“But when [the demon possessed] saw Jesus afar off, heran and worshipped [H]im.                                                                                                                                                            (Mark 5:6)

“Thou believest that there is (1) one God; Thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”  (James 2:19)

 

Do not miss the irony, reader. The devils believe in Christ, they worship Christ, and they tremble. Mankind as a whole, the very object of God’s kindness and mercy, does none of those things.

We present to you a doctrine that might surprise you. The devils or demons (demons from this point) believe fully in the Divine Godhead and when in the Presence of Any Person of the Godhead, the demons worship and pray. As you read the Gospels [Side Note: You are reading the gospels, aren’t you? How can you claim to love Him if you do not read about Him? Are you praying to Him? Reading and praying should go together] you will find time and again demons submitting, quickly, to the sovereign authority of God in Christ.

Another example of the demon being obedient to it’s Lord: Whenever our Lord would heal, help, or discharge an unclean spirit, He would command them to say nothing.  But the healed, helped, or exorcised disobeyed and told everyone.  The demons on the other hand, when they were told to keep Christ’s identity quiet, the demons obeyed!  What does that say for mankind? Mankind rebels against their Creator and Master in all ways and at all times.

This doctrine, you may have noted, does not equate with Hollywierd at all.  There is no vomit,there is no turning of the head (360) three hundred and sixty degrees, there is no cursing at Christ. Do not get me wrong, the demon is Christ’s enemy and ours. However, even as an enemy, the demon will do God’s bidding. It is similar to you and I being a saint and a sinner at the same time.

Because of the truths above, the saint, who is indwelt by the Holy Spirit of Christ, and walks in, wars in and lives in the Spirit is an exorcist by nature, that is to say, it is by the partaking of the divine nature of God, that s/he is an exorcist. (2 Peter 1)

You need more proof….When sending His disciples (2×2) two by two, Christ gave them power to heal and to exorcise demons (Mt. 10). How did He do this….this giving of power? In the person of our Lord Jesus, there was the Spirit and the faith; both without measure. I would conclude that He gave His disciples a measure of the Spirit and a measure of the faith.

We, as Christ-ian saints, have also been given the same faith….Lord Jesus’ faith and the Holy Spirit….thus…..the Christ-ian saint has power and authority over the demonic. We must always remember and acknowledge that this streaming and living power is from the Holy Spirit of Christ and we are simply His chosen vessel to perform His Works. To God goes all…all…all…the GLORY. If we for a minute start to believe it is us that is at work…we become like those that are exorcised, dismissed, dispatched, cast off, and cast out. We would be like (s)atan, imagining that it’s all about me.

The characture church….errr, The (c)atholic Theatre…..errrr (c)hurch is thought to have a monopoly on exorcisms. This is not true. The (c)atholic exorcist uses man made trappings. I’ve read the Rites and it’s all made up. I call it the (c)atholic/demonic conspiracy. These priests have zero authority over any demon, lest they be saved and use prayer, the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit’s Presence is known. Man cannot make a demon submit by the words or works of sinful man. That is to be ridiculed! If a (c)atholic priest were to exorcise a demon, it is due to the demon’s boredom or annoyance rather than the priest’s “authority.”

The true exorcist, the only exorcist is a Christ-ian saint, who walks with God and is filled with the Holy Spirit of Christ Jesus.

You may have noticed that we have written much on demonic entities. There is a reason. We were in a second hand bookstore and we overheard a woman ask for a book on spiritual warfare. The owner of said bookstore did not have that particular book, but as he was searching for the book he said, ” I have had a lot of people asking for spiritual warfare books, lately.” We, quickly, leave the store and wait for the woman to exit. She and her husband soon left the store and we approached them. We asked them, “Did I hear him, correctly?….many persons are looking for spiritual warfare books?  Lily replied, “He said that.” We, digging in deeper, asked Lily and her husband, Wallace (Methinks), “Why do you think people are looking for spiritual warfare books?”……. Me being me, answered for her, “because Christ is coming soon and the demons will grow more and more active as that time draws closer.” Lily and Wallace agreed.

There was a demon that the disciples could not exorcise. Thus, Lord Jesus expelled the demon. He said to the crowd, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him to [M]e.” Later on, the disciples asked why they could not expell the entity. Our Lord said, “Because of your unbelief….” He also said, “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” This would mean that some from the demonic fold are stronger than the others…”this kind.” My understanding is “this kind” will take time to expell. Prayer and fasting; the fasting is due to the praying…no time to eat…..when the body is weak the Spirit is strong.

Therefore, there are different kinds of demons with varying degrees of strength. There are also, Christ-ian saints with varying amounts of faith, all measured and dispenced by God on an as needed basis, and all saints are indwelt by the whole Holy Spirit of Christ.

Recognize the power and authority God has entrusted to you and acknowledge it and give thanks. Since we have that power, there should be nothing out of range for us; as God is for us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0hurch

“All Scripture is Inspired”  (2 Timothy 3:16)

“Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged”  (Christ’s Sermon on the Mount)

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the [S]cripture is of any private interpretation.”  (1 Peter 1:20)

 

There is a sermon called,  “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” This sermon was preached in the late (1700’s) Seventeen-hundreds by a man named, Jonathan Edwards.  It is a famous sermon due to it’s effect upon the hearers and readers.  It was the beginning, many have said, to the “Great Awakening.”  If you have never read it or heard it, please do. The reason I mention it should be obvious, if you have read the title of this article, “Scripture in the Hands of Ignorant Sinners.”

