 
We have examined the earthly life of Christ who is our example to follow.
We have studied Christ’s very Words concerning what it means to have
saving faith. There are many very noteworthy men in scripture and God
had a particular fondness for each of them. Some of these men are Enoch,
Noah, Abraham, Moses, David and Daniel. All of these men had one thing
in common that set them apart from all others. They each had a heart
toward God and obeyed His will – living faith. Three of them lived before
the law and three during the time of the law. Let us take a quick look at
their lives:
 
Enoch
 
The biblical account of Enoch’s life is quickly to the point: Genesis 5:21-
24, “And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And
Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years,
and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three
hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was
not; for God took him.” Why would God just take Enoch? Hebrews 11:5,
“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not
found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had
this testimony, that he pleased God.” Enoch sought God with a heart that
pleased Him. He did God’s will.
 
Noah
 
Noah lived in a time when there was no law. Most did what was right in
their own eyes living for their own desires and becoming totally wicked
and corrupted (Gen 6:5). Noah was truly unique and must have suffered
tremendous persecution for his righteousness. Genesis 6:9, “…Noah was a
just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.”
Being perfect and walking with God are descriptive of one who has died to
their will and seeks to obey God’s will. Noah was given a tremendous task.
He was to build a huge boat, fill it with provisions, and receive and lodge
animals from all over the earth. Genesis 6:22, “Thus did Noah; according
to all that God commanded him, so did he.” What a wonderful statement.
Noah did what God required of him. 2 Peter 2:5, “And (God) spared not
the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of
righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly.”

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Noah’s righteousness and faith in God saved him physically and spiritually.
Hebrews 11:7, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as
yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the
which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness
which is by faith.” This earthly judgment was a foreshadowing of the final
judgment. The righteous faithful will be saved and the ungodly will be
removed and condemned. Noah’s preaching only secured his own family.
God was obviously looking for quality and not quantity. Man always seeks
quantity and forgoes quality – opposites equal rebellion. The earth is
again approaching this point of wickedness as most will not yield to God –
they are much to busy pleasing themselves. We are required to present
the gospel. God is sovereign and will move upon hearts and save souls.
 
Abraham
 
God called Abram out of the country in which he dwelt to a strange land.
Hebrews 11:8, “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a
place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he
went out, not knowing whither he went.” He didn’t question God, but just
obeyed believing in Him. The Lord made a covenant with Abraham to
make him a mighty nation and bless all nations through his seed (Gen
15:18, Gal 3:8). Sarai was barren. Abram and Sarai were advanced in
years and God promised them an heir (a son). Romans 4:3, “For what
saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him
for righteousness.” Abraham’s righteousness was an obedient love for God
(Gal 3:6). Hebrews 11:11, “Through faith also Sara herself received
strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past
age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.” Hebrews 6:15,
“And so, after he (Abram) had patiently endured, he obtained the
promise.” The promise began with their son and his name was Isaac.
Through Issac, God’s promises would be kept: Hebrews 11:12, “Therefore
sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars
of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore
innumerable.” After Abraham and Sara had waited for some time and a
son was born, God asked Abraham to do a hard thing – sacrifice his only
son. Hebrews 11:17-19, “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up
Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten
son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from
whence also he received him in a figure.” Abraham did not question God,
and prepared to offer up his only begotten Son for God. At the last
moment God did not require it. However, God did offer up His only
begotten Son for man as a sacrifice (Jn 3:16). As a man, Jesus’ faith
rested on the Father that He would raise Him up the third day (Lk
24:46, Acts 10:40, 1 Cor 15:4). James 2:21-23, “Was not Abraham our
father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the
altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was
faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham

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believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was
called the Friend of God.” Abraham’s willingness to serve God
unconditionally regardless of what he may have to suffer to do His will is
the mark of a true believer. This is true faith! Today’s espoused believer
wants God to serve him unconditionally as he supposes that God is
eternally obligated due to his one time acceptance of Christ.
 
Moses
 
Moses was a Hebrew child who was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter (Ex
2:5-10). Hebrews 11:24-25, “By faith Moses, when he was come to years,
refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to
suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin
for a season.” Moses was a man of priviledge in Pharaoh’s house, but gave
it all up (forsook the world) for his people and God’s purposes. Moses
allowed himself to be inconvenienced (denied self) for God. Jesus spoke to
Moses through a burning bush as “I AM” and told Moses to represent God
before Pharaoh (Jn 8:58). Moses obeyed God and was used in a mighty
and miraculous deliverance (by God) of the children of Israel from the
hold (bondage) of Pharaoh and led out of Egypt. Moses was as a father to
the multitudes of Israelis and he put up with their continual whining,
always defending them before God. Moses fasted forty days and forty
nights for the children of Israel in bearing their iniquities before God in
sacrificial love (dying to self, Deut 9:24-26, 10:10). Moses was a true
shepherd to God’s sheep – seeking that which was lost. Deuteronomy
9:18-19, “And I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and
forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your
sins which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the LORD, to
provoke him to anger. For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure,
wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD
hearkened unto me at that time also.” Later, Jesus (I AM) would also fast
forty days and forty nights in bearing the iniquity of mankind (Christ had
no iniquity) in great sacrificial love (Mt 4:2). God tested Moses with an
offer: Exodus 32:10, “Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax
hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee
a great nation.(also Num 14:12, Deut 9:13-14)” Moses put all self interest
aside and pleaded for the people as a true shepard (v. 11-14, also Ex
34:9, Num 11:1-2, 13-21, Num 16:20-22, 42-49, 17:10-13, 21:4-9).
Moses even put his eternal security on the line (Pastors take note):
Exodus 32:32-33, “Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot
me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the LORD
said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of
my book.” Notice how Moses is a true shepard: Deuteronomy 9:25-26,
“Thus I fell down before the LORD forty days and forty nights, as I fell
down at the first; because the LORD had said he would destroy you. I
prayed therefore unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, destroy not thy
people and thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed through thy
greatness, which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand

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(also Deut 9:18-20).” God gave the law to Moses. Christ would later fulfill
the law. Numbers 12:3, “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all
the men which were upon the face of the earth.” Moses was very humble
and obedient to the Lord. The Lord said of Him: Numbers 12:6-8, “And he
said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD
will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a
dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With
him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark
speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then
were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” Moses once
became angry with the whining of the children of Israel and did not
exactly follow the Lord’s direction (Num 20:2-13, 27:13-14, Deut 1:37,
3:25-26). The Lord did not allow him to enter into the Promised Land for
that transgression. Moses did however demonstrate his love and
obedience to the Lord through enduring living faith for much of his life.
Deuteronomy 34:5-6, “So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the
land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a
valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of
his sepulchre unto this day.” God Himself buried Moses in a secret place.
The devil even contended over the body of Moses (Jude 1:9).
 
David
 
God chose David to be king over Israel in the place of a disobedient Saul.
The Lord sent Samuel to annoint David. Samuel thought surely the Lord
would rather have his older brother: 1 Samuel 16:7, “But the LORD said
unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his
stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man
seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh
on the heart.” God looks for hearts that will follow and obey His will. This
applies to all of us. David walked before God with integrety of heart
(perfect), and in uprightness obeyed the will of God with a whole heart
and was the measuring rod for all subsequent kings of Judah (1 Kg 9:4,
11:4, 15:3, Ps 119:34). Acts 13:22, “…I have found David the son of
Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.” The Lord
desires those who will perform His purposes. This is how David sought the
Lord his God: Psalms 119:34-35, “Give me understanding, and I shall
keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go
in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.” David wrote
many Psalms describing his love, trust and whole hearted faith toward
God. All of David’s actions were not perfect, but is heart (love) and faith
toward God were. 1 Kings 15:5, “Because David did that which was right
in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he
commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah
the Hittite.” David was quick to recognize and repent of his transgressions
before the Lord. We must all be poor in spirit, repentant and have a love
and desire to perform God’s will. David also had outward righteousness
manifested from the inward work that the Lord had worked in his life. He

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was able to say: Psalms 119:10-11, “With my whole heart have I sought
thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid
in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” AND Psalm 18:24,
“Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my
righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.”
We cannot come to God proposing that we have a good heart when our
lives are absent of the application (demonstration) of the faith we
espouse.
 
Daniel
 
Daniel was a man greatly beloved of God (Dan 10:11, 19). From a young
age he chose to serve God and reject the things of the world. He refused
to eat meat sacrificed to idols or the King’s wine in favor of pulse in order
to stay pure before God (vegetables and water – Dan 1:5-8, 12). In
choosing correctly, God blessed Daniel with knowledge, skill in all
learning, wisdom and interpretation of dreams and visions (Dan 1:17).
Daniel made supplications for he and his people per Solomon’s prayer (1
Kgs 8:46-52) even when it was against the law to pray. He was thrown
into a den full of lions due to his obeying God rather than man (Dan Chap
6). God miraculously protected him in the midst and delivered him to
safety. Daniel often mourned, chasened himself, fasted, repented and
prayed for his sin and the sin of the people because of their transgressions
and resulting captivity (Dan 9:3, 20, 10:2-3). His heart was continually
seeking the Lord. He prayed to the Lord saying: Daniel 9:5, “We have
sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have
rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments.”
This was a true mourning over the sins of the people. Daniel 9:7-9,  “O
Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces,
as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem,
and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the
countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that
they have trespassed against thee. O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of
face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have
sinned against thee. To the Lord our God belong mercies and
forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him.” Daniel justified God
even to the detriment of himself and the people and this was true
meekness. He confesses to God that Israel has not obeyed him and
justifies God’s judgment (Dan 9:10-12). Daniel 9:13-14, “As it is written
in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our
prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities,
and understand thy truth. Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the
evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his
works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.” Daniel is offering true
repentance to the Lord. He has recognized and confessed the guilt in all
humbleness and has justified God’s actions. He petitions God that His
anger might be turned away (Dan 9:15-16). Daniel 9:18, “O my God,
incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations,

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and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our
supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great
mercies.” Notice that Daniel is poor in spirit and admits they have no
righteousness and are undeserving. He falls upon God’s mercy as we must
also do. Daniel 9:19, “O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and
do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people
are called by thy name.” Daniel is truly hungering and thirsting after
righteousness and has just displayed the beattitudes that Jesus would
later preach about. This is how we must approach God. Daniel stood up
for God against an unjust law forbidding prayer (Dan 6:1-9). The penalty
of disobeying the law was being thrown to the lions. Daniel chose to obey
God rather than man even if it required the ultimate sacrifice from
himself. It would have been very easy for Daniel to have compromised a
bit and prayed in secret, but that is not an option for those who seek God
through righteousness. Daniel 6:10, “Now when Daniel knew that the
writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in
his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a
day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”
Daniel was thrown to the lions in a demonstration of his faith (Heb 11:33).
God honored Daniel’s faith and preserved his life (Dan 6:22).
 
Hebrews 11:13-16, “These all died in faith, not having received the
promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them,
and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims
on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a
country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence
they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But
now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is
not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”
Followers of Christ are strangers and pilgrims on this present temporal
earth – just passing through. Our hearts have an eternal outlook of living
faith for our Lord and a desire to be with Him – for all live unto Him (Lk
20:38). What can we learn from these men of old? They all had a heart for
God and submitted to Him in obedience. They were meek (in God’s order)
– consider Moses (Num 12:3) and Jesus (God incarnate, as a man – Mt
21:5). They put God first and sought His will.
 
How do we know we are Christ’s? We hear the Word of God and do it (Lk
8:21, 11:28)! So basic, yet so misunderstood. Hebrews 10:36, “For ye
have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might
receive the promise.” So much religious energy is spent attempting to
justify how one should really be able to remain in darkness, yet still be
Christ’s. Wake up and repent!

Chapter 5 – What is the Church?

 
Generally, when a person is engaged in conversation concerning their
relationship with Jesus Christ, one of several responses is voiced, as

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follows: “I go to church,” “I need to start going to church.” or “Where do
you go to church?” To most people the term “church” as commonly
defined or understood is synonymous with relationship with God. Is this a
valid assumption? Those who say, “I go to church” need to understand
that it’s not something you go to, but it is what you are if you are
following Jesus Christ! Individually you are not the total body of Christ,
but you are a unique and necessary part of the corporate whole (Rm
12:5, 1 Cor 12:27). Throughout the remainder of this book, a biblical
distinction will be revealed: Religion verses Relationship with God. The
relationship God desires might be better termed “Living Faith” or abiding
in Christ daily. The difference between religion and relationship is the
dissimilarity between man’s ways verses God’s way (Is 55:8-9). God’s
way being righteous and holy and man’s ways being self seeking and are
generally rebellious to God’s purposes (Rm 10:3).
 
Often the religious will become offended by a conversation that convicts
their heart. They will want to know where you go to church, meaning:
what is your authority? Jesus came doing the Father’s will (work) and
speaking the Father’s Words. This threatened the religious: Luke 20:1-2,
“And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people
in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes
came upon him with the elders, And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by
what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this
authority?” Perhaps they wanted to know what synagogue He attended or
where He received religious training or what His lineage was. Those
religious judged Jesus as unworthy to follow and they rejected Him and
ultimately killed Him. Christ’s Words undermined their authority and quite
frankly He did not have the credentials (qualifications, diploma, certificate,
background, etc.) they were looking for. Man exalted his will to Judge
God. We are God’s representatives on earth (Christ’s body) and our
authority will also be questioned by those who are self seeking and
religious – where do you go to church? Well my pastor says… These
religious ones do not consider your merit to be “life in Christ,” but rather
desire to associate you with institutions of man, such that they may judge
your words by familiar standards. Most cannot separate life in Christ apart
from the religious institutions of man. This is because these institutions
have seated themselves as the head for many. They serve the institutions
and this is “another gospel” altogether with “another authority.” A true
believer’s life is found soley in Christ (Col 3:4, Gal 2:20, 2 Tm 1:1). 1
John 5:12, “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son
of God hath not life.”
 
Some terms in our language have taken on new and different meanings
over time and through practice. Sometimes the derived and accepted
understanding of a word is far different from the original intended
meaning. Such is the case with the term, “church.” For this reason it is
necessary that I define the words “religion” and “church” for the
understanding of their use within this book. Whenever the term, “religion”

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is used, I am referring to man’s attempts to please God apart from a Spirit
led, filled, taught, and guided life of living faith from the heart, through
love, with Jesus Christ as absolute Lord. Religion is man’s attempts to
reach God his way which always seems right in his eyes (Pv 21:2) and
always leads to blindness and deception (2 Cor 4:4). It is very difficult to
adequately describe the vast religious systems man has built apart from
the Spirit, which most people accept and reverence as the church. These
will be referred to as what they are, namely: religious institutions,
religious organizations and religious associations. The scriptures also
reveal such as the harlot or whore (Rev 17:5 & 19:2). This is an adequate
description when one considers that much of what calls herself the bride
of Christ actually has her eyes on another, namely self, the flesh and the
world. Those members of the religious system who are not whole hearted
followers of Jesus Christ will be referred to as “the religious” or “professed
believers.” The scriptures refer to light (righteous) and darkness (evil).
Many professed believers think there are many acceptable shades of gray
and that the degree of one’s dedication to the Lord is somewhat optional.
In the Book of Revelation, Jesus equated his followers as hot and those
who are lost as cold. The lukewarm would be those shades of gray (Rev
3:15-16). Jesus said He desired that we be hot or cold, but the lukewarm
He would vomit out of His mouth. These were especially displeasing to
Him. Some would call them fence sitters. The lukewarm are noncommittal,
lack zeal, and are generally deceived and hard to reach because they have
a powerless form of godliness that keeps them content (2 Tm 3:5). The
lukewarm may be very hard to distinguish from the world due to a life of
compromise or hypocrisy (Mt 23:28). The lukewarm mostly believe that
they are hot and certainly superior to the cold.
 
The Accepted Meaning of “the Church”
 
What is the church? The popular notion of “the church” is that it is a
facility, building, meeting place or religious organization/institution where
one goes to find, worship and serve God. Preachers/pastors are looked
upon as a sort of priestly order having lordship and authority over their
members (Mt 10:42). These are mostly viewed as God’s authority on
earth to teach, administer or facilitate salvation and perform religious
ceremonies or rites such as baptisms, weddings, funerals and the Lord’s
Supper. If pressed most would acknowledge the church is a body of
individuals, but it is mostly referred to from the standpoint of a facility,
building or denomination – i.e. “at my Church.” Another popular notion is
that membership, attendance, support, devotion and faithful service in
one of these institutions is the primary gauge to reveal right standing
before God (Acts 17:24-25). This is why most people’s thoughts
immediately conjure up their images of “religious organizations” when
engaged in any discussion of Jesus. Most have difficulty separating a
personal relationship with Jesus Christ from a religious institution,
denomination or doctrine. Often it is because the religious organization

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has become their form of relationship with Jesus Christ as it has exalted
itself as the head of the body. This is a poor substitute for the real thing!
 
Often men and religious things are placed between the believer and God.
There is only one way to approach God. Ephesians 2:18, “For through him
(Jesus) we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” Notice that
through Christ we have access to the Father through the Holy Spirit (Heb
4:14, 8:1, 9:24, 1 Jn 2:1). Man and the things of man have been totally
left out of the equation. Jesus brought reconciliation and has given us His
Spirit, let us walk therein (Eph 2:13-17). Ephesians 3:11-12, “According
to the eternal purpose which he (God) purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of
him.” Our faith must be in Christ and He must be head of the body (Eph
1:22, 5:23, Col 1:18). Anything that exalts itself in the place of Christ is
not of God. 1 John 5:11, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us
eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” We are complete in Him: Colossians
2:10, “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality
and power.”
 
The True Body of Christ
 
The Greek word for our term, church, is Ekklesia (ek-klay-see-ah)
meaning: “Called out ones.” The true church is the body of believers who
are disciples and followers of Christ, consisting of individuals past, present
and future. There is one body, one Spirit and one Lord (Eph 4:4-6). Jesus
said it like this: John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them,
and they follow me (also Ps 95:7).” The sheep would represent the
church, not the pasture, pen or stable. Hearing Christ’s voice & Christ
knowing them, represents relationship. Following is much more than a
profession, mere mental belief or acknowledgment, but seeks and lives
God’s will over your own. Following is obedience and is best described as
walking in the footsteps of Christ (1 Pt 2:21-22, 1 Jn 2:6). How did Christ
walk? Jesus walked the way of the cross, meaning: He came to the earth
when directed by the Father; He totally denied SELF to do/perform the
Father’s will to the point of giving His physical life; spoke and taught His
Father’s Words; did the Father’s Work; prayed often; forsook the things of
the world; became a servant; was tempted yet did not sin; was reviled
and rejected; and always obeyed the Father. In order to do these things,
Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit. The example that Jesus left for us to
follow has been discussed in much more depth in previous chapters. It is
also important to note that wherever the word “church” is used in
scripture, such as in the King James Bible, it was translated into English
from this Greek word “Ekklesia” meaning “called out ones.” On occasion
the term may mean an assembly or gathering of called out ones. The
body of Christ is not something you join, but is something you are born
into and only God can do this (Jn 1:12-13, 3:3, 6:44, 6:65, 1 Cor 3:7) -
not by the will of man or the flesh (Jn 1:12-13). Ephesians 5:30,32, “For

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we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. This is a great
mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”
 
What have the Ekklesia (called out ones) been called out of? We have
been called out of darkness which is all sin, evil, and unrighteousness (Mt
4:6, Lk 11:35, Jn 3:19-21, 8:35, Col 1:13, 1 Jn 3:8). We have been called
out of worldliness which is the cares/pleasures of this life, deceitfulness of
riches, pollutions of the world, and lusts of the eyes and pride of life (Mk
4:18-19, Lk 8:14 & 21:34, 1 Jn 2:15-17, 2 Pt 2:20, Js 1:27, Gal 6:14 ).
We have been called out of Mystery Babylon which is confusion, a mixture
of government, paganism/idolatry & religion - Doctrines of Balaam (2 Pt
2:14-16, Jude 1:11, Rev 2:14). This is man’s attempts to reach God
through man’s will while retaining the things of the world (Rev 18:4, 2 Cor
6:17, 1 Cor 6:15-16). We have been called out of SELF which is self-
sufficiency, self-love, selfishness, self-seeking, self-gratification, self-
righteousness, self-preservation, self-centeredness, and self-knowledge,
known as the flesh (Mt 10:39 & 16:25, Mk 8:35, Lk 9:24 & 17:33, Jn
12:25, Romans chapter 8). All sin results from a pursuit of self-will rather
than God’s will. Self is prideful and arrogant. God would have us humble
and meek. Self wants to be sovereign. God would have us to be
dependant upon Him. In short, we have been called out of all rebellion to
God and must lay down all resistance and come back under His authority -
freely and lovingly.
 
Jesus is the Head of the Body
 
Jesus is the head of the church, for it is His body and He has purchased it
with His own blood (Acts 20:28). Ephesians 1:20-23, “Which he wrought
in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right
hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and
might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this
world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his
feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is
his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. The church represents
Christ on the earth. The power that drives the church is the Holy Ghost
and is manifested as love (Rm 5:5). Jesus must be the sole focus of all
activities within the church (His body). Colossians 1:18, “And he is the
head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the
dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (also Eph 5:23).
The religious institutes of man have actually set themselves in the place of
Christ. Men are looking to these organizations to save them, rather than
Jesus Christ. There is a distinction here that most are blinded to and do
not see. Christ scolded the church at Ephesus because: Revelation 2:4,
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy
first love.” Jesus must be the love of our life and our sole motivation must
be to please and bring Him glory in all things. The Jews had trusted in the
law to save them rather than God. They had a heartless observance and
this was not God’s desire. Some have a heartless “religious observance”

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because their heart is on the world. Woe to you because God is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb 4:12). We are not
to serve buildings, personalities, or institutions. We are to serve Jesus
Christ with a whole heart of devotion.
 
Many will say, I am of the Baptist; or I am of the Methodist; or perhaps I
am of the Pentecostals (institutions – of man). Perhaps they will say, I am
of Billy Graham, Charles Stanley or Benny Hinn (personalities – men); or I
am of the Trinity Broadcasting Network (entities – of man). These will
associate themselves with man or the institutions of man. 1 Corinthians
1:12-13, “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I
of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul
crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” The Baptist,
Methodist or whatever did not die for you, neither are they the head of the
body (these are institutions of man, the Spirit brings unity, man divides).
Salvation will not be found in a man (other than Christ) or a television
network.  We are to look to Jesus alone for our salvation. Not to doctrines,
traditions, personalities, institutions, etc. Jesus Christ must be our first
love and our heart must be for Him alone (Rev 2:4). Secondly we need to
start putting denominational loyalties aside and look for individuals that
have spiritual life and fellowship with them as members of Christ’s body.
Spiritual life is found in one who has yielded totally to God and seeks His
will through the Holy Spirit. This one will be living a life of demonstrated
faith. If we are being led of the Spirit, then we will come to understand
Christ’s gospel (not man’s doctrines). Those who are following men such
as John Calvin, Jacobus Arminius, John Wesley, Martin Luther, or whoever
need to repent. You are being led by doctrines and not by the Holy Spirit.
Many of the religious institutions of today are based upon what men (such
as the above) believed, taught and wrote about rather than Christ – and
they will argue endlessly about it (strife between denominations). God’s
truth is revealed through His Spirit and His Word. You may have truth, but
if you do not have the Spirit, your in error. Open God’s Word and seek the
Spirit’s guidance. All these competing doctrines and confusion could be
cleared up if you will put your eyes upon Jesus and submit to His Holy
Spirit.
 
All these groups who have named themselves and set up distinctions (of
man) only prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are being led of
man and not the Holy Spirit. Where is the unity in Christ’s body that these
religious denominations/factions presume to be (Eph 4:3)? Where is the
one-mindedness (Rm 15:6, 2 Cor 13:11, Php 1:27, 2:2)? Where is the
love? Man separates; the Spirit brings us to unity of purpose and
understanding when we will humble ourselves and be led (obedience).
This cannot and will not be accomplished through the flesh. This will only
happen through obedience to the Spirit. Thus man cannot convert, direct
nor control. Man can humble himself and obey and this is what God
requires. In other words, God will do the leading and man will do the
following (in love through faith). It is through Christ that we have access

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by one Spirit to the Father (Eph 2:18, 3:12) and not through man’s
religiosity. Man presumes much!
 
What about Religion?
 
What shall we say of religion? Matthew 16:21-23, “From that time forth
began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto
Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and
scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took
him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall
not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me,
Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that
be of God, but those that be of men.” Jesus had put His will aside and was
traveling the “Way of the Cross” in perfect loving obedience to the
Father’s will. He was going to be killed by very religious men who claimed
to represent God, although their hearts were far from Him. Peter believed
he was aiding Christ by his comment, but finds himself equally opposed to
God’s will. The elders, chief priest and scribes thought they were serving
God by killing Christ; whereas Peter thought he was serving Christ by
trying to save Him. In both cases, the individuals believed they were
serving God, but were actually conflicting and resisting with His purposes
and were mostly self serving. Jesus’ response to Peter describes man’s
religion very well. It is a stumbling block or offense to God, and does not
delight in, take pleasure, relish, enjoy, love, appreciate, or value the
things of God, but does relish the things of man. So what is to be done
with man’s religious system? Matthew 15:13, “But he (Jesus) answered
and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall
be rooted up.” Man will never please God his way. We must come to God
on His terms. No flesh will glory in God’s presence (1 Cor 1:29). God says
that we must die to what we are (sinful and self-seeking) and be born
again (desiring God’s will be done). We must approach God humbly with a
heart’s desire to yield to Him and perform His will in faithful obedience.
Man only wants to put on a religious exterior, yet retain self will. God is
going to do some shaking and rooting up during the tribulation period and
this is discussed in Chapter Ten – many will be purged, or tried and
purified.
 
Our God is a jealous God and we are to follow Him alone and not set up
any other image or entity in our lives (Ex 34:14). John 10:3-5, “To him
the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own
sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own
sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his
voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they
know not the voice of strangers.” The sheep know the Shepherd and He
communicates with them. This is relationship. The Shepherd intimately
knows the sheep, by name! This is the close personal relationship that
Christ wants to have with you. The Lord once said of Moses, “I know thee
by name” (Ex 33:17). Notice: the Shepherd leads and the true sheep

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follow because they are listening and focused on the Shepherd and they
obey Him (Is 40:11, 1 John 2:3)! The Shepherd goes before them and
provides for them. The sheep walk in His path. Sheep are humble and
obedient. God desires that we look to Him alone for all our needs, not
ourselves or other men (Ez 34:31). The true sheep will not follow after
someone (man – no matter how likeable) other than the Shepherd
because they are focused on the Shepherd. There are many other sheep
in the religious world blinded and following after strangers or institutions,
which have set themselves in the place of the Shepherd. Strangers want
to tell you what the Shepherd really said or meant as they beckon you to
themselves in their own fenced pen or pasture which may become a
spiritual prison. They may tell you that they alone represent the Shepherd
and their pen is the only correct sheep place. These leaders tread down
the pastures and foul the waters (Ez 34:18-19) and consume the sheep
(Ez 34:10). Perhaps if these sheep read their bibles and sought God in
prayer and daily life, this would not be the case. These sheep also seek to
go about independent of the Shepherd and provide for themselves (self-
sufficient), their way (self will), and in their timing (impatient). The
Shepherd is going down a narrow trail and the sheep must pay close
attention and listen for a still small voice (1 Kg 19:12). Many sheep have
had their eyes on the surroundings and worldly delights that are off the
narrow path. These have wandered off the Shepherd’s path, but are
absolutely convinced they are still following Him, yet they are in the midst
of wolves.
 
Personal Relationship
 
We must be careful not to elevate any method or mechanism of our
worship to be the emphasis or substitute for our relationship with God. In
the wilderness, the children of Israel were constantly complaining,
whining, and rebelling against God (Ex 17:2-3, 7, Num 11:4-6). They
tempted Christ (1 Cor 10:9). Numbers 21:6, “And the LORD sent fiery
serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of
Israel died.” When the people repented of their evil, God sent deliverance.
Numbers 21:8, “And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery
serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one
that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.” This solution was to be
a foreshadowing or symbolic object lesson to represent what Christ would
later do on the cross. John 3:14-15, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in
the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” The symbolism
was that we are all dying in sin, and only when we look to God’s provision
(Christ) for salvation can we have life. Satan overcomes man by injecting
his venom in man’s blood (which is the life of the flesh) and thus
corrupting it. Christ is the only cure. Jesus being lifted on the cross being
God’s great sacrifice of love for us. Those who did not obey and look to
God’s provision, died in their rejection and rebellion. The people of Israel
later corrupted what God had done by worshipping the means of

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deliverance rather than the deliverer. 2 Kings 18:4, “He (King Hezekiah)
removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves,
and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto
those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it
Nehushtan.” Israel had made a false god of the brazen image thereby
greatly dishonoring God. Likewise, many today have made their own God
and deliverer out of the religious organizations, ceremonies and rites
(sacrements), charismatic leaders, religious works, baptisms, doctrines
and traditions, etc. They rejoice in the works of their own hands (Acts
7:41). When we place our faith in these things rather than Jesus Christ,
we have missed God’s will and exalted man’s. God knew that man would
improve upon the method of worship, evolve it, and eventually exalt it in
the place of God. This is why God forbid Israel to carve an altar.
Deuteronomy 27:5, “And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy
God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them.”
God desired to be the focus of man’s worship rather than have man
improve, beautify and exalt the means.
 
King Ahaz saw a pagan altar that he liked while visiting Syria and sent the
pattern of it to Urijah the priest to have a similar one built (2 Kg 16:10-
18). This altar violated God’s Word (Moses was told not to deviate from
God’s pattern, Ex 25:9, Heb 8:5 and subsequently David and Soloman)
and the one in Damascus certainly didn’t save the Syrians who offered
upon it from Tiglathpileser’s (Assyria) invasion which was orchestrated by
Ahaz. Rather than follow God’s pattern, Ahaz chose man’s – and that of
the heathen. King Ahaz incorporated a similar pagan altar into his worship
of God at the temple. He offered worship unto Syria’s gods because they
seemed stronger (2 Chr 28:23). The truth is that Ahaz’s demise was due
to his own evil (2 Chr 28:19, 22). We are told of the people: 2 Kings
17:33, “They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the
manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.” King Ahaz
had a form of religion, but was wicked in God’s eyes as he did that which
opposed God (2 Kgs 16:2-4, 2 Chr 28:24-25). King Ahaz would not see
his own wickedness and repent, but sought other solutions. Nothing has
changed in our “modern day.” Many will “profess Christ” and then take the
things of the world and Christianize them. Many will desire to fear God
and also serve the world and their own idols after the manner of
the culture/society around them. God will not share His majesty with
man’s idolatry. We cannot incorporate our own will or idolatry into our
relationship with Jesus Christ. Idolatry is mostly incorporated within a
religious context (observance). Israel constantly provoked God with their
idolatry (2 Kgs 17:8-18). We must decide - ritual or relationship? Which
do you think God’s emphasis will be on during Judgment Day? Heart or
formula.
 
How did Jesus define eternal life? John 17:3, “And this is life eternal, that
they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou
hast sent.” Christ defined eternal life as knowing the Father and Jesus.

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This is a relationship! We know God as we follow and live in abiding faith.
In following, we obey: John 14:23-24, “Jesus answered and said unto
him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love
him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that
loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not
mine, but the Father's which sent me.” So if we love Jesus, we will make
sure we keep His commandments, it will be our desire. Do you know
Christ? To know is to follow (see Chapter Two for details).
 
Putting us under Bondage
 
When you come to Christ and understand that we are to have a very real,
vibrant ongoing relationship there is such a freedom. Our acceptance with
God is not based upon religious merits or works, but by loving faith lived
daily for our Lord. Suddenly you realize that it’s not about pleasing man or
his systems. Christ yoke is easy and His burden is light (Mt 11:30). Men
will try and load us down with all sorts of religious requirements and keep
us under heavy loads. Galatians 2:4, “And that because of false brethren
unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we
have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage.” The early
church came out of the Jewish religious system. Most were raised under
strict doctrines and traditions. Initially, this break was not totally clean.
The body of Christ was working out through the scriptures, being led of
the Holy Spirit (unfolding the scriptures - teaching), and discerning
Christ’s Words as to how the body was to function. Many could not part
with their old religious ideas (instilled in them). They tried to impose
circumcision and observances of the law upon the new believers
(converts) and bring them back under the bondage that Christ had freed
them from (Gal 4:5). Acts 15:5, “But there rose up certain of the sect of
the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise
them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” Even Peter had
problems with holding on to the old traditions and doctrines (Gal 2:11-
16). Things are no different in the modern religious institutions. Men will
try and bring us into bondage by telling us we must attend their
denomination, believe their doctrine, and support their organization
through attendance, volunteerism, finances, good works, evangelism,
missions, etc. What we really must do is be led by the Spirit of God
through daily life which will undoubtedly produce fruit that is acceptable to
the Father and liberty to those who follow (Ps 119:45). The law does not
justify, but faith in Christ does (Acts 13:39). Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast
therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not
entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Those who love God use their
liberty as His servants and not for evil – meaning those things which
oppose God (1 Pt 2:16). Many have great difficulty parting with the
institution and this in itself reveals the bondage. They have been instilled
to think of relationship with God and man’s religious institutions as one in
the same. To separate from one is to separate from both in their minds.
This is bondage! I’m not talking about becoming an independent agent,

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but joining the true body of Christ and seeking out those who have
spiritual life. Come out, come out and let Christ be your authority.
 
Do not allow men to put you back into bondage because Christ will then
become of none effect to you (Gal 5:4). Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast
therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not
entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” This is the nature of our
liberty: Galatians 5:5, “For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of
righteousness by faith.” When we live daily in obedience to Christ with a
whole heart, then God is pleased. For this reason: Galatians 5:18, “But if
ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” You will be performing
the intent of the law with your correct attitude and obedience toward God
as led by His Spirit. Since we are doing this, we have liberty and this
liberty can never be allowed as occasion to the flesh (Gal 5:13). To seek
after fleshly things would not be following the Spirit and thus nullify the
liberty due to the wrong motives. So: Galatians 5:25, “If we live in the
Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” We will walk by the Spirit (narrow) or
the flesh (broad) and you must decide which path you are on and where
you choose to travel.
 
Trinkets and Paraphernalia
 
We read earlier how God doesn’t desire an ornate artistically sculpted altar
and doing such disqualifies it. All glory is to go to God alone and not to
implements of worship as man’s eyes tend to be drawn to fleshly things.
Exodus 20:4, 23, “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or
any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth
beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Ye shall not make with
me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold. John 4:24,
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and
in truth.” We worship God in Spirit and not through physical
representations (Rm 1:23) – recall the brasen fiery serpent discussion.
Isaiah 42:8, “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not
give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” God’s glory will not
be given to an inanimate object (Is 44:9, Ps 78:58). Acts 17:29-30,
“Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think
that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and
man’s device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now
commandeth all men every where to repent.” Religious man has made all
sorts of unauthorized Christian trinkets (images). Most ignorantly assume
that their religious images are not the same, but all images have religious
context. Examples would be gold and silver crosses (Ex 20:23) in every
conceivable size and variety, with and without an image of Christ hanging
on it; sculptures of praying hands; angels; nativity scenes; paintings; and
fish/cross symbol jewelry, etc. (Deut 4:16-18, 23, 25 & 5:8). These things
are man’s ideas and not God’s direction. Scripture never directs us to use
the sign of the cross as a Christian identifier. Christ died a horrible death
for you on a torturous Roman cross to provide followers with forgiveness

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and reconciliation to the Father. We must never forget this act of love. The
cross was the shame Jesus suffered for us (Gal 3:13). We remember
Jesus through communion (Lord’s Supper), which is Christ’s broken body
and shed blood. The cross was never designated to be a religious icon.
Many will be upset with this and that just proves the point that these are
images because of the defensive attachment (possessive) placed on them.
These same ones will have a form of worship regarding their crosses (or
sculptures/paintings). If you cannot separate the cross image (icon) from
Christ in your defense, then you really have a problem (attachment) – we
do not worship a cross. Many worship the work of their own hands (Is
2:8). We are to seek our Lord directly through prayer and relationship, not
inanimate objects. Women (applies to men) are told to dress in modest
apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety without gold, pearls or costly
array (2 Tm 2:9, 1 Pt 3:3-4). Fashioning jewelry into religious symbols
does not give license to violate scripture. Many people have a religious
nature (outlook), but that does not mean that they have God’s nature. We
are to have a heart for God and a love for His Word and not to serve Him
based upon what we think He would like (see Chapter Seven, Christ
(Mass), A Worldly Celebration). Religious man thinks surely God would be
honored by religious objects (images) because they draw attention to
religious things (such as God). However, do these religious ones read and
obey His Word? (read on)
 
Many have paintings or movies that depict Jesus (or depictions of Jesus
hanging on a cross). This is a direct violation of the Word of God and thus
is against God’s will. Please consider this verse: Exodus 20:4, “Thou shalt
not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is
in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water
under the earth (also Deut 5:8).” This verse cannot be more clear. Jesus
was in heaven, came to earth and now is in heaven. God never revealed
His simlitude (form) to Israel because He did not want them to make
images of Him. Deuteronomy 4:15-16, “Take ye therefore good heed unto
yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD
spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire: Lest ye corrupt
yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure,
the likeness of male or female (also Deut 4:12).” AND Isaiah 40:18, “To
whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?”
We do not know what Jesus looked like and these have portrayed false
images. Most portray Jesus with long hair yet the scriptures say, 1
Corinthians 11:14, “Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man
have long hair, it is a shame unto him?” Jesus is always depicted as
having very desirable features. Isaiah 53:2, “For he shall grow up before
him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form
nor comeliness (beauty, attractiveness); and when we shall see him, there
is no beauty that we should desire him.” Comeliness is that which is
becoming, fit or suitable, in form or manner - less forcible than beauty,
less elegant than grace, and less light than prettiness. We are not to
worship the image of a man, for God is so much greater. One day we shall

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see Him as He is, in all His glory (1 Jn 3:2, 1 Pt 4:13). Most will think this
to be innocent, but most will also have these portrayed images in their
mind when they think of Christ. God has forbidden this (Deut 4:23,
28:47)! The point is that our worship of Christ is not found in objects of
adornment. God never wanted it to be this way and was very clear about
it. Isaiah 46:5, “To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and
compare me, that we may be like?” Religious man seeks to worship God
his way and never sees fault in anything he does. Some will say that they
have had visions of Christ, but do we trust man’s visions or God’s Word?
Do not visions agree with the Word? Why is Christ depicted as a man of
which we have no description and not as John described Him in Revelation
(vs. 1:13-17, 2:18, 5:6)? John said, “And when I saw him, I fell at his feet
as dead (Rev 1:17).” Christ’s righteousness was once seen by Peter,
James and John (mount of transfiguration) as Jesus was transfigured
before them: Mark 9:3, “And his raiment became shining, exceeding white
as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.” Jesus’ shining white
clothing represented His total righteousness. This is the understanding we
should have of Him. We are to “follow” and conform to His image as the
Spirit leads us and God works in us (Php 2:13, Heb 13:21). God does not
allow physical representations of Himself no matter how man feels about
the results (winning people to the Lord?) of the artistic license
he presumes. To presume is to venture without positive permission (to
suppose entitlement). This is a form of arrogance (pride – stiffnecked,
rebellious).
 
Many will be thinking that they absolutely do not agree about the crosses
because it has been so instilled in them to accept them and they are
attached to their worship of them. Images could never portray the
awesomeness and totality of God. Israel greatly feared God when He
spoke to them through the midst of the fire in the burning mountain (Deut
5:23-27). However, they didn’t fear the images that they made and
controlled – big difference! They made THEIR god and offered sacrifices to
THEIR god and rejoiced in the works of THEIR hands (Acts 7:40-41, Ps
106:19-20, Is 2:8). They chose their way over God’s way just as so many
religious do today. Do we obey God and His Word or do we rebelliously
worship a God of our own making in the image we wish to construct? Men
love images and always have. They want something physical and tangible
that they can see and worship. God says that we must approach Him
through faith (Heb 11:6). Man tries to compromise by making his images
of a religious nature. If you find comfort in your images you’re an idolator
(maybe a prayer garden/grove, cross, prayer beads). God is a Spirit and
we must worship Him in Spirit and by His Word (Jn 4:24). We are not
worshipping an idol that we can see with our physical eyes. Instead, we
are to serve God with love in faith – the evidence of things not seen (Heb
11:1). 1 Peter 1:8, “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though
now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full
of glory.”
 

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God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt by His strong hand (Ex
6:1). When Moses was meeting with God on Mount Sinai (Ex 24:16-18),
the children of Israel were making a golden calf and worshiping it (Ex
32:1-6). The people wanted something tangible that they could see and
touch. They said the calf was their god (representative) that brought them
up out of Egypt (Ex 32:4). After all, they had grown up in Egypt and this
is what the Egyptians did – they made images of their gods and
worshipped them. Hey – everybody’s doing it! Israel was not guiltless and
this was not innocent fun because God had just prior told them: Exodus
20:3-6, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make
unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven
above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the
earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the
LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon
the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my
commandments.” Perhaps they just wanted to relegate God into an image
of their creation? – They were afraid of God as He had presented Himself
to them (Ex 20:19, Deut 5:23-27). God had come to prove them (Ex
20:20) and the results were disappointing. God told Moses the people had
corrupted themselves and had turned aside quickly from following His
commandments (Ex 32:7-8). God also said they were stiffnecked
(rebellious, Ex 32:9) and He was prepared to consume them (Ex 32:10).
Had Moses not intervened (Ex 32:11-14) they would have been
destroyed. The people later mourned and “put off their ornaments” - they
stripped themselves of the ornaments (things displeasing – jewelry items,
religious images, Ex 33:4-6). Woe to those who look to images!
 
Many movies have been made concerning Jesus. The gospel was never
intented to be entertainment to the flesh, yet these dramas are made to
be just that. As mentioned, we do not know what Jesus looked like, nor do
we know His actual personality, His body language, His thoughts, how He
interacted with others and His emotional expressions. If Jesus the man
could be portrayed, the deity certainly could not. These movies are man’s
opinions and speculations based upon what appeals to the flesh. Men
conform Christ to their image of Him (opposites – demonic). To make an
entertaining movie, men must take many liberties in filling in unknown
details. The whole thing becomes a huge fraud with some semblance to
the biblical account. These movies could never be truly accurate and are
thusdeceptive. The truth is not accurately represented and therefore
becomes a lie. False impressions are burned into the minds of the
audience. These surface during prayer, worship and devotion and thus
become idolic. This is not the way God intended to be worshipped or
represented. Woe to man! Good intentions are not license to do evil.
People will not be drawn to God by man’s disobedience to God (God draws
men unto Himself, Jn 6:44, 65). A lie will not draw hearts to the truth. We
may not worship any other god, including man’s assumed likenesses of
the real God (Ex 34:14).

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Do you have paintings of Jesus or statues (Jesus, virgin Mary, angels,
nativity scene, saints, etc. – Deut 27:15)? If you do, then you have put up
images and this is forbidden (Deut 16:22). This is not innocent – you have
rejected God’s Word in favor of your own thoughts or ideas – doing what
is right in your own eyes (Deut 12:8). Israel did this over and over and
always thought it was innocent – everybody was doing it. Jesus said that if
you do not keep His sayings (Word) that you do not love Him (Jn 14:24) –
this is rejection! Jesus also said: John 15:23, “He that hateth me hateth
my Father also.” There is not a pick and choose option for serving God.
Many worship an image of Christ – few “follow” the living Christ – there is
a tremendous difference that the blind will never see. Many will put
religious symbols or bumper stickers on their cars. Jesus would have
others see Him through us by the faithful lives we live – do and not say.
 
Many have made images of angels (paintings, sculptures, jewelry, etc.)
and have a form of worship thereof (Deut 16:22, Col 2:18). We are told
more than once in the Word of God not to worship angels (usually by the
angels themselves, Jdg 13:16-18, Heb Chap 1&2, Rev 19:10, 22:8-9).
Many also depict angels inaccurately as winged and feminine or as young
children. Angels are always referred to in the masculine and as mature, in
God’s Word.
 
Compromise
 
What an evil word compromise is. We have to understand that the nature
of man is fallen and as such is in rebellion against God. Man always seeks
to please his flesh. The best situation for the unconverted is if he can
please his flesh and soothe the guilty conscious at the same time. If God
says you are not to have graven statues, then man will immediately
respond, “what if.” What if they were molded rather than engraved with
tools? What if they are metal rather than clay or wood? What if we had a
painting rather than a statue? What if they were of Christian symbols? In
other words religious man will overlook the intent and major on the fine
points of the law. Men will strain at a gnat, but swallow a camel (Mt
23:24). The best possible justification for the religious man would be a
verse from God’s Word even if it has to be taken out of context or is an
obscure and less understood verse that may even contradict a multitude
of other verses. Those that have a heart toward God will uphold the intent
of what God desires. Those who are seeking God, but want to live in the
flesh will look for loopholes. Those who serve through the flesh will at best
grudgingly follow God and in their way. Another word that some will hide
behind is “tolerance.” This is going along with something that you know to
be wrong for the sake of unity. Most likely this will be associated with the
golden rule – do unto others as you would have them do unto you. We are
to seek peace with all men if possible, but never, ever compromise the
Word of God in so doing (Heb 12:14).
 

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Assembling
 
When asked the question, “Where do you go to church?” If you do not
respond with the appropriate answer you are immediately viewed with
much suspicion and basically considered a heretic or apostate until
possibly proven innocent. The desired answer being a membership with an
established (known) and generally accepted form of man’s organized and
incorporated religion (one of the thousands of denominations). The
religious institutions have been tremendously successful in furthering this
concept. You may find that the most biblically illiterate person may be
able to conjure up some form of this verse of scripture: Hebrews 10:25,
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of
some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the
day approaching.” It is so important to understand that this does not
necessarily mean perfect attendance at a religious institution. That is a
doctrine and tradition of men which is mostly fear based – not in love. The
scripture is saying that true followers assemble wherever and whenever
appropriate to exhort one another in the faith. The early church
assembled in private homes, courtyards, upper chambers, synagogues, or
wherever. The importance was why they were assembling. Exhorting
means to give spirit, strength, comfort, courage and to entreat (pray
against an evil) and pray. Jesus said: Matthew 18:20, “For where two or
three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of
them.” If we include the full text of Hebrews Chapter 10, we find that God
has written His law in our hearts and minds and we have a new life of love
and faith to draw near to Him with correct motives. We are to come with a
pure heart or whole heartedly due to our love for Him in unwavering
confidence. We look to Him alone. We assemble ourselves to provoke each
other unto love and good works, the forsaking of sin and having conduct
that is pure and holy always seeking righteousness in following our Lord.
We encourage one another to forsake the things of the world and wholly
seek God’s righteousness. This is generally not what the religious are
doing and this will be more thoroughly covered in Chapter Seven. Two
people form an assembly. There is no rule about meeting in religious
buildings with pomp and ceremony. Those that think there must be some
sort of religious structure to legitimize the gathering only show their
ignorance of the truth.
 
The truly sad thing is that although many have taken religious attendance
to heart, they have not taken true faith to heart. True faith is loving
obedience and service to Christ as Lord, everyday and in every way. This
is a denying of self and a forsaking of sin and the world. Faith will save,
religious attendance will not. The priorities are all out of order and this is
the confusion that God allows for those who love not the truth (live,
apply, do). Those who do not love the truth, have no use for it and will not
be given it – this you can be assured of. This is the spiritual blindness that
Christ talked about so often. This was also always associated with the
religious. The religious will interpret God’s Word through the flesh and

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mostly wrongfully apply it. The truth of the gospel such as coming to the
light (living righteously), self-denial, and sacrifice becomes a reproach to
them as it does not soothe the flesh, and they have no delight in it (Jer
6:10). The spiritual will have the Word of God unfolded to them as taught
by the Holy Spirit as they live it and travel the narrow path conforming to
Christ’s image more and more along the way. To conform to one, you
must die to the other. To become spiritual and Christ like, you must die to
self and the flesh.
 
If we are not assembling to truly serve God whole heartedly (fanatically)
and encourage, exhort, and edify others in their walk, then we have
missed the whole point of assembly. We are to have relationship with God
(through Christ) first and with others second. Assembling is not about
building facilities and serving them, shallow relationships, religious form,
ceremony, rites, etc. It’s all about Jesus Christ, the head of the body. It’s
about helping each other live daily in a world that undermines and
opposes all that Christ stood for. This should be a time when a believer
finds refuge and support – does he?
 
Who will Lead the Body?
 
Whenever there is a true move of the Spirit of God, men’s hearts will be
truly changed and cry out to Him. This will be evidenced and
demonstrated in their daily walk. They will essentially follow in the steps
of Christ in self denial (dying to self) and devotion to Him. Such a group of
men will form a powerful body and the gifts of the Spirit as identified in 1
Corinthians, Chapter 12 will be clearly manifested as the Spirit of God
leads the body. Inevitably man will rise up and attempt to franchise the
move of God and institutionalize it. The gathering will be named, facilities
will be sought and soon the Spirit will absent as man takes over and
improves, develops creeds or doctrinal statements and otherwise
legislates the move. The Spirit of God must be free to move and direct the
body. Man must be obedient through faith always looking outward to God
rather than inward to himself. Although there will be much similarity from
group to group this may vary somewhat as the Spirit determines the
need. The Spirit of God cannot and will not be boxed in by man as man
determines what truths of God’s Word will be emphasized and what will be
reduce in importance (relegated).
 
A Brief Historical Perspective
 
Just after the church was first established at Pentecost (book of Acts), it
came under heavy persecution from the religious Jews. This persecution
actually caused the church (body of Christ) to grow and be disbursed
throughout the region (Acts 8:1, 4, 11:19-21). The church was divinely
designed to endure, overcome and triumph in such persecution because
Christ is their Head and it is directed by His Spirit. The church was not
dependent upon human leadership to function. New groups (individuals,

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not buildings) were established all over the area with no more than one
assembly in any given city. Almost immediately false prophets and
teachers and those seeking personal glory began to arise (2 Pt 2:1-3, 3 Jn
1:9-10, 1 Tm 1:20). This was a constant aggravation to the apostle Paul.
The apostles were busy establishing (maturing) the body with teaching,
encouragement, and exhortation. Some brethren laboring in this effort
forsook the Lord for the things of the world (2 Tm 1:15, 4:10).Some
realized that religion could be “profitable” as a means to obtaintheir
fleshly desires (money, power, control, influence, etc.). At times, Paul
must have felt all alone. Philippians 2:20-21, “For I have no man
likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own,
not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” So men seeking their will and
purposes entered in from the very inception. Nevertheless, Christ has
always been faithful to His “little flock” who truly seek Him and His Spirit.
Luke 12:32, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to
give you the kingdom.” There will always be a counterfeit (and it will
outnumber the true), but those who truly and intently seek Christ will find
Him and His truth. Acts 17:27, “That they should seek the Lord, if haply
they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every
one of us.” AND Jeremiah 23:23, “Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD,
and not a God afar off?” Beware of the counterfeits that seem right, but
the Spirit is absent. Cunning men can craftily expound upon and interpret
the Word of God their way. The Spirit unfolds (reveals) the Word and
brings life to the hearer.
 
Almost as soon as the Jewish persecution subsided, persecution began
from the Roman Empire. This persecution was severe and lasted through
ten successive Caesars over a period of two hundred and fifty years. Most
have heard of the horrible stories of Christians being thrown to lions and
set ablaze on crosses. Throughout all this the church spread and grew
tremendously, which seemingly defied logic. The Holy Spirit led the body
and no persecution on earth could contain it. The church is spiritually
designed to overcome when functioning properly. The church actually
triumphed over Rome’s efforts to stop it, resulting in the Emperor
Constantine proposing a deal to church leaders who were eager to end the
persecutions (If you cannot conquer from without, then you must conquer
from within).
 
During this same time period many leaders were arising within the church.
These were men who sought power, influence and control. They began to
accumulate such power incrementally over time. They also established
mindsets and methodologies, such as they could be the only ones to
administer communion (Lord’s Supper) and sacraments that were later
added. They began laying the widespread foundation of what Jesus
termed “Nicolaitans” (Rev 2:15) which means to “Lord over the people.”
These religious set-up seats of authority over the people contrary to
Christ’s command that to be great in the kingdom of heaven, you must be
servant to all (and not to establish titles or positions of supremacy). This

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became as the Levitical priesthood that Jesus had abolished on the cross
(Mk 15:38). Today we know this system as the clergy-laity. The truth is
that all disciples have direct access to God through Christ (Eph 2:18) and
are to be led of the Spirit who instructs in God’s Word (2 Tim 3:16, 1 Cor
Chap 2). Over time sacraments were developed and actually became the
religious (man’s way) means of salvation rather than faith in Christ. If you
were not a member of their religious institution, then you were considered
lost. The spiritual life seen in individuals should be the evidence of
relationship with Christ through faith.
 
Under Constantine there was a sort of combining of church and state
(Mystery Babylon) and the persecution of the visible church ended. Church
leaders, who had been enduring the reproach of the cross and suffering
persecution, tired and sought the relief that the state was offering. Rather
than try and defeat the church from without, the devil changed tactics to
defeat it from within. A little compromise here and there and the
persecution ended. Christianity suddenly became very popular. The
conversion of the masses soon led to pagan temples becoming church
buildings as people changed religion. Later, cathedrals (monuments to the
flesh) were built. Many of these new converts brought their pagan
traditions into the church body. A little Christianizing here and there and
these pagan observances were added right in. Ambitious leaders were
happy to accommodate this mixing in order to consolidate power and
influence. For some time, God’s Word was suppressed and not available to
the common man and they were told what authorities wanted them to
hear. Doctrinal arguments were settled by Church Councils, beginning
with the Council of Nicea in 325 (which formulated the Nicean Creed).
Religious man forms councils rather than seeking the Holy Spirit. Man
wants to formulate, consolidate and control. Those who truly followed the
Spirit were probably not part of these councils. The church literally
became two separate entities. The true church was humble in spirit, less
noticeable, and Christ-seeking. The false church (harlot) exalted the flesh,
was highly visible, state approved, and was self-seeking. Those whose
beliefs or practices deviated sufficiently from the orthodoxy of the councils
now became the objects of efforts (persecution) to bring them into the
fold. Resistance often led to persecution. This soon plunged the church
into the Dark Ages whereby the resulting Roman Catholic and the
Orthodox Church Systems became the persecutors of all those who did
not yield to their absolute rule (within their realms of influence). Believers
were told that only by being a member of the now institutionalized
religious system could one be saved (sounds familiar for today). These
institutions assumed they held all truth and apart from them there was
none other. They even claimed to speak for God. Even so, there were still
many smaller groups of true believers who did not yield to this beast
system. It’s amazing, but the worst and probably longest sustained
persecutions of true believers were actually carried out by those who
claimed to represent Christ, just as Christ was killed by those who claimed
to represent God and who were looking for His coming. Torture, murder

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and destruction of written materials became the mode of control.
Throughout a history of man exerting his will, God has preserved His Word
for “whosoever will” and this is miraculous (Rev 22:17). We must seek
Christ alone and understand this Word as guided and taught by His Holy
Spirit. There is no justification in God’s Word to persecute or kill in His
name. This activity showed without doubt that these institutions were
following man and not the Spirit. The religious system totally
misrepresented Christ through such authoritarianism and rule of terror.
 
The Church of Rome known as the Roman Catholic Church had many
reformers. These were men who saw error in the church and sought to
correct the error. In most cases these were Roman Catholics who never
renounced their membership within the Roman Catholic Church. From
these attempted reforms came additional protestors. These men were
eventually forced to split from the Roman Catholic Church and became
know as the Protestants (Protest-ants). Although the Protestants steered
their memberships back to the truth of faith in Christ, they carried over
much of the error of the Roman Catholics (lust for buildings/temples,
holidays, ceremonies, Lordship authority/ control). Although these
reformers had the truth of God’s Word, many were still deeply entrenched
in doctrines and traditions of these systems of man (very hard to break
free from, see Chapter Seven, Christ (Mass), A Worldly Celebration).
 
The nation of America was born out of rebellion (Rm 13:1-2) – it broke
away from the English empire by force of will. America has always been
known for rebellion (independence), pursuit of self, and pride (see
Chapter 7, Rock and Roll). Most of us were taught in school how the
United States was founded by people escaping religious persecution in
Europe. Escaping persecution is seeking relief, but in what? This has been
called a Christian nation. The church in scripture has always been a
remnant called out of the world into relationship with Christ. The true
church would never be synonymous with an entire community or nation –
there is no scriptural authority or historical precedent for such.
Throughout the history of the church, Christ has always had a remnant
that would carry the torch of His testimony. Inevitably these groups would
eventually tire of the persecution and seek relief. In relief they found
complacency and what was once alive would eventually die as they
institutionalized to preserve what they had (Rev 2:4, 3:1-2). Fortunately
there have always been others who would step-up and carry this precious
testimony forward. What happens when believers seek relief from
governments/religious authorities from persecution? Fleshly comfort and
security are gained, but what has been lost? What has been
compromised? Perhaps an examination of the United States of America
might provide an answer. Throughout the history of this nation, the
religious and government have had an arrangement. The church has lived
in security, protected by law, and has even enjoyed special tax status. The
state has been the Defender of the Faith. Churches have multiplied across
the land and assemblies (franchises) are literally located on every block.

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There is a type of Christian culture flourishing with television, magazines,
schools, entertainment, retail stores, sports, associations, etc. This
country has exported religious denominations (missionaries) across the
globe. The new trend is super mega-churches operating under church
growth doctrines. So what is the problem? What has been lost – it seems
so wonderful? The problem is that the culture/society of United States of
America is the most decadent, self-indulgent, depraved, degenerate,
morally corrupt nation on the face of the earth. Does this upset you?
Examine the facts, not your emotions. America is prideful, America is
arrogant, yet America is the world’s ideal of man’s accomplishments. The
USA is condidered the greatest country on the face of the earth. It reigns
supreme militarily, economically, culturally, religiously, socially,
scientifically, etc. Everyone wants to immigrate to America. Some would
consider the USA to be the world’s moral compass (and this is very telling
of the great deception). The US proudly boast, “I Am, there is none else
beside me” (Is 47:8-10). HOWEVER: The U.S. aborts its babies (murder
of innocents) by the millions; glorifies every sin imaginable through its
television programming and movie industry; promotes illicit sex,
homosexuality & perversion and creates & distributes the world’s
pornography; is consumed with a love of violence, alcohol, and drug use;
wars with an occupies other nations or controls economically; enslaves
(debt) its citizens through a system of banking and credit (Federal
Reserve) combined with enticements of covetousness and greed; is very
proud; promotes gambling (Lotteries, casinos, etc. – whole states are
consumed) and rebellious music styles which lower inhibitions; uses the
majority of the world’s resources and consumes its products (therefore:
what America wants the world produces and also buys) – America’s great
“merchant men” (corporations) and financial institutions enslave the world
(the souls of men – Rev 18:13, 23, consider the increasing multitude of
third world sweat shops) – seeking the fruits that her soul lusts after (Rev
18:14); The greed and self-indulgence are unrivaled in world history; and
worse – it exports immoral culture around the world. American culture is
just a continuance of that of Rome (violence, sensuality, slavery,
regulations, military superiority, roads, right to face accusers {Acts
25:16}, etc.). What all this is saying is that the American religious
institutes are totally ineffective (even from a worldly perspective, given its
size, resources, influence, etc.). The country that sends out so many
missionaries is in desperate need of missionaries. The most popular toys,
children’s books and movies in the U.S. all concern witchcraft and the
occult. Video games (played by most youth) are saturated with themes of
graphic violence, sex and the occult. Many Christian families justify
participation in these things by saying its just fun make-believe. In order
for the organized churches to maintain popularity and draw crowds, the
message of Christ becomes weaker and less offensive to such a point that
now God has just become an unconditional “Love God” with no
expectations. The banner on a local church proclaims: “God loves you no
matter what.” This may sound good to the flesh, but scripture does not
support this -  (Ps 7:11, 11:5, 119:155). Relationships are reciprocal:

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John 14:23, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will
keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him,
and make our abode with him.” John 15:10, “If ye keep my
commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my
Father's commandments, and abide in his love.” Most religious institutions
are worldly and very representative of the culture. A typical religious
assembly will be very representative of the culture at large. America is the
economic/religious Babylon described in the Bible! America undoubtedly
corrupts the world with her fornication (Rev 19:2). She is wholly given to
pleasures and living carelessly and deliciously (Is 47:8, Rev 18:7).
 
Americans like things quick and convenient so getting saved has been
reduced down to a one line repeated prayer formula. Most are blinded,
having itching ears and will not endure sound doctrine, but are satisfied
with fables (2 Tim 4:3-4). America is the modern seat of Mystery Babylon
and the book of Revelation addresses its coming fate (Pv 16:18). If you
cannot discern that there is something dreadfully wrong in much of
America’s denominational churches, then you need only to open your Bible
and start reading it. Where is the church that Jesus described? It’s in
following Him and not man. The last reprobate act of Sodom was open
homosexuality. The modern church is now opening it’s arms to
unrepentant homosexuals – judgment is near (Jude 1:7). We are now at a
point in God’s timetable (look at the signs in Matthew 24, Daniel,
Revelation) when the world and the church is headed into the Great
Tribulation. Much of the U.S. religious institutions propagate fables of pre-
tribulation raptures (those less worthy than themselves as being “Left
Behind” to face tribulation) - meanwhile the Churches in China, Sudan,
Indonesia, etc. suffer heavy persecution now, for standing up for Christ.
The people say: Isaiah 30:10, “Which say to the seers, See not; and to
the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth
things, prophesy deceits.” The false prophets cry peace, peace, but
sudden destruction is coming (1 Thess 5:3, Ez 7:25).
 
The harlot church wants to live for the flesh, she partakes of the things of
the world committing spiritual adultery. Rev 2:20-22, “Notwithstanding I
have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman
Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my
servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And
I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her
into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.” This is referring
to the doctrine of Balaam (Rev 2:14). This is a harlot church that mixes
her worship of God with the things of the world. This church is an
adulterer and will go into the great tribulation. Jesus does give those who
will seek Him the ability to repent. The harlot wants to save her flesh
(pre-tribulation raptures), but will be thoroughly purged. This will be
addressed in Chapter Ten.

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Chapter 6 – Christ’s Holy Spirit Led Body
 
When Jesus walked upon the earth in the flesh, He was limited in what He
could do. He could only minister to so many people at a time or be at so
many places. Jesus said it was to our advantage that He go away (Jn 16:7
& Jn 14:28). Not only did He give Himself as the unblemished Lamb to be
sacrificed for our sins and bring opportunity for reconciliation to the
Father, but He also brought about a more perfect way in which those who
would follow Him could walk therein. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to give us
more perfect access (Eph 2:18). The Spirit is not limited in time and
space. This chapter will consider the vital role the Spirit has in conforming
us to Christ’s image. Through the Spirit we have access to God’s wisdom
and Christ’s direction all the time (1 Cor 2:10, 16). The Spirit’s role is so
vital that we cannot walk in Christ apart from the Spirit. Galatians 5:5,
“For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.”
 
John1:6-8, “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The
same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men
through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to
bear witness of that Light.” John the Baptist was a prophet sent to prepare
the way for Christ and did accomplish his purpose (Jn 10:41). Luke 1:15,
“For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine
nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his
mother's womb.” John operated in the Spirit of Elijah and was filled with
the Holy Spirit from the womb (Lk 1:17, 41, Mal 4:5). The Holy Spirit
provided the authority, boldness and words for John to speak to be the
witness God ordained. Luke 3:2-3, “Annas and Caiaphas being the high
priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the
wilderness. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the
baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” The Word came from
God and not from the religious leaders or their system (religious
schooling) and that word was to “repent.” Ezekiel also specifically spoke
God’s Words (2 Chr 36:12, Ez 3:1-4, 11:5, 16:17) as did all the prophets
(Deut 18:18-19, Moses – Num 11:24-29, Is 63:11, Jonah – Jo 3:2). A
true prophet always speaks God’s Words as per the Holy Spirit (2 Pt
1:21).
 
We read in Chapter Two that Jesus was filled with the Holy Ghost (Lk 4:1).
Christ was justified in the Spirit (1 Tm 3:16). Christ’s wisdom,
understanding, knowledge and counsel were of the Spirit (Is 11:2, Jn
7:38-39). The Spirit leads us to obey God. Acts 10:38, “How God anointed
Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about
doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was
with him.” Jesus’ desire is for His body (the church) to also be filled with
this same Spirit. Christ said, John 3:5-6, “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I
say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot
enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and
that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit.” To be born of water is referring

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to the baptism of repentance and this is what water baptism is symbolic
of. This is the process discussed in Chapter Four whereby one is broken
before God, forgiven, born again or converted and given God’s nature
(Eph 4:24). Water is representative of God’s Word – we are to be washed
in it (Jn 15:3, Eph 5:26). The Word is from God and is profitable for
doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Tm 3:16)
– it stands for ever (Is 40:8). The Word of God purifies us. 1 Peter 1:22-
23, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the
Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another
with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but
of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”
The Word will make us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Jesus
Christ (2 Tm 3:15). We obey the truth, which is the Word, through the
Spirit (water and Spirit). The Spirit unfolds God’s Word so that we can
understand and apply it in the right manner. This water of the Word
purifies us: Psalm 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I
might not sin against thee.” Purifying is taking away all our wrong
attitudes and giving us a heart to serve God. Jesus said: John 15:3, “Now
ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” The miracle
of the new birth takes place only in obeying the truth (Word) not just
hearing. The Word must be accompanied by the Spirit to bring life – to
change our hearts and attitudes. Those who have the Word but not the
Spirit will not manifest this change of heart and attitude toward God. This
was demonstrated by the religious men of Christ’s time. They had the
Word, but their hearts were far from God. 1 John 5:8, “And there are
three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood:
and these three agree in one.” These witnesses are the Holy Ghost, The
Word, and Christ’s sacrifice - the giving of His very life (God’s plan:
forgiveness of sins and reconciliation to God through Jesus). 2
Thessalonians 2:13-14, “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for
you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning
chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of
the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the
glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Our salvation is through faith and
sanctification (becoming like Christ) through the Spirit by belief in the
Word (loving, accepting and applying the truth).
 
We are forgiven and our sins are covered by Christ’s shed blood (Col
1:14, Eph 1:7). The life is in the blood and Jesus’ was poured out for you
(1 Jn 5:11-12). Being born of the Spirit is that empowerment to live holy
and righteous before God (Lk 24:49, Jn 1:12, 1 Pt 1:2, 5). This is referred
to as “baptism of the Holy Spirit.” John the Baptist, who was sent to
prepare the way for Christ, said: Matthew 3:11, “I indeed baptize you with
water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I,
whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy
Ghost, and with fire.” We are to be led by the Spirit daily, having died to
self (repented) and having been forgiven by Christ’s shed blood.
 

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We need a Comforter
 
Jesus said, John 16:7-8, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient
for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come
unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come,
he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:”
The Holy Spirit’s manifestation was so necessary that Jesus said it was
better for Him to leave such that this could be accomplished. The Spirit
will convict us of sin and wrongfulness, lead us to righteousness, and will
convince the world of its fault (make manifest) before God. For any of this
to be meaningful, we must freely choose to obey. Jesus (in the flesh)
could not physically give everyone such personal attention. John 15:26,
“But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the
Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he
shall testify of me:” Jesus sends the Spirit to us so that we can have the
ability to follow in His steps and be conformed to His image. Christ’s
image (in the flesh) represented the image of God that man was created
to be. We must be reconciled through Jesus to the image of God under His
authority. John 16:13-15, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,
he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but
whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things
to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew
it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that
he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” The Spirit will guide us
to the truth, meaning the correct knowledge, attitude and application of
God’s Word. Without the Spirit the Word is as a sealed book – we do not
rightly understand it, for there is blindness. We must pray that the Lord
will open our understanding of the scriptures (Lk 24:45). As we travel “the
way” of Christ (Jn 14:6), the Spirit unfolds God’s Word in knowledge and
application in our lives. The Spirit will write the epistle of Christ in our
heart (2 Cor 3:3). God’s Word is truth and it is eternal (Ps 12:6, 119:160,
1 Pt 1:25). The Spirit’s direction will always agree with God’s Word
because He testifies of Jesus who is the Word (Jn 17:17, Js 1:18, 1 Pt
1:25). God has given the Spirit to us through our faith (Gal 3:2). The
Spirit cannot be earned or merited through our good works or keeping of
the law (must have love and devotion). Man does not control the Spirit in
anyway. Religious error quickly manifests itself when the Spirit is absent.
Man cannot know God or serve Him apart from the Spirit. God has sealed
us with the Spirit in our hearts: 2 Corinthians 1:20-22, “For all the
promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God
by us. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed
us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in
our hearts.” Notice that these verses bear witness of the full Godhead
(Father, Son and Holy Ghost). The Spirit will lead and instruct us, if we
follow and obey (Acts 5:32). Psalm 86:11, “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I
will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” Understanding of
the mystery of Christ (the inspired written Word of God) was revealed to
the Apostles and prophets by the Spirit (Mk 12:36, Lk 1:67, Eph 3:4-5, 2

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Pt 1:21). To understand and apply God’s Word is to live within His will
freely (purposes). Jesus must receive the glory and the Spirit will direct us
to Christ.
 
Knowing the Truth of God’s Word
 
John 14:26, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the
Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all
things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” If we
truly want to know God’s will and desire to perform it, then the Holy Spirit
will ensure that we understand it. The Holy Spirit searches and reveals the
deep things of God and we thereby have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:10-
16). Conversely, if we seek our own will in any way then we will not
understand God’s will. God’s truth is a mystery – hidden wisdom to those
who are prideful or fleshly (1 Cor 2:7), yet will be understood by those
who are humble and childlike (Mk 10:15, Lk 18:17). The kingdom will only
be revealed through the Holy Spirit and never through man’s wisdom (1
Cor 2:13). The Holy Spirit gives truth of understanding – He is the Spirit
of truth (Jn 15:26, 16:13)! Seeking of your will is seeking the flesh. Dying
to your desires and will to seek God is seeking the Spirit. These things are
as foolishness to the fleshly (1 Cor 2:14). When the flesh is active it will
always seek its own and exalt itself above all else. God will not serve our
flesh.
 
Have you ever noticed how different people can look at the same verse of
scripture and come up with very different interpretations of the meaning?
A person’s perspective may be biased based upon various reasons such as
denominational/religious doctrine (doctrines of men), the way they were
brought up or taught (traditions of men), pre-conceived notions, or
perhaps a cherished lifestyle. In other words, scripture tends to be
examined in light of the individual’s desired outcome or prior knowledge
(2 Cor 2:17, 4:2). These things interfere with God’s will and are idols in
your heart. If the desired meaning is not clearly apparent or is in doubt,
then justification is sought. Offensive scriptures are downplayed and
desired ones are emphasized. The Word becomes tailored to meet an end.
These look at God’s Word through the eyes of the flesh. We must examine
God’s Word through the Spirit. The flesh desires that which is contrary to
the Spirit (Gal 5:17, Rm 8:4-5). The flesh will not desire to deny itself or
make sacrifices. If the truth is not approached with a pure heart and right
motives then it is of no use to know it. If the truth says to deny yourself
and take up the cross, yet you are not willing, then the truth is of no value
to you. Many handle God’s Word as a buffet of suggestions to be picked
and choosed from, given a changing appetite. They do what is right in
their own eyes (Deut 12:8) - but never see it that way (blindness).
 
Men find all sorts of ways to justify their errors or desired beliefs. They will
take God’s Word and say this doesn’t apply because it is in the Old
Testament (Mt 14:52); or this does not apply because it was only meant

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for the Jews; or this was only for the early church or during apostolic
times; or this is only symbolic; and on and on. Jesus brought the truth,
but man prefers his opinions. The truth will deny the flesh and this is the
issue! Rather than accept and live within the truth, man will alter the truth
to fit his opinions and assume that God is in agreement or will see things
his way. We must understand that our “opinions” will always equate to
“doing what is right in our own eyes” and will strengthen (feed) our flesh
(Deut 12:8, Jud 17:6, 21:25, Pv 12:15, 21:2). Our opinions will be judged
by God’s Truth – and they better be in agreement (Jn 12:48). God’s Word
is eternal and never changing (Js 1:17). Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ the
same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” What God said in the Old
Testament absolutely continues to apply within the context it was said (Mt
13:52). God has been very clear and consistent throughout the Bible that
man is to love, obey and serve Him with a whole heart – to cleave to Him
(Deut 11:22). Anything short of total surrender to the will of God and a
life of abiding faith (in Jesus) is rebellion and sin. Nothing has changed
including the fact that man manipulates to have his will prevail in keeping
with his fallen nature (2 Cor 2:17). Those who love not the truth of God’s
Word and use it for selfish ends have judged God’s Word as unworthy in
favor of their own or another’s. What will happen to those who reject
God’s truth? Acts 3:23, “And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which
will not hear that prophet (Jesus, as per v. 22 and Acts 7:37), shall be
destroyed from among the people.” These despise God’s Word (Pv 13:13,
2 Cor 4:2). Jesus said, My sheep hear my voice and “follow” me (Jn
10:27). Consider: Psalm 95:7, “For he is our God; and we are the people
of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice.”
We must hear Jesus and not what we want to hear.
 
What is the correct way to examine God’s Word to accurately understand
Christ’s doctrine (teaching)? How can we know the correct context and
application of the scriptures? John 7:16-17, “Jesus answered them, and
said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his
will, he shall know (understand) of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or
whether I speak of myself.” The fundamental condition for obtaining
spiritual knowledge (truth) is a genuine heart-desire to carry out the
revealed will of God (Ps 25:14). Proverb 28:5, “Evil men understand not
judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.” God will
give understanding (Pv 1:23, Lk 24:45, Mt 13:11) to those who will do His
will (desire to know and perform His will), they will understand and thus
know His doctrine – This God promises! These will be taught of God (Jn
6:45). Knowing means intimate knowledge that leaves no doubt
(consider: Jn 17:21, 23, 26). In order to know and apply God’s will, we
must totally put our will aside, you cannot have both (who will be Lord?).
When we put our will (or idols) aside (doctrines, traditions, likes, dislikes,
etc.), then our heart is ready to receive His will (Dan 9:13). If we truly
want to know God’s will, then we will DO IT (this is a must, Js 1:22) when
given the truth, because our heart genuinely seeks to please Him (Ps
25:5, 27:11, 119:12, 33, 143:10). Psalm 86:11, “Teach me thy way, O

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LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” To be
taught of God we must be meek and fear Him (Ps 25:9, 12, 14). As we
do/perform God’s will, our eyes will be opened to the understanding of His
Word. Christ said, “to those who hear more will be given (Mk 4:24).”
Jesus also said: John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
Scriptures reveal that when Christ came the people would not receive
Him, meaning that they did not take to heart the things which He said. His
will must become our will. This always results in self-sacrifice on your part
(denying the flesh). Christ’s love was sacrificial and we must reciprocate
(it’s a relationship). If you love not the truth and will not die to self to
conform to God’s will (Christ’s image, Rm 8:29) then: 2 Thessalonians
2:10-12, “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that
perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be
saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they
should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the
truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” Many claim salvation through
the blood of Christ, but they received not the love of the truth. So they
have blindness of heart (Eph 4:18-19). To see the truth, we must first
turn from our iniquities (Dan 9:13). To be self-serving and holding onto
the things of men is to reject God’s truth in favor of your own or another
man’s, usually to satisfy the flesh (carnal nature). Notice the verse (Jn
7:16-17) said doctrine (singular) and not doctrines (plural). There are not
many teachings or many paths as some might have you believe. Many
want to see God as their own image of the way they think He should be.
God is not the image of man (those who rebel see things opposite – as
the devil)! They create their own golden calf and make sacrifices to it! The
Holy Spirit will bear witness and teach those who will embrace truth (John
14:26). God sends those who love not the truth a strong delusion such
that they believe their own error (strongly consider this).
 
God will confirm our own idols back to us if we love not the truth. Ezekiel
14:3-5, “Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and
put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be
enquired of at all by them? Therefore speak unto them, and say unto
them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that
setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his
iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will
answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols; That I
may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are
all estrangedfrom me through their idols.” Do you see the magnitude of
these verses? When we approach God with idols in our hearts (favorite
doctrines, beliefs, notions, traditions, justifications, self-centered wants)
or for any reason other than to know the truth (even if it disagrees with
our entire understanding, doctrines and traditions) and to live within that
truth, then God just confirms our own error back to us according to the
multitude of our idols (2 Thess 2:11). God Himself deceives those self
seeking prophets (Ez 14:9). God validates what we want to hear because
we reject His truth (Ez 14:9-10). Our own error becomes a huge

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stumblingblock (of iniquity, Ez 14:7) that we now suppose God endorses.
This becomes the strong delusion that is believed and accepted as truth.
We have no real use for the truth, only validation of our opinions. God
doesn’t force us to hear the truth, and if we’re not seeking to follow it
there is no benefit anyway. God says of these: Psalms 50:17, “Seeing
thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee.” We know that
those seeking God’s will are being led in the path of righteousness unto
holiness (Ps 23:3, Pv 8:20, Lk 1:74-75, Rm 6:19, 22, Eph 4:24, 1 Thess
4:7, Heb 12:14) – we are blessed in doing so (Ps 128:1). Where are those
who seek SELF being led? Psalms 125:5, “As for such as turn aside unto
their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of
iniquity…” Do not enter the path of the wicked or go the way of evil men –
they stumble all the way and are an abomination to God (Pv 3:32, 4:14,
19, 15:9) – they’ll be cast down (Ps 147:6). There is no peace for the
wicked (Is 48:22). You will be supernaturally led down the path you
choose (most likely supposing whichever to be in God’s will). This
happened to Ahab and Jehoshaphat in 1 Kings Chapter 22 (also 2 Chr
18:19-22). These men wanted an affirmative answer for their way, so: 1
Kings 22:23, “Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in
the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil
concerning thee.” The kings received the answer they wanted to hear (2
Chr 18:11), but it was to the undoing of Ahab (wrong path). God doesn’t
tear down the idols that are in your heart, they are there because you
want them to be. You have set them up of your own free will and you
defend them. The result is: John 12:40, “He hath blinded their eyes, and
hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor
understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.”
God will not force you against your will. God’s truth is eternal and will
remain whether you choose to believe it or not (Ps 119:160, 1 Pt 1:25). If
you seek God’s truth to perform it, then you will receive it as you obey. If
you seek confirmation of your own idolatry, you will receive such
confirmation to your own demise – Perhaps God will not even be inquired
of by you at all (no answer, Ez 20:3). The religious, who seek God
through the flesh, have never understood this. These sought God not
through faith. Faith being love, obedience and denial of the flesh – such as
was demonstrated by Abraham. God responds to us in like manner:
Psalms 18:25-27, “With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with
an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; With the pure thou wilt
shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.
For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.” Do
you reject God’s truth? By mercy and truth iniquity (sin) is purged (Pv
6:16-17).
 
There is only one solution (continuing from the verses above): Ezekiel
14:6, “Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD;
Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces
from all your abominations.” We have to repent and then start seeking the
truth – we must love the truth, it sanctifies (Jn 17:19). Psalm 119:167,

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“My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly” AND
Psalm 119:174, “I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is
my delight.” We must apply the truth and live within it. Psalm 119:133 ,
“Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over
me.” Many religious men seek God to confirm their own idolatry (doctrines
and traditions) and God answers them with what they want to hear
according to the multitude of their idolatry. Do we not see this
demonstrated in the multitudes of religious denominations today? They all
differ, yet they are all sure they are hearing from God. Many just suppose
there are many paths to God, but this is in total biblical error and these
religions/factions contradict (oppose) each other. Failure to embrace truth
becomes a mighty stumblingblock. Many religious institutions have a
mixture of truth and error and this is confusion. Israel mixed their worship
of God with Paganism and idolatry – so do the religious of today (Jer 7:7-
10, 18). Jeremiah 7:19, “Do they provoke me to anger? saith the LORD:
do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces?”
Anything apart from the truth is confusion. Confusion is instability and not
a firm foundation. Many religious factions seek to unite, but this is only
accomplished through tolerance and not truth.
 
When we embrace God’s will, He reciprocates: John 14:21, “He that hath
my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he
that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will
manifest myself to him.” AND 1 John 3:22, “And whatsoever we ask, we
receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things
that are pleasing in his sight.” As with any relationship, love is mutual
(two sided) and there is union and communion with each other. 1 John
4:19, “We love him, because he first loved us.” As we sincerely love and
obey Christ, God gives us intimacy with Himself within proportion to our
effort. Prayers get answered and because we are doing His will they are
asked with right intent (not asked amiss, Js 4:3).Oh man, do you see God
as your own image of Him? God will not be boxed in by your own religious
interpretation of Him. God will not be confined by doctrines of men. God is
not answerable to men nor does He serve man. He is the great “I AM” and
you cannot even comprehend such. Submit, have fellowship and be led.
 
To correctly obey God we must serve in Spirit and in truth. God defines
His very Word as truth. Psalm 119:160, “Thy word is true from the
beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever
(also 1 Pt 1:25).” We read this Word and apply it to our lives as led by the
Spirit. The Bible says that we are to be “doers” of the Word and not
hearers only (Js 1:22). Hearers are not justified before God; doers are
justified before God (Rm 2:13). When we become doers of God’s Word in
seeking His will and not ours, then God will make sure we are
“understanders” of His Word and purposes (Ps 119:12, 169, 28:5). They
that seek the Lord understand all things (Pv 28:5). That means that you
cannot just sit in religious services and hear the Word and agree with it.
You must be actively applying the Word to your life daily – living it! This

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becomes a “Living Faith.” However, the elders, chief priest and scribes
knew the Word of God and also applied it to their lives but fell short. They
did not mix the Word with faith (Heb 4:2). This is why we must also live in
the Spirit. The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 2 Corinthians 3:6, “Who
also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter,
but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” Simply
following a list of do’s and don’ts will fall short of God’s desire. God will
hold you to your list and you’ll be lacking (Gal 3:12). We must be taught
and led of the Spirit how to correctly live out God’s Word with correct
motives (attitudes) from the heart out of love. Romans 7:6, “But now we
are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that
we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.”
Does this mean that God is more lax in our obedience to Him? No! It
means that: we cannot fulfill the law on our own (with our abilities and
motives); and we must have the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us too
voluntarily (out of love) uphold the intent of the law – our heart must
change! To simply follow the law with no real love and devotion to God
misses the point. Many become servants to the law rather than servants
to Christ (He is Lord). The law points out our sin, failings and inabilities
(Rm 3:20 & 7:7). Galatians 3:24, “Wherefore the law was our
schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”
When we see our great need and submit to Jesus, He gives us the ability
through our faith to live correctly for Him. Romans 8:4, “That the
righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the
flesh, but after the Spirit.” We are definitely being led in paths of
righteousness for His namesake. Galatians 5:18, “But if ye be led of the
Spirit, ye are not under the law.” The law is not made for the righteous,
for they are a law unto themselves with hearts toward God and pure
motives, the law is for the disobedient and rebellious (1 Tm 1:9, Rm
2:14-15). Those who love God are willing to follow God’s commands
because of their love for Him. They do not have to be forced to do such.
 
John 6:63, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the
words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” If we
attempt to understand God’s Word apart from the Spirit we will fail to
understand the truth. The flesh profits nothing (Jn 6:57). The flesh wants
its dominance and will interpret God’s Word in that disposition. The flesh
wants to live in darkness yet profess to be in the light. The Spirit works on
us to completely change us - our attitudes and desires. The flesh does not
want to be changed it’s a hindrance, a stumbling block and will keep us
from truly coming to Christ. The flesh will see God’s love, forgiveness,
blessings and grace, but will not see self denial, sacrifice, obedience,
forsaking worldliness and crucifixion of self. The flesh does not want to
forsake anything, it wants to accumulate. Since the beginning, men living
in the flesh have interpreted God’s Word into all manner of erroneous
doctrines. Men can be led to follow many a doctrine when the flesh is
soothed and pacified and emotions are enticed. We may profess, but will
we follow? Jesus said: Luke 9:23, “And he said to them all, If any man will

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come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and
follow me.” Jesus also said whosoever does not bear his cross and forsake
all that he hath and come after cannot be Christ’s disciple (Lk 14:27 &
14:33). This is not a message for the flesh and is rarely preached in
context. Only when we allow the Spirit to quicken will we see the truth
and have life. The Holy Spirit regenerates! When we die to ourselves and
seek God’s will, we change into something beautiful like a seed planted in
the ground or a butterfly emerging from a cocoon.
 
The Key
 
When we are given truth we must respond appropriately. Many people
might agree with or accept a truth of God’s Word, but this is not sufficient.
We must take the truth we are given and apply and demonstrate it in our
lives. We can agree with righteousness and understand righteousness, but
that does not make us righteous. When first approaching/coming to the
Lord, some may initially offer a blanket statement (cover all) of
repentance for past sinfulness. This may be sufficient for that moment,
depending on whether or not you truly understand the nature of your
transgressions. However, sooner or later (depends upon you), the Holy
Spirit will bring up representative sins (for your past transgressions) or
the actual sins (instances) themselves for you to individually grieve and
repent over. Once the sin is properly dealt with, there is deliverance
(assuming you forsake it). You see, we often are blinded to sinful aspects
of our lives and these things must be dealt with as the blindness is lifted.
We must be cleansed from all sin (1 Jn 1:7). When we realize a present or
past sin, we must grieve, repent and forsake. The fruit of our repentance
will be manifested in our actions (Lk 3:8-9). Obedience requires a sacrifice
and a self denial on our part. Obedience itself is superior to sacrifice (1
Sam 15:22), but is often implemented through sacrifice. We submit, yield
and place our trust in God and obey. Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifices of God
are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not
despise.” We must be willing to obey even when it requires personal
surrender or great inconvenience (Job 13:15). Is this not following in the
steps of our Lord and Savior who constantly sacrificed for us? Put all your
cares upon God and have faith. 1 Peter 5:7, “Casting all your care upon
him; for he careth for you.”
 
When we apply God’s truth to our life and live it, our eyes are opened to
ever increasing knowledge and truth. If we are faithful in little, we are
faithful in much and are trusted with greater riches (Lk 16:10-12, Mt
13:12). We walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7). Our action or
obedience proves our faith (Js 2:17-18, 20, 22, 26). 2 Corinthians 3:18,
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord,
are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the
Spirit of the Lord.” As we live out God’s Word in obedience to the direction
of His Spirit, and sacrifice, we are bit by bit, faith to faith, glory to glory,
changed into Christ’s likeness. Romans 1:17, “For therein is the

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righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just
shall live by faith.” Each time we obey God (regardless of personal cost)
and forsake our rebellion, we become more like the image of Jesus. We
are then traveling the narrow path. We are leaving the darkness and
coming into His glorious light. To remain in the darkness is most assuredly
rejecting the light. To be unfaithful in the things of God is to lose even
that which you have and not to be trusted in true riches (Lk 16:10-12, Mt
13:12, 25:29).
 