When we call the sinners ignorant we do not mean stupid, but unknowing or unlearned. The ignorant sinner is ignorant of many theological truths. They are unlearned of the meaning of many truths, such as the meaning or interpretation of words, passages, doctrines.

In the quoted verses, we list some basic meaning of words and doctrines that have caused much error. In our (1st) first and (3rd) third quoted passages we demonstrate (2) two very importants truths that one must get right, right from the start. Those (2) two truths clarify the interpreting of Scripture. (2 Tim 3:16) state that all Scripture comes from God and are necessary for the proper understanding. The (2Nd) truth from (1 Peter 1:20 &c.) teaches that there is no private interpreting allowed, but that holy men of old were moved by the Holy Spirit. This means that no one is allowed to have their own interpretations but must seek to know the meanings and purposes of the writers of Holy Writ.

The (3) three doctrines that we chose to clarify are judging, forgiving, and love.  We have found these doctrines have caused many misunderstanding, especially with the unsaved. We have written on the Christ-ian’s duty to judge the good and the bad; the right and the wrong; the true and the false of all things before (1 Corinthians 2:14). We also learn from this passage that the christ-ian is judged by no man, in return.  Something I have found that when a person’s good/bad; right/wrong; true and false is judged they typically reply with, “Judge not lest ye be judged.” This response is very wrong and untrue. Let me explain.

“Judge not lest ye be judged” refers to the setting of a standard in judgement. Therefore, one will be judged by that same standard of judgement if one is ever to be judged.  For example: “that guy should get life in prison for that.” If you, then, (10) ten years from now, commit the same sin, you will be held to that same standard of life in prison…therefore, “judge not [that man and his sin] lest ye be judged [by your own merciless standard]. The doctrine then is this, be slow to judge others lest God be as quick to judge you.

Did I contradict myself in the last (2) two paragraphs? I did not. The differences are these; In the passage from 1 Cor. 2:14, we spoke of judging an action as good/bad; right/wrong; or true/false. We did not set any standard of judgment whereby the sinner was to be judged. We simply defined the quality of the action performed or perpetrated. The quality of the actions are universal to all. It is universally true that cold blooded murder is bad. As to the execution of judgment we leave to God or a court. It is universally false that adultery is good. Another difference is, one should steer clear of calling for some standard of punishment, lest that same standard of punishment be used against you or someone you love.

When judging the actions of another, the thought should be mercy and not necessarily justice. We should use mercy, whereas the Judge is to use justice and the standard of judgment that God and or the state has set.  Another rule to apply to this is the golden one. “Do unto others, as you would have done unto you.” This means quite simply, if you do not want every one of you deeds put under a microscope, then do not monitor everyone else with the goal of judging. Another doctrine that fits here, is hypocrisy.  If you judge others but are angered when someone points out your fault you are a hypocrite. The golden rule works another way. If i am a Christ-ian and am seeking Christ-likeness, I would wants others to point out my sin, sins, failings, mistakes, etc.

Our next docrine that is abused by many, including Christ-ians. Yes!, Christ-ians, many of them are ignorant of the doctrine of forgiveness. It is my contention that most confuse forgiveness with lack of bitterness. Let me be very clear from the start…One cannot forgive another lest s/he seeks forgiveness…….You cannot forgive someone unless that someone wants to be forgiven…Forgiveness must be sought before it can be found…..Forgiveness must be asked for before it can be given. Forgiveness is an act and a convsersation.

I trust that I have been clear on the subject of forgiveness so far. When I say one cannot forgive another lest forgiveness is sought, I am not saying that bitterness, anger, malice, or holding a grudge is allowable or acceptable until forgiveness is sought. This is where, I think, confusion enters. Example: [X has wronged Q. However, Q feel no bitterness toward x. Therefore, Q has forgiven x….and all is forgotten].  This is wrong and unBiblical…in fact, it may even be anti-Biblical. In our example above, all seems well Q. What about x? X is still carrying a burden whether X knows it or not. What is one to do about X?

Our Lord commands us, in Matthew (18) eighteen, when you are wronged, you must go to the offender and tell the offender of their wrong doing. if the offender asks your forgiveness; you shall grant it. If the offender refuses his accountability, take another person with you and do it all over again. If the offender continues to refuse, take the offender to the church for discipline.

All of this is being done for the sake of the offender’s standing with God. If we allow an offense to go unremedied, we are adding to the offender’s burden and does that make us guilty of knowing to do good and not doing it?

In summarizing forgiveness: It is most important, because our faith, our beliefs, our hopes, our salvation all rest upon the foundation of God’s forgiveness. If God has forgiven us, our sins, so too, must we, forgive others, theirs. But there is a formula, if you will. 4giveness is not simply handed out, that would be wrong; that would be the condoning of the wrong. When 1 is wronged, one should not be bitter because of what the wrong has done to 1’s self, but that wrong has been done. If the offender does not realize the offense, 1 must make the offender aware and give an opportunity to seek 4giveness. Once 4giveness is granted both should make confession b4 God, for all sin is against God….then and only then, are all things well. You are happy, no added burden to the offender as s/he has humbled self and taken responsibility. God is also pleased.