If we reject God’s truth then He will hide Himself from us (blindness of
understanding) – this is shown in John 8:30 through John 9:41. Jesus was
speaking to a group who believed on Him (Jn 8:30-31). When Christ
shined light on their darkness (iniquity, evil nature), they rejected His
Words (Jn 8:37, 43-47), and lashed out at Him with demeaning slurs
(defended their corrupt nature, Jn 8:48). These men even took up stones
to kill Jesus (Jn 8:59). During the midst of this confusion, Jesus hid
Himself from them, yet stopped and ministered to a man who was born
blind (Jn 9:1). The Father decided whom He would reveal Himself to (Mt
11:27). This man received Christ’s instruction and obeyed (Jn 9:7). As a
result his eyes were both physically and spiritually opened (Jn 9:11, 38).
The religious were seeking God, yet did not see their own iniquity and
could not humble themselves (fleshly, proud) and accept Jesus’ graceous
Words. The blind man was not seeking God, yet had a humble heart and a
willingness to submit and obey. God will have mercy on whom He will
have mercy, and will have compassion on whom He will have compassion
– it is God who shows mercy (Rm 9:15-16). Many who seek God, will seek
Him in a way of their own choosing and for their own purposes and will
come away lacking. Some will make great boasts until their flesh is
inconvenieced. The men Jesus was talking to said Abraham was their
authority (Jn 8:33-40). They also said they were Moses disciples (Jn 9:28-
29). They were rejecting Christ’s precious Word’s for their doctrines and
traditions developed from their incorrect interpretations (Jn 8:39-40) of
Abraham and Moses. Jesus said: John 10:8, “All (people, places, things,
etc.) that ever came before (put ahead of, higher in priority) me are
thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.” Whenever we
elevate anything above Christ, we are robbed of the truth of His Words.
John 10:10, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to
destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it
more abundantly.” Those things placed in importance above Jesus (even
your religious endeavors) rob you of the life of Christ – the light of His
Word. You will never understand it. Jesus stated: John 10:9, “I am the
door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and
out, and find pasture.” Our life is found in Christ!
 
We will Obey!
 
Many will be glad to obey God assuming He tells them what they want to
hear (fleshly doctrines). Such was the case with the Israelis that remained

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in the Land after Babylon had devastated the country and killed or carried
most away captive. Jeremiah 42:1-3, “Then all the captains of the forces,
and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all
the people from the least even unto the greatest, came near, And said
unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be
accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, even for all
this remnant; (for we are left but a few of many, as thine eyes do behold
us:) That the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk,
and the thing that we may do.” Jeremiah told them that he would seek the
Lord and hold nothing back that the Lord required of them. Jeremiah
42:5, “Then they said to Jeremiah, The LORD be a true and faithful
witness between us, if we do not even according to all things for the which
the LORD thy God shall send thee to us.” Jeremiah came back to these
men and spoke the words of the Lord. God wanted them to remain in the
land, but they wanted to flee to Egypt. These men feared the Babylonians
would come back and kill them. They wanted to seek security and
provision in man (Pharaoh) rather than God. Jeremiah 43:1-2, 4, “And it
came to pass, that when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking unto all
the people all the words of the LORD their God, for which the LORD their
God had sent him to them, even all these words, Then spake Azariah the
son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men,
saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the LORD our God hath not
sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there. So Johanan the son
of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people, obeyed
not the voice of the LORD, to dwell in the land of Judah.” God didn’t speak
what they wanted to hear so they blamed Jeremiah for speaking lies. The
“proud” will never find the Lord for He hears the “humble.” They went to
Egypt and God brought their fears upon them and they were destroyed (Is
66:4). Many religious people today will do the same. They will love not the
truth, but rather the darkness and will seek out those who tell them what
they want to hear as “thus saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 6:10, “To whom shall
I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is
uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is
unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.” The truth will require
trust and faith in God (and sacrifice) and will not appease the flesh. Most
will trust and seek security in the flesh. 2 Timothy 4:3-4, “For the time will
come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts
shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they
shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
 
The Holy Spirit is Vital
 
We have read that the Holy Spirit is to be our (follower’s) comforter sent
from God who guides, teaches, glorifies Jesus, and convicts of sin,
righteousness and judgment. The Holy Spirit dwells within the believer (2
Tm 1:14, Jn 14:17, 1 Cor 6:19). The Holy Ghost also helps us pray:
Romans 8:26-27, Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we
know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself

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maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And
he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,
because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of
God.” The Spirit edits those selfish portions of our prayers to conform
them and us to God’s will. We must understand that everything eternal
revolves around God’s will. We must stop looking at the temporal. If you
are strong willed then you should start praying for God to break your will
in whatever way necessary and make you humble. The Holy Ghost
empowers or strengthens us to do God’s will, but we must desire it (Lk
24:49, Acts 4:31, Rm 15:13, 1 Thess 1:5, 1 Pt 1:2, 5). Ephesians 3:16-
17, “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be
strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may
dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love.”
Our own strength will quickly fail us. Ephesians 3:20, “Now unto him that
is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that worketh in us.” The Spirit fills us with love,
joy, peace, and hope (Rm 5:5, 15:13). Jesus dwells within our hearts
through our daily walk of faith which is our demonstrated love and
obedience to Him.
 
It’s just not possible to live on earth as we should without being filled with
the Holy Ghost. Galatians 4:6, “And because ye are sons, God hath sent
forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” The
Bible contains many accounts of those that were filled with the Holy Ghost
(including Jesus) – Isaiah 63:11, Mark 12:26, Luke 1:41, 67, 4:1, Acts
2:1, 4, 4:8, 31, 6:3, 5, 7:55, 9:17, 10:44-45, 11:15, 11:24, 13:9, 52,
19:6, and Eph 5:18. We are told not to grieve the Holy Spirit. Ephesians
4:30, “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto
the day of redemption.” Giving into the will of the flesh and living a life of
self grieves the Spirit. Seeking temporal worldly things grieves the Spirit.
The Spirit leads us to die to self and become like Christ. Are you being
led?
 
Yielding to the Spirit
 
By nature most people are complacent and do not like change. When we
yield to God, he wants to conform us to the image of His Son (Rm 8:29 &
14:17). The Holy Spirit works on us to meet that end – to grow and
mature us. The process is often very uncomfortable to the flesh (flesh is
denied). There are peaks and valleys, trials and tribulations and much
SELF denial. The flesh must become subservient to the Spirit. The flesh
does not want to deny itself; the flesh does not want to love its enemies;
the flesh does not want to forgive; the flesh does not want to yield to
God’s will – it prefers it’s own. So if one is not following the Spirit, one
does not grow, is in rebellion and falls back. The flesh becomes dominant
and rises up in rebellion to God’s will. The flesh (carnal) wants to live in a
way that satisfies self and not God. The main point is: If you are not being
led of the Spirit then you are living apart from God’s will in rebellion

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(opposed) to Him. Then your purposes involve satisfying the flesh no
matter how subtle it may seem. To reject the Spirit is to reject Christ. 2
Corinthians 1:22, “Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the
Spirit in our hearts.” 1 John 4:13, “Hereby know we that we dwell in him,
and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.”
 
Flesh or Spirit
 
Romans 8:13, “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through
the spirit do mortify (put to death) the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”
We are to deny the flesh and feed the Spirit. Living in the flesh is doing
those things that are contrary to God’s will, such as worldliness, and
putting self above God and others. So what do you suppose happens when
one constantly feeds the flesh and neglects the Spirit? This could be as
simple as eating more than you require to seeking selfish carnal
entertainment rather than God through His Word and prayer. The
possibilities are endless. The flesh wants what it wants when it wants it;
the Spirit is sacrificing and patient. The flesh wants to do what is right in
its own eyes irregardless of others; the Spirit denies itself for the benefit
of others (love). The flesh takes; the Spirit gives. The flesh exalts itself;
the Spirit is humble. The flesh wants to control; the Spirit wants to set
free. Galatians 6:8, “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap
corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the spirit reap life
everlasting.” We must examine ourselves and determine what our
interests are, where we spend our time, which direction are we heading?
Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are
in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Notice
you must be “in Christ Jesus” and you must “walk after the Spirit”, for
such there is no condemnation. If you are sowing to the flesh, then do not
assume God’s grace allows it. Christ’s death was a precious thing and God
will not be mocked (Gal 6:7). Those who “profess” Christ yet live in the
flesh, and possibly do not even give thought to the fact that they are
fleshly, are greatly deceived. Galatians 5:16-18, “This I say then, Walk in
the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth
against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary
the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if
ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” The law kills because it
forces us to obey. This type of obedience is out of fear or compulsion –
love is absent. The Spirit brings life because it compels us to willingly and
lovingly obey through the heart (2 Cor 3:6). The Spirit is leading to
holiness, and conforms us to Christ’s image.
 
Not Just in Word, but in Signs, Wonders, and Miracles
 
Hebrews 2:3-4, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation;
which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto
us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with
signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost,

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according to his own will?” The gospel is powerful and is confirmed by God
through His means when we are serving His purposes (Acts 14:3). This is
what separates the truth of God from just another philosophy of man or
doctrine of demons. This chapter opened with the revelation that Jesus
was filled with the Spirit and power and thereby performed wonders (Acts
10:38). Consider what was said of Jesus: Luke 4:32, “And they were
astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.” Christ is our
example and He told us that we will do greater things (Jn 14:12). Notice
what the apostle Paul says, 1 Thessalonians 1:5, “For our gospel came not
unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in
much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for
your sake.” When we are speaking God’s Word in His will, He bears
witness with signs and wonders (Heb 2:4) - It’s powerful! 1 Corinthians
4:20, “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” What have
followers of Christ done through the ages? Mark 16:20, “And they went
forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and
confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Jesus gives the authority
(Lk 10:17-20): Luke 9:1-2, “Then he called his twelve disciples together,
and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.”
John the Baptist (while enduring a low point in prison) sent disciples to
Jesus to confirm He was the Christ (Lk 7:19-20). While they were in
Christ’s midst, He cured many people of infirmities and plagues, and of
evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight (Lk 7:21). Jesus
told them, go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and
heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the
deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached (Lk
7:22). The signs and wonders confirmed (authenticated) Christ’s ministry.
 
Paul once said: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, “And I, brethren, when I came to
you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you
the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you,
save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and
in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not
with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit
and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but
in the power of God. Paul didn’t try and use witty persuasive arguments or
rely on all his pharisaical (religious) learning (Rm 15:19). Paul was not a
motivational speaker. Like Jesus, he spoke God’s Words as he was
directed by the Spirit. If our faith stood in man’s wisdom (doctrines), then
it would be subject to change every time someone more intellectual or
cleverer came along. Man’s wisdom is opposed to God’s. God’s Word is
life, powerful and it does not change. Our Words are death and void of
power.
 
We look to God’s Word through His Spirit for what we are to say. 1
Corinthians 2:11-13, “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save
the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no

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man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the
world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that
are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the
words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth;
comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” Jesus has given us His Spirit to
teach us. Many in the religious world have rejected the teaching of the
Holy Ghost in favor of man’s wisdom or their own. Many attend seminaries
or religious schools to earn degrees and philosophize about the things of
God. They then presume to become our teachers and error is advanced.
They are ever learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the
truth (2 Tm 3:7). This is because God said, you will do it His way.  To
truly understand God’s wisdom, we must reject our own. The things of
God are spiritually discerned and are otherwise unknown (1 Cor 2:14).
God will reveal Himself to one that is humble, broken and childlike, but
these things that God reveals, the learned man will never see (Mk 10:15,
Lk 10:21) – making wise the simple (Ps 19:7). Man’s teaching is not
necessary (even detrimental) for one who is yielded to God and seeks to
know Him. This is not to say that the Spirit does not speak through men
that are yielded to Him to others. God’s Spirit will be this one’s teacher
and much of the teaching will be lived out and reinforced daily as applied
to one’s life. God has established the process whereby we may know of
Him. All teaching will come from His Holy Spirit. Is it any wonder that the
religious schools of man have strayed so far from the truth of God’s Word?
Heresies, apostasies and all manner of erroneous doctrines abound. When
we try to reach God our way (man’s), then our eyes are blinded and our
ears are dull of hearing and confusion reigns. The Lord looks for the
humble with a heart yielded to Him. Oh man, when will you humble
yourself and seek and obey God as He has prescribed. The apostle Paul
counted all his extensive religious teaching as loss (dung), and depended
on God’s Spirit to teach Him (Php 3:7-8). Jesus never had any formal
religious training (Jn 7:15), but depended on the Spirit for knowledge
(Father’s Words). Jesus is our example and we must follow in His steps.
The wise will consider Christ’s flawless perfect life and take note!
 
Pentecost – Establishing the Body of Christ (Church)
 
What event inaugurated the church? The answer is Pentecost. At the time
of Jesus’ crucifixion, His disciples were still not ready for the ministry.
They were unable to follow through on their own claims not to deny Christ
to the point of death (Mk 14:31), and they forsook Him (Mk 14:50). Just
after Jesus’ death, they were hiding away scared for their own lives (Jn
20:19), when Jesus appeared in their midst, encouraged them and
provided needed strength: John 20:22, “And when he had said this, he
breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” This
was a needed measure to endure until the fullness came. Jesus also told
them: Luke 24:49, “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon
you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power
from on high.” The promise was the Holy Ghost (Baptism of - immersion)

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– the same power that Jesus walked in. This is why a believer and hence,
the Church MUST have the Holy Ghost: Acts 1:4-5, 8-9, “And, being
assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not
depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which,
saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye
shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. But ye shall
receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall
be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had
spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud
received him out of their sight.” Jesus spoke of the need for the Holy
Spirit just before His bodily Ascension to heaven. We must take note of
the importance.
 
The revelation of the coming of the Holy Ghost was Christ’s last
earthly words to His disciples who were to form the core of His church
(Ekklesia). When Pentecost fully came, they were all gathered together in
one place: Acts 2:4, “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of
a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat
upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and
began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
The Spirit turns timid men into bold witnesses for Christ: Acts 4:31, “And
when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled
together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the
word of God with boldness” (Also Acts 9:29, 13:46, 14:23, 18:26, 19:8).
What a difference! Peter and John who had been hiding from the religious,
are filled with the Holy Ghost and speak boldly. Soon they are brought
before the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees: Acts
4:13, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived
that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they
took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” This was God’s
doing and not man’s. Our own strength would quickly fail us under
persecution. God is the difference!
 
Jesus had given His followers the complete gospel. After His death, for
fifty days, there were no recorded conversions. Immediately after the Holy
Spirit fell upon the disciples at Pentecost (on the very same day), three
thousand souls were added unto them (Acts 2:41). This was certainly
confirmation of Christ’s Words concerning the Holy Ghost. This was the
establishing of the body (Acts 9:31). The Spirit is life; the flesh is death.
 
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for all believers and is very necessary.
Evil religious men try and rob disciples of this precious gift by telling them
it is not for today and was only for the apostles and early church or they
point out the many abuses done by others that are attributed to the Holy
Spirit. Jesus said of the religious of His time: Luke 11:52, “Woe unto you,
lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in

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yourselves, and them that were entering in yehindered.” If you do not
have the Spirit, then you are not Christ’s. Romans 8:9, “But ye are not in
the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now
if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” These religious
men desperately need the Holy Spirit to bring life to their dead institutions
that are full of the works of men. These men need to be renewed by the
Spirit to see God’s truth. This is a vital topic and is the primary reason the
religious institutions have erred in so many ways. The life of the church is
the Spirit. There are two needs we all have. The first relates to the past,
which is the forgiveness of our sins. The second relates to the future,
which is ability to live a life that pleases God. Man through his own
abilities or inabilities cannot meet either need. Our first need is taken care
of by Christ’s sacrifice. The second need is taken care of by the power of
God’s Holy Spirit working in our lives. The New Testament opens with two
promises: “He will save His people from their sins” (Mt 1:21) –AND- “He
will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (Mt 3:11). Is your new born again
birthright important to you? Then lay hold and don’t be as Esau who
despised his (Gen 25:34, Heb 12:16-17). God gives us “gifts of power”
through the Spirit so that we can serve Him effectively in building up the
church as the body of Christ. He is the One however who determines
which gift each of us should have (1 Cor 12:11).
 
Realizing the Importance
 
Genesis 25:29-24, “And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field,
and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that
same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.
And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I
am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And
Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his
birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles;
and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau
despised his birthright.” Clearly, Esau being the firstborn, had no regard
for the importance of the birthright to the promises God made to Abraham
(and Isaac). Jacob saw the importance and sought God’s promises. Esau
traded the blessings of God for a momentary carnal fleshly desire. He
rejected God’s purposes for his own will just as Adam had done. This was
total disregard for God. He chose the way of the flesh over the Spirit.
However, Jacob was willing to deny his flesh for the Spirit through his
sacrifice. He gave up the things of the world for the blessings of God.
Romans 9:13, “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I
hated.” God was not pleased with Esau: Hebrews 12:16-17, “Lest there be
any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat
sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have
inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of
repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” Let us not despise
the things of God and His rule in our lives. We have the promise of the
Holy Spirit sent from Christ (Jn 15:26 & 16:7). The Holy Ghost will lead us

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to die to the flesh and conform to the image of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is
given to those who obey God (Acts 5:32). Christ says: John 14:15-16 “If
ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he
shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.”
Notice the word “and.” If we obey Jesus, He will give the Holy Spirit. God
is obeyed through our faith. Galatians 3:14, “That the blessing of
Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might
receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Therefore the Spirit is
given through our obedience which is our faith. Will you reject God’s
promise for the desires of the flesh? Many will seek the things of the flesh
to satisfy self and love not the truth of God. The world says eat, drink and
be merry for tomorrow we die (Lk 12:19). Those who seek God, die today,
for they live in Christ (Mk 8:35, Col 2:20, 3:3).
 
Gentile Believers
 
The church at Jerusalem had been established with Jewish believers (after
Pentecost). The Jews had always looked down upon the gentiles (non-
Jews, uncircumcised) as unclean and therefore had no relations with
them. The Lord was about to change all this. The Spirit brought two men
together, Peter and Cornelius; each had a separate vision from God (Acts
10:1-3, 9-10). Cornelius was a gentile with a heart toward God who
sought to do His will (Acts 10:2). Peter’s vision was repeated thrice for
certainty and through the course of events was interpreted to be the
opening of the kingdom of God to the gentiles. Peter was directed of the
Spirit to go to Cornelius’s house (Acts 10:19-20). Cornelius had called
together all his kinsmen and friends and were awaiting Peter’s arrival.
Acts 10:34-35, “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I
perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that
feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” This was a
significant event and was orchestrated by the Spirit and not man! Peter
presented the gospel to the gathered gentiles. Acts 10:44-45, “While
Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard
the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as
many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured
out the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Peter’s vision was convincing, but the
event which declared the truth of God’s purpose was when Peter was bade
of the Holy Spirit to preach to this gentile gathering during which time
they were spontaneously filled with the Holy Spirit. This was undeniable!
 
The point here is that this event would never have happened if men were
leading the church rather than God. Man’s prejudices would have
maintained separation rather than the purposes and unity the Spirit was
establishing. This was not an easy thing for the flesh to accept. Peter said,
Acts 10:47, “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized,
which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?” Baptism in water and
the baptism of the Holy Ghost are two separate events (Acts 4:31, 19:1-
6). We are told in scripture how many had believed and were baptized and

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later Peter and John came to them and laid hands upon them that they
might receive the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:12-18). In the previous account the
people were first baptized with the Holy Ghost and then later with water.
The point is that there are two distinct events here. There is no doubt that
one receives a measure of the Holy Ghost upon water baptism, but the
fullness is separate and distinct event. John the Baptist had earlier
proclaimed, Luke 3:16, “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed
baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of
whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the
Holy Ghost and with fire.” It is important to note that baptism with the
Holy Ghost is stated as a necessary thing. Any true follower of Christ will
quickly tell you that the Spirit is vital to His walk. We must pray for the
filling of the Holy Ghost (Lk 11:13).
 
Peter now had to explain to the Jewish believers that the Holy Ghost had
been poured out upon the gentiles. Given the Jewish doctrines and
traditions, and a history a prejudice, this would not be an easy task. Peter
explained about the vision and the Spirit’s leading: Acts 11:15-18, “And
as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the
beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said,
John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy
Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us,
who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand
God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified
God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto
life.” This was a hard thing for a man to accept, but the Spirit’s
involvement and God’s will was undeniable. Fortunately these men in the
early church were focused upon God’s will and not their own. This was a
major event in the forming of Christ’s church (body) and was directed by
His Spirit. The Jews and gentiles did have to work through many issues
involving faith verses religious observances and customs, but the Spirit
was leading (Acts 9:31). Had this happened today there would probably
be one more new religious denomination. Notice the verse says
repentance unto life. Until will see our great need for Christ, humble
ourselves and seek His will, there can be no life.
 
Ye are the Temple of the Holy Ghost
 
God once dwelt among Israel in a tabernacle (tent) in the wilderness. God
then dwelt in a temple in Jerusalem until Israel rebelled against God
through idolatry (unfaithful). God now dwells in a new temple; do you
know where it is? 1 Corinthians 3:16, “Know ye not that ye are the temple
of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” Wow! Its not about a
brick and mortar building or religious institution, God dwells within each
member and the corporate body: Ephesians 2:20-22, “And are built upon
the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being
the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together
groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded

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together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” It doesn’t matter
where the body meets as long as there are two or three present: Matthew
18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there
am I in the midst of them.” It doesn’t have to be a religious building!
Buildings and structures are the things of man. Changed hearts are the
things of the Lord. We are to serve Christ everyday through the temple of
our body as led by His Spirit. When do you have services? – Everyday!
 
Jesus was in the temple and had chased out those who bought, sold and
changed money. John 2:18-21, “Then answered the Jews and said unto
him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these
things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in
three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was
this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he
spake of the temple of his body.” Jesus revealed something very
profound; The Spirit of God dwelt in His body (temple). If we are Christ’s,
then the Spirit dwells in us. What modern religious institution can top
that? He that hath an ear to hear!
 
Consider this: 1 Corinthians 3:17, “If any man defile the temple of God,
him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye
are.” Defiling the temple (smoking, drinking, drugs, foul language,
pornography, etc., Eph 5:18) will stop your being “filled with the Spirit.” 1
Corinthians 6:19, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the
Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your
own?” As previously stated, you must die to self. The above defilements
and bondages result from self. Jesus Christ came to set us free from such
bondages, not to have us live in them. John 8:34, 36, “Jesus answered
them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the
servant of sin. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free
indeed.” Followers of Christ are not to be entangled or in bondage to
darkness and not desiring freedom is an indication of one’s true nature.
Ephesians 5:11, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
darkness, but rather reprove them.” We are to abhor that which is evil
and cleave to that which is good (Rm 12:9). We are told throughout
scripture to cleave to the Lord. 2 Corinthians 6:16, “And 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.” The temple is you, idols could be
television, money, self, possessions, personalities, etc. If you want to be
filled with the Spirit, these things must become non-important and
released.
 
Purpose of the True Church
 
The true church is the Ekklesia or “called out ones” and are those who
have been called out of this world’s systems to be Christ’s witnesses on
earth. We are pilgrims and sojourners in this world waiting for eternal

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reconciliation and habitation with God (Rev 21:3). We have died to our old
sinful lives and desires, and now serve God in love and newness of life
(faith) to perform His will (Rm 6:4, Col 3:10). God rules and reigns in our
hearts (Col 3:15). We have laid down all weapons of resistance and
rebellion toward God and have humbly submitted ourselves to His
purposes - for thy will must be done on earth (and in our lives) as it is in
heaven (Mt 6:10, Lk 11:2). We realize that God’s will is supreme in
heaven and that it must also be in our lives if we hope to be with Him
eternally. We recognize that God is our hope and provision. We love God
with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength (Mk 12:30). We receive at
the end of our walk of faith, the salvation of our souls (1 Pt 1:9, 1 Thess
3:8).
 
The church is not a building or an organized institution of man. The
Ekklesia are those individual followers of Christ that form a corporate body
with Jesus as the head. 1 Corinthians 12:12, 14, 20, 27, “For as the body
is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body,
being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For the body is not one
member, but many. But now are they many members, yet but one body.
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” Ephesians
5:29-30, “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and
cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his
body, of his flesh, and of his bones.” Each of us is important and known of
Christ as we continue in a very personal relationship with Him (Jn 10:3). 1
Peter 2:5, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ.” The Ekklesia is to be one just as Jesus and the Father are one (Jn
17:11). John 17:21-23, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in
me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may
believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I
have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them,
and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world
may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast
loved me.” We will be one with God and fellow believers OR one with the
world, but not one with the world and God.
 
We follow Christ on a narrow path and become bonded to Him through the
likeness of our sufferings (we are made partakers, 2 Cor 1:5-7, Php 3:10,
1 Pt 4:13). As we follow our faith is tested, tried, refined and purified such
that we become as our Lord. We learn patience and mature through this
process.
 
Followers of Christ are to be likeminded in Christ Jesus and as such are to
be united with no divisions (1 Cor 1:10, 2 Cor 13:11, Rm 12:16, Php
1:27, 2:2, 1 Pt 3:8). We must strive for unity in the Spirit (Eph 4:3). This
can only be accomplished through submission to the Holy Spirit and being
guided and taught truth by Him. The Word of God is to dwell in us richly
(Col 3:16). Believers are to edify, exhort, encourage admonish, and teach

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one another, each having been filled with the Holy Spirit (1 Thess
5:11, Heb 3:13, Rm 15:6-7, 13-14, Col 3:16). Edifying is to teach and
persuade each other in faith (truth) and holiness. Exhort is to embolden,
cheer and advise. Encouraging is to inspire and give confidence in
strength of mind. Admonishing is to instruct and direct; warn or notify of a
fault; to reprove with mildness; and counsel against wrong practices. Each
member of the body of Christ is given gifts as determined by the Holy
Ghost to support all other members (1 Cor 12:4-7, 11). Romans 12:4-5,
“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not
the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every
one members one of another.” We provoke each other unto love and to
good works and are good stewards of all Christ has entrusted us (Heb
10:24, 1 Cor 4:2). We Confess our faults one to another, and pray one for
another, that we may be healed (Js 5:16). We are to have fervent charity
among ourselves and use hospitality one to another without grudging (1
Pt 4:8-9). We are not to use our liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but
as the servants of God (1 Pt 2:16). We exhort each other to fight the good
fight of faith, profess Christ boldly before men, and lay hold on eternal life
(2 Tm 6:12). The body is to warn them that are unruly, comfort the
feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men (1 Thess
5:14). We are to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3). We are to be merciful,
kind, humble in mind, meek, and longsuffering; Forbearing one another
and forgiving one another as Christ forgave us (Col 3:12-13, Eph 4:32).
The basis of our fellowship is life in Christ as demonstrated by our heart to
serve Him and follow in His steps. The Holy Spirit will be leading us in this
regard and some may have less understanding (maturity) than others.
Therefore we must not look too hard at understanding, but more
thoroughly for a changed life and heart for God. Understanding will come
if the heart is right and one is being led and taught of the Spirit (Rm 14:4,
Eph 4:15).
 
Believers should find refuge from the world in the body of Christ. The body
should be encouraging one another to live holy and righteous. I’m not
talking about church trips to the beach, ski vacations or covered dish
suppers. I’m talking about dying to the things of the world – the world’s
knowledge, methodologies, pleasures, etc. We must be seeking the Lord
and His perfect will with all the ability we have and praying likewise for
others (Col 4:12). We must be conforming to Christ in a world that is
antichrist – we all need such encouragement. We should strengthen the
weak. All should be discipled to maturity in the faith to be able to stand on
one’s own and instruct others. We must be separate from the world, yet
united in the truth of Christ (2 Cor 6:17). The church will tell each other to
die to the flesh and live for the Spirit. Colossians 1:10, “That ye might
walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good
work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
 
Correction
 

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Believers have a duty to correct one another in love according to God’s
Word (Ez 33:8-9). 2 Timothy 4:1-2, “I charge thee therefore before God,
and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his
appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of
season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
There is a time to reprove and rebuke. Luke 17:3-4, “Take heed to
yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he
repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day,
and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt
forgive him.” If a brother is in sin then we must tell him, not for the
purpose of condemnation, but so that he may seek repentance. We must
forgive our brother’s trespasses. If one cannot take reproof or rebuke
from God’s Word, then they love not the truth and wish to live in
darkness. Generally when one is corrected, their first reaction is to lash
out at the corrector in self defense. Our attitude toward correction should
be humble and meek. If we truly love the truth and seek the light, then
we will listen to the concerns and search the scriptures to see if they are
true. We will also fall on our knees and pray to God while examining our
own hearts. If we are violating God’s Word then we must repent and turn
from our sin. If we are violating someone’s opinion or the will of man,
then the basis of rebuke or reproof may have no merit. We should seek
peace with all men if possible as long as we do not violate God’s Word and
purposes. Keep in mind that those who give correction must be able to
take correction. If we are truly dead to self, then feelings and emotions
should not be the issue (BIG issue for those in the flesh). The issue is
walking righteously before God and not offending or causing others to fall
as a result of our fault. Some will reject the truth and choose the darkness
(Jn 3:19-20). 2 Thessalonians 2:10, “And with all deceivableness of
unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love
of the truth, that they might be saved.” We must love God’s truth and live
within it, for it is our salvation. Jesus is the Word which is the truth (Jn
14:6). We must come to the light that our deeds may be reproved. John
3:20-21, “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to
the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth
cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are
wrought in God.” Perhaps those who will not accept righteous correction
will justify their evil: 2 Timothy 4:4, “And they shall turn away their ears
from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
 
There is a biblical process for correcting a brother with a fault when he
falls into sin/ worldliness/idolatry and his fruit is visibly rotten (Lk 6:43-
44). We must correct each other in love because we do not always see our
own sin. We must admonish the brother (notify of a fault; to reprove with
mildness) privately at an appropriate opportunity (Mt 18:15). If one
flagrantly (openly, deliberately, unashamedly, brazenly) sins then we are
to rebuke them before all as an example to others that they may fear (1
Tm 5:20). We must do so with the Word of God and not speculation or our
own opinion. To judge of our own knowledge of good and evil would be in

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error and exalting our will over God’s. God’s Word (will) must be the only
basis for judgment and is the extent of our authority. If the brother in
error will not listen, we should take others to establish truth and if he will
not hear, bring it before the church (Mt 18:15-17). Then what? Titus
3:10-11, “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition
reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being
condemned of himself.” Jesus said, “Let him be as a heathen” (Mt 18:17).
1 Corinthians 5:11, “But now I have written unto you not to keep
company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous,
or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an
one no not to eat (have social relations/fellowship).” We do not socialize
with those who knowingly live in error. Ephesians 5:11, “And have no
fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”
Religious institutes have many such people and they go uncorrected.
These will infect the body and spread evil. Everyone has a “judge not lest
ye be judged” attitude. Many rightfully do not judge because they are
equally guilty (Rm 2:3). We are not judging the person’s eternal condition
before the Lord, just the sin. If we identify another’s sin, then we best not
be guilty of the same (Mt 7:2). We may not pass judgment upon what is
in a person’s heart or on their eternal state. We may not pass judgment
upon anyone’s relationship with God. We have not been given such
authority and do not have the capability to render righteous judgment in
this area. We can judge sin by God’s Word and reprove individuals to seek
repentance. To see a brother in fault and not say something could have
eternal consequences for him and affect those he influences.
 
There was evil in the church at Corinth and Paul wrote: 1 Corinthians 5:2-
3, “And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath
done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as
absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I
were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed.” 1 Corinthians
6:3, “Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that
pertain to this life?” (also 1 Cor 5:12-13). We must put away evil from
among ourselves. You’ve heard the saying one bad apple spoils the whole
barrel. Sin cannot go unchecked. Galatians 5:9, “A little leaven leaveneth
the whole lump.” Showing love is also correcting (just as a parent with a
child). True love informs of a fault, false love ignors it.
 
Self Righteousness
 
When one endeavors to live righteously and holy before God, one must
guard against the tendency to look down upon those who are less than
enthusiastic in their walk. This is unacceptable to the Lord. Consider this
example: Luke 18:10-14, “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the
one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed
thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are,
extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in
the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing

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afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote
upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this
man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one
that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall
be exalted.” Notice that the Pharisee prayed to himself and the prayer was
“I” centered. All of these religious works that he named were of no value
because his heart was not right before God. This man looked down upon
others and this does not display God’s love. The sinner had no religious
works, but his heart was broken and honest before God. He was truly
repentant and this is what God desires. The works will follow a changed
heart – if not, the heart was not changed. No matter how righteous we
think we are, it is but a filthy soiled garment compared to the glory of
Christ. Our hope is in a heart toward God and intense desire to do His will
– to have relationship and identify with Him.
 
This is further illustrated in the parable of the prodigal son (Lk 15:11-32).
A father (representative of God) has two sons. The younger asks for his
inheritance, goes far from his father (out of his will, rebellion) and spends
all on riotous living (worldliness, sin, self). He is out of the father’s will
and lost (dead – Lk 15:24). This son suffers the fruit of his way (hits rock
bottom) and becomes destitute (without hope) and starving (spiritually).
The son repents (changes direction) and returns to his father and pleads
for forgiveness and to serve under His authority (submission, yielded).
The father runs to the returning son in great love (God has great mercy
on those who confess their wickedness and repent – Ps 86:5). The father
rejoices that this son who was lost (spiritually dead) is now found
(salvation). The older brother is not so happy. He wants justice rather
than forgiveness. He thinks of himself rather than being joyful in the
salvation of his brother and would not share in his father’s happiness. The
father tells him that his place is secure and he must also long for the lost.
We must always remember the great mercy that God has had on us when
we look upon others. Our joy is in the reconciliation of another – goodwill
toward men.
 
How Should I Worship God?
 
Jesus best explained God’s expectations of us in His explanation of His
parable of the seeds: Luke 8:15, “But that on the good ground are they,
which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and
bring forth fruit with patience.” This verse ties together being “Born Again”
(converted – Jn 3:3, Eph 4:22-24) whereas God puts His laws in your
heart and mind (Heb 10:16); obedience to God (Heb 5:9, 1 Jn 2:3-5, Lk
11:28); love (Mk 12:30, Jn 15:9, 1 Cor 13:2, 1 Pt 4:8); and abiding in
Christ and thereby producing fruit (Jn Chap 15) namely: John 15:5,8, “I
am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the
same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Herein
is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my
disciples.” So let us remember: Lamentations 3:25-26, “The LORD is good

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unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a
man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.”
 
John 4:23-24, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true
worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father
seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him
must worship him in spirit and in truth. What is in Spirit? John 14:26, “But
the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my
name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your
remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” AND Romans 8:14, “For
as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” For
this purpose: 2 Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with open face beholding as
in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same
image (Christ’s) from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
What is in Truth? 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.” Recall
that Jesus is The Very Word (Jn 1:1-4), John 17:17, “Sanctify them (set
apart) through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 8:31-32, “Then said
Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word,
then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the
truth shall make you free.” John 8:51, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a
man keep my saying, he shall never see death.”
 
Therefore: We must read God’s Word and be taught and led of His Spirit,
and Live-It! The Holy Ghost will unfold God’s Word to us such that we
understand it. This is accomplished as we apply that which we have
learned. This is everyday and is your new life in Christ Jesus.
Unfortunately, many are instilled to believe that worship of God is just
attending religious ceremonies and being told what to think. This isn’t a
doctrinal list of do’s and don’ts; this is a loving obedient daily relationship
with your Lord – an actual walk up the narrow path.
 
Right Motives
 
When you are truly converted and become a new creature, all things
become new (2 Cor 5:17). Your heart changes and you take on the nature
of God (His outlook). You are delivered from the kingdom of darkness
(and its bondages) into the kingdom of Christ (Col 1:13). You start seeing
things from God’s perspective rather than that of fallen man and your
whole world view changes. The Lord fills you with joy and your desire is to
serve and please Him from the love in your heart (Eph 5:2). You want to
give Him your all. There is peace and freedom from all the imposed
requirements/obligations of man (Mt 11:29-30, 1 Pt 2:16). You do not
serve out of fear (hell), obligation, tradition, habit, peer pressure, emotion
or gain. When you have truly experienced God in your life you do not seek
to justify the least amount of effort on your part needed to secure and
sustain salvation – No, No, No! You do not avoid sacrifice. You do not
examine the limits of God’s mercy and grace. In other words you do not

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use God’s longsuffering, mercy and grace (1 Jn 1:9) as a means of give
and take for living your will. 1 Peter 4:2, “That he no longer should live
the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.”
Things you once took no heed of now become unacceptable. As you yield
to the Holy Spirit, you become changed into Christ’s image. You do not
live according to men in the flesh, but you live according to God in the
Spirit (1 Pt 4:6). If you do not yield you become stagnate or fall back. God
allows us freewill; otherwise love will not be the motivation or fruit. God
operates within that freewill. When we get out of line, God chastens us as
a loving Father so we will not be condemned with the world (1 Cor 11:32)
and will be partakers of His holiness and thus yielding the fruit of
righteousness (Heb 12:5-11, Eph 4:24). Ultimately we will stand before
God for acceptance or condemnation (Mt 3:12, 12:36, 13:47-48 & 25:32-
34, 41; Lk 3:17, Jude 1:15) – all judgment is given into the hand of the
Son (Jn 5:22) who will judge righteously (Jn 5:30, 7:24 & 8:16, Rm 2:5,
2 Thess 1:5, Rv 16:7). Romans 14:12, “So then every one of us shall give
account of himself to God.” This account will be heart-centered. Always
remember, Romans 14:17, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and
drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” The Holy
Ghost is leading and we must obediently follow.
 
Being a Witness
 
There was a power shortage at my home one night. At first everything
seemed totally dark. As my eyes became accustomed to the dark,
something became quite obvious. In total darkness even the tiniest
smallest bit of light shines brightly (a little glow in the dark object). The
light overcomes the darkness. Followers of Christ have been
commissioned to be that light in this otherwise dark world. Matthew 5:14-
16, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be
hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a
candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light
so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your
Father which is in heaven.” We are to represent Christ’s gospel. Our light
shines brightly through our demonstrated faith - our daily walk. Be aware
that the darkness does not want to receive the light because it diminishes
its presence. Those who walk in the light must desire to eliminate the
darkness from themselves and others.
 
Every one of us is called to live our life as unto God before men. Our
mission field is our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. We are to
be found faithful in our daily lives. We may be a witness at school or on a
trip to the grocery store. We need to open our eyes to the needs around
us and perhaps pray or fast for individuals and situations we encounter or
are told about. If we see a need, the Lord may direct us to discretely give
of ourselves or resources. We show love as our Lord has done to us – for
we are like Him. Above all we are to live our lives in such a way as to

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please the Lord God as if for Him alone. May God open our eyes and
grants us this ability.
 
The world loves to talk about things worldly. News, television, events,
course jesting and jokes. These are not to be our desire. We must yearn
to talk about our Lord and hope with the same passion that those in the
world talk about their joys and dreams (Lk 12:8). Matthew 10:32,
“Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also
before my Father which is in heaven.” Should this prove embarrassing,
then you must consider: Matthew 10:33, “But whosoever shall deny me
before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”
Our silence is denial. If you are embarrassed to talk about the Lord, this
may be an indicator that you do not know Him or have His Spirit. Pray
that the Lord will fill you with His Holy Spirit to accomplish His purposes
before men. The Holy Spirit gives boldness and endues with power (Acts
4:31, Lk 10:19, 24:49).

Chapter 7 – Except the Lord Build the House

 
Psalm 127:1, Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that
build it…” Let us examine some of the facts concerning those things Jesus
had to say about the religious of his day and consider if these things just
might have application to our lives and circumstances today. The wise and
humble will consider and make necessary corrections on bended knees
before God. The religious are those who try to reach and serve God man’s
way through Man’s devices. There may be similarities in form and
function, but there are distinct definable differences. The true body will be
led individually and corporately by the Spirit with Christ as the head.
 
Religious Similarities
 
The Jewish people had a well established religious system in place at the
time of Christ. This system can best be described as follows: There was
one Temple (headquarters) and numerous synagogues (church buildings)
with at least one in every city (Acts 15:21). The synagogues were meeting
places where the scriptures were read and expounded upon. Each
synagogue had a chief ruler(s) (pastor, Acts 18:8, 17, Mk 5:22), elders,
and scribes. The scribes interpreted the Law of Moses and occupied the
chief seats (Mt 23:6). There were many religious parties
(denominations/divisions) such as the Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians,
Zealots and Scribes.
 
The Jews evangelized and made proselytes. Proselytes were gentile
converts to Judaism. The proselytes either observed the whole law with
full rights or just the moral and perhaps dietary codes. The Jews and their
converts made long prayers, tithed & gave gifts, read the scriptures,
fasted, had well defined doctrines, had synagogue traditions, evangelized,
held titles (including PhDs, Acts 5:34) and positions of authority, sang

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hymns (Mk 14:26), wore religious garments, performed ceremonies,
celebrated Holy Days (holidays) & feasts, had religious schools
(Seminaries, Acts 22:3), appeared very righteous on the outside, had
rules of membership (Jn 9:22), contended for their faith (Acts 22:3), had
hours of prayer (Acts 3:1) and believed the Torah (Law of Moses) was
God’s infallible law – the scripture cannot be broken (Jn 10:35 is true
forever). These religious Jews were also political and were seeking a
return to self government (Acts 1:6)  so they could have a religious state
and enforce their own religious doctrines and traditions on everyone
(legislate morality). Some reading this may be rightly thinking that this
sounds just like the religious institution they are a member of.
 
What did Jesus say about all this? Matthew 5:20, “For I say unto you, That
except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes
and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus also said of these highly esteemed religious men, Matthew 23:33,
“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation
of hell?” Understanding why Christ said this will be the key to our
comprehension of what God truly expects from us. The religious
superstructure does not save and those who put faith and trust in it to
save them will be lacking! Jesus alone is the door we must enter (Jn 10:9,
not organizations, religious attendance, ceremonies, rituals, personable
leaders, etc.). What about the religious institutions of man? Matthew
15:13, “But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father
hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” If the religious organization is not
being led of the Holy Spirit then it is being led of men and will be rooted
up. What about all their good works? Matthew 15:14, “Let them alone:
they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both
shall fall into the ditch.” These men were blind guides (Mt 23:24, Lk
6:39)! Unless we are truly seeking God and His purposes then we are
given to spiritual blindness and total misdirection (Is 9:16). Man’s way
seems so right to man (Pv 14:12) and God will answer man according to
the multitude of his idolatry. The religious thought they were seeing God
clearly, but those who think they see are often blind (Jn 9:39-41). Jesus
said they were children of the devil (Jn 8:44).
 
Jesus further said to these religious men: John 5:42, “But I know you,
that ye have not the love of God in you.” Wow! It is possible to be very
religious, even a religious leader, and yet totally miss God. These men had
a tremendous religious system, but not the love of God (Lk 11:42). The
implication here is that all the religious things are not what saves.
Stephen, through the Holy Ghost added: Acts 7:51, “Ye stiffnecked and
uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as
your fathers did, so do ye.” This is what it all boils down to. Man seeks his
own will through the flesh, rather than God’s will through the Spirit (Php
3:3). We must look beyond the flesh and find ourselves in Christ and
develop the relationship that He desires to have. Until we can see the
depravity of our own sin and our tremendous need for Christ, then we

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cannot perceive the kingdom of God (Jn 3:3). We approach Jesus
unconditionally and fall upon His grace and He creates a heart in us with
correct attitude toward God. Man twists things and has God accepting him
unconditionally, yet we know there are conditions because hell hath
enlarged herself and opened her mouth without measure (Is 5:14). Hell
will come to meet those who are rebellious (in actions, not profession) to
God (Is 14:9). The devil said that you could sin and not die (Gen 3:3-4).
This equates to “unconditional.” This is the lie man’s flesh accepted in
Eden. This is the lie that man accepted to pursue the flesh. The religious
of today mostly follow an “unconditional love god” (of the flesh).
 
Jesus also stated: John 17:25, “O righteous Father, the world hath not
known thee: but I have known thee…” This statement was directed at the
Jewish religious system, but applied to all of man’s religions. The Jews
were the only ones who corporately sought the one true God (the God of
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob), yet never knew Him. Jesus came to tell them
of the Father and spoke only the Father’s Words, but was totally rejected
in doing so (Jn 8:26, 28, 38, 12:49, 50, 14:10, 16:25). We must realize
that the religious system in place when Jesus walked the earth is very
representative of all of man’s religious attempts to reach and serve God
apart from the Spirit. Man tries to serve God through the flesh, yet the
flesh is opposed to God (Gal 5:17). God is a Spirit and must be
worshipped in spirit and in truth (Jn 4:24). Jesus said: John 6:63, “It is
the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I
speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

Chapter 8 – Being a True Follower

 
Acts 13:27, “For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because
they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read
every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him (also 1
Thess 2:15).”
 
Something was very wrong within the Jewish leadership. They read the
scriptures every Sabbath day and studied them extensively, yet did not
recognize the actual promised/foretold appearance of God’s own Son.
Many refused to recognize Jesus and received Him not, and ultimately
killed Him. They knew what the prophets had said, yet lacked
understanding or comprehension (awareness/discernment) of the
fulfillment of these God given prophesies. They could not see them being
lived out in front of their very eyes in the persons of John the Baptist and
Jesus Christ. They knew Jesus was extraordinary (special, astonishing,
notable, remarkable, amazing, unique, Jn 1:14), but refused to believe.
Some suppressed the reality of who Christ was because they had no use
for Him. Not only did they refuse to recognize Jesus, but they didn’t
KNOW (understand, grasp, appreciate, comprehend, relate to) God (Jer
4:22, Mt 11:27, Lk 10:22, 1 Jn 3:1). These men approached God through
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human reasoning which was man-centered rather than truly seeking Him
through the Holy Spirit and submission (Ps 34:18, 51:17, Is 57:15, 66:2).
How could men who memorized whole books of the Old Testament; who
meticulously studied to the letter each scripture; who earned doctorate
degrees in religious learning; who heard Christ’s gracious Words
(teachings/doctrines) and witnessed His incredible miracles (Jn 12:37),
have been so naïve and so completely wrong? Clearly, they sought God
through their own reasoning which was corrupted by man’s very nature.
They expected Christ to arise from within their accepted group and
endorse their ideals, but he came in a way unexpected, yielded to the
Father’s will – He was an outsider. Because they did not KNOW God, they
did not know what to look for in Christ (Jn 1:10, 15:21, 16:3). Because
they were not submitted to God, they could not yield to Christ (Jn 5:40,
Rm 10:3). Rather than give place to Jesus, they sought their own place in
self exaltation – the way of the flesh, not faith (Rm 9:32). They should
have been looking for the love, compassion, and submission to God’s
purposes. Man’s purposes did not line up with God’s will. Rather than
repent and turn to God (Christ’s message, the gospel), religious man
chose to continue the rebellion (see Chapter One, Is 65:2, Jer 6:16). They
always erred – in the heart (Ps 95:10, Is 29:13, Mt 15:8, Mk 7:6, Heb
3:10).
 
Jesus once sent out His disciples, instructing them to preach the gospel
and to heal, cleanse, deliver, and raise the dead - and without charge (Mt
10:8). These were the things Christ had been doing and His disciples were
now “following” after Jesus’ example. Jesus told them that they would be
as sheep in the midst ofwolves (Mt 10:16, Lk 10:2-3, 12). Who were
these wolves? Perhaps people who hated God? No, they were the
“religious” groups who would deliver Christ’s disciples up to their councils
(committees) and scourge them in their synagogues/religious buildings
(Mt 10:17, 24:9, Mk 13:9, Lk 12:11-12, 21:12). Matthew 23:34,
“Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes:
and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye
scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city.” Jesus
also said they would cast true followers out of their religious
buildings/groups (Jn 16:2). How could those who claimed to love God do
such things? Religious man often misrepresents God to the world (Is
48:1). Which would you consider the greatest affront, someone who
disagrees with you and tells others or someone who says they agree with
you and then totally misrepresents and mischaracterizes you to others?
 
This chapter will consider how individuals act in a group and the errors
that often result. A group could be defined as a set (small or very large) of
individuals with common beliefs/ideas/interest that meet or assemble
regularly for a common purpose. A modern day group could be a bible
study group at a particular religious organization (building, popularly
called a church); or all the persons (members) that meet at the religious
building (i.e. church); or the whole denomination/organization that

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governs the religious building and many others (whom they are
associated with or a part of).
 
Group Loyalty
 
The author has defined “the religious” as those who seek God man’s way
(Pv 14:12, 16:25, 21:2). Of course they consider their way to be God’s
way – how could it not be? Romans 10:3, “For they being ignorant of
God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own
righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of
God.” The religious Jews certainly considered themselves to be in God’s
will even as they were persecuting and killing His Son. Ephesians 5:17,
“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord
is.” You will KNOW God’s will when you concede (give up) your own will to
Him! It is possible to be very religious and not know God at all. It is
possible to labor in the name of Christ, but not KNOW Him (Rev 2:3-4).
Jesus had once told a group of religious men: John 5:42, “But I know you,
that ye have not the love of God in you.” They certainly thought they did.
It is possible to confess Christ, yet live a daily life opposed to Him. It is
possible to cling to the darkness (Is 5:18), yet confess to be in the light
(Jn 3:19). For this reason, the popular Christian messages of today are
very Laodicean. The Laodicean church (assembly) is one that is worldly
and materially wealthy and they actually equate this to godliness. Christ
said they are poor (have nothing of value), sinful (naked), deceived
(blind) – and were thus wretched and miserable – they can’t truly see
their need for Him (Rev 3:17) – they have re-defined Christ (to their
liking). They certainly do not see themselves this way – with humbleness
comes submission. When one truly sees the things they do that oppose
God, one will forsake such things in repentance and seek forgiveness.
Jesus further said they are lukewarm and will be vomited out of His mouth
(Rev 3:15-16). This is a strong rebuke. Lukewarm to God’s will? – they do
not see it this way and that’s the blindness. Consider what Paul said about
associating with God (religious observances), yet living in rebellion as
described in 1 Corinthians 10:1-12; also Jude 1:5. Let us examine the
Jewish religious system that was in place at the time of Christ and then
compare similarities with the popular Christian messages and actions of
today.
 
Whenever there are groups of religious people who are seeking (perhaps
a misnomer) God through the devices of man (man-centered, fleshly,
prideful) there is bound to be blindness and confusion (Eph 2:3, Jer 7:19,
Hos 10:13). Those who walk through human reasoning with fleshly intent,
apart from the Spirit, are opposed to God (Rm 8:5-8, Is 55:8-9). All
human effort apart from the divine influence of God, is basically for selfish
reasons – perhaps mixed with good works for appearance sake. The Holy
Spirit is not subject to the fallacies of human reasoning and we must
submit and be led (1 Jn 5:9). That’s our role, to “surrender all” and
“follow.” There is a very real destructive (damaging, hurtful) phenomenon

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 associated with groups of people, which might be termed “group loyalty.”
These are negative group behaviors that manifests in the leaders as well
as the participants of a group and manifest in common group thought or
mannerisms. The nine main symptoms of religious “group loyalty” are
defined as follows:
 
1)      Illusions of Invulnerability – Members ignore obvious error in their
positions and are overly optimistic of their ideals/opinions. Perhaps they
cling to their traditions; the way they were always taught; what their
denominational religious leadership says; what everbody else does; or
what their ancestors did. God referred to such as stiffnecked (Ex 32:9,
33:3, 5, Deut 9:6, 13, 10:16) or obstinate/tenacious (stubbornly adhering
to an opinion or course of action - persistantly) and Moses agreed with
God’s assessment (Ex 34:9, Deut 9:7, 24, 31:27). Believe me, Moses was
an authority on leading a large group of pertinacious people (Read Exodus
and Deuteronomy). They continue in their error despite God’s warnings;
they are imputent (Acts 7:51, i.e. 2 Kgs 17:14). The prophets understood
this oh so well (consider Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elijah, Elisha and John the
Baptist).
2)      Collective Rationalization – Members discredit and explain away
warnings (truth) contrary to group thinking. This is a defensive reaction
that ignors potential truth. Correction is shunned and not given due
consideration or merit. Majority views outweigh minority truths. They
justify their own fallacy (mistaken beliefs, misapprehensions,
misunderstandings, error) and uphold their will.
3)      Illusion of Morality – Members believe their traditions, doctrines, ideals
and decisions are morally correct (in God’s will), ignoring any
contradictions and consequences and their own hypocrisies and
convictions of wrongfulness (Jn 16:8). They believe God is own their side
– to disagree is to deny God. To go against or question their teachings is
heresy/sacrilege to God. These are taught by the precept of men (Is
29:13). The leadership equates themselves as God’s instruments –
annointed (Micah 3:11).
4)      Excessive Stereotyping – The group constructs negative stereotypes of
rivals outside the group. Name calling, ridiculing, belittling,
misrepresenting, ostracizing, etc. This could be individuals or ideals. They
slur/mischaracterize to neutralize the threat. The end (objective) always
justifies the means.
5)      Pressure for Conformity – Members pressure others within the group
who express arguments against the groups traditions, doctrines,
decisions, stereotypes, illusions or commitments to conform to group
thinking – viewing such opposition as disloyalty. Within a religious
context, one may feel their very salvation is at stake for questioning
majority leadership/opinion – equated to questioning God (unfaithfulness).
Touch not God’s annointed – but are they?
6)      Self Censorship – Members withold their dissenting views and counter-
arguments. This is compromise to conform. To speak up or differ will

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 surely bring reproach, unpopularity, censure, rebuke, separation,
defensive reactions, etc.
7)      Illusion of Unanimity – Members perceive falsely that everyone agrees
with the groups traditions, doctrines, decisions, stereotypes, illusions,
ideas, etc. Silence is also seen as consent. Members fear to express their
true beliefs (Jn 11:48).
8)      Mindguards – Some members appoint themselves to the role of
protecting the group from adverse information that might threaten group
complacency (satisfaction, contentment, gradification, smugness). These
may also be protecting their own self interest (control, popularity,
position, etc.)
9)      Pre-eminence – Often one or more individuals in the group seek
dominance and control (Nicolaitanes). These “Lord over” the others and
steer the group’s direction. These want to do the leading and often seek
the loyalty of the others. They form (facilitate) and champion the group’s
ideals. Members may be intimidated by force of personality, superior
thought/logic, persuasiveness delegated authority, or threat of loss.
 
All of these group traits/characteristics have been proven over and over
throughout the history of man. Within a group there is almost always a
charismatic individual, team core or authority that tends to dominate the
group and steer its direction. Small groups may be part of larger groups
which in turn may be part of even larger groups. Religious groups always
assume they have divine purpose/commission thereby justifying their
means. The problem with these groups is that there never seems to be
honest and sincere individual or group self examinations given God’s Word
(Ps 139:23-24, 2 Cor 13:5) and true submission to God (Mt 5:5). Those
within a group rarely see their errors or shortcomings that those without
the group see clearly (i.e. Pilate saw – Mk 15:10-11, Js 3:16). Errors tend
to go uncorrected and thus become future truth within the group.
Correction is viewed as negative and only brings defensive reactions (Pv
15:10). Groups rarely admit wrong/fault because it is humbling and goes
against the fallen nature of the flesh. Sin and transgression are not viewed
as such (a mockery, Pv 14:9). The group led by man will always seek to
further it’s will and conform that which is outside the group to the group’s
position/view. In other words, the organizations of man will do the leading
and not the following. This is exaltation and not humbleness.
 
Other Influences
 
When the group is fleshly and operating in the will of man it is being led of
the devil (Rm 8:8). The group will always reflect the nature of it’s
master/Lord (Rev 2:9). Recall that the devil persuaded man to disobey
God (ye shall not surely die) to become like God (ye shall be as gods, Ez
28:2, 6-9) – to have his own will. When man seeks his will, he rejects
God’s will – the flesh and the Spirit will not agree and you cannot serve
two masters (Rm 8:1, 4, 13, 9:8, Gal 5:17, 6:8, Mt 6:24). Romans 8:5,
“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh….” When

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man seeks his will, he is easily overcome by Satan because he has
submitted to him (1 Pt 5:8). Satan is very convincing to those who seek
self (that’s what he did – his rebellion). The works of the flesh are
doorways for the devil (Gal 5:19-21) – neither give place to the devil (Eph
4:27). If a group seems very worldly, then it has been overcome by the
world (1 Jn 5:4). He that loves the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of
the eyes and pride of life is not of the Father (1 Jn 2:15-17). To befriend
the world is to be an enemy of God (Js 4:4). You cannot love the world in
an expectation to further God’s purposes (draw men to Him). Galatians
5:16, 25, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the
lust of the flesh. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
 
We must submit to God and resist the devil (Js 4:7). We can only be led
to perform God’s will when we submit fully to Him. We have no ability in
and of ourselves to correctly perform God’s will – this is why Jesus sent
the Holy Spirit. When we are not submitted to God, then we are exalted in
self. Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are
the sons of God.” Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation
to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after
the Spirit.” For they that are after the Spirit do mind the things of the
Spirit (Rm 8:5). The group led by the Spirit will be conforming to Christ’s
image (obedience to the Father) and will reflect God’s nature. These
produce the fruits of righteousness (Php 1:11, Gal 5:22-23, Eph 5:9). This
group is seeking righteousness and holiness through Christ and not the
religious things of man (buildings, programs, entertainments,
multiplication, icons, ceremonies, etc.).
 
The Will of Man
 
We are told in scripture that God so loved the world that He sent His only
begotten Son (Jn 3:16) that through Christ, God might reconcile man to
Himself (Rm 5:10, 2 Cor 5:18, Eph 1:10, 2:15-18). How did rebellious
mankind receive such a gift? Matthew 2:1-3, “Now when Jesus was born
in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came
wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born
King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to
worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he
was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” The wise men (non-Jews)
rejoiced with exceedingly great joy (Mt 2:10) about Christ’s arrival and
came to worship. The Jews were troubled and sought to kill (Mt 2:14).
Herod would later slaughter all the male children two years old and under
in the region in an attempt to kill Jesus (Mt 2:16). Psalms 2:2-3, “The
kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their
bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.” Such arrogance and
exaltation of man’s will to further man’s purposes (rebellion)! John 1:11,
“He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” This verse
summarizes the rebellious religious group(s) dealings with Christ

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throughout His earthly walk. The religious Jews sought to kill Jesus from
the onset. Jesus was destined to rule (Mt 2:6), but rebellious man said,
“we will not have this man reign over us (Lk 19:14).” In the midst of such
rebellion, there will always be a minority of individuals who truly seek
God’s purposes and are led of His Spirit - read Lk 2:22-38. In the end, the
rebellious will be dealt with: Luke 19:27, “But those mine enemies, which
would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them
before me.”
 
The Jewish religious mindset (customs, traditions, doctrines, etc.) was
clearly established by the time John the Baptist came upon the scene
(some years later) preparing the way for Christ (Mk 1:2, Jn 1:7, 15). This
religious group considered themselves very godly, but were deceived/blind
(See Chapter Seven). John lived in the wilderness (Lk 1:80) and was
unconnected (outside) to this religious group (unknown). No doubt, God
intentionally kept John from the majority view, such that God’s truth
would come forth unaltered (not tainted) by man’s teachings. John was
sent of God (Jn 1:6) and his message was from God (Lk 3:2), but was an
untaught truth and minority doctrine (voice crying in the wilderness, Mt
3:3, Mk 1:3, Lk 3:4, Jn 1:23). John was totally independent of the
religious group and was sustained by God (Mt 3:4, Mk 1:6) and his
forums/baptisms were conducted in the wilderness – outside the group
(Mt 3:1, 13, Mk 1:4-5, 9, Jn 3:3). The religious leaders had no use for
John or his message (they rejected it), but had to tread carefully because
the people saw John as a prophet sent from God (Mt 21:25, Mk 11:30-33,
Lk 7:29-30). In His earthly state (as a man), Jesus was also sent to the
wilderness to seek the Father and learn reliance upon Him (Is 7:14-15,
Heb 5:8-9). Mark 1:12-13, “And immediately the Spirit driveth him into
the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of
Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto
him.” When Jesus came upon the scene, His Words and works (fruit)
revealed that He was the Christ – but had to be spiritually discerned. John
10:41, “And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but
all things that John spake of this man were true.” Jesus chastened the
religious leaders concerning their rejection of John: Matthew 21:32, “For
John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not:
but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen
it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.” The religious men
just continued in their error refusing to humble themselves – obstinate
(Ps 78:8, Rm 2:5, 8). They didn’t KNOW God’s ways (Jer 5:3-4). This is a
very negative and common group behavior. To be obstinate is to be “set
in your ways.” This is a hardening of the heart. Often the elderly are
referred to as “set in their ways.” Perhaps after a lifetime of self, the heart
hardens such that there is no more yielding (Pv 3:5-7). Jesus once
corrected the Sadducees of their doctrinal error (Mt 22:23-33), yet they
still adhered to it in the time of the Apostle Paul (Acts 23:6-9). They didn’t
receive the correction or change, but continued in the error. They
stubbornly clinged to it. Groups rarely yield on pet doctrines – they are

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stiffnecked. God counsels: Deuteronomy 10:16, “Circumcise therefore the
foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked (also Col 2:11).”
Consider your ways and turn to Him. The group may never change, but
individuals certainly can – think about it.
 
Jesus came to offer life and hope – the light (Is 9:2, Lk 1:79, Jn 1:4). The
religious Jews did not desire any change (Jn 3:19, Jer 6:10). John 8:31-
34, “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue
in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's
seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall
be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” They didn’t see their
need for any deliverance or freedom (Jer 2:35). Jesus tried to explain
their corrupt nature to them, but was not well received (Jn 8:37-47).
Later, under conviction of their wrongs they lashed out at Jesus: John
8:48, “Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that
thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” Christ had revealed their very
natures and then they opened their mouths and confirmed it – yet would
not see their wrong nor turn – obstinately tenacious. The truth hurts,
especially when one is not willing to change.
 
For those religious ones who stubbornly (pertinaciously, obstinately,
tenaciously, stiffneckedly, persistantly) cling to their belief in exoneration
(pardon, clemency, absolution, amnesty) from such righteous rebuke by
nature of their religiosity (less than true faith), consider this example from
the Jews prior to their exile (captivity) in Babylon. Most of these imputent
and heardhearted people were killed by the sword, pestilence and famine
by God’s decree (Jer 27:6-8, 34:17, Ez 6:11-12, 7:15). Jeremiah 26:2-3,
“Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD’S house, and speak
unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD’S house,
all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a
word: If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way,
that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them
because of the evil of their doings (also Jer 36:6-7).” Notice, all these
people worshipped in the Lord’s house – they were very religious! Notice,
that God’s truth had not been told in the Lord’s house, and Jeremiah was
to tell God’s Word plainly no matter how unpopular it would be received!
Notice, the people, although religious, walked in an evil way! God sent a
man with God’s message to tell these religious ones to repent of their evil
doings such that God may repent of the evil which He was going to bring
upon these religious folks. They didn’t listen or repent and God brought
the evil (Jer 29:17-19! They were judged according to their ways without
pity (Ez 7:3-4, 8-9, 27). You can be very religious and still have a heart
far from God – we must have eyes to see this. Will you repent? One day
wrath and lamentations may find you (See Chapter Ten).
 

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We discussed in Chapter Two how Jesus came full of love, grace and
compassion. He spoke truth, healed, nurtured, fed and delivered. Jesus
totally obeyed God and did all things well. What was man’s response to all
this? Christ was mocked, belittled, derided, wrongfully accused, spied
upon, demeaned, taken advantage of, constantly under threat of bodily
harm, misrepresented, beaten, falsely accused, betrayed, forsaken, and
killed (Ps 35:15-16, 20-21, Mk 10:34). Please do not think that man’s
rebellion against God’s purposes has ceased in this religious world in
which we live today. Remember, you can profess Christ, yet not KNOW
Him (Mt 7:22-23). The Jews professed God and were very religious, but
did not follow. Many today profess God and are very religious, but do not
follow. Oh, such a religious world! I dare say if Christ came again with His
same message (in a modern context), he would be crucified again by
religious man. Man’s rebellious attitude toward God has not changed one
bit - if only you had eyes to see. It is possible to construct a god of your
own making (your opinion, conformed to your image of what he should
be) and yet be totally different from the true Lord described in scripture.
You may never know you have done this until you take His Word to heart
and seek Him.
 
Pressure of Conformity
 
There will always be peer pressure within the group to uphold the group’s
position even when your heart says differently. We are to conform to the
image of Christ, yet the group would conform us to it’s image. We must
stop fearing man (Col 3:23-24, 1 Thess 1:4) and put our trust in Christ
(Nah 1:7, Gal 1:10). Psalm 118:6, “The LORD is on my side; I will not
fear: what can man do unto me? (also Ps 56:4, 11, 118:6, 8, Heb 13:6)”
AND Proverb 29:25, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth
his trust in the LORD shall be safe (also Ps 27:1).” Perhaps you have
heard the term, “peer pressure.” The group will surely bring pressure to
bear on the individual – pressure to conform to the group.
 
John 3:1-2, “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus,
a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him,
Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can
do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” Nicodemus
clearly recognized that Jesus was sent of God. However, he feared more
what the others might think of his dissension (disagreement - disloyalty)
of the group’s position regarding Christ. Therefore he came to Jesus by
night – in secret. Men such as Nicodemus were summed up later in this
gospel: John 12:42-43, “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many
believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him,
lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of
men more than the praise of God.” The chief rulers “self censored”
themselves for fear of the denomination (Pharisees). They erred
exceedingly by not confessing Christ –Read Matthew 10:33 and Luke
12:9. Nicodemas would later defend Jesus before the chief Priests and

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Pharisees by stating: John 7:50-52, “Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that
came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) Doth our law judge any man,
before it hear him, and know what he doeth? They answered and said
unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee
ariseth no prophet.” Nicodemas had rose above his self imposed
censorship and the position of the religious group, thus revealing
his changing heart. Whenever one speaks against the group, one takes
great risk of being ostracized and demonized by it. This fear keeps many
suppressed by the group, and is to their own condemnation. These
religious leaders would not even consider that Jesus was correct – they
stood to lose too much. They rationalized their position with little evidence
(few facts). Apparently Jesus’ gracious Words ultimately had a positive
(longsuffering) affect on Nicodemus - Read John 19:39-40 concerning
Nicodemus’s additional new found boldness. Does your loyalty or fear of
the group keep you self censored with perhaps the perception of
unanimity within the group? Are you more concerned with living the truth
or group acceptance (popularity, peer pressure)? Isn’t it so much easier to
compromise a bit? There is no reproach in compromise – nor is there a
witness (of Jesus). Christ never compromised, but He suffered much
reproach. No doubt, that many a person has been asked (required) to
leave a religious gathering because of a bold stand on the truth of Christ’s
gospel (Php 1:29). Most may seem troubled by some aspects of the
group, but go along anyway – like the current of the stream. When one
truly catches a glimpse of Jesus, one will fight against the current of this
worldly stream as one strives for the light. One quickly realizes that the
ability is in God’s mercy and grace and not in one’s own strength – we are
weak, but He is strong (Ex 20:6). When there is a will (to seek God with
all your heart), God will provide a way – “the way.” For the ways of the
Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them (Hos 14:9).
 
Jesus once healed a blind man – a tremendous miracle of love. The
religious Jews were not so excited, because this event occurred on the
Sabbath – a violation of their derived doctrines concerning the Sabbath
(Illusion of morality). They could not look beyond their perception of the
Sabbath (doctrines) to see the true Christ incarnate. A religious inquiry
was held concerning the matter. The religious clearly considered Jesus an
outsider to their group – a rival. John 9:16, “Therefore said some of the
Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath
day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And
there was a division among them.” God intentionally confounds the
religious mind. Jesus was separating the wheat from the tares. Those who
would hear and believe and those who would not. Psalms 35:4, “Let them
be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be
turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.” These
religious men were always looking for fault in Christ. They rationalized
that Jesus could not be of God because He violated one of the religious
group’s rules. After all, they represented God (illusion of morality). They
never even considered the fact that their rules left no room for love,

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compassion or thankfulness – or that they could be wrong (Jn 7:22-24).
Some tried to stereotype Jesus as evil, however due to this notable
miracle of kindness others were not so sure (needed convincing).
Therefore an attempt was made to discredit Jesus by questioning the
previously-blind man’s parents. John 9:20-23, “His parents answered
them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:
But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his
eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.
These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the
Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ,
he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, He is
of age; ask him.” How sad that such a wonderful miracle was performed
on their son, yet their fear of nonconformity to the group (synagogue)
was greater than their joy for their son (or thankfulness to Jesus?). Once
again these leaders discredited Jesus: John 9:24, “Then again called they
the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know
that this man is a sinner.” They attempted to transform this loving miracle
of God into a grievious violation toward God – a twisting of intent. Psalms
35:12, “They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul (also Ps
109:5).” They mischaracterized Jesus, but still considered themselves to
represent God (illusion of morality). They wanted the man who was healed
to condemn the healer. The man then boldly defended Christ (Jn 9:25,
30-33) only to be stereotyped and ostracized himself (Jn 9:28). John
9:34, “They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in
sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out (of the synagogue).”
Touched by God, yet rejected by man – a familiar event. Jesus said we
would suffer reproach for “following” Him (Mt 10:22, Lk 6:22). Are you
willing to suffer such reproach? Will you rise above the crowd? Jesus said
that they called Him Beelzabub and His followers would be called worse
(Mt 10:25). The blind man was kicked out of the religious organization,
yet found a true Lord and Savior – kind of a paradox isn’t it? He lost his
religiosity, but found a true touch of God – all for Christ’s namesake. Don’t
discount the fact that the same happens today. Blessed are those who
follow!
 
Collective Rationalization
 
When the group’s practices are brought into doubt, rationalization is often
sought to confirm the group and relegate (downgrade, reduce, lessen) or
eliminate the threat. How could so many people in the religious institution
(group) be wrong and this one individual be right? - have you ever heard
that one before (majority rule)? John 7:25-27, “Then said some of them
of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill? But, lo, he speaketh
boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this
is the very Christ? Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when
Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.” The people considered
strongly that Jesus might be the Christ due to His gracious Words (Mt
7:28, 13:54, 22:33, Mk 1:22, 6:2, 9:15, 10:24, 11:18, Lk 2:47, 4:15, 32,

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Jn 7:46) and mighty miracles (Mk 1:27, 2:12, 5:42, 7:37, 16:8, Lk 4:36,
5:26, 7:16, 8:56, 9:43). Yet many also rationalized their rejection of
Jesus through their own opinions. Does anybody really know for sure (a
fact) that this Jesus is the Christ? After all: Matthew 13:55-57, “Is not this
the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren,
James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all
with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were
offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without
honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.” The people would
later state: John 6:42, “And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of
Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I
came down from heaven?” Often people (groups) will overlook obvious
truth to justify their complacency or positions of how they think things
should be done/fulfilled. Who would dare question the institution? Jesus
did mighty miracles, but did not come in a way (manner) that the group
thought He should have. How could the very Christ actually have come
from a family and be known and yet come from heaven also? The human
mind does have its limitations. How dare this man be anything more than
a carpenter’s son – the group’s expectation. God always confounds the
wise in heart (1 Cor 1:27). Psalms 35:26, “Let them be ashamed and
brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be
clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.”
Does the message line up with God’s Word and draw you to Him? We
must discern through the Spirit and the Word. Just who is doing the
leading in your group? Where are you going? Man is leading to religiosity
(buildings, programs, membership growth, religious works, hearing, etc.);
the Holy Spirit is leading to God (righteousness, holiness, faith, love,
doing). Man builds “ME” up; the Spirit tears “ME” down. Man seeks God’s
blessings; the Spirit leads us to God’s will. Many will serve God feignedly
(insincere, act as if, in a false manner); We must serve with a whole heart
(Jer 3:10).
 
John 7:37-44, “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood
and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He
that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow
rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that
believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given;
because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) Many of the people therefore,
when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. Others
said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?
Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and
out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? So there was a division
among the people because of him. And some of them would have taken
him; but no man laid hands on him.” Christ gracious Words proved His
divinity (spoke God’s Words, was God’s Son). The group continued to
rationalize, yet with incomplete information. They considered Him to be
from Nazareth (Galilee) with no notable ancestry (Mt 2:22-23). Out of
Galilee? God will never make things “cut and dry (logical and easy)” for

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the flesh. He will always be approached through faith (Rm 1:17, Heb
11:6), which “bypasses” the flesh and human reasoning. Christ was
actually born in Bethlehem and was of the lineage of David, but they
presumed they had the complete facts (Mt 2:1). Jesus didn’t come to
defensively prove who He is. Jesus came to “BE” who He is - as submitted
to the Father. Jesus lived the example and if you couldn’t ascertain who
He was through the example then you would not know. Christ sought to
glorify the Father, not Himself. Jesus submits to the Father; man submits
to Christ; woman submits to man – God’s divine order (1 Cor 11:3). Our
strength is our submission. The flesh will never understand this – it makes
no sense (1 Cor 2:14). The lack of submission is rebellion – an exaltation.
Do you find yourself justifying your opinions (rebellion) or do you submit
to God’s order? Do you question or obey? Arrogance/conceit (self
exaltation) gains place/position on earth; humbleness gains greatness in
heaven (Mt 18:1-4). Consequently, the world’s values are opposed
(disparate, dissimilar) to God’s will. We must die to the ways of the world
and be reborn with God’s nature – otherwise we will not see/enter the
kingdom of God (Jn 3:3, 5).
 
Self Censorship
 
John 7:12-13, “And there was much murmuring among the people
concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but
he deceiveth the people. Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of
the Jews.” Jesus was the talk of the town, but no one dared talk openly in
town. One might risk receiving rebuke (reproach) or be isolated from the
group. Continuing error within a group is often due to self censorship
resulting from fear of the group. Those who said Jesus was a good man
did not feel firm enough in their belief to confess Him and thus they
remained blind. When our faith is resolute, then our actions will follow.
Doubt (unbelief) will keep us quite. Unbelief is a condemning sin (Heb
3:19). The group is usually firm in its resolve because they find security in
their numbers. Standing against such a group requires boldness from
above and the Holy Spirit provides such boldness for those who will stand
(Acts 1:87, 4:31) – in faith. Rather than change the group, you are more
likely to find yourself put out of the group. Either way you are a witness.
Consider that Jesus, His Apostles and all the prophets faced such
opposition from religious groups. We now build upon such a foundation
with Jesus as the chief cornerstone (Eph 2:20).
 
Illusion of Morality
 
Religious groups always consider themselves as representing God. When
one comes who does not support their prized doctrines and traditions, it
can only be assumed that he is not in God’s will. Matthew 12:9-14, “And
when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: And, behold,
there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him,
saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse

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him. And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that
shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he
not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a
sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Then saith
he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it
was restored whole, like as the other. Then the Pharisees went out, and
held a council against him, how they might destroy him.” This group had
no concern about the man with the withered hand. They only sought to
accuse Christ of violating their flawed perception of God’s will (man
seeking God through man’s will). They were filled with madness (Lk 6:11).
Jesus shamed them greatly with righteous rebuke. Christ revealed their
uncaring (heartless, indifferent, callous) natures and wrong perceptions of
God’s true will. These men did not respond well to correction and thus
revealed their true hearts. The entrappers became the entrapees. This
group had hearts full of bitterness, hatred and pride. Jesus came to heal,
but these sought to kill (Ex 20:13, Deut 5:17, Mt 5:21-22). You be the
judge – oh religious man. They defended their doctrines of the Sabbath
religiously, but didn’t apply the same zeal concerning the law of not killing
(Mt 5:21-22). Jesus once said: John 7:19, “Did not Moses give you the
law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?”
Jesus had also said: John 8:40, “But now ye seek to kill me, a man that
hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.”
These religious men were hypocrites (Mt 22:18, 23:13, 15, 25, 27, 29, Lk
11:44)! Seeking the will of the flesh blinds. Seeking the Spirit through the
Word will open our eyes to God’s truth (See Chapter Six).
 
Jesus went about the villages and taught in the synagogues (meeting
places, Mt 9:35). Jesus had compassion and saw the people as sheep
without a shepherd (Mt 9:36). How can this be? The religious Jews had
built a tremendous bureaucracy. They considered themselves to firmly
represent God and to be His authority and teachers. The scribes,
Pharisees and Sadducees definitely considered themselves to be the
leaders (shepherds). Jesus said pray to the Lord of the harvest that He
would send laborers (Mt 9:37-38). How can this be? The religious Jews
were laboring tirelessly in their (man’s) endeavors. The religious group
always presumes they are representing God’s will. Apparently this is not
necessarily the reality and there is much blindness. Often men labor in
their will and opinions for their purposes. We must be sent of God for His
purposes. Jesus said these men were not placed by God (Mt 15:13). God’s
truth is found in our submission and obedience (eyes that can see). We
must learn that our way is not God’s way. We are not just considering
Jesus’ opinion of the matter, but rather God’s assessment that His sheep
were not being led or taught in accordance with His purposes. Obviously
religious man would have disagreed and pointed to all their religious
works and good, yet misperceived intentions. Is it really any different
today? Religious men will rarely admit fault (their systems, ways,
doctrines,methods, attitudes, etc.) and if they do they will qualify/justify
their wrongs by saying that God understands based upon whatever

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reasoning they put forth. Often these religious will say, but not do (Mt
21:30, 23:3). We must acknowledge (see, admit, realize, take
responsibility for, confess) our error and not continue in it, but rather
repent (forsake) and conform to God’s Word – to have a contrite heart!
This seems easy enough, but pride, envy, tenacity (clinging too,
stubbornly/obstinacy), ulterior motives and tradition will make it
impossible for some. Acts 13:41, “Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and
perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise
believe, though a man declare it unto you.”
 
John 7:43-49, “So there was a division among the people because of him.
And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.
Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said
unto them, Why have ye not brought him? The officers answered, Never
man spake like this man. Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also
deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? But
this people who knoweth not the law are cursed. Clearly Christ’s gracious
Words are starting to break up the collective rationalization and pressure
for conformity. The leadership immediately questions the group’s
conformity (compliance and obedience). Notice that they clung to their
interpretations of the law as being supremely representative of God. They
equated follow Christ as disobeying God. Many a religious man will
intimidate others with threat of sacrilege for not following their (man’s)
religious ways. A follower must read and know God’s Word. The Spirit will
unfold the truth and you must walk therein. This may not always sit well
with the practices of the religious group.
 
Mind Guards
 
The religious leaders feared Jesus (Mk 11:18) and were greatly concerned
that Jesus would take away their place (Jn 11:48) and threaten the
complacency of the religious group. They said that Jesus deceived, stirred
up, and perverted the people (Lk 7:12, 23:5, 14). John 7:31-32, “And
many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will
he do more miracles than these which this man hath done? The Pharisees
heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the
Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.” These religious
leaders were determined to stop Jesus from influencing the group and
thus threatening their positions and control (Is 9:2).
 
Different groups such as the Pharisees and Sadducees disagreed on
various doctrines such as the resurrection of the dead (much the same as
denominations today). Even though these groups disagreed and
constantly bickered (disputed, quarreled, debated, squabbled, Acts 23:6-
8), they still were part of the overall religious system (mindset) that was
in place and they tolerated each other (Mt 16:1, 22:15-16, 34). Jesus
came from outside their system and they all had no tolerance for Him (Mt
21:45-46, 22:15-16, 34, 26:3-4, 15, 27:1, Mk 3:6, 12:13, Lk 11:54,

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19:47, 22:2, Jn 8:6). Jesus spoke the truth (which they claimed to
believe) and this shed light on their darkness. John 15:25, “But this
cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law,
They hated me without a cause (also Acts 13:28).” Truly they had no
justifiable reason to hate Jesus – He was the embodiment
(personification, quintessence, perfect example, ideal) of truth, love and
righteousness. Psalms 35:7, “For without cause have they hid for me their
net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul (also Ps
35:19).” When the light shines on your darkness, you can repent (grieve
and forsake); continue therein (with whatever justifications); or put out
the light (eliminate the conviction, Ps 37:2). One requires humbleness
which goes against the will of the flesh. The other two rise up in pride and
aide the cause of self.
 
Jesus often exposed the error of the religious leaders. Mark 11:15-18,
“And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began
to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the
tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And
would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the
temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall
be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of
thieves. And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they
might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was
astonished at his doctrine.” Christ message was positively affecting the
people, and the religious leaders were losing their hold. They sought to kill
Him to preserve their group and remove the pressure on themselves to
explain the unexplainable. Christ did not come to conform to the group
and tell it what it wanted to hear – no smooth non-offensive messages. He
served God fully with a great zeal (Ps 69:9, Jn 2:17). Standing for God’s
truth in this fallen world will not gain you popularity, but will certainly
bring reproach. Perhaps we should consider much more closely the
messages of those popular ones who preach to big crowds in huge
churches and are on television and write best selling books (Col 2:8). How
does one find such mass appeal if they truly preach the way of the cross
(death to the self - Mt 16:24, Mk 8:34, Lk 9:23, Rm 6:6, 12, Eph 4:22,
Col 3:8-9)?
 
Jesus performed an unbelievable (incredible) miracle in raising Lazarus to
life who had been dead four days – proving absolutely that He is the
resurrection, and the life (Jn 11:25); the way, the truth, and the life (Jn
14:6). The religious Jews could only see Jesus as a rival due to their
jealousy, envy, self interest and insecurity. John 11:47-50, “Then
gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do
we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men
will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our
place and nation. And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest
that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that
it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the

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whole nation perish not.” Notice that these men want to destroy Jesus to
protect their interest (loss of position) and reputations (having the
answers, leadership ability, control); and the complacency (content as is)
of the group. They feared the miracles would lead men unto Him (which
was the intent). The miracles testified that Jesus is the Son of God, but
the religious discredited undeniable proofs (collective rationalization,
illusion of invulnerability). Is it any wonder God gives such men over to
blindness? John 11:53-54, “Then from that day forth they took counsel
together for to put him to death. Jesus therefore walked no more openly
among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness,
into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.”
Emmanuel, “God with us,” was no longer safe around the religious who
claimed to worship Him (Jn 7:1, 11:7-8). Groups that follow the flesh can
be very irrational, yet finding no fault with themselves
 
John 12:9-11, “Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was
there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see
Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests
consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by
reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.” This
miracle bore witness of the Words Christ spoke. Rather than consider the
merit and source of the miracle, these men could only think of their selfish
interest. Men were starting to leave the darkness and come to the light.
Jesus was drawing people to God, but these religious men were pulling
them away and they were willing to violate the very law of God to do
it. They had often accused Jesus of violating the Sabbath, yet what does
the law say: “Thou shalt not kill (Ex 20:13)” – a double standard. John
5:16, “And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay
him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.” John 12:17-
19, “The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of
his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the
people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.
The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye
prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.” The “light” was
shining brightly, but the religious wanted to put the light out. Jesus had
suffered much at the hands of the religious, but His witness was
undeniable. A true witness of Christ (follower) will always be upsetting to
a religious man because their light will reveal hypocrisy and love of
darkness. This is very uncomfortable to those living in the flesh (yet in
denial).
 
Mark 14:1-2, “After two days was the feast of the passover, and of
unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they
might take him by craft, and put him to death. But they said, Not on the
feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.” The religious leaders
sought to kill by trickery and false accusation. Christ’s message was
turning the hearts of the people (group). As the religious were preparing
to celebrate the passover, they were scheming (devious, underhanded,

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conniving) to kill the very embodiment of all the symbology of the
passover. Such a great disconnect between religious man and God! Jesus
said, “the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners” (Mk 14:41) –
These men thought themselves righteous - something worth pondering.
 
Stereotyping
 
When Jesus came, He was immediately considered a rival and a threat by
the religious leaders and thus their group (Ps 69:4). This envy, jealousy
and self-seeking drove their blindness to God’s truth (Rm 11:7-10). Christ
did not have their religious training or attend their schools (Mt 13:54, Mk
6:2, Jn 7:15); Jesus did not rise through their ranks; He did not have the
pedigree that they desired; nor did Jesus follow their traditions (Mt 12:1-
14, 15:1-14) or endorse their behavior and doctrines (Mt 16:11-12).
Jesus pointed out their errors (Mt 6:1-18, 21:12-13 & Chap 23, Mk 11:15-
18, 12:38-40, Lk 12:1, 20:46-47). Jesus put these learned men to shame
and this did not set well (Mt 22:15-34, Mk 12:13-27, 35-37, Lk 13:11-17,
20:20-40, Jn 8:3-11). Rather than receive correction, these religious men
set about to discredit Jesus (Lk 11:53-54, 20:20). If one can negatively
portray (smear, slur, character assassination) the messenger then the
message will have less impact. Jesus had once said “woe unto you scribes
and Pharisees” and then listed their hypocrisies/failings (Mt 23:13-15, 23,
25, 27, 29, Lk 11:44, also Mt 6:2, 5, 7, 16). Were they all guilty? -
Perhaps to some degree or another. Jesus was pointing out that their
behaviors were a group trait (mannerisms, characteristics, ideals, ways)
which was commonly practiced. They saw no fault or wrong, yet Jesus
said (speaking the Father’s Words, Jn 12:49), Woe!
 
Matthew 12:22-24, “Then was brought unto him one possessed with a
devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and
dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is
not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This
fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.”
This compassionate miracle revealed Christ’s identity to the people and
they were undoubtedly amazed. The leaders of the religious group ignored
clear evidence of Christ’s unique works (of the Father) and refused to see
their own error in opposing Him. The people’s hearts were turning to
Christ, so the leaders demonized Him – literally (Mk 3:22). They cast
down His good name – and also blasphemed the Holy Spirit (equating the
Spirit to the devil, Mt 12:31). They saw Jesus as a adversary (challenger,
opponent) and a threat to their group and were thus blinded to His light.
Rather than come to the light, they chose to remain in darkness (Jn 3:19-
20). John 10:20-21, “And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad;
why hear ye him (also Jn 7:20)? Others said, These are not the words of
him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?” Can you
see how God is shaking up this religious group such that the true
“believers” will fall out? There is a remnant, the lost sheep, that Christ is
come to recover – those who believe. We can also conclude from this

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discussion that Jesus was speaking God’s truth with no desire to fit-in and
be popular with the group. Not many religious speakers today would like
to be referred to as being the devil or as being “crazy.” Thus they seek
popularity and crowds. The truth was working its results – separating
those who sought the light from those who loved the darkness (Is 5:18).
Christ Words were convicting and not the smooth messages of today.
Consider how difficult it must have been for Christ to stand virtually alone
(He did have the Father, Jn 8:29) against a religious nation with a
rebellious mindset. Jesus was the peacemaker (Ps 85:8, Rm 5:1, Eph
2:14-15, Col 1:20).
 
Jesus once asked these religious men: John 10:32, “Jesus answered them,
Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those
works do ye stone me?” Jesus gave them some good advice: John 14:11,
“Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe
me for the very works’ sake.” Why should one so worthy be so despised?
It should also be noted that these scholarly (learned, intellectual,
educated, studious) religious men had also accused John the Baptist of
having a devil (Mt 11:18). How could the religious group have been so
wrong (Is 9:16)? On other occasions they accused Jesus of blasphemy (Mt
26:65, Lk 5:21, Jn 10:33, 36). They condemned themselves by their very
words (Mt 12:37). In “the Judgment,” Christ’s righteousness will be
undeniable and without question; conversly, these religions men’s words
and thoughts will reveal their darkness with no need of justification.
 
After Christ’s death, the religious leaders said: Matthew 27:63, “Saying,
Sir (to Pilate), we remember that that deceiver (imposter) said, while he
was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.” These learned prideful
religious men never acknowledged their error and came to the startling
conclusion that Jesus Christ, God’s own son, Savior of the world, was a
fake/phony. The purposes (deliverance from sin; reconciliation through
submission; leading to conformity and righteousness; daily practice and
application of faith; obedience to the Spirit; etc.) of the true Christ of the
Bible may shock many religious today if they would only read this Word.
Some religious leaders have made out the true Jesus to be a fake/phony
through their explaining away of His Word and redefining of His gospel
(i.e. this isn’t suppose to be literal, Its only symbolic, that was only for the
Jews, I believe…, this really means…, we all sin, etc.).
 
Illusions of Invulnerability
 
John 5:16, “And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to
slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.” Christ
tried to show these religious men their hypocrisy. They persecuted Jesus
over a perceived violation of the law regarding the Sabbath, yet they
thought to kill in their hearts – a violation of the law regarding “shalt not
kill.” They hated in their hearts (Lv 19:17, Mt 5:21-22). John 7:22-24,
“Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses,

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but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. If a man
on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not
be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit
whole on the sabbath day? Judge not according to the appearance, but
judge righteous judgment.” These men’s reasoning was selectively
applied. They rose above the law to keep their ideals, yet could not
perceive their own error in such. These religious men were willing to kill
(Ex 20:13), blaspheme (Ex 20:7) and bear false witness (Ex 20:16, 23:1,
Ps 35:11, Mt 26:60) to get their way and considered their cause more
important than the means.
 
The religious had negated the will of God through their many traditions.
Matthew 15:1-6, “Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were
of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the
elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he
answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the
commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying,
Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let
him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his
mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And
honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made
the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.” The traditions
of the elders were nothing more than the commandments of men – which
they equated as necessary in serving God (Illusion of Morality). This
religious group said that one could make an offering (gift – dedicated to
the service of God) to the religious institution and be free of obligation to
their parents (providing for needs when old or distressed) – an offset. So
those who deprived parents of needed resources by stating they are a gift
(religious vow) were free from their obligation to their parents – thus
voiding God’s intent through the appearance of serving God. We are not
bound to the commandments (traditions) of men, but rather to those of
God. Man’s traditions often violate God’s will (example – see Chapter
Seven, Christ (Mass), A Worldly Holiday). Do you change the intent of
God’s Word through your opinions or cherished doctrines (Is 5:21)? Have
your traditions been elevated to requirements? Does your outward
appearance mask your true heart?
 
Pre-Eminence
 
Diotrephes was the leader of a Christian assembly (3 John). The Holy
Spirit was not leading this group because Diotrephes loved to have the
preeminence (dominance, supremacy, 3 Jn 1:9). He was lording over
(control) the group with selfish intent (Mt 20:25-28, Mk 10:42-45). He
would not even receive the Apostle John, whom Jesus loved (Jn 13:23).
John said: 3 Jn 1:10, “Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds
which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content
therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth
them that would, and casteth them out of the church.” Diotrephes was the

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mindguard who stereotyped all perceived rivals and exerted great
pressure on the group members to conform (will be cast out). John further
said concerning him: 3 Jn 1:11, “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but
that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil
hath not seen God.” Any group or leader that will surpress the truth of
God’s Word and will Lord over others is that which is evil – beware. True
leaders will always live by example – please consider. 1 Peter 5:3,
“Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the
flock.” When man is leading, the Spirit isn’t! Your actions are superior to
your words!
 
Popular With the Group?
 
When Jesus came, He strickly set about to do the will of the Father. Christ
never sought popularity within the established religious groups. He often
taught in their synagogues (religious buildings) seeking the lost sheep
(those who would receive Him, Mt 15:24). John 18:20, “Jesus answered
him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in
the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said
nothing.” How was Christ’s message and works received in these various
synagogues? Jesus once entered a synagogue and taught, revealing the
fulfillment of a prophecy concerning Himself – He came to do God’s will in
the volume of the book written concerning Himself (Ps 40:7-8, Heb 10:7).
The religious group then proceeded to lead Him to the brow of a hill in
order to cast Him down headlong (Lk 4:16-30). On another occasion,
Jesus taught and healed a man with a withered hand (and on the
Sabbath). The Jews then plotted to kill Him (Mt 12:9-14, Mk 3:1-6, Lk
6:6-11). Jesus also taught in a synagogue and healed a woman and was
strongly rebuked by the ruler of the synagogue (Lk 13:10-17). Jesus
frequently taught in the synagogues and the people were truly amazed
and astonished, but were full of unbelief (Mt 13:54-58, Mk 1:21-28, 6:2-
6, Lk 4:31-37). Christ also taught in the temple. On one occasion: John
8:59, “Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and
went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed
by.” At another time: John 10:31, “Then the Jews took up stones again to
stone him.” God guarded Christ until the time of His purposes (Ps 40:14).
Jesus revealed great truths of God’s Word in a synagogue which
challenged the flesh (secular understanding). Afterward, many of His
disciples followed Him no more (Jn 6:59-69). Jesus only spoke the Words
of the Father and did the Father’s works, yet this gained Him no popularity
or place in the religious group – He became a great reproach to them (Ps
109:25). Will a true man of God find popularity within the very religious
world of today? Will a message that denies the flesh be received? Will
such a message sell religious books or gain television audience
(contributions)? The flesh wants to be exalted, but the Word of God tears
the flesh down and places it into subjection. Many religious men today
preach popular messages which exalt themselves to gain fame (renown,
reputation, distinction, eminance, prominance, notoriety). How could they

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preach a message that will destroy the thing they seek (Jn 5:44)? To
“follow” Christ is to die to such things. We must seek the glory of Him who
sent us (Jn 7:18) in conforming to Christ. Jesus deserves to receive glory,
does He?
 
Paul
 
We discussed in Chapter Three (Paul Follows the Path of the Cross) how
Paul was raised in the strictest sect of the religious group (Acts 22:3,
26:5). He was zealous for the ideals of his group and defended them
vigorously (Gal 1:14). He was a self appointed mindguard (defender) of
the group and persecuted those who threatened the group with a
vengance (Acts 8:3, 9:1-2, 22:4, 19-20, 26:10-11). Acts 26:9, “I verily
thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name
of Jesus of Nazareth.” On his way to Damascus to continue his supposed
defense of God (illusion of morality), Paul had a very real and spectacular
encounter with Jesus, whom he persecuted – Paul saw the light (Acts 9:3-
4, 22:6). Paul was physically blinded for a time after this encounter. He
was blind, yet he began to see (Jn 9:39). Paul was confronted with truth
that he could no longer rationalize away (Acts 9:4-6, 22:6-16, 26:13-18).
He had to do the unthinkable – leave the group, which had been his life.
Paul became a “follower of Christ.” – he forsook all and found new life in
Christ. It was later said of Paul: Galatians 1:23 “But they had heard only,
That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which
once he destroyed.” Once Paul left the group, he became a target of the
group and was stereotyped and persecuted just as he had done. Paul tried
to reason with those within the group, but they just were not receiving
what he had to say (illusions of Invulnerability, collective rationalization,
pressure of conformity - blindness). As with Jesus, so it was with Paul – in
both cases a remnant was gleaned along “The Way.” Christ said we would
be hated of all men (Lk 21:17). Why the hatred? Because “followers
testify of it and its evil works – they are lights (Jn 7:7). Paul was hated,
persecuted, whipped, stoned, imprisoned, and killed (Acts 9:16). Paul
fought the good fight and God was glorified in it (2 Tm 4:7).
 
Example
 
The author was once associated with several different religious
organizations (some belonging to denominations) where there was a
routine ritual practiced that was termed “being slain in/by the spirit.” This
is a very common practice in “charismatic/pentecostal” type groups. For
those unfamiliar with this practice, the author will attempt to explain it.
During every religious service, at some point, usually toward the end, an
altar call would be extended to the gathering from the preacher. People
would come forward for prayer. The preacher would then “lay hands” on
each individual and pray (1 Tm 5:22). Usually some sort of annointing oil
would be used. During this time, many who were being prayed for would
fall backward, when touched, in a sort of semi-conscious state and lie

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prostrate (powerless) on the floor. Some fell softly, but others rather
violently. This was said to be the power of the God and these were said to
be “getting ministered to by the Lord.” There were men standing behind
them who were called “catchers” who would catch these folks as they fell
backward so they would not slam into the floor – similar to being ushers.
Fabric sheets were placed over ladies who wore dresses to avoid
embarrassing/revealing situations. This was a regular and very
coordinated event. If the desired results were not accomplished on the
one being prayed for, then other members would be called to gather
around the individual and pray. The more (quantity) people who were
slain (supposedly under the power of the Lord), the more God was said to
be moving. The preacher might announce, “I can feel God’s presence.”
Now the author always felt somewhat uncomfortable with this practice,
but assumed it was of the Lord (illusion of morality). This was happening
in front of his eyes (collective rationalization). Everyone was doing it
(unanimity) and it was endorsed by so many religious organizations and
leaders and TV networks (illusions of invulnerability, collective
rationalization). To question the practice would be to question God. These
religious organizations would often criticize other religious organizations or
individuals who did not do such things or believe as they did (excessive
stereotyping). On rare occasions the author would go forward for such
prayer, but only after praying that God would not let anything happen if it
was not of Him. He was never “slain in the spirit,” but was pushed on very
hard by a couple of seemingly irritated preachers. The author began to
really doubt this whole thing, but said nothing - not even to family (self
censorship). Many were kept in-line by having their faith questioned if
they were not touched by God in some special way (Pressure for
Conformity). The author eventually talked to others who had similar
experiences of being pushed and some said they fell backward because
they thought they were suppose to and others also questioned the
practice (illusion of Unanimity). Light started to shine on the author’s
understanding as he read God’s Word, and found himself becoming a critic
of this practice. Most just conformed to the group position. Its so hard to
see clearly when you are in the midst of such error – there is a blindness.
Nowhere is this practice found in the Bible. There just are no examples – a
couple of verses were once sighted, but were taken way out of context. It
had also been apparent for some time that the same individuals were
always going forward for prayer and being “slain in the spirit.” These
always seemed to have never ending problems in their lives – real defeat.
Some would be laid out immoveable with no control of themselves for
whole services. These were considered by the group to be very spiritual –
in tune with God. Some took to dancing in the isles. The author started
seeing this as possibly demonic and began wondering what spirit was at
play. 1 Corinthians 14:32, “And the spirits of the prophets are subject to
the prophets.” This practice also put God in the place of being a constant
servant. The author questioned the preacher and was told by him to read
several books (written by men and their reasoning) which were basically
unscriptural endorsements of the practice. The author was not shown

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anything out of the Bible – only told of experiences others had or of great
past revivals. Religious organizational members were dispatched to talk to
the author (pressure for conformity, mindguards). The author and his
family then walked away from all this. It does take great courage to defy
the majority and break with the group. However, when you seek God’s
truth, there is great deliverance. This global group was always seeking a
special touch from God (in the flesh). They wanted signs and wonders and
were always looking for a big revival (Mt 12:38-39, Lk 11:29-30, 32, Jn
4:48). They just don’t understand that our life is found in God as we live
for Him daily in faith. We walk as Christ walked and ever day is exciting as
His Spirit leads. We must take great joy in Christ’s Word and this gives
life. Our life is not found in such fleshly experiences. They miss out on just
dying to self and being led daily. God is sovereign and can touch us in
special ways, but is not controlled by the will of man – and certainly not
routinely.
 
How could small to very large groups of people routinely (regularly,
habitually, common place) practice a ritual that is not even found
(described) in the Bible and treat it as if it were the biblical norm? How
could such an unrecorded practice be equated with God’s very presence?
It happens all the time and concerning so many things. People find
comfort in numbers. People do not question group practices. The vast
acceptance of the practice within the group makes it difficult for an
individual to see clearly. Being “slain in the spirit” is a fleshly experience.
Where did it originate? This is difficult to say, but in modern times it has
been propogated by the television healing evangelistic type preachers and
their books. These type men once roamed the country with their healing
services and traveling gospel shows and this was a part of it. The author
will state that many of the individuals that he knew who practiced these
things later encountered great difficulties in their lives. Some were
divorced having families torn apart, some developed bad medical
conditions, some lost faith, and some experienced failed businesses.
 
Modern Practices
 
No doubt, these same types of group reasoning (errors) discussed
throughout this chapter are being committed in religious institutions
today. One may be asked to sign a doctrinal statement in order to join
(become a member of) a religious gathering in today’s religious
organization. This is stating that you agree with the groups
positions/opinions and that you will support and uphold them. Does this
not tie the Holy Spirit’s hands? – grieve Him not (Eph 4:30, 1 Thess
5:19)! God does not want a signed paper, He desires a commitment of the
heart – a giving of one’s life as evidenced through one’s actions (faith) – A
CHANGE - a yielding to His direction daily (Mt 6:34). We have discussed
within this book how modern day religious groups (organizations,
denominations or individuals) often ignor clear violations of God’s Word
through worldly celebrations (Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc.); fleshly

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attractions (rock and roll bands, plays, programs, activities); use of
images (crosses, physical representations of God, Is 42:8); and
participation (with priority) in daily ungodly conversations or
entertainments (television, movies, sports). These things (idols,
worldliness – Eph 5:5) that oppose God’s will are often rationalized away
and never seen in the true light of God’s Word – ignorance is bliss! These
are the works of the flesh (Gal 5:19) and focus one’s attention off of God
and onto the world. The devil told Christ that he would give Him the whole
world if He would worship him (Mt 4:8-9). The devil tells man that he will
give him the world (things of the flesh, self-gratification) if man will
worship him (take on his nature, focus on self and the world). How did
Christ respond? Matthew 4:10, “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee
hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and
him only shalt thou serve.” How will you respond? All one has to do is
read the Old Testament to completely/fully understand God’s great
displeasure in those who do idolatry or practice the evil ways of the
surrounding culture (Lv 18:3-5, 27-28, 20:22-23). Most seem to think
God’s view of such has changed through Christ. Most live as though Jesus
brought license/freedom to do the very things that are abominable to
God. Worse, the religious group becomes as the world (Rm 12:2) and
seeks acceptance within the world and rationalizes all this as bringing
people to Christ. For example, during the writing of this chapter, the
author read several signs advertising easter egg hunts at local religious
institutions. This would be the Old Testament equivalent of Israel
practicing elements of Baal worship (mixing with their worship of God) so
that they could bring Baal worshippers to the Lord – we cannot reach
them any other way. Would God honor such? Is not the opposite effect the
reality? These practices become burned in the hearts of the children and
thus later become a normal ritual within the group – a mindset and deep
seated tradition (of the elders). Suddenly, to oppose the ritual (even
though you have clear biblical authority or mandate) is to question the
ideals of the group and this will be a great offense to the group. For a
follower – the world is crucified unto us, and we to the world (Gal 6:14).
To a worldling there are other considerations (commitments of the heart).
 
We opened up this chapter by mentioning the ekklesia (ek-klay-see’-ah) in
Laodicea. An ekklesia is a group (assembly, gathering). The modern word
“church” was used for the translation of this Greek word, ekklesia. This
was not the best translation since “church” actually means “Lord’s House”
(i.e. place of worship) and tends to denote a building or facility, which is
how most people view it today. The true body of Christ has always been
people and never facilities. Christ didn’t die for the buildings! Therefore,
the ekklesia of Laodicea was a group of individuals who professed Christ
and displayed a certain group ideal (principle, belief) which was expressed
in their actions. The author firmly believes that the ekklesia of the
Laodiceans had characteristics that best represents the majority popular
form of Christianity practiced today – with definite facets of the other six
churches mentioned in Revelation (i.e. lost first love, worldliness, etc.).

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This Laodicean mindset transcends religious denominational boundaries
and fits well with American popular culture – too well! Seven
representative groups (assemblies) are mentioned by Christ in the book of
Revelation and these are discussed in Chapter Ten. This discussion will be
limited to that of the Laodiceans. Jesus tells us this group believes they
are rich, since they are increased with goods, and have need of nothing
(Rev 3:17). Today’s Christianity builds huge buildings (temples) complete
with all the amenities and goods that money can buy. The bigger the
building, the greater their faith (Is this really faith?). These are built for
the comfort and desirements of their members – the good things in life.
After all, God’s people deserve the best, and God is there to serve them.
The buildings are in fact worshipped. The religious build buildings, but
should build (disciple) individuals as temples for the Holy Ghost. The
parking lots are full of up-scale cars and late model sport utility vehicles
(SUVs). Huge crowds are drawn in through many of the worldly, yet very
entertaining programs. Programs abound for the community’s needs. The
speakers are the best money can “hire” – ten shekels and a suit of clothes
(Jdg 17:10, 2 Sam 18:11). Inspiring “positive thinking” motivational, non-
offensive type self-help messages come forth (based on the good book
and some human psychology, Col 2:8) – 1 Cor 2:5, Ps 12:2-3! These
religious leaders make a very comfortable living telling people what they
want to hear (2 Tm 4:3). Perhaps if they were a bit more honest about
their heart’s desires, they might be upper level corporate managers or
CEOs (this is what some compare with to justify their hire – worldly
worth). These gatherings Rock-and-Roll (they prefer the term
contempory) for Jesus – yeah! Most members are materially very well off
(but don’t necessarily see themselves as such). There may be television
broadcasts and radio spots to spread their group’s version of “the good
news” and solicit new members. They are always looking for new schemes
to draw bigger crowds or expand the facilities. Good works are practiced,
but make your check out to the church – for tax purposes of course (Lk
6:35). They will “sound the trumpet” concerning their good works, for
they have no secrets (Mt 6:1-4). Many in the group will shop special
Christian stores which are filled with books on any topic (amazing
diversity of conflicting ideals and doctrines) the itching ear wants to hear
(2 Tm 4:3) – all the latest fads. Most of these books are very appealing to
the flesh and what it wants to hear – bless me for “I Am” special. These
best-seller books probably get more attention and consideration than the
Bible – particularly the movies. You can also buy all your worldly music in
Christian flavors. This group attributes their material success and huge
crowds to right standing before God – in His good graces, blessed –
absolutely in His will (illusion of morality). They identify with Christ, but
walk according to the course of this world (Eph 2:2-3) – very odd! The
things that are highly esteemed among men are often an abomination to
God (Lk 16:15). Jesus said they are poor (Rev 3:17)! How can this be? All
the things that this group values and seeks after are eternally worthless.
They have been overcome by the world and don’t even see it (1 Jn 5:4-5).
They refuse to see it! Jesus said they are blind! They do not understand

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the true gospel. They should have a heart toward God and live their faith
in obedience to Him everyday. It’s not about facilities, entertainments, self
help and material goods. They should be the reproach of this fallen world,
not the envy! This group is totally deceived and living for SELF. Jesus said
they are naked! They are full of sin, iniquity, transgressions, and rebellion.
Thus they are wretched and miserable – if only they knew – such
deception they are under. They are lukewarm (Rev 3:16-17) with their
powerless form of godliness (2 Tm 3:5) – they are very religious though,
and it keeps them content. Anyone who tries to correct this group meets
stiff opposition from the group – their eyes hypnotize, but their tongue is
full of venom. They cannot see their wrong – do numbers lie? Jesus has
not given up on them and many will come to see (eyes opened) after a bit
of shaking and sorting through “great tribulation (Is 29:24, Dan 11:35).”
Judah required tribulation and Babylonian exile to see their wrongs (see
their need and fully repent, Dan 12:10) – and this was God’s mercy. The
tribulation will be a great time of trial and testing for those who have not
faithfully kept Christ’s commands (Dan 11:35, Rev 3:10, 22:7, 12, 14).
This will be a time to decide whom you will serve, God or the world (Rev
14:7). This is detailed in Chapter Ten.
 
Recall that the Laodicean church sees themselves as rich, but Jesus sees
them as poor (Rev 3:17). Conversely, the Smyrna church sees themselves
as poor, yet Jesus sees them as rich. Revelation 2:9, “I know thy works,
and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy
of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of
Satan.” Their tribulation (suffering for Christ) and poverty (not seeking
the things of the world) makes them rich! The modern Laodicean church
could never willingly accept such a thought of suffering or sacrifice (Rev
12:11). They view suffering as God’s wrath, which they are not subject to.
They have re-defined God (conformed) to their image – an unconditional
love god who only blesses and serves. Revelation 2:26, “And he that
overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power
over the nations.” Are we truly overcoming and keeping Christ’s works? If
you try and talk to one from this group they are likely to put their fingers
in their ears and run about saying, “not appointed unto God’s wrath.” The
wrath of God is for those who have taken the mark of the beast (Rev
16:1-2) as opposed to God’s seal (keeping His commands, Rev 20:4-5) –
this is the method of separation between men (the good and the bad), not
a pre-tribulation rapture. The false prophets have spoken/appealed to
their flesh and ignorance is bliss!
 
Throughout history religious men have been persecuted and killed others
for not conforming to a religious group’s practices. Examples might be
issues such as infant baptism, worship of religious icons (statues, images)
or denominational authority (nonconformity to an exalted man, supposed
religious monopoly on truth). The ends seem to always justify the means.
 
Being a Follower

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The problem with many is that they do not accept Jesus for who He is and
submit to His will accordingly (obey Christ’s commandments, 1 Jn 5:2).
Jesus came to the Jews in a way that was unexpected and with a purpose
that was not understood (Acts 1:6) - and Christ was summarily rejected
by them. Religious groups often have their perceptions on what they think
Jesus should be rather than comforming to His Word and who He is (Jn
12:48). Often this is a Jesus conformed to their ideals and opinions (the
group’s or denominations) rather than the Christ of the Bible. Jesus came
to lead us back to God – to reconcile - bring repentance, deliver from sin,
recover that which was lost (Mt 9:13, 18:11, Mk 2:17, Lk 5:32, 15:4, Eph
2:14-17). In order for Jesus to lead, we must follow. To be a follower of
Christ, we must yield our will to Him. Please take a moment and consider
the fullness of that statement. Following is submitting to, yielding,
obeying, being directed, an emptying of self, and trusting.Jesus said we
are to build our lives upon the foundation of His Word – for Christ is our
foundation (1 Cor 3:11). Matthew 7:24-25, “Therefore
whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him
unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain
descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that
house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. (also Lk 6:47-48,
Rm 2:13)” These hear and then do (Js 1:22). The problem is that many
(religious) will be attentive to hear Christ’s sayings, and may agree with
them, but they do not do them (Ez 33:32, Rm 2:8-9). Matthew 7:26-27,
“And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not,
shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and
beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it (also Lk
6:49).” This group that “does not” is destined for sure failure (Mt 21:30).
John 14:24, “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word
which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.” In order to
truly follow Christ’s Words (Jn 14:15, 15:10) we must put them before our
eyes always (in our hearts). Psalms 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in mine
heart, that I might not sin against thee” (also Ps 18:30, 119:89, 105).
God’s will is that we live within His Word. To give us the ability to live
within His Word and to understand it, Jesus sent the Comforter, which is
the Holy Ghost (Jn 1:33, 14:16, 26, Rm 5:5). The Spirit will always lead
us to obey the Word – He bears witness (Jn 15:26, 16:8) and teaches (1
Cor 2:12-13, 1 Jn 2:27). Only through the Spirit do we understand the
deep things of God (1 Cor 2:10) and have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16).
The Spirit gives us power to overcome (Lk 24:49, Jn 1:12, Acts 1:8).
Psalms 15:1-2, “LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell
in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and
speaketh the truth in his heart.” How do we find ourselves in God’s will?
By offering Him our will!
 
Ephesians 5:1-2, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And
walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an

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offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Chapter Five
of the book of Ephesians has some very wise words concerning what
following is and isn’t. We were once children of darkness (flesh), but now
are called to the light. Let us walk (actually do or practice) in the light
(Eph 5:8).
 
Conclusion
 
Perhaps you are in a “religious” group a couple of days of the week and
maybe you somewhat alter/adjust your regular behavior to conform to
their standards – you know become religious – the religious shuffle. Then
maybe you are in the “popular culture” group the rest of the week and are
almost a different person altogether. Maybe these two groups are
becoming more similar all the time with little need for major behavioral
adjustments. Perhaps there is some pretense (hypocrisy) in your life that
you have given little conscious thought to. Possibly you are a bit
obstinate/unyielding in your ways? Maybe God just gets His time and you
get yours? A compromise of the dual wills. Are you a “follower” of Christ
or of the world? Your conversation (way of life) conforms to one or the
other – you are assuredly being led, but by who? Maybe you are just
religious – you know, don’t want to go to hell. Can you honestly examine
your heart to see whom/what prevails – Jesus or the world (Ps 26:2). In
this religious world, we need to decide through the Spirit, what is truly
worthwhile (meaningful, commendable, and praiseworthy) – not from
man’s perspective, but from God’s. Everyone has an opinion, let’s seek for
the truth. The time has come to stop being religious/worldly and start
being real for Jesus! The time has come to step out of the groups and into
the true body of Christ. We are placed in the body by the Holy Spirit as He
determines the need (1 Cor 12). Jesus is the Head (Eph 1:20-23, 4:15,
Col 1:18, 2:10), so you must put aside all your aspirations and be led.
Perhaps you think you must approach God through man (religious
buildings. organizations, preachers, ceremony, ritual, etc.)? Please note:
When Jesus died, the veil of the temple was split from top to bottom (Mt
27:51). The barrier between God and man was removed (Eph 2:14) for
those who truly seek Him. We no longer approach God through imperfect
man (human High Priest, Levitical priesthood). We now have direct access
to Christ (Rm 5:1-2, Eph 2:18, 3:12, 1 Tm 2:5, Heb 4:14-16). With one
quick rip, all the religiosity of man was done away with. Man did not
KNOW God nor understand His will and turned God’s way into man’s way.
The scribes (religious authorities, denominational boards/councils) no
longer determine doctrines, the Spirit leads. Now we have Christ as our
head and His Spirit to lead. This does not mean that true men of God do
not teach others. This means that men do not Lord over others to conform
them to their ways. True believers do assemble to encourage, exhort,
teach, etc., but God operates outside the will of man (man’s methods,
system) through His Spirit. God is not franchised, but is within reach of
those who humble themselves and seek Him (Acts 17:27).
 

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Following is not placing religious bumper stickers on your car; having
religious paraphenalia on your desk at work; reading religious books;
mission trips to the beach; listening to Christian rock; Religious service at
the institution, etc. We live in a time of great deception. All is not as it
appears. You need to get God’s Word, get alone and let the Spirit start to
teach. Stop looking for your answers in man! As the Spirit teaches, you
must obey and apply. A Spirit-led man (pastor/believer) will confirm this
truth. A good healthy self examination of your life in light of God’s Word is
an excellent start (Ps 19:12). If you are not willing to change, then whats
the point? Pray that God will reveal your iniquity so that you may grieve
and repent (forsake, Ps 51:3-4, 17, Joel 2:13-14). Seek Him (Ps 145:18)
- Turn fully to God with a whole heart (Hos 10:12). Make Jesus your
foremost desire (1 Chr 16:10). Pray often. This is the start of a
relationship – a wonderful one! We have Christ’s life as our example of
how we are to live – start walking as He walked (1 Jn 2:6). Following is
living by example every single day with your mind constantly upon Christ.
No more fakery or facades – no more shuffle. The Spirit leads us to
conform to Christ’s example, but the way is very narrow. Psalms 23:4,
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear
no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Life
is not easy by design – much trial and testing – purification by fire. Faith
will see you through. Faith through Christ will reconcile (Col 1:20). When
the trials come, where do you run? This is a very good indicator.
 
We serve and follow Christ when times are good and when times are bad.
A true measure of your faith is how you hold up when things are falling
apart around you. Rest assured such will be a trial. You must be willing to
fully commit yourself into God’s hands no matter what (1 Pt 4:19). Its
easy to serve in the good times, but to whom/what do you turn when
things are bad? Can you honestly praise God when self is being denied?
Jesus must be Lord of every aspect of your life! If you think all this is
optional, then you do not KNOW Him. This is the problem, the religious did
not KNOW God. Religious man does not KNOW God. Those who KNOW
Him will follow – no doubt. Jesus has provided forgiveness and
reconciliation. Jesus has sent His Spirit. Jesus lived the example (as a
man). Let us submit, follow and do likewise.

Chapter 9 – The Knowledge of Man

 
Isaiah 1:2, “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath
spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled
against me.”
 
Psalm 8:4, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of
man, that thou visitest him?” Man at his best state is vain (Ps 39:5, 53:3)!
Recall from Chapter One that man chose to disobey God and eat from the
tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Man chose to have knowledge of
good and evil resident within himself rather than to rely upon God. Man

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desired independence to become like God and decide things for himself
based upon his own wisdom. Ecclesiastes 1:18, “For in much wisdom is
much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.” The
spirit of a man dwells within an earthen vessel (Gen 2:7), and as such
man has limited capacity for knowledge and abilities. God is eternal and
has unlimited power (omnipotent – Is 43:10, 44:8, Rev 19:6), unlimited
knowledge (omniscient, 1 Chr 28:9, Ps 44:21, 94:11, Pv 24:12) and is not
restricted by time, distance nor space (omnipresent). Job 36:26, “Behold,
God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years
be searched out.” AND Psalms 147:5, “Great is our Lord, and of great
power: his understanding is infinite.” Jesus transcends time (Rev 1:4, 8).
Man made a poor trade for the knowledge he possesses, 1 Corinthians
1:25, “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the
weakness of God is stronger than men.” AND Job 21:22, “Shall any teach
God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high.” Nevertheless
man uses his knowledge to further his will in keeping with his rebellious
sinful nature. 1 Peter 1:24-25, “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory
of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof
falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the
word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” Man is nothing but dust
(Gen 3:19). Job 7:17, “What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him?
and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?” He that is of the earth
is earthy and speaks of the earth (the earth is fallen and its works are
evil, Jn 7:7), but God is in heaven and above all (Jn 3:31). Whether or not
rebellious man receives God’s Word or not will not change things: Psalm
119:160, “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy
righteous judgments endureth for ever.” – and so it shall be. Psalms 9:20,
“Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to
be but men. Selah.”
 
This chapter will explore what man has done with his knowledge,
particularly with regard to man’s relationship with God. The author
understands that much of the knowledge man has accumulated and
implemented has dual usages and many will view some things for the
potential good they render. Even so, one must be cognizant that this is
from man’s perspective of good, which is corrupted by reason of his very
nature. Luke 16:15, “And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify
yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is
highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Most will
wonder what is wrong with man making his life better and more
productive. The point is that man always seeks to implement his will to
provide for himself, rather than seek God for his needs. Many may be very
offended by some of the things written in this chapter due to their pride in
human achievement and their participation in such things. I will say in
advance, Galatians 4:16, “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I
tell you the truth?” 1 Corinthians 3:18-20, “Let no man deceive himself. If
any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a
fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with

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God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And
again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.” Let
us be humble and broken before God.
 
Fear the Lord, the Beginning of Knowledge
 
The use of the terms knowledge and wisdom in scripture is in the context
of seeking God to know and perform His will. Psalm 111:10, “The fear of
the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they
that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” God tells us
throughout His Word to obey Him. True faith will always be demonstrated
in one’s life through one’s actions – be a doer! Job 28:28, “And unto man
he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from
evil is understanding.” All other wisdom and knowledge is considered
foolishness. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life; to read, teach, and
observe His Word; to praise and bless Him; to hope and trust in Him;
humility; to worship Him; to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil
way, and the froward mouth.
(Deut 17:19, Ps 22:23, 33:18, 96:9, 135:20, Pv 8:13, 14:27, 15:33).
Proverb 2:6, “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh
knowledge and understanding.” Anything that detracts from God or does
not acknowledge Him is foolishness. Proverb 21:30, “There is no wisdom
nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.”  The wisest man to
ever live was Solomon. After seeking to know and do all his heart’s desire,
this is what he concluded: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “Let us hear the
conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments:
for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into
judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be
evil.” Psalm 33:8, “Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants
of the world stand in awe of him.” Psalm 90:12, “So teach us to number
our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
 
Throughout the ages man has sought wisdom and tried to improve his
knowledge and life in many ways. Initially through worship of false gods of
metal, wood & stone. Man sought these idols through their magicians,
prophets, astrologers, soothsayers and sorcerers by means of consulting
with familiar spirits; observing times; monthly prognosticators; by
practicing sorcery, witchcraft & wizardry (those that peep and mutter – Is
8:19); through enchantment, divination & necromancy; and human
sacrifice (Deut 18:9-12, 2 Kg 21:3-7, Dan 2:2, Is 47:13). What man had
actually done was submit to principalities, powers, rulers of darkness and
spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph 6:12). These things are an
abomination to the Lord (Deut 18:10-14) and are still practiced today. In
more recent times man began to accumulate, record, share and improve
upon his knowledge. Fields of study began to develop such as physical
sciences (geology, astronomy, etc.) and biological sciences (anatomy,
genetics, etc.). Man also transitioned from an agricultural/livestock age to
the industrial revolution. The advent of new machines made life easier and

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scientific knowledge began to greatly expand (rise above the curse – Gen
3:17-19). The resulting idleness (leisure) of time and fullness of bread
(abundant necessities) gave man time to think and presume (Ez 16:49).
These changes transformed life, as man had previously known it. The false
Gods and idols are still among us even today, they have simply taken on
other forms. Most are too blinded to see this. In an earlier chapter we
learned that the television is an incredible idol to most. Folks serve it with
their time and undivided attention. They are taught and live their lives
around it. There is such an incredible hold that most will never part with it
no matter how wicked the programming becomes. Similar can be said of
computers. Justify, compromise, consensus and tolerance are the active
words for the antichrist generation.
 
We are now said to be living in the information age. Knowledge is now
expanding exponentially and this is a scriptural indication of the Lord’s
soon return. Daniel 12:4, “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal
the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and
knowledge shall be increased.” Some have said the total store of human
knowledge is now doublingevery eight years. Now with the invention and
widespread use of the personal computer and the internet (World Wide
Web), this knowledge is available for all to view and expound upon. This
confirms the obvious, that human knowledge is imperfect and incomplete,
always changing and constantly being corrected and added to. The Lord
God is perfect, complete and unchanging.
 
Academia is very proud and honors its own with advanced diplomas, titles
and positions of authority, awards/prizes and respect. Isaiah 5:21, “Woe
unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own
sight!” Yet God and His Word (Bible) have been relegated to myths,
legends and products of an uneducated mind. They say true “followers” of
Christ are ignorant – having a negative state of the mind which has not
been instructed in science, or has not been informed of the facts.
Academia believes man has the potential to unlock all the answers to life’s
mysteries such as medical cures, time and space, perpetual energy, in
short utopia. Psalm 94:11, “The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that
they are vanity.” For all of man’s scientific achievement his nature has
remained the same. This nature will only change when one submits to God
and is transformed by God (not man). There is a conflict here because
God says: Isaiah 45:12, “I have made the earth, and created man upon
it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host
have I commanded.” Furthermore: Jeremiah 9:23-24, “Thus saith the
LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty
man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him
that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I
am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and
righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.”
 
Evolution

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Mankind essentially believed in a type of divine creation until things
started to change in recent centuries. However, most men did not believe
in the one true God. There were as many gods as there were cities and
cultures (Jer 2:28, 11:13). In the nineteenth century things began to
change. Man began to look to himself through human knowledge (science,
humanism) rather than God (or a god) for his origins, provision, and
ultimate salvation (Is 45:12). Charles Darwin is most credited with
advancing the scientific notion of life’s origin (apart from God) through
evolution. The “theory” of evolution essentially states that the interaction
of basic elements and matter over vast amounts of time randomly formed
ever more complex and evolving forms of life. In other words, all life
occurred through happenstance (chance and coincidence). This theory
proposes that man evolved from lower forms of life (Ps 100:3). This
theory is presented as plausible because given enough time anything
could happen. However, the probabilities have never favored it even given
zillions of years. This is truly “confusion” at its best to suggest that
precision resulted from chaos and is becoming more complex all the time.
Observation of our fallen world shows just the opposite (second law of
thermodynamics). This theory totally denies the existence of God. Psalm
53:1, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they,
and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.” The
Lord God Almighty says, Isaiah 45:12, “I have made the earth, and
created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens,
and all their host have I commanded.” The creator of the heavens and the
earth and all that is therein is just omitted as man supremely and
arrogantly exalts himself above God. This theory is one of the main
foundations of modern science. Most science is based upon this! This is
what your children are being taught in school, on television, in books and
magazines and at the movies. You may have rejected the idea (most mix
it with religion -confusion), but has your child? The children are the ones
targeted not so much you. Perhaps you are a child of the recent past who
has now grown to maturity? It is not the intent of this book to disprove
the theory, so the author will just state that it is a fable. One thing is
sure; it requires faith to believe in God or evolution, and perhaps more
faith to believe in the mixing of the two. Where is your faith? Isaiah
29:16, “Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as
the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me
not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no
understanding?” Man judges God Almighty and attempts to ignore Him out
of existence.
 
Man’s knowledge assumes that the known processes that act upon the
world are consistent and have always been so, and then takes great
liberties. God makes foolish the knowledge of men (1 Cor 3:19). For
instance, observation and experience will show that man is born of
woman. Woman gives birth to man and this is the way things are. This
would be a wrong assumption because God states that He formed woman

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from man (Gen 2:21-23). 1 Corinthians 11:8-9,12, “For the man is not of
the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for
the woman; but the woman for the man. For as the woman is of the man,
even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.” Man’s
scientific knowledge could never accept such a foundational and
fundamental truth. God’s ways are beyond man’s understanding,
particularly when man’s knowledge is in rebellion to God. God takes great
joy in taking those who presume to be wise in their own craftiness (1 Cor
3:19). Thus the fallacy of man’s knowledge, he observes, but does not
possess. Man manipulates, but cannot create. Man presumes…
 
Misplaced Faith in Man
 
God states plainly in scripture that He created the world in six days and
rested on the seventh. To be perfectly clear, God defined and emphasized
each day by the term “evening and morning” (Gen 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31).
Seven is God’s number for completion throughout scripture. We can
estimate the world to be about six thousand years old through the
genealogies and events given in the Bible. Many religious men have
compromised God’s Word for the sake of popular science and have
combined the two into illogical and unscriptural explanations – confusion.
Science denies God, yet these religious men have more faith in man than
God. Many religious men have conformed to the world (man’s opinions
and presumptions) rather than the plain consistent truth of God’s Word.
To conform to that which opposes God is to be overcome by it. Is it logical
that the prevailing secular man-centered (humanistic) world view would
be right and more accurate than God’s Word? Science denies God, so why
do the religious accept scientific explanations that are a conflict of
interest? God’s Word states six literal 24-hour days and a one day rest.
We should be avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of
false science falsely which some professing have erred concerning the
faith (1 Tm 6:20-21).
 
Some religious hold to one of two views. The first position could be termed
the “Day Age” presumption. This notion states that each creation day
actually represents vast geological ages rather than 24-hour time periods.
Some would state that the Bible is essentially correct but shouldn’t be
interpreted literally (Eccl 5:2). In other words, God really didn’t mean
what He said and is misleading man about the whole truth of the creation.
Recall that Satan is the one that misrepresents the character and nature
of God as being deceptive (i.e. character assassination – murder). These
folks allow for the possibility that God evolved man over time through
transitional life forms and that somewhere down the line He gave man a
soul. This is totally illogical and is not compatible with the biblical
message. This also demeans the creative ability of God and His character
especially since God has stated: Genesis 1:26-27, “And God said, Let us
make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion
over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle,

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and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon
the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God
created he him; male and female created he them.” God did not evolve
man and His creation such that billions of years later man could have
dominion. At what point did man become the image of God? God created
man out of the dust and immediately breathed life into him that he
became a living soul (Gen 2:7). Perhaps these folks are stating that God
himself evolved. This theory attempts to reconcile the irreconcilable,
evolution and creation.” The Roman Catholic Church has accepted this
explanation and so has much of the religious world. 1 Corinthians 1:19,
“For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to
nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
 
The rival religious interpretation, known as the “gap theory” allows for an
immense time interval between the first two verses of Genesis. Some also
maintain that what is being described is the re-creation of the earth and
that civilizations existed prior to ours. Aside from God’s clarity in defining
a day, there is a tremendous obstacle that these religious cannot
overcome, that obstacle is “death.” Both of these religious compromises
must assert that death pre-dated the fall of man in the Garden of Eden.
Whether there were evolving life forms or pre-existing civilizations, death
must have been the norm. This is so fundamental! The scriptures state
that death came about as the result of man’s disobedience (sin) to God.
Romans 5:12, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and
death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”
God stated that the penalty for disobedience would be death (Gen 2:17).
If death (resulting from sin) predated man’s fall that would make the
penalty for sin absurd, already existing, and would make God a liar. The
one that implies that God is a liar is Satan and he is the Father of these
lies (Jn 8:44). Further, God is righteous and holy and does not mislead
man and cannot lie (Ti 1:2, Heb 6:8). Acts 17:27-28, “That they should
seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he
be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have
our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his
offspring.” The issue of “death” is fundamental to understanding our
transgression before God. Pre-existing death nullifies the Christ’s sacrifice!
 
Evolution and those explanations of creation that compromise with man’s
science rob God of His just glory. Woe to those who forward these notions.
Psalm 104:31, “The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD
shall rejoice in his works.” God’s glory shall endure. Those who take away
from it will not. One thing is sure: Psalm 103:19, “The LORD hath
prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.”
 
Geology
 
Geology is essentially the study of the earth and its features through time
and the processes that acted upon it. Similarly to evolution (and not by

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coincidence) scientist believe the earth’s surface features occurred over
vast periods of time through naturally occurring and observable processes
such as erosion, flooding, ice ages, volcanic activity, plate tectonics,
earthquakes, landslides, meteor hits, etc. Geology also denies God. The
Bible states that there was a global flood judgment by God upon a wicked
mankind. Genesis 6:17, “And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters
upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from
under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.” This single
event was more than enough to yield all the present geological features
on the earth. Genesis 7:11, “In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in
the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were
all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven
were opened.” The destructive action of a water canopy flood coupled with
underground aquifers that were most likely broken up through earthquake
and volcanic activity would be tremendously destructive to the earth’s
surface. This would also explain the tremendous fossil beds, coal fields
and oil reserves across the entire earth. Everything existing at the time
would have been quickly covered over and subsequently fossilized,
carbonized, or liquified. Such mass death and resulting conditions for
fossilization have never been witnesses by man since through any natural
process. New coal beds are not forming nor are oil reserves.
 
Many religious men have also discounted and compromised the accuracy
of the biblical flood in favor of a much smaller localized flood. The Bible
clearly states, Genesis 7:19-20, “And the waters prevailed exceedingly
upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven,
were covered. Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the
mountains were covered.” A flood cannot be fifteen cubits above the
highest mountain and still be local (hint: water spills over). Scriptures
indicate that after the flood the mountains were raised and the valleys
were lowered to set bounds for the water. Psalms 104:5-9, “Who laid the
foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever. Thou
coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the
mountains. At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they
hasted away. They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys
unto the place which thou hast founded for them. Thou hast set a bound
that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.”
This also speaks of erosion and geological changes in the earth’s features.
Much of the waters that flooded the earth are now stored in the form of
ice at the Northern and Southern Poles. Many religious have more faith in
man’s wisdom than the truth of God’s Word. Man exalts himself by
excluding the existence of God or rationalizing and diminishing His
creative ability and the truth of His Word.
 
Astronomy
 
Job 38:4, 19-20, 33, 40:1, “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations
of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Where is the way where

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light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof, That thou
shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the
paths to the house thereof? Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven?
canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? Moreover the LORD
answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty
instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.” Job had the good
sense to remain silent: Job 40:3-5, “Then Job answered the LORD, and
said, Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand
upon my mouth. Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice;
but I will proceed no further.” Yet man in his pride and arrogance has now
taken it upon himself to now provide answers to God through his limited
an errant knowledge. Man has even exalted himself to try and instruct
God, by declaring man’s knowledge as valid and true and God’s knowledge
in scripture as fables. Man in his rebellion, conceit and haughtiness seeks
to reprove God Himself – man judges God!
 
Astronomy is the study of the universe and the celestial bodies, gas and
dust within it. This includes planets, their satellites, comets, stars,
interstellar matter, galaxies and clusters of galaxies. Astronomy also
claims vast astronomic time periods in the billions of years for the
formations in the heavens. The earth is said to be 4.5 billion years old. All
things are said to occur naturally and the possibility of creation by God is
excluded (Pv 21:30). Some attempt to include God more or less billions of
years prior in some sort of big bang theory. 1 Corinthians 1:20, “Where is
the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath
not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? God is to be approached
in faith. Hebrews 11:3, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were
framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made
of things which do appear.” God spoke and it was.
 
Genesis 1:14, “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the
heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and
for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the
firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And
God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the
lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in
the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over
the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and
God saw that it was good.” Man contends that all of this was
happenstance and occurred through natural processes that they attempt
to define. The same probabilities (time and random action) that have been
forwarded to explain how things came into being should also consider the
equal likelihood that everything should also have been destroyed a
thousand times over by these same processes. Due to the fallen nature of
the world, things tend to degrade rather than improve (2nd Law of
Thermodynamics). A slight change in God’s creative order could easily
render the earth uninhabitable and man extinct.
 

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It should be noted that most of man’s scientific knowledge has its
foundation in the necessity of vast ages (time) and random probabilities,
as man seeks to establish a reality apart from (ignore) his Creator. This is
clearly taught in Astronomy, Earth Sciences, and Life Sciences. This
foundation maintains that order randomly occurred from disorder and
chaos, and as such is evolving into greater and more complex order. All
new knowledge must expand upon and be judged by this foundation. This
foundation is corrupt and hence everything that is added is equally
corrupted (Ps 33:10). The truth is that God thoughtfully designed and
created all that is.
 
Air and Space Travel - many shall run to and fro
 
Genesis 11:4, “And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower,
whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be
scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” This has been a goal
of man, to reach unto heaven and leave the godly confines of earth. Man
desires to exalt himself through his knowledge – to make a name
for himself. Man wants to reach God his way in pride rather than
humbleness.
 
In the early days of air travel, a man by the name of John Gillespie
Magee, Jr. wrote a sonnet that describes man’s fancy and pride.
 
High Flight
 
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds,--
and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless falls of air...
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, nor eer eagle flew--
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high, untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.
 
Man truly did slip the surly (domineering) bonds of earth in an attempt to
touch the face of God – man’s way.
 
In the fifties, the space era began with Russian and American launched
rockets that placed satellites in orbit around the earth; sent exploratory
spacecraft into space and to the moon; and began gathering scientific

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data. This culminated with the American Apollo Program (1960’s) which
sent men to the moon and back (Oba 1:4).
 
Americans, who consider themselves to be a Christian nation, chose to
name their efforts and craft after Roman false gods. America is a
continuance of the Roman empire in almost every sense such as political,
judicial, military, infrastructure, religion, art (i.e. roads, public works),
culturally (love of violence, sensual pleasure, etc.) and world domination.
America is the modern seat of the “legs of iron” vision of Daniel (Dan
2:33). She is strong as iron and breaketh in pieces and subdueth all
things (Dan 2:40). However, America is a melting pot of many immigrants
and the men do not cleave to one another (Dan 2:43); so her feet are
part iron and part clay (Dan 2:33). There is division within (Dan 2:41) and
this is reflected in all the various ideals subcultures and movements.
America is the physical Mystery Babylon. The use of Roman gods are as
follows: Saturn was god of Time and his weapon was a scythe. He ruled
the gods before JupiterHe was also the god of science, business, and
thieves! Pegasus – winged horse derived from the blood of Medusa
(tamed by a golden bridle from Athena). Minerva (Greek - Athena) was
the Olympian goddess of crafts and the domestic arts and also those of
war; patron goddess of Athens. The use of these false gods should not be
taken lightly, for this was indicative of man’s rejection of the one true God
and exaltation of self.. Saturn (Greek – Cronos) is called Old Father Time.
Jupiter (Greek – Zeus, son of Saturn) was king of the Gods. His weapon
was the Thunderbolt (thunder and lightning). Apollo (son of Jupiter) was
the god of the sun. Each day he drove his chariot of fiery horses across
the sky to give light to the world. The Romans had a mid-winter festival in
honor of Saturn, called the Saturnalia from which modern day Christmas
is derived. Neptune (Greek - Poseidon) was the god of the sea (son of
Saturn). Mercury (Greek – Hermes, son of Maia – Goddess of growth) was
the god of travelers. He had a winged hat and sandals, so he could fly. He
carried a staff with two snakes winding round it.
 
On July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 was launched with astronauts Buzz Aldrin,
Neal Armstrong and Michael Collins. Upon a successful landing on the
moon, astronaut, Neil Armstrong descended the ladder and made the now
famous statement: “One small step for a man, one giant leap for
mankind.” Man, true to his fallen nature and his chosen god (Satan):
Isaiah 14:13-15, “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into
heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon
the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend
above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou
shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” The giant leap for
mankind (whose top may reach unto heaven) was a brash show of
independence from his creator and his desire to exalt himself. Man more
closely identifies with Satan in thought and deed. W must be honest with
ourselves and realize that the space program was for the glory of man and

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not for the glory of God. There is no difference here from what man
attempted at the tower of Babel.
 
Man has not reached heaven, but his sins surely have (Rev 18:5).
 
God placed man upon the earth and gave him dominion (Ps 115:16).
God’s will is for man to remain on the earth and multiply therein (Gen
1:28, 3:23, 9:1, 7). Man is made from the dust of the earth (Gen 3:19).
Why does man so desire to project (extend) himself beyond the earth?
The answer – rebellion. “I” will rise above.
 
Modern?
 
Modern man considers himself somewhat advanced compared to
civilizations of old (several thousand years ago). Please do not be so
deceived. Man’s nature has not changed one little bit. Please review the
list of fruits of the flesh in Chapter One and honestly ask yourself if any of
these have changed or improved. The idols of today may be different and
some may even be more sophisticated, but rest assured they are still idols
indeed. For all our knowledge and wisdom, man is become even more
morally corrupt and rebellious than in past eras. Man does not humble
himself to seek God in love, but rather exalts himself to seek God’s wrath.
In most cases, man’s knowledge has been used to further and accelerate
the rebellion against God. Man glories in the works of his hands.
 
Medical
 
Many of the medical illnesses and conditions that once killed countless
people are now easily controlled through medicines and antibiotics. No
one wants to see a child suffer when medicine is readily available. There is
no doubt that these cures are blessings; however most now look
exclusively to these medicines and their doctors for their deliverance or
healing rather than God. Little or no thought is even given to petition God
when dealing with common infections or minor treatable illnesses. The
cures are found in pills. Man desires fulfillment and expediency; God
demands self sacrifice and patience. Man wants to contain and control;
God demands trust, dependence and faith (obedience being an element).
Man arrogantly assumes that cures will always be as easy as taking a pill.
This was not the case in the past and we cannot be guaranteed that it will
always be the case in the future. Another question we must ponder is: are
we thankful to God when we recover or do we just take it for granted?
Parents, do you ever consider that there are children all over the world
dying from very simple treatable illnesses? We are very fortunate and
must never loose sight of God. Man is very arrogant when he thinks he is
in control (strong), but when he suddenly is humbled by an incurable
disease or terrorist event, he briefly realizes his weakness (Pv 1:25-31).
Repentance is usually the exception rather than the rule.
 

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We are told that medical costs are rising at a tremendous rate as people
flood to the doctors for solutions. How many seek God before running to
the doctor (or how many just seek God when needed?)? 2 Chronicles
16:12, “And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in
his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he
sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.” Asa’s healing was to be
found in God, yet he sought man. The story of the woman with the issue
of blood also comes to mind (Mk 5:25-34). This lady that had spent all
that she had seeking “man” for a cure. She was no better, but worse. In
desperation and faith she sought Jesus and found the touch she so
desperately required. We must look to God. Usually man does not intently
seek God until the doctors and medicines have failed him and there seems
to be no hope. The supposed faith healers thrive on this. If we truly live
for God everyday, He will provide for our every need and this includes our
health. This does not mean that we will never suffer or have pain, but it
does mean that we will prevail within God’s will. We do all ultimately have
a day of death. This does not have to be a fearful event if your heart is
right before God. Many will view God as a magic genie in a bottle – only to
be called upon for a selfish desire or otherwise unavailable remedy. These
may not serve God, but they do want God to serve them.
 
The medical industry has long sought to eradicate major medical
conditions that lead to death such as heart disease and cancer. Major
foundations have been established for such research. Many advances have
been realized. Yet with these advances seem to come new and previously
unknown diseases such as AIDS and SARs. Man seeks to control things
through his way apart from God and this will never prove successful. The
Lord tells us that if we seek Him and are obedient, that we will receive His
blessings and part of these blessings is health (Deut 28:58-61). Most trust
in man’s medical advances to be their earthly Savior. Man can now extend
life beyond what was intended through surgeries, drug treatments, organ
transplants, and life sustaining medical machinery. Many see these things
as blessings and they certainly can seem that way in desperate situations.
These choices also bring hard decisions. Many have been suspended
between life and death through these medical life support systems. Family
members are often left to decide life or death, whether to pull the plug on
the equipment that sustains a loved one or to leave them in limbo. Man
suddenly becomes as God and these things should not be. Many fear
death because Jesus will judge righteously and what will their end be (Ps
96:10, Jn 7:24)!
 
Obstetrician – Perhaps nowhere else will man’s hypocrisy and arrogance
be better demonstrated than an Obstetrician’s practice (many, not all).
One expectant woman’s growing child will be referred to as a baby, while
another less enthusiastic woman’s child be referred to as a non-viable
tissue mass, embryo, and non-human. For the wanted child, ultrasounds
will be taken and the doctor will lovingly point out baby features such as
arms, legs, or head. If the baby is positioned properly the doctor will ask

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the expectant parents if they want to know the gender of their child. For
the unwanted child, the doctor will expeditiously rip the child limb from
limb, assemble the pieces and throw them in the trash. For one he is the
guardian of life prescribing vitamins and caregiver advice. For the other he
is the angel of death, a butcher of the most innocent. Bright cheery nurses
also serve as death examiners and morticians. The obstetrician will have
to be trained in psychology to deal with grieving women once the after
effects of his butchery have been realized. The real victim will not be
around to seek legal damages. Rest assured that one day there will be
retribution by God Himself. For the healthy full term deliveries there is a
bulletin board of happy photos. For the terminated unwanted child, there
is not even a tombstone. When man plays God, there is no justice for the
truly innocent (Eccl 11:5)! Women judge their lives to be more important
than the ones (babies) they are carrying and this is confusion at its worse.
God forms us in the womb for the purpose of life (Is 44:2, 24, 49:1, 5, Jer
1:5). Man kills what God has created for the purpose of SELF. Man sees
himself as modern, educated and cultured. These doctors are as priest in
temples and the women as those who sacrificed their children to devils
(Molech). The only difference is that modern man no longer allows the
formality of the child being delivered (born), but violates the very sanctity
of the womb. Things may be a bit more sanitary but the child always dies.
 
Having exposed abortion for the sin and ugliness that it is, I would like to
say to those individuals who have had abortions: You have suffered much.
Your child is dead and this will follow you throughout this life. There is
forgiveness in Christ. You must seek Him, not because you feel bad or
have been exposed, but because you hate sin and sincerely desire to
forsake it and give your all to Jesus. God has great mercy and grace for
those who confess their sin and turn from it. Only Christ can heal you
from the trauma that must certainly haunt. Perhaps God will use you to
provide help for others who are contemplating such an act. God can take
such devastation and turn it around to give love for others. Healing can be
found in love for God and your neighbors.
 
Stem Cell Research – Medical researchers have been using human
embryonic stem cells from embryos (babies) and tissue from aborted
babies in an effort to treat diseases. The stem cells are said to have the
ability to develop into any type of cells. Researchers are hopeful that
these will one day grow heart muscle cells; nerve cells destroyed by spinal
injury; or possibly treat Alzheimer’s. Many people desperate for cures and
research firms seeking big payoffs will go to any extreme or justification
for such evil. Cannibalizing humans for parts no matter how non-viable
some think there source is wicked and evil. Many would say that babies
will be aborted or embryos destroyed anyway so we might as well derive a
benefit from it. Where does this philosophy end? Man makes a poor
substitute for God, his heart is corrupted. A life of wealth and influence is
deemed worthy of cure, whereas the poor and innocent were just not
meant to be.

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We are told of five godly women in the bible that desired to have children
but were barren: Sarah, Rachel, Hannah, Elizabeth, and Manoah’s wife
(name not given). To be without children in times past was considered a
tremendous handicap and a great curse. Each of these women sought God
for a child and God gave them their desire in His timing for His purposes.
Psalm 113:9, “He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a
joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.” Sarah became the mother
of Isaac, Rachel begat Joseph and Benjamin, Hannah begat Samuel,
Elizabeth begat John the Baptist (greatest ever born of woman, Lk 7:28),
and Manoah’s wife begat Samson. In all these cases the Lord let it be
known that their ability to conceive was due to His intervention and for His
purposes. God dispatched angels in the cases of Sarah, Elizabeth and
Manoah’s wife. The barren women of today do not necessarily seek God.
Many find their solutions in the medical knowledge of man. Fertility clinics
administer hormones, perform invitro-fertilization, artificial insemination,
or develop test tube babies. Some couples pay women to have fertilized
eggs implanted in them and to carry the baby until it is born. Fertilized
eggs can systematically be terminated until the one of the correct gender
and heredity remains. This may seem a convenience in the eyes of man,
but must be an incredible abomination before God. The Lord has been
removed from the equation and man exalts himself. Oh man, Christ will
judge the earth. A thousand years is but a day to Him and justice will be
served in duetime.
 
Birth Control - Children are a blessing from the Lord. God created the
world to be inhabited (Gen 9:7, Is 45:18). The Lord’s will is that we be
fruitful and multiply. There is a greater issue here. Who will be in control –
God or man? When we artificially interrupt this process of conception
through birth control or bodily alterations, we are exalting our will above
God’s will. We are telling God that He has no authority over this part of
our lives. Like the young rich man, we do not forsake all for Christ. We
wish to maintain control. This may seem so strange and archaic in this
“have it your way” world in which we live (and plan for self), but then
again the world is on the broad path to destruction. Christ must rule and
reign over every single area of our lives, otherwise there is rebellion to
Him. We are told in scripture that Onan attempted birth control and the
thing displeased the Lord and He slew him (Gen 38:8-10). Why is it that
the world is so opposed to children as evidenced through all the abortion
and contraception? The devil plays opposites with God. If the Lord’s will is
for you to have children and multiply, then Satan’s desire would be to stop
it. Man in his rebellion does that which is contrary to God and His
purposes. Man says the world is overpopulating and we must stop it (self-
centered and controlling). A true believer says God is in control of all
things (God-centered)! These are the two world views (self-centered or
God-centered), which does your thinking most line up with?
 

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Psychology – This field is famous for justifying the evils men do. Blame is
almost always shifted to early childhood environments, parents or
relatives, perceived abuse, former lives (?), or bodily deficiencies. As
mentioned in the first chapter, if a man cannot take responsibility for his
actions and repent, then no forgiveness or mercy will be granted by God.
Psychology tends to be a constant victim mentality and so much hocus
pocus dealing with supposition, speculation and conjecture. Much of what
is termed/diagnosed Schizophrenia and multiple personalities are in fact
demon oppression, influence, or possession relating to the patients free-
will behavior and choices. Jesus spent quiet a bit of time delivering people
from such evil spirits and conditions. Psychology is a truly evil field
because it deceives willing patients into believing that any guilt or bad
behavior they may have is not their fault. This is the thought pattern
Satan would desire men to have. Rather than repenting of their
“recognized guilt” before God and being delivered and made whole, most
of these folks will live defeated lives as victims of their surroundings.
Many will become no more than drug controlled slaves.
 
Please note: Whenever one intentionally tries to cause harm to their self
or mutilate themselves in any way – it is demonic (Mk 5:1-5, 9:17-22, 1
Kg 18:28). 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of
God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the
temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which
temple ye are.”
 
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – Said to be a mental disorder
(minimal brain dysfunction) mostly affecting children, but now adults are
frequently being diagnosed. Almost any child that shows any signs of
inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive behavior, some of the time, will
likely be diagnosed with this so-called condition. In other words, it applies
to everybody. Is it any wonder that children would have such symptoms
given the hellish culture that most grow up in involving extended daycare
with minimal parental involvement, divorced parents, broken homes,
parents with issues (addictions, etc.), and all manner of evil in books,
television and video games? Physicians almost always recommend
medication for treatment (Ritalin, Dexedrine, Cylert). These drugs are
mind altering drugs and work by altering levels of neurotransmitters, brain
chemicals that transmit nerve signals. Because these drugs are powerful
and cause side effects and addictions, doctors recommend frequent
medicine breaks to reduce the effects. Critics argue that physicians
medicate too many children and this disease is not real. Many parents and
teachers simply do not want to deal with hyperactive, impulsive or
distracted children so they drug them up. This becomes an easy out for
parents, because they can shift any guilt or fault on a medical condition
rather than take any personal blame, responsibility for child rearing, or
accountability. This is witchcraft at its worst. Children become more
susceptible to demonic influence through powerful mind altering drugs.
Core issues of sinful lifestyles never get addressed and the problem grows

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worse as these children mature. What type of society will this be as these
drug influenced children come of age? Perhaps this is the citizenry that is
being prepared for the antichrist.
 
Euthanasia – Described as painlessly ending the life of a person for
reasons of mercy. Many consider this as mercy killing for those in terminal
pain to end their horrible suffering. Unfortunately this deliberate and
intentional self destruction will in all probability consign them to an
eternity of even worse and unimaginable pain and suffering in hell.
Doctors who are supposed to save lives are being trained to kill. Doctors
begin to set themselves up as God, deciding life or death. As this becomes
popular, the terminally ill, unwanted infants, and handicapped have much
to fear. 1940s Germany is a perfect example of the evils man is capable
of. Those whose thought is not politically correct will suffer enormously.
This will become more notable to followers of Christ as the world
government and religion takes shape and decides policies of involuntary
euthanasia (murder). However, followers of Jesus are pilgrims and
sojourners on this earth with their eyes on Christ. Some “profess Christ”
but have their eyes on the world and its dainties. Woe, Woe, Woe! The
real shall perservere and if necessary perish (physically, not eternally).
The false will fall away and save their flesh.
 
Homosexuality – Medical researchers have attempted to justify
homosexuality (sodomites) as a physical disposition or nature that one is
born with (biological) and as such it is normal and not behavioral. Even
though medical evidence has been inconclusive, the sodomite community
has convinced most that this is truth. Does not the very birth process
teach us differently? God says that homosexuality is an abomination. God
created man and does not make one inherently a way that cannot be
changed and then call it sinful or evil and hold them accountable. God has
presented homosexuality in scripture as behavioral (Lv 18:22, 1 Kg
14:24, Rm 1:26-27). This is a bondage resulting from wicked thought or
persuasion. Leviticus 20:13, “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth
with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall
surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” Homosexuality is
a sin, and as such can be repented of, delivered from and forgiven by
God. The offender must first acknowledge his guilt. In this decadent
society, sodomites are rapidly gaining acceptance through positive
portrayals in all communication media (newspapers, television,
magazines). The sodomite community has established churches
(denominations) to add credibility to their cause and justify their
wickedness. They seek acceptance through good works. Many modern
Bible translations have altered scriptural meanings to such and basically
define all sodomites as temple prostitutes. They assume monogamous
sodomite relationships would be acceptable to God and it’s the prostitution
He forbids. Due to societal acceptance, sodomites are now being allowed
to adopt children and many companies are now offering medical benefits
to partners. Sodomites are seeking full marital rights in an attempt to

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redefine the family. The family is defined in scriptures as a man and a
woman and their offspring (children). The man and the woman become
one flesh (Gen 2:24).
 
The devil plays opposites with God due to his complete rebellion and evil
nature. The devil’s family consists of two men doing those things that are
unseemly, or two women doing that which is unnatural and abominable
(Rm 1:24-27, Deut 22:5). Due to the great gains the sodomites have had
in society, those who desire sex with minor children are now organizing
for equal acceptance. There is a strong link between sodomites and child
molesters because the root sin is sexual perversion. These wicked often
seek more vile acts as they desire newer evil thrills. When one loves the
darkness things can only become darker. As in the days of Noah,
wickedness is great upon the earth. What was once hidden and shameful
is now out of the closet and seeking your children. One day the law may
be on their side.
 
Sodomy and perverse sex are sins that one freely chooses to engage in.
There is deliverance in Jesus Christ for repentant individuals who forsake
such behavior. Justifying the behavior or your entrapment will never set
you free. Homosexuality is a strong hold placed in your life as a result of
your thoughts and actions. The hold may be strong, but can be torn down.
Many will try in their own strength and fail. You don’t just give God a try
and see what happens – you must totally commit and endure. You must
confess and forsake the sin and truly give your life to Christ. Our weapons
are not carnal, but mighty to the pulling down of strong holds (2 Cor
10:4). Jesus must provide the strength and power you need.
 
Biotechnology and Genetics Research
 
Genesis 1:31, “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it
was very good...” God considered creation “complete” just the way He
made it, but man does not necessarily see things that way. Man has
utilized knowledge gained in the field of biology to genetically alter the
makeup of living organisms such as bacteria, plants and animals to his
liking. Bacteria are altered for medicines and vaccines. Plant traits are
being manipulated to make species that are insect resistant, drought
tolerant, provide increased nutrients, increase maturation time, and that
produce larger, tastier and more colorful fruit. Animal traits are being
manipulated to make them hardier, to grow and mature faster and be
larger in size for better meat, egg or milk yields. These genetically altered
products are now readily available in the marketplace and are being
consumed by man. Man has taken this process a step further by mixing
genes between different plants and animals to form new types of life. One
recent example was the placing of a color gene from a beet into a carrot
to produce burgundy colored carrots. Similar types of experiments have
been conducted with animals. God stated that that the grass, herbs, and
trees were to bring forth after their kind (Gen 1:11-12). God further

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stated for the great whales, sea creatures, winged fowl, living creatures,
cattle, and beast were to bring forth after their kind (Gen 1:21-22, 24-
25). It doesn’t take much imagination to envision all sorts of Jeckell &
Hyde type of oddities in the future through man’s manipulation. God
developed creation in such a way that it was naturally impossible for
“kinds” to reproduce with each other (e.g. dog and a cat). Man has no
idea what new mutant diseases will arise and imbalances in nature. Man
has exalted himself by altering God’s creation in an unnatural way for his
own purposes.
 
Man has his sights set on altering mankind and has begun to do so
through similar gene manipulation. There is a major national effort with
international cooperation to unscramble the human genetic code, known
as the Human Genome Project. The stated goals are to characterize all
human genetic material by determining the complete sequence of the DNA
in the human genome. The ultimate goal is to identify all the
approximately 30,000 human genes in the human DNA and todetermine
the sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs that make up human
DNA. Romans 9:20, “Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against
God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou
made me thus?” DNA is essentially a blue print of how to build the thing it
was taken from. The mere existence and complexity of DNA proves that
all living things have a specific design from a highly intelligent creator. In
other words, things did not happen by chance as the evolutionists claim.
This alone should disprove the whole “theory” of evolution. However, to
acknowledge this conclusion would completely erode “all” the foundations
of modern science. Man would then be humbled before his creator, and
would have to acknowledge God. Like the god of this world, man has a
rebellious spirit and seeks to undermine the one true God and thereby
exalt himself. (2 Cor 4:4). Isaiah 45:9, “Woe unto him that striveth with
his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall
the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He
hath no hands?”
 
Man will soon begin to alter himself to have desirable physical features &
abilities, intelligence, disease resistance, increased lifespan. There has
always been a desire on the part of man to recoup, his way, the eternal
life that has been lost. An historical example might be the quest of Ponce
De Leon for the mythical Fountain of Youth. This fountain was said to
provide health and eternal youth. A less ambitious undertaking was begun
by Adolf Hitler in an attempt to produce the perfect German race. Man is
on the brink of doing the unthinkable, cloning himself. This has been
successfully done with mice, pigs and sheep. You can bet there is a
demonic presence behind all of this. There was some sort of mixing with
the human race once before. We are not given a lot of biblical insight into
this. Genesis 6:1-2, 4, “And it came to pass, when men began to multiply
on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the
sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took

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them wives of all which they chose. There were giants in the earth in
those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the
daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became
mighty men which were of old, men of renown. This occurred before the
flood and one can only assume that this played into God’s judgment. Ye
shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Man’s heart is corrupted and evil,
just what sort of God would he make? Isaiah 5:21, “Woe unto them that
are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!”
 
Publishing
 
It may surprise many to know that many of the modern Bible translations
(i.e. New American Standard, New International Version (NIV), etc.) are
copyrighted and owned by corporations. To obtain a copyright a certain
amount of the original material or content must change. Men translate
original text in unique ways (wordsmithing) or add scholarly notes and
studies and make God’s Word their own. This allows them to not only
profit every time a Bible is sold, but also when one of their verses is used
(referenced) elsewhere. Words are added and words are taken away.
Translation of words and phrases becomes politically motivated/targeted.
Rebellious man manipulates and/or controls God’s Word for profit! Not all
Bible translations are copyrighted. The older ones such as the Authorized
King James Version are not copyrighted. The fee you pay to purchase one
is for the cost of the materials and perhaps a one time profit. Royalties
cannot be charged on use of these scriptures. Often these Bibles may be
given freely such as the electronic version included on the CD (compact
disc) of this book. There are many translational problems and liberties
taken with the newer Bible translations, however it is not the intent of the
author to cover such in this book.
 
Computers
 
Computers are a relatively new invention that mankind suddenly cannot
do without. Once available only to academia and military/scientific
research, computers are now becoming fixtures in every home. Once used
for very specific computing tasks, they now can be used for a myriad of
jobs. Computers store incredible amounts of data and can easily retrieve
the same with complex search capabilities. They play music, video, send
and receive electronic mail, and connect one to the World Wide Web
(WWW, internet) for tremendous amounts of information and
communication capabilities. The once science fiction video phone has
become reality with computers. Capabilities have increased exponentially
in a very short period of time. Knowledge has been greatly increased (Dan
12:4)
 
To get an idea of how quickly computers have developed lets take a quick
look at the basic development. Computers contain microprocessors. A
microprocessor is an electronic circuit that functions as a computers

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central processing unit providing computational control. Microprocessors
are the building blocks for all modern electronic systems and incorporate
transistors for amplification, oscillation and switching. A microprocessor is
part of a large scale integrated circuit known as a microchip. These are
complex electronic circuits consisting of extremely tiny miniaturized
components on a wafer thin flat piece of material known as a
semiconductor. These perform the functions of arithmetic/logic, data
storage (memory), and computation. The speed that data can be accessed
depends upon the bus width (e.g. 64 bit). The microprocessor has an
internal clock known as a crystal oscillator to coordinate all activities. A 1
GHz clock speed would be 1 billion cycles per second allowing for billions
of computer instructions to be executed per second. A microcontroller is
similar to a microprocessor except that it is basically is an entire computer
on a chip that allows communication functions with other various external
devices. The manufacture of microprocessors requires extremely precise
techniques and mass production.
 
Microprocessor History (transistors per microprocessor): Doubles nearly
every eighteen months.
 
1971 – 2300 transistors (4 bit)
1972 – 3300 transistors (4 bit)
1974 – 4500 transistors (8 bit)
1989 – 1.2 million transistors (32 bit), 20 MHz
1998 – 9.3 million transistors (64 bit)
2000 – 22 million transistors (64 bit), 1 GHZ
2003 – 55 million transistors (64 bit), 3.0 GHZ (3 billion cycles per
second)
 
Carbon nanotubes are slated to replace silicon. These are 10,000 times
narrower than a human hair and will further miniaturize components and
possibly revolutionized technology.
 
What have computers been used for? Most people do not have need for
super computing ability. The military industry uses computers to develop
new and more lethal weapons of mass destruction. Computers are also
being used by government /military to develop data bases on all
individuals, monitor all communications (ECHELON), and generally spy on
and control the population. They are being used for scientific research in
genetics (unlocking/decoding DNA). With the advent of electronic money
the world is close to eliminating paper and coins and adopting an
electronic debit system. Once implemented, one’s secular life and finances
could be totally erased with a punch on the keypad. This system makes
possible the mark of the beast system in Revelation whereby buying and
selling can be controlled for evil intent. Computers (with wire/cell
telephone, radio, television, and internet) are also bringing the whole
world together as one. This instant communication with electronic
translation of any language barriers makes the world as one people with

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common purpose. A world government and world religion could possibly
be on the horizon. This has been the devil’s goal. One world ruled by the
antichrist, giving glory to Satan. It will be a hell on earth – for sure!
 
Many use the home computer for entertainment. Video games have been
becoming more and more realistic. Virtual reality is a step away. Most of
the popular video games are a combination of graphic violence, adult
situations, and the occult. Try finding a popular video game that does not
have occult messages, themes, symbolism and/or imagery. Most will just
say, Oh well, that’s the way things are and its just make believe anyway.
All manner of witchcraft and occult is filling the hearts of young and old
alike as they spend hours playing these games. People will do unthinkable
things in a pretend video world. The sad thing is that this is what they put
into their hearts and this is what they become. The things they imagine to
do whether committed or not are the same as having been committed
because God is looking at one’s heart (Mt 5:28). Many kids are now
having a difficult time separating reality from fantasy. The truth is that
they are one in the same. The things you enjoy and think about are the
essence of you.
 
The internet is becoming home to entertainment. One day, television,
radio, photo and print will all be combined in this type of electronic
format. The internet will allow you to pick and choose your vices and
follow your temptations to their sinful conclusions. This has become a
great servant to the desires of self. For example, pornography and
perversion are filling homes via the internet at an alarming rate. Those
that monitor internet traffic have stated that adult themed sites are the
most visited. Vices that once were unthinkable to some have become that
forbidden fruit, and seemingly no one will know in the privacy of your own
home (Mt 5:27-28). Job said, Job 31:1, “I made a covenant with mine
eyes; why then should I think upon a maid (lust after)?” Men are looking
for a quick thrill and finding an addictive bondage. Homes are being
wrecked, marriages ended, and children abused. As the pornographic fixes
become common and inhibitions are lowered, newer and more deviant
outlets are sought. Perversion and bondage always pull one further into
the darkness. This process is an elimination of the light (Jn 3:19-21). The
internet is already home to bestiality (Lv 18:23, 20:15-16),
sadomasochism, and child pornography. Children are also being exposed
to all sorts of lewd material and things a child should not even know of.
Man likes to think of himself as modern and civilized, but his very nature
is fallen and his heart knows no end to the potential wickedness he will
do. Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and
desperately wicked: who can know it?”
 
Motion Picture Industry
 
The Motion Picture Industry (Studios) has an incredible influence on
modern society through the “magic” of movies. Through special effects

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wizardry (and it is just that), almost anything imaginable can be made to
seem real and common place. The most vile and wicked things can be
written and acted in an entertaining story line and be made to seem good
and be enjoyed by all. Values (morality) can be changed by making
deviate and offensive things seem normal and nice. Things that were once
very offensive are now typical and ordinary. For example, homosexuality
was once viewed as abnormal and perverted. Make a few popular movies
with likeable, funny, witty, entertaining characters that are made
representative of the whole group and suddenly these are just normal
folks living next door who need no repentance. Witches are now just the
friendly teenager down the street. Most people do not witness too many
real life murders, but at the movies this is such a common event that it
seems odd that anyone lives to old age. The movies are also the training
ground for teaching young impressionable children foul language
(profanity, Eph 4:29, Col 3:8) and adult situations. Profanity is now so
widespread in culture that many cannot speak sentences without its use –
yet they grieve not - shame.
 
Movies can effect how a whole society thinks. A popular movie about a
killer shark can make a nation fearful of entering the ocean. There was
once a movie based purely upon science fiction fantasy. This movie openly
taught new age and Hindu religious ideas and was filled with demonic like
characters. This movie was so popular that religious, agnostic and atheist
alike flooded into the theaters. There was such a demand for more of the
storyline that two sequels and two prequels have been made with more
planned. The movie was called Star Wars. Children and adults talk about
“using the force.” This whole movie opposed the one true God, but this
does not seem to deter those who claim to represent Him from enjoying it
and all it espouses. There are toys, videos, costumes, food items,
soundtracks, clothing, lunchboxes, notebooks, trading cards, and
everything imaginable available concerning these movies. My son was
once offered Star Wars prizes in a religious organization’s Children’s
Church setting. The “force” is the notion that we are all a part of a cosmic
force or God – there is ying and yang, the good side and the evil side – a
balance is sought (compromise, consensus). Man as God, this was the
notion put forth by the devil in the Garden of Eden. This is the lie that
mankind has accepted and forwarded through the ages. This is pure
rebellion against the true God. This is what people are being entertained
by and children are being taught. The box office numbers do not lie – this
is what most desire to think upon.
 
Conclusions
 
Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your
ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the
earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your
thoughts.” As previously discussed, man’s nature is opposed to God and
man seeks his own and not God. Therefore man’s ways are totally

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different from God’s ways – they are opposite and rebellious. Isaiah
47:10, “For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None
seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and
thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me.” The
knowledge and wisdom that man gained at the tree of knowledge and
wisdom has perverted him, just as the devil was corrupted by his own
pride (Ez 28:17). Man has said I AM as a god (Gen 3:5). Woe to the
rebellious children of Satan!
 
Some have proposed that God enjoys watching His creation develop
(technically) and takes delight in this. This might seem a good notion, but
is not a biblical reality. God is not impressed with man nor is He envious
of him. This is easily demonstrated by the Lord’s near total destruction of
man in the great flood and the soon coming judgment (tribulation) and
destruction of rebellious man at Christ’s second coming (2 Thess 1:8).
God delights in those that understand and know Him (seek) and seek His
mercy (Ps 147:11); lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness (Jer
9:24); and the prayer of the upright (Pv 15:8). Much a man’s knowledge
is self-centered and has resulted from the pursuit of war and destruction.
Man’s rebellious nature is reflected in man’s accomplishments. God would
have us cast the things of man aside and surrender to His authority.
 
Now many would say that these are all potentially good things that benefit
mankind. Why are you calling them evil? Because rather than relying and
depending upon God for his needs, man has exalted himself in the place of
God. Man attempts to take the creation of God and improve upon it to suit
his liking for reasons of self. How has man exalted himself? He genetically
alters bacteria/viruses, plants, and animals for his selfish use and without
understanding of the future consequences. He attempts to genetically
alter mankind for the future intent of improving health, longevity,
intelligence, and desirable traits. Where man lacks wisdom or ability, he
invents devices such as computers to make up for his lack. The scriptures
say that if any man lacks wisdom, he should ask God (Js 1:5). Man exalts
himself by developing ways for the barren to reproduce such as invitro-
fertilization or artificial insemination. He attempts to leave his God
designated environment of the earth and project his presence to the
heavens. He attempts to explain his existence in a way that excludes his
creator (evolution). The Lord tells us plainly that if we obey Him and live a
life of faith that we will receive His blessings which include health,
reproduction, provision/sustenance, possessions, and protection,
otherwise we shall be cursed in these things (Deut 28, Lev 26). Man
chooses to disobey God and even invalidate Him, yet rise above the curse
through his own wisdom. Have we as believers become blinded and
accepting of all this? Do we tend to trust in man and all of his
achievements and thereby diminish God in our lives? Are we proud with
the world or humble before God? When we are sick, do we immediately
seek God or do we call the doctor’s office? Are we thankful? Do we seek
God for shelter and provision or do we trust in our own efforts and self-

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sufficiency (careers, education, talents)? Many will fault the author as
being unreasonable or insensitive for implying that these medical
advances that many depend upon for life could be misguided. What the
author is stressing is that man has intentionally developed a reliance upon
himself (humanism) rather than God the creator. Man has created a web
that many are now stuck in and forced to make hard choices. These issues
have created great legal and ethical concerns. What may seem to be a
blessing in this temporal and quickly passing life that we all know so well,
will in fact have eternal spiritual consequences. Those who willfully
disregard God had better hope for and find a very long life on earth
because once dead they will face the consequences of such in the
judgment of God Almighty. For those of you seeking long life and
extended health, consider this: today’s children are being raised in a
virtual video world where one routinely and without thought or conscious,
kills, mutilates and violates thousands of virtual electronic human
representations in the most vile and wicked ways. These are also the
children that were drugged on mind altering drugs such as Ritalin for
supposed Attention Deficit Disorder. These are the ones the internet and
television has robbed of their morality. What goes around comes around.
These children will be the doctors and health care workers who tend to
you as you age. These children will be making the policies regarding the
high cost of health care. These children will be the ones to propose all
sorts of new solutions for what to do about the burden of the aged (Baby
Boomer generation and others). These are the citizenry of the New World
– only God will help us. If your hope is in man – Woe to you!
 

Chapter 10 - The End, The Revelation of Jesus Christ

 
Much of the church has become filled with traditions and doctrines of men.
It is worldly and rich, having need of nothing. The lukewarm prevail and
do not see the shame of their nakedness (sin) due to blindness
(deception). Much of the church thinks of itself as alive, but is mostly
dead. False doctrines dominate. Many churches have simply become a
reflection of the world around them (ineffective). This may not be
manifested in rhetoric, but mainly in deed. Even so, there are a few
(remnant) that have not defiled their garments and have kept the Word of
God. Many more are waking up as the end of the age fast approaches
(Eph 2:1-6, Joel 2:32). Jesus’ message to the end time churches is to
repent (forsake your sinfulness), holdfast (to the Gospel) and overcome
(the flesh, the world and sin – through Christ). 1 John 5:4, “For
whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory
that overcometh the world, even our faith.” To overcome is to become
Christ like, to walk as He walked – this is where our faith will take us.
Conforming to Christ image can only be accomplished by being led of His
Spirit. The power comes from God and not from man, his ability or his
direction (Jn 1:12-13, Eph 2:18, 3:20). Those who seem as the world

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have been overcome by it and must quickly repent. Those walking by the
Spirit are being transformed by God into His image.
 
Great tribulation is coming and the church will go through it as a refining
fire of God to make ready the Bride of Christ (glorious and holy – without
spot, blemish or wrinkle). The wheat will be separated from the tares
(weeds), but even so, much deception will abound, - the wise will
understand. Daniel 12:10, “Many shall be purified, and made white, and
tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall
understand; but the wise shall understand.” The tares (just religious) look
just like the wheat (those serving Christ through faith) until the fruit
appears (Mt 13:26, 30). The fruit is how you will know (Mt 7:20). God in
His great mercy is going to pull many from their worldliness (perhaps
initially kicking and screaming) during this time. Many soiled and filthy
garments will be washed and made white. The persecution and tribulation
are truly necessary and will accomplish God’s purposes. This will be the
removing of those things that can be shaken (Heb 12:27). This will be a
time of affliction and great trial. God’s wrath will fall upon the wicked. The
righteous will be tried and purified. This will be such a time of trouble that
if it were not cut short, no one would survive. When we see our wrongful
ways and doings, we will know that God has not done this without a cause
(Ez 14:23, 17:20, 20:43, 36:31, Hos 5:15).
 
Many are expecting a pre-tribulation rapture or great persecution of
churches. I dare say that many religious organizations, associations and
movements will enter into the tribulation relatively unscathed. The Lord
said that the antichrist will make war with those who keep the Word of
God (Rev 12:17). This is a very significant point. The world is mostly
religious, seeking man’s way (will) to reach God. In other words, man’s
will over God’s will. They have God serving them. These assume they are
keeping the will of God – but they love not the truth. The true application
of God’s Word is a reproach to them and they have no delight in it (Jer
6:10). Following the path of the cross was fine when it was Christ doing it,
but the religious have no such desire. They define death to self as mental
agreement or acceptance. The beast (false prophet) will be a religious
leader who comes as a lamb (religious, phony believer), but speaks as a
dragon (Rev 13:11). He will do great signs and wonders and will deceive
and seduce them that dwell upon the earth (Rev 13:13-14, Mk 13:22).
The world will wonder after the beast (Rev 13:3). There will be great
deception. The beast will be the ultimate in rebellious man (666) and
those who seek God through the flesh are going to want to hear what he
has to say. Many religious will align with the beast. The religious leader
will even call fire down from heaven in the sight of men (Rev 13:13).
Those who actually keep the Word of God will be persecuted by these
religious ones – just like Christ was. The religious system will have form;
the true believer will have heart – big difference! This chapter will show
when the Lord will come back (not the day nor hour, but after what

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events). One must keep in mind that even so, this day your life may be
required of you. Let us be faithful.
 
Beginnings
 
In order to understand the tribulation and the end of the age, you must
first understand the beginning. God created the world in six literal 24 hour
days and rested on the seventh. God repeats this pattern throughout His
historical dealings with mankind. God created man on the sixth day and
six is the number of man. God rested from His labors on the seventh day
and seven is the number of completion. Isaiah 46:10, “Declaring the end
from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet
done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” Each
of the six creation days represent a one thousand year period (for a
thousand years is as a day with God) that man will labor upon the earth
for six thousand years total. The seventh creation day, Sabbath,
represents a thousand year period of rest known as the millennial reign of
Christ (instituted upon the return of Christ – Rev 20:4, Zech 14:9, 16-17).
Christ will be the focus in the millennial reign just as He should be on the
Sabbath. Although no one is exactly sure where we are in God’s time
table, we are certainly very close to the end of the six thousand years of
man (self rule). The tribulation will soon occur followed by the return of
Christ. Romans 9:28, “For he will finish the work, and cut it short in
righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
(Ps 90:4)”
 
Why Tribulation?
 
This chapter will detail the horrible events of the coming tribulation upon
the earth. Many will ask how a loving God could allow such a thing (Dan
4:35). The very question itself is a judgment upon God’s character and
fairness. The hidden realities belong to God alone (Deut 29:29, also Rm
11:33). Tribulation is the culmination of man’s rebellion against the will of
God (Is 24:20, Joel 3:13) – pride has blossomed. Rebellious man has
sought to exalt himself from the very beginning. Just as Adam’s
disobedience brought sin, death and untold suffering upon the earth it will
all come to a pinnacle at the end of the age. Daniel 8:23-24, “And in the
latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full,
a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall
stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and
he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall
destroy the mighty and the holy people.” Death, suffering and confusion
will reign as man seeks his ultimate will. Jeremiah 23:20, “The anger of
the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have
performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it
perfectly.” Man chose to follow the devil in the Garden of Eden and the
devil’s son will be manifested to and accepted by a rebellious mankind
(Christ was rejected, Jn 5:43). This will be a time of judgment upon man’s

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wickedness. Man will receive the fruit of his own way (Pv 1:31, Jer 6:19,
17:10, 21:14, 32:19, Micah 7:13, Zech 1:6). All creation will see the
results of what rebellion against God has produced (Rm 9:22-23). All
creation will see the hell on earth that is manifested when Satan is
allowed to rule for a short period of time according to his way (nature).
Jesus Christ will put an end to the chaos, confusion, suffering, wickedness
and death and will set up His kingdom to show the world how things could
have and should have been from the beginning. The wicked will receive
judgment.Beware: God’s four sore judgments are coming, the sword
(war), famine (lack), noisome beast (opposed to man), and pestilence
(plague, contagious disease) – Jer 15:2-3, Ez 14:21. These judgments
were used extensively prior to Judah’s fall (Jeremiah and Ezekiel).
 