Love…As this is a rather lengthy article, let us get to the point. Love is not a feeling. Love is a choice and love is action….love is a verb.  “In love” is a feeling. “in love” is a chemical that is released into the human system & it feels very good. “In love” causes us to think of “that 1” when we wake up. “That 1” is our last thought of the evening. We cannot get enough of “that 1,” However,…..it is all chemical and that chemical will settle down. When the chemical settles down, you are left with reality. No 1 should ever base 1’s hopes, and future when “in love”…it could lead to ruin.  Think of “in love” as an illness and we all know not to make big decisions when ill.

The future will be (DV) built upon love; the future must not be built upon being “in love”

Blessed are we, who are “in love” with the one we love; Woe unto you, who hate the one you were “in love” with. AND….. May we all be “in love” with the God we love and the God, Who is Love.

“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”  (Matthew 12:36 & 37)

 

Words…Words and Words.

Words matter. Every little thing matters to God. So we, too should care about the little things. It is written, that God Is Holy and His people must be holy, too. Like likes Like; the deep calleth to the deep and the shallow calls the shallow.

Good luck…What doth it really mean when a person says it?  Are they invoking some spirit that will do the person’s bidding? Good luck is not something a Christ-ian should say. When a Christ-ian wants to send a loved one off with a blessing they should say, “Godspeed” but never Good Luck. One may say, ” Grace be unto thee,” but not Good Luck.

In saying, Good Luck, one is essentially taking whatever it is, out of God’s Hand and giving it to chance. Our Lord used the words, “by chance” only once, as He was speaking to persons on their level. The Greek word is “Concurrence.”

Also, we are told by James that we ought not to say, we will do this or that on this day or that day. Instead, we should say, God willing, we will do this or that on this day or that day.

Words matter very much to God.

Godspeed to you all.

 

” Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the [W]ord of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”  (Hebrews 13:7)

 

It is God, Who made you and me. We have not evolved over millions and millions of years to become what we are today. I do not think anyone really believes that anyway. There should be no monkeys in existence, as they have all evolved. Why haven’t we seen any evolution in our time or in any historical time? Why haven’t we developed wings or why haven’t our digestive systems become more streamlined? To sit and evacuate one’s bowels is a time of weakness and vulnerability, in which the “surviving” strong would have taken advantage of…think Jurrasic Park port a potty scene. Why have we not developed an an eye on the back of our head? …Huh?….Huh?

It is God that Created humanity for Himself. It is God that has given us all that is needed to live and function, bodily. It is God that cares for us and it is by His Word that the entire universe is upheld.

When I ask the question, “Who made me…me? I am speaking of pre and post-quickening or before and after I have been saved. When once a person is saved they begin a new life. Lord Jesus calls it being born again; some translations call it, born from above, either will suffice. After we are born again what goes into making us who we are? The answer, of course, is God. God is always the answer, is He not? However, I’m talking about the persons, the happenings, the books, the everything that God uses to make you and me …you and me.

There have been many, many persons, other than MY Mother and MY Father, that have forged me. When I say persons, I mean individuals (good and bad), authors, family, friends, etc. Sometime it may be something someone has said that really resonates and sticks with you and becomes part of your make-up.

I think of MY Aunt Romelle, who took me to Sunday School and Church and introduced me to Christ-ianity. I was with her when God got hold of me and apprehended me with a heart hook. She drove me to the pastor, Brother Tapp and he spoke with me of Christ. I was so overwhelmed in my mind and heart…I don’t know if God saved me in the pastors office, or the next night in the church…or maybe it was in the door way of Aunt Romelle’s room. I like to think it was in the door way. If we were to liken our walk with God as a garden, MY Aunt Romelle thrust the shovel first. I will be eternally and everlastingly thankful to MY Aunt Romelle for sowing the seed of faith. I embolden the word MY because if you knew her, you would want her as your aunt too….I’m sorry to say, that is not happening. She is MY Aunt Romelle.

I think of MY Uncle Jerry, who would, every Sunday, come and pick me up and take me to the flea market. Looking back, those were very special times to me and are special to me. I learned much from MY Uncle Jerry. You’ll remember, what I call, “Uncle Jerry’s (MY Uncle Jerry) Parable of the Turtle and the Snake.” These were times before I was born again or saved. However, saved I was from doing wrong and falling into the trappings of teen-agery. I was saved from the “follower” mentality by My Uncle Jerry. He said, “You want to be a trend setter, not a follower.” I was saved from all of that by MY Uncle Jerry. MY Uncle Jerry would let me watch wrestling pay per views at his house. As I did not have cable then. MY Uncle Jerry would say, “I’d put my thumb in his eye…RIGHT THERE!” and now, there is a wrestler, who says “Thumb to the eye” will get you out of any wrestling hold. God used MY Uncle Jerry to show me boldness and speaking straight with other persons. Many lessons learned from MY Uncle Jerry. And NO! You may not have him either.

In terms of authors, or my many dead friends, though they are not dead, but they liveth with Him, Above. The Christ-ian never dies…we are eternal beings.

I think of, in order, Athenasius, Augustine, Luther, Calvin, J. Edwards, J.C. Ryle, Spurgeon, Arthur W. Pink,  Martyn Lloyd Jones, C.S. Lewis, and Joel Osteen…..kidding, I’m only kidding.

Athenasius was the one, who God used to settle the deity of Christ issue, way back when. He was exiled numerous times. He was told, “The whole world is against you!!!”, His reply,? ……..”then…… I am against the whole world!!!” God used this man to settle the deity issue. (I’m sorry to say, the J. Witnesses haven’t got the memo, yet.)

Augustine taught me much of what I preach today. Augustine was a real friend to me in a time of need. I thank God for His many servants that speak from the grave (bodily). His “Confessions” were invaluable to me. His, “City of God” answers many questions as does his, “On Teaching.” God has kept his writings around for a reason. St. Augustine is the man you can give to a catholic and they will here the Gospel. In fact, it was Augustine that bridged the Gospel to us.

Luther…this man, as Luke puts it, “turned the world upside down.” It was this man, Luther that God used to break me from all legalism that I was entrenched in.  Reverently speaking, when I get to heaven or when Heaven descends, Luther is due for a great big hug from this Batman.

Calvin taught me much. From Calvin I took a boldness yet a composed presence. Calvin taught me the importance of the Lord’s Supper.

Jonathan Edwards taught me that it was “cool” to be bookish and reserved. He taught me what God will do with a man. Jonathan Edwards taught me to stand up straight and be accounted.

J.C. Ryle showed me that one does not need to be BIG TIME to make a difference. Ryle ministered at the same time and the same area as Spurgeon. He may have been in the shadow of Spurgeon, but his writings are still here and they are powerful.

Spurgeon taught me perseverance. He was ill, yet, he preached.

Arthur W. Pink and Martyn Lloyd Jones showed me that I could be a preacher without man’s schooling. They both taught me independence from man’s teachings or indoctrination. That is to say formal Bible Edum’acation.

C.S. Lewis showed me that I could remain a kid inside and I love him for that. He, too will receive a BIG BatMan Hug.

Brother Stone taught me how to study the Bible…Stone is a Teacher of teachers. He taught me to look for all the little things others miss, like, the difference between net and nets.

Brother Ruben taught me how to be gracious and not so rigid. He has taught me much and is still teaching me much.

Brother Sandlin was the spark that led me to Luther that “turned my world upside down.” He and brother Ruben are both men that have persevered and are still persevering, for their Lord is Worthy.

I could go on and on…I could speak about Stover, Muxlow, Widmer, Baker, Baker Sr., OH! and Pastor Kipp…He has shown me that there are others out there who are “Theology Intense.”

The point is, God uses other persons to make us who we are….post regeneration.

The Wise man said, “Iron sharpeneth iron.”

And before anyone thinks it……”Well! it sounds like he learned everything from authors and not Scripture.”  Everything I learned from them, they learned from Scripture. My theology is based solidly upon Scripture and nothing else…but Lord Jesus’ Blood and Righteousness. These men and one woman, that we have spoken of, taught us conduct, how to behave ourself, if you will. We thank and praise our God for all these persons.

“And when [H]e was come out of the ship, immediately there met [H]im out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit.”  (Mark 5:2)

 

In this recorded event[Not a story, the subconscience classifies story as fiction, methinks, anyway.] we see the unclean spirit coming out of the tombs. This is what is necessary for an unclean spirit or demon to take up residency in a person.  The person must be dead inside. There is a vacuum that is left when the spirit is dead. All humans have, or have had a dead spirit. The former are those, who are lost and without Christ. The latter are those, who have been quickened, who have been regenerated, who have been made alive a new. The latter have been born again, the latter have been justified by the life, death and resurrection of Christ. The latter are now in the process of being re-made into the Image of God, which is to say, we are becoming more and more like the Lord Jesus as we grow in God’s Grace.

The Christ-ian soul is not open to occupency. The Christ-ian is already inhabited by the (3rd) Third Person of the divine Trinity. [1st, 2nd, 3rd does not mean rank or order. It is how we, with our finite minds, understand the Trinity].The Holy Spirit is indwelling the Christ-ian and He will do so forever. He is the sovereign Spirit of the Omnipotent Godhead. He allows no squatting or loitering. The Christian could wear a tag that says, “Beware of the Holy Spirit.”

There is no way, There is no how, there is no chance, there is no negotiating; The Holy Spirit will not allow any spirit into His Holy Domain. The Holy Spirit is sensitive…remember Ananias and Saphira?….remember Uzzah?…remember there is a sin unto death. The Holy Spirit stays forever, He produces His Fruit within the Christ-ian and He teaches the Christian the Way.

The unclean, unholy, spirit or demon is another thing altogether. We will use the word demon from this point. The demon takes, it does not give anything to the possessed vessel. It takes over the personality, the characteristics, the identity of the chosen vessel.