We live in a fallen world. Death is just as common as life and it is
relentless. Animals kill each other. Animals kill man. Man kills animals.
Man kills man (Gen 9:5-6,Eccl 1:4, 3:19, 4:16). This cycle will continue in
this fallen world until God’s purposes are complete (Gen 8:22, Ps 49:15,
Eccl 3:19). What shall be said of this: Ecclesiastes 12:7, “Then shall the
dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who
gave it.” Jesus came to bring truth and eternal life. Christ pays a debt that
we cannot and reconciles fallen man back under God’s authority. We are
to put aside our hostilities and take up the banner of love (Song of
Soloman 2:4). Love is God’s nature and we best comply. We must relish
God’s authority with all respect and worship and come out of our rebellion.
Your image must be reconciled (through Jesus) with that of God. Your
image will be that of God or SELF. Those who worship self will have no
place with God.
 
The antichrist spirit is in the world. The generation born just after the
second world war known as the “baby boomers” has been referred to as
the “ME” generation (see Chapter 7, Rock and Roll). It has been
characterized by selfishness and rebellion. This generation paralleled the
establishment of the United Nations and the re-establishment of Israel as
a recognized nation with sovereign borders. The self-centeredness and
rebellion has accelerated since (abortion, sexual revolution, the pill,
feminism, rebellious music forms, television, Sodomites, etc.) and has
become the norm for modern society and for most of the established
religious institutions that claim to follow God (confusion). This is the
antichrist generation (paves the way). The rebellion is now such in the
world that those who truly follow Christ have become exceedingly bright
lights (due to the surrounding darkness).
 
God has pleaded with His people on many prior occasions due to their
rebellion, disobedience, lack of faith, sinfulness and worldliness, namely in
the wilderness for forty years and in the captivity of Babylon (Ex 17:20).
Ezekiel 20:35-36, 38, “And I will bring you into the wilderness of the
people, and there will I plead with you face to face. Like as I pleaded with
your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with

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you, saith the Lord GOD. And I will purge out from among you the rebels,
and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the
country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of
Israel: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.” Those who identify with
God are to be set apart and under His authority. Many desire to be like the
world around them and seek such pleasures. Jeremiah 2:35, “Yet thou
sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me.
Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.”
For what purpose did God plead? Ezekiel 20:43-44, “And there shall ye
remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled;
and ye shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye
have committed. And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have
wrought with you for my name’s sake, not according to your wicked ways,
nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel, saith the Lord
GOD.” The tribulation will be such a time. So many who “profess Christ”
live worldly lives far from His will. Most are seeking their own will and not
God’s. God is going to purge the rebels and purify the remnant by
humbling them and causing them to see their trespasses and great need
for Jesus. Once you see your sin and depravity and seek God, then:
Ezekiel 36:25-27, “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall
be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse
you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within
you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give
you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to
walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.”
God’s purpose is to reconcile through Christ, but we must see our need for
this to be accomplished. Galatians 1:4-5, “Who gave himself for our sins,
that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will
of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Many
do not desire deliverance, they love the darkness.
 
Much of the religious world does not see their sin and depravity and great
need for Jesus: Revelation 3:17-19, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and
increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that
thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I
counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich;
and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of
thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that
thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous
therefore, and repent.” These think they are rich, but Jesus says they are
poor. However, Jesus told another group (Smyrna) who were poor and
suffering tribulation that they were actually rich (Rev 2:9). There seems to
be a disconnect between many religious and the truth. These religious do
not see their need. They are living in the flesh, prospering and believe all
is well. Huge religious buildings are going up and membership growth is
being realized. They are purpose driven, but unfortunately not Spirit led.
Jesus says they have nothing of eternal value (spiritually lacking), are
sinful and deceived. Christ has not given up on them. Jesus says buy of

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me gold tried in the fire (1 Pt 1:7). What does this mean? The fire is the
tribulation that we suffer to refine us for the Master’s use. This is what the
church at Smyrna was going through when Jesus told them they were
rich. 1 Corinthians 3:11-14, “For other foundation can no man lay than
that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this
foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s
work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall
be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it
is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive
a reward.” We must build our lives on a correct foundation of faith in
Jesus Christ and serve Him – this is true riches. The trial of our faith is
more precious than gold  - it will be tried in fire (1 Pt 1:7, Zech 13:9). Job
23:10, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I
shall come forth as gold.” Christ searcheth the reins and hearts (Rev
2:23). We must have white raiment, which is purity from sin. We purify
our souls by obeying the truth through the Spirit (1 Pt 1:22). The
nakedness represents our sinfulness (Adam and Eve sinned and realized
their nakedness, Gen 3:7; Israel made false gods and defiled themselves
– the people were naked, Ex 32:25 – also 2 Cor 5:3, Ez 15:8). The
blindness is deception and confusion given to those who love not the truth
of God’s Word. Does this not describe much of the modern religious
world? They build ministry empires and television networks - they are rich
and think they need nothing – yet they live as the world. They do not see
their sin and filth – they wallow in it. Most of these religious feel they have
license (a covering) to live as the world and in sin, namely Jesus Christ,
yet they feel the lost (those who do not profess) do not have such
freedom - confusion. This notion may not be manifested in rhetoric, but in
deeds – lifestyle, actions.
 
Purification
 
To be pure, your inner life (heart) is as pure as the outward (visible) life
per God’s expectations. Israel was instructed to make the various
implements for the Lord’s Tabernacle, and later for the temple, from pure
gold (e.g. Ex 25:11, 17, 24, 29, 31, 36, 38, 39). Gold naturally has some
impurities in it. When you put the gold to the flame, the impurities are
burnt away (tried in the furnace) leaving a pure substance of value. The
impurities represent sin. Pure gold does not stain or corrode. The pure
gold represents holiness and righteousness. The flame represents those
persecutions and tribulations that one endures to bring about a pureness.
Being in the flame is necessary to obtain the purity, but is not appealing
to the flesh (Heb 12:11). We are to become as pure gold. Proverb 17:3,
“The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth
the hearts.” The fact that these instruments in the Lord’s earthly dwelling
(tabernacle, temple) were pure gold represents God’s absolute holiness
and righteousness – free from impurity (iniquity). 1 Peter 1:5, 7, “Who
are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be
revealed in the last time. That the trial of your faith, being much more

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precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be
found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 1:22, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth
through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love
one another with a pure heart fervently.” We are tried by God for
purification (Zech 13:9, Mal 3:2-3). The tribulation and suffering we
endure on earth purifies us. We would never choose this, but it is
absolutely necessary. Physically dying for Christ (martyrdom) is the
ultimate “dying to SELF” and accomplishes God’s will, thus bringing purity
(freedom from sin). This will become evident in this chapter.
 
The Bride and the Harlot
 
The body of Christ is represented as the “bride” in scripture. The false
religion mixed with worldliness represents the “harlot” in scripture. This
false religion represents all of man’s religious efforts and idolatry through
the ages and cultures, but particularly tries to convey a twisted gospel
(another Jesus). This idolatry and seeking of other gods is spiritual
fornication. The bride is led of the Spirit, seeks Christ’s will and says,
Father, glorify thy name. The harlot seeks her own and wants to save her
flesh. The bride wears white, which is simple, unpretentious and innocent
(Rev 19:7-9) representing cleanliness, purity and outward righteousness
(Zech 3:1-7). Let us examine how the harlot religious system is arrayed:
Revelation 17:3-5, “So he carried me away in the spirit into the
wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of
names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman
was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and
precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of
abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was
a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF
HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” Babylon had once been a
golden cup in the Lord’s hand (Jer 51:7). The harlot (false religious) wears
purple and scarlet colors and is decked with gold and precious stones and
pearls, (the dainties of the world, Ps 141:4). Babylon desires to deck
herself with the glory and things of this world (Hos 2:13, Nahum 3:4).
She seeks self satisfaction, yet assumes she is the image of God. She has
lived deliciously and lusted after the good things of the world (Rev 18:7,
14). Babylon is a mystery to many people, because she claims to follow
Jesus. Can’t you just hear her say, you can’t out-sin God? Or God accepts
you no matter what you do! – such filthiness. We must ask ourselves: Do
we reflect Christ or the world in our thoughts, deeds, actions, likes, and
dislikes? – Where is the majority of your time spent? This is a true
indicator – don’t be self deceived or fooled. Don’t compare yourself to
others. What if Noah had compared himself to others (everybody’s doing
it)? Compare yourself to God’s Word. 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine
yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye
not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be
reprobates?” Ask God to examine you: Psalm 139:23, “Search me, O God,

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and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:” We must set our
heart to understand and chasten ourselves before God and He will hear us
(Dan 10:12). The harlot fornicates with the world. The beast that the
harlot rides upon is the World’s government/economic system (Is 23:8,
merchants Rev 18:23). The harlot is great whereas the bride is holy.
Babylon may be interested in evangelism, religious ceremony, buildings,
social work, popularity and big crowds – she seeks greatness and worldly
honor - but she has no interest in righteousness and holiness (denying the
flesh). We are told to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and
spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God – this is what it’s all about (2
Cor 7:1). What men esteem highly is an abomination to God (Lk 16:15) –
possessions, wealth, education, societal position, big cathedrals,
programs, influence, traditions, musical talent, self-righteousness, creeds,
religiosity, ceremony, donations, authority, control (Mk 12:38-40, Lk
18:11, Mt 6:1-2, 5-7, 16-18). We must come out of Babylon (Rev 18:4).
Babylon is any system that would come between Christ and us in any way
including priests and religiosity. Babylon wants to put us under her control
and keep us there by making us fear that she alone is where salvation and
right standing before God is found and that we must partake of her
fellowship and sacraments. Babylon says we must assemble with her and
support her needs, build her palaces and perform her good (?) works.
Babylon is destined to make war with the lamb and His chosen ones (Rev
12:17). Babylon does not take correction very well and would rather put
out the light than come to it (Ps 37:12, 32, Gal 4:29). Proverb 29:27, “…
and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.” AND
Galatians 4:29, “But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted
him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.” Isaiah 47:10, “For
thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy
wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in
thine heart, I am, and none else beside me (also Zeph 2:15).” Notice that
she trusts in her wisdom and knowledge (tree of) and was corrupted. This
is in keeping with Satan and his rebellion (See Chapter One). This system
leads multitudes away from the One True God into eternal damnation and
thus corrupts the world with her fornication (seeking of other gods -
idolatry, Rev 19:2).
 
Revelation 17:6, “And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the
saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I
wondered with great admiration.” Babylon opposes Christ, but seduces
wonderfully. Many are fixated upon the eyes of this serpent as it slowly
swallows them and chokes their life out. Throughout the centuries,
millions of true saints of God have been persecuted and killed by religious
organizations of all denominations. Did you know that even John Calvin
(revered by many) had a rival named Michael Servetus burned at the
stake? His crime was that he disagreed with Calvin’s theology and he was
judged a heretic (I’m not defending Servetus’ theology). Martin Luther
encouraged civil authorities to take up arms and put down those who
disagreed with his theology. Nowhere in New Testament scripture can

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violence against another be justified, especially in the cause of Christ.
These men were zealous, but for who? - God or self. Jesus said that some
would kill and think they do God a service – how misguided (Jn 16:2).
Who knows how many that the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox
Church have killed (physically and spiritually)? Even today, many saints
are being slain by their “fellow-professed Christians” by their tongues and
their writings for preaching the whole counsel of God (that of repentance
and rightousness). This is character assassination – misrepresentation
(straight from the devil’s toolbox). If one can be demonized (as the
religious attempted with Christ – Mt 12:24), then their witness becomes
less effective. Babylon and her daughters are indeed drunk with the blood
of the true witnesses of Jesus. Babylon’s immorality is seen in the fact
that she claims to represent Christ and yet lives by the principles of the
world and seeks to be great in the world. That is how her cup becomes full
of abominations. Churches that build impressive facilities, emphasize
money (tithe/support), or are concerned with church growth –
membership/decisions rather than changed lives are surely Babylon. The
true church prepares for Christ’s coming through purity (righteousness)
and faithfulness to God that is expressed in biblically correct attitudes,
motives, thoughts, and actions. These are demonstrated in a daily walk to
become like Christ.
 
Consider this carefully: 1 Corinthians 6:15-17, 19-20, “Know ye not that
your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of
Christ (bride), and make them the members of an harlot (world)? God
forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one
body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the
Lord is one spirit. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the
Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your
own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body,
and in your spirit, which are God’s.” When we follow the world and our
desire is for the things of the world, we become one with the world. This
makes you an enemy of God (Js 4:4). Your walk will speak much louder
than your words. Israel and Judah went whoring after the world and God
gave them over to their lovers (the ungodly). Only a small remnant of
Judah was saved. Psalm 73:27, “ For, lo, they that are far from thee shall
perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring (are unfaithful)
from thee.” Please consider the whole account of Israel’s worldly
whoredoms written in Ezekiel Chapter 23 and throughout the prophets.
What was the result of Israel’s whoredoms: Romans 9:27, “Esaias also
crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as
the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved.” Seeking after the things of
the world? – idolatry is a very serious thing. If this is something you do
not think about or actively fight then you are spiritually blinded and most
likely idolatrous. God will give those who choose the world over to the
world during tribulation. Those who follow the beast for the things of the
world or selfish benefit (save your own skin) will be eternally lost.
 

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Beware of Leaven
 
In scripture “leaven” is used as a symbol of self-exaltation, hypocrisy (Lk
12:1, Lv 2:11, 6:17) and sin (Ex 34:25). For example, Jesus said: Mark
8:15, “And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of
the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.” His disciples did not
understand what He meant so Jesus provided clarification: Matthew 16:
11-12, “How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you
concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees
and of the Sadducees? Then understood they how that he bade them not
beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of
the Sadducees.” These religious sought to exalt their will (self) rather than
God’s (Lk 12:1). The leaven of King Herod (ruler) was later visible as he
was struck dead for receiving glory that should have went to God. The
people called him a god and he accepted their praise (Acts 12:20-23).
 
Seven days prior to the Jewish celebration of Passover all leavened bread
was required to be removed from one’s home (Ex 12:15-20). This was
symbolic of humbling one’s self and removing all sin. Unleavened bread
was to be eaten for the Passover meal (Ex 12:8). This was highly symbolic
of Jesus. Christ is the bread sent from heaven (Jn 6:32-37). Jesus never
exalted self and only did the Father’s will and had no sin (Jn 6:38). We
must beware of exalting ourselves and our purposes rather than God’s. 1
Corinthian 5:6-8, “Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little
leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that
ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our
passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old
leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the
unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” We are to become humble (die
to self) and conform to Christ in authenticity and genuineness. If we do
not crucify the old life then nothing has changed.
 
We are warned throughout the New Testament to beware of deception.
Luke 13:20-21, “And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom
of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures
of meal, till the whole was leavened.” The parable is explained as follows:
The leaven is man seeking his will (self-exaltation) and man’s sinfulness
and transgressions against God – and gloating in such. The meal
represents those who are professing Christ. The woman is the great harlot
described in Revelation Chapter 17 (for clarification read Ezekiel Chapter
16). The woman is composed of those who claim to represent Christ, but
actually are exalting self and their real love is the things of the world –
hence, a sinful harlot. Notice the woman hid the leaven in the meal. This
is descriptive of deception – it is there, but not obvious to the
undiscerning. In the course of time (since Pentecost), this seeking of
man’s will (self-exaltation) and sinfulness, works its way through the
whole body corrupting all. We are told in scripture: Galatians 5:9, “A little
leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” Why three measures of meal? There

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has existed for some time three main visible groups (institutionalized) who
claim to exclusively represent Christ (It should be noted that Jesus in
actuality represents Himself). These groups are the Orthodox Church,
Roman Catholic Church, and the Protest-ant Church. If you honestly look
(using the Bible as your reference) at where each of these institutions is
headed (or are already there) through all their organizations and
associations, it is toward apostasy or “being leavened.” These groups have
set themselves between the believer and Christ. These groups are
following the doctrines and traditions of men and are calling it God’s will.
Most will identify themselves as one of these groups (or their offspring;
where do you go to church? I’m a…?), rather than a follower of Christ.
 
Luke 13:18-19, “Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and
whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a
man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree;
and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.” Those who profess to
follow Christ (Christians) have multiplied across the earth into an
exceedingly great multitude. Fowls of the air have always been
representative of demons (Lk 8:5, 12). Man has developed vast religious
systems in which the demons of the air find shelter. This is representative
of the religious who serve through the flesh rather than the Spirit. This
also reveals great deception. When we die to SELF (and the world) as we
have been told to do, we will be like our Lord and the devil and his
demons will have no place in us (Jn 14:30). Please note that Jesus defined
“fowls of the air” in His parable of the seeds: Mark 4:4, “And it came to
pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air
came and devoured it up.” Jesus later clarified the meaning in His
explanation of the parable: Mark 4:15, “And these are they by the way
side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh
immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.”
 
The Issue of Sin
 
Matthew 1:21, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his
name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Remember sin
results from man’s rebellion and rejection of God’s will and purposes in
favor of his own. Many think Jesus came to save them from hell. Hell is a
punishment and consequence of man’s sin and rebellion against God. Hell
was created for the Satan and his angels, but rebellious man will also join
his chosen master there (Mt 25:41). Christ came to deliver you from sin.
Many love darkness and do not want to be delivered, and this is the
condemnation (Jn 3:19). The fleshly man will justify his sin and use God’s
Word, forgiveness, and grace as license to continue therein (Rm 6:1-7,
Jude 1:4). Jesus absolutely did not come to justify man to sin, the very
thing God hates, for this is the very reason Christ had to die. If God
concedes to man on the issue of sin, then man’s will prevails over God’s
will. If man’s will prevails, then his master (for those who choose their
will), the devil’s also prevails. Are you seeing this? When men tell you that

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you are saved, having no evidence of conversion and worse, tell you
cannot lose this salvation due to continued sin, they are deceiving you to
an eternity in hell. I saw a banner the other day that read, “God loves you
no matter what.” This may sound good to the flesh, but you better read
God’s Word on the matter (Ps 5:4-5, 7:11, 9:17, 11:5, 34:16, Is 57:21,
Mal 2:17, 4:1). Jesus came to save you from your sins. To be saved from
sin is to be saved from the love of sin. To love sin is to practice it and be
comfortable in it. Has your desire to sin been taken away? Do you even
see sin as a problem? If not, you have never understood your wickedness
and certainly never truly repented. You cannot believe in Jesus and really
desire his forgiveness and guidance, while at the same time holding onto
any sin and doing that which opposes Him.  If you intend to continue in
sin, then what are you desiring forgiveness of? Of what profit would
forgiveness be? Maybe your just desiring a legal license to sin? You cannot
continue to live for self and your desires and expect not to sin. It does not
work. True repentance means truly seeking Jesus to free you from all
sins.  True repentance is loosing your life and finding a new one in Christ
Jesus with His nature. No exceptions.
 
The devil continues to peddle his original deception (lie) to mankind - you
can sin against God and not die (ye shall surely not die). Sin is trivialized
(made light of, played down – Pv 14:9) and Christ is made a minister of
sin. His sacrifice being some sort of covering or transference of
righteousness such that God overlooks continued willful wickedness under
the guise of forgiveness and grace (Gal 2:17). As in the days of Noah, the
world is becoming increasingly wicked. Genesis 6:12, “And God looked
upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his
way upon the earth.” Many of the religious institutions have allied with the
world and are following suit. To face the issue of sin means that one will
have to make hard choices in coming to the light. The condemnation is
that many choose the darkness. Ignoring (rejecting) the light is choosing
the darkness. Those (I’m talking religious here) who love darkness, hate
the light and will condemn those in the light as legalists, extremists,
fanatics, and self righteous – maybe even cults. They want to turn off the
light. Those in darkness will only become darker – it’s a slippery slope of
ever darker shades of gray. Those in darkness will continually stumble and
so will their followers. The devil’s original lie takes on many different
forms. Some think all things will just work out for their benefit in the end.
Some feel if they are a good person (by their/SELF definition) that they
will be in right standing before God. Some think that everyone (even after
spending some rehabilitation time in hell) will ultimately be reconciled to
God. The list could go on and on, but the point is that most rely on their
rebellious pertinacious opinions rather than the truth plainly stated in
God’s Word. They exalt their opinions as eternal truths. Man just refuses
to humble himself and submit to God – and this is to his own
condemnation.
 

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Proverb 30:12, “There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and
yet is not washed from their filthiness.” That generation is here and now!
This is a generation that accepts the fact that they have sin and require
forgiveness. They believe that Christ has forgiven them of their sins – and
He will. The problem is that they wish to remain in the darkness not
forsaking their sins, yet want to be continually forgiven of them. Christ
becomes their minister of sin (Gal 2:17). They have not been washed
from their filthiness and do not necessarily want to be. They will use God’s
love to justify the wicked (Ex 34:7, Is 5:23, Nahum 1:3). They are still
serving sin and are thus unregenerate. These are not following Christ’s
example or continuing in His Word, yet believe they are in His will (Jn
8:31-32). They do not love the truth. Satan knew the truth, but he did not
abide in it (Jn 8:44). To love the truth is to live your life within it. One
message of the book of Revelation is that during the tribulation, many will
be purified. These must come to see their hypocrisy and the need to lay
down their will and rebellion and be cleansed from their sin (and desire
for). This will come about under pressure as God is truly merciful.
Deuteronomy 4:30-31, “When thou art in tribulation, and all these things
are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy
God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (For the LORD thy God is a
merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget
the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.” Many will
continue to serve the flesh and their self interest assuming that Christ will
bless them regardless. We read in Chapter One that the very essence of
sin is man’s desire to live out his will rather than God’s. To be cleansed
from filthiness or sin, Christ must conquer our self-will and rebellion and
bring it into subjection to His purposes, and thus we are saved from the
power of sin. Psalms 24:3-5, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD?
or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure
heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity (Pride in ourselves), nor
sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and
righteousness from the God of his salvation.” If we do not have a clean
heart to do God’s will then salvation will not be ours. Psalm 5:4, “For thou
art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell
with thee.”
 
Rewards
 
Many folks think of heaven in terms of what they will get (mansions,
crowns, gold, precious stones, priviledge, etc.). God shows that what man
thinks as important are merely road paving and building materials in
heaven. Man still wants God to serve him – even in heaven! The book of
Revelation reveals heaven to be a place where God is greatly praised and
exalted, and His perfect will is flawlessly accomplished. If you do not
perform God’s will now on earth (putting yours aside), don’t think God
doesn’t realize that you will have no interest in doing so in heaven (Mt
6:10). When some religious organizations teach of obedience and
holiness, it is usually in the context of receiving rewards (or not losing

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any) and this is fleshly and flawed – without love or sacrifice. Do not
assume that one will have the same fleshly lusts and desires in heaven.
Dwelling in God’s presence will be paradise, but our outlook will be
different than on earth. We will be in glorified bodies, purified and bearing
the image of the heavenly (1 Cor 15:40-44, 49). Recall what happened to
Lucifer when his desires rose within him. 1 Corinthians 15:53, “For this
corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on
immortality.” When Christ shall appear, we shall be like Him (1 Jn 3:2).
There will be much to enjoy, but the covetous will not be there. We will
dwell with God and that is paradise.
 
Many people want to go to heaven – an eternal life of bliss! Do these want
to love and obey God such that His will is performed even if it requires
immediate (and sustained) suffering, tribulation, reproach or self denial on
their part (Job 13:15)? Are these willing to justify God to their own
detriment (loss, disadvantage, injury)? I dare say that many just want to
seize upon the inheritance (Mt 21:38). We must live in the Spirit (deny
flesh) to gain the inheritance. We must have a heart of love for God and
delight in His Will if we want to dwell with Him (Is 66:2).
 
The End of the Age
 
Prophecy concerning the end of the age is located throughout the books of
the Bible. The bulk is located in Matthew (Chap. 24), Mark (Chap. 13),
Luke (Chap. 21), Daniel (particularly Chap 12), Ezekiel, Joel, and the book
of Revelation. In Daniel we are told, Daniel 12:9, “And he said, Go thy
way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the
end.” In Revelation we are told, Revelation 22:10, “And he saith unto me,
Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.”
We are also told, Revelation 22:7, “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he
that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” When the
prophecies were given to Daniel (who was very wise), he was greatly
perplexed and greatly troubled, but was not given the meaning. These
things have now been unsealed and we can understand them and are
blessed in it. The Coming of Christ is preceded by a period of time known
as the Great Tribulation. This will be a time of affliction and great trial.
God’s wrath will fall upon the wicked. The righteous will be tried and
purified. This will be such a time of trouble that if it were not cut short, no
one would survive. That which is holding back Satan will be removed and
the devil will be given much more leverage to afflict the world (as he was
granted with Job) as God’s protective hedge is lessoned. He will bring
forth his son the antichrist, together with a false religious system and will
rule the earth for a short period of time. God is still in control! Even so,
the saints will suffer and be purified. Hebrews 12:26-27, “Whose voice
then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more
I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once
more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things
that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.”

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The things which can be shaken are those things which you have
produced. The things which cannot be shaken are those things which God
has wrought in you. The saints will triumph over the world in their
sacrifice. Christ will then return and destroy the devil’s works and take
dominion of the earth.
 
The book of Revelation opens with Christ’s message to the seven churches
(types of called out ones). Ephesus is has religious works, but is loveless,
having lost her first love, Jesus Christ. They labor in Christ’s name, but do
not KNOW Him (Rev 2:3-4). They are rebuked and told to repent (Rev
2:5) and overcome (Rev 2:7). Smyrna is suffering persecution and is poor
(humble) and is not rebuked. Jesus equates their suffering and poverty to
being rich (Rev 2:9, in eternal merit). They are told to be faithful unto
death (Rev 2:10) and overcome (Rev 2:11). Pergamos is worldly and
holds to the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitanes (those who want to
rule the people). They are rebuked and told to repent (Rev 2:16) and
overcome (Rev 2:17). Thyatira is adulterous (loves the things of the
world) and has received false teaching. They are rebuked and told to
repent (Rev 2:21) and overcome (holdfast, Rev 2:25). Sardis is
hypocritical, but a few have been faithful and are worthy. This group
believes they are “alive” and doing great things. God sees them as
otherwise (Rev 3:1-2). They are rebuked and told to repent (holdfast, Rev
3:3) and overcome (Rev 3:5). Philadelphia is faithful and is not rebuked.
They are told, Revelation 3:10, “Because thou hast kept the word of my
patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall
come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” Notice
that the whole world will be tried. They are also told to overcome (can’t
let up, Rev 3:7). The Laodicean church is proud and thinks she needs
nothing. They are rebuked and told they are wretched, miserable, naked,
poor, and blind. Christ tells the lukewarm that He will vomit them out of
His mouth. They are further instructed to repent (Rev 3:19) and overcome
(Rev 3:21). The overwhelming message to the churches is to repent and
overcome (sin and the world). To be an overcomer (conquerer) you must
be faithful to Jesus and enduring (2 Tm 2:3). Matthew 10:22, “And ye
shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the
end shall be saved.” Hebrews 3:14, “For we are made partakers of Christ,
if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.”
Although these churches are mostly rebuked, Christ does acknowledge
any good and gives encouragement for those who will repent and
overcome. It’s not too late, but time is running out.Romans 12:21, “Be
not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
 
Revelation 3:21, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my
throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his
throne.” Christ overcame and we are expected to do the same (through
Him). Overcoming is victory. If you continue to sin, and you live for self
and the world, then you have no victory. If the battle were won at Calvary
for those who “just believe” yet continue to sin, then the messages to the

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churches would be unnecessary. Remember that Christ overcame by dying
to self and absolutely performing the will of the Father in all things. Christ
humbled Himself to accomplish this, and now the Father has greatly
exalted Him to the throne. Jesus is our example (Jn 16:33). When we die
to self (man’s will) and become humbled, then God’s will can be
manifested in our lives and He will exalt in due time. Revelation 21:6-7,
“And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning
and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water
of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his
God, and he shall be my son.” This fountain is the Holy Ghost and we
must have Him dwelling within us (Jn 7:38-39, 1 Jn 4:13). If we do not
then we are not Christ’s (Rm 8:9). Are you athirst?
 
Notice that the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia are the only ones
Christ finds no fault with. Smyrna is persecuted and persecution brings
purity – they are tried (Rev 2:10). Dying (martyrdom) for Christ is
equated to overcoming sin and the world, and these are given white robes
that represent purity (see Revelation 6:9-11, Zech 3:1-7). Philadelphia
has kept Jesus’ Word (doers, Js 1:22) and not denied His name so Christ
promises to keep them from the hour of temptation, which shall come
upon the whole world (the great tribulation). This does not mean that
Christ will take Philadelphia out of the world, but will sustain them within
it.John 17:15, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world,
but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” If you want to be taken
out of the world prior to Christ’s Second Coming in some supposed pre-
tribulation rapture then there is only one way – death by way of the beast
(Dan 7:21, 25, 8:10, 24-25, 11:33, 12:7, Rev 6:9-11, 7:13-14, 12:17,
13:7, 14:13, 15:2, 20:4).
 
Christ says of the church at Ephesus: Revelation 2:2-3, “I know thy
works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear
them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are
apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and
hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not
fainted. They did some good things making converts and good works, but
were so caught up in the effort that they lost sight of why and for whom.
They left their first love (v. 4) and were endanger of totally being
removed. Jesus notes that Pergamos follows the doctrines of Balaam:
Revelation 2:14 , “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast
there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a
stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto
idols (partake of idolatry such as television), and to commit fornication
(love the things of the world).” This is also what Thyatira is doing:
Revelation 2:20, “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee,
because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a
prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication
(worldliness), and to eat things sacrificed unto idols (partake of idolatry,
benefit, become corrupted).” Christ says of the church at Thyatira which is

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worldly (doctrines of Balaam) that if they do not repent they will be cast
into the great tribulation (Rev 2:22). Those who are worldly and
adulteress (eyes off of Christ and onto the dainties of the world) must be
purged or separated – and so it shall be. The tribulation forces a choice –
the world (flesh) or God (spirit) – and a choice will be made fence sitters.
 
Great Tribulation
 
Jesus was asked, what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of
the world? Mark 13:19-20, “For in those days shall be affliction, such as
was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this
time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord had shortened those days,
no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen,
he hath shortened the days.” There will be great uncertainty, war, famine,
plagues, death, and persecution. Affliction is continued pain of body or
mind, as sickness, losses, calamity, adversity, persecution, distress, or
grief. The “elect” are the only body of Christ (not those “Left Behind”).
They are chosen or set apart; designated by God to salvation through the
act of God’s grace (through Jesus Christ) by which the affections of men
are purified or alienated from sin and the world, and exalted to a supreme
love to God. This will be a difficult time: Luke 21:26, “Men’s hearts failing
them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the
earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” The world through all
it’s wars, famines, holocausts, and suffering has yet to see anything to
compare. Matthew 24:21-22, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as
was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall
be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be
saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.” Jesus said,
John 16:33, “…In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good
cheer; I have overcome the world.” We must also be overcomers through
Christ (Rev 2:26). Jesus is our example! Only through faith in Christ will
one be saved.
 
It is important to note that all men have breaking points. There is only so
much anyone can take mentally or physically. Our strength and power
must not come from within, but rather through Christ. The Lord can give
us the supernatural ability to face whatever comes our way. Often this
ability will only manifest itself “just in time” as we are required to have
faith and trust in Christ and not look at circumstances (consider Peter’s
walking on water experience, Mt 14:26-32). Throughout the ages
believers have faced death for Christ. In many cases these believers have
given signs (hand gestures) to others that Christ did in fact give the
needed strength in the midst of their surrendering their lives (those
burned at the stake, etc.).
 
Jeremiah 30:7-9, “Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is
even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. For it
shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break

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his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall
no more serve themselves of him: But they shall serve the LORD their
God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.” The yoke and
bonds come from Satan. The whole world will be in turmoil. Daniel 12:1,
“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth
for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as
never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that
time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in
the book.” Come out of her!
 
The Devil wants to be worshipped as God. Man has accepted him as such.
Revelation 12:12, “…Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for
the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth
that he hath but a short time.” We live in a time of much deception and
temptation. 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary
the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may
devour:” God will remove some restraints, 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8, “And
now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For
the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will
let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be
revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and
shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.” For a short period of time
the Devil will control the world through the beast. Revelation 13:2, 4,
“And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as
the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon
gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And they
worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they
worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to
make war with him?” You think Job had it bad! During this time, God’s
true church will emerge and become victorious – this is God’s purpose.
One purpose of the Great Tribulation is for dealing with the rebellious
Bride who continues to sin and chase the world. The true bride will come
forth - emerge.
 
Foreshadowing
 
The Book of Daniel has many accounts that are a foreshadowing of things
to come. In one account, King Darius places Daniel as chief over two
presidents and one hundred and twenty princes. These were to report to
Daniel so that the King would suffer no damage throughout his kingdom.
They were jealous of Daniel and wanted him out of the way. Daniel 6:4-5,
“Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel
concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault;
forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in
him. Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this
Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” So
these men tricked the King into signing an irreversible decree. Daniel 6:7,
“All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the

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counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal
statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of
any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into
the den of lions.” This would mean Daniel could not pray legally. How did
he respond? Daniel 6:10, “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was
signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his
chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day,
and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” Daniel
feared God not man! In the Tribulation, the Antichrist and False Prophet
will seek to trap God’s people through their mark and image. During the
persecution of Christians by Rome, believers were identified by being
asked to burn incense to Caesar (looked upon as a god) or one of the
Roman gods. This was equated to worship. A true believer could never
violate their Lord in doing such a thing. They were entrapped by their own
honest and sincere devotion. This may not seem like a big thing to today’s
compromising religious man. They sort of burn incense to the world all the
time.
 
Israel’s bondage to Egypt has many similarities to the description of the
coming Great tribulation. Egypt’s Pharaoh was a type of antichrist. He held
God’s people in bondage and mistreated them. Exodus 1:11, 14,
“Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their
burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.
And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in
brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein
they made them serve, was with rigour.” In a similar manner God’s people
today are held in bondage to the world and its many systems that are
man-centered (financial, education, labor, entertainment, information,
etc.). A true follower will grieve over much of this. In both cases, the
cultures have had very negative impacts on the people. The world
persecutes those who truly stand for God. God’s message to the Pharaoh
was, “Let My people go” (Ex 5:1). God sent two witnesses to Pharaoh
(Moses and Aaron) and will send two witnesses during tribulation (Rev
11:13). God was doing two things in Egypt. The first was to deliver His
people out of bondage and bring them to the Promised Land as per the
covenant with Abraham. The second was to judge the wickedness of Egypt
by destroying confidence in their false Gods one by one. Exodus 12:12,
“For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the
firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the
gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.” Every affliction
(wrath) God put on Egypt judged a specific Egyptian God (Num 33:4).
God’s wrath will be poured out on the wickedness of the world during the
great tribulation. The plagues have some similarities (water/blood, hail,
darkness, etc.). The plagues God put on Egypt did not affect God’s people.
God’s people were sealed during the last and most deadly plague.
Similarly, during the tribulation God will be sealing and separating His
people from the world and it’s systems for the purpose of preparing them
for the Promised Land, that being the millennial reign of Christ on earth.

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God’s people will be sealed from the wrath He sends upon the wicked
world. God destroyed Egypt as He will destroy the kingdom of the
antichrist.
 
When God’s people were delivered from the Pharaoh, it soon became
apparent that even though they had been mistreated and abused, many
looked back at their leaving with regret (Lk 9:62, Gen 19:26). They were
very rebellious toward God (Deut 9:7, 24, Ez 20:8) and never satisfied.
They called themselves Hebrews (Israelis), but their hearts were Egyptian.
Even though they grieved at what went on around them, they had become
comfortable in it. Many today will cry out concerning all the sin around
them, but they themselves have become quite accustom to it and often
reject God’s deliverance. The children of Israel even made a false Egyptian
God (Calf, Lev 18:3, 19:4) and worshipped it and continually reminisced
about the food or safety back in Egypt (Num 11:5-6, 18). They constantly
whined and complained and provoked God (Num 11:1, 10, 33, 14:37).
They wanted to return to Egypt and their bondage (Num 14:4, Neh 9:17).
For this reason many did not enter into the Promised Land (symbolic of
the rebellious not entering into eternal life). For this reason many died in
plagues and judgments from God. Similarly today, many confess Christ
with their mouth, but their hearts are very much aligned with the world.
These are suppose to have forsaken their old sinful lives, yet continually
look back with thoughts (or actions) of returning to many aspects of sin
and self (they are comfortable in it). The tribulation period will be a time
of trial and sorting. The true Church will emerge in the midst of great
affliction and become totally dependant upon God, having been wrenched
from the world. This wrenching is God’s mercy on those who will yield
(Gen 19:16). This one body will be led and gifted of the Spirit and will
support one another as described in First Corinthians Chapter Twelve.
When the Hebrews left Egypt, they were totally dependant upon God for
their every need. God provided their food and water (Neh 9:15, 19, water
– Ex 17:6, manna - Ex 16:15, Num 11:7-9, quails – Num 11:18, 31, etc).
God even told them when, where and how long to camp (Num 9:15-23,
this required obedience). Even their clothes and shoes did not wax old
after forty years (Deut 29:5, Num 11:23, Neh 9:21). In the tribulation,
those who confess Christ will be totally separated from this world’s system
and will depend upon God for their every need. Psalm 119:71, “It is good
for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” God
may again provide manna from heaven and water from rocks (Rev 2:17)!
But then again He has…in Jesus! We must learn to “follow” Jesus. The
rebellious ones want to do the leading and have God follow them to serve
their selfish wants (constantly asking for blessings – no sacrifice). The
greatest blessing any of us could have is for God to break our prideful
rebellious spirit and humble us to obedience in Him. This is greatly
needful, but not what the flesh desires in any form. Is it any wonder those
seeking God through the flesh will never find Him? – they are blind!
 

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God took the Hebrews out of Egypt by His strong hand, but how did God
take Egypt out of the Hebrew’s hearts? Deuteronomy 8:2-8, “And thou
shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty
years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what
was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or
no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with
manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he
might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every
word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Thy
raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty
years. Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth
his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee. Therefore thou shalt keep
the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear
him. For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of
brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and
hills; A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and
pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey.” The issues are faith, trust
and reliance upon God!  Man was to learn to live by every Word that
proceedeth from the mouth of God. Jesus is the Word (Jn 1:1)! We are to
esteem the Word more than our necessary meat (Job 23:12). God said he
would rain bread from heaven (bread symbolic of Christ), but the children
of Israel called it manna, which means, “What is it?” (Ex 16:4, 15). What
God provided was different than what they expected (unbelief) – to prove
them (Ex 16:4). They rebelled and constantly wanted other (dainties of
Egypt). Numbers 11:5-6, “We remember the fish, which we did eat in
Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the
onions, and the garlick: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing
at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.” Can you see their rebellious
nature in those verses? Manna was for leanness of Spirit, yet they wanted
fatness of flesh (Ps 106:14-15). We will either deny the flesh to seek the
Spirit or deny the Spirit to seek the flesh. They looked at the provision,
but should have been looking to the provider. We must esteem God’s
Words more than necessary food (Job 23:12). Many who profess Christ
have become comfortable in the world and rebellious toward God. They
profess, but do not follow. The tribulation will be a great trial to prove the
heart and will determine who fears God – its coming! We are to learn first
hand that man does not live by bread alone, but by total trust (faith) in
God and His Eternal Word – for God’s Words are better than
our necessary food (Job 23:12). Many do not consider such things now
and thus not much will change for them. Some have knowledge, but do
not “follow.” Consider the parable of the seeds: Mark 4:16-17, “And these
are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have
heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in
themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or
persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.”
There will be much persecution and deception at the end of the age.
Matthew 24:9-11, “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall
kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then

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shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one
another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” The
false prophets will tell us Egypt is not such a bad place and those seeking
fatness of flesh will find agreement.
 
The Promised Land is symbolic of eternal life. The wilderness is symbolic
of the path leading to eternal life – many obstacles. We must be led of
God (Holy Spirit) through the wilderness (life) to reach our inheritance
(eternal life) – Deut 8:15-16. God tries our hearts in the wilderness
(trials, persecution, suffering, circumstances, etc.) to test our faithfulness
to Him. What we put in our hearts will be manifested under pressure.
There will be two types of people. The first group is in the flesh and are
rebellious and self-seeking – they vex His Holy Spirit (Is 63:10). They
want to return to their bondages (Egypt, from which they had been
delivered – Num 14:4, Neh 9:17), are idolatrous (golden calf, Neh 9:18,
Ps 106:19-20), stiff-necked (constantly whining, no faith – bad reports,
Neh 9:16-17, Ps 78:8, 40-41), insincere (want to return to the old life,
Num 14:4) and hard-hearted (no real love for God, just needs and wants).
These consider that it is better to serve Egypt (known, familiar) than
venture into the wilderness with God (Ex 14:12). They are much
discouraged by the way (Num 21:4). This group is also the majority and
never actually enters into the Promised Land (Num 14:22-23, 1 Cor 10:5,
Jude 1:5). However, their children do enter into the Promised Land (Num
14:31, Deut 1:39, Jesus said you must receive Him as a child to enter into
eternal life – Mt 18:3, 19:14, Lk 9:48, 18:17). They are consumed by
wars, plagues, poisonous snake bites (sin, Num 21:6), and misdirection
through life (wandering forty years until they drop dead, Deut 2:15-16)
due to their own actions of unbelief. We must learn from their lesson (1
Cor 10:6-12). The second group is in the Spirit (represented by Caleb and
Joshua). They have a great love for God and put their trust in Him. These
will put their lives on the line – they live their faith. These will also suffer
due to the actions of the first group (Num 14:33). The second group is in
the minority – a remnant! God desires all to enter into the Promised Land,
but most will not due to their unbelief. The wilderness is not a path for the
flesh, but it accomplishes God’s purposes. The wilderness is full of
hardship and much leanness – by intent (Ps 106:14-15). Those seeking
the flesh will always be looking back to Egypt and most likely will be
following a god (of their own making, Ex 32:4) that will take them there.
These are interested in what God can do for SELF (Heaven, blessings,
rewards, possessions, health, prosperity, ministries, needful things,
abundance, security, etc.). Those who love God are interested in what
they can do for Him (perform His will, at the expense of ME). Those who
love God seek Him first. This is what God said to those who would enter
the promised land: Deuteronomy 4:4, “But ye that did cleave (follow in
obedience) unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day.”
 
Just before the children of Israel entered into the Promised Land, there
was one last great trial/test. They were entering their inheritance through

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the land of the Moabites. Balak (the king) called for Balaam (soothsayer,
Josh 13:22) to curse them. God would not allow this because He had
blessed Israel (Num 22:12, Josh 24:9-10). Therefore, Balaam advised
Balak that the children of Israel could not be overcome through strength
because God was on their side. The way to overcome would be to corrupt
the object of God’s blessings (Num 31:16) such that God Himself would
fight against them (doctrine of Balaam, Rev 2:14). The Moabites
corrupted Israel through their idolatry and fornication. This was chasing
after the things of the world (participating in the evil cultures around
them) rather than obeying God. Many of the children of Israel died in the
ensuing plagues (1 Cor 10:8). In these last days, just prior to Christ’s
return (entering into the Promised Land), many of those who profess
Christ are now seeking (fornicating with) the world (and through forms of
religiosity) rather than living obedient abiding faith in Jesus. Many are
idolatrous (see Chapter Three – A Tremendous Idol and Chapter Seven –
Christ (Mass) A Worldly Celebration for examples). For this reason, many
will not enter into the Promised Land.
 
One group of the children of Israel did not enter into the promised land
because of their unbelief (Deut 1:26-28). The second group (their
children) did enter in because of their faith and trust in God. This second
group did not enter in because of merit. They did not earn it nor deserve it
(Deut 9:6). God kept His promises and honored their faith (Deut 9:5).
These were required to be obedient and not to do as the evil nations
around them (Deut 7:2-5, 25, 12:2-3, 30, 18:9-13, 30:17-18). God told
them if they did evil that He would destroy them (Deut 8:19-20). We are
also required to have faith (trust, obedience) and not partake of the evils
around us. We will never be justified soley on our own actions.
 
The devil is opposite of God through his rebellious nature. Israel’s
bondage to Egypt (Pharoah) is similar (yet opposite) to the antichrist’s
end time reign during tribulation. God sent Moses (as a god) and Aaron
(as a prophet) to represent Himself in delivering His people out of
bondage (Ex 7:1, 9:16). The devil will send the beast (as a god) and the
false prophet (as a prophet) to represent himself in bringing the world
(people) into bondage (Rev 13:12, 15-17). God performed miracles
through Moses to bring Israel out of bondage (Exodus Chapters 7–12).
The devil will perform miracles through the false prophet to bring
(deceive) people into bondage (Rev 13:13-14). God (via Moses) caused
Pharoah and the Egyptians to suffer and die (many) in order to deliver
Israel out of bondage (Ex 7:21, 8:8, 14, 17, 24, 9:3, 6, 8-11, 23-25,
10:12-15, 22-23, 12:29-30, 14:26-30, Deut 11:4). The devil (via
antichrist) will cause followers of Christ to suffer and die (many) during
the tribulation in an attempt to bring them into bondage (Rev 13:7,
12:17, Dan 7:21, 25). Egypt (world) suffered at the hands of God’s two
prophets (Book of Exodus). In the tribulation, God’s two prophets will
suffer at the hands of the world (Rev 11:7-10). In both cases God says,
“let my people go” and judges righteously (condemning the wicked, Ex

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6:1, 11, 7:16, 10:3) – God always prevails! In all of this God is in total
control and the devil can do only what he is allowed to do – Revelation
14:12, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the
commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus (also Rev 3:10).” The trying
of your faith worketh patience (Js 1:3-4, Heb 10:36-37). God desires to
set free, and the devil desires to enslave. A time of choosing and
separation is coming (with much deception). Those who reject God will be
separated eternally (Rev 14:9-11). We must endure temptations and trials
such that we may receive a crown of life (Js 1:12, Rev 2:10).
 
What are the Signs?
 
Matthew 24:37-39, “But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming
of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they
were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day
that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and
took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” We
must look at the condition of the world during Noah’s time, prior to the
flood (Gen 6:12). Genesis 6:5, “And God saw that the wickedness of man
was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his
heart was only evil continually.” A close comparison with this would be
Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 13:13, “But the men of Sodom were
wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” What caused such
wickedness? Ezekiel 16:49-50, “Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister
Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and
in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and
needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me:
therefore I took them away as I saw good.” Does this not sound like today
in this country and the world?
 
There will be false prophets, famines, wars and rumors of war, kingdom
will rise against kingdom, Nation against nation, pestilence, earthquakes
in diverse places, sorrows, iniquity (sin) shall abound, and the love of
many will wax cold (Mt 24, Mk 13, Lk 21). Never has such existed to such
a degree as today. America must surely be Mystery Babylon and now
pursues war all over the globe. Only America fulfills all the prophecies
regarding this physical manifestation of Mystery Babylon. Mystery Babylon
(America) has had her eye on ancient Babylon (Iraq) and has taken it
(occupies) for herself. A leader shall soon arise, the son of perdition.
Physical Babylon will most certainly have the same characteristics (nature)
as the god of this world. Babylon will be rebellious; proud; arrogant;
violent; lustful and covetous; greedy; given to pleasures; controlling;
enthralled with her own beauty; manipulative; self-centered and seeking;
independent, freedom loving and desiring liberty (sexual freedom, its my
body, Me, Me, Me); deceptive; unrepentant; seeking to unite the world for
her own purposes; takeing captive at will; dominant and exceedingly
fierce; culturally seductive; and the leader of the world (Lk 4:6). Her
nature will be masked by a seemingly outward righteous appearance –

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she will be hated, yet loved by the world. America corrupts the earth (Rev
19:2).
 
Consider Lot
 
Lot dwelt in Sodom, but grieved over the sin. 2 Peter 2:7-8, “And
delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation (lifestyle) of the
wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and
hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful
deeds;).” When we cease to grieve over the sin, we have strayed far and
have surely become a part of it. We just read how Sodom was exceedingly
wicked (Gen 13:13). God sent angels to assess the wickedness and deliver
Lot and whosoever would leave (representing repentance and forsaking
the world for God). Even Lot had trouble wanting to leave: Genesis 19:16,
“And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the
hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being
merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the
city.” Many will linger and delay parting with the things of this world. God
will force a decision. Jesus once told a gathering of believers in an end
time discussion: Luke 17:32-33, “Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever shall
seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall
preserve it.” Jesus was referring to what Lot’s wife did just after they left
Sodom as God was raining fire and brimstone down upon it (Gen 19:24).
They were told: Genesis 19:17, “And it came to pass, when they had
brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not
behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain,
lest thou be consumed.” Lot’s wife ignored the warning: Genesis 19:26,
“But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of
salt.” Lot’s wife still had an attachment to the wicked place and she looked
back with regret in having to leave. She was bemoaning her loss of the
wickedness she had taken some pleasure in. Thus she was judged with all
the other wicked. We must grieve over all the wickedness that vexes us
day by day. Many today will “profess Christ” but then look back at aspects
of they’re old sinful life with envy and regret of no longer being able to
participate. They want to hold on to wickedness. These will enjoy facets of
the sinfulness around them (Job 24:13). This is why Jesus said he who
shall save his life (those who want to retain their will) shall lose it
(damnation), but whosoever shall lose his life (die to self and seek God’s
will only) shall preserve it (be with God eternally). This is a warning for us
for this coming tribulation. To choose to retain the things of this world will
certainly result in damnation.
 
A New World System
 
Genesis 11:1,4-9, “And the whole earth was of one language, and of one
speech. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top
may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered
abroad upon the face of the whole earth. And the LORD came down to see

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the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the LORD
said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this
they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which
they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their
language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the
LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth:
and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel;
because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and
from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the
earth.” God had just flooded the earth because all men had become
wicked. Now (just after) the world was coming together with another
wicked intent to exalt their will even to reach God (man’s way – by force
of will). They were also trying to rise above (tower) the ability for God to
flood them again in judgment – such rebellion. God scattered them and
created nations with checks and balances. This is how God has dealt with
man. God intended to bless all nations through the nation He established -
Israel.
 
Babel is again rising. The devil through manipulation of mankind has now
brought the world together again with one primary language (English).
Everything is now merging into a worldwide system. Communication
systems have vastly accelerated this possibility (internet, phone,
television, financial systems, etc). The Bible says there will be a type of
world government and a type of world religion with Satan in control (for a
very short time). It will not take long for Satan to devastate the earth
through wickedness and evil and the fruit thereof. Man thinks he is in
control, but is no more than a willing pawn (sap). One day all will see this
devil, Isaiah 14:16-17, “They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee,
and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble,
that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and
destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?”
Most will join him in the lake of fire and consider for eternity what they
lost by following their selfish lusts, as enticed by him (Is 14:15).
 
Deception
 
The Lord said that those who put their faith and confidence in idols
(money, careers, possessions, worldly things, doctrines) would become
like them: Psalms 115:4-8, “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of
men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but
they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but
they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but
they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that make
them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.” The same
is true for those who are rebellious toward God (seeking their own way).
Ezekiel 12:2, “Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious
house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and
hear not: for they are a rebellious house.” Jesus said the same when he

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ministered on the earth, Matthew 13:14-15, “And in them is fulfilled the
prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not
understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this
people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their
eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and
should be converted, and I should heal them.” This is what happens when
one is full of darkness. Jesus came to a people that had built a great
religious system which demanded the letter of the law, but whose hearts
were far from God in that they were totally indifferent to the human
suffering around them (no love or compassion). This religious system did
not even recognize their anticipated Savior when He came and worse;
they despised him and eventually killed him (as they did the prophets).
They did not hear the smooth sayings that they were after. Jesus exposed
their hypocrisy and they hated him.
 
When we seek after the things of the world to fulfill our fleshly wills or
even fleshly religious doctrines, then our minds become clouded with all
manner of deception and confusion (Jer 3:25). Let the reader beware! 2
Corinthians 4:4, “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of
them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who
is the image of God, should shine unto them.” Those that believe the truth
live within it and they build their lives around it. The truth of God’s Word
becomes their foundation. Those that do not are deceived of their own
beliefs regardless of confession. The only way to gain sight and hearing is
to intently seek God and perform His will (actions). When one seeks to
perform God’s purposes then the spiritual blindness and dumbness will lift,
but not until then. Isaiah 66:4,“I also will choose their delusions, and will
bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer;
when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and
chose that in which I delighted not.” We must seek after our God. Isaiah
45:22, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: For I
am God and there is none else.” Everything else man makes into a god is
phony, temporal and will have no power to deliver them when needed
(read 1 Kg 18:17-40). The gods of money will not deliver the wicked on
the Day of the Lord.
 
Jesus said there would be great deception regarding this time – Take
heed! (He that hath an ear to hear). When asked about the end of the
age, Jesus said an unprecedented three times within the context of the
end time discussion to beware of deception and false prophets. You will
have no excuse. Matthew 24:4-5, “And Jesus answered and said unto
them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my
name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” They’ll come saying
they believe in Jesus. They’ll quote scripture just as the Devil did and it
will seem correct. Those that do not read and study God’s Word and be
led of His Spirit will be led astray. Matthew 24:11, “And many false
prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” This will be supernatural

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deception for those who fear self-sacrifice and denial, seeking self-
preservation. 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.” Many who “profess” will
be deceived (as they are now, 2 Thess 2:9-12). Those who “follow” will
have to look to Christ for wisdom. God allows these false prophets to test
you. Deuteronomy 13:3, “Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that
prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you,
to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with
all your soul.”
 
How will we know these false prophets if they are deceiving us? By
definition to be deceived is to think you are right even when you’re wrong.
The Lord said we will know them by their fruits (Mt 7:16-20). Anytime
anyone comes by way of the flesh or things of the flesh (worldliness), they
should be considered an immediate suspect. If they come wanting
money/offerings (for the Lord’s work of course), glory/fame (for
themselves or their ministry), seek followers or want to start big religious
works (buildings, television networks, Christian universities, taking care of
the world’s hungry, etc.), and have teachings that comfort or sooth the
flesh. Some ministers even name their ministries after themselves and
this should be a red flag. Not all is bad and there are some good works,
but be discerning. Much of what is out there (however good the
intentions) is fraud and self serving. We minister to people, not to/through
institutions.
 
They’ll have big churches, ministries, and television networks. They’ll use
Jesus’ name often, but you will know them by their fruits (Mt 15:16-20).
All things examined in the light of God’s Word as we seek to do His will
and not our own. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, “For such are false apostles,
deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the
ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
Does it surprise you that the devil himself hangs out in religious
organizations? The lost he already has. To catch the big trophy fish,
you’ve got to go to the places where they hang out and keep them
deceived there. Matthew 7:15-16, “Beware of false prophets, which come
to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall
know them by their fruits.” They wear sheep’s clothing to blend in with the
sheep and become as them. They will talk like the sheep. Their intentions
are evil. 2 Peter 2:21, “But there were false prophets also among the
people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall
bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and
bring upon themselves swift destruction.” They will attempt to conquer
from within. They’ll be smooth talking and likeable. False prophets always
have doctrines that appeal to the flesh. There will be no self denial or
death to the things of this world. They won’t be leading toward holiness

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and righteousness. They will be self serving, but fun to be around if your
eyes and hearts are on things temporal. God is against the false prophets:
Jeremiah 23:31-32, “Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD,
that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that
prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my
people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor
commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith
the LORD.”
 
Fables
 
Christendom in the Western World has been without persecution and
hardship for so long that this is considered by them to be the Christian
norm. However, this is far from what the scriptures say and actually is the
sign of an ineffective church (2 Thess 1:4-5). To many who “profess
Christ,” the thought of dying for Christ is so distressful & distasteful and
causes so much anxiety, that they cling to totally un-scriptural fables of
pre-tribulation escapes (raptures) which is tantamount to dereliction of
duty. They see those who are less worthy than themselves as “Left
Behind” to take up Christ’s banner and persevere & endure during the
church’s greatest hour in the coming Great Tribulation. It is during this
time period that Satan will be defeated. Those that come out of great
tribulation, have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of
the Lamb (Rev 7:14). They have cumulatively become a glorious church,
not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but holy and without
blemish (Eph 5:27). The bride has been purified through the fires of
tribulation. The religious folks will have patriotic services/banners/flags in
their religious institutions to greatly honor those who fight in their
country’s military forces. Somehow dying for one’s country is deemed a
noble worthy deed, even though they are killing men - those very enemies
that Jesus said we are to love (Mt 5:43-45)! They’ll die for a King, but not
for the King of Kings! Revelation 15:2, “And I saw as it were a sea of glass
mingled with fire: and them (Who were “Left Behind”) that had gotten
the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and
over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps
of God. Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood
of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their
lives unto the death.” This is the point in history when God’s greatest
spiritual army is needed. This generation is being called upon to stand!
Those whom God calls, God will equip. Will you heed the call?
 
God did not equip His earthly body with wings to fly away from the evil.
God did equip us with armor and weapons to stand and spiritually fight.
Ephesians 6:11-13, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able
to stand against the wiles of the devil. For 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.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to

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withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” This is the nature
of the fight and we must endure and overcome. These are our weapons:
Ephesians 6:14-17, “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with
truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod
with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of
faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the
wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication
in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and
supplication for all saints.” We are to love the truth, live righteousness
and holy, conform to Christ’s image, be strong (rooted) in our faith, and
recognizing that our salvation is in Jesus and none other (Col 3:10). We
are to be led of the Spirit and must be doers of the Word (Lk 6:47-48).
The Spirit and the water (Word) give us access to the kingdom (Jn 3:5).
The sword is our offensive weapon. Jesus responded to the devil’s
temptations with the Word of God. Our victory is found in God’s
knowledge and not ours (tree of). We are to seek God in prayer
(communication - relationship). 2 Corinthians 6:7, “By the word of truth,
by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand
and on the left.” The only way to be strong in faith is to live it daily. As
with anything, one learns through experience. You use your faith or lose
your faith.
 
Woe to the false prophets who speak of their own ideas (contrary to
scriptures – See “When Will Christ Return” - below) and say “thus saith
the Lord!” God says they have seen nothing and follow their own spirit -
God is against them (Ez 13:2-3, 8). Many write books and sell videos and
make a substantial living (gain) off such notions as “a great escape” (Pre-
trib rapture). The leisure walk they seek is on the broad path and in no
way resembles the trials and struggles associated with the narrow path
that every true pilgrim must endure. Their visions are vain (Ez 13:6-7) -
Ezekiel 13:6, “They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The
LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made
others to hope that they would confirm the word.” This may appeal to the
flesh (as evidenced by the popularity), but brings glory only to self rather
than Christ. These have made no provision to stand in the battle in the
day of the Lord (Ez 13:5). Do we stand and endure or desire to flee away
pre-maturely to avoid any personal suffering (Rm 8:17)? Escape? – there
is no escape (Ez 13:10). If your concern is for self, then your desire is for
the flesh – your glory.
 
Jesus told the church at Smyrna: Revelation 2:11, “He that hath an ear,
let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh
shall not be hurt of the second death.” Notice that Christ said “second
death.” The church at Smyrna had been suffering tribulation and death.
They were standing for Christ in the midst of significant trials. The
predominant message of the religious of today is that God is here to bless.
These believe they have God’s guarantee not to suffer or die for His

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namesake. This is the foundation of the pre-tribulation rapture doctrine.
One thing is certain, our faith will be tested. Those that equate God’s love
with continual blessings are in for a shock.
 
The Devil is setting folks up to destroy their faith and have them
spiritually unprepared to face the tribulation when he takes control (God
allows) for a short period of time. This time is going to be spiritually
intense and one cannot carry along the resentment or feeling of betrayal
that a never having materialized pre-tribulation rapture will bring. Many
adherents to this notion are living worldly under a cloak of religiousness
(blindness) and would not be prepared even if there were one. God in His
mercy will allow circumstances (working within your will) to prevail that
will hopefully separate the lukewarm from the world and preserve their
eternal lives. The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance (Rm 2:4).
The choice will be yours as God graciously allows. 2 Timothy 4:3-4, “For
the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after
their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching
ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be
turned unto fables.” These folks want to hear what appeals to the flesh
(SELF). These need clothing, need eye salve - need rebuke! The pre-
tribulation rapture appeals to those who live in the flesh for their (man’s)
purposes and not God’s. The harlot wants to save her flesh, whereas the
Bride says, “Father, glorify thy name.” The harlot wants; the bride gives.
The harlot brings religious works and glories; the bride brings a heart
toward God as evidenced through a walk of faith in humbleness and
reliance upon God.
 
Those that are concerned about the flesh do not understand that there is
no virtue in escaping persecution or tribulation because God’s purposes
are not accomplished (Mk 8:31-33). Let us look to Christ our example.
John 12:23, “And Jesus answered them (disciples), saying, The hour is
come, that the Son of man should be glorified.” Christ was about to
receive all that rebellious man could throw at Him. Jesus was talking
about His death. Jesus also said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God
is glorified in him (Jn 13:31). He was going to be mocked, ridiculed,
belittled, humiliated, beaten, whipped, tortured and hung on a cross to
die, yet Christ said He was going to be glorified. How can this be? There
was glory in this because He was accomplishing the will of the Father –
even to His own demise – total surrender. Christ’s death brought victory!
Jesus further stated: John 12:27, “Now is my soul troubled; and what
shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto
this hour.” Jesus humbly submitted to the will of the Father and endured
until the end. Jesus was made perfect through suffering (Heb 2:10, 5:8-9,
1 Pt 2:23). We must be of the same heart as Christ. We are following
Christ and must overcome (Jn 12:24-26) and endure until the end (Mt
24:13). Many saints will be killed in tribulation by rebellious man (Rev
13:7) – just as Christ was. These saints will follow the path of the cross.
Job 13:15, “Though he slay me, yet I will trust in him…(also 1 Pt 4:19).”

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These are not the dregs that were “left behind.” Consider what happens as
revealed in scripture: Revelation 15:2, “And I saw as it were a sea of glass
mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast,
and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name,
stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.” These were killed –
martyred, but received victory over the beast and his rebellious system
(Rev 20:4). Wow! The victory comes by seemingly being defeated – in
death. Revelation 12:11, “And 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.” These triumphant “followers” loved not their lives unto
death and glorified the Father – to their own demise just as Christ had
done. Their walk on the narrow path conformed them to Christ’s image
right up to complete death to self (literally). Wow! They had to die, what a
difficult thing for the flesh to face. To live is Christ, and to die is gain (Php
1:21). These shined in their finest hour during the conclusion of mankind’s
ultimate realized rebellion upon the earth. They did not submit to the
beast under sentence of death and maintained faith (obedience) in Christ
(Rev 14:12). God was glorified in this. In doing this they washed their
robes and made them white in Christ’s blood (Rev 7:14). How did they
feel about God allowing it to happen (their deaths)? Revelation 15:3-
4, “And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of
the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God
Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not
fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all
nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made
manifest.” Notice that they proclaimed God’s ways to be just and true and
His judgments to be righteous. How many religious ones will shake their
fist at God when this begins to happen (and it will come upon the whole
earth – none raptured out)? How many will bow the knee to the beast?
Many simply will not be prepared for what is coming during the
tribulation: Jeremiah 12:5, “If thou hast run with the footmen, and they
have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the
land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt
thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” Laying down your life and/or losing
everything you have will not be an easy thing. We must be rooted and
grounded in Christ with an established relationship (mature) and on-going
walk of obedience (Eph 3:17-21, Heb 5:14). Many have turned God into
“an unconditional love god” that would never allow them to suffer, deny
self, have tribulation, or see a bad day. These will be in utter shock at
what is transpiring and will lash out at God as they turn to the beast to
maintain their security (money, homes, possessions, status/place, lives,
etc.). The result of Christ totally yielding to God is that He is exalted far
above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every
name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to
come: and hath put all things under his feet (Eph 1:21:22). Praise Him!
 
Will You be Prepared?
 

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When Jesus was apprehended in the garden, those who were with Him
forsook Him (Mk 14:50). Mark 14:51-52, “And there followed him a
certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and
the young men laid hold on him: And he left the linen cloth, and fled from
them naked.” The linen cloth represented the justification from sin
(covering) that only Christ provides as we abide in Him (Rev 3:5, 18, 4:4,
6:11, 7:9, 7:13, 19:8, 14). 2 Corinthians 5:3, “If so be that being clothed
we shall not be found naked.” The nakedness is the sin (Gen 3:7, Ex
32:25, Lk 8:27, 2 Cor 5:3, Rev 3:17). Jesus desires that we put on white
linen as we hunger and thirst after righteousness in faith through Him.
This young man denied Jesus in his moment of testing and cast aside
Christ’s covering and fled in sin and shame (Lk 9:26, 12:9, 2 Tm 2:12, 1
Jn 2:23). He should have held on to his linen cloth, even to his own
demise. We are to keep our garments, but this man allowed his to be cast
away. Jesus said: Revelation 16:15, “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is
he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they
see his shame.” Jesus had described this type of follower in His parable of
the seeds (Mt 13:3-9, 18-23, Mk 4:3-8, 14-20, Lk 8:5-8, 11-15). Matthew
13:20-21, “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he
that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root
in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution
ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.” This young man
had no root in himself and quickly fell away during this
tribulation/persecution. We must root ourselves in Christ through a loving
obedient walk of faith. Having defined clothed/nakedness, consider the
meaning of clothes in Luke 8:27-35.
 
Professed Believers Deceived?
 
Matthew 7:22, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy
name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I
never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (sin).” A mere
profession will not save. Religious works of man will not save (e.g. perfect
church attendance, building donations, being a Sunday school teacher,
etc.). A religious exterior or outward appearance will not save. Being good
and moral will not save. An enduring and demonstrated life of loving faith
of abiding in Jesus Christ as led by His Spirit will save you. A whole heart
toward God will save you – a clean inside. You must look solely to God
and not to man or all his religious trappings.
 
Well, I’m not Appointed unto God’s Wrath
 
You are not appointed unto God’s wrath if you are living (abiding) in and
“following” Christ Jesus (1 Thess 5:9, Rev 7:3). Are you so sure you are?
What is God’s wrath? 1 Samuel 2:10, “The adversaries of the LORD shall
be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the
LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto

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his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.” Zephaniah 1:15, “That day is
a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and
desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick
darkness, A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and
against the high towers.” Revelation 6:15-17, “And the kings of the earth,
and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the
mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in
the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains
and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the
throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is
come; and who shall be able to stand (also Lk 23:30)?” At His wrath the
earth shall tremble (Jer 10:10) – the earth shall wail because of Him (Rev
1:7). This is what should scare one, not giving up your life for Jesus (Zeph
3:8). Isaiah 13:6, 9, 11, 13, “Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand;
it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. Behold, the day of the
LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land
desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. And I will
punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will
cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the
haughtiness of the terrible. Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the
earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts,
and in the day of his fierce anger.” Who shall abide the day of Christ’s
coming (Mal 3:2)? That day shall burn the wicked up (Mal 4:1)! Nahum
1:6, “Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the
fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are
thrown down by him.” Jeremiah 23:19-20, “Behold, a whirlwind of the
LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall
grievously upon the head of the wicked. The anger of the LORD shall not
return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of
his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.” This, my friend,
is what true believers will be spared from. Those that spent their time on
this earth seeking self and rebuking (discouraging) the righteous will
regret: Isaiah 26:21, “For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to
punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall
disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” Jesus was very
upfront in saying that followers would generally suffer and have
persecution and tribulation all their lives (refining fires). We have all heard
of God’s love; the rebellious world will now taste His anger. Who will God’s
wrath be poured out upon? 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, “In flaming fire taking
vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of
our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction
from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;” Notice
that Christ’s wrath is reserved for those who do not know Him nor obey.
Knowing and obeying is called faith and this is the relationship we must
have with Christ. This will keep us in that day. Many religious people
(prideful) will be subject to God’s wrath. The proud and arrogant are those
who would not humble themselves, repent and turn to the Lord with their
full heart. The proud and arrogant serve themselves in this world with

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disregard for Christ and the world to come. They just do not see.
Remember this above all: Nahum 1:7, “The LORD is good, a strong hold in
the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” AND
Zephaniah 2:3, “Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have
wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye
shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger.” AND 1 John 2:28, “And now,
little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have
confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”
 
Rebellious man will attempt war with Christ (Zech 14:3): Revelation
17:14, “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall
overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that
are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Notice that the ones
(came out of tribulation, Rev 7:14, 20:4  or are caught up, 1 Thess 4:17)
with Jesus are “faithful.” To be faithful is to be obedient to Christ’s gospel
and to be led of His Spirit in conforming to His image. These are “called”
for when Christ said, “come follow me” thay responded and were thus
chosen. Those who live for self and the things of the world are definitely
NOT faithful – these are the rebellious ones, religious or not. These
rejected Jesus’ calling to seek their own path. To seek your own authority
is to reject Christ’s authority and Lordship over you.
 
I’m Really Scared!
 
There is no fear in Christ Jesus. 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love; but
perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth
is not made perfect in love.” Consider: 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God hath not
given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound
mind.” Consider: Luke 12:4-5, “And I say unto you my friends, Be not
afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they
can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after
he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.”
This is not doom and gloom – examine your life. What has a hold on you
that you would not want to go to the King if called? Unbelief? Things of
this world? Would you not trust yourself totally to God who careth for you
(1 Pt 5:7)? Consider this true account: Corrie Ten Boom (Christian who
survived Nazi concentration camps – her family was murdered): When I
was a little girl, I went to my father and said, Daddy, I am afraid that I
will never be strong enough to be a martyr for Jesus Christ. Tell me, said
Father, When you take a train trip to Amsterdam, when do I give you the
money for the ticket? Three weeks before?  No, Daddy, you give me the
money for the ticket just before we get on the train. That is right, my
father said, and so it is with God’s strength. Our Father in Heaven knows
when you will need the strength to be a martyr for Jesus Christ.  He will
supply all you need – just in time. In Chapter Three we learned how
Stephen, full of the Holy Ghost, was able to boldly face his
persecutors. Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not

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dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
 
This will be a really exciting time. The “real” church (body) will emerge.
These are those individuals who love the Lord more than self and are
ready to suffer, sacrifice and die for their Lord (Rm 8:17). Philippians
1:29, “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe
on him, but also to suffer for his sake.” This will not be the phony
institutionized religious system of very worldly fair-weather professed
believers that we now see so openly manifested. These will not be crying
over a never-having-materialized pre-tribulation rapture. This body of
Christ will not be orchestrated by man and his religious denominations or
devices. Man will receive no glory. No, No, No! This will be the patient fruit
of the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of countless individuals that will be
openly discernible for all to see – to God be the glory! This will be the
beginning of the great separation! If you suffer, then you will be in good
company (that of the prophets and Christ Himself). Rather to suffer, be
persecuted and die with the righteous than to live a short time longer with
the self seeking and very worldly cowards who seek to save their own skin
and are following man’s rebellion against God. True believers will put it all
on the line due to their love and devotion for the King! – the King of
Kings! Oh, to be in that number! Take your eyes off of self and put them
squarely on Jesus – what more can I say? Time to be for real. Sunday
morning pretentions are over.Consider the great tribulation. Rebellious
man will have reached his peak and the devil will lead. Much of
Christianity wants to run away (pre-tribulation rapture). Where is the
glory in that? God receives glory when we stand against the evil and
refuse to bend the knee to rebellious man’s system. Consider Daniel,
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They demonstrated their faith and
refused to bow the knee in the face of death and God received glory (Heb
11:33-34). Jesus said: John 17:15, “I pray not that thou shouldest take
them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.”
How did God receive glory from Satan’s dealings with Job? Job stood for
God even in his own demise. Job didn’t seek self as Satan had done. If he
had then Satan would have held it up as a victory before God and claimed
that he (devil) was justified in what he did. God would have been
dishonored (debased). We are not going to break camp and run.
 
Persecution
 
Persecution is not easy no matter what form it comes in. This author
understands the separation, loneliness, loss, anguish and rejection it
brings. You must be strong in the Lord, by putting His Word in your heart,
establishing a relationship and following daily. Without preparation there is
no way you will endure when faced with great loss, imprisonment or
death. Talk is cheap! Peter walked with Jesus during His entire earthly
ministry and loved Him. Peter told Jesus he would die for him (Mk 14:22).
When the time of testing came, Peter was not ready and forsook Christ

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(Mk 14:50). Peter did worse than just running away. He later denied
Christ on three separate occasions and on the last he cursed and swore
(Mt 26:73-75). We must be prepared and strong in the Lord. Jesus said
the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, we must pray for strength (Mt
26:41). As we are led by the Spirit to conform to Christ’s image we are
made perfect in suffering (Heb 2:10).
 
Job faced tremendous persecution: Job 1:21, “And said, Naked came I out
of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave,
and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job
recognized that all he had (including himself) belonged to God and that
God had the right to give or take back, for God is sovereign (Eccl 5:15-16,
1 Tm 6:7)! This displays an attitude of dying to self (2 Cor 5:15). We
must totally abandoning our will and control of things and submitting to
God and walk in His spirit (Eph 4:22-24). John 12:24-26, “Verily, verily, I
say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it
abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his
life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto
life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am,
there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father
honour.” Our focus must be on Christ.
 
When you boldly profess Christ as you are told to do in scripture, then you
will be persecuted (Mt 10:32). Jesus was killed, as were eleven of the
twelve apostles. Paul, Stephen and Antipas were killed. Countless others
have followed in persecutions throughout the last two thousand years.
Followers of Christ have also been despised, hated, imprisoned, and
mistreated. They bear the light in a world of darkness. If you are a true
follower of Christ, persecution will be the norm for you. Jesus said the
world hated him because he testified that the works thereof are evil (Jn
7:7). If we are lifting up God’s truth and professing Christ boldly, then the
world is equally convicted by us. Jesus said, John 15:18, “If the world
hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” We are not to
give thought, 1 John 3:13, “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate
you.” Light shines bright in darkness and darkness hates the light. 2
Timothy 3:12, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution.” When you truly live for God it exposes the hypocrisy and
sinfulness in others. You must never be self-righteous, but often you will
be viewed that way. Less than whole-hearted believers will look at you as
extreme or fanatical. Rest assured heaven is filled with such fanatics.
Those who were less than zealous will bear their shame. Many talk about
religious things, but when the flesh is denied (or under conviction) the
true character comes out. The religious hated Jesus and ultimately killed
him. He exposed their hypocrisy and traditions of men and this was a
great affront to them. Matthew 15:9, “But in vain they do worship me,
teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Jesus even referred to
their esteemed religious scholars as vipers, serpents and children of the
devil (Mt 23:33, Jn 8:44).

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Jesus said, Luke 12:51-53, “Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on
earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall
be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the
father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the
mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter
in law against her mother in law.” Following Christ brings separation
(light/darkness). Those that know you best are usually the quickest to
criticize you (Lk 4:24) – Some may even profess Christ, but not really
know him! The lukewarm will be offended by one that is hot. The
lukewarm want to dissipate and equalize the temperature of the hot
(make lukewarm). The natural tendancy is for the lukewarm to become
colder rather than hotter. What did Jesus say about His family: Luke 8:21,
“And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are
these which hear the word of God, and do it.” Ultimately and eternally the
same will be a true follower’s family. All others will perish.
 
During the tribulation, lost loved ones or those who are not truly following
Christ may disappoint you: Luke 21:16-17, “And ye shall be betrayed both
by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you
shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for
my name's sake.” Mark 13:11-13, “But when they shall lead you, and
deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither
do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that
speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. Now the brother
shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children
shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to
death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that
shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” These scriptures are
referring to betrayal to a physical death (Mt 24:9-10, Lk 21:12-13). They
are also referring to character assassination. The essence of who you are
as a believer in Christ will be defamed, ridiculed, misrepresented,
slandered, mocked, belittled and this is akin to murder. This is something
true followers will experience often from strangers, supposed friends, and
family relations. When you walk in the light and others walk in darkness
there will be conviction and rebuttal. Always remember that Christ
suffered the same and we can expect no different. Religious men accused
Jesus, the very Son of God, of having a demon (Mt 9:34, 10:25, 12:24).
Jesus was mocked and belittled by the religious throughout His life and
right up to His death. We must apply Christ’s Words to these situations,
“Father, forgive them, for they no not what they do” (Lk 23:34). We must
always forgive and not allow bitterness to take hold in our lives. Matthew
5:44-45, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse
you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully
use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father
which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the
good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

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We are kept in the midst of tribulation. John 17:14-15, “I have given them
thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the
world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take
them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.”
In the midst of all this, we are to remain as God’s witnesses on this earth.
The only way you will leave prior to the tribulation is through death (no
pre-tribulation rapture). John 17:14, “I have given them thy word; and
the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I
am not of the world.” We are to endure with full faith and confidence in
God.Mark 13: 13, “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake:
but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
(Repeated in Mt 10:22). We endure until the end and not until a
premature supposed rapture. God keeps His own Word, the sentence of
death is established at the mouth of two witnesses (Deut 17:6, 19:15, Mt
18:16). We are the witnesses.
 
Do you suffer persecution regarding your walk with Christ? Does your
religious institution? If you are not experiencing this then perhaps you are
either ineffective or deceived about your condition. Does your religious
institution encourage you to walk righteously before God (dying to self
and sin) conforming to Christ’s image? Do men speak well of your
religious organization or pastor? Luke 6:26, “Woe unto you, when all men
shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Are
the messages emotionally good or do they make you feel uncomfortable in
your flesh (convict)? Do you or your religious affiliation fit in a little to well
with the world? Colossians 2:8, “Beware lest any man spoil you through
philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments
of the world, and not after Christ.” Being spoken well of and following the
rudiments of the world is compromise. Philosophy, vain deceit, and
traditions of men refer to smooth messages of fleshly deception.
 
We will suffer if we are standing for Christ and following Him, but will
triumph in Him (Ps 34:19). 2 Corinthians 1:5-7, “For as the sufferings of
Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And
whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is
effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or
whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our
hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the
sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.” We endure as our Lord
endured with all humbleness and meekness.
 
Jesus was judged as unworthy by the religious. Man always presumes to
judge God and His Word. Matthew 10:25, “It is enough for the disciple
that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called
the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them
of his household?” Jesus came speaking only the Father’s Words. The
religious accused Him of having a demon. This is a serious disconnect

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between God and those who claimed to represent Him! By accusing Jesus
of having a demon, they were blaspheming the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit
dwelt within Christ’s body (temple) as He does with all true believers. This
is such a serious offense that it cannot be forgiven. Matthew 12:31,
“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be
forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be
forgiven unto men.” The religious of today will say the same about a true
follower. They’ll call you a heretic, cultist, legalist, etc. They will say you
must fit into their majority message, yet the majority is on the broad path
to destruction. The religious may be seeking unity at the expense of the
truth – after all, God is love, right? We must fit in with the Word of God
and only this eternal Word. Psalm 12:6, “The words of the LORD are pure
words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” Seven is
the number of completion. God’s Word has been completely tried and is
pure (Is 40:8)!
 
We are Blessed in Persecution
 
Everything that a follower of Christ endures will be worth it. Matthew
5:10-12, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile
you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you
falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your
reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before
you.” True men of God are mostly ridiculed, criticized, and their messages
are rejected. A false teacher will come with flattering and popular speech.
They will defend the darkness and lead you opposite from God
(worldliness). They always bring good news to the flesh. Isaiah 30:9-10,
“That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear
the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the
prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things,
prophesy deceits.” 1 Peter 3:14, “But and if ye suffer for righteousness'
sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled.”
Most will seek comfort in the flesh. The flesh must die to gain that which is
eternal. There is only one way to approach the Lord and that is taking up
the cross, crucifying the flesh and everything that comes between you and
God. Your every desire must be crucified is not the typical “smooth
message.”
 
There is joy in suffering for our Master. Luke 6:22, “Blessed are ye, when
men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their
company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the
Son of man's sake.” When there is light, the darkness will flee. Do not be
surprised if friends abandon you and demean you. Sometimes you will feel
all alone. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, “We are troubled on every side, yet not
distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not
forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” You must seek God during these
times, ask Him to fill you with His joy. 1 Peter 4:14, “If ye be reproached

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for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God
resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is
glorified.” We bring glory to God by standing and enduring as His
witnesses. One day men will be judged on how they responded to the
witness that we are to portray (1 Pt 3:12-13).
 
A Great Falling Away
 
There is a great falling away that has been going on for some time and is
accelerating. Matthew 24:12, “And because iniquity (sin) shall abound, the
love of many shall wax cold.” God defines “love” in a few ways that are
most applicable here: obedience; sacrifice for God and others; and holding
to the truth of His Word. John 14:21, “He that hath my commandments,
and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be
loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”
Our love grows cold when we obey our own will, lusts and selfish wants. 2
Thessalonians 2:10, “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in
them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that
they might be saved.” Compromise is a great enemy of truth and a victory
for the flesh (and Satan). John 3:19, “And this is the condemnation, that
light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light,
because their deeds were evil.” Many have already fallen from the truth.
Sin is trivialized and Christ’s great sacrifice and God’s forgiveness is used
as a covering for continued sinfulness and wicked behavior. Many who
profess Christ are not following and worse, they more closely resemble the
world. Christ’s commandments are not heeded or obeyed. There are many
hearers of the Word, but few doers. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, “Let no man
deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there
come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of
perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God,
or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God,
shewing himself that he is God.” Many of those who teach doctrines of
pre-tribulation rapture (left behind) reveal their error and deceit by falsely
prophesying that Christians will be taken out of the world prior to the son
of perdition being revealed and thus invoking the “let no man deceive
you” clause in this verse. Notice what the antichrist does, he exalts
himself above all that is called God and sits in the temple of God. We are
the temple of God (1 Cor 3:16). When we chase after the flesh and things
of the world, then we (man) places himself in God’s throne within our
temple and exalts his will above God’s. Instead of looking for the
antichrist, you may want to look inward and decide if you have exalted
yourself above God in the spirit of the antichrist (1 Cor 3:17).
 
Those who have no use for the truth will be answered by the multitude of
their idols – with the lies they want to hear. 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12,
“And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should
believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth,
but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” Most can sit in front of the

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television or go to the movies and take great pleasure in iniquity and
never give it a second thought. The falling away will not be from the
organized religious institutions and not necessarily the denying of Christ.
The religious are quickly becoming much more representative of the world
than the Jesus described in the Bible. They are pursuing church growth
and do not want to lose any “broad path” members. Many religious
organizations will be going strong during tribulation and will most likely be
involved in persecuting the true believers as part of some One World
Religion. Many churches now accept all sorts of Biblical error such as
homosexuality, abortion, divorce, open sinfulness, worldliness, hirelings
(including women), psychology, fleshly entertainment, etc. Some who
have been lukewarm will repent and turn to Christ, but these will probably
be the exception rather than the rule.
 
Those who do not seek God and His truth will be given over to a delusion
to believe a lie. Many want to hear and believe what is right in their eyes
(concerning the scriptures). If you have no use for the truth then even
that which you have will be given to another (Lk 8:18, Mt 25:29, Mk
4:25). The religious community of Jesus’ time did not even recognize the
Son of God in their midst – and worse they killed him! Their religious
teachers had studied the scriptures concerning His coming. They wanted a
fleshly King and deliverer, not spiritual. Man never understands God’s
purposes when he seeks his own. How can a man’s heart be for God when
it is for himself? Do not be so arrogant to suppose the same is not true
now! Jesus Words are rarely preached now much less followed – deny self,
forsake all, take up your cross, repent, love not the world, die to self,
obey Christ’s commandments, confess Him, overcome, and sin no more.
 
A Separation
 
In previous chapters, the issue of worldliness was addressed. Many
people’s lives are firmly entrenched in the things of this world. Examples
might be the desire for constant distractions such as television, music,
entertainments, activities, careers, etc. God, in His mercy, is going to
separate the true church from the world during the great tribulation. Many
may initially go reluctantly (as Lot from Sodom and Gomorrah), but a
separation will be forced. God’s chastening is for our profit that we might
be partakers of His holiness (Heb 12:10-11). The Bride (church) will
become glorious and holy – spotless without wrinkle or blemish during this
period. Daniel 11:35, “And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try
them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the
end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Those of understanding have
knowledge of Christ.
 
How should followers of Christ approach this separation? 1 Peter 4:12-13,
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you,
as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch
as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be

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revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” We continue to follow
the path of the cross as Jesus did.
 
How Will the Separation Occur?
 
Revelation 13:11,16-17, “And I beheld another beast (False Prophet –
religious leader) coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a
lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he causeth all, both small and great,
rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in
their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the
mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” He comes as
a lamb - Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in
sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Revelation
13:12, “And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast (world leader)
before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to
worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” To accept the
mark is to give total allegiance to the world leader and/or religious system
and reject the One True God. Those that accept this mark are damned for
eternity! This is to choose the things of the world over Christ. The money,
homes, cars, possessions, entertainments, comforts, etc. This is an
exaltation of self over God. This is judging God as unworthy in the face of
personal sacrifice. Has anything changed with man since Eden?
 
Revelation 13:18, “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count
the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is
Six hundred threescore and six.” Solomon was the wisest man that ever
lived. There are only two other places in the bible that has the number six
hundred threescore and six and both (different books) describe the same
account of Solomon. 1 Kings 10:14, “Now the weight of gold that came to
Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold
(and 2 Chr 9:13).” What is the message? Solomon represents man’s
wisdom. Solomon determined that after doing all that was in his heart that
everything (man’s way) is vanity and only a heart toward God matters
(book of Ecclesiastes, Ecc 12:14). We also know from scriptures that
Solomon did not heed his own advice. 1 Kings 11:4, “For it came to pass,
when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other
gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the
heart of David his father.” The gold that came to Solomon is money or
things of the world for the purpose of satisfying self. This then is the
message: At the end of the age, man will seek after worldly things
(money) and be self centered. Man will follow after his idolatry rather than
seek God. The mark of the beast will be the separation between those
who will choose the world and all its idolatry to satisfy self (Satan’s nature
– rebellion) or those who will choose to follow God and loose all the things
of the world and its idolatries. Six is the number of man. Thrice six is the
ultimate in man exalting himself through his knowledge and self seeking
idolatries (things of the world) against the purposes of the one true God.

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The mark may be literal or the essence of whom you are. Either way you
choose it by your own actions, “self and the things of the world” or “God.”
 