The demon may stay for a while and then leave for a while. If it realizes that it is un-noticed, it may bring in more demonic entities to take up residency. Question: To whom are these demons drawn to? Demons are either drawn by or sent by someone. Ahab had a lying spirit sent to him; The Sender?…God. King Saul was vexed by a vexing demon; God sent that upon him, too.[Side note: The Godhead is Lord and LORD over Everything, even the devil and his ilk]. (d)emons seem to be drawn to families that are in bad shape; a family with little love; a family in despair where there is no care. Demons, like J. Witnesses, focus in on the bad, the love-lessness, and the despair.. [Side note: J. Witness = demon]

Possession is not like it is shown in Hollywierd. At least mostly. The subtle serpent has trained his minions well. Demons are not shock and awe. Demons are quiet, they are subtle, they are sneaky, they whisper rather than shout. Demons are so, so, so quiet and subtle….until they’re CAUGHT. When they are caught…it’s SHOWTIME! The demon army, if nothing else, is quiet, sneaky, subtle and PROUD…PRIDE-FILLED. Pride is such a monster that it even possesses demons, who possess persons and people…WoWS!!!

It appears to me or rather, me thinks, or Thinks me that there are tell tale signs of possession. From our text the chosen vessel was very strong. Strong to the point that chains and fetters were broken. This vessel would also cut himself via itself. These signs, however, are after the demon has been detected. What about before? As we have said on prior posts, personality change is a sign, barring medical and mental issues or challenges. Now that I say that, the mentally challenged could be targets for demon possession. I have also noted that demons do not like water or cold when they are without a vessel. I’m not talking about the silly catholic blessed water, I’m speaking of God-given water…any kind of water.

I have read that the demon wants warmth. If that is true, any body will do, would it not?What then is stopping the demons from overtaking all lost persons and peoples? It is God, Who is good and kind. God does not allow it to happen, lest it meets with His all wise and all good purpose and will….think Samson and Delilah…God allowed that to happen to bring about a purpose, which was the destruction of many Philistines….or in today’s terminology, Palestinians.

Thinks me, we will see an uptick in demon possessions. As the Lord’s Return Draweth Nigh, (s)atan will have his quiet, subtle, and filthy army ready to cause trouble…for it is last call.

Here is the difference between the Holy Spirit and a unholy spirit. The Spirit inhabits and indwells forever. The Spirit also seals us shut…think…Noah’s Ark. The Holy Spirit sanctifies, produces fruit, guides, warns and teaches the Way. The Spirit comes into a vessel and He brings all manner of gifts. He brings light, He brings love, He brings everlasting Life with Him.

The un-holy spirits come to take. They seek the warmth, they destroy, they steal from the vessel, they kill, they overwhelm and they bring everlasting death without any of the “taken for granted” mercies of God.

To sum it all up….The Spirit of God is HOLY and He is GOOD and He is Wanted.  The un-holy spirit is prideful, un-holy, and is not wanted, but comes anyway.

“Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that N]ame of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest”  (Mark 11:10)

“And they cried out again, Crucify [H]im.”  (Mark 15:13)

 

In our quoted texts above, the persons that said that must be different persons, right? Wrong…wrong, and wrong. Both were cried out by the same persons. Our Lord was welcomes into Jerusalem with Mark 11:10 and just a few days later He was sentenced to death with Mark 15:13. Both these judgments were rendered by the same persons!!! They Welcomed Him as God’s Christ and then they sentenced Him to death as a criminal…the same persons.

I am probably considered by some to be a doom and gloomer. I would consider myself an experienced liv-er. I am one who has seen things…probably the same things many have seen, however, I observe, study and analyze what others merely see. An example: When persons come to me with the good news of their promotion, raise, or acknowledgment by a supervisor or someone of rank; I tell them the same thing…always. We tell them, “That’s great news, but remember…always remember, those that cried for Christ’s crucifixtion were blessing Him just days before.” This is a fact. This is a lesson. We could name Saul and David as a friendship that turned very sour because of some words spoken by a crowd.

Readers, God does not change; He is ever the Same. He is the Same yesterday, today, and forever. Our God is immutable, there is no shadow of turning with Him or in Him. There is no variableness with God. But with man, there is. While no man can change his personality or nature, he can hide it and he can curb it but that is not change. Man can “change” or reveal himself in many ways. For example: A pastor can be much loved. This much loved pastor can say (1) one wrong word and he is loved no more. Did anyone change? No. No one changed, they merely revealed or betrayed themselves. This revealing or betrayal of self must not be forgotten or treated as a slip up. This person who has revealed himself can be forgiven but it must not be forgotten or overlooked.

Another example of the above. The last time our or rather the U.S. Gov’t was shut down Harry Reed had such an experience. The press asked him if he would, at least, allow funds to be released for the children’s cancer hospital. His reply,? “Why would I do that.” You see the sociopath betrayed himself on live television. What came of it? Nothing. In our society we have this over-zealous need to give a person the benefit of the doubt.  We do not believe what persons say.

I recently learned of a woman, who married a man, even after being told by him that he killed a woman. She thought to herself, he doesn’t really mean that. This woman and her family had to live with this man for years. They had to endure all manner of abuse. Finally after getting out of the “relationship” it was discovered that this man had killed many women.  Humanly speaking, if this woman would have believed what he had said so many years before, many women may still be alive.

Me, personally am not a good friend if you are looking for someone to hang-out with and talk on the phone or even text for any length of time. That is not me. I’ve tried it and it doesn’t work; there is something in me that pulls away. It is no statement upon the person I pull away from at all. I have always been a loner type. Now, if you want a friend that will be there for you in a bind…that’s me.  If you want a friend that you can touch base with weekly…monthly….even yearly, that’s me. If you need someone who will drop everything and be there, that’s me. So to any readers that have ever wondered why I have backed off or have been distant, this is why. It was never you…it was always my wiring. I think once someone has learned to walk with God in an unceasing kind of way and to devote one’s attention to all things God or as much as is possible, he needs be a loner type. I hope what I am saying is coming a cross well. Anyway, knowing this no one will be surprised. Forgive the number of I’s, please.

The point, we suppose is friendship and relationships are very fragile. Friendships should be cared for and treated carefully. We know there are great frienships that are strong and can survive anything. We know of David and Jonathan; Adam and Eve, Paul and Barnabas, Paul and Timotheus, Elijah and Elisha, our Lord and His disciples, Ruth and Naomi.  Of course there exist strong, binding friendships that have been bound by life. To be sure these types of friendships are rare.

This is why television shows and movies that focus on durable, abiding friendships do so well. They do so well because that is what so many persons are missing. This is written on a Wednesday night. A show called criminal minds in on. This show focuses on a group of profilers that hunt down serial killers. This programs is highly successful. If there were to be a poll taken which asked the viewers, “Why do you watch?” And there were multiplechoice answers, like  (o) I learn about profiling.  (0) I enjoy seeing justice.  (0) I like thrillers.  (0) I love the comradery between the group.  I think the (4th) fourth choice would have the highest amount of votes. The comedy genre does well but it is the “buddy” comedy that really draws.

Another point is, we cannot assume that the warmth and unity of heart and mind will last. It may and it may not.

One is always safe with our Lord. He will never leave us or forsake us.  He loves His own until the end. He will be with us always, even until the end of the world. He is ever willing to walk with those that want to walk with Him. He said that He would draw nigh to them that draw nigh to Him. God is our Father; God is our elder Brother; and God is our ever-Present Companion and Guide, Who will teach us all things, that will help us remember, Who will fill our mouths full of praises for the One, Who is worthy of those praises.

The arm of man shall fail thee;the Arm of God shall not…ever.

“Then entered Satan into Judas…” (Luke 22:3)

“And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”  (2 Timothy 2:25)

 

In the book of Jeremiah we are told that a person does not change his/her character or nature. The analogy of the leopard not changing his stipes is used as well as the Ethiopian not being able to change the color of the skin. Our nature , our personality, our hardwiring, if you will, is unchangeable. Of course we may learn to curb our personality and inclinations but the nature and personality is still there.

But there are persons who change drastically for the worse. How does this happen. Barring any head trauma, or mental illness and knowing from Scripture that personalities and a persons nature do not change…what is left?

I remember and will never forget my Uncle Jerry telling me that I have the disposition of a rattlesnake. I remember him telling me of the turtle and the snake. The snake asks the turtle to give him a ride over the water. The turtle says, “No way! You’ll bite me.” The snake retorted with, “Why would I bite you? If I bit you we would both sink and drowned.” The turtle thought and said, “that’s true, hop on.” Midway a cross the water the snake bites the turtle. The turtle asks, “why?” The snake simply said, “It’s my nature.” And so it is with us.

Let me state, however, that while we can never change who and what and how we are; God certainly can. I no longer have the disposition of a rattle snake; God changed me but I could never have changed myself. Make sense? But what about the person who is drastically different? This person has no mental illness, nor has this person had any head trauma. What is left?

As Mr. Sherlock Holmes has said, “Once you eliminate other possibilities, whatever is left, no matter how improbable it is, it must be the truth.” So what is one left with? Demon Possession if a person is withpout Christ’s salvation and demonic oppression if the person is washed and saved by the Blood of Christ Jesus. Judas was not of Christ, he therefore, was possessed. King David, however, being one of God’s own, he could not be possessed; he was oppressed and 1 Chronicles 26:1 records the event.

Demon possession is a real thing. Because once everything else is eliminated that is all that is left. God uses these devils as He wills. God sent a lying spirit to Ahab, and He sent a vexing spirit to King Saul. It is true that the devils are under God’s control and mastering. Even (s)atan is under God’s thumb. The devil and the devils are, simply put, God’s trained and obedient lap dogs. In fact, with the end times upon us, we would point out that it is God that raises up the idle shepherd, otherwise known as the anti Christ.