If you do not obey man’s law, you will be totally separated from the
world’s system. God in His mercy does for you what you may never do for
yourself. He separates you from the things of the world. To reject the
mark is to give up all your savings, home, 401K accounts, cars, friends,
career, entertainments, medical care, popularity, and quite possibly your
physical life. You will now have to rely totally upon God for your very life.
In other words you must die to your will and control of things and
absolutely perform and depend upon God’s will – you must trust in God!
Followers of Christ will finally understand what Jesus meant when he said,
Luke 9:23, “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.” The way of
the cross has always been death to self. John 3:30, “He must increase,
but I must decrease.” Live to self and die, die to self and live (Mt 10:39,
16:25, Mk 8:35, Lk 9:24, 17:33, Jn 12:25). There is such a biblical
emphasis on this that the wise must take note. When we are weak, then
God can show Himself strong (2 Cor 12:9). When you think you can do it
all (self-sufficient), God lets you – to your own demise. We must die daily
to self (1 Cor 15:31, 2 Cor 4:9-11).
 
The flesh will rise up in contention. You’ve worked to hard for the things of
the world. Much of the religious world will say it is OK. Many a false
prophet will be on television (which most will be watching) trying to
convince you that it’s OK to take this particular mark. After all, the rapture
hasn’t occurred. They don’t want to lose their love (money) either. You
will not be hard to convince given all you stand to lose. They’ll justify it
somehow. It’s all about deception. God will send a strong delusion and
they will believe a lie (1 Thess 2:11). So, what will prevail in your life? The
worldly things or love and devotion for God – the path of the cross. A true
follower is a dead man anyway. He has been crucified with Christ and the
choice is easy. God will provide whatever strength one requires, even unto
death. Most lukewarm will fold, because their flesh has ruled to long. How
can one suddenly die for that which he could never live? After all, God
loves us so much it will all work out anyway – Right (Zeph 1:12)? Recall
from Chapter One (The Condemnation) that when man chose the flesh
over God, he became servant to the flesh. The flesh will rise up in what
many term “self-preservation” and will seek its will over God’s. The spirit
may be willing, but the flesh is weak. Peter found this to be all too real in
a time of testing (Chapter Three, A Bold Statement). Our authorities must
be changed. God must change our nature to come out from under the
authority of the flesh and be willfully and lovingly subject to His authority.
The Spirit leads us to overcome the flesh. Just remember this warning:
when pressure comes to bear this flesh is capable of all manner of
atrocities (Jer 17:9 – desperately wicked). Women in Israel ate their own
children when their flesh was denied food for a period of time (Deut
28:53-57, 2 Kg 6:28-30).

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Revelation 14:9, “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud
voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark
in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the
wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his
indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the
presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the
smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no
rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever
receiveth the mark of his name.” This is what you will be trading eternity
with God for in getting a few very miserable years extension on your
mortal life. Chances are that what time is left will be a living hell anyway.
The punishment will be just for those who deny such a great King of
Kings, choosing self just as Adam did.
 
Many are expecting the mark of the beast to be some physical mark, and
it probably is literal, but it seems that our hearts are already marked.
Where is your devotion? What are the things you think about? Enjoy?
Have you every voluntarily given up anything because you did not think it
would be pleasing to God (maybe something you really liked)? Is your
very life structured upon the foundation of His Word? Do you seek Him?
Our bodies are the temple of God (1 Cor 3:16, 6:19). What if the
antichrist is purely a spirit, which rises up within you such that you exalt
self over God (2 Cor 6:16, 2 Thess 2:4)? In other words, when you seek
the pollutions of the world, you drive the Holy Spirit out and seat yourself
as God over your life (1 Cor 3:17). Hmmm.
 
My son asked me one night: “What if I am forced to receive the mark of
the beast against my will?” Scripture says that this cannot be the case.
The mark will signify willful disobedience and rebellion against God and
His authority. If the mark were just a physical tattoo or implanted chip,
why wouldn’t an evil antichrist system force this upon those who profess
Christ? What better way to lash out against God’s elect – give them the
very thing they dread most. Perhaps the answer is that the mark is
something we give ourselves through our own actions. Thus it could not
be forced upon us, we would have willingly chose it. Marks are not
necessarily physical, but the essence of one’s nature. This could manifest
in many ways. Our agreement with the world and all it stands for; our
tolerance and acceptance of iniquity (sin); selfish actions whereby we seat
ourselves in the Holy Spirit’s place in the temple of our bodies; denial of
Christ by mere profession and association rather than following and living
for; seeking God through religious efforts of man rather than true faith
from a heart of love toward God (as revealed through our daily actions);
mixing our opinions with God’s Word to form belief, etc. Do you have the
antichrist spirit? One simple way to find out is to honestly examine your
heart. What do you find pleasure in – the things you enjoy doing most?
How does your life reflect a daily following of Christ – is there any
evidence? Sincerely make a list arranged in priority of the things you do

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most, think about, enjoy, strive for and see where Christ rates in your life.
Personally examine your life now or wait and have it examined for you in
front of all creation when the outcome will be unchangeable.
 
Satan will attempt to enslave the world with the things of the world. The
Bible says, 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and
pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” The Bible has nothing
good to say about money. It is an idol that men lust after, yet is eternally
worthless. Money will become a snare to many - they just won’t be able to
part with it. The devil’s system is that no one may buy or sell without
going through him. Jesus said for us not to be deceived. Those that chase
after idols (such as money) become like them. They have eyes, but cannot
see. They have ears, but cannot hear. They have no discernment
(knowing right from wrong) – they do not grieve over sin. They will be
given over to a strong delusion to believe a lie (most are deluded now). A
false prophet will arise showing great signs and wonders (miracles) and
the world will wonder after him. The mark of the beast may not be as
obvious as most suppose. Those that do not want to part with their
worldly comforts for sure persecution, imprisonment and death will
certainly be looking for those to tell them everything is OK – the key is
DECEPTION. Government and religious leaders (many that are now
trusted) will lead them astray. People will follow because of their own
lusts. This is how the devil overcomes man. Even now, most people are
asking their false prophets to prophesy lies (pre-tribulation raptures, once
saved always saved), they are saying, tell us smooth things. Tell us
everything will be all right – of peace and goodwill. The false prophets
never say the hard truths of scripture - that would be unpopular. That
would not sell books or fill huge Church buildings. Tithing would decrease
to the institution, and rather, giving would go to the poor and needy. You
see, running a big religious work is like a business. The customer is
always right or the ears begin to itch (2 Tm 4:3). If not, they go to a
different religious organization. Come out of her lest ye share in her
plagues!
 
Who is the Antichrist?
 
Revelation 9:2, 3, 11, “And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose
a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and
the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came
out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power,
as the scorpions of the earth have power.And they had a king over them,
which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew
tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.”
Abaddon is the destroyer, and has been confined to the bottomless pit for
just such a reason. This is the first “Woe.” God’s two witnesses will testify
and then the antichrist (spirit from the pit) destroys: Revelation 11:7,
“And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that

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ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and
shall overcome them, and kill them.” This spirit will possess a man, but no
one knows who at this time. It is a mystery for now: Revelation 17:8,
“The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the
bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth
shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the
foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not,
and yet is.” The beast is the antichrist (eighth king) and his fate is already
sealed: Revelation 17:11, “And the beast that was, and is not, even he is
the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.” Revelation
19:20, “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that
wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had
received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image.
These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone” (also
Rev 20:10).
 
Revised Roman Empire?
 
Many are looking for a revised Roman empire to be re-born geographically
(in Europe). In doing so they have totally missed the fact that they are
actually living the ideals of Rome. The United States of America is all that
the Roman Empire was - the modern seat of Rome. Consider: Ancient
Rome was known for its system of roads; the US is known for its
interstate road system. The pillar of roman law was the right to face your
accusers and answer for yourself concerning the accused crime (Acts
25:16); the same is true in US law. Rome was obsessed with a love of
violence; the US is also obsessed (fixated/gripped) with a love of violence.
Rome was obsessed with sensuality through their art, erotic dances and
orgies; the US is obssessed with sensuality through their art, risqué
television/movies, pornagraphy, and prostitution. Rome was preoccupied
with sports and entertainment; the US is preoccupied with sports and
entertainment. Americans must be constantly entertained – televisions are
now being installed in most restaurants and public places. Televisions
(DVD) are even being installed in new cars. Rome dominated the world
militarily; the US absolutely dominates the world militarily. Rome
dominated the world economically; the US absolutely dominates the world
economically – and makes the world’s merchants rich (Rev 18:15, 19,
23). Roman citizenship was highly sought after in its day; US citizenship is
also highly sought after in this era. The US Congress is an evolution of the
Roman Senate. Rome made slaves of the poor through debt; the US
makes slaves of the poor through very sophisticated debt. One may be
able to somewhat choose one’s servitude (i.e. career), but the benefits
still go to another (cost deferred/debt incurred). Rome also made slaves
of the citizens of defeated countries; the US makes slaves of the third
world through debt and the resulting slave labor (sweat shops, etc.).
Rome extensively employed taxation; the US taxes everything. No doubt
this list could continue at length. Now consider the following prophecy
given to Daniel concerning this last great empire: Daniel 2:43, “And

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whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle
themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to
another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.” The US is a melting pot for
the world’s peoples and ideals. People differ culturally and thus do not
cleave. People also differ idealistically. Consider all the movements or
special interests: environmental, save the whatever, religious, peace,
racial, political, sexual, gender, economic, etc. These movements polarize
(divide, separate) and thus people do not cleave. Therefore, the US is an
exceedingly strong country, yet partly broken (Dan 2:42) – iron and clay.
The iron represents the country’s might/strength and the clay represents
its people (man came from clay/dust). The US has the military capability
to dominate the world through devastation (devour, brake in pieces,
stamp the residue, subdueth all things, breaks into pieces – Dan 2:40,
7:19, 23), yet its people have thus far lacked the resolve. This is changing
before our eyes….
 
Many do not realize this but the whole world is ruled from a city. The seat
of government for the United States of America is in a city known as
Washington. It is not located in a State as all other US cities are, but
rather a district – it is unique. This city is the seat of authority for the US
(the most powerful nation) and thus the world (Rev 14:8, 17:18, 18:10,
18, 21).
 
A Religious Leader will Arise
 
Revelation 13:13-14, “And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire
come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth
them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had
power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the
earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound
by a sword, and did live.” This “professing Christian” religious leader will
imitate the prophet Elijah. All of this is directed at those who have some
sort of profession or identification with Jesus. This end time event is the
separating of the true wheat from the tares of those who profess belief in
Christ (Mt 24:24). All other religions are inconsequential. He will attempt
to legitimize himself and the antichrist through these miracles and
wonders.  There are many in the religious world chasing after signs and
wonders now. They ask God to show them a sign. Matthew 16:4, “A
wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no
sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them,
and departed.” The City of Nineveh is an example of repentance. The
prophet Jonah was told to go and preach to Nineveh, Jonah 1:2, “Arise, go
to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is
come up before me.” Jonah’s message to the city was to repent or perish.
The people of Nineveh believed God! Everyone from the greatest to the
least fasted (neither eating nor drinking), they cried mightily unto God,
and everyone turned from their evil way and violence. Jonah 3:10, “And
God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God

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repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he
did it not.” They humbled themselves, confessed their sin, and forsook
their evil. Jesus said: Luke 11:30, “For as Jonas was a sign unto the
Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.” Jesus came
to call sinners to repentance (Lk 5:32). Jesus has called for repentance –
to turn, forsake, let go of all our wicked ways. The issue of repentance will
be prevalent in the tribulation. The true gospel will finally be preached in
all the world. Revelation 14:6-7, “And I saw another angel fly in the midst
of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell
on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of
his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and
the sea, and the fountains of waters.” This will not be the “unconditional
love god” message that is being taught in religious institutions today. The
true message of God in no way will justify the wicked as so many now do
(and call it God). The religious institutions of the world have been teaching
“another gospel” of the flesh. Jesus said the end times would be
characterized by false prophets and deception (See Chapter Ten,
Deception, paragraph three). God will send His true gospel across the
globe. God is merciful now, but He will next come in judgment.” The
question – Will you follow the gospel?
 
How does the proud nation of America respond to God’s call to
repentance? There are American flags everywhere and stickers that say,
“Proud to be an American.” Everywhere one looks there are billboards,
signs, bumper stickers, and banners that read, “God bless America.”
Americans surely want God’s blessings, they feel they deserve them (Pv
30:13). Does this prideful country want to repent before God and become
truly humble? Is there any evidence that Americans have humbled
themselves, fasted, put on sack cloth and ashes, repented and turned
from their evil ways? Oh Mystery Babylon, your sins have reached to
heaven and God hath surely noted your iniquities (Rev 18:5). Do the
religious institutions or their members’ pause from their patriotic
celebrations long enough to note that guns, bombs and flag waving are
not a sign of repentance nor does such show love or sacrifice (Jer 18:7-8,
10)? Do America’s warplanes deliver the “Good News?” Do the soldiers
love their enemies (Mt 5:44-48)? Have the religious noted in their prayers
that he who lives by the sword will die by the sword (Gen 9:6, Rev
13:10)? God said it from the beginning: Genesis 9:6, “Whoso sheddeth
man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God
made he man.” What did Christ say? Matthew 26:52, “Then said Jesus
unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the
sword shall perish with the sword.” The only exceptions in scripture are
when God specifically directs warfare as with Israel and the wicked
peoples in the promised land (God’s judgment on the wicked). Of course,
nations always assume divine purpose as did even Adolf Hitler (War time
phrase: Gott Mit Uns – God with us). Prayers of grief and fear are not
demonstrated repentance. Warfare is so uncharacteristic of the message

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and life of Christ; one must wonder how it has found its way into the
religious institutions. It should also be noted that followers of Christ are
pilgrims on this earth, just passing through. Pride or patriotism in one’s
country can easily become an attachment to things of this world and
traditions of man can have a tremendous hold. Is your love and reverence
of America an idol before God? We must become the image of God (who
sends rain on the good and the evil) and love our enemies. Those who
reject God’s Word will say, BUT….
 
What is the Image of the Beast?
We have discussed throughout this book how man was created in the
image of God. Man disobeyed God and took on the image of the devil.
Satan’s image is rebellion to God. The image of the beast will be rebellion
to God. The beast’s nature is blasphemy (Rev 13:1) – speaking evil
against God (Lev 19:12). This has always been a serious transgression to
God (Lev 24:15-16). Revelation 13:5-6, “And there was given unto him a
mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto
him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in
blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and
them that dwell in heaven (also Dan 7:8, 11, 20, 25, 11:36-37).” This is
total rebellion against all that God is. Men will be required to reverence
(worship) this image (nature/characteristic/trait) of the beast. They will
live in opposition to God. Blaspemy is an injury offered to God by denying
Him that which is due and belonging to Him – not submitting to His
authority. Consider this manifested nature as detailed in scripture when
God sends judgment: Revelation 16:8-11, “And the fourth angel poured
out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men
with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the
name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented
not to give him glory. And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat
of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their
tongues for pain, And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their
pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.” Notice that rather
than repenting and acknowledging their wrongs and giving God due glory,
they blasphemed God in arrogance, total rebellion and defiance (also Rev
16:21). Blasphemy is also attributing to God that which is not agreeable
to His nature (perhaps being religious, yet teaching/practicing doctrines
opposed to God’s truth). This will be the mark of those who follow the
beast. Jesus said that blasphemies proceed out of the heart of a man and
this defiles the man (Mt 15:19-20). This is a heart far from
God! Revelation 13:17, “And that no man might buy or sell, save he
that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”
So what is the name of the beast? Revelation 13:1, “…and upon his
heads the name of blasphemy.” This is also revealed in Revelation 17:3,
“So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a
woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy,
having seven heads and ten horns.” The number of his name was
discussed earlier in this chapter (How will the Separation Occur?). These

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cannot be saved because they are in total rebellion to God – they will not
even seek God’s mercy through repentance (Rev 14:11). No one can be
saved unless they repent! Jesus came to call sinners to repentance (Mt
9:13). These will drink of God’s wrath – full strength (Rev 14:9-10). In
the old covenant, blasphemy was punishable by death: Leviticus 24:16,
“And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to
death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the
stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of
the LORD, shall be put to death (also Deut 5:11).” In the new covenant
(testament, Mt 26:28, Mk 14:24, Lk 22:20, Heb 9:15) there is provision
for mercy and forgiveness for some types of blasphemy (Mt 12:23, Mk
3:28, Lk 12:10). However: Matthew 12:31, “Wherefore I say unto you, All
manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but
the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men
(also Mk 3:29).” In order to obtain forgiveness for certain types of
blasphemy (those not directed toward the Holy Spirit), one must repent.
Those who follow the beast will be like him and refuse God’s mercy in
their own rebellion and self seeking. Not only have they rejected God’s
authority and will, but have also rejected God’s great sacrifice – Jesus’
death to reconcile all men to the Father. Those who are saved are the
ones who conform to the image of Christ. These first repent and renounce
all rebellion against God and then walk in faith and obedience to God – as
Christ walked(Col 2:6, 1 Jn 2:6, 2 Jn 1:4, 6, Ps 119:3, Pv 8:36). These
live such that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Mt 6:10) and
that God’s is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever (Mt
6:13). These will not accept such a mark of rebellion (Rev 20:4). They
have victory over the beast’s image (Rev 15:2), because they have
conformed to the image of Christ. The life you now live has a mark or
nature to it – defined by decisions you make – living for God or for SELF
(rebellion to God). The evidences are fruit that you bear - good or bad.
Good fruit results from following the Spirit. Bad fruit results from following
self. Jesus said those that are good hear the Word, receive it (yield) and
bring forth fruit (Mk 4:20).
 
Revelation 13:15, “And he had power to give life unto the image of the
beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as
many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” This
one-mindedness (solidarity, unity, team player, cohesion, unified
diversity) of the image seems to be propagated (assisted, taught,
instilled, nurtured) through something akin to television or computers that
most are instructed through now. This image will portray the beast’s
nature which is opposite of God’s – that being rebellion, pride, blasphemy,
self-seeking, power, control, greed, etc. Consider that television is an
inanimate object (image) that reveals/portrays the nature of mankind.
The television is certainly worshipped and held in high regard. The
programming reflects what is important to man (humanism) – his ideals,
entertainments, learning, fallen nature, etc. Most freely watch TV because
they identify with man’s principles, rather than God’s will – the two are

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opposed. The requirement for worship of the beast’s image will be a very
similar situation to the one Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced with
King Nebuchadnezzar’s image (Dan, Chap 3). Most will comply (and see
no problem), but very few will resist. The punishment for not worshipping
this particular image was death in the fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach,
and Abednego would not submit. Everyone else was bowing their knee
(majorities always favor evil). How did these men respond to the King?
Daniel 3:17-18, “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us
from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O
king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy
gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” We also
must have such faith. One must face death with full faith and confidence
in God, being spiritually prepared. What if you were rounded up and sent
to some hellish concentration camp or sent for an immediate
extermination – it happened in Germany? Would you be prepared to go? If
we are not cleaving to God now, our flesh will rise up later for self-
preservation. The flesh will always justify its actions. We must be able to
spiritually over-rule the flesh to the point of death due to our love of God
and for that reason only. Peter thought he was strong – Christ told him to
pray, but he slept just before his hour of need – Peter’s spirit was willing,
but his flesh was weak (Mt 26:41-75). We must be prepared to say, not
my will but thy will be done. Unfortunately death camps have had their
place in human history - most recently in Nazi Germany, Russia, and
China. The great tribulation will only be different in that it will be much
worse and global. Man will not save you in the tribulation – only God.
 
Some see the signs of tribulation approaching and out of fear have started
stocking up on food, supplies, guns and survival literature. Some may
have even bought land out in the wilderness to flee to. This is mostly
depending on self for purposes of self and not upon God. Our preparation
must be spiritual. If God specifically directs us to prepare physically in
some way, then we may be obedient in that regard – be very careful that
you are not hearing from your flesh. Psalm 20:7, “Some trust in chariots,
and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our
God.” AND Jeremiah 17:5, “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that
trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth
from the LORD.”We must ask ourselves where our trust is? Will our
reliance be in self and the things of man or God? 2 Chronicles 16:9, “For
the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew
himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him…”
AND Jeremiah 17:7, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and
whose hope the LORD is.” Most likely, God will supernaturally provide for
those who have been faithfully living for Him. These are those mentioned
as the church of Philadelphia and possibly some from Smyrna. God’s
provision may be similar to the way He provided for the children of Israel
in the wilderness. The point is that throughout the bible, God has
consistently and frequently said that man must depend upon Him (life,
being, sustenance, health, salvation, deliverance, protection, provision,

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victory, understanding, etc.). Only through God do we prevail in our
battles (Num 10:9, 35, Deut 1:30, 9:3, 20:4, Josh 23:3, 10, Ps 44:3, 6-8,
60:12, 2 Cor 1:9, 3:5). Isaiah 31:1 , “Woe to them that go down to Egypt
for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are
many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not
unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!” Depending upon self
is choosing man’s will and is the opposite of being “poor in spirit.” If God
allows the circumstances to prevail (mark of the beast) that prohibit you
from buying food, then He will provide for your needs. This is not tempting
God, but realizing that He knows what you have need of (Mt 6:8, 25-34).
Consider: Jeremiah 17:7-8, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD,
and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the
waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see
when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in
the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” Consider
these two verses: Luke 11:21-22, “When a strong man armed keepeth his
palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come
upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein
he trusted, and divideth his spoils.” When you trust in God, no strongman
can possibly overcome you (Unless it is God’s will) – as long as you are
trusting in God. This is why the devil always attempts to make you an
enemy of God (through your own lusts) such that you can be overcome.
Anything else you trust in (Self, provisions, money, friends, etc.) is
subject to the implications of these two verses. You will be overcome. No
Christian should even consider the use of guns. We are specifically told to
love and pray for our enemies (Mt 5:44). We are not just to love those
who love us (Lk 6:32-35, Mt 5:46). Whenever you get into a
disagreement with folks concerning this and start defining who are
enemies (and justification for hating them), you find that they come down
to just loving those who love them. These still want an eye for an eye and
a tooth for a tooth (Mt 5:38-39, Pv 24:29). The religious will insert their
own “self-defense” clause as a means of usurping God’s Word about loving
our enemies. So if we cannot be out shooting people (obviously), then we
must be looking to the Lord for His defense and protection. Which do you
suppose is nobler: dying with a gun in your hand and three or four you
killed laying about –OR- silently and non-resistantly going as a lamb to
the slaughter for Christ’s namesake – putting all faith in God to determine
justice at a later time (Rm 12:19)? The meek shall inherit the earth.
 
Consider how Christ reacted when they (those opposed to God – religious
or not) came for Him: John 18:11, “Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy
sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not
drink it?” Peter was ready to fight (survive), but Jesus committed Himself
fully to God’s will. Should not we, who “follow” Christ, also drink from
whatever cup that God gives us? Is not judgement totally in God’s hands?
Will the flesh or the Spirit prevail in your life?
 
Will all the Saints Perish?

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Absolutely not! Many will be alive and remain when Christ returns (1
Thess 4:17). Jesus tells the church at Philadelphia: Revelation 3:10,
“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee
from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try
them that dwell upon the earth.” Notice that the tribulation is a
temptation to try (trial) all who dwell on the earth – Choose whom you
will serve. “…Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of
life (Rev 2:10).” This is laying it all on the line; choose God or Satan –
actions not lip service. This is one last huge trial before Christ returns.
Sheep to the right and goats to the left – no one will be stuck in the
middle. Notice that keeping God’s commands (obeying) is the key
indicator that God will keep you (although there will certainly be
exceptions). Those who now live openly for God can expect persecutions
and tribulations because they are the threat to Satan’s devices. Luke
21:36, “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted
worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand
before the Son of man.” We are to pray that God will keep us. We become
worthy when we die to self and live a life of faith in Jesus pleasing to God.
 
There are two groups of believers acknowledged in Revelation Chapter 7.
Those who are sealed and those who lose their lives in the great
tribulation. The implication is that the ones who are sealed are
Philadelphia. We must all be prepared to stand regardless. There is good
news for those who perish: Revelation 7:14, “And I said unto him, Sir,
thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great
tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the
blood of the Lamb.”
 
If I don’t accept the mark I’ll starve! The Bible is full of examples of God
keeping His servants during extreme trials. Consider Noah and the ark.
Noah was kept by God as the whole world perished in his midst. Noah was
righteous; the whole world was wicked. It’s really not a numbers thing,
more quality than quantity. Daniel was kept safe after being thrown in a
lion’s den. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were kept safe in the midst
of a fiery furnace. God was in there with them and their clothes did not
even so much as smell of smoke. God sustained Israel in the desert for 40
years providing for all their needs, their food, water, even their clothes did
not wax old (we are taking over a million people). God provided for Elijah
when there was no rain for 3.5 years by sending ravens to bring him food.
God also provided food for Elijah and the widow woman (i.e. The barrel of
meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail). It would be
nothing for God to provide during the tribulation for those who have faith
in Him and obey when the world’s system denies those without the mark,
basic necessities. God provides for those who trust in Him and not
themselves! God may direct you to make some provision, but you should
be sure you are hearing from Him and not the flesh. If you try and
prepare for yourself, God will most likely leave you to your own devises

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until you recognize your need for Him. You may find that depending on
yourself is a frustrating process and that it is impossible to prepare for
everything especially since you have no idea what will happen. The
message of the Bible is to forsake your control of things and totally yield
to God. There is no scripture that says God helps those who help
themselves: Jeremiah 17:5, “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man
that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart
departeth from the LORD.” Matthew 6:31-33, “Therefore take no thought,
saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall
we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your
heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek
ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things
shall be added unto you.” This verse will take on new meaning during the
tribulation.
 
God’s Seal
 
God will seal His servants at the beginning of tribulation. Revelation 7:2-4,
“And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the
living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it
was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth,
neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God
in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed:
and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the
tribes of the children of Israel. This number may be literal or figurative.
Many suppose that the hundred and forty and four thousand are Jews, but
this cannot be the case (Jn 10:16, Rm 2:28-30, 9:6-8, 10:12-13, Col
3:11). First of all: Galatians 3:27-29, “For as many of you as have been
baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor
Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for
ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's
seed, and heirs according to the promise.” All true believers are the seed
of Abraham and heirs to the promise. Galatians 3:7, “Know ye therefore
that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham (also
see Gal 3:9, 14).” Jesus (the Shepherd) only has one fold (Jn 10:16).
Secondly, they are referred to as firstfruits. That would be those that ripen
first on the vine. Matthew 20:16, “So the last shall be first, and the first
last: for many be called, but few chosen.” In this case, those who are
alive at the start of tribulation that have lived for God and kept His
commandments – they are without fault! If these were Jews, they would
have a major fault – not having accepted Christ as Lord nor lived for Him.
Followers of Christ are referred to as firstfruits (Js 1:18). Revelation 14:1,
4-5, “And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with
him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written
in their foreheads. These are they which were not defiled with women; for
they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he
goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto
God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are

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without fault before the throne of God.” Virginity is symbolic of purity.
These initially represent a small number. Think about it – how many pure
people do you know? James 1:18, Of his own will begat he us with the
word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” The
religious institutions by and large do not presently see the need to be pure
(holy) before God and obey Him and the love of many has grown cold.
There is another place in scripture where God sealed His people in their
foreheads. Ezekiel 9:4, “And the LORD said unto him, Go through the
midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon
the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations
that be done in the midst thereof.” Noticed that these grieved over the sin
and were not part of it. Everyone in the city (starting with God’s
sanctuary) was to be slain except those with God’s mark (Ez 9:5-6).
 
This 144,000 surely must be the Church at Philadelphia – “Because thou
hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of
temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell
upon the earth.” AND “hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.”
There may also be some from the other churches such as the church at
Sardis, “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled
their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are
worthy.” Recall, Luke 21:26, “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that
ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to
pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Many others will wake up
during tribulation, but must be purified through fire. We must overcome,
Revelation 2:26, “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto
the end, to him will I give power over the nations:”
 
Will I Die if I do not Accept the Beast’s Mark?
 
When we follow Christ, we are following the path of the cross. This is a
path of self denial and sacrifice to God. Mark 10:38-39, “But Jesus said
unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink
of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they
said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of
the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal
shall ye be baptized.” Let us consider what this cup and baptism
represented: This is total commitment to God - death to self. Jesus died
literally for you, and many followers have and will die literally for Christ.
The saints of God begin dying right after the giving of the mark of the
beast noted in Revelation Chapter 14. Revelation 14:13, “And I heard a
voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die
in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from
their labours; and their works do follow them.” Christ’s angel is assuring
us that we are eternally secure and this is very comforting.
 
Will I die for Christ in this end of the age? Possibly, a follower must always
be spiritually prepared to give all for Christ. Revelation 6:9, 11, “And

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when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them
that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they
held: And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said
unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow
servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were,
should be fulfilled.” You should never fear laying it all down for Jesus.
Luke 12:4, “And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill
the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will
forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed
hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” Some will die
and some will be preserved. John 21:22, “Jesus saith unto him (Peter), If
I will that he (John)  tarry (is not killed) till I come, what is that to thee?
follow thou me.” We are to follow Jesus and be confident that whatever He
determines for us will be for His glory. Romans 8:36, “As it is written, For
thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the
slaughter.” At the time of the end, the people that do know their God shall
be strong, and do exploits (Dan 11:32). Daniel 11:33, “And they that
understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by
the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.”
 
The Sea of Glass
 
At the beginning of the book of Revelation, we are given a glimpse into
the Throne Room of God. Revelation 4:6, “And before the throne there
was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and
round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.”
This sea of glass is initially empty before the events of the Seals,
Trumpets, and Vials. Just after the mark of the beast is revealed, we are
told a third angel flying in the midst of heaven proclaims (in a loud voice)
a warning to those on earth not to accept the mark and then the following
proclamation: Revelation 14:13, “And I heard a voice from heaven saying
unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from
henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours;
and their works do follow them.” This is the Lord assuring those about to
die. God will guide – even unto death (Ps 48:14). They are blessed and
their sacrifice will be rewarded. Later, toward the end of the book of
Revelation, we are given another glimpse of this sea of glass which
reveals: Revelation 15:2, “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled
with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over
his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on
the sea of glass, having the harps of God.” The sea of glass is now filling
up for the glory of God. This is an honored group. What are they singing?
Revelation 15:3, “…Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God
Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.” To be absent
from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8).
 
The Beast is Given Power
 

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God allows it! God is in control – He has a purpose in all this. Revelation
13:1,4-5, “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up
out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten
crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And they worshipped
the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the
beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with
him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and
blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two
months.” The beast will seize power in the earth and has been
foreordained for three and one half years. The beast is strong and
dominates militarily (USA, Dan 7:7, 19, 23). This event occurs at mid-
tribulation. Revelation 13:7, “And it was given unto him to make war with
the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all
kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” The saints are the followers of
Christ. No one has been raptured away (Jn 17:15). Daniel 7:20, “And of
the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and
before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that
spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. I
beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed
against them;” The beast overcomes the saints. Daniel 8:24, “And his
power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy
wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty
and the holy people.” Most will not be prepared or willing for all this. This
will be a great time of testing, to try, purge and make white (Dan 11:35).
Revelation 12:17, “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went
to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the
commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Yes, we
are talking about followers of Christ. There is victory in death; Jesus
proved it. We need to wake up, forsake the world and cleave to our Lord
in faith. Revelation 20:4, “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them,
and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that
were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and
which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had
received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived
and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” They refused the beast’s mark
and his intimidation. They loved not their lives unto death. Our Lord is
able to deliver us from your hand, but if not, we will not take your mark
(Dan 3:17-18). Revelation 13:10, “He that leadeth into captivity shall go
into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.
Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.”
 
Why?
 
Romans 11:33, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and
knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways
past finding out!” The overwhelming scripture in Daniel and Revelation
reveal that many followers of Christ will lose their lives to the beast
system. God has a higher purpose that we do not fully understand,

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although tribulation does serve the purpose of purifying His church. God’s
plan transcends death, our mortal lives and our will. Job (book of Job)
found out how unqualified he was to question God’s purposes (Job 42:1-
6).
 
When Jesus was born, King Herod sought to take his life. Herod did not
know who Jesus was so: Matthew 2:16, “Then Herod, when he saw that
he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth,
and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts
thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had
diligently enquired of the wise men.” Jeremiah 31:15, “Thus saith the
LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping;
Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children,
because they were not.” We could ponder why such a blessed event as the
Lord Jesus’ early childhood would also produce a vast slaughter of
innocent children. Why would God allow it? Similar questions could be
posed about the slaughter of early Christians at the hands of the Romans
(they were thrown to lions and burned on stakes) and throughout history.
We must be very careful not to pass judgment on God. God’s ways and
thoughts are higher than ours (Is 55:9). God is righteous and will judge
appropriately. This requires our patience and our faith (Lk 21:19, Rm
5:13, Js 1:3-4, 5:10).
 
Patience
 
You must have patience. God is building a final case against the devil, his
fallen angels and rebellious man for all creation to see God’s righteous
judgment. Those that lead the saints into imprisonment will be put into
captivity. Those that kill the saints will be killed. God will re-pay in His
timing! Luke 21:19, “In your patience possess ye your souls.” Do not
question the Lord’s motives. James 5:10-11, “Take, my brethren, the
prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of
suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which
endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of
the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” Many have
suffered before us and we are not alone in this respect. Hebrews 11:35-
38, “Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were
tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better
resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea,
moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn
asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about
in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of
whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in
mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” Hebrews 10:36, “For ye
have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might
receive the promise.” The Lord will accomplish all things in His timing and
we must wait upon Him in trust and faith.” Notice that God’s will must be
done.

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Those that take the beast’s mark will suffer immeasurably (Rev 14:9-11).
Revelation 14:12, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that
keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Those who are
patient and endure through their faith prevail, but they may loose their
life (v. 13). Romans 12:12, “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation;
continuing instant in prayer.” We are told to be patient in our tribulations,
they will have a glorious end (Lk 21:19). Tribulation refines us as through
fire to produce a good work. James 1:3-4, “Knowing this, that the trying
of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work,
that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Romans 5:3-5, “And
not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation
worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And
hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our
hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.(Also 2 Thess 1:4, Acts
14:22, Heb 6:12)”
   
When will Christ Return?
 
Matthew 24:29-31, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall
the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars
shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then
shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man
coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall
send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather
together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the
other. He that has an ear to hear, Christ returns after the tribulation. Luke
21:26-28, “Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those
things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be
shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with
power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then
look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” These
verses say that we (believers) will see these things come to pass and then
our redemption draws nigh with the coming of the Son of man. Those that
survive the tribulation will see it. These weren’t just “Left Behind” because
they were disobedient; they are followers waiting for reconciliation. The
truth of God’s Word does not appeal to the flesh. False teachers have
come up with doctrines of man that do. They will comfort you with false
teachings of a pre-tribulation rapture –saying, don’t be concerned you
won’t be here! These are Satan’s messengers. They’ll sell you books and
tapes and make merchandise of you (2 Pt 2:3).
 
When considering the events of the end times, the author sought the Lord
for wisdom. The Lord directly revealed to the author the following
understanding of the final events before His return as detailed in the
sections on trumpets, seals, vials and Armageddon. I didn’t have it in me,
and the Lord miraculously put this on my heart. I can recall writing it all

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down on a napkin in the car. Seek the Lord and see if these things be not
so.
 
Trumpets
 
There are seven last trumpet blasts detail in the Book of Revelation. 1
Corinthians 15:51-52, “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all
sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an
eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be
raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” This verse is linked to
another verse: Revelation 10:7, “But in the days of the voice of the
seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should
be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.” The
seventh trumpet is the last trumpet. Notice that both verses refer to a
mystery that shall be finished at the last trumpet. This mystery is that the
dead will be raised and we who are alive shall be changed at Christ’s
coming. Now examine what actually happens after the seventh trumpet is
sounded. Revelation 11:15, “And the seventh angel sounded; and there
were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are
become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for
ever and ever (linked to 1 Cor 15:24).” Christ takes possession of the
earth at His second coming. The seventh trumpet does not sound until
after the tribulation. What does it matter? Because we must be spiritually
prepared to face the horrible things the tribulation will bring. Many Saints
will suffer or die unjust deaths at the hands of the world’s system (but will
be purified) – a great separation. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, “For the Lord
himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the
archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise
first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with
them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be
with the Lord.” We may now conclude that Christ will return after the
seventh trumpet. Seven is God’s number of completion in scripture.
 
The body (church) of Christ goes up to meet Him in the air and escort Him
back to earth. 1 Thessalonians 4:17, “Then we which are alive and remain
shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in
the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” We come back to a new
heavens and earth of righteousness since the former are burned up (2 Pt
3:10-14). The Lord is coming to earth to rule and reign for one thousand
years (Rev 20:4). Revelation 20:6, “Blessed and holy is he that hath part
in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but
they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a
thousand years.” This is akin to a wedding. The groom is met and
escorted to the wedding. Revelation 19:9, “And he saith unto me, Write,
Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.
And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” The rapture
(word not in scriptures) is not a “great escape.” The catching up is to
welcome the King!

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Seals
 
Acts 2:20, “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into
blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come.” Recall (above)
that immediately after the tribulation the sun is darkened and the moon
shall not give her light (Mt 24:29). The sun turning to darkness and the
moon changes are another indicator and this happens after the 6th seal:
Revelation 6:12, “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and,
lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth
of hair, and the moon became as blood.” Isaiah prophesied that just
before the Lord cometh (Is 24:23): Isaiah 13:10, “For the stars of heaven
and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be
darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to
shine.” After the sixth seal an angel proclaims “there should be time no
longer” (Rev 10:6). This sets the stage for the seventh seal, which is the
last seal. Joel 2:31, “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon
into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.” All
eyes will be upon the heavens. Jesus returns triumphantly after the
opening of seventh seal. Once again, seven is God’s number for
completion.
 
Vials
 
Jesus will return unexpectedly. 1 Thessalonians 5:2, “For yourselves know
perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” The
phrase “thief in the night” does not mean secretly – it means suddenly,
when not expected – as a snare (Lk 21:35). Many who have put off
getting their life right before God will realize it is too late and their chance
at eternal life is stolen from them. Luke 21:34, “And take heed to
yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting,
and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you
unawares. Many are caught up in life’s pleasures instead of living totally
for God, even those waiting for rapture. Notice the verse says “cometh” as
a thief in the night. This is a future expectation. Examine this very similar
verse: 2 Peter 3:10, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the
night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and
the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works
that are therein shall be burned up.” Here the verse also uses future
tense, “will come.” Notice that as this happens it is the end of all things
we know on this earth, “shall melt with fervent heat.” Now please follow
along for this next verse. When does Christ come as a thief? Revelation
16:15, “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and
keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Jesus
makes the pronouncement, “I come,” and this is present tense. Jesus says
this right after the pouring of the sixth vial. He is preparing everyone for
the seventh and last vial. What happens after the pouring of the seventh
vial? Revelation 16:17, “And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the

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air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the
throne, saying, It is done.” God the Father says, “It is done.” This means
finished – over! Jesus comes after the seventh vial! Remember, seven is
God’s number for completion. Christ comes as a thief for what purpose?
To steal His bride (church) from the house of Satan – Let my people go.
 
In the verse above (Rev 16:15), Jesus said, blessed is he that, “keepeth
his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. Clearly soiled
garments and nakedness is the sin (iniquity, transgressions, rebellion,
self-centeredness) in one’s life. Jesus said, Matthew 24:42-44, “Watch
therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this,
that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would
come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to
be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think
not the Son of man cometh.” Will we be watching (Lk 21:34-35)? Will our
garments be soiled and filthy or cleansed and ready?
 
Trumpets, Seals, Vials
 
Putting it all together we find that Jesus returns at the conclusion of the
seventh trumpet (last), seventh seal, and seventh vial. Jesus returns at
thrice seven (777). Seven is completion and thrice seven is ultimate
completion, set in stone (corner), it is done, finished, Amen. The exact
timing no man knows. Matthew 24:36, “But of that day and hour knoweth
no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” We will know
when it is close to the end due to the signs (Mt 24, Mk 13, Lk 17, 21,
Revelation). Does this description not also agree with Matthew 24:29-31
and Mark 13:24-27 (consider the sun and moon changes that preceed
Christ’s coming)? The Word is in agreement – how about you? There are
also three other sets of sevens in the book of Revelation. There are seven
Spirits (Rev 5:6), seven thunders (Rev 10:3-4) and seven angels (Rev
15:6). Seven is completion!
 
Compare this with the number of the beast, thrice six (666). Six is the
number of man (created on the sixth day). Thrice is the ultimate in man
attempting to exalt himself above God. This plays out when the military
forces of man attempt war with Christ when He returns. Revelation 19:19,
“And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies,
gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and
against his army.”
 
God’s first judgment of the earth (flood) was also preceded by three
sevens. Genesis 7:1-4, “And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all
thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this
generation. Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the
male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male
and his female. Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the
female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth. For yet seven

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days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights;
and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the
face of the earth.” Seven of the clean beast, seven of the clean fowls and
seven days (777). The forty days and forty nights represented the bearing
of iniquity. It is also interesting to note that Noah’s father died just before
the flood: Genesis 5:31, “And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred
seventy and seven years: and he died.”
 
Armageddon
 
Another indicator for when the Lord returns is the Battle of Armageddon.
The beast starts gathering his armies for the battle just after the sixth -
Seal, Trumpet, and Vial. Revelation 9:13-16, “And the sixth angel
sounded…Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river
Euphrates. And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an
hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of
men. And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred
thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. This event takes
place after the blowing of the sixth trumpet. Please take note of the word,
“Euphrates.”
 
Revelation 16:12-15, And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the
great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of
the kings of the east might be prepared. And I saw three unclean spirits
like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of
the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the
spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the
earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great
day of God Almighty. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that
watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his
shame. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew
tongue Armageddon.” This event takes place at the “Euphrates” after the
pouring of the sixth vial. Jesus makes His proclamation that He is coming
(Rv 16:15).
 
Revelation 6:12-17, “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal,
and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as
sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; the stars of heaven fell
unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is
shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is
rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their
places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men,
and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and
every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the
mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us
from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the
Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to
stand?” After the opening of the sixth seal there is a tremendous

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earthquake, the sun darkens and the moon becomes as blood. The armies
of men seek to hide. Jesus returns in great wrath!
 
Compare the preceding with this verse: Isaiah 13:9-10, 13, “Behold, the
day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay
the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For
the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their
light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not
cause her light to shine. Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth
shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in
the day of his fierce anger.” Woe, Woe, Woe!
 
Therefore, After the three sixes (666 - Seal, Trumpet, Vial), The
Euphrates river dries up and the Beast and False Prophet begin
assembling the armies of the world at Armageddon. Suddenly, there are
great signs in the heavens (Sun, Moon, Stars), there is a great earthquake
(after the sixes, Rev 6:12, 13). Everyone tries to hide themselves. Jesus
proclaims, “I come as a thief.” Jesus comes in conjunction with the three
sevens (777 – Seal, Trumpet, Vial) in great wrath! Victory is the Lord’s.
Amen.
 
They’ll want the rocks to fall on them and hide them. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-
10, “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall
be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking
vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of
our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction
from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he
shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that
believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.”
Their gold and silver (money) will not be able to save them (Ez 7:19).
Proverb 11:4, “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness
delivereth from death.” The wrath is for those who do not obey Christ’s
gospel! Obedience to God is not a work (Legalism). No one will be saved
lacking obedience! Hebrews 5:9, “And being made perfect, he became the
author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” Woe to them
who lead the sheep astray.
 
Jesus is Coming for His Bride
 
Ephesians 5:27, “That he might present it to himself a glorious church
(Bride), not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should
be holy and without blemish.” Spots, wrinkles, and blemishes are the sin,
worldliness and rebellion in our lives. These are the undesirable effects of
man’s will. Overcomers will conquer the sin in their lives (through Jesus)
by their faith in God and shall be clothed in white signifying their purity.
The bride says: “I will love, honor and obey!” – For there is no other way
– until death or His coming when we be united. The tribulation will purify
many. Revelation 3:5, “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in

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white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but
I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” For
those who hold to eternal security doctrines, your name can be blotted out
of the book of life. Christ’s audience here is His body (church). Jesus is not
coming back for a pretend church with out spot, wrinkle, or blemish. He’s
coming back for the real thing! Many suppose that little white spots on a
soiled garment are good enough – Woe to you! For there will be much
weeping and gnashing of teeth for those who see no need to overcome.
Jesus is certainly not coming for an adulterous harlot soiled with sin, filth
and worldliness. He’s coming in victory, not defeat. The tribulation will
serve to prepare the bride and make her ready to receive her King.
Revelation 3:4, “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not
defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are
worthy.” Most have defiled their garments and they are not ready. A few
have walked in purity (faith, love devotion) and they are worthy. Examine
your Heart!
 
The Bride of Christ Emerges
 
Why would God allow his saints to endure the suffering and death of
tribulation? 1 Peter 4:1-2, “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us
in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath
suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live
the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.”
We become like Jesus – conformed to His image. It’s a time of sorting and
a time of purifying. Revelation 7:9, 13-14, “After this I beheld, and, lo, a
great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds,
and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb,
clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands. And one of the elders
answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white
robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest.
And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation,
and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the
Lamb.” Do you see the result of tribulation? Their robes were washed and
they are now free from sin and worldliness!!! Daniel 12:9-10, “And he
said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the
time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but
the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand;
but the wise shall understand.” Do you see? Many will be made white
(Purity) and tried during tribulation. This is definitely not the false pre-
tribulation message that so many have bought into seeking the comfort of
the flesh (self). 1 John 3:3, “And every man that hath this hope in him
purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” Those who follow Christ, follow His
example. Notice “they washed their robes and made them white” and
“purifieth himself.” This is done through Christ’s strength but requires
effort on our part. Those who obey through their sacrifices and suffering
will be vindicated!
 

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Notice the indictment, the wicked will continue to be wicked. Most reading
this book will not change one little bit. They cease not from their own
doings, nor from their stubborn way (Judges 2:19)! They will continue to
seek the flesh and there are many false teachers out there that will tell
them what they want to hear. This is a sad fact. They will consider this
book extreme because it does not sooth the flesh. What does Jesus say in
the very last chapter of the Bible? Revelation 22:11-12, “He that is unjust,
let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he
that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be
holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give
every man according as his work shall be.” Most after being warned over
and over will continue to pursue their own will over God’s as slaves to this
flesh and its lusts and desires. Acts 13:41, “Behold, ye despisers, and
wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall
in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.” It comes down to
this: you sought your will or you sought God’s will (faith). These may even
be very religious. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him,
and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him (Ez 18:20). He that
doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong (Col 3:10). Jesus will definitely
give to each as his work deserves. What will your life’s story reveal? Even
the secret things will be known (Lk 8:17). God’s grace will not cover your
rebellion or continued wickedness. There are only two types, those who
rebel and those who submit, and they are known through their actions
(fruit). So the implication is that if you don’t get it by now, you never will
(blind, unconverted) – even if one came back from the dead (Lk 16:27-
30).
 
The Bride is Victorious
 
Those that profess Christ will be tested (trial) in a most meaningful way,
choose light or darkness. A choice for God will bring a separation from the
darkness and will require suffering on your part (and death for many).
Revelation 15:2, “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire:
and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image,
and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of
glass, having the harps of God.” Those that died received victory just as
our Lord Jesus. This is the way of the cross. Look, here comes the Bride!
Revelation 19:7-8, “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him:
for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself
ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen,
clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” By the
end of tribulation the church has made herself ready and is purified from
the things of the world. The bride is loyal and dedicated to God alone
(through Christ Jesus). Persecution and tribulation will separate those who
are false and will strengthen and mature the remnant that are true.
Recall, the Lord had to exile a remnant of Judah to Babylon to get their
attention due to their idolatry. God will not violate your free will; your
choice will determine your eternal destination. God in His mercy will

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arrange circumstances (persecution/tribulation) to separate you from the
sin and worldliness that you are comfortable in. In other words God will
give you one last chance prior to Christ’s return to choose to follow Him –
however it will require much of you! Revelation 19:9, “And he saith unto
me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of
the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.”
 
All Things Point to the End
 
The great tribulation and the return of Christ mark the climax of man’s
rebellion and the beginning of Jesus’ earthly reign. All the great accounts
in the bible point to this great event. The following are examples: The
creation days reveal the six thousand years of man and one thousand year
millennial reign (Sabbath). The tower of Babel represents the coming one
world government/religion and man exalting himself. Noah’s ark and the
flood judgment show that God will destroy the wicked from the earth and
the righteous will be preserved. Moses and Pharaoh reveal God will afflict
the beast with judgments while preserving His people. Saying: “Let My
People Go” from the bondage of sin. Nebuchadnezzar’s image represents
worshipping the beast’s image or dying – we stand for God to our own
demise. We are to be faithful unto death while boldly professing God for
all men and authorities to see. The Holy Spirit will teach us what to say.
Israel in the wilderness reveals God protects, provides and purifies His
people in tribulation. We must learn to trust in God. The Promised Land is
also symbolic of Christ’s millennial reign. David and Goliath represent the
weak overcoming, through God’s strength, the strong. We must stand up
for God and give God the glory for the victory. The story of Gideon shows
we are to depend upon God’s strength, not ours. God gets glory, not man.
Jeroboam, Son of Nebat and the two idolatrous golden calves he set up
and priests and feasts he appointed represents man inventing a religion to
suit self (1 Kg 12:26-33). The Babylonian captivity represents God
reasoning with you (getting your attention) concerning your relationship
with Him. Daniel in the lion’s den reveals that one day worship of the true
God will be illegal and warrant death, yet we must openly stand for God
(no compromise). Jonah and the great fish reveals that God will severely
inconvenience you to get your attention in the tribulation and that
repentance will bring mercy – we must have a heart to do God’s will and
preach (speak) what He commands. Nineveh is an example of corporate
repentance whereby everyone sorrows with godly sorrow and everyone
turns from their wicked way (forsakes) in great humbleness – God then
shows mercy. Jezebel reveals that evil will rule the land and they have
slain God’s servants and seek your life. However, God still has many who
have not bowed the knee. Samson shows that the greatest victories are
achieved in death. Abraham shows a willingness to forsake all for God
regardless of the circumstances. The account of the battle of Jericho has
seven priests with seven trumpets marching around Jericho on the
seventh day (seven times around the city). Thrice seven (777) is ultimate
completion (with a great shout of victory) and them walls came a tumbling

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down! To God be the victory and glory! All these accounts are
foreshadows of the future. Take heed Oh man!
 
Beware
 
Revelation 21:8, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable,
and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all
liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and
brimstone: which is the second death.” The fearful are people who are
afraid of the opinions of man. They choose man’s will over God’s will. The
unbelieving are those who do not trust God and those that are unfaithful
in their lives. Unbelief is rebellion in the heart whereby one refuses to
submit to Christ. The abominable are those with sexual perversions and
filthy things. These have been given over to their impure affections. The
murderers are everyone who hates his brother. The whoremongers are
those who seek the dainties of the world rather be faithful to God. They
are those who do not eliminate sinful lusts from their lives. The sorcerers
are those who practice witchcraft such as rebellion against God’s will, and
seeking to control and manipulate others for selfish reasons. This also
includes those who practice magic, astrology, fortune telling, occult,
witchcraft, drugs, tarot card, automatic writing, and ouija boards. The
idolaters are those who allow anything other than God priority in your
heart such as money, television, possessions, etc. All liars have their
place, those considered innocent, bad and stretching of the truth.
 
Isaiah 65:12-14, “Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall
all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer;
when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did
choose that wherein I delighted not. Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD,
Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my
servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall
rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of
heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of
spirit.”
 
The Second Coming
 
John 14:3, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and
receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” Any
delay in Christ’s coming is certainly for your benefit. The Father is
longsuffering not wanting any to perish, but desiring all to repent (2 Pt
3:9). We are to serve God and be watchful.
 
Jesus had a phrase he used often for unprofitable servants who would not
be prepared for His coming: “Bind him hand and foot, and take him away,
and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of
teeth” (Mt 8:12, 22:13, 24:51, 25:30). Some religious groups say there
will be no hell and that God will somehow reconcile everyone back to

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Himself. To say this, you have to make God a liar and that’s what the devil
attempts to do. Such is the fruit of this doctrine. Luke 12:42-48, “And the
Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall
make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due
season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find
so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all
that he hath. But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his
coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat
and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day
when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and
will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the
unbelievers. And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not
himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many
stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes,
shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of
him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of
him they will ask the more.”
 
Revelation 19:11-16, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white
horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in
righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of
fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that
no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in
blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which
were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen,
white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he
should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he
treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And
he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS,
AND LORD OF LORDS.” Christ smites the armies of the world with His
spoken Word. The sword is His Word. The world has had two thousand
years of God’s grace and mercy. Now the world will know His full wrath
and judgment. Psalm 75:8, “For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup,
and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same:
but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out,
and drink them.”
 
The prideful shall be abased: Isaiah 2:12, 17-18, 20-21, “For the day of
the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and
upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low. And the
loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall
be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. And the
idols he shall utterly abolish.  In that day a man shall cast his idols of
silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to
worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the rocks,
and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the
glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.” Their
money will not save (Ez 7:19).

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Throughout all the plagues that are sent upon a rebellious mankind in
tribulation, he still will not repent. Revelation 9:20, “And the rest of the
men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works
of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and
silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor
hear, nor walk” (Also Rev 9:21). Self seeking man will continue to lash out
at God: Revelation 16:9, “And men were scorched with great heat, and
blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and
they repented not to give him glory.” AND Revelation 16:11, “And
blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and
repented not of their deeds.” Some wonder why there is eternal
damnation (Hell – lake of fire - punishment). A magnificent righteous
wonderful Holy God will not surround Himself with such rebellious ones
throughout eternity (Rev 21:27, 22:15). Those faithful from the earth who
have suffered much from these rebellious ones do not want to be in their
company for eternity either. Those destined for damnation will be there by
choice – their actions!
 
Restoration and Reconciliation
 
Jesus came to restore all things to the Father. Acts 3:20-21, “And he shall
send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the
heaven must receive until the times of restitution (restoration) of all
things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since
the world began.” God has labored on this earth and awaits the fruit of His
crop. Does not He who digs, sows, fertilizes, waters, weeds, prunes and
harvests have an expectation of the reward of His labors? The Father
patiently waits for the harvest. Revelation 14:14-16, “And I looked, and
behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of
man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him
that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come
for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on
the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.”
 
Revelation 22:7, 14, “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth
the sayings of the prophecy of this book. Blessed are they that do his
commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may
enter in through the gates into the city.” Those who kept God’s commands
and had faith through Jesus Christ will be restored to the tree of life. Man
regains what Adam lost through our conquering Lord, Christ Jesus, who
alone is worthy of all things. To Him be glory, honor, praises, dominion,
and power forever. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. Man has
restoration through his humbleness and submission before God. Jesus
Christ is the righteous conquering King who came and led by example.
Through Christ we are more than conquerors (Rm 8:37).
 

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For those who were rebellious to God and sought their own way:
Revelation 14:17-20, “And another angel came out of the temple which is
in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out
from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him
that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather
the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the
angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the
earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the
winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the
winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and
six hundred furlongs.”
 
Oh, What a Day!
 
Revelation 20:11, “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it,
from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found
no place for them.” What a truly awesome God we serve (Ps 9:7-8). We
cannot conceive of His true Magnificence. Revelation 20:12, “And I saw
the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened:
and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead
were judged out of those things which were written in the books,
according to their works.” Its all recorded and will be reviewed (Ps 96:13).
All the great kings of the earth and mighty corporate VIPs (the merchants
of the earth) will be greatly humbled before the throne just like the poor
that they often persecuted and took advantage of (Is 24:21, 49:23, Rev
6:15, 18:3). There will be nothing more important in the universe than to
have your name in the book of life on that day. Have you no fear?
Revelation 20:13-15, “And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and
death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were
judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast
into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not
found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” I plead with
you: Cry out to God in true repentance (Ps 20:9). Forsake your sinfulness
– hold onto nothing. Die completely to yourself. Sin no more. Ask God to
change your very heart (give you His nature) and create you anew. Serve
Him from the love of your heart, obeying His perfect will. There is no
formula – just total commitment. Your chances are fastly running out. God
will not be mocked and you will reap what you sow even if after death.
Deuteronomy 7:10, “And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to
destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay
him to his face.” - Woe, woe, woe! Daniel 7:9-10, “I beheld till the thrones
were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white
as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like
the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and
came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him,
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was
set, and the books were opened (also Rev 5:11, Is 11:3-4).” We cannot
comprehend such Majesty. You cannot imagine how fearful you will be if

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your name is not in the book of life. We are talking about your fate for all
eternity, based upon your actions of less than one hundred years in this
temporal fallen world. This life is not about you! This life is about
humbling and subjecting yourself to the will of God and bringing Him
worship and glory – honoring Him. God’s glory will not be diminished one
bit based upon your decision to continue in your will – you are the one
who will lose all, oh rebellious one. You need God, but God will certainly
be highly exalted and exceedingly glorified without you. God will have
your praise in the end, but you will then be separated forever (Php 2:10-
11). Fall on your knees and cry out for mercy. God’s kingdom is an
everlasting kingdom (Ps 145:13). Christ’s dominion endureth forever.
 
Revelation 22:17, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him
that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever
will, let him take the water of life freely.” Jesus says, “Come, follow me!”

Conclusion
 
The contents of this book as stated from scripture are certainly opposed to
the flesh and the things that self desires. The truth is that God’s Word
(Bible) was never written to appeal to the flesh – the flesh opposes and
rebels against God. However, men usually interpret God’s Word to appeal
to the flesh. Most will probably reject the many conclusions of this book in
favor of their own beliefs or yet to be fulfilled desires. Do our
opinions/sentiments exalt themselves above the truth of God’s Word? We
must ask ourselves if we are going to live in a manner that we think is
right or are we going to follow God’s Word. The former is working on
conforming Christ to your image and the latter is denying the flesh (dying
to it) and taking on God’s nature and conforming to Christ’s image. Which
do you suppose will ultimately be acceptable to God? We are born sinful,
selfish and in rebellion to the things of God. Doctrines of the flesh that
placate you by telling you none of this really has to change are in great
error with eternal consequences. There is no doubt that to conform to
Christ’s image will require these fleshly desires and lusts to suffer and die
– for you cannot be one without dying to the other. The flesh and the
Spirit are opposed to one another (Rm 8:5-8, 12-14). Galatians 5:17, “For
the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and
these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things
that ye would.” If your belief allows for the comfort of the flesh, then it is
surely opposed to God. What is God’s Word like: Jeremiah 23:29, “Is not
my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh
the rock in pieces?” Most just want to “have it their way.” To conform to
Christ, SELF has got to die – it’s a narrow path! To conform to Christ’s
image is to be in the image of God which we were created to be. This is to
come back under God’s authority and be restored to right order – to be
reconciled. The way of His steps is righteousness (Ps 85:13).
 

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Some will say that they believe in God’s Word, but do not accept the
interpretations of this book. This is certainly acceptable assuming that you
are working out your own salvation in seeking to know and do God’s will
(Jn 7:17, Php 2:12). If such be the case, then the Holy Spirit will lead you
in paths of righteousness and teach you Christ’s gospel. If you are just
being religious or just want to affirm your (self) own accepted beliefs,
then you may find that God answers you according to the multitude of
your idols. Those that have no use for the truth will not be given it (Mk
4:12). God will not give that which is holy unto dogs or cast His pearls
before swine (Mt 7:6) – these will trample it (arrogant disregard). The
scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees were very religious men, but were also
totally blind to the truth of God’s Word. They rejected God’s only Son, who
only spoke the Father’s words and did only the Father’s will. Jesus became
the stumblingblock of all the religious and the same is true today. 1 Peter
2:8, “And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which
stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were
appointed.” I pray that the Lord will give you eyes to see. The author’s
observation (and this lines up with scripture) is that many will be attentive
to the things of Christ (Lk 19:48). In other words, there are many hearers
(and agree-ers) of the Word. There are not so many doers of the Word.
The flesh is determined to have its way. Those that hear and do not do
will often cast stones (using the Word) at those who are trying their best
to be doers of the Word (Ez 33:32). We endure your stones because we
are following in Christ’s steps – Praise God!
 
What is the will of God? The will of God is that we humble ourselves
before Him, see our sinfulness, selfishness and rebellion, repent and lay
down our will and follow in the steps of Christ. We live our faith in love
and obedience to Jesus’ direction as we are led by His Spirit and conform
to His image (Jn 6:40). Our hearts and minds must be renewed to do His
will. Yield yourself and surrender your heart. Proverb 23:26, “My son, give
me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” John 6:12, “Then
spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that
followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
Let us all follow!
 
We must recognize that all that calls itself the church is not the church.
There have been two thousand years of man-centered religious pomp,
ceremony and improvement. The leaven has almost worked its way
through the meal. The author does not attempt to try and straighten it out
– I have no such authority. The few examples used herein are directed at
no one in particular, but the guilty will hopefully come under the
conviction of the Holy Spirit and seek repentance. The author realizes that
there are many sincere people who truly desire to worship the Lord, but
have become caught up in these religious institutions. These religious
organizations have grabbed the spotlight and brought glory to themselves.
Many individuals have become tainted in the process. Most believe that
salvation is found in the institution. The author only desires to point you to

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Jesus Christ (Ez 33:9). He is the answer to all the needs you may have if
you are humble and sincere in heart. You must be led of the Spirit for this
is where the truth is. Let us all begin to follow Jesus and take that first
step.
 
Ephesians 3:14-21, “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is
named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to
be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ
may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in
love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and
length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which
passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we
ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory
in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.
Amen.”
 
This book represents a glimpse into the ongoing relationship that the
author has with the Lord. These are the things the Lord is saying to me.
These are the things that the author endeavors to live out daily – not in
my strength, but that which comes from the Lord. The author no longer
desires to follow SELF. Therefore: Matthew 10:27, “What I tell you in
darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach
ye upon the housetops.” The author wrote this book – yet he did not. The
things written herein were placed upon my heart and when reviewing this
book it was apparent that this was not from me – this is from the Lord.
The Lord spoke to the author’s heart – often when seeking the Lord in
solitary prayer or reading through His Word (meditating upon);
occasionally in a dream; sometimes in the car; in the quite of the evening;
once or twice in a busy public situation; and often in Bible study with
family or conversations with others. The things the Lord speaks to the
author’s heart, He confirms through scripture and fulfillment of situation.
I give you glory my Lord Jesus. Thank you Holy Spirit. Do you seek and
follow your desires, lusts, entertainments, opinions, knowledge, works,
comforts, religiosity, worldliness, etc? The author is “following” Christ and
no longer wants to rebelliously do the leading – only to submit and obey.
Jesus is my life – for life is found in Him (Col 3:4, 1 Thess 3:8). He is my
next breath – my next heart-beat (Col 1:17). Jesus must be the
foundation as implemented through the Spirit and the Word (which will
agree). This book is written to encourage, exhort, edify, admonish and
teach the reader. I pray that God may speak similarly to your heart and
have full confidence that He will if you truly seek Him. For there is one
true God and none else (Deut 4:35, 39, 1 Kg 8:60, Is 45:5-6, 18, 21-22,
46:9). There is one path (way) and not many. I pray the Holy Spirit will
guide your path. In closing, I have endeavored to present the truth of
God’s Word. I pray that the Lord will confirm to you the reader, the
validity with signs, wonders and power in a way that will truly bear

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witness to this truth (Mk 16:20, Heb 2:3-4, 1 Thess 1:5, 1 Cor 2:1-5,
4:20).
 
Hebrews 13:20-21, “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the
dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood
of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do
his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through
Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
 
 

 
John 14:5-6, “Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou
goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the
way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
The way is clear – The way is “following” Jesus.

ALL ADVERTISEMENT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE AUTHOR!

Nothing New Under the Sun

 
This book maintains that much of the institutionalized (organized)
religious system of today, known as “the church” and all the various
denominations (divisions/factions) is much the same (no different) as the
religious system that was in place at the time Jesus Christ walked the
earth. The chief difference is that Christ is “professed” (even if in name
only). In many cases “another Jesus” is worshipped, “another Spirit” is
followed and “another gospel” is preached. Those deceitful workers who
wanted to assert themselves started infiltrating the church even in Paul’s
time. The apostle Paul feared these evil workers would come and beguile
the believers and they would be led astray. 2 Corinthians 11:4, “For if he
that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if
ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel,
which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” Whenever
Christ’s gospel is misrepresented, “another Jesus” is followed. This was a
constant concern to Paul. Acts 20:28-31, “Take heed therefore unto
yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made
you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with
his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous
wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves
shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after
them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I
ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” The elders were
men who were mature in the Lord who were to serve others in love and
exhort, encourage and teach them until they became rooted and grounded
in the faith through the Spirit (Eph 3:17). This was not a lording over or
priesthood (1 Pt 5:3)! Paul further stated: Galatians 1:6-7, “I marvel that
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ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ
unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble
you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” This perverting of the gospel
has been furthered by so many who claim to represent Christ. The apostle
John had a similar problem: 3 John 1:9-10, “I wrote unto the church: but
Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth
us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth,
prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith,
neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that
would, and casteth them out of the church.” Casting one out of the
synagogue was a favorite tactic of the Jews to usurp control over the
people (Jn 16:2). Some, like Diotrephes, sought the same control in
Christ’s body.
 
The purpose of this book is not to slam or belittle the religious and their
system, but to point out the vast difference between man’s religious works
and God’s expectations of a loving obedient living relationship. To show
the truth and merit of relationship, we will examine the failings and
incorrectness of religion. We (as individuals and corporately) must be
careful that we do not become as the Scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees
in thought, manner and deed. Many are proud and have professed: “If we
had been in Eden, we would not have sinned like Adam did” and “We
would never have crucified Christ,” yet they do both daily and spiritual
blindness covers these facts. Adam’s great sin was disobeying God and
choosing his own will over God’s; AND Christ was nailed to a cross due to
man’s resultant sinfulness. This is what the Jews said: Matthew 23:30,
“And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have
been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.” Yet their fathers
killed the prophets (Mt 23:31, Lk 11:47-51) and they killed God’s own Son
because in all cases they could not stand to hear the truth from God much
less live it (Jn 8:40, 45-47). John 8:45-47, “And because I tell you the
truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say
the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's
words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” How
many pastors today will not speak the truth of God’s Word for fear of
offending man (Lk 12:5) and losing members? Conversely, how many
members have itchy ears (2 Tim 4:3) and: Isaiah 30:10, “Which say to
the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right
things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.” The scriptures
reveal much about some who claim to profess Christ: Jude 1:18, “How
that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should
walk after their own ungodly lusts.”
 
Jesus wasn’t establishing a religious system, that’s what killed Him. Man
through his attempts, can never please God or atone for sin. Many will
say: “there is no way all these religious denominations could be wrong,
look at all the members and church buildings they have, look at all their
good works” OR “my denomination/organization/pastor (who would never

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mislead me) says...” “Hey this theologian/big name personality has twenty
best seller books and a line of videos (Jn 2:15-16).” The sad fact is that
statements like these show a reliance and dependence upon man and the
things of man. The whole (entire) world was once wrong and only one
man was correct – Noah. Many put their trust and faith in these visible
things of man rather than living the truth of God’s Word. Psalm 118:8, “It
is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” Who are you
following God or man? John 2:24-25, “But Jesus did not commit himself
unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should
testify of man: for he knew what was in man.” Jesus did however, totally
commit Himself to God: John 6:38, “For I came down from heaven, not to
do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” John 8:29, “And he
that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do
always those things that please him.” When Jesus walked the earth, the
religious told their members that if they believed on Him as the Christ,
they would be put out of the synagogues (Jn 9:22, 12:42). This is a big
disconnect and for obvious reasons. If Jesus truly becomes our head, then
all the religious things of man become unimportant.
 
If you are following God, then you should not feel the slightest bit
defensive about comparing the organizations you have put faith and trust
in with the truth of God’s Word. The truth of the matter is that the
majority of people have always traveled the broad road that leads to
destruction: Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is
the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many
there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the
way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. The audience
was religious people and Jesus said of them: Matthew 7:21-23, “Not every
one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of
heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many
will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy
name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many
wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:
depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Notice that they used Jesus’ name
and did many “religious works” yet Jesus did not know them (must have
relationship – abiding faith). Matthew 22:14, “For many are called, but
few are chosen.” This is so important to understand. The works of men
are as filthy rags (Is 64:6). Man through his own devices will never please
God nor glory in His presence (1 Cor 1:29). Only by abiding in Christ and
being led of His Spirit can you produce acceptable works to God (fruit, Jn
15:2, 5, 8). To abide is to continue, dwell, endure, stand with, be in
relation, remain, and be present with (Heb 3:6, 14). Colossians 3:3, “For
ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Please understand
that Jesus is talking to “religious” people when He says, MANY are on the
wrong path, and MANY will not be known of Him despite their profession
and religious works, and MANY were called, but few chosen. Luke 13:24
adds that MANY will seek to enter in and not be able. These religious folks
are clearly caught by surprise. Christ does not acknowledge everyone who

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makes a profession or seeks to identify with Him (Lk 13:25-26). I do not
say this to discourage you, but to reveal that being “religious” is not
sufficient. Jesus said, “he that doeth the will of my Father.” What has
God’s will been all along? To yield to him with all your heart in humble
obedience known as faith (Josh 22:5). This must be your life, not your
religious appearance. The straight gate is of righteousness: Psalms
118:19-20, “Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them,
and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the
righteous shall enter.” Having an association with Christ is not enough.
The children of Israel were associated with God in the wilderness, but
many did not enter into the promised land – God was not well pleased
with them (1 Cor 10:2-12). Pray that you may be accounted worthy (Lk
20:35, 21:36).
 
The truth of the gospel is that we are to die to our will and then absolutely
live for God’s will with all love, obedience and devotion known as faith.
Christ led the way and then said “come, follow me.” The great
condemnation is that men loved the darkness and they received not the
love of the truth, that they might be saved (Jn 3:19, 2 Thess 2:10).
Religious man will often follow another gospel that allows for the flesh
(which opposes the Spirit – Gal 5:17) and God (Rm 8:1). Generally, God
is put in the place of serving the flesh through man’s desire for blessings
or selfish prayers. Those who take pleasure in the things of this world and
the flesh (unrighteousness) are damned because they believed not the
truth – they just can’t except it (2 Thess 2:12, 1 Jn 2:15, Rm 8:5, 9).
These want to do what they want to do when they want to do it, known as
rebellion. They will turn from the truth and accept fables to appease the
flesh (2 Tm 4:4, 7). The truth seeks godliness (Ti 1:1, 1 Tm 6:3-5).
Godliness is love and reverence for God and His will. We must become
humble and mourn over our condition. We must be denying ungodliness
and worldly lusts, and be living soberly, righteously, and godly (Ti 2:12).
 
Jesus spoke to a group of Jews who believed on Him (Jn 8:31) and
through the course of the conversation, Christ revealed to them that they
could not see their own sin and depravity and thus their great need for the
deliverance that He alone brings (Jn 8:32-45). When you seek the lusts of
the flesh, Christ’s Words find no place in you (Jn 8:37) such that you
cannot hear or understand them (Jn 8:43, 14:17). Those who seek the
flesh cannot understand a gospel that does not accommodate the flesh,
but rather denies it. Jesus said, John 18:37, “…Every one that is of the
truth heareth my voice.” This still applies today. Do we hear God’s truth or
purposefully twist it to suit our flesh? Do we live Christ’s truth or just
abstractly identify with it? Many may say: what is truth? (John 18:38) as
they seek to establish their own to suit their desires. Job 21:14,
“Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the
knowledge of thy ways.” Jesus told them that they do the things of their
father, the devil (Jn 8:38) and this is the fruit of the unconverted. Christ
said: John 8:44, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your

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father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in
the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he
speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” In other words,
they had Satan’s nature and did the devil’s will rather than God’s will – yet
they could not see this. Men naturally seek that which pleases self – their
lusts. This is displeasing to God and our desire must be to be delivered
from it. This is the deliverance Christ brings. Jesus made it clear that we
must do the will of God to inherit the kingdom of heaven (Mt 6:10, 7:21,
12:50, Mk 3:35, Lk 6:47-48, 11:2, 22:42, Jn 4:34, 5:30, 6:38, 7:17,
9:31, 14:23, 15:14). To conform to God’s will means that you must die to
your will. You cannot have dual “wills” or dual “natures.” When we see our
great need and desire to come under God’s authority, He gives us His
nature such that we will desire to do His will. We accomplish this by being
led of His Spirit rather than our flesh. Jesus told these men: John 8:45,
“And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.” They defend their
carnal nature and this is to their own condemnation. Jesus told them if
they were of God they would receive His Words (v. 47). These men then
accused Jesus of having a devil (John 8:48). When the flesh is denied it
lashes out with a vengeance (Jn 15:23). Christ says: John 8:51, “Verily,
verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying (do my will), he shall
never see death.” Whose will do you prefer? Jesus revealed the thoughts
of many hearts – and still does (Lk 2:35). When the darkness in your life
is revealed, your thoughts will be known as you seek to defend it or fall on
your knees and repent of it. Our actions will reveal our hearts (Example:
Lk 4:16-30). When your heart is revealed do you lash out?
 
There are religious organizations and buildings everywhere - their parking
lots are full. How can this country be so far from God? Consider all the
abortions, juvenile delinquents and teen promiscuity, rape and crime, drug
and alcohol abuse, divorce, sexual perversion, violence, and open
witchcraft that have become the norm in life and entertainment, the
relentless pursuit after money and possessions, and the seeking of self.
Much of this is done by those who actually attend religious institutions. We
do not need anymore religion, we need Jesus Christ! This proud country
demands God’s blessings! Why will He not bless (2 Chr 7:14)? Could it be
that those who profess His name are not living their faith, teaching their
children or impacting those around them? Perhaps these are attempting to
conform God to their image as they have conformed to the world, rather
than dying to self and allowing the Holy Spirit to conform them to Christ’s
image. Many that call themselves “Christians” are living and not dying –
this is the problem. Jesus said: Luke 18:8, “…Nevertheless when the Son
of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” With all the religious
institutions, why would Christ make such a statement?
 
God’s Way
 
Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your
ways my ways, saith the LORD.” The Lord intentionally does things to

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confound our flesh – we will not glory before God. Let us consider why.
Man has a fallen nature that is self seeking and rebellious toward God.
Therefore man by his very nature does not think or see things God’s way
(Is 55:9). Man actually sees things more like the devil does. Man is
rebellious and opposite toward God, always seeking his way, which is the
way of the flesh (Lk 19:14, 27). Just as the devil is opposed to God, so is
unconverted man. The flesh seeks its own and we must subdue the flesh.
God converts us and makes us partakers of His divine nature, but only
after escaping the corruption of the world (2 Pt 1:4). Christ has given us
His Holy Spirit, who works on us to conform us to His image so that we
can partake of this divine nature. When man seeks God apart from the
Spirit, he puts on a religious façade (outward show, Lk 11:39). Matthew
23:28, “Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within
ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” Man is still seeking his way, only
with an air of religiosity – a form of godliness (2 Tm 3:5). We must die to
our way and seek God’s will and purposes. Religious man does not please
God. He claims to represent God, but is mostly self-seeking. The religious
presume to be God’s authority, yet do not know Him or discern His will.
Whenever there is a legitimate sovereign move of God, religious men
eventually get involved and institutionalize it and make it their own. They
name it, denominationalize it, buy a building and set up shop. What once
was very real, vibrant and living becomes dead and religious. Soon
relationship is replaced with icons, ceremonies, procedures, doctrines,
traditions, pomp, authorities, methodologies, etc. They rejoice in the
works of their own hands (Acts 7:41). God’s precious Spirit is gone. God
help us all to see this. What does God say about rebellious man? Isaiah
65:2, “I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people,
which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts.”
These continually provoke God and are a smoke in His nose that burneth
all the day long (Is 65:3, 5). By their very nature they do not do what God
delights in (Is 65:12).
 
Pride
 
There’s just no doubt from a biblical perspective that God hates pride (Pv
16:5, 18, 2 Sam 22:28, Mal 4:1, Js 4:6, 1 Pt 5:5). God resists the proud
and loves the humble (Js 4:6). Luke 1:51-52, “He hath shewed strength
with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their
hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them
of low degree.” John the Baptist was a prophet sent to prepare (Jn 3:28)
the people for Jesus’ arrival: Matthew 3:1-2, 6, “In those days came John
the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye:
for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And (many) were baptized of him in
Jordan, confessing their sins.” John was sent to provide knowledge of
salvation (Lk 1:77) – to guide those in darkness (Lk 1:79). That
knowledge is to repent (forsake your wickedness and come under God’s
authority). Confessing of one’s sins is the realization (comprehension,
awareness, recognition) acknowledgment (admission, acceptance) and

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accountability (liability) of one’s transgressions against God. Baptism is
recognizing the need for forgiveness and forsaking of those sins. The
Scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees were very self-righteous and did not
feel any guilt that they should hear or need John the Baptist’s baptism of
repentance (Mk 1:4). They were very proud and could not admit fault,
particularly for all to see (Pv 16:18). Luke 7:29-30, “And all the people
that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the
baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of
God against themselves, being not baptized of him.” These men just could
not see their depravity and great need for God. Some of these same
leaders who openly rejected Christ would later come to Jesus at night in
the cloak of darkness, due to pride or fear of man (Jn 3:1-2 & 12:42).
These would not openly confess Jesus in their lives (Mk 8:38, Lk 9:26, Jn
7:13). The Scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees were very concerned
because the people loved John and held him as a prophet. The religious
had no control over John the Baptist and this greatly troubled them. They
couldn’t put him out of the synagogue (church) or bribe him, because he
didn’t belong to the synagogue (Lk 1:80) and lived in the wilderness and
his raiment was of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle; and his meat was
locusts and wild honey (Mt 3:3-4, Mk 1:6). How do you control such a
man? John was answerable to God alone and not man (religious). This is a
very important point to consider for those whom God calls. Due to John’s
acceptance by the common man (poor in spirit), the religious felt very
threatened. When the religious came out to spy, John did not have good
things to say about them (Jn 1:19, 24-25): Matthew 3:7-8, “But when he
saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said
unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the
wrath to come? They were further told: Luke 3:8, “Bring forth therefore
fruits worthy of repentance (evidences in your life), and begin not to say
within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you,
That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” In
other words, God was looking at hearts and not genealogies. The religious
questioned him: John 1:19-21, “And this is the record of John, when the
Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not.
Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.” John displayed true
humbleness and meekness. John was the greatest prophet to arise in the
earth, but sought no personal glory (Lk 7:28). He just did that which he
was sent to do.
 
It is important to note that John the Baptist came with a specific mission
and purpose from God (Sent from God – Jn 1:6). This was to prepare the
people’s hearts through repentance (of sin) for the arrival of Christ (Lk
1:76-79, 7:27, Jn 1:7-8, 23, 29-30, 32-33, 5:33). If anyone should have
understood this, it should have been the religious authorities. Through
their much learning and religious structures, they sought man’s way to
such an extent that God’s way became foreign to them. 2 Timothy 3:7,

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“Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
One can only know God as taught through His Spirit. John was the
greatest prophet ever to be sent from God. Matthew 11:11, “Verily I say
unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a
greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the
kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” The religious totally rejected him
out of envy and jealousy and because he did not conform to their (man’s)
ideas. John’s message was that self had to die, and this was not
comforting to the flesh. The religious had been awaiting the prophetic
arrival of Elias (Elijah). John came and operated in the spirit of Elijah and
actually was the one they were looking for (Mt 17:10-13, Lk 1:17, Mal
4:5). Those that claimed to represent God actually opposed Him in every
way – they did unto him whatsoever they listed (Mk 9:13, Jn 8:42).
Likewise today, many a man sent from God will be rejected by the
religious and a system largely built by man. Those with a true God given
calling will be suppressed, hindered and attacked by those envious ones
who wish to control and dominate (such as the afore mentioned
Diotrephes).
 
Seems these religious felt they were justified before God simply by being
descendants of Abraham (heirs to the promise, Rm 4:14), yet lost sight of
why Abraham was justified before God. Abraham had demonstrated his
faith through obedience and love to God (Heb 11:8).
Abraham performed God’s Words (Neh 9:7-8). This was even done prior
to the covenant of circumcision and certainly not by works of the law (Rm
4:1-13). Abraham also brought forth fruits meet for repentance, meaning
he was justified by his works yielded through love and devotion to God
which made his faith perfect (Js 2:21-23). Jesus later told these religious:
“Do the works of Abraham” (Jn 8:39). Similarly, we must be careful that
we do lose sight of why we are justified in Christ - living a life that is
pleasing to our “first love” (Rev 2:4) which produces fruits (evidences –
John Chap 15) worthy of our repentance (and conversion) to perfect our
faith. To say: “I am resting (no responsibility) on the finished work of
Christ,” or having once had a profession of belief with no real ongoing life
totally misses God’s will as revealed in scripture and such will “be lacking.”
God looks at the heart (1 Sam 16:7, 1 Kg 8:39).
 
Jesus later addressed these religious men’s rejection of the baptism of
repentance. The chief priests and the elders wanted to know by what
authority Jesus taught (Mt 21:23). Jesus said He would tell them if they
answered whether the baptism of John was from heaven or men (Mt
21:24-25). They couldn’t say from heaven because they had rejected
God’s method of changing hearts in favor of their own doctrines and
traditions (man’s way). They couldn’t say from men because all the
common people loved John and considered him a prophet, and this would
make them unpopular (and possibly get them stoned/killed), for they
always sought the praise of men (Mt 21:25-27, Lk 20:3-7). Therefore they
lied and said they didn’t know. So, Jesus said, Matthew 21:28-31, “But

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what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and
said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will
not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second,
and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The
first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and
the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” The first son did not
initially do the will of the Father. Then this son had a change of heart,
humbled himself, repented and performed the Father’s will (did his work).
The second son made a “profession,” but then his life (actions) did not live
up to that profession and the Father’s work did not get done. He professed
with his lips, but his heart was not really toward doing the Father’s will
(Mt 15:8). Perhaps this son felt his “profession” was all that was important
even if he had his own desires to fulfill (self). Many ask, what’s in it for
me? These religious men correctly discerned that the first son did the will
(actually performed the work) of the Father, and this was to their own
condemnation. The religious are actually like the second son. God wants
us to humble ourselves in true repentance and then go and perform
(actually do) His will (Mt 12:50, Mk 3:35). The religious man will make
great “profession,” and claim to represent God, but seeks to approach the
Father his way and for his purposes. Maybe they don’t want to go to hell
or someday hope for great rewards. Where is the love toward God? Jesus
said that the publicans and harlots, whom the religious despised, would
enter heaven before them. The reason is that they do not claim to
represent God or to be the path to God (middleman), they just
acknowledge their guilt and great need for Him and then go on to do
God’s will. The publicans and sinners “followed” Jesus and received His
message of repentance (Mk 2:15-17) – its about seeing your need. Jesus
concludes by saying: Matthew 21:32, “For John came unto you in the way
of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the
harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not
afterward, that ye might believe him.” God sent a man to the people with
a message, the humble and poor in Spirit received the message (Is 61:1-
3, Mt 11:5, Lk 4:18-19). The religious did not receive the message
because of their self righteousness, doctrines and traditions of men. They
clearly rejected God’s message in favor of their own way. Is it any
different today? Does your “opinion” exalt itself above God’s eternal
unchanging Word? Perhaps your opinions are what are really manifested
in your daily actions. The Bible reveals: Psalm 119:89, “For ever, O LORD,
thy word is settled in heaven.” Some think this not to be the case on earth
given their opinions (Is 5:21) –and they are pertinacious about it. We will
fall on our knees and cry out to God in all humbleness with due
repentance or we will not find Him. The way to God is the way of
righteousness. If you are not headed in that direction then you are on the
wrong path!
 
When Jesus came forth, John knew his time was over. John was sent to
prepare the way and bear witness and he had accomplished his purpose

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(Acts 13:25). Christ’s disciples were baptizing people near the place where
John the Baptist was baptizing (Jn 3:22). John’s followers were concerned
about this perceived competition – all men were coming to Jesus (Jn
3:23-26). Jesus’ disciples baptized more than John (Jn 4:1-2). John 3:27-
30, “John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be
given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am
not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the
bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth
him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy
therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” John knew
his place and purpose. John humbly stepped aside to allow Jesus place –
John’s life on earth was coming to a close. John knew the will of God and
submitted to it. What about the religious (Sadducees and Pharisees)? How
did they react to Jesus’ presence? As discussed in Chapter 2, they were
envious, jealous, defensive (of their institution) and undermined Christ
everyway they could.
 
In conclusion, Jesus made a startling prophecy: Matthew 17:12-13, “But I
say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but
have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of
man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto
them of John the Baptist.” John and Jesus were both sent of God and both
came with a message of repentance. One was the greatest of all prophets
and the other God’s only begotten Son (Lk 20:9-16). Religious man had
been looking for their arrival as previously prophesied (but as per man’s
opinions). When they came, their messages did not agree with man’s
religious doctrines or methods. Jesus did not follow their beloved doctrines
of the Sabbath as they thought He should. Jesus did not hold to the
ceremonial hand washing traditions (Mt 15:2). Christ even pointed out
their errors – judging righteously (Mt 15:3). It soon became clear that
God’s purposes were not that of man’s desires. God required man to
humble himself, put aside his will and perform God’s will. Religious man
chose his will over God’s and killed God’s messenger and Son – and
rejoiced over it (Jn 16:20)! Man has been rejecting God’s will in favor of
his own since Eden. Oh man, Is it really any different today? If a man of
God came into your religious institution with a convicting message of God
that differed from your pet (favorite) doctrines of man, would he be
received? Would there be repentance or disdain (despise, condemn)?
Followers of Christ must realize that when we do not do what the religious
men (institutions, denominations, organizations) of today bid us, then we
will be equally contemptible to them. Just as the religious told Christ that
He must do things their way, the same will be true toward Jesus’
followers. They will say we must assemble with them and worship God
through them and their methods/institutions.
 
What made John the Baptist so great as to warrant Christ’s proclamation
of him (Mt 11:11, Lk 7:28)? John was totally devoted to God and never
sought his own. There is nothing in scripture to indicate that John sought

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himself in any way (Lk 1:80, 7:25-26). John spoke God’s Words and lived
in total obedience to perform God’s purposes (Mt 3:1, Lk 3:2-3). He was
ridiculed by the religious in doing God’s will (Mt 21:25, Lk 7:33, Jn 1:22-
25). John was humble and God-centered (Jn 3:26-30) and was a burning
witness for God (Jn 5:35). He was killed for speaking the truth (Mk 6:17-
29, Lk 3:19). Now consider: John mightily preached and led many to God
(through repentance), but he had no religious building or title (of man).
He was zealously devoted to God’s purpose in his life, yet received no
wages. John’s messages were from God, yet he did not fit-in with the
religious folks or their doctrines and traditions (outside the box). He was a
voice crying in the wilderness (minority view, lone voice), yet he prepared
the way for, bore witness and baptized Jesus Christ – God’s own Son
(bore witness- Jn 1:6-7, 15, 29-30, 32, 34, 5:32-33). From man’s
perspective, John was an odd ball – someone to be watched. From God’s
perspective, John was the greatest man born of woman. These same
attributes can be said of Christ, but on a higher level.
 