What does one do if they are confronted with this very real spiritual attack? What does one do when they have a physical malady? They seek out a physician. If a person is confronted with a demonic possession, they must seek out a Christ-ian, who is strong in faith. Forget the catholic rites and all the silliness that man invents to exorcise demonic entities. All Christ-ians have the ability to cast out and cast off demonic entities. As Christ said, “As thy faith is, so be it unto you.” I have had my bed sheet pulled off. Was I scared? No. I thought, how silly and trifling are these thing? I used the Faith of Christ to say, “Be gone silly demon, for, in the Mighty Name of Christ Jesus, YOUR Lord and Master I rebuke thee.” Christ is the Lord of all, including sinners and demons. Also, as Luther says, sometime one needs to shout at the devil.

Some may say I am exceedingly arrogant in my lack of fear concerning the devil and his puny minions. I am not; I do, however, trust my Lord and the great power that is in His Wonderful and soul stirring Name. If I had the choice between a weapon and the powerful Name of Christ…I would be silly to choose the weapon of man’s concoction. I take the Name of Christ, for it was the instrument of choice for Michael, the Arch Angel, when he rebuked the devil.

You may call me silly and naive, but I will call myself a believer in what my Lord, Master, and Saviour tells me. Some may say, I’m not living in the real world. I’m not for I am a citizen of God’s Kingdom. When I was still training in  jiu jitsu, I would sing a hymn when I got into a predicament. That would throw off my opponent’s concentration and I would submit him.

There is Power, Power, Wonder working power in the Blood of Christ Jesus and there is also power in the great and mighty Name of Christ, as well. Remember when the centurions fell backward at the confession of His Name. It is written, “Ye shall call [H]is [N]ame Jesus, for [H]e shall save [H]is people from their sin.” That does not mean only, the salvation of our spirit and soul but of our body, as well. It is written, “The wicked flee when no man pursueth.” The wicked will flee when the Name of Christ Jesus is thrown at them like a Ninja throwing star or a batarang.

Let me be clear. There must be a strong believing, trusting, and confident faith behind those words. That stong and confident faith has delivered a man from a den of lions or rather delivered  a den of lions from a faith-filled man…perspective. That strong faith delivered (3) three faith-filled and defiant men from the flames of a great fire. That strong faith delivered faithful Stephen from his murderers and into the Presence of Christ, Who stood to welcome Him…He stood to welcome him…What a Saviour!

My readers, If God before you, who can be against you? It is the devils that believe and tremble from fear. We, however believer and tremble from love, longing and great anticipation to see Him Whom we have loved without seeing. We need not fear the devil or his puny minions, they should fear the Christ-centered and Christ-filled people of faith; for we are His Body.

My point is, think spiritually, think heavenly…there is reason and there are answers for the hard to be explained.

Godspeed.

“…asking no questions for conscience sake…” (1 Corinthians 10:25)

“But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.”                                                                                                                                               (2 Timothy 2:23)

 

When I was a young man my favorite pro wrestler was Jake “The Snake” Roberts. I remember in one of his promos he said, “Ask me no questions and I will tell you no lies.” That quote stuck with me. It was not original with him but it was he from whom I heard it. Methinks it may be original to the band “Lynard Skynard” but I digress.

Are all lies bad? Nope. I have heard it said that an unjust question does not require a just answer. If you were keeping a family of Jews hidden within  your home, during the Holocaust, and you were asked straight out by an S.S. Nazi if you were harbouring a Jew would it be acceptable to lies? Methinks yes. I know…I know… some would disagree but that is acceptable.

When Pharaoh ordered the male children to be killed, The Hebrew midwives lied and God blessed them for it. Rahab, while hiding the (2) spies, lied to her own people about their location. She was a harlot that betrayed her country…and she is registered in the Hall of faith in Hebrews chapter (11) eleven. God sees things differently than do people.

My policy on lying is this, I cannot lie to save myself from injury or harm but I can lie to cover someone else if it is required…I’m talking life issues not little things. I know… I know…this may offend some and I may lose credibility in the eyes of some, but know this, if ever you are innocent but in trouble, anyway, I’ll lie for you. If you knew a person was innocent of a charge and you could alibi them, would you? I mean you knew them and you knew they were innocent, would you alibi them? I would. The Scripture states in the Psalms that one should be honest even to their own hurt but what about another’s hurt? One cannot be a respecter of person in judgement, this I know and again, I’m talking about life and death issues.

What if you were in a car with someone and this vehicle was involved in an accident while you were present and the driver asks you to switch places with them? If they get another ticket they will lose their license. Would you lie and say you were driving? I would not. It may be good for all if this driver were to lose their license.

On to another subject. Questions. It is wise not to ask questions that will cause trouble if answered. I know that some questions must be asked even though the question will certainly cause problems. I’m not talking about those. My wife often asks me how much did you spend on that. I always answer, “($250, 000) two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. I do this because I know that she may be irritated about the cost of something purchased.

I remember once hearing of a couple that would confess to each other if they look upon another with unrighteous thoughts. They did this to be totally honest with each other. That’s ridiculous. One must confess it to God, but why wake a sleeping dragon? Why poke the bear?  Why spit in the wind? Why pull on my cape…err, rather Batman’s cape? This is silliness and un-needed and unwarranted by Scripture. Paul even said, “Have thy faith to thyself.” Do not share that which you are not required to share.