Something is just not Right
 
Have you ever noticed that there seems to be something dreadfully wrong
within much of the religious institutions and organizations that you just
can’t adequately describe? Much of what is done has Christian overtones,
but seems to be fleshly with little or no spiritual depth and vitality. Many
are talking the Christian lingo, but what about the walk? Most of the
members seem to be decent somewhat moral people and are nice enough,
but also seem to lack real compassion, zeal and commitment in their lives.
Relationships tend to center on small talk of worldly topics such as
television programs, the latest movies, items in the secular news media,
careers, and popular books. Ladies wear the latest fashions, jewelry, and
hairdos (1 Tm 2:9, 1 Pt 3:3-4). The young ladies dress hip to draw
attention to themselves (with their parent’s knowledge), which tends to be
provocative and unseemly (Job 31:1, Mt 5:27-28). The young men
present themselves as rebellious with perhaps an earring, gaudy necklace
or strange haircut or attire. There seems to be no personal sacrifice and
shunning of the things of the world. We should be worshipping God and
not drawing attention to SELF. The simple selfless life that Jesus lived and
the example He left for us does not seem to fit in well with the modern
religious empires, many with big comfortable multimedia type
auditoriums, gymnasiums, and convention style banquet
facilities/fellowship halls. Jesus taught selfless love and yet the religious
institutions have fractured into hundreds of denominations as man leads
rather than God’s Spirit (1 Cor 1:10). Where is the Spirit led church as per
the biblical model (love, devotion, obedience, encouragement,
exhortation, etc.)? This list could go on and on.
 
So many things that are done in the name of Christ actually violate the
scriptures that the religious claim to accept and revere. To question the
institution is like questioning God Himself. Those that do are usually given

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vague reasoning that leaves one even more in doubt. Man’s religious
structures seem to be conformed to the world, yet the Ekklesia (called out
ones) are suppose to be transformed to the image of Christ, not that of
the world (Rm 12:2). We must ask ourselves, “Am I a mirror of the world
or of Christ.” What makes you any different from an unbeliever? A mere
mental profession/association with Christ; a slightly better morality; or
perhaps following a list of religious doctrines that you hope will save you;
these will all fall short. A loving and living abiding faith that is
transforming you daily into the image of Christ will meet God’s purposes.
God wants a relationship of love and obedience. Loving and serving God
with your heart will manifest in your outward actions. It may surprise
many to know that Satan’s workers are in the religious institutions (2 Cor
11:13-15). This is because most are deceived of the devil’s workings. The
devil is not on the outside looking in. He was invited in long ago and has
established much of the structure of man’s attempts to reach God apart
from God’s Spirit. Religion is just fine with the devil as long as it is devoid
of God’s Spirit. The more error the devil introduces the more an
abomination and confused it becomes, and thus the more to his liking. To
truly find God, you must be prepared to lose everything - everything that
you hold dearer than Him. The five sins Jesus hates most are: hypocrisy,
spiritual pride, impurity, indifference to human need, and unbelief. Would
you be comfortable if Jesus physically came into your home one evening?
Now consider the fact that God sees all anyway - Proverb 15:3.
 
The author does not intend to propose solutions to repair this religious
system of man. These structures of man would have to be totally torn
down rather than be restored. Jesus leads us out of this system of man,
but we must understand why (Ex 33:7, Jn 10:3-4, 27, 2 Cor 6:17). The
intent of this book is to present the truth of the gospel and believe that
the Holy Spirit will convict the reader’s heart such that one life will be
changed, not an institution. The Lord’s purposes will beaccomplished one
individual at a time, each being loved and important. Christ’s true church
will be built with these living stones – perhaps having been rejected by
the religious (1 Pt 2:3-5). In Christ are all the solutions that we struggle
to find. The author’s prayer is that eyes will be opened to see that God
never desired a religion, but a relationship whereby individuals and the
corporate body love, worship and look to Him, in and through all things.
Many will look to the religious institutions to save them and will be very
disappointed. Man’s attempts to reach God are man-centered. We must
become God-centered and be transformed, renewed, and converted.
Christ must be the head of the body in all things. If the Spirit is not
leading a particular assembly, then the Spirit is absent and man is
leading. If men are leading then they will certainly be overcome by Satan.
Recall from Chapter One, man chose his will (way) over God’s from the
beginning. If a man’s nature has not been changed, then Christ will not be
his focus and he will not willfully submit to the Spirit. When a man
humbles himself (poor in Spirit), then he can be changed. If a man is

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exalted, he will not desire to be changed – he will want to do the
changing.
 
The religious Jews had God’s law and were suppose to live it in such a way
as to bring glory to God and be a witness to all the nations of the earth
(Gen 18:18 & 26:4, Gal 3:8). God intended for the children of Israel to
obey the law out of love for Him – to cleave to Him for their every need
(Deut 11:22). After all, God had provided them deliverance from their
Egyptian bondage; food and water in the desert; a Promised Land in which
to live; He fought all their battles for them; and blessed them abundantly.
The Jews eventually twisted God’s desire and believed that if they just
kept the law, then they would be saved. The law became their salvation
rather than God, and they served it. They could have an outward
righteous appearance yet be full of all manner of wickedness on the inside
with a heart that was far from God. Jesus demonstrated this when He
said, Matthew 5:21-22, “Ye have heard that it was said of them of old
time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the
judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother
without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall
say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever
shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” Jesus further
illustrated the point in saying: Matthew 5:27-28, “Ye have heard that it
was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say
unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath
committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Those who partake of
pornography (and much of what’s on television or in magazines) or have
unseemly thoughts (gawking, evil eye) of others should pay particular
attention to this! This is why Jesus said, Matthew 23:27, “Woe unto you,
scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres,
which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's
bones, and of all uncleanness.” A religious observance means nothing if
you do not love God with your whole heart.
 
Here is the paradox: The law does not save. This only becomes a religion
of man. Having a heart toward God (through Christ) with love and desire
to do His will is what saves. This is relationship with God. In doing this,
the law is kept through the Spirit. Romans 3:31, “Do we then make void
the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” Faith is
looking to God alone (through Jesus) for our salvation and as such
obeying Him from our heart. John 15:10, “If ye keep my commandments,
ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's
commandments, and abide in his love.” The Jews also took God’s law and
through their scribes they expand it significantly. They served the law and
not God. Their hearts were far from God. Some used it for the purposes of
bringing glory and honor to themselves, while manipulating and using
others.
 
The Law or Faith

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Romans 3:20, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be
justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” The law was
added because of transgressions and reveals God’s will for us and our
fallen state (Rm 7:7, Gal 3:19, 24). To keep the law with no faith, love,
willingness and devotion toward God is pointless. You simply become a
servant to the law itself (dead works – Heb 9:14). The law will not justify
you – only Christ (Acts 13:39, Rm 10:4). This is trying to earn your own
justification apart from God, and make God a debtor to you (Rm 4:4). We
are in fact greatly indebted to God and have no means to pay. Romans
3:24-25, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that
is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through
faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins
that are past, through the forbearance of God.” No man will be justified
before God through his own works. We must not have our own
righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ
and have the righteousness of God by faith (Php 3:9, Rm 10:3). If there
had been a law given that would have given life then it would be required
of us (Gal 3:21). The law compels one to serve – grudgingly. This is not
the faith God desires. We must keep the spirit of the law through our love,
devotion and obedience to God. If we desire God’s will on our inside (in
heart) then the spirit of the law will be manifested on our outside (actions)
as we are conformed to Christ’s image as led by His Spirit. Galatians 5:18,
“But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” Romans 3:27,
“Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but
by the law of faith.” We must abide in Christ through faith and love – not
by obeying the law under human effort (Gal 2:21). Galatians 2:16,
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the
faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might
be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by
the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” This was the problem of
the religious Jews: Romans 9:32-33, “Wherefore? Because they sought it
not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at
that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a
stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall
not be ashamed.” Those that seek only to obey rules or laws apart from
love and devotion to God will be expected to absolutely live in them (Gal
3:12). Romans 10:4, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to
every one that believeth.” We must cease from our religious works and
submit ourselves to God and His direction (purposes) – then perform His
works as obedient to the Spirit and the Word. When we stop trying to
reach God our way and submit ourselves to His way, we enter into His
rest. Heb 4:10, “For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased
from his own works, as God did from his.” This is truly a rest and a lifted
burden. We no longer are beholding to man or his religious systems. We
walk and live in faith to God alone through Jesus. We abide in Christ in
faith and hope daily. Jesus said, Matthew 11:30, “For my yoke is easy,
and my burden is light.” When we release all that is of man and simply

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serve Christ, we find this to be so true. Life becomes a joy! Therefore:
John 1:17, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by
Jesus Christ.” Grace enables us to live a life of faith in Christ’s truth with a
heart to serve.
 
Faith by-passes the flesh. Faith requires us to reach beyond SELF. God
must be approached through faith (Heb 11:6). We cannot approach God
through the flesh, meaning our works, abilities, strengths, resources,
intellec, influence, accomplishments, etc. To be strong in the flesh is to be
weak in the Spirit. God grants mercy and grace when we approach Him
His way (faith) and not through man’s way (flesh) – Exodus 20:6.
Examine your religiosity – do you approach God through the flesh in any
way or do you look to Him for all things? When we die to our will and
submit/yield/humble ourselves before God, then we have put the flesh
aside.
 
God’s Intended Law
 
The law (ten commandments) was given in two tables of stone (Ex 24:12,
32:15). The first set of commandments (table) dealt with man’s
relationship to God (Ex 20:1-11) and the second set (table) dealt with
man’s relationship with each other (Ex 20:12-17). When our relationship
is right with God, then we should see that manifested in our relationship
with each other. This is why Jesus summed up the law as first, love for
God (Mt 22:36-38, Mk 12:30) and then love for each other (Mt 22:39, Mk
12:31). This is why Jesus could say: Matthew 22:40, “On these two
commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” These are
relationships that are lived out daily and are based upon love (sacrifice).
This is what God requires of us. First we love and obey God with all our
hearts and cleave to Him (Deut 10:20, 11:22, 13:4, 30:20, Josh 22:5).
Secondly we relate to each other based upon this great love and new
nature we have from God – forgiving as God forgave. Romans 13:10,
“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the
law.” These relationships are not religious observances of rituals,
ceremonies, liturgies, and sacraments. God writes His laws in our hearts:
2 Corinthians 3:3, “Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the
epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit
of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.”
 
Methodology
 
Man is always confident and sure that God will be pleased with his way of
serving Him. God gave King Saul a task (via Samuel the prophet): 1
Samuel 15:3  Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they
have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and
suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass. The Amalek had done evil to Israel
when they came up from Egypt (Ex 17:8. 14-16, Num 24:20, 25:17-19).
The Amalekites were the descendants of Esau. Esau had a birthright to the

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blessings of Abraham and Issac, but sought the flesh (his wants) rather
than God. The children of the flesh are not the children of God (Rm 9:8).
We must destroy everything of the flesh (Amalekite) and seek God’s
purposes. In the day of the Lord all of Esau (those of the flesh) shall be
destroyed – none remaining (Oba 1:18). The Amalekites lived for the flesh
and did vile and evil things. King Saul’s task was understood and the
victory was assured (by God Himself). Saul smote the Amalekites and
utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 1 Samuel
15:9, “But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep,
and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good,
and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and
refuse, that they destroyed utterly.” Notice that Saul only destroyed those
things that were of no use. The things the flesh desires, he saved alive.
Man seeks the things that please the flesh in his worship of God. Does this
not describe much of man’s religion today? There was no denial of self
(sacrifice) in performing God’s will, but rather an exaltation and selfish
gain in seeking man’s will. God told Samuel He was very displeased with
Saul’s disobedience. Samuel went up to see Saul. 1 Samuel 15:13, “And
Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the
LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD.” Saul had done
the task his way rather than the Lord’s way, but didn’t see a problem. 1
Samuel 15:14-15, “And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of
the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? And Saul
said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared
the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God;
and the rest we have utterly destroyed.” God didn’t ask for animal
sacrifices. This was man’s idea with a religious component such that man
could fulfill his motives. Saul justified his way by saying that he did it for
the Lord. He surely thought his way would be better than God’s. This
“doing it for the Lord” should sound familiar to the religious of today. How
many times have religious institutions done whatever for the Lord or to
win the lost? Man has made all sorts of extra biblical improvements since
Christ’s resurrection. So many things are justified by saying that they are
done for the Lord. They seem so right in man’s eyes. We will discuss many
of them in this chapter such as unauthorized holiday celebrations, worldly
praise bands, vast religious structures, and entertaining children’s
activities. After all, these improvements are unto the Lord, not for us. Saul
wanted to serve the Lord his way through these great sacrifices, but God
wanted his obedience. The Lord said, 1 Samuel 15:23, “For rebellion is as
the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because
thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from
being king.” The religious often reject the word of the Lord (clearly
detailed in the Bible) in favor of their own ways. Saul loved not the Word.
He partially obeyed the Lord. Saul’s partialobedience was justification in
his own mind, but his actions told a much different story. Saul couldn’t
separate obedience from the flesh. It is also interesting to note that Saul
died at the hands of an Amalekite (2 Sam 1:5-10). Many will profess
Christ in partial obedience, but their actions will reveal the true story.

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Turns out that partial obedience is not acceptable with our Lord and He
will only accept unconditional surrender unto His total will. Many will
partially obey the Lord, but that’s not what God is looking for. Some will
obey the parts of God’s Word that do not come against their will. This is a
judgment on God and His Word. This is conforming Christ to your fleshly
will.
 
Then finally Saul admits part of the root of the problem. 1 Samuel 15:24,
“And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the
commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people,
and obeyed their voice.” Saul feared offending the people so he gave in to
what they wanted rather than obey God. This is exactly what we see in
most of the religious world today. The people want to be entertained so
gymnasiums are erected and bands are assembled. Smooth speakers are
hired that can really play to the crowd. The celebrations of the world are
observed even if they have to be somewhat Christianized. Its not that the
religious want to do such things, they just want to attract people to the
Lord so they can win them to Christ. If they can coax them into saying a
prayer then it will have all been worthwhile. The Lord sought a
replacement for Saul after that day. This is what the Lord’s criteria is: 1
Samuel 16:7, “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his
countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him:
for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward
appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” The Lord wants obedient
hearts to serve Him in faith. The Lord is not after looks or a big religious
show, just devotion. The Lord has rejected much of the world (crowds) in
favor of a faithful remnant (Joel 2:32). It is interesting to note that an
Amalekite ultimately kills Saul in battle (2 Sam 1:2-15).
 
The scripture is clear, we ought to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
Psalm 56:11, “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man
can do unto me.” Man will always seek to exalt his will at the expense of
obedience to God. A follower of Christ must have faith and trust in God
alone. Hebrews 13:6, “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper,
and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Compromise is often the
vehicle used as one justifies one’s lusts or desires. Sometimes it can be
very intimidating standing for God alone when all others are against you
(Ps 9:9-10). Peer pressure can be a powerful tool for failure. If we truly
seek to do God’s will, then He will be our strength in such battles. Isaiah
41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy
God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee
with the right hand of my righteousness.”
 
Saul did not obey the intent of God’s purposes and thus God found a
replacement. Acts 13:22, “And when he had removed him, he raised up
unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and
said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart,
which shall fulfil all my will.” Notice what God was looking for in a leader:

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one that would obey and accomplish His will. We must all take careful
note of this, particularly if you are in a leadership position..
 
Rely on Man or God?
 
In 1 Samuel Chapter 17 we learn that Goliath was a giant and the
champion of the Philistines. He was a warrior from his very youth and
greatly accomplished in battle. His success was attributed to his great
size, training and fighting ability (skill). All Israel feared him. David was a
Shepherd with no military training. When David heard him curse Israel, he
decided to meet the challenge that all the others had feared. Saul agreed
to send David, but wanted him to fight the battle man’s way. 1 Samuel
17:38-39, “And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet
of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. And David
girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not
proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not
proved them. And David put them off him.” The weapons and armor were
the things of man, David chose reliance upon God. Goliath came out to
meet David with all the strength, ability and weapons of man. 1 Samuel
17:45, “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a
sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the
name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou
hast defied.” Do you see the difference between the two? David said the
Lord would give him the victory. 1 Samuel 17:47, “And all this assembly
shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle
is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.” The victory was
assured and came to be. We must stop relying on the things and ways of
man and start looking to God. David’s faith in God was evidenced through
his actions. David literally put his life on the line for his belief in God.
 
Foundations
 
Everyone builds their life upon some foundation of belief. Certain
foundations may seem stable, but then a tribulation or catastrophe comes
along and test the foundation. Jesus said, Luke 6:47-48, “Whosoever
cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you
to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged
deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the
stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it
was founded upon a rock.” God honors His Word, for it is true, eternal and
never changing (Mt 24:35, Is 40:8). Our foundation must be in Christ (1
Cor 3:11). We must recognize the source (Christ), understand the
application, and then live the truth, and this God honors. Isaiah
28:16,  “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a
foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure
foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” The same cannot be
said concerning the foundations of men. Many build foundations (their
understanding of God) on men’s religious efforts to reach God rather than

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on Jesus Himself. Many may build upon a strong religious personality
(charismatic leader), religious denomination and associated pet doctrines,
or local church facility. Men are subject to failure and will ultimately
disappoint. Religious denominations are always changing interpretations
or practices based upon majority popular opinion. These changes tend to
even further erode and already shaky foundation of religious works. God
cannot be contained within a specific doctrinal box. Members of local
church facilities split over religious issues or human emotions all the time.
Jesus Christ must be all things in our life. Some may align themselves
with certain religious organizations, but their true foundation is
themselves and what they desire. Our strength, determination, and
abilities will fail when put to the test. We must build our lives upon Christ’s
Word and truly seek His Spirit to understand and live this Word. Christ will
never disappoint during time of need.
 
Just prior to His discussion of laying the proper foundation by doing His
will, Jesus said that not all who call Him Lord will enter into the kingdom
of heaven (Mt 7:21-23). The only ones who enter the kingdom are those
who do the Father’s will. Christ’s will and the Father’s are one in the same.
John 6:38, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but
the will of him that sent me.” Now we follow in Christ’s steps (For Jesus is
the Word of God). Some came to Jesus with religious works but were
denied (v. 22), for they still worked iniquity (v. 23). That meant they were
still not totally converted and were living for self in sin (still rebellious –
not reconciled). Many in the religious world believe God’s mercy and grace
gives them license. These have done despite the Spirit of grace (Heb
10:29). The issue is love and devotion toward God; that is a pure heart
and sincere desire to die to self and live for Him. 2 Timothy 2:11, “It is a
faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him.”
God’s mercy is for those who fear Him (Lk 1:50).
 
Truly a Work of Man
 
God directed Moses to build a tabernacle (tent) such that He could dwell
among His people (2 Chr 6:18). God specified every detail of how
tabernacle was to be made and furnished (Ex 25:9). Moses was not to
deviate from God’s pattern (Acts 7:44). Exodus 25:40, “And look that
thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the
mount.” This pattern was an example and shadow of heavenly things (Heb
8:5) – not to be altered by man! King David later had in mind to build God
a temple (2 Sam 7:2). Isaiah 66:1, “Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is
my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build
unto me? and where is the place of my rest?” God did not allow David to
build the temple because he had shed too much blood from wars round
about (1 Chr 22:8, 28:3). God did allow David’s son, Solomon, to build
Him an elaborate temple based upon heavenly patterns given to David (2
Sam 7:13, 1 Chr 28:11, 19). This pattern was given to David by the Spirit
(1 Chr 28:12) and he was made to understand it in writing by God’s hand

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that was upon him (1 Chr 28:19). God gave the pattern and it was to be
followed exactly. Man was to obey! Now the children of Israel had the Law
of Moses and the temple of God. From this foundation, they proceeded to
build an elaborate religious system of man.
 
When Jesus set about to minister on the earth, the Jews had an extensive
religious system in place. This system was full of ceremony, doctrines and
traditions of men. Jesus would later state, Matthew 15:9, “But in vain they
do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Jesus
further stated, Mark 7:9, “And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the
commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” They
religiously observed the law and their traditions, though they were ritual,
heartless and uncompassionate. God’s own Son came to them but they
received Him not (Jn 1:11). Jesus words found no place in them, John
8:37, “I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because
my word hath no place in you.”  Their hearts were so far from God: John
5:42, “But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.” Oh
religious man do you think it is any different today? To “receive Christ” is
to take His Words to heart and live them daily (see Chapter Seven – The
Sinner’s Prayer).
 
John 8:3-9, “And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman
taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto
him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now
Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what
sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse
him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as
though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted
up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him
first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the
ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience,
went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and
Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.” The religious
again showed how far their hearts were from God. They had no
compassion or regard for the women, they just wanted to entrap Jesus.
Some have speculated that Jesus was actually writing down the sins of the
accusers. In any case, they were convicted in the hearts when Christ
shined His light upon their own transgressions (darkness) and hypocrisy.
When we come to the place that we can see our own sin, none of us will
be able to cast that first stone. Our own self-righteousness will condemn
us. We must have love for the person and hate the sin or behavior. We
are to not to condone evil, but rather point the way to Christ. John 8:10-
11, “When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he
said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man
condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her,
Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” Jesus forgave the
women but told her to sin no more. Many religious folks will gladly receive
Christ’s forgiveness, but what about the “sin no more?” If Jesus tells you

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to do something, you can be sure that it is within your ability through
Him. Jesus gives us the ability to overcome. Had this not been possible,
then Jesus would have been misleading her with falsehoods and this would
have been sin. Christ never sinned! Jesus came to redeem us from sin –
not to give license (2 Tm 2:19, Ti 2:14, Acts 3:26). 1 Thessalonians 4:7,
“For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” Christ
didn’t condemn this woman, but also did not justify her actions. Jesus was
telling her to stop serving the flesh and the world, but rather come under
God’s authority (the will of God). You cannot be under God’s authority if
you are still walking in your own.
 
Jesus did not condemn the woman, but neither did He excuse her
behavior. Christ pardoned her (showed mercy) and told her to “sin no
more.” You cannot be forgiven to go away and continue in that
transgression (sin) from which you were forgiven, otherwise forgiveness
has no meaning (Pv 28:13). Those pardoned of a crime cannot expect to
go and continue in crime. Forgiveness and pardon require repentance –
the changing of the heart and direction. Christ came to call sinners to
repentance (Lk 5:32, Mt 9:13, Mk 2:17).  Consider: Acts 3:19, “Repent ye
therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the
times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” We first
truly repent and then receive the forgiveness. Does being forgiven to
continue in sin make any sense? Repentance which does not produce
change is meaningless (hollow)! Those who wish to continue in sin (love
the darkness) have no need of (or use for) forgiveness (Jn 3:19-20).
Forgiveness only has value to one who understands his transgressions and
desires to forsake them (and be delivered). Those who realize their great
need (those who mourn) will see the beauty in Jesus Christ as Lord and
Savior and will understand His great sacrifice. Those who love the
darkness (trivialize sinfulness) only seek forgiveness and pardon from the
penalty of their transgressions (sin) – that being eternal punishment. They
committ transgression and do not even blush (no grief). They make a
mock of sin (Pv 14:9). They have accepted their sin (or a measure
thereof) and may have ceased to fight the flesh. The fear of God is not
before their eyes (Rm 3:18). These oppose the deliverance that Christ
offers and do not understand the gospel – following, obeying, overcoming,
sacrifice, enduring. They have turned the gospel into one of the flesh
which soothes the will of man. The desire for deliverance from sin is a
great point of distinction between those who walk in the light and those
who walk in the darkness (Rm 13:12, Eph 5:8, 1 Jn 1:5, 3:10). The
righteous “followers” keep His commandments, do no iniquity, and walk in
His ways (Ps 119:1-3, 128:1).
 
The Modern Church Facilities
 
Matthew 24:1-2, “And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and
his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And
Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you,

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There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be
thrown down.” Acts 7:48-50, “Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in
temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and
earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what
is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things?” I guess
Jesus was not too impressed with man’s attempt to be righteous in God’s
eyes. They looked to man’s works (accomplishments), yet God wanted
them to look to Him. The point of the temple was for God to dwell among
His people. It’s not about the temple, but rather the One who occupies the
temple. Man’s works will be thrown down, but God’s will shall abide
forever. Jesus once said he was greater than the temple: Matthew 12:6,
“But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.” He
is also greater than the modern day mega-church complexes or
denominational headquarters. The religious build large structures (and
then serve them) for their comfort that they attribute as being for the
Lord’s work. These have gone well beyond meeting places. Many now
boast of separate youth buildings/ complexes, gymnasiums, banquet halls
with full service convention style kitchens and/or dinner theaters, book
stores, libraries, prayer gardens, etc. If you look nearby, you may find a
church run thrift store that maximizes profits in converting non-cash
donations into MAMMON. There may be state of the art sound systems
and projected messages or praise verses on walls and screens. Praise
should not be recited but should emanate from one’s heart. This shows
what happens when man decides the pattern rather than God. Here is
something to consider: In these modern fellowship halls with their full
service kitchens, do you think the meal of bread and fish that Jesus
offered would even be the least bit appreciated (Mt 14:16-21, 15:32-38,
Mk 6:34-44, 8:1-9, Lk 9:12-17, Jn 6:5-13)? – Be honest! The children of
Israel sure didn’t appreciate the manna from heaven (Num 11:6)!
 
In order to build these vast projects, the religious go to the world (banks)
for financing. The world’s financial system could best be described
as legalized robbery, which puts people in bondage and essentially makes
slaves of them (servants) through debt. Proverb 22:7, “The rich ruleth
over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” There are no
chains so it doesn’t seem as such. The religious man will say that this is
just the way things are. No; this is the way of the world and of those who
seek the things of the world. The antichrist will use this worldly system to
control the world one day (Rv 13:7). In the scriptures, God’s blessings
meant that one would not have to borrow: Deuteronomy 15:6, “For the
LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend
unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over
many nations, but they shall not reign over thee. God’s curse was to be on
the other side of that equation: Deuteronomy 28:44, “He shall lend to
thee, and thou shalt not lend to him: he shall be the head, and thou shalt
be the tail.” So, why do these religious organizations of man seek the
things of the world and thereby make themselves servants of the world
thus revealing that God’s curse is upon them? They are the tail and the

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godless financial institutes have become the head. The religious are in
debt to the world – seems strange doesn’t it? – an anomoly! Good
stewards? The religious build big structures and then serve them (facilities
burden) and the world. Why don’t the loyal church members and the
aspiring ambitious leadership, or building committees fund their own
fleshly projects? Because then they wouldn’t happen! Let the wise
consider. They will say that these facilities are for the Lord’s work (where
is this in scripture?), just as Saul justified his bleating sheep as sacrifices
for the Lord. If the religious truly sought God and were led of His Spirit,
then meeting places would be simple, but they would not be in bondage to
(and serving) the world. Christ would be the focus and not the flesh. Israel
sought after the things of the nations (world) around her (harlotry) and
God gave Israel over to her lovers (Ezekiel Chap 23).
 
Church Activities
 
What did Jesus think about some of the temple activities? Matthew 21:12-
13, “And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that
sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the
moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto
them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye
have made it a den of thieves.” The religious were taking advantage of
sincere worshippers of God and profiting off of them. Just after this event:
And the blind and the lame came to him (Jesus) in the temple; and he
healed them. And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful
things that he did, and the children crying (praising) in the temple, and
saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased (Matt
21:14-15). Notice that Jesus had a good heart of love and compassion.
The religious had a bad heart and were envious, self indulgent and
greedy. Christ was cutting into their monopoly and profits and taking their
glory. Jesus would no doubt be turning over cassette, CD, book, and
trinket tables in churches today. Jesus absolutely MUST be the FOCUS of
all activities by the body of Christ! Serving Christ must be from the heart
with the intent to do God’s will (Ps 40:8). God’s will can be known by
those who diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6), rather than casually reading
the latest theologian’s book. Notice that Jesus healed the blind and the
lame. The blind are those whose eyes are spiritually opened and the lame
are those who require Christ’s strength.
 
Today’s church is a bee hive of community activity. One may encounter
Christianized karate and aerobics classes, health and wealth seminars,
sports teams, theatrical/drama productions (including secular), rock and
roll praise bands w/concerts, cantatas, holiday galas, patriotic
celebrations, graduation ceremonies, coffee shops, banquets, political
voting, thrift stores, etc. Most if not all are of the flesh and have no place
in the worship of God. These are nothing more than worldly distractions
that quench the Spirit and hinder the purposes of God (1 Thess 5:19).
There seems to be little or no discernment today to know right from

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wrong. This author thought he had seen it all and then just prior to the
release of this book, saw a Christian fireworks stand. The sign out front
said all proceeds go to missions. The stand was being run by a nearby
religious denomination. This reminds me of the church pumpkin stands
which endorse the satanic celebration of Halloween in their quest to raise
funds and be popular in the community (that they are suppose to be
examples to). My heart truly grieves. I guess it’s all about money,
supposed good works and generating new members. Many will find
nothing wrong with these things because the world loves its own. Let us
not dishonor God for the entire world to see. We are not to be as the
world nor joined to it.
 
Jesus must be the absolute love of our lives and His body must focus on
Him. Revelation 2:4-5, “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee,
because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence
thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto
thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou
repent.” Jesus must be our motivation in love in all things (daily life and
fellowship). Otherwise everything degenerates into a dry routine. You’re
still going to the meetings, reading your Bible and praying, but it has all
become a ritual or a routine.” Many organized religious have totally lost
focus and left their first love. They have entertaining (fleshly) rock and roll
praise bands; career motivational speakers (high paid pastors) that inspire
through man’s wisdom; gymnasiums with church sports teams and other
activities; entertaining children’s programs with puppets, crafts, and prize
give-a-ways; benevolence committees that carefully screen the needy;
democratic church government rather than Spirit filled and led elders that
do not lord over the people, and doctrines that are opposed to God’s
Word. Just where is the focus? They would say on Christ, others would say
SELF. One thing is sure, God does not use entertaining worldly things to
accomplish His purposes – He warned us about such things: 1 John 2:15-
17, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any
man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in
the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of
life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away,
and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
Notice, he that does God’s will abides eternally!
 
But They Won’t Come to our Church Any Other Way
 
Jesus said: Matthew 26:41, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into
temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” So what do
you suppose happens to the spirit when one constantly feeds the flesh
(Rm 8:13)? Many churches are now focused on entertaining and pleasing
the flesh – they feel they must make the Gospel enjoyable and
entertaining (human psychology), otherwise the lukewarm, hypocritical,
and pharisaical may take their memberships elsewhere. The truth is that
most churches are focused on church growth (membership) and not

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Christ. Consider this verse: Galatians 5:24, “And they that are Christ's
have crucified the flesh with the affections (emotions) and lusts (desires).”
Notice the verse says “they that are Christ’s” – this does not bode well for
fleshly/worldly religious organizations or individuals. We must examine
ourselves and determine if these affections of the flesh have been
crucified (Ps 26:2). If not, we may be led into more vile ones (Rm 1:24-
28). We must seek those things above (Col 3:1-3).
 
Now many will say: “You will never find the perfect church because we are
all only human.” This is why the church (body of Christ) must be
submitted to the Holy Spirit and not man. The transgression of Ananias
and Sapphira would be considered tame by most (particularly today), but
the Holy Spirit didn’t think so (Acts chapter 5). So, if you’re religious
organization has many such errors (particularly uncorrected ones) then it
must be led of man. The religious will say that doing these fleshly things is
OK if it is for the purpose of winning souls for Christ. So how does one
violate God’s will/word (read Romans Chapter 8) for the purpose of
accomplishing God’s will (Rm 3:8)? What are these converts being won to
(Mt 23:15)? Some will say: “We must make church services entertaining
for the youth to keep their attention or they will reject it as dull/boring
compared to the things of the world.” The problem here is that parents
(who profess Christ) have given children such choices to begin with. The
world will always appeal to the flesh. When the church becomes as the
world it is no longer the church.
 
Once a body of believers is institutionalized and comes under the
doctrines and traditions of men, and is no longer led by the Spirit, they
cease to become the church! They just become religious! There is a
religious observance in form and practice, but the life and power of God is
removed. 2 Timothy 3:5, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the
power thereof: from such turn away.” There is a carnal desire for the
eternal security Christ offers, but this desire is self-centered and legalistic
– religious. Their only power is in themselves, not God and His Spirit. The
real power is the working of the Holy Spirit in your life to transform you
into the image of Christ. This is lived out daily not orchestrated at a
religious facility once or twice a week. Matthew 15:8, “This people
draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips;
but their heart is far from me.” The power of sin has not been broken and
they live in the old life (old man). Titus 1:16, “They profess that they
know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and
disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” When you are not truly
seeking God and actively living your faith, you can easily become just
religious. For example, one could be worshipping God on one day of the
week and then enjoy watching television programming throughout the
rest of the week that depicts the very sins that nailed Jesus to the cross
(pleasure in unrighteousness, 2 Thess 2:12) – yet never see the hypocrisy
or wrongfulness (see Chapter Three, A Tremendous Idol). One could be
praising God one moment and then cursing or using the Lord’s name in

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vain in a difficult situation later - James 3:9-10, “Therewith bless we God,
even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the
similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and
cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” Perhaps you might
even attempt to use God’s grace as a covering for you’re own
lasciviousness (Jude 1:4). Galatians 2:17, “But if, while we seek to be
justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ
the minister of sin? God forbid.” The problem is that the religious tend to
compartmentalize things. One morning is for God (assuming things don’t
go over normal time); the remainder of the week is for ME. Everyday
must be for God and other things will be worked in if God allows.
 
The Rock and Roll Praise Band
 
So what’s wrong with the music? Secular rock & roll was born out of
rebellion and sensual delight and that’s just what it produces. It appeals
to the flesh and the words mock God and glorify sin. The musicians
themselves referred to it as the devil’s music (Rm 1:29-32). The driving
beat and chants are no different from what the heathens do in the deepest
part of Africa (to summon demons). Consider the foul (filthy/vile)
language and bawdy (course, vulgar, rude, lewd) messages of the popular
rap music style. Today’s popular music is a multi-billion dollar global
industry. Many who came into the religious organizations did not forsake
their old sinful lives and brought the things they enjoyed with them. They
Christianized the things of the world and called it Godly. Many
congregations now rock & sway to praise bands and say they are
glorifying God, but they are really just entertaining themselves. Ask
preachers if it doesn’t draw in the crowds. True worship is from the heart
not projected on the wall as sing along or a multi-media audio/video
presentation. It shouldn’t make your flesh want to move to the beat. It is
a melody sung to God for His glory.
 
There is one easy way to tell if you are in the flesh or in the Spirit. If you
are participating in these so-called rock and roll praise services and your
body has an instinctive urge to move to the beat, your in the flesh. You
might even find it hard to resists once you become consciously aware of
it. This is the flesh and not the Spirit. Try praying in the midst of this
commotion or attempt to sing a melody within your heart and see if it is
even possible. All of this detracts from Christ, who is the head of the
body. Perhaps this is your favorite part of religious services (maybe your
seeking self)? I was once in a religious service where they put the songs,
“How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace” to a drum beat and folks were
moving to the beat. The religious institutions know what draws the
crowds; the numbers do not lie or do they? Maybe if religious services
become just as entertaining as the world then the youth would be won.
The only problem is that the religious organization will have then
conformed to the world rather that Christ and the youth will be lost to the
world anyway. This is what the youth and lost (non-believers) are being

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won to – a worldly religious experience devoid of the Spirit – seeking God,
man’s way.
 
Men of God once braved (hazarded their lives) the great “darkness” in
remote areas such as Africa to bring the “light” (Christ’s gospel) and quell
(subdue, squash, put down) the drum beats of heathen men who
worshipped false gods. These pagan drum beats summoned all manner of
evil (spirits) as the people swayed about (perhaps clapping their hands).
These men of God showed true love in laying their lives down for others
(those seemingly non-deserving). Today, religious men have brought
those “dark” forceful and repetitive drum-beats into their worldly worship
services – such a paradox! The people sway and feel the tingling in their
flesh – such an experience. Men of the true God, it is time to come forth
again – the fields are white.
 
The author grew up in the midst of rock and roll during the sixties and
seventies and absolutely understands from personal experience (past
devotion and failures) the effects of this music style. Not all music is bad,
but this style and those similar are (country, rap, blues, etc.). It creates
rebellion, lowers inhibitions, opens one up to demonic realms and clearly
manifests the fruits of the flesh. You can put whatever words you like to
it, but you will still be in the flesh. Religious words or not, you cannot
worship God through the flesh, only the Spirit (Jn 4:24). The fruit will be
outwardly visible through attitudes and actions. Look at the lives of all the
“professed” Christian performers. They seek the same things as the world:
money, fame, being cool, and rebellion (our generation does things
differently). They reap the same rewards: divorce, adultery, substance
abuse (drugs), covetousness, and pride. The performers dress cool and
have kids that idolizing them – and they love to have it so. They honor
themselves with award ceremonies (dove? Where is the Spirit?). Look at
the motivation of the industry (money) and who owns it. Christ is a by-
line buried within the lyrics and drowned by the beat. They even tone
down the message of Christ (if there is one) to sell more CDs. However
this is not the point. The religious use the things of the flesh and expect to
derive a spiritual benefit, yet the two are contrary to one another (Gal
5:17). The Christianized rock (contemporary) will lead children to the
secular rock, not that there is much difference at all. Children aren’t being
won to Christ; they are being lost to the world. Please understand that
Satan understands music and uses it to take focus from Christ and put it
on self (the flesh). Ezekiel 28:13, “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of
God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the
diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald,
and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy
pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.” The devil
has pipes and he will be that pied piper that will lead your children away
from God. Music influences attitudes, mannerisms, fashion, and forms of
language. Many religious are offended by the blatant foul language and
satanic themes of rap music, but this type of music is a derivation of rock

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music just as Christianized rock music is. Its all linked together, yet
tailored to your taste – the devil accomodates to further the rebellion. The
Christian radio stations are worldly businesses just like the secular ones.
They air commercials, worldly news (AP, UPI), act worldly cool, have non-
offensive feel good messages, have prize give-aways and always look at
the bottom line (money, ratings, audience, etc.). We once attended a
religious institution where the youth minister wanted to be hip and cool
with the kids. They planned trips to see Christianized rock groups. My son
really didn’t care for that sort of thing, but they tried to pressure him into
going (peer pressure) and would send flyers home with him. The student
Christian group at his school had a battle of the bands. This is the type of
secular thing (with rock and roll music) that was going on when the author
grew up and was leading kids to smoking, drinking, fornication, and drugs.
We need youth ministers that will stand up for Christ against the world
and protect these children’s precious souls – oh how grievous!
 
Consider this: Rock music was developed by the “Me” generation – “If it
feels good, do it.” Rebellion against parents and society was strongly
encouraged by the majority of that generation (baby boomers). The
encyclopedia characterizes the sixties (when rock came of age) as a time
of social protest. There was a civil rights movement, women’s movement
(feminism, gender roles, legalized abortion, introduction of the birth
control pill), youth movement, gay rights movement (gain acceptance and
influence), free speech movement, and environmental movement. These
created a climate of rebellion, confrontation, separation and upheaval.
Pride (exhaltation of self) and rebellion is the nature of the devil – and his
followers. The youth were trying to change American society through
demonstrations, marches, rallies, protests, sit-ins, and teach-ins.
Rebellion, rock music, drug use (exploded exponentially), illicit sex
(fornication/adultery/sodomy), abortion and free expression (do what is
right in your own eyes) went hand-in-hand. All this was shaped by a
powerful mass media (see Chapter 3 – A Tremendous Idol). God says:
Ephesians 6:2-3, “Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first
commandment with promise;)That it may be well with thee, and thou
mayest live long on the earth (also see Col 3:20).” Do you see how the
devil operates? He encourages children to disobey God and their parents,
take on his nature and thus decrease their life expectancy such that they
are eternally separated sooner (less time to consider repentance) into
eternal damnation (Pv 20:20, 30:11, 17). He comes to steal and destroy.
The devil will change society through the youth (and bring about his son).
The Beatles rock group is credited with popularizing this trendy music
style. They once pridefully and arrogantly stated that they were more
popular than Jesus Christ. This music style is of the flesh and
Christianizing it doesn’t change things – it still mimicks the world! – so do
the concerts, marketing, CDs, lust for money and fame, dress, and
paraphenalia. It should be noted that the majority of Americans did not
support the aforementioned protest movements when they initially
started. Over time through the efforts of mass media indoctrination

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(desensitization and positive portrayals), adherants coming of age and in
confrontational in-your-face tactics, much of this rebellion has now been
accepted or embraced by the public (converted) at large – or their
children. Peer pressure has changed direction - Isaiah 5:20, “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!” Worse
is on the way.
 
How should we give musical praise to the Lord?Ephesians 5:19, “Speaking
to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and
making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Praise is not about being loud,
emotional or entertaining. Praise to God is from the heart of those who
desire God’s will and are sincerely trying to live it. It’s a melody and not a
driving beat. The content and truthfulness of the words is the emphasis
(Js 5:13). Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all
wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Do we sing
about God’s will, but actually live a life opposed to it? Think of it as a
prayer of praise put to soft music - thanksgiving. If we truly love the Lord
with our heart, then we will not want to see Him dishonored by turning
praise into an imitation of the world’s entertainment which is undoubtedly
rebellious and lascivious. If we are seeking our will and the flesh, then
perhaps it won’t matter. Many have conformed Christ to their image and
this is just part of it – Jesus must certainly like what they like. How did
Jesus musically praise God? Mark 14:26, “And when they had sung an
hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives (Also Mt 26:30).”
 
Many will disagree with the conclusions drawn concerning worldly
Christianized music and probably be quite angry. Perhaps you envision
Jesus moving to the beat with hip clothing and an earring? Do you base
your disagreement on the way the music makes you feel, arouses your
emotions, and electrifies the auditorium atmosphere? Be honest with
yourself. If any of these, then I would suggest that the praise and
entertainment is directed at self and your emotions (flesh) and not God.
The body cannot exalt itself as the head. When you examine/relate service
to God as how you feel, then you are serving the flesh and not God. It’s
not that complicated to understand, but a blind man can’t see. Pray for
eye salve (Rev 3:18).
 
Further Consideration
 
Many will just be too blind to see and comprehend the fallacy of
Christianizing the things of the world (such as rock music) by assuming
that this makes these things godly. Therefore, another example will be
offered that will hopefully clarify the point. This example is purely fiction,
and somewhat absurd (feigned – to assert as if true), and to the author’s
knowledge has not happened (yet); at least not just this way, but read-
on. Gambling is a sinful and fleshly vice and the motivation is lust, greed

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and covetousness (Lk 12:15, Js 4:3-4). This is a seeking of the dainties of
the world (Mk 4:18-19, 1 Jn 2:16). In many ways the following example is
fă-cē-tious (playfully joking with what would be an inappropriate condition
if it were true) parody (satirical imitation, sarcasm used to expose vice or
folly), using common errors, to prove a very real point – a sort of fable or
allegory. Suppose a religious denomination were to buy a casino and
Christianize it such that their members would not miss out on any of this
fleshly entertaining experience (and to fulfill their desire to create new
members). Perhaps they would call it a religious retreat – sort of like a
church camp for adults. There would be a large “image” of a cross out
front. The placard (billboard) would say ten percent of all revenues go to
feed the poor (which they help create) and to spread the gospel. A
seminary trained pastor would be the manager and the board would be
composed of reputable denominational religious authorities. The slot
machines would not have symbols of fruit on their dials, but rather
“images” of crosses, lambs, and fish. The tokens would have “images” of
Christ on them – one side would say render unto Caesar, and the other
side would say render unto the Lord via the religious denomination. There
would be a sign with a Christianized worldly logo over the dice table that
says, “Got Faith!” The attendant might say, “role’em strait and narrow,
and keep’em on the table boys.” Perhaps another sign would say, “Be a
good steward and increase your talents by ten fold.” Black Jack might be
renamed white prince. The waitresses (wearing the latest fashions with
plaited/broided hair and gold jewels and pearls – 1 Tm 2:9, 1 Pt 3:3)
would bring complimentary non-alcoholic fruit drinks to the players. There
would be a chapel for prayer (for lots of winnings and blessings) and
preaching of denominational doctrines. When reporting taxable income
from your winnings, there would be a place on the form to donate a tax
deductible contribution to the religious organization. Psychologist (oops, I
mean Christian counselors) would be provided as a service (cost deferred,
debt incurred – take a pledge of the poor, Job 24:9) for those who lost
their monetary means of providing for their families (1 Tm 5:8). The
atmosphere would be festive like children’s church at some religious
institutions (i.e. churches) with disco balls and colored lights and religious
paintings on the walls. Outside there would be various statues (images) of
men that had great faith (to inspire patrons in their ignorance to name-it
and claim-it) such as Moses with an eternal burning bush (natural gas in
this case). There might even be a “holy roller” coaster. Carefully selected
(screened) scriptures would be displayed and emphasized throughout the
facility. There would be loud Christianized rock and roll (oops, I mean
contemporary) music played throughout the facility. There would be a
stage where religious cantatas (composition of choruses, solos, and
recitatives) are performed; and Christian music rock idols (oops, I mean
contemporary performers) play concerts. There would be a gift store
offering the latest self-help psycho-gospel books and Christianized
trinkets. Each hotel room would have a talking idol (oops, I mean
television). Big contributors would stay free. We are talking a virtual
Christian “wonderland” here that points to a Christ (another/different one)

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and the denomination’s version of the gospel (2 Cor 11:4). To some this
would be paradise – their version of heaven on earth. No one would feel
bad about participating because of all the “good works” and feigned
religious talk of Jesus. After all, the ends justify the means – right? What
could possibly be wrong? There would be huge crowds, good works and a
smooth messages! People would be saying sinner’s prayers as they hit
rock bottom after losing all (at the slots). Well, I will now burst this
sacrilegious bubble by informing you that the very core (foundation) evil
was never changed by Christianizing our ficticious (in this case) example
(which only added additional wickedness, blasphemy, rebellion and
deception) and this would be totally incompatible with the true gospel.
The motivation would still have been “the flesh” – and a total giving over
to it – overcome. The drivers (initiative) would be lust, greed,
covetousness, and worldliness. The results would be loss, bondage,
misrepresentation, blasphemy, and sacrilege (theft of something sacred,
desecration). Most would say this fictional example is totally unrealistic.
Perhaps, however, the author once drove through Louisiana and
Mississippi and saw whole large cities totally given over to gambling
(consumed in). There were huge towering modern glitzy casinos. Right
down the road there were huge towering modern glitzy religious buildings.
One must have envied the other and both represented the glory of the
world. The casinos and religious institutions seemed to be prospering, yet
there was poverty all around – so sad. Some of the religious buildings
apparently predated the casinos, yet obviously didn’t have ANY impact in
keeping the casinos and their corruption away. One could only wonder if
some of the good religious folk might also work in the casinos; and if so,
would anything be said about it in the religious institutions (1 Cor 6:4-5).
You can Christianize “whatever” worldly delight to seek the flesh
(entertain), but the core will still be rotten (Mt 23:23-27, Lk 11:39). Many
of the American States have passed lottery legislation. Those States that
haven’t look at those that have with envy. All the interstate highway
billboards read, “Play Lotto.” Its for a good cause they say – for the
schools; for the children! What about those who disagree and are forced
to now sell tickets in grocery and convenience stores? Many a religious
man must have voted “yes” for this to happen in so many States. America
is indeed a great mission field – people need the truth. Many ignorantly
assume good shall result (seemingly on the surface as seen through the
flesh) – as they also consider the entertainment and possible fortunes one
could reap (fantasy). The author has witnessed many dry counties (no
alcoholic beverage sales) change to wet counties (alcoholic beverage
sales) in the area he lives having applied similar logic and reasoning.
Lastly, many a religious man will psuedo-gamble (in the heart) at home
through home computer casino style video games. Whats the difference?
So! Is this an absurd example? Maybe not! Think about these things and
seek God’s Spirit.
 
Titles, Robes and Privilege
 

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1 Peter 5:2-3, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the
oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but
of a ready mind;Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being
ensamples to the flock. Let us consider:
 
Many will say they feel God’s calling on their lives and enter into “the
ministry.” They mostly accomplish this through the precepts of men (Is
29:13). They seek religious schooling through the wisdom of man in order
to be certified and approved by man. One is not considered legitimate
without such credentials (degrees, certificates). In days of old, a heathen
man could become a priest by consecrating himself with a young bullock
and seven rams (2 Chr 13:9). Today one can make himself a priest with
the cost of religious tuition (teaching, schooling, training, education) – it’s
just that simple. Many will entrust their very souls to such men. Those
without such training need not apply for employment(? - hire) at the
institutions of man. Isaiah 40:13, “Who hath directed the Spirit of the
LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?” God’s greatest prophet
(John the Baptist) and only begotten Son were soundly rejected by the
religious systems of man. Doesn’t God equip and teach whom He calls? Do
we not have God’s Word and Spirit? So what are God’s requirements? –
Child like faith (Mt 18:4, Mk 10:15, Lk 18:17) - obedience to speak His
truth (so hard for the flesh). God witholds His understanding from the
wise and prudent (religiously educated), but reveals it unto babes
(humble, God seeking, obedient – Lk 10:21). Paul is accepted as a
tremendous minister of God’s truth – what did he say? Galatians 1:1,
“Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and
God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)” Paul came as Jesus did,
speaking God’s Words and not those of men (Gal 1:11-12, 16). Paul was
justified in Christ alone. So did Paul set out to please men or God?
Galatians 1:10, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to
please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of
Christ.” Our faith does not stand in the wisdom of men (1 Cor 1:5). We do
not follow men’s wisdom, but rather the Holy Ghost (1 Cor 2:13).
Consider: Romans 10:15, “And how shall they preach, except they be
sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the
gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Sent by who?
God. With what message? God’s Words (through the Holy Spirit, not
man’s wisdom). The dispensation (privilege, allowance, God giving
knowledge and purpose) comes from God, not man (Col 1:25).
 
Matthew 23:5-12, “But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they
make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the
synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men,
Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi (Reverend, Doctor, Priest Father,
Honorable, Distinguished): for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye
are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your
Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your

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Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your
servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that
shall humble himself shall be exalted.” These verses make it very clear
that we have one Lord and that is Christ (not man or organization). We
are to serve one another in love. Titles and distinctions separate rather
than unify. I dare say that the more titles and distinctions a preacher adds
to their name only reveals how far from any dependance on God they
actually are. This only reveals a reliance on self and the things of man.
Recall from Chapter One (God’s Order) that to be great in God’s kingdom
one must be submitted (a servant – opposite of what the world teaches
us) – not exalted. Mark 12:38-39, “And he said unto them in his doctrine,
Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love
salutations in the marketplaces, And the chief seats in the synagogues,
and the uppermost rooms at feasts.” One will encounter one or more
(possibly all) of these very negative traits in almost all religious institutes
– religious clothing, special seats on stage, love of praise, titles,
distinctions (clergy/laity), honors (educational certificates), etc. Some
Lord over the people supposing that they have superior education which
gives extraordinary insight into God’s Word. They exalt themselves! 2
Timothy 3:7, “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of
the truth.” Truth is only found in God as revealed by His Spirit. Perhaps
these distinguished men would have you call them doctor or reverend to
show your respect for their high position (Job 32:22). A servant operates
in love, not for control or personal glory. A servant seeks to please his
Lord (Christ), loves others, is not self-serving, but rather self-sacrificing.
Servants encourage and disciple others to become mature in the Lord and
are not threatened when others exercise their spiritual gifts within the
body. Servants live by example.
 
Some beat their fellow servants possibly through laying on guilt
(manipulation) or obligation (Lk 12:45). Mark 9:35, “And he sat down,
and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first,
the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.” The only servants in the
religious institutions appear to be the ones that are being lorded over. The
clergy would say they are serving through their careers, but that is what
these hirelings have been paid to do. Matthew 20:27, “And whosoever will
be chief among you, let him be your servant:” Those that are faithful in
the small things and obey the Lord in what He (not clergy) has called
them to do are blessed. Matthew 23:11, “But he that is greatest among
you shall be your servant.” Surrender, submit, and serve; and God will
exalt in due time in accordance with His purposes.
 
Believe it or not, many of the biblical scholars (PhDs), theologians, and
seminary graduates may be of little or no use to God. Why? Because they
tend to rely on their own wisdom or that of man rather than God
(following His Spirit). Our sufficiency is not in ourselves, but is from God
(2 Cor 3:5). 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, “For ye see your calling, brethren,
how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many

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noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to
confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to
confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and
things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are
not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his
presence (also Job 37:24).” Where are the poor uneducated fishermen
these days? So all these men with their degrees, certificates,
accomplishments will not boast before God. This only reveals reliance
upon man and human reasoning & achievement. Psalm 94:11, “The LORD
knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.” The Holy Ghost is
shut out – not desired. A true man of God will come with God’s message
and not be beholding to influential church folk. His message will in no way
appeal to the flesh. Most religious theologians will surely reject, shun and
discredit such a person. Paul said he preached the gospel not with wisdom
of words, nor with excellency of speech lest the cross of Christ should be
made of none effect (1 Cor 1:17, 2:1). Our faith must not stand in the
wisdom of men, but in the power of God – per the Holy Ghost (1 Cor 2:5,
13)!
 
The authoronce had a dream in which he had possession of some animal
horns – the type that a hunter would desire. I said to myself, “I will
display these horns for all to see.” Then I immediately heard the voice of
the Lord say, “Will you make an altar to SELF.” It then suddenly occurred
to me that all the trophies, certificates, diplomas, achievements, and
awards that we so proudly display are no more than idols to ourselves.
This is not the humble attitude one should have who truly relies on the
Lord for everything. We must seek to find our importance and acceptance
in God. Our acceptance is relational to our surrender. All these other
things of man are worldly and temporal and will quickly burn away when
put to the flame of God’s testing/judgment.
 
Jesus went up and taught the religious in their temple, John 7:15-16,
“And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having
never learned? Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine,
but his that sent me.” They had spent their whole life learning and Jesus
who had never learned put them to shame. Their wisdom came from man,
but Christ’s came from God. What a difference! These men did not take
this very well; they were jealous, envious, offended and felt threatened.
Jesus put them to shame in their own territory and on a topic (Sabbath)
they thoroughly studied and was so dear to their heart (Jn 7:21-24). How
many doctorate theologians today would take offense at being corrected
by an unlearned man who is just following the Spirit? Jesus prayed (Lk
6:12-13) & chose common unlearned men (fishermen) or those that
society despised (tax collector) as he looked at hearts that would be
pliable to God - fit for God’s use. Man’s religious system demands highly
educated theologians (instructed in a particular denomination’s doctrines)
– fishermen need not apply. The highly educated Pharisees looked down
upon Jesus as unlearned (Jn 7:15) as did they to His disciples (Acts 4:13).

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They were humble in man’s eyes, yet God exalted them through the
miracles they did and words they spoke – all were amazed and marveled.
They truly changed the world. God wants those who will depend solely
upon Him not themselves or others.
 
Paul was a very educated Pharisee (Acts 22:3, Gal 1:14, Php 3:5-6) and
highly qualified to reach the Jewish leadership with the gospel, yet God
saw that as no value and sent him to teach the Gentiles. In this position,
Paul was forced to rely upon God rather than his own understanding. Paul
was given a ministry by God: Galatians 1:1, “Paul, an apostle, (not of
men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised
him from the dead).” Paul was not sent of men or answerable to men.
Paul stated: Galatians 1:11-12, “But I certify you, brethren, that the
gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received
it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Paul’s religious training would put any modern seminary graduate to
shame, yet the gospel he preached came from God. All his prior training
from man was useless in God’s purposes. Paul said he counted it as loss
and dung that he may win Christ (Php 3:8-9). Some religious readers
need to take note of all this! Religious institutes today train men (and
women? 1 Tm 2:12) for the priesthood, yet there is no more priesthood
(as such) – Christ alone is our High Priest (Heb 8:1)! Whom God calls,
God will equip, quite independent of man (ex. Peter/Paul/John – Acts
4:13, also Amos 7:14-16). Ephesians 4:11-12, “And he gave some,
apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors
and teachers: For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the
ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” These are giftings of the
Spirit for those filled and led of the Spirit. Paul said: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5,
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech
or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined
not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And
my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s
wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith
should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. -ALSO- 1
Thessalonians 1:5, “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but
also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know
what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” God doesn’t
desire any entertaining motivational speakers (1 Cor 1:17). Tell a few
jokes or stories, sell a product (church growth), and raise money. God is
not looking for politicians to be popular and tell everyone what they want
to hear. God is looking for vessels that will submit to Him and speak His
truth (as directed) and demonstrate His power (as directed). Rest assured
that God’s message will condemn the flesh (crucify).
 
Moses was a man much beloved of God. Deuteronomy 34:10, “And there
arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew
face to face (also Ex 33:11, Num 12:6-8).” What were his qualifications

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(learning, degrees)? Exodus 4:10-12, “And Moses said unto the LORD, O
my LORD, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast
spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who
maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the
LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee
what thou shalt say (also Ex 6:12, 29-30, 7:1-2).” Moses would have
been disqualified by religious man given his poor public speaking skills.
God was looking at Moses heart and meekness – for he was meek above
all men (Num 12:3). God doesn’t choose us for our intellect or fleshly
strengths/skills – that’s are a hindrance to the obedience God desires.
Notice that God said He would teach Moses what to say. All men sent of
God will speak God’s Words and be led of His Spirit. God was planning to
use Moses and his brother Aaron for His purposes: Exodus 4:15, “And
thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with
thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.” The
Lord gives us His Word and we speak it in obedience (Ex 7:6). Dear Lord,
teach us what to say that we do not speak forth that which is of man.
 
The Problem with Man
 
When man is not submitted to God, he is not listening and being taught of
His Spirit. A prime example of this would be one believing that it is
absolutely necessary to attend some sort of religious school or seminary
to get a certificate to be able to minister the Word of God. Religious
institutions are in great error in advancing this notion and requiring such
degrees. Galatians 1:10, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I
seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant
of Christ.” Most are out to please man – whom God calls, God will equip
(Acts 4:13). We will either jump through men’s hoops or follow the Holy
Spirit. Man attempts to approach God through the flesh. God says you will
approach Him through the Spirit (Jn 4:24). When God is sought through
the flesh, then His Word is looked at with fleshly eyes and prayers are
offered with fleshly intent. Doctrines (teachings) start to emerge that
sooth the flesh because man is placing his will above God’s in seeking
after self.  Galatians 1:6-7, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from
him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is
not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the
gospel of Christ.” This perverting of the gospel is the inevitable result of
seeking the flesh and not the Spirit. An example of this would be the
doctrine of “once saved always saved.” This doctrine sooths the flesh
because it proposes the notion that once one makes a profession of faith,
then one cannot loose salvation due to any effort of their own (Pv 11:6,
19-20, 23, 13:6, 14:2, 17:15, 24:24, 28:10, Is 5:23, Ez 13:22, 18:24,
26, 33:13, Mal 2:17, 3:18) – you are justifying the wicked. Often these
will tell us we are justified “as is” – no deliverance (freedom) required.
God in no way will justify the wicked (Ex 23:7, 34:7, Num 14:18, Deut
25:1, Is 5:23, Nahum 1:3), but religious man will say the wickedness is

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justified by the grace of God. This is a perverting of the gospel and
becomes “another gospel” altogether – one of the flesh. This elevates the
flesh to partake of all its desires and still offers eternal security (Col 3:25).
This is a perverting of the gospel (Pv 24:24, Is 9:16)! Beware! These
religious doctrines and traditions make the Word of God of none effect
(nullify) by allowing one to live in the flesh and not seek God’s
righteousness and holiness (Mk 7:6-13). We must abide in God’s
goodness or be cut off (rejected, Rm 11:22). God’s desire is that we deny
our will and seek His purposes. We conform to the image of Christ through
the Spirit. The Spirit will never be leading to placate the flesh.
Examine Christ’s life as discussed in Chapter Two. Do not our works
(deeds/fruit) give an indication of our nature (Jn 14:12)? Jesus said of
Himself: John 10:37-38, “If I do not the works of my Father, believe me
not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may
know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.” Christ was
saying, look at My fruit (Jn 14:11). If we love Jesus, we will obey (Jn
14:23, 15:10) – that is the fruit. Jesus loved the Father and obeyed (Jn
14:31, also see Chapter Two). The fruit of this “once saved” teaching is all
manner of evil as one lives for self yet maintains a religious profession or
observance. Woe to them who say that those who do evil are good and
the Lord delights in them (Mal 2:17). Another example would be the
doctrine of the pre-tribulation rapture. The Bible clearly states that Christ
will not return until after the tribulation (Mt 24:29-31, Mk 13:24-26).
Throughout the Bible we are told to expect persecution, tribulation,
suffering, and even martyrdom. The pre-tribulation rapture appeals to the
flesh because there is no self denial or sacrifice. This topic is covered more
extensively in the last chapter of this book.
 
If you are a minister or pastor, God can certainly use you if you will seek
Him through His Spirit for the purpose of doing His will (speaking God’s
Words however unpopular). You must examine your heart and determine
if you have been seeking God through the flesh, relying on man or
pleasing man. If so, then you must repent and turn your heart to God and
be led of His Spirit. This will require a dying to your old life and a new life
devoted to God’s will. You may have to die to all your religious education
and surrender to the Spirit’s leading. Be advised that preaching the truth
of the gospel will reduce your membership and most likely cost you your
position within the religious institution.
 
Hirelings
 
John 10:11-13, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his
life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose
own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and
fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling
fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.” A hireling
does not truly care for the sheep, they have a personal stake and derive a
living (career) from their position. Caring for the sheep is to tell them the

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whole counsel of God even though it may be unpopular, not appeal to the
flesh and many may take offense. They are hired (most likely seminary
trained, Jer 8:9) professionals. They are full of the wisdom of men and
have their denominational doctrinal emphasis blinders own. Most religious
institutions employ and are staffed with such men. Usually these men are
answerable to boards or committees, which pay their salary and
determine their continued employment (arrangement). As with the world,
they are told what will be expected of them and perks are negotiated. One
should always remember that the one who pays the piper also calls the
tune. The hireling does not warn (speak truth) the sheep because it may
scare them (offend) and thus the wolf comes (those things allowed into
the church that oppose God’s will) and catcheth (damages or kills the faith
of some) and scattereth (brings division/denominations and wounds the
faith of others). If things are not going well the hireling leaveth or fleeth
(goes to another religious organization). Can you see how religion has
deviated from God’s plan? Whom God calls should be answerable to God
alone and not to man. What man controls, man corrupts. One who is led
by the Spirit of God is following the will of God and answerable to Him.
This individual speaks God’s Words and not what man wants to hear (Mt
10:20). This individual does not always have the threat of the loss of
livelihood should some influential person become offended at God’s Word
or the Spirit’s direction. In Israel, the priesthood had become corrupted
and God sent prophets (those not beholding to the priesthood). The words
of the prophets were always rejected by the priesthood to the point that
they killed and imprisoned/mistreated the prophets (2 Chr 36:16). It
should also be noted that God’s prophets were always vastly outnumbered
by the false prophets.
 
When a pastor or teacher becomes concerned about their reputation or
financial security (career, 1 Cor 7:10), they are easily kept from teaching
the parts of the Bible that conform the congregation to godliness (1 Tm
4:8) – their heart is on the hire (personal benefit). Since he needs the
approval of the congregation to fulfill his selfish ambition, he will not deal
with certain parts of the Bible which will offend their flesh. They will not
consistently or seriously preach about the need for repentance, abstaining
from worldliness, God’s judgment upon sin, nor will they seriously and
consistently preach against sin. Righteousness and holiness will be
downplayed. Such messages offend the flesh and will keep them from
receiving glory from men. The whole Gospel will tell the flesh it has to die.
This is not a popular message and will not please men, but it is what
God’s men will preach as they seek the approval of God rather than of
men. The prophets of old paid a heavy price for such a message as will
the true man of God today. Messages that deny the flesh are absolutely
excluded from all the church growth formulas in the modern religious
world. Jeremiah 5:31, “The prophets prophesy falsely (feel good
messages, flattery), and the priests bear rule by their means (lord it over,
clergy/laity); and my people love to have it so (content/spiritually lazy):
and what will ye do in the end thereof?” The facts are that a false

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prophet/teacher is always popular – very likeable. Their messages appeal
to the majority (flesh nature). Members are placated and assured that all
is well (peace, peace). God will love us and accept us regardless as if God
were answerable to man – how presumptuous and arrogant (Jer 23:32).
Jeremiah 23:17, “They say still unto them that despise me (love the
darkness, not the truth), The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and
they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own
heart, No evil shall come upon you.” The false prophet will speak
according to their own ideas and then say “thus saith the Lord” (Ez 13:2-
3, Jer 23:25-26).God says woe to these foolish prophets - liars! - He is
against them (Ez 13:8, Jer 23:30-32). A true prophet is despised by those
living in the flesh. Their messages require sacrifice or obedience to God.
They will always seem fanatical or extreme to one whose eyes are on the
world and not God. The flesh wants to rule, but God says it must die. The
hireling has a great conflict of interest in truly serving God. God required
Judges to be honest, fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness and not
taking bribes or perverting justice (Ex 18:21, 2 Chr 19:6-7). God surely
requires His teachers not to take bribes (derive an entire livelihood and
subsistence) and pervert truth (Is 33:14-15). Micah 3:11, “The heads
thereof judge for reward (Christian counseling), and the priests thereof
teach for hire (paid salary, career), and the prophets thereof divine for
money (write and sell books, videos, and trinkets): yet will they lean upon
the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us (we are serving God and
not ourselves)? none evil can come upon us.” Any offerings a man of God
receives must come with no strings or expectations nor should they be a
continual stipend. Career Clergy are paid by man, focused on man,
answerable to man and as they relate to God there is a conflict of interest
with man. Jesus, John the Baptist, and Paul had no such conflicts. Their
eyes were on God, not man, and God provided. Of course the true prophet
will not seek the things of the flesh and will live simply as God provides.
 
These career men (who may have felt the call) who feed themselves at
the expense of their congregations (meaning they live off of them, yet
they do not teach true godliness – repentance, obedience to God,
righteousness, serving the Spirit and not the flesh, etc.) are warned of
God, even though many will never consider these verses as applying to
themselves: Ezekiel 34:8-10, “As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely
because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every
beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my
shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed
not my flock; Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will
require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the
flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will
deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.”
These may say that they were just following what their religious
denominational bosses (men) told them to do. Well they should have been
following the Holy Spirit and speaking God’s Words. There is good news

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for the real sheep (God will separate between the rams and the sheep –
Ez 34:17): Ezekiel 34:11-12, “For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I,
even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd
seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are
scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all
places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.” The
author was one of these sheep that the Lord found – Praise you Jesus,
thank you for your great and undeserved mercy. The Lord says: Ezekiel
34:15, “I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the
Lord GOD.” That’s just what He does when you are led of His Spirit! Glory
to God! The Lord will also heal those who have been damaged by these
supposed sheperds: Ezekiel 34:16, “I will seek that which was lost, and
bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was
broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat
and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.” If your preacher/pastor
is not absolutely directing you to Jesus in all holiness and righteousness
then you are being consumed by him. Take heed and beware!
 
How do we Know if One is a Man of God or a Hireling?
 
Things have become so confusing, how will we know if a preacher is a
hireling? Jeremiah 23:21-22, “I have not sent these prophets, yet they
ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had
stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then
they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of
their doings.” Anyone who comes for any other reason than to help you
see your iniquity (depravity, sin) such that you forsake (turn from, Pv
28:13) your evil way and submit totally to Jesus Christ, is a hireling (Ez
13:22). In other words, their preaching must be turning you from sin and
the things of this world (your will - darkness) to God to perform His will
(His light). The truth of the Word – the whole gospel will convict the heart.
This is not constructing buildings, increasing memberships, positive
motivation, etc. This is being a faithful Shepherd over God’s people to
direct them toward living faithfully for Christ. The hireling will be
appeasing the people in their sin, always speaking of God’s love and
gaining the favor of all (God loves you no matter what – Mal 2:17). The
hireling will not speak of death to the flesh in any real sense, overcoming
sin, or forsaking the things of the world. They can’t speak such a
message, because it will not gain them employment or popularity. We will
either be hearing the doctrine of the man (or institution) or in the case of
the true man of God, the doctrine of the One who sent him. The flesh
hates sacrifice and you can be sure that such a messenger is not
appeasing you, for he has nothing to gain except the pleasure of His Lord.
 
A true man of God will feed the flock with truth (which always opposes the
flesh) out of love and devotion and will live what he preaches. 1 Peter
5:2-3, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight
thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready

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mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to
the flock.” Hirelings serve from compulsion, seek money and position
(authority). Notice that pastors are not to “lord over,” but rather set an
example. God gives pastors which lead His people to knowledge and
understanding (Jer 3:15).
 
Deceitful Workers
 
Have you read the latest book by so and so – you know, he is a Christian.
Our pastor says such and such – and he is such a wonderful Christian
man. Oh, we love the President – and you you know he is a Christian. I
just read the best selling Christian book and you know it must be true
because it is so popular. So many people come in the name of Christ and
promote their messages as godly. Are we to be so naïve and gullible (easy
to fool or mislead) as to assume that a profession of Christ is God’s seal of
approval for what is being said or promoted? We do not have to judge the
individual, Jesus said we are to examine their fruit. Matthew 7:20,
“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” People say lots of things in
the name of Christ. We are to look at their actions and messages in the
light of Christ’s Word. Many claim to know and represent Christ, but are
actually far from Him. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, “For such are false
apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of
Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of
light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as
the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their
works.” Perhaps these verses have garnered your attention. The
statement “according to their works” is the same as “knowing them by
their fruits.” This is what it all comes down to: They will be leading you
toward God in all righteousness, holiness and self denial through the Spirit
or they will be leading you away from God in things of the flesh. Those
leading in the things of the flesh will overemphasize God’s love at the
expense of living soberly, godly and righteously. They will trivialize sin and
overplay acceptance without the condition of repentance. They will issue
license to live fleshly and worldly and tie this to Jesus’ forgiveness. Those
deceitful ones are very crafty because their authority (devil) is the master
of all subtilty (trickery, cunning, craftiness). They will weave their poison
amidst truth. They will gain your confidence and slowly lead you opposite
from God. Your defense is to stay in the Word of God and be directed by
His Spirit daily. Man thinks he knows it all and cannot be deceived. Man’s
pride is the very weapon that will be used to misdirect. When we humble
ourselves and allow God to lead, then we will stay on the path He has set
forth. This path is very narrow and the human will does like to wander –
beware! Many will say that their respected leader or authority (note:
should be Jesus) would never do such things. These may or may not be
doing this intentionally. Most deceitful workers are deceived themselves
and assume their authority is God. They always assume God approves and
endorses their messages.
 

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The One Man Show
 
Perhaps you have encountered the one-man show. Years ago we attended
a church where the pastor was very controlling of all things (not a godly
trait, likeDiotrephes). One night he was absent and my young son asked
me where Jesus was. Through the course of our conversation I realized
that he thought the pastor was Jesus. This was a real eye opener. Don’t
discount the thoughts of a child. Jesus said: Matthew 18:3, “And said,
Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little
children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Also Matt
19:14).  Had this pastor elevated himself to the place of Christ? One child
thought so! Woe, Woe, Woe!
 
No More Priests?
 
Israel was structured under a Levitical priesthood that required priests to
offer sacrifices and approach God for the people (Ex 28:29-30, 38). The
High Priest entered the temple once a year into the holy place and then
through a thick veil (curtain - Ex 26:33) into the most Holy Place where
God dwelt between the cherubims to offer sacrifice for the people.
Hebrews 9:7, “But into the second (most Holy) went the high priest alone
once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for
the errors of the people:” When Jesus (of the Melchisedec priesthood) died
on the cross the old covenant (Levitical priesthood) was ended and the
new covenant was established: Hebrews 8:13, “In that he saith, A new
covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and
waxeth old is ready to vanish away.” When Jesus died: Mark 15:38, “And
the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.” This
meant that we (followers of Christ) can directly approach God through
Jesus – no more veils and no men or things in between! That veil was
Christ’s flesh (Heb 10:20). Hebrews 10:9-10, 13, “Then said he, Lo, I
come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may
establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the
offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. In that he saith, A new
covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and
waxeth old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 10:19-20, “Having
therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of
Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through
the veil, that is to say, his flesh;” Jesus is our high priest: Hebrews 8:1,
“Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such
an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in
the heavens;” Unfortunately, men who are not servants and religious
organizations put themselves between God and the people. Their doctrines
and traditions have boxed them in from the truth of God’s Word. Their
concern has become pleasing men (membership), influence, control and
maintaining the institution.
 

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Layers of authority have been established – perhaps you have heard of
the clergy/laity? Jesus referred to those who desired to rule the people as
Nicolaitans (Rev 2:15-16) whom he hated. Usually those that want to rule
seek control, perhaps through doctrine, fear, by-laws, peer pressure, etc.
Desiring position, power, or rule over others is fleshly and not of the
Spirit. You as a believer have the responsibility for your relationship with
Christ. Do not seek God through men or institutions. Many true disciples
were labeled heretics and were martyred over the years for refusing to
serve such theocracies and prophecy tells us this will soon happen again
(great tribulation). The true eldership edifies (Rm 12:4-5) the body
through their spiritual gifts (Eph 4:11-13). The true church (body)
encourages and edifies one another in love: Ephesians 4: 15-17, “But
speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the
head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and
compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual
working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto
the edifying of itself in love. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord,
that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity (pride) of
their mind.” True men of God will teach the truth of His Word, but our
eyes must always be on Christ.
 
Eldership
 
Paul had set forth rules for elders (more than one) that were to oversee
each local body in love, meekness, and humility – being servants to all.
These were basically the pastors. They were to be blameless (just/holy),
not self-willed (temperate), not soon angry, not given to wine (sober), no
striker (not a brawler), not given to filthy lucre (not covetous or greedy);
the husband of one wife (not divorced), vigilant, of good behavior, given
to hospitality, apt to teach; patient; and one that ruleth well his own
house, not being a novice (mature in faith, 1 Tm 3:3-6). Their children
must not be riotous or unruly. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath
been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to
convince the gainsayers (Ti 1:6-9). The elders in the religious institutes of
today do not even perform the same functions and I dare say most do not
meet the eligibility. The requirement for not being a novice is concerning
an established relationship with the Lord (spiritual life, faith) and
demonstrated maturity as taught and led by the Spirit. This is not
referring to some religious schooling whereby one is taught the precepts
of man.
 
Woman as Head of Man?
 
The Lord has clearly set an order of authority in His Word. 1 Corinthians
11:3, “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ;
and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.”
The man is the image and glory of God and the woman is the glory of man
(1 Cor 11:7). Man is to take a leadership role, subject to Christ’s authority

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and will be held accountable. 1 Timothy 2:11-14, “Let the woman learn in
silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp
authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed,
then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived
was in the transgression.” These verses are so clear that there should be
no room for doubt, only our obedience to them. When we step outside the
roles God has placed us in, then we rebel against God’s order and judge it
as unworthy of our obedience - Woe! God has made distinct differences
between males and females. These differences compliment one another.
Women due to their make-up tend to be more prone to deception. Woman
was taken out of man to be a helpmate. Genesis 2:18, “And the LORD
God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an
help meet for him.” 1 Corinthians 11:8-9, “For the man is not of the
woman: but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the
woman; but the woman for the man.” This does not mean that woman is
inferior to man or less loved by God. 1 Corinthians 1:11, “Nevertheless
neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the
man, in the Lord.” The man is clearly meant to be the covering for
woman. 1 Corinthians 11:7, “For a man indeed ought not to cover his
head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is
the glory of the man.” The man is to love his wife as Christ loves the
church. Ephesians 5:23-25, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even
as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their
own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ
also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” This clearly places all lines
of authority and responsibility under the commandment of “love.” There is
absolutely no room for abuse or domineering in complying with God’s line
of authority (Eph 5:23:25). Those who do so are following the flesh and
not the Spirit. Each designated role of authority must be followed by the
bounds set in the Word otherwise you become a transgressor. Wives, if
you do not submit to your husband’s God given authority as your head,
then the verse says that you have also denied Christ as your Savior.
Please understand, Christ submitted to the Father and this was to His
glory. Similarly, woman submits to man (in God’s order) and this is to her
glory. Christ did not usurp the Father’s authority, neither should the
woman usurp the man’s. Pride is a great abomination, we must be
humble.
 
Satan plays opposites with the things of God due to his absolute rebellious
nature. If God would have man lead the woman, then the devil’s purposes
would be to exalt the woman over the man. Mankind in his rebellion has
followed suit. Ambitious imperious (commanding/domineering) women
have long sought equality and/or dominance over men through the
political process and various movements. These activities were certainly
demonically inspired by those seeking self rather than God. Our culture
has bought into this lie and it has been taught to our children. Now God’s
Word on this matter seems foreign, archaic, antiquated (behind the times)

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and out of place to most. This only shows that the flesh has accepted the
devil’s message and is in agreement with his rebellion. Many religious
individuals have judged God’s Word as void as they seek to recreate God’s
Word in their own image. They presume to update God’s very Words
according to the majority popular opinion (culture) of man – “Oh that was
for back then due to their culture.” All such rulings are based upon human
reasoning, not the Word of God! Women who follow suit are rebelling
against God’s curse placed upon woman in the Garden of Eden (Gen
3:16). The curse says that man will rule over thee. Just as surely as the
pain of child bearing continues to this day, and the fact that man lives by
the sweat of his brow (Gen 3:17-19), so does the fact that the husband
shall rule over the wife in God’s order (Gen 3:16). When women
manipulate men to get their way, they are not being biblically
submissive and are exalting themselves above the curse. By exalting
themselves above man, they are telling God that His punishment is unfair
and they exalt their own will above God’s – they judge God. As a result
confusion reigns between the genders. We are all to yield and be
submissive before God. The women is also to further submit to her
husband. We are blessed and content when our lives are lived within
God’s directions.
 
Women assuming leadership is now blatantly seen in the religious
organizations. Many a religious man has attempted to explain away God’s
line of authority and make it null and void. Because the religious read
God’s Word through the flesh and not the Spirit, they will contort it to
their views and liking. This is pure rebellion to God’s purposes – man
exalting his will. This is man’s judgment against God’s purposes. Many
religious denominations now place women in authority over men. Women
rule over them (Is 3:12)! They ordain women as clergy and assign them
leadership over their temples or put them on their committees. This
clearly violates scripture. Religious denominations are caving on this issue
of allowing women to lead because they are tied to the world. What is
popular in the world must be accepted by their organizations or they will
lose the thing they seek most – members and church growth. Just like the
world, there is a competition for market share. The perks must match or
exceed the other players in the field or the customer base will be lost to
another more tolerant and fleshly religious denomination. Also there is the
consideration of public opinion (negative advertising). The flesh seeks
praise and not rebuke. Feminism is popular in society (due to electronic
and printed media), so the religious must go along or face persecution for
living godly in Christ (2 Tm 3:12). When man seeks God man’s way
through his religious efforts apart from the Spirit, there is confusion,
disorder and failure. Compromising on this issue is doing that which is
expedient to the flesh. Jesus chose twelve apostles. These were all men
and this was intentional – God does not violate His own Word as men do.
Had Jesus chosen a woman apostle, then He would have sinned (violated
scripture) and thus have been blemished and unworthy as the sacrificial
lamb of God.

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In many cases there is also another consideration. What is the
responsibility of these women religious leaders in raising their own
children? What is their responsibility to their husbands (Ti 2:3-5)? 1
Timothy 5:14, “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear
children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak
reproachfully.” Did God intend for others to raise our children? – the ones
He entrusted to us (is this being faithful stewards?). The modern woman
has been taught that nurturing and teaching/raising their children is not
redeeming or important. The world says that self must come first
(careers, wants/needs of the individual). Is it any wonder that women
seeking religious position/authority would look down upon (lessen the
importance) guiding the house and raising children (1 Tm 2:15)?
 
Note: It doesn’t matter how capable (demonstrated and proven) women
are in leadership positions nor of man voluntarily abdicating his authority
(desiring Jezebel dominance). This is not the issue. The issue is obedience
to God’s Word! You either accept God’s Word and live within it or you
reject it and justify youralternative.
 
Some religious folks will contend that there are examples in scripture of
women in leadership positions. The issue is not that God uses women, but
of women taking authority over man. One such example would be
Deborah the Prophetess. If one will read the account in the book of Judges
(chapters four and five), you will find that at the time, the children of
Israel were wholly given over to idolatry and rebellion against God’s
purposes. Israel was far from God and this always brings confusion - A
woman reigning over a man is a great dishonor (Jer 31:22). Isaiah 3:12,
“As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over
them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy
the way of thy paths.” Even Barak who was called by God through
Deborah to lead Israel against the Canaanites (Sisera, Jabin) wanted to be
led of a woman and this was to his dishonor. Judges 4:9, “And she said, I
will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall
not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a
woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.” A woman
named Jael killed Sisera rather than Barak (Jdg 4:17-22, 5:24-27). One
other such example would be Huldah the prophetess (2 Kgs 22:14).
During her time the children of Israel did great evil before the Lord (2 Kgs
21:9). Manasseh and later his son Amon had been kings and were
exceedingly wicked before the Lord (for fifty four years). Through their
leadership such evil had been done that even a graven image and grove
had been set up in the Lord’s own house (2 Kgs 21:7). God said that as a
result He would bring such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of
those who heard would tingle (2 Kgs 21:12, God spared new king, Josiah,
because of his humbleness of heart). Consider the specific evil done as
detailed in 2 Kings Chapter Twenty Three. Things were definitely not being
done as God would have them – this is great confusion which manifested

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in the religious leadership. Neither the king (now Josiah) nor the religious
leadership (no doubt including Huldah and Hilkiah the High Priest) had
been following the Lord – this was only evident after Hilkiah found the
book of the law while repairing the temple (2 Kgs 22:8, 10-13). Hilkiah
the high priest had been participant in setting up idols in the Lord’s house
and must not have known God’s law. The things written in the book of the
law surprised Josiah and Hilkiah – they had been in violation (2 Kgs
22:11-13). The city of Jerusalem and all of Judah and Israel was given
over to idolatry. Josiah humbled himself and sought answers from God.
God spoke through Huldah. We do not know how Huldah’s heart was
toward God, but we do know God will speak through those who oppose
(are in error) Him – consider Balaam whom God used to bless Israel
(Numbers Chapters Twenty Two through Twenty Four).
 
Symbology of Marriage
 
Ephesians 5:31-32, “For this cause shall a man leave his father and
mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one
flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the
church.” A man and a woman come together as one flesh – perfect
closeness and unity. How is this accomplished? The answer is submission
(See Chapter One, “God’s Order”). Can two be united if they have dual
wills (Amos 3:3)? Not as one flesh. One must submit to the other – to
love, honor and obey! In good times and in bad. In marriage, God has the
woman submit to the man – His order. Colossians 3:18, “Wives, submit
yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.” AND
Ephesians 5:24, “Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the
wives be to their own husbands in every thing (1 Pt 3:1).” The man loves
the woman as himself (his flesh) and as Christ loves the church (Eph
5:25, 28). Ephesians 5:29-30, “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh;
but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are
members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.” Each has a role and a
responsibility. The head is leadership, love and care. Notice the
symbology: The man is the head of the woman (body – the two as one
flesh). Christ is the head of the church (body – the two as one). The
woman submits to the man to become one. The church (body) submits to
Jesus to become one. Submission is loving, honoring and obeying another.
The key is that this is done willingly from the heart. When one does not
submit in their role (or role switching), they are in rebellion – out of God’s
order and His will. Rebellion brings separation and is the opposite of unity
and closeness – i.e. not one flesh. Does anyone suppose that Christ is
coming back for a bride (church) that has her own mind and will? - A bride
that desires a hyphen (maiden name hyphen married name). Will Christ
sign a marriage agreement (faithless arrangement) with His bride? Does
Jesus desire to just give the marriage a try? Will God spend eternity
pleading for subjection to His will? Scriptures reveal a great separation –
those who submit and those who do not. Satan did not submit and neither
will his followers. These are destined for separation - eternally.

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Doctrines
 
Man always wants to reach God his way rather than God’s way. Romans
10:3, “For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to
establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto
the righteousness of God.” Often the religious systems that man sets up
to reach God are no more than establishing man’s own righteousness. God
desires that we come to Him through Christ in faith. This is how we are to
absolutely live our lives. We do not come to God through man, religion,
ceremony, ritual, attendance, tithing, or anything else other than a heart
full of love, faith and devotion to Him – seeking His will. What did Jesus
say about the doctrines and traditions of men during His time on earth (Mt
15:3, 9, Mk 7:7-8)? Matthew 16:6, 12, “Then Jesus said unto them, Take
heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of
bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” Their
doctrines were far from a humble and repentant heart seeking God in
sincere love and faith to perform His will. Jesus’ doctrine was not His, but
the Fathers (Jn 7:16). The same can be said of John the Baptist and all
the prophets. Religious man often forms doctrines throught the eyes of
the flesh and they are of man – without life.
 
Whenever Christ ceases to become the sole impetus of the church and the
Holy Spirit is quenched (1 Thess 5:19), then self-sufficient man takes over
(think of all man’s improvements that entertain the flesh). The scriptural
pattern is demonstrably unworkable apart from the Spirit. Whenever
humble reliance upon Christ slackens, the leadership degenerates into no
more than a committee. Often a few strong personalities will dominate.
The problem is that God must often be sought through intense prayer, self
sacrifice, and scriptural study, a constant subjection to the will of God as
lived out daily. The natural way (man’s) is always easier to the flesh than
the way of the Spirit. People tend to take the most expedient approach.
The religious institutions run by man, soon find themselves to actually be
an opponent of Christ (not in their eyes), because they confirm their own
doctrines (denomination’s) by ascribing them to be infallible. Many will
consider their doctrines (such as Calvinism-eternal security, pre-
tribulation rapture, female leadership, creeds, etc.) to be untouchable.
Those that do will face the wrath of the institution. 1 Peter 2:8, “And a
stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at
the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” Often
the religious organizations put more of an emphasis to the understanding
or assent to certain denominational truths (doctrines) than dedication and
love to the Lord. There most likely will be an agreed litmus test for
membership to their club. Mark 7:7, “Howbeit in vain do they worship me,
teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Man through his
doctrines (statements of faith) attempts to control the outward actions of
a man, but can do nothing with inward thoughts and motives. Jesus said

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the Pharisees appeared righteous on the outside but inside were full of
hypocrisy and sin (Mt 23:28). This is why the Holy Ghost must be
directing the body. The Spirit works to clean the inside of a man. ONLY
God can change the inside of a man! This will result in a truly outward
righteousness and a living walking statement of faith. Jesus didn’t follow
the Pharisees traditions, are you so confident that He will follow yours? Do
you follow them?
 
Jesus once corrected the Sadducee’s untouchable doctrine that they
considered to be infallible. They did not believe in the resurrection of the
dead. So they came to Jesus with one of their best arguments using a
scenario that seemed to prove their point (from a human perspective).
They said there was a man who married a wife and then died. His brother
then marries the widow and he also dies. This goes on through seven
brothers. Their question was whose wife would she be in the resurrection?
Seems like a pretty witty argument. Mark 12:24-27, “And Jesus answering
said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the
scriptures, neither the power of God? For when they shall rise from the
dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels
which are in heaven. And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye
not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him,
saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of
Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye
therefore do greatly err.” – and these live unto God (Lk 20:38). We know
from scripture (Acts 23:8) that the Sadducees did not heed Jesus’ advice.
How often do the religious admit fault concerning one of their doctrines?
 
Similarly today many put forth witty arguments like this one: “You are a
parent who loves your children. If your children did some bad things, you
would not send them to hell for an eternity. So why do you think a loving
God would do that?” This argument is used to suggest that there is no hell
or that once you are saved, you can never lose your salvation (Lk 8:13) –
depends on your doctrinal twist. However, both positions err because
those who espouse them know not the scriptures. There may be some
scriptures that seem to support their notions (out of context), but there
are many more that absolutely conflict and such cannot be the case iftheir
position is correct. God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor 14:33). Many
will view God through human emotions. They will say, “how can I enjoy
heaven if I know a loved one is suffering in hell?” This is thinking in terms
of self and not God’s purposes and judges God’s will as well as placing
yours above His. We do not have full understanding (Deut 29:29). Those
who do not “enjoy” being with God will be separated from Him and placed
in hell. The hearts of unsaved (they assume they are) church members in
multitudes blindly trust their church doctrines and programs, which have
become their idols (golden calves), to lead them to heaven. These are not
interested in righteousness, holiness and brokenness before God. By so
doing they have blinded themselves to many of the truths of God’s Word.
Paul said: Acts 20:27, “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the

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counsel of God (not part).” Those that will not submit (be led) by the
Spirit and uphold the whole truth of God’s Word because of unbelief, fear
of man, or simply a desire to increase organizational membership, fill the
churches with Pharisees and hypocrites. These majorities soon dictate
church doctrine based upon popular culture (ex. Sodomites, feminism,
humanism, psychology, worldliness). A body of believers should be
measured by the holy lives that they live, demonstrated and broken
before God, constantly with a sense of our own need, because we have a
great and intense longing to be perfect even as our heavenly Father is
perfect (Mt 5:48). The question is whether Pharisees and hypocrites can
live comfortably in these organizations or whether they are exposed and
get offended and leave.
 
They all cannot be Right
 
Many sincere individuals believe that they are hearing from God on all
manner of issues. The problem is that when you assemble any number of
these doctrines, many just plain contradict one another. This cannot be
the case regarding God’s eternal truth. Some are totally opposing others.
Similarly, Religious institutions are sure that they are hearing from God
and that their existing doctrines are constantly being affirmed and any
changes are confirmed. However the different religious denominations
differ greatly on so many things, yet each is sure that God endorses their
distinct beliefs. How can this be? As discussed in Chapter 6 (Knowing the
Truth of God’s Word), when one approaches God, one must be seeking to
know His truth and desire to do His will. This must hold true even if God
tells you to sacrifice your only son (or favorite doctrine) or sell all you
have and give to the poor (die to your flesh/control, Gen 22:1-2, Lk
18:22). Most are seeking their will and not necessarily God’s (Rm 1:18).
They come seeking affirmation or justification of existing beliefs and
doctrines. They want God’s endorsement of their own ideas (views,
doctrines, traditions, idols, etc.). They love not the truth. They set up idols
in their hearts (doctrines, beliefs) and God simply confirms their own idols
back to them because they love not the truth (Ezekiel 14:3-5, 9). This is
what they want to hear. Their own idols become their stumbling blocks.
Their darkness becomes the blindness God puts upon them which hardens
their hearts (Jn 12:40). Religious people have always taken prior error
and built upon it and then wanted God to endorse these doctrines. This
has been going on for two thousand years. For instance many will say
they follow Calvin’s doctrines or those of John Wesley. These had better
start seeking the truth of Jesus Word as revealed and taught by the Holy
Spirit. Many are raised and taught certain doctrines in religious
denominations. These are their foundation and not Christ. To question
these doctrines is to question God Himself and the very essence of their
own being - to betray their own family. Let us examine what our lives are
built upon!
 
When Man Prevails

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Luke 11:46, “And he (Jesus) said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers (Mosaic
experts)! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye
yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.” We must be
careful to obey Christ in the Spirit (led) as revealed (affirmed) by the
Word (2 Tim 3:15-16). Jesus came to lessen our burden and we must be
careful not to increase it on ourselves or upon others. The religious
system of the time, through the Scribes and lawyers had taken the
original Ten Commandments and through their interpretations had
increased them to over 600 major new commandments. They called these
traditions and actually held them in higher regard than scripture. These
didn’t even capture what was important (love). This is what happens when
man and not the Spirit governs the body. When asked what the greatest
commandment was: Mark 12:29-31, “And Jesus answered him, The first
of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first
commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than
these.” Jesus had taken the original Ten Commandments and reduced
them down to two. These two commandments of love revealed God’s
desire for us. Jesus said: Mark 7:7-9, “Howbeit in vain do they worship
me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside
the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of
pots and cups (cares of this life): and many other such like things ye do.
And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that
ye may keep your own tradition.” They were so entrenched in their
doctrines and religious structure that they had no place in their hearts for
the words that Jesus spoke (Jn 8:37). Jesus didn’t fit in with the religious
system! – Woe! The religious look to a myriad of do’s and don’ts to save
them. This may take the form of church attendance, tithing, getting
involved, obeying the denomination, and attending Sunday school. God
says you are to look to Him in love with all that is within you. God is your
salvation and His Spirit will conform you to His expectations through your
obedient faith. The issue is not the do’s and don’ts, but the thoughts and
intents of the heart – the attitude toward God – why you do or don’t.
 
Ceremony or Practice?
 
Some religious groups major on one doctrine to such a degree that they
become known by it. Water baptism is symbolic of dying to the old sinful
man and becoming a new creature (conversion, born again) in Christ
Jesus. The water represents the washing or purification by the Word (Eph
5:26). Water baptism is performed after one has truly submitted to God
as was described in Chapter Three concerning the beatitudes. In other
words, you are publicly professing before God and man the work that
Christ has already done in your life. Water baptism is symbolic of
repentance (unto, Mt 3:11). Everyone should be water baptized at the

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first opportunity because our Lord said for us to do so (Mt 28:19).
Intentionally refusing to be water baptized shows nothing more than an
unconverted rebellious heart that says “I know better than God” and
judges His purposes. Some groups have elevated the very act of water
baptism to being salvation itself. They will say that you are not actually
saved until you are water baptized. This of course denies the fact that God
looks at the heart and judges righteously (1 Kg 8:39). They will take this
doctrine so far as to say that if you are on your way to get water baptized
and die in an accident, that you will go straight to hell. So they have
elevated the very act (ceremony, ritual) to be of more importance than
the brokenness and repentance before God and subsequent changed heart
(spiritual life) – which I might add that only God can do in the first place.
The sad thing is that most of these same ones do not put into practice
what water baptism is suppose to represent, that being death to sin and
worldliness and a life devoted to God. They will give the lost a run for their
money on partaking of all the world has to offer. The evidence for new life
in Christ is not a wet head but: Ephesians 4:24, “And that ye put on the
new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
Only God can change your heart and give you the desire (free will,
voluntary) to live righteously and holy. These same ones also deny
baptism of the Holy Ghost which Jesus said you must have or you are
none of His (Mt 3:11, Lk 3:16). Romans 8:9, “But ye are not in the flesh,
but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any
man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” 1 Jn 4:13, “Hereby
know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of
his Spirit. We must seek God’s Spirit (Lk 11:13).
 
Another group will point a finger and cry foul saying, “we practice water
baptism, but it is our faith that saves us.” Then they will major on a
doctrine of Calvinism that says they don’t actually have to practice their
faith because once saved, always saved. Similarly they will deny that
receiving the Holy Ghost is anything more than a part of water baptism.
Some members of this group will practice all the doctrines of Calvinism
(most pick and choose) and say, they are predestined to go to either
heaven or hell and that it is completely out of man’s hands or free will. If
this were the case, why would God give man choices to begin with (e.g.
trees in Eden)? When confronted with the fact that they are telling those
who practice wickedness that they are right before God (calling evil
good - in this once saved doctrine), the religious will say that those who
live in sin were not saved to begin with (this causes problems with their
sinner’s prayer formula). However, their religious institutions are filled
with such people and this does not bode well for their organization. A truly
saved person will not desire to do wickedly, but we all must take heed,
lest we fall and come short (1 Cor 10:12, Heb 3:6, 14, 4:1, 2 Pt 3:17, 1
Tm 1:19).
 
Many elevate rituals, ceremonies, sacraments, objects, methods, works,
doctrines (beliefs), traditions, liturgies, and earthly authorities as the

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means to man’s salvation. They place these things in Christ’s rightful place
– Oh how grievous. Usually these same ones do not think they are
necessarily doing this. Some have taken a different extreme and say that
a one line repeated profession of faith will eternally save you and that all
these other religious things are just done to make God happy. The truth is
that living our faith daily before God as abiding in Christ and being led of
His Spirit is what saves us. Jesus is our hope. This hope is demonstrated
by how we live our lives in conforming to His image. We follow His steps
and He gives us strength and power (grace) through His Spirit to do all
things. We die to our will (self) and this world and say, “thy will be done”
in our lives. As we obey, the Spirit works and transforms us into Christ’s
image. God does the work as we comply in love. Otherwise we are being
forced or manipulated (witchcraft) and this is not God’s desire or in
keeping with His character.
 
Man Has and will Invent Religions to Reach God
 
Man has invented much of his religion to suit self, yet becomes deluded
that he is also serving God and succeeding generations know no better.
Because of Solomon’s idolatry, God separated (split) the Jewish people in
the nation of Judah (House of David) and the nation of Israel (other
tribes). Jeroboam, son of Nebat became the first king of Israel. 1 Kings
12:26-33, “And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return
to the house of David: If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of
the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto
their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and
go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. Whereupon the king took counsel,
and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you
to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up
out of the land of Egypt. And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put
he in Dan. And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship
before the one, even unto Dan. And he made an house of high places, and
made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of
Levi. And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth
day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon
the altar. So did he in Bethel, sacrificing unto the calves that he had
made: and he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had
made. So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the
fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had
devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel:
and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense.” Jeroboam just created
his own religion and based it upon the Hebrew religion. Notice that this
was for his own purposes (self). He appointed his own priestly class and
invented holidays (and dates) out of thin air. 2 Chronicles 13:9, “Have ye
not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites,
and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other lands?
so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and
seven rams, the same may be a priest of them that are no gods.”

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Jeroboam had cast out the priests God had appointed (those who
answered to God, 2 Chr 11:13-14). He then appointed priests called of
man who were answerable to man. There may have been similarities to
the Jewish worship of God, but there were also many differences. Those
who sought the true God had to come out of Israel (2 Chr 13:8-9).
Jeroboam also set up high places (sanctuaries) for the golden calves which
were devils (2 Chr 11:15). Jeroboam also prevented the people from
returning to Judah at set times to worship the true God. Man often puts
himself or his systems between the people and God to hold them captive.
All the kings of Israel that followed Jeroboam did evil in the sight of God.
They were said to have followed in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat,
namely worship of his golden calves religion (1 Kg 15:34, 16:2, 19, 26,
22:52, 2 Kg 3:3, 10:29, 31, 13:2, 6, 11, 15:8-9, 17-18, 23-24, 27-28).
This is why God ultimately gave Israel over to their enemies (1 Kg 14:16).
2 Kings 17:21-23, “For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they
made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drave Israel from
following the LORD, and made them sin a great sin. For the children of
Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not
from them; Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said
by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their
own land to Assyria unto this day.” God later sent Josiah, king of Judah, to
destroy Jeroboam’s idol at Bethel (2 Kg 23:15). Deep seated tradition is
very hard to break free from.
 
There are many similar such examples today. For instance the doctrines
and rituals of the Roman Catholic Church is mostly a creation of man with
some similarities to the true biblical worship of God. They have invented
feasts (Holy Days) and assigned dates such as Christmas and All Saints
Day (Halloween). They have appointed their own priestly class. They have
many religious icons and statues of saints (Idols) and pray to them. They
have many extra-biblical doctrines and traditions. They have elevated
Jesus’ earthly mother to a goddess status and pray to her – and seek
forgiveness through her. They have all sorts of rituals such as lighting
candles and burning incense. They claim to speak for God (Pope) and to
be the only true church and try everything to keep the people in their hold
(captive). Other examples would be Mormonism, Orthodoxy, Protest-ants
(and their denominations) and Jehovah’s Witnesses. Many have cast God
out in favor of their own religious methodologies. Almost all religious
groups (such as Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Assembly of God, etc.)
appoint their own priests, clergy, pastors, preachers, bishops or whatever
name they assign to them. Whom God calls is answerable to God (led of
His Spirit) and whom man calls is answerable to man (denominations,
boards, committees, doctrinal statements, creeds, religious training,
church rules and votes, influencial church folk, financial institutions, etc.).
The religious world has set up schools of indoctrination whereby their
religious leaders are trained and certified to their particular doctrine to
preach in their various franchises. These are vastly led of man and not the
Spirit. The Holy Spirit will not be subjugated to man’s doctrines or

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denominational demands. So you see there is an immediate conflict. Many
of these men simply could not yield in obedience to the Spirit without
violating pre-established religious rules, doctrines and traditions of man.
God requires obedience, but so does religious man. Please do not err in
thinking that obeying religious man is essentially the same as obeying
God. There is a definite conflict of interest here involving the flesh and
authority. To reject the Spirit is to reject truth and vice versa (Jn 14:17,
15:26).
 
In the book of Judges (Chap. 17) we read of a man named Micah who
started his own religion. First he had a graven image made and then a
molten image. He set them up as a house of Gods. Micah then made an
ephod (breastplate for a priest) and teraphim (images) and hired himself
a priest of the Levites. The priest was hired for a set salary per year
(money, shelter, clothing, provisions) and was answerable to Micah.
Micah’s motive was for self-seeking blessings from God (Jdg 17:13). We
read later (Judges, Chap. 18) that a migrating tribe of Israel (Dan) takes
Micah’s idols and persuades his priest to go with them and they set them
up and worship them (Jdg 18:30-31). Today the religious institutions also
hire priests (pastors, preachers). Religious committees screen candidates
to make sure they are going to get the kind of priest they want (agree
with their doctrines and instructions). True men of God are answerable to
God and not man. They will speak God’s Word which will certainly not be
appealing to the flesh or any religious criteria for that matter – but will
line up with God’s Word. The religious institutions pick men that are
answerable to them and they come to an arrangement (salary, shelter,
provisions, and benefits). They want a man to tell them what they want to
hear. Is this not what the Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians and scribes
were also looking for in a Messiah? Jesus didn’t fit the criteria and was
done away with. You would also have to include John the Baptist and all
the other prophets (Lk 11:49-51). This is why local church (called out
ones) or assembly of believers should be led by the Spirit and have local
established (mature) men of faith (elders) who act as servants to all.
 
Through Religion, Man will Disannul the Word of God
 
God sent a prophet with a message to Jeroboam king of Israel concerning
his idolatry (1 Kg 13:1-7). This prophet was to deliver God’s message and
then return to Judah by a different way, not eating nor drinking in Israel
(1 Kg 13:8-9). The prophet was obeying when another man claiming to be
from God changed God’s Word and deceived him (1 Kg 13:15-18). The
prophet then went to the false prophet’s house and ate and drank (1 Kg
13:19-21). God was very displeased and slew the prophet (1 Kg 13:22-
24). Many will come in the name of the Lord and say, Thus saith God. We
must be careful to follow God’s Word and direction. God may test us
through others (1 Kg 13:26). When God speaks, we must obey regardless
of what man says – even religious man. These religious men will say, Alas
my brother! - when their damage is done (1 Kg 13:30). Be responsible to

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God. Responsibility starts with knowing God and not just being told of
Him.
 
The Sinner’s Prayer
 
The religious message of today says that God accepts us as we are. This
cannot be the case because there is an eternal place of punishment
reserved for those rebellious ones (lake of fire, hades, hell). The religious
man will quickly add that you must accept Christ. What does this mean?
The religious man will say that you must say “the sinner’s prayer.” This is
the tremendous deception of the modern religious man who seeks God on
his terms. This is what this section will examine in some depth. The
following verse was discussed at the start of this chapter: Matthew 7:21,
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven.” Saying Lord, Lord is the equivalent of the modern day sinner’s
prayer. This does not qualify you for the kingdom of heaven (Mt 22-23)!
How could it? Are we not saved by faith? Notice what the verse says
concerning who will enter the kingdom of heaven, “he that doeth the will
of my Father” (also Mt 12:50). Now this is faith and it is lived daily and
steadfastly (persistently, consistently, with conviction, unwavering),
enduring (continuing, lasting, long-term) until the end. This is mixing the
hearing of God’s Word with faith as applied to your life (Heb 4:2). We are
not to just say, but also to do (Lk 8:15, 21-22). Consider this verse: Luke
6:46, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I
say?” What this verse is essentially saying is, “why do you say a prayer
acknowledging Me as your Lord and then do not obey me in your daily
life?” Do not suppose that repeating a very quick little prayer formula will
reserve you a place in glory. What did Jesus say concerning the seeds? –
Mark 4:16-17 & 4:18-19. What is God’s will? Those who seek Him through
His Spirit will know (Chapter Six, Knowing the Truth of God’s Word).
 
Romans 3:11, “There is none that understandeth, there is none that
seeketh after God.” Because of man’s fallen nature there is no reason that
man would desire to seek God and submit to Him totally on his own. Man
desires his old nature and does not seek the nature of God (Jn 6:65). John
1:12-13, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to
become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which
were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man,
but of God.” Notice that conversion comes from God (Is 48:17) and “not
the will of man (also Jn 15:16).” This is further stressed in scripture as
follows: John 6:44, “No man can come to me, except the Father which
hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” AND John
6:65, “And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto
me, except it were given unto him of my Father.” God draws us out of the
darkness into His marvelous light and grants mercy (1 Pt 2:9-10). God
calls as many as He will (Acts 2:39). This is a hard thing for man to
understand, but scriptures are clear: Romans 9:15-16, “For he saith to

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Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have
compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that
willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” So God
calls and God adds to the church such as should be saved (Acts 2:39, 47,
13:48). When God calls, how do you respond? God convicts hearts, but
gives man the freedom to choose – you must have ears to hear. Many will
reject God’s call: Proverbs 1:24-25, “Because I have called, and ye
refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye
have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof.” Christ
came but man mostly did not RECEIVE Him (Jn 5:43, Lk 9:48). We (the
church) are to be used of God as willing vessels to witness and pray for
the lost and present the gospel to them (teach). We are witnesses and
vessels for God to operate through - for we are labourers together with
God (1 Cor 3:9). 1 Corinthians 3:7, “So then neither is he that planteth
any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”
God is all in all (Col 3:11). God calls us according to His own purposes and
grace out of darkness into His marvellous light (2 Tm 1:9, 1 Pt 2:9). We
present ourselves as vessels to be used of God to reach others, but God is
sovereign. Only God can change the heart (Deut 30:6).
 
In the religious institutions, self sufficient man has taken over. The
religious want to plant, water, and bring the increase, and instantly! To
them conversion is as simple as a quick little prayer formula which they
term the sinner’s prayer (Lam 3:24-26). This is a quick little vow (not a
magic formula) that one is suppose to repeat to gain instant salvation with
no obligation to substantially change your life and live completely for
Christ. They have searched the scriptures and pulled out what they deem
as the necessary information (Romans road to salvation, etc.). The word
“believe” is used in the sense of mental acknowledgement or acceptance.
The problem is that it is presented in such a way that you are doing God a
favor by letting Jesus be your Savior, but not necessarily your Lord (Mt
23:10, Jn 13:13). There is no brokenness before God and repentance is
generally left out altogether. I dare say that often the lost individual has a
greater sense of the commitment involved than the one attempting to
proselytize him. Thus the sinner through his limited knowledge has
attempted to count the cost and may be reluctant because he is not ready
or willing – has not seen the need. They think if they can just persuade
(manipulate?) one into saying the prayer, that he will be instantly saved.
Salvation cannot be forced or coerced. If one’s heart and motives are not
right, then for what purpose is this ritual? If one does not understand his
sin or desire to forsake it, then what is the point?
 
The Jews also tried to save their way and Jesus said of them: Matthew
23:15, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass
sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him
twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.” This is important to
understand because these religious ones had hearts that were far from
God – and thus their converts did also. How can this be? Jesus then refers

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to many of these religious as serpents and vipers (Mt 23:33). The devil
came as a serpent! A serpent injects his venom (poison) into the blood of
the victim. God defines the life of one to be in the blood (Lv 17:11). This
poison corrupts the blood or life of the victim – the inner man. This is
what these doctrines were doing. Jesus said, Matthew 15:14, “Let them
alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind,
both shall fall into the ditch.” Man often uses fear or emotion to lead one
to Christ. Within a religious setting, a stirring emotional sermon may be
presented coupled with music which rouses the senses. Everyone may be
told to close their eyes and bow their heads (in shame?) while the pastor
makes many appeals for the lost to come forward. Some may commit on
an emotional high or sudden feeling of guilt, but it is seldom that you see
brokenness over sin and true heart repentance in those who come
forward. We are not to trust our emotions (flesh), they are very
deceptive! Another tactic is to tell the lost individual that he will suffer
forever in hell or he could say this quick little sinner’s prayer and be set
for eternity. Who would not choose the latter? Does this produce a
committed individual that loves God with all his heart (has God’s nature)
and hates the sin in his life to the extent that he will forsake all, totally
yield to God and follow? I think not. What it does produce is a very
deceived person who usually goes on to live as the world with minimal
commitment to God, yet is perfectly at home in the religious setting. It is
just presumed that devotion and a changed life will follow later. Thus -
one more member for the religious institution and one more decision for
the year’s tally - success. Since much of the religious community is living
very worldly, the bar has been set very low for a life of true “living faith”
with almost no real encouragement to truly live righteously. Many are
deceiving and being deceived (2 Tm 3:13). This is the leaven that has
worked its way through the religious systems of man and is very
corrupting. This is why we are like the days of Noah in this end of the age.
Unless one humbly approaches God with his full heart (not emotion) with
brokenness, godly sorrow and grief over his sinful condition (known as
repentance), then there can be no conversion. Ecclesiastes 7:29, “Lo, this
only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought
out many inventions.” This was Israel’s problem, they sinned greatly yet
said, “I have not sinned” and they refused to be ashamed (Jer 2:35, 3:3).
We must acknowledge our iniquity and turn from it (Jer 3:12-13). Man
wants a salvation that is quick, permanent and allows one to continue in
the flesh with no sacrifice and minimal commitment. Man wants to “have
it his way.” Please note: One can absolutely be saved apart from walking
the isle in a religious institution. This is ritualistic and controlling. People
are drawn to God when they genuinely cry out to Him (as He convicts) in
whatever setting they are in.
 
Most of the sinner’s prayers I’ve seen do not give a complete scriptural
portrayal/ message of salvation (dying to self – new creature in Christ,
genuine repentance & forsaking all sin, not conforming to the world,
denying oneself for Christ, obeying Christ’s commandments, being led of

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the Spirit, righteous life, endurance, making God the priority of your life,
etc.). This is probably because most of the adherents do not believe these
things to be necessary for salvation, thus the worldly condition of many
churches. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance and this is so
significant to understand (Mt 9:13, Lk 5:32). Many may recite yet have
little understanding of what is required and rarely a truly changed life.
These folks didn’t sign-up for a commitment and thus they are worldly,
unchanged and uncommitted. Many are willing to say the prayer but few
are willing to walk the walk (Col 2:6, 1 Jn 2:6). Being a Christian simply
becomes a part of their life rather than being their life (Col 3:3-4)!
Abstract agreement is quickly overridden (dominated) by the flesh. Biblical
faith demands and produces costly and radical changes in one's life. Its
essence is supreme commitment to Christ. Many will say a prayer and
make promises in a desperate or life threatening situation only to return
to their old lives once things return to normal.
 
It is understood that all must come to a decision point in life regarding
Christ. Our true decision is manifested in the way we live our lives. This
begins by seeking the Lord (understanding who He is – Deut 4:29);
knowing your sinful condition and need for Him (great heartfelt sorrow);
and counting the costs (are you willing to commit? Lk 14:28-33). Crying
out to God should be from the heart not a formula. To say that we must
expeditiously facilitate the process denies the individual of the truly
necessary process of seeking God and realizing their need for Him. The
Holy Spirit moves upon the hearts of men. Salvation is truly a personal
thing between the individual and God and is the result of giving your life
to Him. This cannot be effectively pushed or pressured to facilitate a
“quick” conversion. If pastors would teach/preach the truth, God would
convict hearts and draw men unto Him, as He will (1 Cor 1:21). When
Jesus referred to creating two fold more the child of hell, He was referring
to disciples that were unchanged and deceived of their condition. They
show no real spiritual life. This is what many, some well meaning,
religious of today are doing. In other words, the true love and devotion to
God are missing. The desire to be conformed to Christ’s image is lacking.
Religious institutes should be most concerned with changed lives but this
does not seem to be the case. They are much more concerned with church
growth and numbers. They equate religious meeting attendance with
correct standing before God. I truly grieve over this as we all should. Much
bondage in life is of a religious nature. The devil is also religious, he wants
worship of men and will obtain it through deception if necessary.
 
The author was once involved in a local Jail Ministry. Most of the inmates
that would participate in the Bible studies seemed very knowledgeable in
the Word. However, knowledge without devotion and correct attitude
(devoid of Spirit) is insufficient and lacking. Often these men would recite
a sinner’s prayer (make commitment) at the end of the study. There was
one individual that was representative of what I often witnessed. This
individual seemed genuinely sincere and repeated the prayer. Within a few

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days he was released from jail and immediately intoxicated himself and
committed a grievous crime only to return to jail again. The author didn’t
understand this and the Lord later spoke to my heart concerning the
matter. Although the individual was under conviction during the Bible
study and did not want to incur the penalty or consequence of sin (hell),
he also had no desire to truly repent and forsake his old life – he had no
desire to be saved from the wretched, evil nature of his heart. This man
was already pondering evil in his heart concerning his upcoming release.
God looks at one’s heart and intent (1 Kg 8:39). God’s desire is that all
men come to repentance (2 Pt 3:9). God said what He meant and meant
what He said (Ez 33:11). Repentance is turning from self-will (forsaking)
to obedience to God’s will. No man can be converted until he truly
forsakes his rebellion against God, “sinner’s prayer” or not. This is not an
assembly line procedure with God, nor is the assembly line a religious
institution.
 
Please Understand This
 
John 1:12-13, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to
become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which
were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man,
but of God.” We must receive Jesus as He is (His truth, which He was full
of – Jn 1:14) and not as we desire Him to be (our opinions of His truth).
Notice that we cannot become a son of God by the will of the flesh. You
cannot just decide that you will be born again apart from God’s
intervention and method. I may decide (will of the flesh) to say the
sinner’s prayer because I do not want to go to hell. Is this understanding
my need, dying to my will, repenting of transgressions and placing myself
under God’s authority? The religious can get the sinner’s prayer down to
one line. They can put it on their internet sites, and in their tracts and
books. They can give altar calls. They can have drive-in salvation booths
(and probably will). Repeating an oath (formula), joining a church
(denomination), performing a ritual, doing religious works, etc. DOES NOT
SAVE. The only way anyone will be saved is to personally recognize their
depravity and sinfulness (their great need), grieve over it with godly
sorrow, fall on their knees (real or symbolically - yield) and cry out to God
(believing in Christ) in all due humbleness, having a contrite (repentant)
spirit (Ez 18:21-23, 27-28, 30-32, 2 Cor 7:10) and living a life of abiding
(in Christ) faith. Then they must forsake their sin and worldliness thereby
bringing forth fruits meet for repentance (2 Cor 7:1, Ez 33:14-16, 19-20,
Acts 26:20) as led by the Holy Spirit. Is this not what we see in the
parable of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15:11-32)? How do the religious present
Christ’s salvation to a sinner? They will plead with them saying, won’t you
just ask Jesus into your heart – He’s just waiting on you. They present
Christ as a beggar in need of followers, but we are to be the beggars in
need of a Lord and Savior (poor in spirit, mourning). It is true that Christ
knocks on the door of your heart, but not to be accepted on your terms
(Rev 3:20). There is a big difference here – one is man’s way (will of the

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flesh or man) and the other is God’s way. Notice in the verse that
salvation is not by the will of man. Romans 9:16, “So then it is not of him
that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” All
these administering the sinner’s prayers will not affect anything if they are
not presenting the full gospel and the heart of the person being
proselytized is not ready to receive it or willing to be right before God.
What does the verse say? They believed on His name, but were born by
the will of God. It’s all in God’s hands - God shows mercy or He doesn’t
(Rm 9:18). What happens to one who comes to God by the will of the
flesh? John 3:6, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is
born of the Spirit is spirit.” They are the same as they were; born of the
flesh and fleshly. Man has no control of those born of the Spirit (Jn 3:8).
They may profess Christ, but their lives will still be full of sin and
worldliness as lived out by their will – they’ll just claim forgiveness and
grace as a covering rather than being delivered from it. They still have
their old nature – they believe in vain (1 Cor 15:1-2). Nothing has
changed because they never understood their need nor were they ever
truly willing to forsake the old way of life. The religious institutions are
filled with tares (fleshly). The few wheat (spiritual) will grieve over the
sinfulness and worldliness around them. The tares are just oblivious,
participant or complacent to it all – theirs and other’s (Pv 14:9). The Lord
said that many would draw near with their lips, but their hearts would be
far from Him. These were taught by the precept of men (Is 29:13). What
is the evidence of true conversion? One who is willing to live totally for
God and serves Him (in practice) unconditionally no matter what one has
to suffer – even to one’s own detriment (Job 13:15)! God receives glory
not us.
 
Jesus left instructions that His body is to be His witnesses on this earth
(Lk 24:48, Mk 16:15, Acts 1:8). We are to teach and observe (do,
perform, apply, live) ALL the things Christ commanded (Mt 28:20). Jesus
lived by example the very things He taught and we have record of all
things in His Word. This is a life of living faith in obedience to the will of
God (under God’s authority). Christ specifically said repentance and
remission of sins were to be taught in His name (Lk 24:47) – this is what
He taught (Mt 4:17). When we teach the truth, God moves sovereignly
(as He will) on the hearts of men to draw them to Christ (Jn 6:44, 65).
Those who receive the truth and live in faith will be saved and those who
reject this truth will be damned (Mk 16:16). Believing a partial gospel or
tailoring your own is not sufficient. God has given you a lifetime, His
Word, circumstances, and the Holy Spirit to teach. You must be
responsible to go before God and work out your own salvation (Php 2:12)
such that you understand the gospel and apply it to your life accordingly.
Are you redeeming your time effectively? Many will live in religious error
rather than having a mind to perform God’s will and seeking Him for truth.
Teaching the whole truth of Christ’s gospel will distinguish us between a
hireling or false prophet (Ez Chap 34) and one who is truly sent of God.
The fruit will be evident. Glory to God or glory to the flesh?

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Twisting the Gospel?
 
We must understand God’s Word in the context that it was written and
taken as a whole. The Word of God is multi-faceted and the meaning is
spiritually unfolded. This is only accomplished through the Holy Ghost (Jn
14:26). When men interpret the Word through the flesh it often takes on
other meanings. Men will often pick certain scriptures and string them
together to form their understanding of a plan for salvation. One example
of this is what has been termed the “Romans road to salvation.” These are
hand picked verses out of the book of Romans that are said to sum up the
gospel – God’s expectations of man. A “sinner’s prayer” may be a
derivation of this (often is). Man in his methodologies loses the very life
that is found in Christ as lived out daily through the Spirit’s leading (2 Cor
4:10-11, 16, 5:15). We do not glory in appearance, but in heart (2 Cor
5:12)! The author is going to use an example from the book of 1 John
(hopefully, easy to follow) to try and convey the error of this condensed
gospel. Suppose the author states the following verse: 1 John 4:15,
“Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in
him, and he in God.” This verse is absolutely true, yet does not stand
completely alone – not totally comprehensive of the gospel (unless you
consider the deeper meaning of “confess”). One might read this verse and
conclude that all one must do is verbally (mental reasoning) confess Christ
and is thereby secure in God. HOWEVER, the same book (1 John) also
includes these verses: 1 John 2:9, 3:15, “He that saith he is in the light,
and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. Whosoever hateth
his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life
abiding in him (also 1 Jn 2:11, 4:20).” The author knows several people
who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, yet have hatred for another.
Obviously the word “confess” has a deeper meaning. So we can conclude
that you cannot confess Jesus is the Son of God and also hate your
brother and be in good standing before God. In similar manner we must
consider the whole gospel as taught by the Spirit. Also consider this verse
from the same book (1 John): 1 John 5:4, “For whatsoever is born of God
overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world,
even our faith.” The author knows many people who confess that Jesus is
the Christ, but have been overcome by the world (known by their fruit)
and the things therein. Similarly, 1 John 2:5, “But whoso keepeth his
word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we
are in him.” How many profess that Jesus is the Son of God, yet do not
keep His Word (Lk 6:46)? Keeping Christ’s Word is how we know we are in
him – compare to the lead-in verse (1 Jn 4:15). Many will also confess
Christ and mislead others out of God’s will as revealed in 2 Corinthians
11:13-15 and Galatians 1:7-9. The flesh wants things easy – a quick
confession and no real obligation (other than all the religiosity of man).
Faith will seat Christ as absolute head and will yield daily – To Follow (Mt
16:24). Note: Jesus summed up the gospel in the law of love – read Mark

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12:30-31. This is a true summation (Mt 7:12, 22:40, Rm 13:10) –
consider the ramifications of these verses.
 
A Familiar Verse
 
John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life.” This is a wonderful verse and is God’s desire for all of us.
This verse may be the most recognized/ memorized one and has also
been most used to lead many to Christ. Did you know this verse was just
a part of Jesus’ full response concerning being “born again?” If one were
to correctly include the full text of Christ’s words there is a stumbling
block for many in verses 19-21: “And this is the condemnation, that light
is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because
their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light,
neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that
doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest,
that they are wrought in God.” Why the stumbling block? Because
many have actually used the grace and mercy of God (forgiveness) to
justify their continued wickedness or love of darkness. They have made
Christ a minister of sin (Gal 2:17). To love darkness is to practice sin (to
be comfortable in it) and to continue in your own will (rebellion, Lk19:14)
rather than totally submit to God’s will (Pv 5:22). Many seem to think that
Christ came to justify sin (Is 11:4, 1 Jn 2:29, 3:8). Job 35:3, “For thou
saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have,
if I be cleansed from my sin?” Ask yourself honestly: What concord
(agreement) hath Christ with Belial (sin/rebellion) – 2 Cor 6:15? If you
are not daily conscious of your need for Christ, then perhaps you are
comfortable in sin. Nothing stirs up hatred and justification of evil more
than the light of Christ shining and revealing wickedness and hypocrisy in
one’s heart (Eph 5:13). When the light shines, we will either run to it or
away from it (some will attempt to put the light out). Those who walk in
darkness, know not where they go (Jn 12:35-36). They have not the Holy
Spirit to lead them (Jn 14:16-17, 26, 15:26, 16:7-8, 13-14). These
certainly can’t instruct others in “The Way.” Who does salvation apply to?
Jesus said salvation applies only to those that do the will of the Father
who art in heaven. Matthew 7:21, “Not every one that saith unto me,
Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the
will of my Father which is in heaven.” Jesus also said: John 5:39-40,
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they
are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might
have life.” Notice the condemnation to the religious (His audience), “ye
will not come to me.” Why? Because they love the darkness – it’s a
question of the will. They knew the scriptures and believed in God, but
something vital was missing. That was a relationship with Jesus. This
relationship would be akin to Abraham’s whereby he died to his will (no
longer loving the darkness) and lovingly obeyed God’s will. Only through
this faith in Christ is there life. We are to search the scriptures for they

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testify of Christ. Read for yourself the example that Jesus lived on this
earth (Discussed in Chapter Two). Christ’s example was deemed well
pleasing to the Father. Should we not follow?
 
Many a religious man has sought to justify his own wickedness, and even
used God’s Word to do it, rather than repent and forsake his sinfulness. Is
this not what we see in doctrines such as predestination, eternal security,
purgatory, unconditional love, etc.? Many theologians have stated that we
will sin against God everyday in thought, manner, and deed, and have
thereby resigned themselves (and their followers) to a life of defeat. They
will say that we live vicariously through Christ’s righteousness and we do
not need our own righteousness. They claim Christ’s righteousness and do
not desire any of their own. The condemnation is that men love darkness.
1 John 1:5-7, “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and
declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we
say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do
not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have
fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son
cleanseth us from all sin.” If you’re still walking in sin then Christ’s blood
has been of no value to you. If there is no change in your life, what’s the
point? John 8:34, “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” To serve sin is to live in
darkness. To live in darkness is to be a member of its kingdom and to
reject the light. This is the truth of the whole matter: 1 John 3:5, “And ye
know that he (Jesus) was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is
no sin.” Christ came to take away our sins, not give us the ability to
maintain and walk in them. Jesus didn’t come to pretend to take them
away or overlook them. Whose kingdom do you wish to be in? What is the
expected victory? 1 John 3:8-10, “He that committeth sin is of the devil;
for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God
was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever
is born of God doth not commit sin; for his (God’s) seed remaineth in him:
and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God
are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not
righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” Jesus
accomplished what He came to do in destroying the devil’s works. John
12:31-32, “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this
world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men
unto me.” Jesus was lifted up on a cross and we who were bitten by the
poison of sin must look to Him or die (Num 21:8). Has the prince of this
world been cast out of your life? The devil said you can sin and not die -
no need for a remedy (Gen 3:4). For those of you who have bought into
this original lie, please read Romans Chapter 6 and apply wisdom:
Romans 6:6-9, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that
the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve
sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ,
we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being
raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over

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him.” Oh man, if you enjoy the pleasures of sin, be prepared to reap of the
same corruption. Romans 6:16, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield
yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey;
whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Which
way are you headed, up (effort - heavenly) a narrow path, or down (ease
- hellbound) a broad path? We must rid ourselves of the darkness as we
live our faith in Christ and become like Him – filled with light. Let us
eliminate the darkness by yielding to the Spirit. So I say to you: Proverbs
4:26-27, “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.”
Amen.
 
Jesus started this very discussion of light, darkness, and God’s salvation in
John 3:3 where he stated that if you are not born again, you cannot even
see the kingdom of God (you’re spiritually blind). 2 Corinthians 4:4, “In
whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe
not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of
God, should shine unto them.” Jesus opened the eyes of the blind
(Gospels), yet the devil blinds to eliminate sight (opposite). The devils
believe in God (Js 2:19), the difference is that they do not obey Him and
are in rebellion. Are you? So if you cannot see how living for yourself
(worldliness, rebellion – your way) and being oblivious or complacent to
sinful aspects of your life is loving darkness, then you are unconverted
and blinded by Satan – regardless of your profession. Thus you cannot
perceive the kingdom of God – it’s not in you. Believers are always
fighting the flesh and sin through Christ’s power. Any doctrine of grace
that takes away the fear of sinning is a false gospel. The message must
lead you to God, not away. If a doctrine enables you to sin lightly and to
ask forgiveness cheaply, without the deep sorrow and extreme hatred for
sin that true repentance brings, then you can be sure it is deception from
Satan. If you can live for your fleshly desires – do what feels good – then
it’s from Satan. Jesus came to save you from sin, not to justify you to live
in it. Do you think God gave His only Son to justify you to do the very
thing that He hates and many will be condemned to eternal hell for? Also,
do not suppose you can overcome sin apart from Christ (your merit) –
independent of the vine (John Chap 15). These are serious things that
must be thought out. Please examine your heart.
 
Parallels
 
There is a significant parallel between John 3:16 and 1 John 3:16.
Followers of Christ are to walk as He walked. John 3:16 states that God so
loved us that He gave His only begotten Son for us. 1 John 3:16 states:
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us:
and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” God laid His life
down for us and conversely we lay down our lives for each other. We
conform to Christ’s image. This is dying to self and giving to others. Jesus

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set the example and now we follow. Laying one’s life down would be
putting your will aside to help another – sacrifice!
 
What is Grace?
 
Most religious use God’s grace and forgiveness as license to live in the
flesh. They have all sorts of unique and persuasive arguments. Can we
face the truth of God’s Word? Titus 2:11-14, “For the grace of God that
bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying
ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and
godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the
glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who
gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity (sin), and
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Wow! This
does not seem to be the message of the religious institutions at all. We
must live godly, righteously, holy and pure and grace is the enabler to do
this. Grace is God working in us to conform us to Christ’s image. Jesus
walked in God’s grace (Lk 2:40). If this is not where we are heading, then
we are deceived and heading opposite of salvation. The Holy Spirit works
on us to accomplish this seemingly difficult list of godly expectations. In
living our faith daily and obeying, we produce good works acceptable to
God. The works don’t save us because our dependence is upon God. They
are just the inevitable result of a true relationship – the fruit! Romans
5:21, “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace
reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Grace reigns through “righteousness.” The two go hand-in-hand (Rm
5:17). Many choose to ignore (alter God’s Word) the “through
righteousness” and have it just say, grace reigns unto eternal life. What
happens when religious men who love darkness try and explain grace?
Jude 1:4, “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before
of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of
our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord
Jesus Christ.” Turning grace into license to sin is the same as denying
Jesus! This brings shame upon everything the cross represented. They
have blindness of the heart (Eph 4:18-19). Those who shine the light on
sin will be called judgmental for they must be shamed into turning the
light off. Sinners and hypocrites find comfort in the darkness. Grace is the
Divine influence on the heart and its reflection is shown in your life. Grace
enables you to live a life pleasing to God. Grace is not a covering for
unrighteousness as it has been presented by the religious of our modern
era. John 1:17, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth
came by Jesus Christ.” Grace enables us to live in the true intent of the
law as unfolded by the Spirit. The Word reveals that the Lord restores us
and leads us in paths of righteousness for His name’ sake (Ps 23:3). It
would be very foolish of us to suppose that the Lord overlooks our
continued sinfulness and love of darkness for His name’s sake, yet this is
the predominant religious message of man. Where is the restoration in
that???

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There is an wonderful example in verse 5 (Jude), “I will therefore put you
in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having
saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that
believed not.” These were those children of Israel who had seen all the
great miracles of God (judgment of Egypt, Red Sea parting, manna, water
from rocks) yet did not put the slightest bit of faith in Him (Deut 4:33-36).
The spiritual rock from which they spiritually drank and that followed them
was Christ (1 Cor 10:4, Ps 105:41). They rejected Him. They only thought
of themselves, what they would eat or drink and the type of foods they
wanted (Ex 16:2-3, Num 11:5-6). They were also idolatrous (Ps 78:58). 1
Corinthians 10:5-7, “But with many of them God was not well pleased: for
they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our
examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also
lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The
people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” They tempted God
and many were destroyed (Num 11:1, 10, 33, 14:4, 11, 22, Deut 9:7-8,
16, 22-24) – we must take heed lest we fall (1 Cor 10:9-12, Heb 3:16-
19). They ate and drank of God’s table and then went out to play in their
flesh (lusts, desires, man’s will). They also constantly wanted to return
back to the bondages of Egypt from which God had delivered them – and
even made a false god to go before them (Ex 32:3-4, 8). This is highly
representative of those who make a commitment to God and then want to
return to their old life of sin and use God’s grace as justification (Lk
17:32-33). Galatians 2:18, “For if I build again the things which I
destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.” They actually serve another
God, a golden calf of their own making. This fleshly God loves (how they
view love) by overlooking wickedness and evil – an unconditional “love
god.” One who conforms to their (man’s) will. God said they were stiff-
necked (rebellious) and stiff-hearted and that they would not enter into
His Promised Land (salvation, Num 14:23, 32:11, 13, Deut 2:14-16).
Those who are rebellious to God’s desire that we conform to Christ’s
image will not enter into heaven. Do you see the correlation? They didn’t
continue in God’s covenant and He regarded them not (Heb 8:9). God said
they were a stubborn and rebellious generation that set not their heart
aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God (Psalm 78:8). Psalms
78:36-37, “Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they
lied unto him with their tongues. For their heart was not right with him,
neither were they stedfast in his covenant.” They said one thing and did
another – their hearts were not on God – just a desire for blessings. Many
will profess Christ, yet seek their own. Please pay attention to this one:
They sent out spies that brought back a bad report. They said the people
were many, they lived in walled cities, and there were giants in the land
(Num 13:28-33, Deut 1:28). God said that He would be the one to fight
the battles, and for them not to fear (Num 10:9, 14:9, Deut 1:30). They
rejected God’s counsel this because of their worry and lack of faith. As
they spoke in God’s ears, so He did to them (Num 14:28). Therefore, God
suffered them to wander in the wilderness until that whole generation

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dropped dead (as per their own proclamation – Num 14:2, 29-35, Heb
3:17). The correlation (allegory) is this: the religious men will tell us that
we cannot live without sinning, sin abounds, we will have bad thoughts,
we will have bad deeds, there will be high walls (bondages), sin is a giant.
Jesus says I have provided my Spirit and I will give you the strength and
power you need to fight the battles (Heb 1:9). Put your faith in me and
you will enter into My Promised Land. Titus 2:14, “Who gave himself for
us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a
peculiar people, zealous of good works.” The children of Israel erred
greatly: Psalms 95:10-11, “Forty years long was I grieved with this
generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they
have not known my ways: Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they
should not enter into my rest.” Oh religious man, Oh doubter who looks
through the eyes of man, will you not trust in Christ? Do you lack faith?
Lord I believe, help thou mine unbelief (Mk 9:24, Lk 17:5, Heb 3:12, 19).
God said that doubtless those who did not rebel against Him would enter
into the promised land (Num 14:30-31). There is another strong parallel
concerning how the Lord leads – symbolic of Christ (Ps 107:7). God led
the children of Israel as a pillar of cloud (day) and pillar of fire (night) –
(Ex 13:21-22, Num 9:16-23, 10:34-35, 14:14, Ps 78:14, 99:7, 105:39).
Nehemiah 9:19, “Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in
the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to
lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them
light, and the way wherein they should go.” Jesus is the pillar we follow;
for Christ is “the light” (Is 60:1, Lk 1:79, Jn 1:4-5, 9, 8:12, 9:5, 12:35-
36, 46) and “the way” (Mt 7:14, Mk 10:52, 12:14, Lk 1:79, 20:21, Jn
14:4, 6). The Lord further stated: Psalm 78:52, “But made his own people
to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.” As
previously stated, those who were rebellious, self-seeking (carnal, fleshly)
and idolatrous did not enter the promised land (Ps 95:10-11, 106:21-26,
Heb 3:10-11). These had an identification with God, but not a heart to do
His will. Only a remnant actually entered in. Jesus (the good shepherd)
also leads His sheep (Jn 10:4). Isaiah 40:11, “He shall feed his flock like a
shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his
bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” Similarly, the
rebellious goats may abstractly identify with Christ, but will be separated
and not enter into eternal life (Mt 25:32-33). Just as the Hebrews followed
the cloudy pillar (God), we must “follow” Christ. He leads and we follow –
we obey.
 
One religious argument (mindset), using one of their favorite verses:
Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
The first thing the religious ignore is the comprehensive meaning of grace.
They simply view grace as unmerited favor (and it is true that we do not
deserve God’s grace) – but in the sense of remaining as they are with
God’s approval. Then “through faith” is quickly passed over. Faith is
essentially daily living of the belief in your heart in obedience to God’s will

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with a whole heart. To understanding the truth of what God has revealed
and living within that truth while relying on God’s strength. Faith
influences the will, and leads to an entire reliance on Christ. Our faith
justifies us and makes peace with God through Jesus and gives us access
to His grace (Rm 5:1-2). Salvation is absolutely a gift of God, and no man
through his own works could ever earn it and certainly not boast (1 Cor
1:29, Ps 143:2). For in our flesh dwelleth no good thing (Rm 7:18). What
the religious say is that since salvation is a gift of God and cannot be
earned by man, then it cannot be sustained or maintained by anything
that man does now or in the future, Now this would be true if only
considering man’s attempts to reach God through his own devices, but is
not true for those seeking God though His way as led by His Holy Spirit.
This position quickly degenerates into an eternal security or once saved
always saved outlook (Is 5:23). That God loves and accepts (?) us no
matter what our thought, manner and deed. Meaning that if one once
accepted Jesus as Lord, then no matter how one lives or what one does,
their eternal salvation will always be secure (a chief tenant of Calvinism).
Everything just becomes make believe. With this mentality compromise
quickly becomes the norm, man’s will prevails while the flesh is constantly
fed (Read Rm Chap 8). The burden of our sanctification is shifted to God
alone with no real expectation on our part (one-sided relationship).
Suddenly everything becomes a work that will not save including
repentance and obedience (Mt 5:19). If you think you can reach God any
other way than true faith, then you are greatly deceived. You are trying to
climb up some other way and are a thief and a robber (Jn 10:1). God’s
grace is what allows you to live a life of sustained faith that is well
pleasing. Many view their faith as positional – they consider their place in
Christ as unaffected by their behavior. The Pharisees had positional faith
in Abraham. They said they were justified just because they were physical
descendants of Abraham. Jesus told them they must do the works of
Abraham and this shined a whole new light on the situation (Jn 8:39).
Likewise many say they have positional faith in Christ – maybe because
they said a sinner’s prayer. God’s Word says we are to do the works of
Jesus (conform) and this also shines light on the subject. What works did
Abraham do? What works did Jesus do? Positional faith is a half truth and
as such is lacking (Js 2:20, 26). Positional faith together with obedience
produces true faith (Js 2:18). Let us do the works of Christ (as identified
in Chapter 2) and conform to His image – in His likeness! So the Jews
professed to be of Abraham, but did not do his works. Likewise many
profess to be in Christ, but do not do His works. In both cases they have
not the love of God in them (Jn 5:42, 14:24). To have love for Christ is to
keep His commandments (Jn 14:15, 21, 23, 15:10, 1 Jn 5:2-3, 2 Jn
1:6). 1 Corinthians 8:3, “But if any man love God, the same is known of
him.” Let us obey and love God and have relationship with Him – we must
not do despite the Spirit of grace (Heb 10:29).
 
Works, Man’s or God’s?
 

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We must understand that there are two types of works. One is the
religious works man does to try and justify himself based upon merit
(referred to as attempting to earn one’s salvation, 1 Cor 1:29). This type
of work is unacceptable to God and no man will be justified in it (Rm 4:4)
– it makes faith void (Rm 4:14)! The other type of work is what naturally
occurs as the result of a life yielded and submitted to God in obedient faith
(known as fruit). This resultant fruit is God’s works in you. If we are led by
the Spirit, then we will produce acceptable works as a result of God’s
grace manifested (revealed) in our lives. As we obey the Spirit’s leading
we conform to Christ’s image. God’s grace working in us produces God’s
works in us (Rm 6:22). These are the visible fruit. Grace compels us to
live righteously before God when we are truly converted in heart –
otherwise we do not have God’s grace. Our fruit is unto eternal life (Jn
4:36). No man will boast before God or merit place (position) based upon
personal effort.
 
Let us look at an example from scripture: Luke 5:3-5, “And he (Jesus)
entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he
would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the
people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto
Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night,
and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
Peter (Simon) was a very capable fisherman who had labored hard all
night in his own abilities, yet without any results. At the Lord’s Words
(who had no earthly background in fishing), he denies the wisdom and
experience of the flesh and simply obeys. Luke 5:6-10, “And when they
had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net
brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other
ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled
both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he
fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man,
O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught
of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the
sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto
Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.” No matter how
accomplished we are, our own works are ultimately futile. When we trust
and obey God, we are very abundantly productive and fruitful. Jesus was
demonstrating that when we release our own efforts (works) and become
obedient to Him, He produces the fruitful harvest. This obedient
faithfulness also makes us pleasing in His sight – brings Him glory. Just
how impressed were these seasoned fishermen? Luke 5:11, “And when
they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.”
This forsaking included their own works (efforts). Jesus also did the same
thing shortly after he had risen from the dead. John 21:3, “Simon Peter
saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee.
They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they
caught nothing.” Simon went back to something familiar that he felt

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confident in doing, but his efforts were in vain. John 21:4-6, “But when
the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples
knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye
any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net
on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and
now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.” Jesus once
again reinforced the fact that only through Him (obedience to follow His
Word) will our efforts be fruitful. Our faithful obedience produces results:
John 21:11, “Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great
fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet
was not the net broken.” Jesus then tells Peter he will suffer for His sake
but to “follow” Him (Jn 21:18-19, 22).
 
Obedience
 
The truth is that if you take the favorite verses above (Eph 2:8-9) and
include verse 10, a different meaning starts to emerge: Ephesians 2:10,
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Now this
may seem like a paradox, we are not saved of works yet we are created in
Christ Jesus unto good works. The meaning is plain; man’s works do not
save. Man has nothing acceptable to offer God. However our walk of
“living faith” produces God’s works in us. Salvation is through faith and
the proof of faith is a sanctified walk. The latter is the inevitable
consequence of the former. Thus by abiding in Christ we will produce
acceptable fruit unto God (Jn Chap 15). Thus we will be known by our fruit
(Mt 3:10, 7:17-19, & 12:33, Lk 3:9 & 6:43-44, & 13:6-7). This is how the
doctrine of eternal security can be judged (aside from scripture), by
looking at the fruits of those who practice it. So we are not going about
doing things to earn something (Gal 2:16). Secondly our focus is on God
and not the works themselves; there is a difference. God regenerates us
(converts, born again, newness of life) and through His Holy Spirit gives
us the ability to do His will (Eph 4:24). Titus 3:5, “Not by works of
righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved
us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” We
live a life of faith and are led of the Spirit (must have the Holy Spirit -
essential) and thereby produce God’s works or evidences (Js 2:17-19).
Romans 6:22-23, “But now being made free from sin, and become
servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting
life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Notice that Romans 2:10 said that we
should walk in these good works. Now we start to see our need to follow
Christ, our example: 1 John 2:6, “He that saith he abideth in him ought
himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” Now concerning the necessity
of obedience and repentance for salvation. From Genesis to Revelation
God has made known extensively His desire for man to obey Him. I
challenge you to read the entire Bible for yourself. Two examples (one
from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament): Deuteronomy

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10:12-13, 16, “And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of
thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love
him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy
soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I
command thee this day for thy good? Circumcise therefore the foreskin of
your heart (serve through love), and be no more stiffnecked (rebellious).”
Hebrews 5:9, “And being made perfect, he became the author of
eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” The fact is that you will
OBEY someone, who will it be? Romans 6:16, “Know ye not, that to whom
ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye
obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” So
if you choose God (through Christ) then it follows: Romans 6:18-19,
“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for
as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity
unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness
unto holiness.”
 
Repentance
 
Repentance was preached by: John the Baptist (Mt 3:2, Jn 1:4, Lk 3:3,
Acts 13:24); Jesus (Mt 4:17, 9:13, 11:20-21, 12:41, & 21:32, Mk 1:15, &
2:17, Lk 5:32, 13:3,5, & 15:7, Rev 2:5, 2:16, 2:21, 3:3); and the
apostles (Mk 6:12, Acts 11:18) – notably Peter (Acts 2:38, 3:19, 5:31,
8:22, 2 Pt 3:9) and Paul (Acts 17:30, 19:4, 20:21, 26:20, Rm 2:4, 2 Cor
7:9-10, 2 Tm 2:25). Those who repented were required to bring forth
evidences or fruits (Mt 3:8, Lk 3:8, Acts 26:20). John the Baptist turned
many back to God through the baptism of repentance (Lk 1:16). Jesus
commissioned that repentance be preached: Luke 24:47, “And
that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name
among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” When Jesus send the twelve
out by twos, they preached that men should repent (Mk 6:12). Always
remember: 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as
some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing
that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” It’s the
goodness, forbearance and longsuffering of God that leads you to
repentance (Rm 2:4). Therefore if God Himself requires obedience &
repentance it is absurd to say they are unacceptable to Him regarding our
salvation through Jesus Christ. Of what value would Christ’s death be to
you if you do not think you have done anything wrong or wish to remain
as is? Of what benefit would you be to God’s kingdom if you desired to
remain in rebellion (not obey) – Is this not the condition of the devil and
the fallen angels? Oh man, take heed! Run from a message that denies
repentance and obedience for salvation. Acts 3:19, “Repent ye therefore,
and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of
refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”
 

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Therefore, we are saved by faith in God, which is the hope we have in
Christ Jesus. This faith is exhibited by abiding in Him through obedience to
His will as lived out daily. To do this we receive the Holy Spirit and walk as
taught/led, verified by His Word. We walk worthy of God (1 Thess 2:12).
As a result, our life produces fruit through the pruning of God and not our
own efforts. This pruning may not appease the flesh, but will definitely
produce a life set apart for God. In short, our faith is demonstrated by our
lives. We are ever conforming to the image of Jesus Christ who is the
image of God (1 Cor 11:7, 2 Cor 4:4, Col 1:15). If we are not doing these
things or are totally oblivious or complacent to them, then we are living to
the flesh, rebelling against God, and conforming to the image of Satan.
 
The Prophets and the Son
 
God has been very consistent with His message to man throughout the
Bible (Old and New Testaments). God sent His prophets and lastly His own
Son. These came speaking God’s Words and not their own. The message
was always to forsake your evil ways (idolatry, worldliness, sin) and turn
to God with a full heart (be humble and obedient in faith) – TO REPENT (2
Kg 17:13-14, Neh 9:26, 30, Jer 25:4-5, 26:5, 12-13, 35:15, 44:4, Zech
1:4)! Man has been very consistent in his response to God’s messengers.
Man has rejected God’s message in his rebellion and killed God’s
messengers and Son (2 Kg 17:13-15, Jer 2:30, Neh 9:26, Ez 20:8, Dan
9:10, Zech 1:4, Acts 7:52). 2 Chronicles 36:16, “But they mocked the
messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets,
until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no
remedy.” However, there has always been a remnant of mankind who
grasped and obeyed the message. These are the harvest that God has
been seeking. There has also been a group who identify themselves with
God (religious), yet seek Him through their flesh and are blinded to their
own idolatry and sinfulness (they do not forsake). These love the
darkness, associate with the light (but do not come to it) and assume
(deception) that their actions are justified with God. They use God’s mercy
as a covering to continue in the things that oppose Him (2 Kg 17:41).
They twist God’s Words for new meaning (such as: works do not save and
repentance is a work).
 
Legalism
 
This is a term that the religious love to throw around even though they do
not know the true meaning. Whenever one proclaims obedience to God
(which leads to a righteousness holy life) is required, they will most likely
be condemned as guilty of legalism. They will say obedience is a work and
works do not save. Usually these same religious will be using God’s grace
as a covering (license) for their ongoing sinfulness and life in the flesh.
Legalism is the obedience to the commandments of men. Never, ever is
legalism true loving obedience to the commandments of God. When we
attempt to fulfill God’s law through obeying our own set of rules, this is

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legalism and the works of the flesh. We are not being led and controlled
by the Spirit of God. The religious will stress things like perfect attendance
at their religious meetings, getting involved at their church complex
(campus), increasing membership, programs/activities, or 10% pre-tax
tithes to their facility. They will not stress denying the flesh and taking up
the cross daily, dying to self to perform God’s will, righteousness/holiness,
being led of the Spirit, and true love of one’s neighbor (sacrificial). The
best way to tell the false (wolf, Mt 7:15) prophets/ teachers/deceitful
workers (2 Cor 11:13-15) is this: Are they leading you toward God
(righteousness/holiness) or away from Him (things of the flesh)? Matthew
7:17, 20, “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt
tree bringeth forth evil fruit. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know
them.” Legalism may also be trying to perfectly obey the legal law under
your own efforts. Apart from God and His Spirit, this is impossible, and no
man will gloat before God as having earned his place or have God
indebted to him. Christ obeyed the law perfectly by His perfect submission
and obedience to the Father as led by His Spirit. We are also required to
exercise our faith.
 
Examples                         
 
The religious Jews killed the very Messiah they were looking for (awaiting)
to deliver them! They were far from knowing God! John 18:28, “Then led
they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and
they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be
defiled; but that they might eat the passover.” Will murder and false
witness defile? Something is dreadfully wrong here: The religious Jews
had so missed God that they were in the very process of killing God’s own
Son, yet they were still concerned about their religious observance of the
Passover which was symbolic of Jesus (a foreshadowing). What good did
their religion do them? Had it positively affected their hearts in any way?
All the symbolism of the passover was embodied in Christ and His living
example. The religious were at a minimum knowingly violating
commandments concerning false witness and murder against an innocent
man. This is how religion clouds the mind (Jn 4:23-24) and blinds the
eyes (Jn 9:39). Matthew 27:3-6, “Then Judas, which had betrayed him,
when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought
again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I
have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said,
What is that to us? See thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver
in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief
priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into
the treasury, because it is the price of blood.” Here again, the religious
are concerned about religious procedures – unconcerned about killing an
innocent man. Do you see the condition of their hearts? Is shedding
innocent blood unlawful? Proverb 21:2, “Every way of a man is right in his
own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.” Do you worship God

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through religious procedures or a heart that burns to do His will? Is fear or
love the motivation for your relationship?
 
Jesus did not fit in very well with the religious system of His day. He was
always irritating the chief priest, scribes and elders by violating their
doctrines and traditions. For instance he healed a man with a withered
hand in a Synagogue on the Sabbath (Mt 12:9-13). How did they react?
Matthew 12:14, “Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against
him, how they might destroy him.” At another synagogue, Jesus also
healed a woman on the Sabbath who had been bowed over for eighteen
years (Lk 13:10-17). On this occasion the religious were put to shame
when Jesus pointed out they treated their animals better then their fellow
man. Jesus once healed a bed-ridden man who had an infirmary for thirty
eight years on the Sabbath (Mk 5:5-15). How did the religious react to
this? Mark 5:16-18, “And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and
sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the Sabbath
day. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had
broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making
himself equal with God.” Notice that Jesus confirmed that what he did was
absolutely in God’s will. Now here is the mind of the religious: They would
say that the people Jesus healed had been sick for some time, so why did
he not heal them on any other day of the week (Lk 13:14)? Does this
sound reasonable? All Jesus would have had to do was a little compromise
of not healing on the Sabbath to bring unity (does this sound familiar?).
Well Jesus intentionally chose the Sabbath to perform these healings
because it exposed their hearts – and they were far from God. Stuck on
legalistic laws and rules with no love or compassion for their fellow man
(Lk 11:42). Jesus came to bring sinners to repentance and seek that
which was lost. Jesus revealed God’s heart of love and compassion over
rigid heartless observances. Obedience to the law without love is legalism
and misses the very intent of the law.
 
Are All who Believe Saved?
 
John 12:42-43, “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed
on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they
should be put out of the synagogue. For they loved the praise of men
more than the praise of God.” These men realized that Jesus was the
Messiah. They knew the things He was saying were true. Even though
they mentally believed they were not willing to follow and as such were
unconverted. These men were not willing to submit to God. They were not
willing to deny self, make sacrifices, or suffer reproach for Him (Lk 6:22,
Heb 13:13). Matthew 10:32-33, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me
before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my
Father which is in heaven.” The issue is this: to truly believe in Christ is to
put full faith and trust in Him. This is obedience to His will and is lived out

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accordingly. Otherwise you despise His purposes in favor of your own.
Some tailor or interpret His Word to allow for their continued will and this
is making judgment on God’s Word.
 
So these chief rulers had belief that was really just a mere mental
assessment of Christ, which is essentially unbelief.Unbelief is a rebellion
and opposition to God (disobedience). It does not deny self and is not
willing to give up what pleases the flesh (pet sins and desires). This is
opposition to God's will. Unbelief cannot be separated from disobedience.
Faith cannot be separated from obedience. 1 John 2:4-6, “He that saith, I
know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is
not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God
perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in
him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” Let each of us so
walk!
 
Prosperity Messages
 
Messages dealing with selfish gain are a false gospel. Many present God
as one that wants the best carnal things this world has to offer for His
children. They just have to go out in faith in regain it from the thieving
lying devil. God is placed in the position of having to placate a nursery
room full of ungrateful self-centered never happy, always whining brats
(Eccl 5:10). In other words, God is only there to cater to your fleshly
desires. These adherents have God serving them, and they become God.
Psalm 10:3, “For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth
the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.” Read the account in Exodus (or
Psalms Chapter 78) of the children of Israel’s wanderings through the
wilderness to gain perspective of God’s opinion of whining for things and
how He dealt with them. Any parent knows that when you give your
children things (excess) all the time it produces a rotten self-centered,
ungrateful, rebellious spoiled brat. Producing such has never been God’s
goal, but this is what man is. This message makes the Word of God null
and void and God out to be a liar. If we love the world, we are an enemy
of God (Js 4:4). If we seek the things of the world, the love of God is not
in us (1 Jn 2:15-17). If we love money, which is the root of all evil, we
have erred from the faith (1 Tm 6:10). If our mind is on the flesh, we
cannot please God (Rm 8:6-8). He that trusteth in riches shall fall (Pv
11:28). Jesus never sought such things, rather forsook them, and He is
our example. Jesus spoke and lived the way of the cross and self-sacrifice
– denial! Luke 12:15, “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of
covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the
things which he possesseth.” “Take heed” and “beware” are strong words
and we should give our undivided attention to what is being said. These
prosperity messages always think of serving God in terms of what may be
selfishly received, whether in faith, prayer and giving (Pv 23:4). The
message is all about getting “blessings.” 1 Timothy 6:9, “But they that will
be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful

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lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” God desires us to
freely serve Him in faith through love with no expectation of worldly gain.
Luke 16:13, “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the
one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the
other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (money).” This is a gospel of
the flesh and is in keeping with man’s selfish rebellion against God –
beware! The men who teach this are destitute of the truth, supposing that
gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself (1 Tm 6:5). 1 Timothy 6:6,
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” To be content is to be
thankful and grateful for such things as you have and not continually
seeking more. God loves the humble and meek for they will inherit the
earth (Ps 37:11, Mt 5:5). Such is not true of a rich man: Luke 18:25, “For
it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to
enter into the kingdom of God.” The rich rely on themselves (ingenuity,
skills – Ps 49:6, 17-19) and their money or resources rather than God -
These things they serve! God will never lead someone who is seeking His
will down such a path. This is a broad path for those seeking their own
will. Some will look to God to be a genie in a bottle to be called upon when
needed for physical healing and coveted things (Eccl 5:15). Woe! Woe!
Woe! 1 Timothy 6:7-8, “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is
certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be
therewith content.” The prosperity religious teachers allure through the
lusts of the flesh and through much wantonness (2 Pt 2:18). Those who
follow them are promised liberty, but are brought into bandage (2 Pt
2:19). Those seeking wealth and worldliness best rethink their efforts and
seek righteousness. Proverb 11:4, “Riches profit not in the day of wrath:
but righteousness delivereth from death.”
 
Church Growth
 
The Lord said that the children of Israel were a rebellious people and that
if He walked in their midst within the camp He would consume them in a
moment (Ex 33:1-5). Exodus 33:7, “And Moses took the tabernacle, and
pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the
Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which
sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which
was without the camp.” Those that sought the Lord came out (from sin
and rebellion). Sin sacrifices were made “without (outside)” the camp (Ex
29:15, 8:17, 16:27, 17:11). Hebrews 13:12-13, “Wherefore Jesus also,
that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the
gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his
reproach.” Those who go outside the camp will not be popular. This same
situation presented itself after the nation of Israel split into Israel and
Judah: 2 Chronicles 11:14-16, “For the Levites left their suburbs and their
possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons
had cast them off from executing the priest's office unto the LORD: And
he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the
calves which he had made. And after them out of all the tribes of Israel

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such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to
Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers.” Jeroboam’s
nation was very religious, yet wicked and those that sought the Lord had
to “come out.” Those who stood for God were silenced. Today is no
different. We must ask ourselves: “Are we willing to come out of this
rebellious self-seeking society (the camp, Is 65:2) – to separate – to
come out and worship the Lord?” Are you willing to come out of your own
sinfulness (many prefer a false gospel that says they do not have to)? Are
you willing to stop going along with the broad path crowd and come out of
popular culture (rebellious) and suffer reproach for God to serve Him? 2
Corinthians 6:17, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye
separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will
receive you.” When you start becoming the light Christ has called you to
be, the religious themselves will put you out. They will not tolerate your
presence. Many religious institutions of man are thriving in the midst of a
worldly rebellious culture. These are building tremendous religious
monuments (facilities, temples) to man. They have not changed society
one bit, and worse... There is no separation, but an embracing of those
things that will generate new memberships to the organization (man’s
way of doing things). They love the praise of men. These institutions are
reflecting (image of) popular culture with a religious spin – a powerless
form of godliness – a religious placebo or facade. This is the path of least
resistance (see Chapter Three)! We are to overcome the world, not be one
with it (1 Jn 5:4). We are to follow Christ, not the course of the world (Jn
10:27). We are to be Spirit led and not “purpose driven.” When we start
conforming to Christ, we will be a great reproach to popular society and
will suffer persecution – we will be hated (Mt 5:10-12, 10:22-25, 24:9, Mk
13:13, Lk 6:22, 21:17, 15:18-20, 17:14, 1 Jn 3:13). Hebrews 13:12-13,
“Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own
blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him
without the camp, bearing his reproach (also 1 Pt 4:14).” Much of this
persecution will come from the religious themselves (jealousy, envy,
control). If we are in Christ and He is in us then our lives will be as His (Jn
14:20). Christ suffered great reproach (from the religious, Ps 69:7, 20).
The religious hated Jesus the most! Are we content to rejoice in Christ’s
suffering, yet seek our popularity and praise with the world? An intimate
relationship with Jesus will develop consistency (uniformity of successive
results, coherence) between you and your beloved (Job 22:21-22).
Opposites do not attract – the flesh is contrary (opposed) to the Spirit –
light repels darkness (darkness hates the light, Jn 3:20). The world hated
Christ, the world will hate those who are like Him. An important bonding
in any relationship is likeness – the two walk together (Amos 3:3).
 
Jeremiah was a man who suffered reproach for God by speaking His Truth
(Word). Jeremiah 20:7-9, “O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was
deceived; thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision
daily, every one mocketh me. For since I spake, I cried out, I cried
violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach

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unto me, and a derision, daily. Then I said, I will not make mention of
him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a
burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I
could not stay.” Notice that speaking God’s truth did not make Jeremiah
popular and certainly didn’t draw followers (members, supporters). He
suffered reproach from others for speaking the truth (just like Christ). The
flesh never wants to hear messages that deny it, yet these are always the
types of messages from God. Jeremiah considered being silent to sooth
his flesh (get along with the crowd, compromise), but the Word of God
burned within him. A true man of God will never be able to be silent or
tone down the Word of God for fleshly comfort (popularity). A true
“follower” has God’s nature within. The Word will come forth and convict
mightily. Most (living to the flesh) will reject it and try and put out the
light (Ps 37:2). To receive the Word will necessitate a change that will
invariably deny the flesh. Those that speak the truth of God’s Word will be
put out of these religious institutions – God separates us one way or the
other.
 
Church growth is the focus for many in the religious world today. This is
building empires. Every conceivable worldly notion will be employed to
attract new members. The religious believe that almost anything done to
bring people to Christ (by their definition) is acceptable. What these
people are won with is what they are won to. If something seems a bit
uncouth or out of order for their churches, they will Christianize it to their
liking. The church becomes a reflection of the world, filled with worldlings
– yet they refuse to be ashamed (Jer 3:3). 1 John 4:5, “They are of the
world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.”
This is a spirit of error (v. 6). The truth is that they are not bringing
people to Christ, but to themselves and their institutions. They want to
glory in your flesh (Gal 6:13-15). Many have a mass production cookie
cutter style approach; void of Christ’s Spirit that simply produces two fold
more the child of hell (Mt 23:15). If one truly comes to Christ as a result,
it will most likely be despite their efforts. God is faithful and does deal
with man on an individual level. God will touch some hearts despite all
this. The Holy Spirit may have been shut out of many religious
institutions, but Christ still faithfully reaches out to anyone (the blind)
within the religious organizations who have a heart to receive Him. Jesus
said, Luke 12:32, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good
pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Jesus said His flock was few (little):
Luke 13:23-24, “Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be
saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for
many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” We are
told clearly in scripture that most of the world is on the broad path that
leads to destruction. The path to eternal life is narrow and does not
accommodate large crowds. God doesn’t limit the numbers of who may
travel; it’s just that few will truly respond. Man will inherently choose to
live his own will rather than sacrifice and deny himself for God and will
convince himself that he is right. Being religious does not place you on the

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narrow path! The strait gate is not entered by partial obedience to God
through human reasoning, but rather unconditional surrender to the will of
God. We are told that some one billion people in the world are Christians –
Christ knows who are really His for He looks at the heart (Nah 1:7). 2
Timothy 2:19, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having
this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that
nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity (sin).” Interesting that
Jesus would associate those who are His and departing from sin, in the
same thought. Worldliness is enmity with God and thus sin. If the religious
insist on using such methods, then they make themselves enemies with
God. Matthew 22:14, “For many are called, but few are chosen (Also Mt
20:16).”
 
Prior to entering the Promised Land, the children of Israel were warned
over and over not to mix with the evil around them (Deut 7:2, 5, 25).
They were told these evil influences would turn their hearts from God,
particularly their children (Deut 7:4). They were told that these evil people
(world) would be a snare to them in serving false gods (Deut 7:16). The
religious of today try and reach the world with the things of the world.
Many religious institutions have become as the world. Look and see how
this evil has turned the hearts of their children from God to the world. The
surest sign is the fruit. Most must now be constantly entertained in their
flesh such that they can tolerate a few words of truth (sometimes twisted)
from God’s Word. The worldly religious of today are seeking the flesh and
most certainly not the Spirit. Jesus does not manifest Himself to those
living as the world, but rather to those who keep His commandments
resulting in a precious relationship (Jn 14:22-24).
 
The religious are now redefining terms and seeking worldly methods of
marketing and quality control. Books have been written and associations
have been formed. The lost and sinful are now seekers. Churches are
being designed to appeal to them on their worldly level and not offend
their conscious nor convict their hearts. Give the people what they want;
appeal to the consumer. 1 John 4:5, “They are of the world: therefore
speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” The organized
religious institutions of man are conforming to the world and its image and
not that of Christ. The target audience (sinner) calls the shots concerning
what the institution should be, based upon the target audience’s likes and
dislikes (image). The religious organization literally transforms itself into
the image of the world to attract the world in its lust for members and
acceptance within the world. Growth and popularity become success and
this is the world’s standards (not God’s). The message of Christ has been
sugar coated and watered down and is “another gospel” altogether. This is
a process of manipulation whereby one is slowly acclimated into the
religious institution by degrees. Worldly and devilish psychology practices
and mind changing processes are being incorporated into the religious
organizations. Unity is being achieved downwardly through consensus and
compromise using Hegelian Dialectic; a process where each extreme of an

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issue is demonized such that a predetermined middle ground will be
adapted and embraced. This is a process of managed change for man’s
purposes and not God’s. This is manipulation and control and is witchcraft
at its worse. Many are being asked to leave these congregations (Jn 16:2)
because they may question (have conviction) the “church growth” tactics.
These churches are not being upfront and honest with their “seekers.”
People are drawn into the religious institutions through worldly (yet
Christianized) rock and roll music, dinner theaters, plays and productions,
and activities such as church sponsored sports, aerobics, topical seminars,
patriotic celebrations (such as singing flag chorus), holiday galas (such as
singing christmas tree choirs), beach trips, summer camps, etc. Can we
honestly imagine Jesus taking His disciples on a church beach or ski
vacation - sun tanning on the beach in a bathing suit with a bandana, pair
of shades and temporary Christianized tattoo? Is this what the Father
would direct Christ to do? This would be ridiculous and demeaning to
God’s majesty, but was written to prove a point. Are these the types of
things Jesus’ body (the church) should be involved in? Jesus was about
the Father’s business and there was barely time for eating, much less
leisure (Mk 6:31). These religious institutions should invoke their own
“what would Jesus do” test on themselves. Of course they will say that
they will pass out a few gospel tracts and are providing wholesome
recreation for their youth. The gospel is still a mystery to them as they
seek God through the flesh (see Speaking in Parables, Chapter Two).
 
The truth is that religious group’s measure success by the bottom line –
numbers. To them popularity and crowds mean that God is moving and
they proudly pat each other on the back. Sinner’s prayers are said,
membership papers are signed, church responsibilities and rules class 101
is attended, and positions within the organization are assigned. Amidst all
the worldliness, an outward expression of a truly changed life will not be
recognized or even considered to be necessarily required. True godly
examples to follow may not exist for there is death in this pot (2 Kg 4:40).
If one truly desires to seek God and follow or asks questions, he may be
told to watch out for legalism, extremism, or fanaticism. Oh man, God
looks for a changed heart and a surrendered life that can be molded by
His will to produce an acceptable work that will withstand the fires of
purification (1 Cor 3:13). True faith will manifest in one’s actions and
devotion. The Spirit will conform us to Christ, and not the world. The flesh
will be denied; not filled to overflowing.
 
Let’s examine what Jesus said about John the Baptist. John 5:35, “He was
a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice
in his light.” John was a shining light or in other words, a perfect witness
for God. What was John’s message? John’s message was to repent,
confess your sins, bring forth evidence (demonstration in your life) of your
repentance, and turn from your sin or face the wrath to come (Mt 3:1-11).
John said that Jesus would gather in the wheat and burn the chaff with
unquenchable fire (Mt 3:12). He said that those who were fruitless would

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be cast into the fire (Mt 3:10). This message was a “turn or burn” type of
sermon. This was not an “unconditional love” message. This was not a
church growth message and certainly does not appeal to the flesh. Yet
Jesus said John was a burning and shining light – he represented God’s
will in the matter. John was great in the sight of the Lord (Lk 1:15). This
message will not be preached in any seeker meetings or be put in any
how to grow your church books or seminars. Oh man, your religious
organizations are growing through fleshly doctrines, but you greatly err
(Mt 23:15). It is good to have godly fear and this may be the means in
which some realize their error and condition, but we must also recognize
that this must lead to a devotion to God. We must be motivated through
our love for Him. To serve God strictly out of fear (hell) is self-centered
and rebellious toward God.
 
The true body of Christ should be encouraging one another to come to the
light of Christ and to walk righteously and not follow the course of this
world. We all need such encouragement in this fallen world, particularly in
this evil end of the age in which we live. Those who truly seek to live
godly should find refuge in the body of Christ (“the Church”). If the
religious institutes are not being led by the Holy Spirit and more resemble
the world, then all they are offering is a placebo (fake substitute with no
power or life). You feel like your serving God, maybe its “emotional” - but
many are being led away from Him. What religious institution is saying
deny yourself, take up your cross and follow? Denying and taking up your
cross are known as dying to self! Are there any that are not focused on
building projects, remodeling, funding, and membership?
 
We once attended a religious denomination that had what was called,
“children’s church.” There was a carnival like atmosphere in a large room
with painted figures on the walls, colored lighting and a disco ball hanging
from the ceiling. The children were “entertained” from the moment they
entered until services concluded. There were puppet shows, skits and
contests/games with prize give-aways. The children were encouraged to
compete (not show love or sacrifice) for prizes, money and candy (lusts
after - covet). They were also given things for reading certain scriptures at
home (bribery, false motives). My children (and others) would get angry if
they didn’t win or were not picked (envy, bitterness, hatred, jealousy). My
son received a card for his birthday with “christianized” rub-on tattoos (Lv
19:28 – pagan skin markings, rebellion). The children watched fictitious
christianized cartoons and listened to christianized rock and roll music.
During the holidays, all the world’s paganism was fully manifested – from
egg hunts to Santa songs. Everything was centered on entertaining the
flesh, even if a Christian teaching was incorporated. The fruits of the flesh
were clearly manifested. The fruit of the Spirit was noticeably absent. The
religious thought this was great and saw no problems – after all the kids
loved it and the crowds were coming. The religious take great notice of
numbers (attendance, commitments, tithing and memberships) and
measure success by them. These children will grow up and take the

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church into deeper levels of apostasy and worldliness. Isn’t this how
change takes place? Man takes over and improves. The Word of God is put
aside or tailored and the Holy Spirit does not lead. These improvements
accumulate over the years until things are far from what was intended.
Each generation only knows those doctrines and traditions they were
taught and those they added. What one generation tolerates the next
embraces. Those that follow the Word and the Spirit then become
fanatics, extremists and legalists out to stop the fun.
 
That which has been shall be again and that which is done shall be done
again (Eccl 1:9). God took His chosen people, Israel, from being a
reproach to being exceedingly beautiful (Ez 16:3-14). However Israel
trusted in her own beauty (Ez 16:15). This is what the devil had done (Ez
27:3, 28:12, 15, 17, 31:8-9). Israel became a harlot to the world. She
took the things of God and sought after the things of men (Ez 16:17).
Israel became estranged from God and totally given over to the things of
the world. They did not remember their nakedness (sin) and polluted
blood (life – is in the blood) – Ez 16:22. The modern “growth” oriented
religious institutions of today are no different. They are harlots to the
world and seek its popularity and acceptance. Membership, membership,
membership. This translates into popularity, control, money and huge
religious buildings with every conceivable form of entertainment for the
flesh. Is God pleased with their religious zeal? Brethren, do not be
overcome by the world (1 Jn 5:4-5).
 
True Love
 
True love is giving, sacrificial and longsuffering. It never seeks its own,
but always places others first. True love will speak the truth of God’s Word
in gentleness, but unyielding firmness. Jesus exhibited true love as He
ministered to the needs of others, yet spoke against injustice, error and
hypocrisy. Jesus later laid His life down for those of us who are just plain
undeserving. Those who speak falsely, compromise, downplay or repress
the truth will have made a covenant with death and with hell an
agreement as they seek to satisfy (Is 28:15). Perhaps they are concerned
they might offend or be unpopular for standing against the flesh. This
message will bring death to the hearer as offenses are overlooked, praise
is unduly dispensed or received and misdirection is given, confirmed or
blessed. True love is not unconditional because there are bounds for
behavior and motive, but true love is forgiving and merciful to the
repentant cry.
 
Unconditional?
 
Many teach God’s love is unconditional. This allows self-willed rebellious
man to set the terms of peace and reconciliation with God. This doctrine
says that once one has made a profession of Christ that no matter what
one does, God must overlook it because He can only see Christ’s blood.

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However, is this blood not precious? Why did it have to be spilt? Christ’s
sacrifice was necessary because God’s love is conditional and God does
not just overlook sin and rebellion. Christ did not come to justify you to
continue to seek your own will and thereby continue in sin – the very
thing God hated, and that necessitated Christ’s death. We must
understand that under the original law there was no room for mercy – all
who violated the law were condemned. Christ’s shed blood now allows for
mercy under the law (Heb 7:12, 25, 8:6-7, 9-13, 9:15, 10:9). Acts 13:39,
“And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye
could not be justified by the law of Moses.” This mercy is for those who
seek Christ and is not used as a means to accompolish your own evil
intents and purposes – to live your way. Reconciliation and mercy only
happens when man lays down all rebellion to God and conforms to His will
and purposes. When man lives his will and only seeks God’s acceptance,
then man exalts himself above God. In other words, man tells God he
willaccept God’s provision for the forgiveness of sin (Christ’s death) as
long as God accepts man as he is and will love him unconditionally. This is
a doctrine of the truly unconverted, for to be converted is to die to your
will and unconditionally serve God. Notice the opposites: God says man
will love Him unconditionally, but man says God will love him
unconditionally. Which do you suppose the devil would endorse? To
human reasoning and man’s will, unconditional love seems so right, yet
man’s nature is corrupt and fallen. Proverb 14:12, “There is a way which
seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
The real question should be: why does a truly loving and righteous God
even concern Himself with sinful rebellious man (Ps 8:4)? God is looking
for that remnant with a heart toward Him that He will reconcile to Himself
(Rm 9:27). These will submit to God unconditionally. Those who desire
unconditional love only want God to serve their selfish desires and they
shall have neither. These either love the darkness or are to proud to
repent.
 
Abraham is our example of what God desires (Gen Chap 22). He was told
to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham did not question God, but totally
submitted to God’s will in the matter (Heb 11:17). Abraham no longer
lived for self, deciding right and wrong. He was willing to obey, regardless
of cost. Abraham was willing to sacrifice that which he loved to obey God.
He showed that he feared God through his actions and God was pleased
(Gen 22:12). We must have this same faith. Galatians 3:9, “So then they
which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.” To do the works of
Abraham would be to die to self and offer all to God upon the altar with no
conditions (Jn 8:39). Many say, I will serve you “IF.” God does not
negotiate with a rebellious mankind (Num 23:19). God “IS” and “WILL BE”
regardless of your acceptance of Him. God displayed great love and
provided a way of reconciliation that cost Him dearly and was of His
choosing (Christ’s death). Those who lovingly accept God’s way will be
reconciled. Those who do not come to God on His terms simply manifest
their continued rebellion and justify a deserved judgment of

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condemnation. These will be separated from God into the hellish result of
rebellion fully matured, for eternity. There they will experience their
greatly magnified, yet totally unsatisfied lusts and fleshly desires forever,
never to be fulfilled – for these are what they chose over love of God.
None of God’s creation will protest their judgment because God is totally
righteous in the matter and the wicked condemn themselves.
 
Misplaced Faith
 
We must have correct faith toward our Lord. Many have faith to believe in
Christ and that their sins are forgiven. However, misplaced faith will view
this forgiveness as a type of covering that allows one to remain a servant
of sin rather than being freed from sin (Jn 8:34-36, Rm 6:6-7, 11-18, Gal
1:4). These will say, “Not perfect, just forgiven.” The inference is that we
all do the same bad things, but since I profess Christ its OK for me to do
them (Gal 2:17, 1 Pt 1:14-16, 3 Jn 1:11). This is displeasing to the Lord
because it undermines and negates His will (1 Jn 3:8-9). This type of faith
is in vain because your nature and fruit have not changed (conversion,
born again) to conform to His will (1 Jn 2:29). These make Jesus a cloak
for their continuance in sin (Jn 15:22, 1 Jn 1:6, 2:4, Jude 1:4) and
dishonor Him greatly (Rm 2:8-9). Correct faith will view forgiveness as the
mechanism whereby we can now live and be pleasing to the Lord and
bring Him glory (Rm 2:7, 1 Jn 1:7, 2:5-6, 3:3, 7). This faith views Jesus
as the Savior who delivers from sin (Mt 1:21, 2 Tim 2:19, Gal 1:4, Col
2:11, Ti 2:14, 1 Pt 2:24, 1 Jn 3:4-6, 5:18, Rev 1:5) and provides grace to
live righteously (1 Pt 1:5) and holy by abiding in Him (Ti 2:11-14, Rm
6:7, 22-23). Acts 3:26, “Unto you first God, having raised up his Son
Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his
iniquities.” The new man (born again) is created in righteousness and true
holiness – not pretend (Eph 4:24, 1 Thess 4:7). We recognize that God
converts, leads and guides us to be pleasing in His sight – we just obey
from a loving and submissive heart (1 Pt 1:2, 22). Thus God works in us
to do His good pleasure (Php 2:13, Heb 13:21) – God working, you’re
conforming. This cannot happen if you are working in you to live for self,
cling to darkness and thus do the leading and guiding (Jn 3:19-20). Luke
11:35, “Take heed therefore that the light (air of religiosity, misplaced
faith) which is in thee be not darkness.” So the exercise of correct faith
will be to forsake ungodliness and be obedient to the Spirit so as to be
conforming to the image (likeness) of Christ (Rm 6:4-6). To further
illustrate this point, a hypothetical and somewhat absurd example: One
could have all the faith in the world in believing that God would help them
rob a bank such that they could be rich; yet this faith would be
misdirected and in vain. Why? Because God would not endorse (assist and
abet) stealing, lust and covetousness, self-seeking, the love of money, or
a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations – nor would God become your
servant to enrich yourself in such worldliness. All these things would
oppose His righteous character and will – and you thereby make yourself
an enemy. In the same way, we cannot view Christ’s forgiveness as

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license to do what opposes Him – and thereby become an enemy. Jesus
will not “just understand” your love of darkness and resulting rejection of
His great, tremendous, and precious sacrifice. We have no hope apart
from Christ. We must seek to become “the friend of God” as Abraham did
through obedience (Js 2:20-24).
 
Prayer
 
Many often pray for things they want (self-centered) or for God’s blessing
on the things they have already decided to do (self will). They essentially
want God to serve them rather than them serving God, but do not
necessarily see it that way. This is attempting to elevate yourself above
God just like the devil attempted to do (Is 14:12-14). Jesus said: John
14:13, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the
Father may be glorified in the Son.” Prayers are to accomplish God’s will
for His glory. God is not glorified when you pray selfishly to indulge your
own lusts. It should be understood that those who truly seek God are
seeking His will and not their own. Many live as they choose with little
regard for God, but always expect God to be there when needed? God is
not a genie in a bottle to be called upon through the will of man. Many
believe if they can pray with enough faith, then God will provide a
Cadillac, nice career or big home. This is misplaced faith for fleshly things
that are not needful. It’s self-centered and violates God’s will. Any
answers that may be received from such prayers are probably demonically
arranged to deceive and misdirect focus from God to selfish desires.
Perhaps God will answer them according to the multitude of their idolatry
giving them over to their true love – self (Job 34:11). Consider this: 1
John 5:14, “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask
any thing according to his will, he heareth us.” AND 1 John 3:22, “And
whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his
commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” Many
cannot understand why prayers seem to go unanswered. 1 Peter 3:12,
“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open
unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”
When you live for God’s will, He responds to your requests. James 4:3,
“Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it
upon your lusts.” When we pray selfishly, we ask amiss for our own lusts.
John 15:7, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask
what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” Abiding in Christ is loving Him
by obeying His Words (commandments - Lk 14:23). John 9:31, “Now we
know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of
God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.” God’s will is not for selfish or
wicked motives. Proverb 15:29, “The LORD is far from the wicked: but he
heareth the prayer of the righteous.” When we rise above our will and
seek only God’s, then our prayers will be answered – and things will go
well.
 

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Matthew 6:5-8, “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the
hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in
the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto
you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy
closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in
secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But
when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think
that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like
unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before
ye ask him.” Many in religious denominations pray disingenuous prayers
for healings of church members when their own doctrines deny that
supernatural healings and gifts per 1 Corinthians 12:9 are for today.
These prayers seem to be more obligations and placating of desperate
family members and for show, than sincere faith. They do not really
expect an answer and would most likely be surprised to see one. Such
was the case of those praying when Peter was imprisoned (read Acts
12:5-16). A doctor is much more likely to get credit than God. James
5:16, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that
ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much.” Let us live righteously that God will answer our prayers.
We can pray in public for pretence or we can fall on our knees in secret
and be for real before God. We should talk to God from our heart and be
prepared to follow His directions. Often, what God knows we have need of
and what we think we have need of are two different things with two
different timings. Do you seek God’s blessings or God’s will? Notice in the
lead-in verses that prayer in secret is intimacy with God. No distractions,
no ulterior motives just a desire to communicate.
 
How Do I Pray
 
Luke 11:1-2, “And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain
place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us
to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye
pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.” We are to
exalt and praise God (recognize His greatness). We are to pray that God’s
will be accomplished (in us) in all things and not our will (not selfish
things) – we yield to Him in everything. This shows our need to be
conforming to Christ’s image and dying to the things of self and the world.
Luke 11:3, “Give us day by day our daily bread.” We recognize that
everything we have comes from God. He is our all in all – the bread of life
(Jn 6:35). We depend upon God, not ourselves or others (no self-
sufficiency). Luke 11:4, “And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every
one that is indebted to us. When we ask to be forgiven, we must
recognize that we must also forgive (Mt 18:23-35). And lead us not into
temptation; but deliver us from evil.” We must be repentant of all our
transgressions against God and be set apart for His service. We must be
actively fighting sin (Jn 8:34, 1 Jn 3:3, 7-10, Js 4:8) in our lives and all

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appearance of evil (1 Th 5:22). We put God’s Word in our heart that we
not sin against Him (Ps 119:11). When we resist temptation (Mt 26:41),
God makes a way of escape (1 Cor 10:13). We cannot pray for
deliverance from temptations and then willingly put ourselves in tempting
situations (in front of TV?). An alcoholic that seeks deliverance would not
be expected to seek fellowship in a bar. Matthew 6:13 adds: “…For thine is
the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”  The verse
says “IS” and this is in present tense. Matthew 4:17, “From that time
Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is
at hand.” The kingdom of heaven is now! Luke 17:21, “Neither shall they
say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”
We are to be actively living in the kingdom of heaven right now on earth.
 
Fasting
 
Fasting is the process whereby one denies one’s flesh to specifically seek
God. The Spirit rises above the flesh. You may recall that Jesus fasted
forty days and forty nights in the wilderness seeking the Father prior to
the start of His earthly ministry (Mt 4:2). Fasting is pleasing to God
because one willingly gives up something in self denial to seek Him out of
love. This is an expression of our professed love. True love (sacrifice) is
demonstrated when we secretly fast for the needs of others. Jesus said
His disciples would fast after His departure (Mt 9:15). When we fast, it is
not for show, for men to see, and should be kept as confidential as
possible. This is private intimacy between you and God and you must not
appear to be fasting (Mt 6:17-18). Some types of deliverance can only be
accomplished through fasting (Mt 17:21). Fasting could be abstaining
from eating for a meal, day, week, etc. Fasting could be giving up
something you enjoy for a period of time and truly seeking God (1 Cor
7:5). What, when, the duration, and how frequently you fast is between
you and God. The point is that the desires of the flesh are being subdued,
denied and become subservient to the Spirit to seek God’s purposes in
your life or another’s with a sincere desire to serve. Fasting is just one
outlet whereby we may demonstrate our faith if done with the correct
motives for the right intent. Everyone should seek God through
periodically fasting in some way. When you declare a fast to God you must
be faithful to complete it (Eccl 5:4-5). Do not say and not do.
 
Matthew 6:16-18, “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a
sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto
men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou,
when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou
appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and
thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” This is fasting
to be seen of men for personal glory (self). This does not honor God nor
does it show love for others. When some fast they make it a point to tell
everybody. They work it into their conversations or mope about hoping
someone will ask why. They may make more of it than there is such as

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fasting from a specific food on a specific day each year as a ritual
requirement of their religion. Fasting for others to see is seeking personal
glory and exalts the flesh rather than the Spirit. Fasting is a part of your
intimate relationship with Christ. It’s just between you and He and must
be guarded as such.
 
Giving
 
The first thing you must realize in giving is that God does not need your
money. God has created this world and owns everything: Psalm 24:1,
“The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that
dwell therein. (also Deut 10:14, Ps 89:11, 1 Cor 10:26).” Giving is for
your benefit, to grow and mature you to be as your Lord. Giving is a
denying of self for the benefit of others - love. Giving is self-sacrifice and a
humbling of oneself to God. Giving can be in terms of money, possessions,
time, labor, etc. We are to feed, clothe, visit, and lodge others in need (Pv
19:17, 22:9, 28:27, 29:7). Jesus said when you give to these that ye
have done it unto Him (Mt 25:40). Giving may just as easily be the coat
off your back as money from your wallet. The key here is that this is a
sacrifice on our part. Mark 12:41, “And Jesus sat over against the
treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and
many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow,
and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto
him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this
poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the
treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want
did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” Some give much out of
their abundance (no real sacrifice), but others little out of their need
(great sacrifice). 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Every man according as he purposeth
in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God
loveth a cheerful giver.” Some give out of obligation or fear. Many
religious organizations make one feel obligated/guilty about giving a 10%
tithe. Recall, the Levitical priesthood is gone, so there is no more required
10% tithe. However, the religious institutes of man have created another
unauthorized priesthood. These institutions will say this 10% pre-tax tithe
must go to them. They must pay their staffs and build big buildings and
further their organization. God’s desire is that you give out of the love of
your heart and often that will exceed 10%. We should give to those men
who are truly being used of God, but not as a required arrangment and
perhaps totally in secret.
 
There is no requirement as to where you must give, but one must be
responsible about it. If you do not give cheerfully, then you have missed
the point. Matthew 6:1-4, “Take heed that ye do not your alms before
men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father
which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a
trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the
streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They

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have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know
what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy
Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” We are not
to give for selfish reasons (personal gain – Lk 6:35) or to derive personal
praise (such as a plaque with our name on some fixture in a religious
structure). We are to give discreetly (secretly) – it’s between us and God
as part of our intimate relationship. Some give expecting a benefit such as
a tax deduction and thus they have their reward. The religious made deals
with the government (long ago) and obtained a tax-exempt status
(501C3). This of course requires much paper work (peering eyes) and is
what you might call a sounding of the trumpet. You can be sure the
religious organizations know who the big givers are. You can also be sure
the religious big givers let the religious institutes know who they are.
Religious organizations require tithe envelopes and records; after all, they
are beholding to the government and must comply – lots of records to
keep. If you have ever given to any “established ministry” distant or local
regardless of it’s intended purpose (such as feeding hungry, creation
science, teaching, rescue mission, etc.) you will most likely end up on a
mailing list. You will receive never ending solicitations (manipulations) for
contribution and support. These worldly mass marketing gimmicks should
be a tip-off (fruit) for legitimacy. The Lord never intended for giving to be
conducted in such a manner. Those that are guilty of using such mass
solicitations need to do some serious re-examining of their purposes,
methods and authenticity.
 
The other negative side to this is that many will only want to give to tax-
exempt organizations (after all, being good stewards) and this certainly
deters direct secret giving (or open) to the needy – these are seeking a
benefit (tax deduction). It’s all as easy as writing a check – you will never
even have to see or talk to these poor folks you are helping (after the
institute pays all its expenses of course). However, there is no greater
personal satisfaction than directly helping someone truly in need – making
a real difference in someone’s life. This is lost through much of the
impersonal giving done today. If we are in a position to meet a need
directly, we are to do so and not to defer it to others (Js 2:15-17) such as
some church benevolence committee. God does promise that if we feed
the hungry that we will not go hungry (Ps 41:1). The Lord does
reciprocate our actions based upon our measure (Lk 6:38). Personal gain
(1 Tim 6:5) can never be our motive because that is an exalting of self
(Mt 23:12) with no true love or sacrifice. Some have been presented a
gospel of gain – give to receive much more – you can’t out give God. Even
the worst sinner would give to receive ten times as much. Yet the
scriptures say: 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is the root of all
evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and
pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Often Jesus says that we
are building treasure in heaven (for a later time, Mt 6:19-20, 19:21, Mk
10:21, Lk 12-33-34). Lastly, we cannot view our giving as some merit on
our part, for we are doing only what is required. However God says that

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He will re-pay us: Proverb 19:17, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth
unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”
When we are in need God will help us.
 
I once heard a preacher (told the congregation) tell of a couple who
approached him in the parking lot as he was locking up the church
building. They said they needed gas and food and were trying to travel
home. He told them that the benevolence committee members had
already left for the day and sent them away. Then as he got into his truck,
it occurred to him that he could actually give them some of his own
money. So he went and found them and gave them five dollars. Another
religious man once told me that he was approached in the church parking
lot by a young lady who told of how her life was so messed up and she
needed food and diapers for her child. He wanted her to come into the
church and talk with the religious authorities. She said she did not feel
worthy. Finally this man gave her five dollars and lectured her about not
spending the money on drugs. If he suspected fraud, he could have taken
her to a nearby store and bought her the things she needed, but then he
would have missed religious services that should be telling one to love his
neighbor. I am not trying to be pious here, but am trying to make a point.
In both cases these men did do the right thing in giving of their own
resources. However, we should also give enough to meet the particular
need assuming we have the ability. The result of our listening and hearing
God’s Word should be a direct application of it in our lives. One who is a
doer of the Word is on the road to mastering hearing the Word. We must
open our eyes to see (Jer 5:21, Ez 12:2, Mt 13:15).
 
So What Went Wrong in the Synagogues?
 
Remember, our righteousness must exceed that of the religious Jews (Mt
5:20). Lets re-cap what we have already discussed about them: (1) They
did works to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries (slips of
scripture text); enlarge the borders of their garments; love the uppermost
rooms at feast & chief seats in the synagogues; love greetings in the
market and titles of distinction (Mt 23:5-12). (2) Loved to pray standing in
the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen
of men; used vain repetitions thinking that they shall be heard for their
much speaking (Mt 6:5-8). (3) When they gave, they sounded a trumpet
before them to receive glory from men (Mt 6:1). (4) When they fasted,
they had a sad countenance and disfigure their faces that they may
appear unto men to fast (Mt 6:16). (5) They were self-righteous (Lk
18:10-14). (6) They held their doctrines and traditions of men in higher
regard than obedience to God (Mk 7:7-8). (7) Appeared righteous to men
on the outside (Mt 23:28) and justified themselves before men (Lk
16:15). (8) They were legalistic with no love or compassion toward their
fellow man (Mt 12:10 & 23:4, Mk 3:2, Lk 11:42). (9) They hindered true
worship (Lk 11:52, Amos 2:11-12). (10) Professed God with lips - but
didn’t follow, they were hypocrites (Mk 7:6, Lk 12:1). (11) They omitted

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the weightier matters of the law, like judgment, mercy, and faith (Mt
23:23). (12) They had no discernment (Mt 16:3). (13) Disregarded true
messengers from God (Mt 23:29). (14) They also trusted in the fact that
they were descendants of Abraham and heirs to the promise. (15) They
trusted in their ability to keep the law as their salvation. (16) Spoke evil
from an evil heart (Mt 12:34-36). (17) For they say, and do not (Mt 23:3).
(18) Their works were unacceptable (Mt 23:3). (19) They judged Jesus
unworthily saying He had a demon, was mad, and was a sinner (Mt
12:24, Jn 10:20). (20) They were full of man’s wisdom, always learning,
but never understanding God (2 Tm 3:7). They were truly blind leaders of
the blind (Mt 15:14, 23:24). Matthew 23:33, “Ye serpents, ye generation
of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” They shall receive
the greater damnation (Mt 23:14).
 
Perhaps you noticed that everything they did was for self (totally self and
man-centered). John 12:43, “For they loved the praise of men more than
the praise of God.” They sought their own glory, they did not glorify God.
Isaiah 5:21, “Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent
in their own sight! They followed after the flesh, not the Spirit (Php 3:3,
9). They were also very protective of the institute they had established
and would defend it at any cost: John 12:19, “The Pharisees therefore
said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the
world is gone after him (Jealousy/envy).” John 11:49-50, “And one of
them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto
them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient
(useful/profitable) for us, that one man should die for the people, and that
the whole nation perish not.” They were concerned that they would lose
their glory and were all the eager the kill Jesus. Isaiah 5:14,“Therefore
hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and
their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth,
shall descend into it.” Consider carefully: Romans 10:21, “But to Israel he
saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and
gainsaying people.” They wouldn’t humble themselves and die to their will
to serve God. Gainsaying is to refuse – they loved the darkness and loved
not the truth.
 
Now many might consider the things that Jesus said of the religious as
unloving. I submit to you that what Christ said to them showed a
tremendous amount of love. Jesus was correcting them of their gross
error and also providing an example for the religious of today (Do they
see it?). Jesus was showing them how far they were missing God’s will.
They just did not accept it as most will not today. Had they taken this
correction to heart and repented they would have been saved. They didn’t
heed the advice and: John 8:21, “Then said Jesus again unto them, I go
my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye
cannot come.” They were not following! When one dies in their love of
darkness, they can no longer come to Christ. This is the condemnation:
pride exalts itself and balks at wisdom. Self does not want to yield. These

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religious had built a tremendous system on error. The same can be said of
much today. Repentance requires a humbling of oneself and a submission
of the will. Repentance requires a confession of fault and guilt.
Repentance requires a forsaking and a new direction. How many are
willing? The self-righteous (lukewarm) rarely repent (they don’t see the
need), but the sinful and lost (cold) often realize their wickedness and fall
upon God’s mercy. When you see the need and submit to God, then
reconciliation can result.
 
What about the Religious of Today?
 
Could the religious of today be as the Jews were when Jesus walked the
earth? Absolutely! They make a name for themselves through their
denominations, doctrines, traditions, religious works, books, television
programs, and large buildings. Pastors, deacons, committees, big tithers
or influential church folk run the churches, often lording it over all others –
perhaps somebody’s ancestor helped build or start the church. Cherished
positions might include head of children’s church, Sunday school
administrator/teacher, elder or deacon, nursery lead, member of the
choir/soloist, building committee chair/member, or treasurer. These
positions come with power, popularity, respect and control. Some become
cliquish and form clans or groups. To maintain or accumulate
power/position, many hold to the doctrine of Balaam (Rev 2:14). Many
want to be recognized before the body for some service they perform and
are hurt if they don’t receive due glory (self-centered, fleshly). Certain
pews/seats may be unofficially claimed by some as “our seats.” The
pastors (clergy) tend to claim the spotlight, chief seats, and recognition
from their (ownership of) members. After all they have certificates,
awards, and diplomas. Perhaps the pastor wants to be called Reverend.
These are the Nicolaitans (Rev 2:6) who lord it over the people. Members
(known as laity) are regularly manipulated through emotion/fear/peer
pressure to give extra money and time for building programs or
improvements, projects or to work in some area of the institution. This
religious machine takes a lot of man power to run it. Church governments
are established and patterned after the secular government. Heaven is
ruled by God alone, not majority vote! Ministry teams are dispatched to
visitor’s homes to recruit new members for the institute or denomination.
Some visitors may not be welcome (minorities, poor, fanatics, Js 2:1-4).
There is very little separation from the world these days and more than
likely a reflection of it. Some may be in the midst of Satan’s seat (Rev
2:13) – the devil seeks to rule and corrupt from within (2 Cor 11:13-15).
Some women operate in the spirit of Jezebel through their manipulated
husbands (maybe behind the scenes). Most are lukewarm concerning
Christ and are therefore wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind,
and naked (Rev 3:16-17). Yet given their monuments (mega-church,
gymnasium, church camp, youth facility, mission trips, etc.), they feel
they are rich and in need of nothing. Many have left their first love (Rev

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2:4). Christ must be the sole focus and have all preeminence. The Holy
Spirit must lead. Love must be manifested.
 
Doing the Will of God?
 
When one joins a religious institution (through saying a repeated prayer,
baptism, signing a doctrinal statement, transfer of membership, etc.),
they will most likely be assigned a position to serve the institution
(building, denomination, etc.). They may be asked to be an usher,
choir/band member, bus driver, Sunday school worker, committee
member or various other tasks. They will also be expected to serve the
religious institution through attendance, tithing, denominational
proselytizing, learning/agreement and such. The religious see all this as
doing the will of God. What this book has tried to reveal is that
doing/performing the will of God (in practice) is a life lived daily with the
foundation being God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. We
perform God’s will when we acknowledge the
sin/transgression/rebellion/iniquity in our own lives and turn from it
(forsake). We do the will of God when we seek Him in our daily lives with
love in our hearts. This may involve reading His Word, praying, and
denying self by walking as Christ walked. We do God’s will when we guard
our hearts and eschew all evil (see Chapter Three, A Tremendous Idol).
We do God’s will when we stop seeking to be as the world and rid our lives
of all idolatry (example – Chapter Seven, Christ(mass), A Worldly
Celebration). We do God’s will when we see someone in need and meet
that need not expecting anything in return. We do God’s will when we live
daily by example and become a bright and shining light to those around
us. We do God’s will when we suffer reproach for standing for the name of
Jesus Christ in a world that opposes Him. This list could go on and on.
Doing God’s will is found in our daily faith and devotion to Him. Notice that
all these things are done aside from the religious institution. The religious
institution says we must reach and serve God through it. Jesus says that
He is the head of the true body and has given it His Spirit. Who do you
follow? Stop being religious and start being real!
 
Apostasy – Its Here and the End is Near
 
Apostasy is abandoning God, whom you have given yourself to.
Sometimes the true God is exchanged for a fake facsimile more
resembling man’s image of what he wants in a seamless transfer
(deception). What are the steps to apostasy? Romans 1:21, “Because
that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were
thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart
was darkened.”  Many know God’s Word, but choose to ignore much of the
truth. They create a God in their own image that allows the flesh to reign.
They say nothing is required of me but a mental assent to the facts. They
are not thankful and dishonor Christ by continuing to walk in their sins
and seek the things of the world. They do not fight the flesh or grieve over

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the sin in and around them. They use God’s grace and forgiveness as
license to fulfill the desires of the flesh. They seek their own will rather
than God’s and have become proud. Romans 1:24-25, “Wherefore God
also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to
dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth
of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the
Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” They serve themselves under the
cloak of religion. They love not the truth of God’s Word which is to totally
submit to God’s will in love (sacrifice). The Word of the Lord becomes a
repraoch to them and they have no delight in it! They seek their own and
thus remove themselves from the true light and this darkens their foolish
heart. Romans 1:26-32, “For this cause God gave them up unto vile
affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that
which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural
use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men
working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that
recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like
to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate
mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all
unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness;
full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters,
haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things,
disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without
natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of
God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do
the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” This is where much of
man’s organized religion is today, focused on the flesh and things of the
world. They have religious conventions to push for the acceptance,
recognition of marriage, and ordination of homosexuals. Can you see how
far from God things have become? This was the culmination of Sodom’s
(Sodomites) wickedness. This is a point of great judgment. Leviticus
18:22, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is
abomination.” Religious men have also been peddling a gospel of gain
(covetousness) for some time. Just name it and claim it – money, wealth,
blessings, and the good life for the flesh. Others are telling us that we will
just all fly away in a rapture to avoid any sacrifice. There is a scientist that
has an organization that has attempted to reconcile the Bible with man’s
scientific explanations of creation. He has allowed for evolution, death
before the fall of man, vast geological ages and a local rather than global
flood. He travels the country peddling man’s knowledge over God’s truth
in the religious institutions and is gladly received. Several big name
television and radio preachers and one major Christian magazine have
endorsed these views. The Pope of Romanism has also endorsed these
views. These types of apostasy are the content of the best selling
Christian “positive thinking” books. There are no best sellers on dying to
self and the things of the world – but that is Christ’s gospel! Large
donations will not be garnered from telling self to die and submit totally to

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God. Why is the truth not being told? The truth is not told because the
truth does not profit the flesh.
 
The reprobate mind is one that lacks moral discernment. It no longer sees
the evil as evil. The reprobate just stops grieving over sin. This sin may be
a hundred little things in a given day – a word here and a thought there.
Most things will be justified away in total compromise. God is no longer in
their thoughts (Ps 10:4). Everything becomes just innocent fun, make
believe, fantasy, and pretend. Everybody’s doing it, nobody’s perfect –
you have to live in this world and it’s all so innocent. We are delivered to
do these things, let’s be open minded - tolerance. To be conscious of God
and having Him in your thoughts is to fight the flesh and the things of the
world which is the exaltation of self. To honor God is to follow and obey
daily. These will constantly be humble and broken before God. Those who
have knowledge of God will grieve over the evil and they will run from it to
God and cleave to Him.
 
Politics and Religion
 
We are encouraged in scripture to pray for those in authority (kings,
governments, etc.) so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all
godliness and honesty (1 Tm 2:2). We must recognize that our lives are in
God’s hands and not that of man or ourselves and that God is in control
(Rm 13:1-7). Hebrews 12:14, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness,
without which no man shall see the Lord.” The temptation to many (in a
democratic country) is to help God along through man’s intervention. This
can very quickly turn our focus off of God and onto a never ending worldly
political process that is far from seeking after righteousness and holiness.
Patriotism can qickly become idolatry. Isaiah 30:1-3, “Woe to the
rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and
that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to
sin: That walk to go down into Egypt (America), and have not asked at my
mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh (the
President of the USA), and to trust in the shadow of Egypt (America)!
Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh (President) be your shame, and
the trust in the shadow of Egypt (America) your confusion.” The politicians
tell the religious what they want to hear, but then do just the opposite.
The religious feel they must play along to get what they can get. Such
utter confusion! Doth not God hear the prayers of
the righteous(conditional – Pv 15:29, Js 5:16) and know their needs?
 
Most religious institutions and their members support the political process
in order to legislate morality (dominion) through the state (church/state –
mystery Babylon) – i.e. we must regain our (perceived) religious
freedoms. The apostate church will always turn to man for answers rather
than God. God has always allowed man’s free will to see who freely
chooses to serve Him (whosoever will - Mt 7:24, 10:32, 16:25, etc) –
these will be the ones with Him for eternity. One cannot be forced to

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follow Christ – this misses the whole point! The organized religious
institutions have failed to change society because they did not submit to
God (were not led of the Holy Spirit), but rather they (and their
proselytes) were changed by society. Do not think the worldly political
processes will succeed. This was tried by the Roman Catholic Church and
was a bloody mess of inquisitions, heresy hunters, and less than
enthusiastic followers which were all subjected to the will and doctrines of
man in a time known as the Dark Ages. Men never do evil so completely
and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction! This will be the
case in the great tribulation. Even the most cruel Nazi SS man felt right
and justified in what he did.
 
Many tried to drag Jesus into controversy with the world’s governments.
They asked Jesus if they should pay taxes. Men love money and wish to
retain it. Jesus said give it all back to whose subscription is on it and serve
God (Mk 12:16-17). This was not what the flesh wanted to hear. They
accused Jesus of being a king who threatened Caesar’s authority. Jesus
said His kingdom was not of this world (Jn 18:36). He did not interest
Himself in temporal earthly things. Christ’s outlook was eternal and God-
centered and so should ours be.
 
God is supreme and so is His will. Americans have a hard time with
concepts outside of democracy. This is why the religious have democratic
types of government (voting) within their religious institutions. The
majority vote is a decision for right and wrong and undermines God’s
authority. The kingdom of God is not democratic. The kingdom of God
does not begin some time in the future, but is now and within you if you
are a true follower of Christ (Lk 17:21). This means that you totally
submit to God’s will with a whole heart. Being held to the law of the land
is no different than how the Pharisees and Sadducees observed the Law of
Moses. To grudgingly follow the law with no real heart toward its intent
and more important toward God totally misses God’s will and purposes.
Those that perpetrate the law (whether godly, Christian or not) through
political means want to control the behavior of others for selfish benefit.
They want to exert their will over another. Only God can change a man’s
heart (nature), man cannot (Jn 1:12-13). God will only do so when a man
comes to Him on His terms (repentant). We are God’s witnesses in this
world who are to be lights for all to see. The Lord expects each believer to
“follow” in His example -in doing so, we become the light that He intends
for us to be – the image we were created to be. The world will be won as
each light bears witness to another in sincerity and example.
 
Here is some real wisdom. Start personally following God as detailed in
Chapters Two through Four and conforming to Jesus’ image. When you
have humbled yourself and submitted to God and are truly led by His
Spirit, then you can seek God about changing the other guy. In other
words, put your own house in order before you start imposing (forcing)

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your will on others. You may find that your will was not God’s will and He
certainly doesn’t want you imposing it upon others.
 
Americans have too much freedom. How does the average religious man
utilize his freedom? Bibles are freely available to all, how many read them
daily? More importantly, how many follow them daily? There is no one
who can stop you from praying silently everyday (not to be seen of man)
to your Lord. For those that are so concerned that there is no prayer in
school – given the times in which we live, just what sort of public prayer
do you think would be imposed? I guarantee it will offend. So many who
profess Christ get upset that God is not in the schools, but do they read
through the Bible and teach their children at home (Deut 6:5-9)? Parents
are free to teach their children from the Word of God every day at home
(how many do?). Unfortunately the television (the devil’s teaching tool, Ps
101:3) probably takes up all the prayer and Bible study time – this is what
most will freely choose to do, but God will not be mocked (Gal 6:7).
Children are primarily taught from: 1) Their parent’s example (assuming
they are not being raised by someone else in daycare or the TV) – do
what I say, not what I do; 2) Television programming, movie rentals,
video games, music and very popular entertaining books on the
occult/witchcraft (Harry Potter, Lord of Rings, Goose Bumps), peer
pressure; and 3) Somewhere down the line the much maligned godless
schools (which incorporates some of the above). Remember – what one
generation tolerates the next will embrace. So many “Christian children”
are growing up to be a reflection of the world. How can this be? Could it
be that their parents have their eyes on the world rather than Christ and
the children are learning? We must rid ourselves of this evil: Acts 19:18-
19, “And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their
deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts (occult/witchcraft)
brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they
counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.”
There needs to be some Christian house cleaning.
 
The Doctrines of Balaam
 
Balaam, Son of Beor was hired by Balak, King of Moab to curse the
children of Israel (Num 22:5-6). Israel was too mighty for Balak to
conquer militarily and they had God on their side. Balak promised Balaam
riches and great honor to curse them. Balaam greatly sought after these
things, but God spoke to him clearly that he was not to curse Israel. God
required that Balaam bless Israel and it became obvious that God was on
their side and they would never be defeated. Therefore Balaam gave
counsel to Balak that if he were to corrupt Israel to sin against God, that
they would fall from God’s grace and God Himself would destroy them
(Num 31:16, 2 Pt 2:15, Rev 2:4). The Moabites led Israel astray through
idolatry and sensual pleasures. Many Israelites died in God’s judgment of
the matter. This has been a tactic of the devil from the beginning. God is

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too strong to fight. You must corrupt the object of His adornment such
that God rejects it.
 
When one professes to follow Christ, yet corrupts themselves with the
things of the world, then they are following the doctrines of Balaam. Many
will walk after Balaam and the imaginations of their own heart as they
seek the flesh (Jer 9:14, 2 Pt 2:15-16). Most of these “professed
believers” are not even cognizant of the wrongfulness of what they are
doing – they are oblivious or complacent! Jesus said that these were
unproductive and fruitless. Luke 8:14, “And that which fell among thorns
are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with
cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to
perfection.” These will be greatly lacking because the Lord said, John
15:2, “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and
every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more
fruit.” The unfruitful branches are cast into the fire (Jn 15:6, Mt 7:19).
God desires that we bear fruit in Christ. John 15:8, “Herein is my Father
glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”
 
It should be noted that much of the membership in religious institutions
follow the doctrines of Balaam. There is often very little distinction
between these and the worldly culture of the society in which they live. Do
these organizations of man even see a problem? Is the Spirit allowed to
lead to righteousness? The religious institutes have become a reflection of
the world. In an every increasing lust for membership, these institutions
are using every worldly ploy imaginable to attract crowds into their
temples. Worldly ploys produce worldly members – be not deceived.
 
We are Delivered to do these Abominations
 
When Israel entered the Promised Land, they were warned over and over:
Deuteronomy 18:9, “When thou art come into the land which the LORD
thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of
those nations (described in vs. 10-14).” Israel did not obey and
continually mixed paganism with their worship of God: Jeremiah 7:9-10,
“Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn
incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And
come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and
say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?” Further: Jeremiah
7:16-19, “Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor
prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee.
Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of
Jerusalem? The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and
the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven
(whom many now refer to as Mary), and to pour out drink offerings unto
other gods, that they may provoke me to anger. Do they provoke me to
anger? saith the LORD: do they not provoke themselves to the confusion
of their own faces? God also describes some of what they do in Ezekiel

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Chapter 8. This clearly shows God’s perspective of such things – they
dishonor Him! Notice that they felt it was innocent and justified
themselves. God said they brought confusion upon themselves. Ezekiel
23:39, “For when they had slain their children to their idols, then they
came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; and, lo, thus have
they done in the midst of mine house.” We are delivered to do these
things! Can we not honestly see the absolute confusion that reigns in this
world today? Consider all the groups that claim to represent Christ and
the great variance in their messages – such confusion!
 
Many individuals feel they are delivered to live worldly and yet come
before the Lord to worship and pray. Partaking of all the world has to offer
through television programming was discussed earlier as one example of
this. Many will refuse to see this as an issue because the blind by nature
cannot see. The flesh becomes dominant over the spirit (Rm 8:5-8). Do
the religious institutes of today incorporate paganism into their worship
services? Absolutely! This subject will be addressed in subsequent
paragraphs.
 
The Courting of Balaam
 
Most of the popular children’s books, movies, cartoons, toys, card games
(collectables), and video games are now filled with occult/witchcraft.
These things have been presented to the public in such an entertaining
and innocent way – the evil has been packaged as good (deception).
When you or your children do these things, you are participating in
witchcraft - rebellion against God – (Ex 22:18, Dt 18:10, Lv 19:31 & 20:6,
1 Sam 15:23, 2 Kg 9:22, 21:6 & 23:24, 2 Chr 33:6, Is 8:19 & 19:3, Mic
5:12-13, Na 3:4-5, Acts 19:19, Gal 5:20). God forbids us to do such
things! Those who practice/do witchcraft will not inherit the kingdom of
God (Gal 5:19-21). These things are not confined just to the lost, but to
so many that are going to “church.” Many parents want their children to
be as the world (not different) and adapt an “everybody’s doing it”
attitude. The religious organizations cannot speak out (or must tread very
softly) against these things because they are popular in the world and
these organizations have tied themselves to the world. To condemn these
practices as the evil, they would offend so many within the organizations
and send them fleeing to more tolerant ones. This would decrease
membership and tithing, get the preacher who is answerable to men in
trouble, and so the story goes. Therefore the religious institutes become a
mixture of Christianity and paganism, a reflection of the world (2 Kgs
17:33). You cannot compartmentalize your life by attending church on one
day while enjoying paganism through the week. This is mixing the things
of God with idolatry and sensual pleasures and is the doctrine of Balaam.
Every father should be the watchman (Ez 33:6-7) as to what is allowed to
come into his home (including the removal of the television idol). This
may be a difficult task if there is disunity between spouses.
 

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The most popular children’s books are the Harry Potter series, Lord of the
Rings, and Goosebumps series. All of these teach children blatant
witchcraft and the occult. These images have also worked their way into
toys, movies and clothing. Much can be determined (fruit) about a child
and their family by the types of clothing one wears out in public. The
essence of who you are is demonstrated through the things you do and
enjoy. What you place in your heart is what you become. For as he
thinketh in his heart, so is he (Pv 23:7). This is called learning. Applying
the things that you learn to your life instills those values. Parents, are you
teaching your children to reject God for worldliness, idolatry, witchcraft,
and the occult? The Antichrist will come (and yet is here in spirit), these
will follow. Many “professed believers” have even suggested that the Lord
of the Rings is full of Christian imagery and is redeeming. What the Lord
of the Rings is full of is wizards and magic. These things God has strictly
forbidden and associating such with Christ greatly dishonors Him. Isaiah
8:19, “And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have
familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a
people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?” Why do these that
defend darkness not seek after God through His Word rather than
perceived imagery? They will say that the author had Christian
association. We have been told over and over to look at the fruit. Wizards
are bad fruit!
 
The occult and witchcraft are tremendously popular in the world’s culture
right now, but why? The hearts and minds of the world are being prepared
to receive the antichrist. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for
Christ; Satan is preparing the world for his rule. We are undoubtedly in
the generation that will see these horrors come to pass. This generation is
being called to stand as detailed in Chapter Nine. Are we grieving over
such things or compromising and justifying – participating and giving into
our children and peer pressure?
 
Christ (Mass), a Worldly Celebration
 
This is a huge worldly celebration and many will be greatly offended by
the inescapable and undeniable conclusions reached regarding this holiday
(Holy Day). Christmas is a pagan holiday based very loosely on the birth
of Christ (Gal 4:8-10). Because of the Christianized aspects, it is all the
more deceptive to most. The origins of Christmas are all pagan and trace
back (among other things) to the worship of the Roman false god, Saturn.
The Romans had a mid-winter festival in honor of Saturn, called the
Saturnalia from which the foundation of modern day Christmas is derived.
This celebration occurred at what was thought to be the winter equinox on
December 25. What has come to be known as Christmas was instituted
shortly after the combining of the church and state in Rome into
Romanism, also known as the Roman Catholic Church. The Roman
Catholic Church recruited pagans into the church by adapting
(Christianizing) parts of their rituals and holy days into Catholicism (Ps

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106:36). This former pagan festival was made into a Roman Catholic mass
to honor Christ’s birth, hence the name, Christ-mass. Christ’s birthday
was assigned as December 25 with absolutely no justification in fact in
order to placate the new converts and their pre-established celebration of
Saturnalia. This was just the start and over the centuries numerous pagan
rituals or traditions have been added from different cultures to form what
we know as the modern Christmas. Some absurd things such as a red-
nosed reindeer were not added until much later, in this case the 1960s
(as the result of a popular song). Christmas is a pagan mix of fleshly
delights, idolatry, and fantasy with just a small touch of confused truth
mixed in. This is confusion at best and this should be our clue – the fruit
(Jer 7:16-19).
 
Although we are truly grateful and most joyous of Christ’s birth, nowhere
in the Bible are we instructed to celebrate it nor how. To emphasis this,
nowhere in the Bible is the birth date of Jesus given. No one knows the
date, but through other biblical details, we can ascertain that it was not in
December. Christmas is man’s requirement and not God’s. Even so, many
religious ones will celebrate a Jesus’ birthday (some get a birthday cake).
What could possibly be wrong with that? God was very careful and exact
to describe those celebrations that were acceptable and exactly how they
were to be observed and when. We are instructed not to add to or take
away from God’s commands (Deut 12:32). Just because man has decided
that Jesus should be honored with a birthday does not mean that it is
acceptable to God. God struck down Nadab and Abihu for offering
something that He had not requested (Lev 10:1-2). Man always seeks to
serve God his way. Jesus would have never celebrated a birthday when He
walked the earth because we know from scripture that He never pleased
Himself or did His own will (Jn 5:30, 7:18, 6:38, Rm 15:3). Jesus always
directed praise and glory to the Father and never upon Himself. Christ
would never have participated in such a self-centered prideful event
designed to bring glory to Himself. If Jesus had celebrated a birthday then
He would have been guilty of seeking self just as Adam had done and this
would have been sin. We honor Jesus by following His example and by
keeping (obeying) His commandments (Jn 14:15). Christ will be glorified
as we conform to His image and walk as He walked. Christ will not
be glorified through man’s idea of a very fleshly birthday celebration (and
who is receiving the gifts?). Christ will receive due honor when every knee
shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. How many
would be willing to let go of all the self-centered activities of Christ-mass
and start living for and obeying Christ daily with nothing personal to gain?
 
So these will say that they are honoring the birth of Christ at this time of
the year and there is no harm in that – that Jesus is on their minds and
they are glorifying Him. The time chosen for Christ’s birthday celebration
is an historically known time of pagan rituals and sacrifices - those things
which are an affront to God! All the symbology used has pagan meaning.
Where is the glory and honor in that? Jesus is not the “reason for the

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season” and never has been. When God established Holy days (feasts),
they were specifically designed with symbology representative of the
coming Messiah - Christ (foreshadowing). Christ-mass has none of this
and is an odd mixture of paganism from various cultures over time.
Further the values instilled are opposite of God as will be discussed in this
section.
 
One must be willing to ask oneself why they do the things they do. We’ve
always done it is not a sufficient answer and this is the danger of deep-
seated tradition. A follower of Christ must build his life on a sure
foundation, the Word of God. There is no place for other beliefs or
superstitions. Let us examine some aspects of the modern day celebration
of Christmas and determine just what is being taught through all this
symbolism and tradition. If you truly desire to know the truth and are
teachable, you are going to be very surprised by what you read.
 
Santa Claus
 
Jesus said, Matthew 7:20, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
Parents view Santa as a made-up fun harmless tradition. Children view
Santa as a wonderful God who gives them things. The truth is that Santa
is a great deceiver. Take the letters in the name Santa and rearrange
them to form Satan. This is no coincidence. The whole concept of Santa is
based upon and sustained by lies. Satan is the Father of all lies (Jn 8:44).
Parents, friends, religious organizations, Sunday school teachers, and
even total strangers will lie to children to perpetuate this fraud. They’ll
say, “What’s Santa going to bring you?” Everyone thinks this is so
innocent, yet God says, all liars, shall have their part in the lake which
burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Rev 21:8).
Perhaps you think God is a liar (Pv 12:22, 13:5, Heb 6:18)? To absolutely
engrain this fraud in the minds of children, men dress up and pretend to
be this character. Suddenly fantasy takes on reality in the mind of a child.
Children are literally taken to Satan’s throne (Santa by proxy) to worship
him and petition for their fleshly desires (Deut 8:19). There needs to be
some repenting and righting of wrongs committed - some honesty. God
stands for truth and cannot lie (Ti 1:2). The devil stands for deception and
cannot totally tell the truth. Just who is being represented here? Are
children to learn that love is getting things – having lusts fulfilled? There
are seven things that God hates (abominations) – lying lips is one of
them. Proverbs 12:22, “Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they
that deal truly are his delight.” Most will say telling their children of Santa
is so innocent, but then again fools make a mock of sin (Pv 14:9). Santa
is a false god! – it will be a snare (Deut 7:16, Is 42:8).
 
For what ultimate purpose would parents want to lie and purposely
deceive their children? So they can destroy their trust and confidence later
by telling them it was all a fraud? This is all so fun and innocent, why?
Because you were lied to as a child and wish to continue the tradition?

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Many parents manipulate their children to behave by telling them that
Santa will not bring them things. Manipulation of others for reasons of self
is witchcraft as is lying and deceit. Be truthful to your children and
chasten them properly concerning their behavior as God has so deemed
(Pv 13:24).
 
To question the celebration of Christmas will qualify you to be a scrooge in
the eyes of most, who wants to take everyone’s fun away. This is the
exact same attitude the Children of Israel had when they worshipped the
numerous false gods of the surrounding cultures. They just wanted to be
like everyone else. Speaking the truth and upholding the character of
Christ is love. Love is not demonstrated by others giving you things, yet
this is the prevailing message of Christmas. This celebration has
something for everyone because it is based upon the desires of the flesh
and the carnal nature of man. The flesh wants to rule and reign and does
not like challenges to it.
 
Satan has set himself up as a god to receive glory and corrupt man. Let’s
examine some facts about this good ole deception. This character known
as Santa has been assigned attributes and qualities that God alone
possesses. He is described as “all knowing” (omniscient), for he knows
when you are bad or good and he knows when you’re awake (knows
whats in your heart). He knows what presents and gifts you covet and
lusts for so be good for goodness sake. Santa is described as being
“everywhere” (omnipresent), he brings gifts to every boy and girl on earth
during Christmas Eve. Children are encouraged to make petitions and
make lists (prayers) to him for things. Santa has eternal life and lives in a
magical place far away. He has mythical elves to serve him (principalities,
angelic beings). Santa wears white and red (purity and shed blood). His
hair and beard are as white like snow (Rev 1:14). The similarities between
this false god of lies and Jesus Christ are astounding and by no
coincidence. This small list could go on and on but the point has been
made. Santa is a false god and an abomination to the one true God (Jer
44:4). Will you provoke God?
 
When the Lord convicted the author’s heart about this worldly celebration,
he set about to remove all the commemorative/celebratory paraphernalia
from his house. The author never lied to his children about Santa Claus,
yet had images of him on a multitude of objects that are still occasionally
being found and eliminated – its truly amazing. Consider that songs are
sung, poems and stories are read, movies are watched, images are
displayed in abundance, food offerings are left, and people dress up to
mimic (impersonate) this false god – Dear reader, this is worship in every
sense!
 
Christmas Trees
 

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Jeremiah 10:2-5, “Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen,
and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are
dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth
a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the
axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and
with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but
speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not
afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do
good.” Professed believers will set up Christmas trees in their homes and
deck them with gold and silver and all manner of tinsel. They will hang
cherished ornaments, some being family heirlooms, from the boughs to be
greatly admired and esteemed, having much sentimental value.
Underneath this image they will place their offerings of gifts and presents
that each loved one has coveted after. They may gather around and sing
to it, “Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree, how lovely are thy
branches.” Wreaths are very similar to the trees if not the same. God said
in His word that we were not to make images, altars or groves and set
them up in such a way (Deut 7:5, Ex 34:13, Num 33:52). Most will scoff
and insists that it’s totally innocent. Churches will set up trees in their
sanctuaries and hang wreaths on their doors. Some may Christianize them
by putting religious “images” on them (see Chapter Five, Trinkets and
Paraphenalia). Oh such an abomination to a Holy, Righteous God.
Remember, every tree (Christmas?) is known by its fruit. Deuteronomy
7:26, “Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou
be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt
utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing.” We think we are modern and
wise, yet we cannot see our own idolatry. If you do not think these things
have a hold on you then start throwing away those valued items. We will
take nothing with us when we die, so anything that has a hold on us now
is temporal and must be treated as such – do not let things possess you
(Ps 49:17). Lord help us to see that the trees are idols and the presents
under them are offerings for the purpose of satisfying the flesh –
enflaming oneself (Is 57:5). This has absolutely nothing to do with
bringing glory to Christ and compels one to do just the opposite – to live
and not die (Mt 10:39, 16:25, Mk 8:35, Lk 9:24, 17:33, Jn 12:25). This is
not innocent, we are not delivered to do these abominations. This is not
the narrow path that one takes to conform to Christ. Come out, come out
(2 Cor 6:17). Christmas trees are idols! – (Ps 97:7)
 
Nativity Scenes
 
Nativity scenes are set up to depict the birth of Christ surrounded by wise
men/kings (Mt 2:1-16) in a manger scene. There are several problems
with this due to idolatry (image that people set up) and general
misrepresentation. When the wise men found Jesus, He was close to two
years of age and not a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes (Mt 2:16). The
Bible never gives the number of wise men; it has only been assumed that
there were three, probably based upon the number of gifts named. The

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wise men came into the house of Joseph and Mary and were not outside
around a stable (Mt 2:11). God sent angelic messengers to proclaim
Christ’s birth to common humble shepherds in the fields and they were
the ones in attendance just after His birth (Lk 2:8-17). They brought no
gifts just worship. Man prefers to have Christ surrounded by the rich and
proud, but Jesus came to the poor and humble. Had Mary been given the
gift of gold at the time as depicted in nativity scenes, then she could have
offered (would have been able to afford) the greater sacrifice (burnt and
sin offering) of a lamb rather than the lesser of two turtledoves required
for the firstborn son (Lv 12:2-8, Lk 2:22-24). These Nativity scenes have
become nothing more than images or idols. The author once saw a
nativity scene that had a kneeling Santa by the manger (in a Christian
bookstore). How shameful, the father of lies placed in the context of the
birth of Christ – confusion. When children see this and are later told Santa
was a lie, surely they must also assume Christ is also. God says we will
have no images nor bow down to them, the work of men’s hands (Ex
20:4, Lv 26:1). We have never seen God and certainly cannot make an
image to represent Him – It’s wrong! The date of Christ’s birth and many
of the events surrounding it are not even factually presented in this
celebration called Christmas. Nativity scenes are images!
 
The Fruit of Christmas
 
So what is Christmas? If we are truly honest with ourselves, we will reach
the following conclusions: Lying, deceiving, threatening and manipulating
children; creating a false god known as Santa and assigning him ALL the
attributes that God alone possesses; drinking alcoholic beverages and
partying; gluttony (overeating and excess); greed/lusts/covetousness (Ps
10:3, Col 3:5); obligating others with gifts or favors; spending what you
do not have (debt); buying what you do not need – sales, sales, sales;
fighting/arguing over whose house to visit or eat at (or toys to play with);
ill will or bad feelings, bitterness, and disappointment when one does not
receive what one covets; gossiping about others; pride and arrogance
such as outdoing the other guy in decorations and presents; coveting after
what other’s have received; idolatry (decorated trees) and objects of
adornment; self and stinginess; worldliness; and depression and guilt.
Christmas produces what have been termed the seven deadly sins of
pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed, sloth. The world feels more
comfortable celebrating this holiday that the religious and this should be a
wake up call in and of itself. No wonder this time of year has the highest
suicide rate.
 
The Religious Institutions put up trees & wreaths, children sing Santa
songs, members wear Santa paraphernalia, and yes – it’s all so innocent.
We are delivered to do such things, we want to be as the world. How can
this be? Those who claim to represent Christ are far from knowing Him.
This celebration is all deeply engrained in everyone’s minds due to all the
pageantry. There are cute little Christmas songs, stories, traditions, foods,

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gifts, clothing, decorations, fellowship, memories, etc. Traditional belief or
superstition no matter how unreasonable, evil, and silly it is dies very
hard. This is the danger and how hearts are turned from God. Most will
say they are worshipping God by celebrating Christ’s birth, but they are
really blinded and are worshipping self. Man’s will and purposes are what
is prevailing. Many will never be able to part with such things and will
cleave to them irregardless of what lengths they have to go through to
justify it. Christmas is almost exclusively based upon the desires of the
flesh (Rm Chap 8).
 
For those who persist to insist that Christmas is so innocent and fun
consider this: stop participating and see how quick the world will condemn
you (family, friends, workmates, strangers, etc.). Just see the reaction
you receive when you stop altogether. For most people, Christmas is not
something you can just opt out of without cost. You will be challenged,
shamed, ostracized, looked down upon, be made to feel guilty, humiliated,
become the center of jokes, and be hated. Christmas is a requirement in
the mindset of this culture. This is not a voluntary activity as one might
suppose. What all this should be telling us is that it is not of God. What
the world defends cannot be of God – the world has by and large rejected
Him. How could such an activity that is not even mentioned or required in
the Bible hold such importance in the lives of those who claim to follow
God? Note: Details of Christ’s birth are given, but we are talking about
Christ-Mass (Christmas) and all it encompasses. In a religious setting, one
could be guilty of unrepentant grievous sins against God and not get the
kind of attention as not celebrating Christmas. Some will realize the truth
of this message, but will continue to celebrate for fear of man (kiss the
calf – Hos 13:2) and what will be said of them (Ps 118:6, Pv 29:25). The
peer pressure is enormous and will keep most in bondage. Galatians 4:16,
“Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” – Pv
15:10, 32.
 
Why?
 
This I say to those whose eyes are starting to open and whose hearts are
beginning to soften. The hardest thing you may ever do is to stand against
the world on issues such as television, Christmas or anything popular.
Everyone will be aligned against you. You must explain to your children
and family why you choose to follow God and not the world or those who
compromise Christ. You must tell the flesh it must be denied – does it
ever understand? You may have no supporters and God alone will be your
strength. Those religious who claim to be the church will not exhort,
encourage and edify – not in denying the flesh. These religious ones will
be celebrating and viewing with everyone else. Everyone from family to
total strangers will be ridiculing you, wagging their heads and mocking
you to your face and behind your back. They will talk about how you are
too hard on your children and how they feel sorry for those poor kids who
cannot be a reflection of the world. They will say we have piped a tune,

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but you did not dance (Mt 11:17). We tried to make you feel bad, but you
have not responded (Jn 15:19). Why go through it? Why? Just a little
compromise here or there could make things all right – but Oh how
cowardly and dishonoring to God that would be. The reason you must go
through it is because firstly the love you have for Christ, and secondly He
has called you to be His witness. We are to shine our lights brightly for the
world to see. We are to be an example that all can learn from. The reason
you do it is love for the very ones who are ridiculing you and mocking you
and telling you that you have no love or compassion – to turn them to
Christ. Just as Christ walked to the cross broken and bleeding for the
same who wagging their heads, belittled, and insulted Him. Psalm 22:13,
“They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring
lion.” You do it because you are walking in the path of the cross and it’s a
narrow path. Your character is assassinated and you die for those who
may seem undeserving, because of love. 1 John 3:16, “Hereby perceive
we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to
lay down our lives for the brethren.” We are following the steps of our
Lord. John 15:18, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before
it hated you.” You want to defend yourself, but you remain meek and
silent just as you’re Lord and place your care upon Him (Acts 8:32, 1 Pt
5:7, 2:23). This is why you will tell your children they cannot have occult
themed and violent video games or popular books about witchcraft. Your
children may not understand, but you pray that someday they will. You
love them so much and want life (everlasting) for them that you will lay
yourself down as a sacrifice for all to ridicule. You must stand because
who else will? For those who mock on – You are forgiven, for you know
not what you do.
 
Standing against the television, Christmas or other such worldly things is
actually an evidence of your conversion and is fruit unto God. This is a
result of the Spirit working in your life and opening your eyes to
understanding and your subsequent obedience (application). This is not
trying to earn your righteousness or justifying yourself before God. No!
This is a manifestation (resultant of) of your new nature. These things
reveal that you now take no enjoyment in those things which oppose God
(understood through the Spirit and the Word) – you embrace His Word to
live it. God’s grace is working in you! You become a light and a target (Ps
37:12, 32). The darkness hates the light and its convicting power. Those
who have rejected God’s will (Word) will seek to put out this light. You’ll
be branded a fanatic or perhaps a scrooge. Don’t be surprised if the
religious ones oppose you the greatest. Stand firm and fight the fight of
faith. Perhaps, over time, you may draw these opponents to the light that
shines through you as your shield of faith diffuses (quenches) all the fiery
darts thrown at you (Eph 6:16). Your devotion to God may eventually
penetrate the darkness in others and change their hearts. The best
testimony is a consistently walked out one for all to see.
 

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When you do not chart your life by the course of this world you will stand
out. If you do not celebrate with the world (such as Christmas) or be
entertained with the world (such as television) or other such things, then
you will be noticed. This is standing against the things that oppose God
and openly living your faith and being that light which Christ wants you to
be (Mt 5:14). Yes, you will suffer reproach and be talked about unkindly
(2 Cor 4:11, 17, Heb 13:13, Php 1:29, 3:10, 1 Tm 4:10, 2 Tm 1:8, 1 Pt
4:13-14). However, your life will convict those around you. Don’t be
surprised if those who demean or reject you aren’t eventually drawn to
your light, if you live consistently as per your convictions (no
compromise). Your example (despite the reproach) is your greatest
witness. Many will ask you why you do the things you do and this will
open a door for witness (to point others to Christ). Many who “follow the
world” will respond to your witness by saying, “I am a Christian also.”
Your life will convict their form of religiosity and compromise. When you
“follow the world” and are as the world, you have no witness. Your light
may be dim or extinguished. Jesus said it like this: Matthew 5:13, “Ye are
the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it
be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be
trodden under foot of men.” Many have become as sand – distasteful
(repugnant)! Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they
may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
When your light shines brightly, your flesh will suffer so be prepared. He
that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked (Pv 29:27).
However, to seek fleshly comfort is to lose the light of testimony. Let us
be salty!
 
For those who are perservering and overcoming the world remember this:
Isaiah 25:8-9,, “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will
wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he
take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. And it shall
be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he
will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and
rejoice in his salvation.” The Lord will set up a kingdom on earth where his
people will no longer be a reproach among men.
 
Easter Celebration
 
The resurrection of Christ was truly a blessed event that we should always
be ever mindful of. The meaning of Christ’s suffering is remembered
through the Lord’s Supper (Jesus’ broken body and spilt blood – 1 Cor
10:16, 11:26). Jesus’ triumphant reserrection from the dead should be in
our hearts away. We are not directed to formally celebrate this event any
other way. Easter is also pagan and its roots are in Eastre the Teutonic
Goddess of spring and fertility. Her festival was celebrated at the vernal
equinox. Pagan traditions that have survived are the Easter bunny, and
colored eggs. The word “easter (spelled various ways)” occurs once in the
King James bible and is actually a mistranslation of the word “passover.”

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Translators Tindale, Coverdale, Becke, and Cardmarden followed the old
Saxon mode of translation. Jesus was absolutely connected/integral with
the passover celebration and was the literal fulfillment of it. Easter was a
pagan celebration performed in April (the month April is called easter on
the Saxon calendar). Everyone associates the resurrection of Christ with
easter; but are more illiterate (ignorant, untaught) concerning the
passover, which is the truth. Religious institutions and their members mix
the resurrection of Christ with pagan bunnies, egg hunts and sunrise
services. Judging from all the religious sponsered easter egg hunts, one
would think it to be a biblical mandate. However, and perhaps to the
surprise of many, bunnies and colored eggs are not to be found anywhere
in scripture. If anything, such practices distract from the truth. Why
sunrise services? Ezekiel 8:16, “And he brought me into the inner court of
the LORD'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD,
between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with
their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the
east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.” The religious try to
give Christian meaning to pagan symbolism and teach it to their children.
We are delivered to do these abominations.
 
Children are taught of a magical bunny that brings baskets loaded with
candies and toys. Somehow this all seems very strange when mixed with
the resurrection of Christ. Parents think this is fun make-believe. Loved
ones give children “images” of this bunny. Children love and trust their
parents and do not expect lies and deceit. One day these false gods start
to fall one by one: Santa, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, etc. Where is the
reality in a child’s mind? Why should Jesus be true when all these others
are lies? Oh, all the years of incorrect conditioning (manipulation, lies,
deceit)! The deception, hurt, manipulation, and uncertainty have all
worked their poison. The Lord says we are to teach our children of Him in
our home, by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up (Deut 6:5-
9 & 11:18-20). God is to ever be before our eyes and in our home. The
Lord says we are not to even learn the ways of the heathen and their false
gods much less teach them to our children (Deut 18:9, Ps 106:35-36). We
are told to love our Lord, walk in His ways and cleave to Him (Deut
11:22). Oh modern man, how are you any different from those rebellious
ones that came before you? Why do you teach your children the doctrines
of Balaam? The easter bunny is a false god! – it will be a snare (Deut
7:25-26).
 
This Do in Remembrance of Me
 
The Lord Jesus and His twelve disciples were gathered together in an
upper room to celebrate the Passover (Mt 26:17-20). Jesus Christ was the
literal fulfillment of the Passover. He became the unblemished (sinless)
lamb that was slain. This was a literal fulfillment right down to Jesus
suffering no broken bones (Jn 19:36). This last Passover was significant as

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Jesus revealed to His disciples the significance. This is an event that we
are to remember.
 
The religious celebrate unauthorized celebrations along with the world of
Christmas, Easter, Saint Valentines Day, Saint Patrick’s Day, All Hallows
Eve, etc. How did Jesus say we are to remember Him? Luke 22:19, “And
he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them,
saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of
me.” This is how Jesus directed that we are to formally (and symbolically)
remember Him (Mt 26:26-29). Those who follow Christ are directed to
remember His death and resurrection by celebrating the Lord’s Supper.
This is a very serious event that should not be approached lightly. We
must examine our hearts and do all things properly. 1 Corinthians 11:23-
29, “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you,
That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my
body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the
same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup
is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in
remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup,
ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat
this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the
body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him
eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh
unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the
Lord's body.” This is truly honoring the Lord.
 
Religious men have taken it upon themselves to claim sovereignty over
this event. It is assumed that an ordained pastor or priest must
administer the bread and drink. This is not a biblical mandate, but a
clergy/priestcraft inspired doctrine of man. True believers may partake of
the Lord’s Supper whenever there is a gathering. Any mature believer
may administer the Lord’s Supper. We must all examine our hearts before
we partake.
 
Halloween
 
The most blatant occultic & demonic celebration of the big three. Everyone
dresses up and pretends to be something that they are not. Religious
institutes sell pumpkins and/or have Christianized Halloween alternatives
(or just plain celebrate) so their children will not miss out on any
worldliness. They say: Oh, but we can use this evil for good to win the lost
(to what?) and maybe generate a little money for the institution. Romans
3:8, “And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm
that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is
just.” Rather than winning the lost, they are losing their own, but are too
blind to see. Just because one continues to attend and support the
religious institution does not mean they have a heart for God. Many have

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their heart on the world and want to be as the world – and their religion
allows it. This is why these religious organizations must continue to be
more and more worldly to hold their memberships. The religious do not
seem to deny themselves anything when it comes to popular secular
events. Religious Halloween alternatives are nothing more than slightly
toned down observances of Halloween and they do not fool anyone. The
religious endorse and perpetuate these things by celebrating and buying
costumes and candy from stores. Parents believe that not denying their
children things shows them love. The children are definitely learning from
all these worldly celebrations and their hearts are on the world. Many of
these children are taught to get things by threatening tricks. Oh how
innocent! God says He would not suffer a witch to live, but children dress
up as witches (Ex 22:18). God says we are not to drink blood, but children
dress up as vampires (Lv 19:26, Deut 12:23). Some dress up as biblical
characters, but what scripture is this based upon? We are not to pretend,
we are to be, and this is the problem – so many pretenders!
 
Nature Worship
 
Nature worship is often presented as Evolution or themes dealing with
Mother Earth. Many religious have blended various portions of evolution
into the creation account and even have speakers in their meetings to
intermingle God’s Word with man’s science. I guess some feel like
unregenerate man (science) knows creation better than God or they
presume to tell us what God really meant. God has already answered
these religious: Job 38:4, “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of
the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.” The prideful rebellious one
will actually try to provide an answer. Those whose faith is in the world
(man’s will, science) will always look to man for answers and work God
into the scenario to soothe the guilty conscious. God’s creation account
was very specific and detailed. To add to this or take away from it is to
reject the Word of God – plain and simple. Less faith is required to accept
God’s account than man’s. The question is, where will our faith be, in God
or man?
 
Sacrifice of Innocents
 
There is probably nothing more innocent than a baby. The pagans offered
their own children to Molech (sacrificed in the fire, Lv 18:21, 2 Kg 23:10,
Ps 106:37-38, Jer 32:35, Ez 16:21 & 20:31, etc.) to receive blessings and
things. Men and women have truly degenerated to the lowest level when
they will overcome their God given parental instinct and kill their own
child. This is the saddest thing of all, “some” in the religious world who
profess belief in Christ, offer their children up as sacrifices (abortion) to
pursue their own selfish ambitions (blessing and things, Ez 23:39). Many
of these are conceived through fornication and offered to the god of
convenience. These set themselves up as God deciding the child is not
worthy to live so that they can live to themselves. Many religious

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institutions will not speak out against such things for fear of offending
members due to the widespread nature of the act. They will say these are
personal matters. The religious want to be as the world (Rev 17:1-5), but
“The Church” is “called out” from the world to be a witness. When the
Holy Spirit leads the body, and Christ is the head, such things will not be
manifested nor tolerated. Those who are guilty must repent before God
and truly turn from such evil, for Christ is where the healing is.
 
Nothing has changed with man’s nature. The ancients offered their
children to false gods and so does our modern “civilized” society. Our
temples of sacrifice are a bit more sterile and clean, but the baby always
dies anyway. Oh man, you can clean up the outside, but your inside will
be as dead man’s bones, full of sin and uncleaness. Such things cannot be
done without long lasting effects on one’s mind. Those things done in
secret will one day be manifest for all to see – what a dreadful day it will
be!
 
A Simple Test for the Religious
 
Suppose your religious organization or institution decided to build its
foundation on the Word of God. Christ would be acknowledged in all things
and holidays would only be observed, as they are compliant with all
scripture. Members would be mindful of Jesus’ birth throughout the year,
but not on a particular day because none is given. Christ’s resurrection
would be honored throughout the year and noted during the Passover.
Halloween would have no place. There would be no more Santa,
Christmas trees or decorations. No more Easter bunnies or egg hunts.
What do you think would be the reaction of the membership? Do you think
they would like things to remain as they are? Then they would have
chosen the things of the world over Christ. If they could not give these
things up in the light of Christ’s Word, then they are most certainly idols.
Those who hold to idols love the darkness. These are abominable things
that God hates (Jer 44:3-4, Lev 26:30). Psalms 106:35-36, “But were
mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. And they served
their idols: which were a snare unto them.” These are stiffnecked people.
They are pertinacious – adhering firmly to a belief, purpose or opinion,
stubbornly and persistently. The author would add: when shown to be
scripturally wrong.
 
The Jewish people were spiritually blind in their unbelief (Lk 8:10). They
refused to let go of their traditions even when Christ showed them that
the traditions contradicted God’s Word. They would not let go! Jesus said:
John 5:38-40, “And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he
hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think
ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not
come to me, that ye might have life.” They said they believed God’s Word,
but refused to release that which opposed God’s Word. The religious
institutions of man today are no different. Their traditions and celebrations

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contradict the very Word they say they believe. Ezekiel 33:31, “And they
come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my
people, and they hear thy words (from God), but they will not do them:
for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their
covetousness.” Their speech and their heart are misaligned. Santa Claus is
sustained by lying and creates a false god for children to worship and
parents to enjoy  – will you let go and come to the light? Christmas trees
are idols which offerings are made to gender covetousness (presents
placed under tree) – will you let go and come to the light? Easter bunnies
are sustained by lies and create a false god for children to worship and
parents to enjoy  – will you let go and come to the light? Halloween is
filled with the occult and things which oppose God, which those of all ages
partake of – will you let go and come to the light? We must prove what is
acceptable to the Lord (Eph 5:10, 1 Thess 5:21-22). Idolatry has never
been acceptable to God in any form and never will be (Eph 5:14). The
reason these things seem so innocent is because those who practice them
are spiritually blind (Jn 10:39, Ez 12:2). The spiritually blind cannot
perceive that they are rejecting truth – they do not understand truth –
their compromises prove it. The truth of the Spirit is foolishness to them
(1 Cor 2:14). Their idolatry will never seem as such! If a preacher tells
you the lying associated with Santa Claus or the easter bunny is innocent
(or allows its practice – Mt 15:7-9) it only proves he has rejected God’s
truth (Lk 6:39, Mt 23:24) – he attempts to usurp (supercede) God’s
written Word! Woe! – Woe, woe! Isaiah 9:16, “For the leaders of this
people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed
(also Is 29:10-11).” He becomes an enemy of Christ (Php 3:18-19). This
day (today – now!), you are being offered light – how do you respond?
 
Strongly consider this (for those who teach their children of Christ and
then do that which opposes Him): Jesus said of children: Mark 9:42, “And
whosoever shall offend (cause to stumble) one of these little ones that
believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his
neck, and he were cast into the sea.” Teaching your children of Santa and
easter bunnies is causing your little ones to stumble. You do not have the
right as a parent, relative or friend (Mt 18:7, 10, 14). We are to teach our
children the truth of God. Deuteronomy 11:18-22, “Therefore shall ye lay
up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a
sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.
And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest
in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down,
and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts
of thine house, and upon thy gates: That your days may be multiplied,
and the days of your children, in the land which the LORD sware unto your
fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth. For if ye shall
diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do
them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave
unto him (also Deut 6:7-9).” Psalms 97:7, “Confounded (confused) be all
they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship

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him, all ye gods.” Santa Claus, flying reindeer with glowing red noses,
talking snowmen, and easter bunnies that give colored eggs is
confusion to the uptmost my friend – things can’t get much more
confused than that (Is 45:16). Wake-up! Fools consider not that they do
evil (Eccl 5:1). These things are no doubt silly and absurbed, yet this is
what you are teaching your children. It is not so silly to them. This is not
innocent and fun it is EVIL and manipulative!
 
A Serious Discussion
 
We have discussed the failings of organized (by man) religion and the fact
that we must be submitted to God and led by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the
head of the church and we have direct access to Him (Eph 2:18). Christ
has given us His Spirit. We live in a time of flesh oriented religious
deception of unprecedented levels. The author has noted/observed the
process so many times in the area in which he lives. A religious work
(group/organization/denomination) will form. Initially they will have very
humble beginnings such as a rented facility, storefront or gathering at a
school. As quickly as the necessary funds can be garnered (i.e. new
members, church growth), the group will move to a vacant small or
medium sized pre-existing church facility – time for an increase in paid
staff. Growing the church will become the emphasis such that their very
own building can be built – to serve God of course (noble intentions).
Church growth is erroneously assumed to be a sign of God’s approval,
presence and blessing. Soon there will be building committees looking for
prime real estate in areas with high household incomes and growing
families with which to build a new facility. This facility will be planned for
quick expansion such that gymnasiums, convention style kitchens,
fellowship halls, theaters, libraries, and education wings can be added
initially or later. Are these not eminent (high, lofty) places built for man’s
glory (Ez 16:24)? Competition with other nearby religious campuses may
be fierce (keeping up with the religious Jones’s). These buildings take
great priority (an emphasis - considered a must for worship), yet nowhere
in Christ’s testament are we instructed to build any kind of building for the
purpose of worship. However our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost
and we are instructed to be doers of the Word and to keep our temples
clean (holy and righteous). The religious building/organization has become
the focus, yet Jesus Christ MUST be the focus. There is a loss of love here
– the first love (Rev 2:4). To most, the religious building legitimizes the
assembly. Does not the infilling of the Holy Spirit justify us (2 Cor 1:22, 1
Jn 3:24)? The author was involved (in leadership roles) with detailed
planning of these types of things (buildings, facilities) when he lived
religiously. God convicted the author’s heart and he stopped! It is literally
amazing how quick some religious institutions can grow when they are
given over to the things of the world and the flesh (Ez 16:25). These are
no different than big business in the world – but then again these religious
organizations are legal corporations. They have a product to sell –
entertainment and a religious experience – alluring through the lusts of

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the flesh (2 Pt 2:18). They have a show to put on and how well they
perform will determine future membership to the club/lodge/institution.
This will be very carefully orchestrated. They are also servants to the
banking institutions and very beholding to them. They organize just like
the world with layers of authority, who rule over the people and use a
presumed call of God as a scare tactic (Ez 34:2, 4, 8). Religious titles,
degrees and psychological training will intimidate and separate. They must
maintain the crowds and this means entertainment – fun, fun, fun. The
religious experience will be geared to the wants/desires of the target
audience (Mom, Pop and kiddie too). If something is popular in the world
you can bet a Christianized version is on the way. Sacrifice and denial will
be foreign terms because they serve a god of the flesh. A god of constant
blessings. A god who serves them and their organization. They will say,
“you will see God in a whole new way.” Don’t be surprised if it’s a whole
new god. Seeking righteousness and holiness may be viewed as a denial
of Christ’s sacrifice – a twisting of the gospel. Seeking the truth of God’s
Word may be the one way that you will be asked to leave the organization
– sowing discord so to speak. Do you really think this is what God wills?
Big religious structures – monuments to man? Entertaining feel-good
experiences with very smooth non-offensive or convicting messages? Big
crowds with worldly/fleshly outlooks put into daily practice? Highly
organized cookie cutter type franchised works of man that mirror the
world? Layers of Lordship and influence between the sheep and the
shepherd? If so, then you desperately need to read God’s Word – cover to
cover and over and over.
 
God’s true church is nothing like this. The true measure of the real body
will be growth and maturity in the Word of Christ. This means an actual
practice and living of God’s Word. The goal will be to root and ground
people in the Word of God such that they live for Jesus everyday. Those in
fellowship will be encouraged to die to worldly things and fleshly
entertainments in order to truly seek God’s will and purposes (1 Pt 4:2).
Christ will be the focus (1 Jn 5:12) – not a building. This will not draw
crowds, but that will not be the intent. This will not build big buildings, but
that will not be the intent. This will not gain the pastor popularity,
recognition, authority and salary (Ez 34:8), but that will not be the intent.
This will not be a fleshly feel good experience, but that will not be the
intent. The ONLY intent will be to point you to God such that you totally
yield to Him and live a life of abiding and sustained faith to do His will (2
Jn 1:9). That you see your sinfulness and great need for God such that
you repent and truly become born again with God’s nature and a heart to
serve Him – not to serve man’s religion. That you see Jesus Christ as the
one and only door and realize the path is not one of ease, but worth every
single step.
 
Conclusion, What Should I Do?
 

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We must realize that our biggest battles on earth are personal ones. We
battle our flesh with the Spirit (Rm Chap 8). Which will reign in your life?
To whom will you be conformed? We can only defeat the flesh through our
faith in Jesus Christ. When we submit to Christ and are led of His Spirit,
the Spirit will come against the flesh. Our daily obedience will either be to
the Spirit or the flesh – only one will prevail. Cumulatively, these battles
will form the basis of our walk through this life. This is what God will look
at when the Bible says every man’s work will be revealed according to his
ways (Job 34:11, Eccl 3:17, 11:9, 12:14, 2 Kg 8:39, Ps 62:12, Pv 24:12,
29, Is 59:18, Jer 17:10, 25:14, 32:19, Ez 7:3-4, 8-9, Oba 1:15, Zech
1:6, Mt 12:36-37, 16:27, Jn 5:29, Rm 2:6, 16, 14:12, 1 Cor 3:13, 4:5, 2
Cor 5:10, Col 3:24-25, 2 Tm 4:1, 1 Pt 1:17, 4:5, Jude 1:15, Rev 2:23,
20:12-13, 22:12). Proverb 24:12, “If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not;
doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy
soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according
to his works?” We must serve God with a perfect heart - for the LORD
searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the
thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake
him, he will cast thee off for ever (1 Chr 28:9). The wicked will be snared
by the works of his own hands (Ps 9:16). Proverbs 5:22, “His own
iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the
cords of his sins.” Our daily obedience will either be to the Spirit or the
flesh – only one will prevail. We also fight spiritual battles for those
around us. When we follow Christ daily through our love and obedient
faith and are led by His Spirit, then we conform to His image. When we
follow the flesh through our own lusts and desires (rebellion to God) we
are being conformed to the devil’s image (Jn 8:44). Compromising God’s
truth for your opinions or sentiments (or mixing) is to be in rebellion to
God. The devil said, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne
above the stars of God (Is 14:13).” Man professes the same when he
exalts his opinions above God’s Word. Rebellious man says, “I think…”
Those who seek God say, “according to thy Word/will…” Following your
sentiments (what seems true, valid or probable mixed with your feelings
and emotion) is nothing more than following your own lusts (Jude 1:15,-
19). Much of the religious structure of man is now following the world or
flesh (things/will of man, doctrines and traditions, etc.) and not the Spirit
(Is 30:1). In many cases there ceases to even be a battle of flesh and
Spirit – the flesh has overcome. Those that are born of God overcometh
the world (1 Jn 5:4). Many religious are now using the things of the world
to win the world and multiply themselves to be as the world. The light is
to overcome the darkness, yet these are dimming the light such as to
have the darkness overcome them. Those that seek the flesh will defend
the flesh. Those who seek the flesh will have doctrines that teach of/to the
flesh. To love darkness is to hate the light – to love evil more than good
(Ps 52:3). We have not received the spirit of the world to be as the world
and practice the things of the world (1 Cor 2:12). We have received the
Spirit of God to know God’s ways and live in them (1 Cor 2:12). So you
must realize that you will never change those that love not the truth. The

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Word of God is a reproach unto them and they take no delight in it (Jer
6:10). Proverbs 1:29-31,  “For that they hated knowledge, and did not
choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they
despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own
way, and be filled with their own devices.” God cannot be worshipped
through the flesh (Jn 4:23-24). The flesh is an hindrance and does not
profit (Jn 6:63, Gal 5:17). The truth of the gospel spells death to the flesh
and things of the world (Col 3:3). If the religious institutes of man are not
following the Spirit and teaching such death to flesh and the world, then
how can they possibly encourage, exhort, and teach you to conform to
Christ’s image? It cannot happen! The religious institutions of man cannot
teach dying to the flesh (as per God’s purposes) because it directly
contradicts what they are (worldly, overcome) – it would reveal their
hypocrisy. If they do not teach truth and point you to God, then they are
leading you away! You must walk away – think of your children and what
they are being taught. Those that reject God’s truth would not repent
even if one came back from the dead (Lk 16:29-30). This is what it boils
down to: Romans 13:14, “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make
not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” The true body of
Christ looks to the Head – Jesus. We must look to Jesus, the author and
finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2) and not man or religious institutions of
man. Who is your foundation?
 
The majority gospel (false) message today has God conforming to the
image of man. This message says that God accepts us as we are (as
Satan’s image) and we do not have to change (Acts 3:26). It says Christ’s
blood covers our sinfulness and we can remain sinners – a cloak for
unrighteousness (Jn 15:22). This message has God serving us through
blessings that further the lusts of the flesh. God is just an unconditional
love god. In other words, we do not have to be restored back to the image
of God (Col 3:10). God just pretends that the ugly fallen image isn’t what
it is – Jesus did it all and nothing is required of us. Therefore these seek
the flesh and serve God – two masters. They see no conflict. There is no
true repentance or restoration to the will of God. Reconciliation is taught
as man’s terms. The religious of today offer salvation without conversion.
The religious of today tell us to stay in the darkness and just look at or
acknowledge the light. The religious of today worship an image of Jesus
rather than conforming to Christ’s image. Their faith is dead because it
doesn’t change them one bit. This is Satan’s gospel! Religious man….Do
you really know Christ or do you just serve religion? Think hard.
 
We must enter into relationship with Christ. Jesus said: John 17:3, “And
this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus
Christ, whom thou hast sent.” To truly know Christ we must receive Him
and walk as He walked (Col 2:6, 1 Jn 2:6, 2 Jn 1:4, 6). We do all things as
He did: speak God’s Word, perform God’s will, be filled and led by the
Spirit, suffer reproach for His name, bear fruit, etc. When we live as He
lived, we identify with Him (Php 3:10, 1Jn 3:24). The religious would not

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receive Christ and rejected His Words and thereby rejected the Father (Jn
8:21, 24, Acts 4:26). To receive Jesus is to come out of the darkness into
His marvellous light and live therein. To believe/trust is to obey.
 
This may come as a shock to the denominationalized and institutionalized
religious world of man: Ephesians 4:4-6, “There is one body, and one
Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one
faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and
through all, and in you all.” The Shepherd only has one fold (Jn 10:16)!
This “one” body is not controlled by man at all. Jesus Christ is the head
and His Spirit leads (Col 2:9-10). Man does not call the shots or determine
the doctrines! The Spirit will lead the true believer to see this and
understand the truth of the Word. The Spirit does not require a large
religious building with all the religious trappings. God is not reached
through religious membership, charismatic leadership (i.e. a man),
committees, religious works, or doctrines. Ephesians 2:18, “For through
him (Jesus) we both have access by one Spirit (Holy Spirit) unto the
Father.” This access is through faith in Christ (Eph 3:12). I challenge you
to read the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and note that
the religious always stood in the way of Christ. The religious ridiculed,
accused, sought to kill, misrepresented, demeaned, questioned, and
generally opposed God at every instance. Even those who said they
believed on Jesus resorted to slandering Him and deserting Him (Jn 8:30-
59). The poor, broken and humble received Jesus and His Word. Jesus did
not seek out the religious leadership, but they sure did seek Him out –
almost always out of envy, jealousy, self righteousness and control. Those
who are religious (apart from the Spirit) always think they are serving God
even when they actually resist Him at every opportunity. One’s true
character will come out under pressure and God will try/prove by bringing
pressure to bear (1 Thess 2:4) – you can count on that! We will conform
or rebel, but know that God will not have the rebellious among Him (Is
65:2, Ps 55:15). The church is suppose to be the fullness of Christ (Eph
1:22-23) – Are these religious institutions who claim to represent Jesus,
the fullness of Christ? Do they reflect the Jesus of the Bible?
 
When man and not the Spirit lead the church, it takes on a life of its own.
Satan has always overcome man apart from God. How will we know this
has happened? We must look at the fruit. This book has endeavored to
show that our life is found in Christ and the evidence is that we are
becoming like Him, walking as He walked – in His steps. This is a
relationship that will lead us to righteousness and holiness and a deep
abiding love for Christ. Walking apart from God’s Spirit will lead opposite
of God to the things of the flesh and toward the will of man. This is how
we will judge if a group is following Christ. Jesus Christ has always had a
body (Ekklesia, the church). This body is led by His Spirit and has not
been institutionalized and franchised by man (1 Jn 2:27). This is the
purpose of this book: 2 Timothy 2:25-26, “In meekness instructing those
that oppose themselves (led by man and man’s doctrines); if God

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peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth
(know your wrongfulness and start seeing); And that they may recover
themselves out of the snare of the devil (conformed to his image), who
are taken captive by him at his will (through their own lusts).” You are
invited to join the true body through new birth (only through Jesus) as
you die to your will and totally yield to God’s will (1 Jn 1:3). We live in
difficult times. Daniel and John were given glimpses into the future and
they were troubled (astonished, wondered greatly, utterly amazed,
alarmed) by what they saw (Dan 7:28, Rev Chap 17). John saw a great
harlot called Mystery Babylon that greatly opposed God’s will. Jesus said
in the last days deception would abound and that many would come
professing His name, but not to go after them (Lk 21:8). What John saw
was much of the institutions of man’s religion. The ones who claimed to
represent Christ, but took authority over men on earth and actually
opposed Jesus. Much of the world is held in this bondage. We live at a
time when this harlot has come of age and we must be cautious. The
leaven has worked its way through the meal and leavened the whole
lump. We will know them by their fruits –fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22, Eph
5:9) or of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21). The fruit of the Spirit is the fruit of
righteousness which is of Jesus Christ (Php 1:21). The flesh will seek it’s
comfort and popularity – it will not (refuses to) suffer loss!
 
In these last days the institutionalized religious systems will continue to
apostatize. The leaders are causing those led of them to err greatly such
that the young are corrupted and all these will be destroyed (Is 9:16-17).
The world is becoming more vile and wicked and this system is tied to the
world. Trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up
by the roots (Jude 1:12) – No doubt! Many religious men now oppose
God’s truth: 2 Timothy 3:8, 13, “Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood
Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate
(counterfeit) concerning the faith. But evil men and seducers shall wax
worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” Jesus has a body which
is composed of individuals. Christ is the head of this body and it is not
controlled by man. This body gives glory to Christ alone. Those who are
following Jesus will begin to draw closer as the visible religious institutions
fall further away. Many true believers will be delivered up and chastised in
these religious organizations for standing for the truth (Lk 21:12) – but
many will turn to these to hear the true gospel (Lk 21:13). Your life must
be a light (even if you suffer reproach – and you will, Lk 21:17). Some will
withdraw from these religious organizations of man under the conviction
of the Holy Spirit. More and more as the distinction becomes apparent –
the blind will not know. The problem is that those in the midst of
deception cannot see the deception. Those that justify the wicked are
wicked. These will receive the reward of unrighteousness (2 Pt 2:13). You
must pray that God will open your eyes and understanding. As the divide
becomes wider more persecution will ensue. The true followers will
separate from the world and this will be addressed in Chapter Nine. We
must be led in the path of righteousness. PLEASE NOTE: Psalm 145:17,

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“The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” AND
Psalm 11:7, “For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his
countenance doth behold the upright.” This is what the Lord is and this is
what we must also be (Ps 5:12, 9:8, 11:7, 15:1-2, 18:23-24, 24:3-4,
33:5, 34:15, 17, 21, 45:7, 92:5, 13, 97:2, 6, 106:3, 146:8, Pv 8:20,
10:2, 30, 11:4-5, 13:6, 12:28, Hos 10:12, Zeph 2:3, Lk 1:74-75, Heb
1:9, 1 Jn 3:7, Rev 19:11). Psalms 32:11, “Be glad in the LORD, and
rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.”
Christ’s kingdom is based upon righteousness: Hebrews 1:8-9, “But unto
the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of
righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved
righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath
anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows (also Ps 45:6-7).”
– King of righteousness (Heb 7:2). A scepter is the royal power or
authority. We enter (narrow path) through gates of righteousness (Ps
118:19). Never let anyone tell you that departing (totally forsaking) from
iniquity and obeying the Lord with your whole heart (abiding in Christ) is
legalistic or that seeking His righteousness and holiness with all your heart
(through Jesus) is earning your salvation, fanatical/extreme or being to
literal (Pv 11:5-8, 18-19, 23, 30, 12:3, 7, 28, 13:6, 9, 25, 14:2, 15:9,
16:8, 18:10, 28:18, 97:12, 119:142, Is 26:7, 45:23-24, 51:1, Dan 12:3,
Mal 3:18, 2 Cor 6:7, 7:1, 1 Pt 2:24, 1 Jn 2:29, 5:18). Romans 2:7, “To
them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour
and immortality, eternal life.” When truth fails (is no longer practiced,
taught or heeded), he that lives/practices righteousness becomes a prey
for those religious ones (Is 59:15). When Jesus walked and taught, He
marvelled because of the people’s unbelief (Mk 6:6). The same would be
true today. All unrighteousness is sin (1 Jn 5:17) – ye that love the Lord,
hate evil (Ps 97:10). He that doeth not righteousness is not of God (1 Jn
3:10, Rm 2:8-9). 2 Timothy 2:19, “Nevertheless the foundation of God
standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And,
Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
Colossians 3:25, “But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong
which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons (also see Gal
6:7).” Do you suppose that there is anyone in heaven that lives in iniquity
or does not conform to God’s absolute perfect will and character (Pv
21:21, Ps 119:89)??? Romans 1:18, “For the wrath of God is revealed
from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who
hold the truth in unrighteousness.” The righteous do not iniquity: they
walk in His ways (Ps 119:3, Pv 8:36). We must mourn over our
transgressions and iniquities (Ps 51:2-3) and seek after righteousness to
glorify God (Is 61:3). Romans 6:20, “For when ye were the servants of
sin, ye were free from righteousness.” Some wish to remain free from
righteousness supposing that grace gives them covering to serve sin (2 Pt
2:19). These will receive death as their wages (Rm 6:23). Will you join
them? 1 Thessalonians 4:7, “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness,
but unto holiness.” Christ provided reconciliation through His blood (Col
1:19-20); Jesus gave us His Spirit; and He said, “Come, follow Me.” The

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eternal question: to follow or not to follow? God calls to righteousness and
obedience – man prefers religion, opinion and ritual. Those who worship
an image of Christ will never change. Most religious institutions offer an
image. Those who “follow” the living Christ in obedience and
righteousness as led by His Spirit will have their very natures changed
through His transforming power. These will be His disciples. These will
deny themselves daily and take up their crosses. These will die to SELF
and find their lives in Jesus. There is a new heaven and earth coming
wherein righteousness dwells (2 Pt 3:13).
 
A word of caution: 1 Peter 4:17, “For the time is come that judgment
must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the
end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (also Ez 9:6)” Woe to
them who profess but do not follow! They will most assuredly stand to
lose more than those who do not profess at all. God will surely test your
heart (Ps 7:9) – absolutely, count on it. Please note: God is looking for an
obedient heart toward Him – Godly righteousness. Often man will seek
righteousness through self – self righteousness.
 
I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning
back. No turning back. Though none go with me, still I will follow. No
turning back. No turning back. It’s a narrow path that few will choose. The
end of the journey will be all the more worthwhile. Oh, to see Him as He
is!

You can get a free CD with articles and books by writing to:

David D. Neal
209, Cedar Pond
Madison, Al. 35757
USA

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