If conscience is bothering you, then maybe you need to handle something, but do not confess something that will undoubtably hurt another, just to get it off your chest. Part of the punishment maybe living with the burden. If God wants something out in the open, He will shine a light on it. When David committed his sin with Bathsheba, God brought it to Nathan’s attention so that Nathan could bring God’s rebuke, and judgment. However, I do not see it written that God made it public past that point. Davis knew, Bathsheba knew, Nathan knew and that was it. David did not confess this to the people. It was handled in the home. Sometimes you and God must deal with somethings and it goes no farther. It was dealt with and the reporting of it would hurt others un-necessarily.

If one continues in the habitual practice of offronting God, He may act publically, ala Jimmy Swaggert, Jim Baker, Bob Gray, Scapp, etc. These men obviously were not judging themselves, so God brought it into light. Paul states that if one judges one’s self one would not be judged by God.

Am I saying it is okay to lie, sin secretly and cover it up to cover thyself? No, I’m not. No, not at all. When we, as Christ-ians name the Name of Christ, we are to depart from iniquity, so as to not bring shame upon Christ, the church and the ministry. As Chrit-ians we are to live holy lives, for our God is holy and Holy is His Name. As Christ-ians, we are to be composed and to be a testimony of God’s saving Grace that is through the life, death   and resurrection of His only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I am saying that while all of the past sentence is true, we are still sinners, with the old nature and we will sin. When we sin, let us be thankful that we have Christ as our Advocate with the Father. Whenever we say that we are all sinners still, I like to quote Luther, “Simul justus et peccato,” which is Latin for, “We are saints and sinners at the same time.” We are saints that still sin and we recognize it as sin and not as normal, acceptable and usual.

I’m saying that sometimes it is better to carry the burden of sin than to share it with others and cause un-needed pain.

Let me say this. I do not have a guilty conscience or a great big hidden secret sin. No, not at all. my sins are all normal sized and they are all covered by my Master’s grace and love. My sins are sins common to man.

“For the invisible things of [H]im from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even [H]is eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse…”  (Romans 1:20)

“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.  (Psalms 14:1)

 

Unless you are a good Catholic, and you are saved, you will take God’s Word over man’s word every time. Each and every time. In the (1st) first quoted verse we find the Scriptures stating that the things (you and I) created understand that God is. They state that His existence is clearly seen and not just seen. Then the Scriptures state that those who pretend to disbelieve in God are… without… excuse. Our second quoted verse states that, in God’s opinion, they that disbelieve are fools, they are corrupt, they have done abominable works and none of these pretenders have done anything good.

I know…I know…there are many atheists that have done good. ATHEIST meet TRUTH. GOD sets the standard on what is good. It is GOD that defines good. It is GOD that judges whether something is good or not. God states in Isaiah, that all the “good” works of the unrighteous are as filthy rags in His sight. Filthy rags is a nice way of saying menstrual clothe.

The inspired Scriptures goes so far as to say, unless our works are of faith, it is sin (Romans 14:23). Therefore, the atheist, who is a fool, has not done anything good per God.

Another tell or another way atheists betray themselves is when they cry, “Oh God!” during a moment of fear or pain? They also invoke God’s Son’s Name at that moment of fear or pain. This is the human default position…when one is at one’s end,  God is the next word out of their mouth. Even when the atheist maintains his atheism on the death bed, s/he is acknowledging God.

Did you know that there are “evangelical” atheists? These militant atheists, like their counterpart, speak to others of their belief or rather their unbelief. These “witnesses to nothing” atheists actually attempt to keep others from believing and they even try to talk God’s elect out of their faith. Shakespeare would say, “Methinks thou protesteth too much.” These militant atheists are not unbelievers, they are like the devils that believe and tremble. The only difference is, they are not wise enough to tremble. These are not atheist, they are God’s avowed enemies.

We have engaged many atheists. Most are nice persons and some are very intelligent and if you do not believe me, ask them….they’ll tell you just how intelligent they are. I’m saddened by the atheist’s stories of their run ins with Christ-ians. I have heard from the atheists of Christ-ians spitting at them, swearing at them, scratching them and even hitting them. These things ought NEVER to be. The Christ-ian is to be composed and Christ-like. If their stories are true and I believe them to be true (one atheist even procured a conceal and carry permit to “protect” himself from Christ-ians) they should realize that they will get much worse from God.

As I said above, some of the atheists are very intelligent. BUT some are not. Some can explain why they do not believe and they can sound very smart, they may even look smart, but they are fools, nonetheless. Others cannot tell you why they believe not, other than not wanting to.

After we have had our fill of the foolish atheist, we teach them sound theology. We tell them that lest they, at some point, repent and believe in/on Christ, it was God that rejected them and not they who rejected God. It is God, Who shall say to the proud and intelligent atheist, something like, “I never knew you, depart from [M]e, ye worker of iniquity.”

“These six things doth the LORD hate, yea seven are an abomination unto [H]im…”                                                                                                                                                   (Proverbs 6:16)

“Esau, have I hated…”  (Malachi 1 and Romans 9)

 

Proverbs 6:16-19 lists the following as that which God hates: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in the running to miscief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. This pretty much encompasses all of human depravity. Being Christ-ians we are to hate the sames things. But…but, In this list I recognize myself.  What are we to do with that?

We are to agree with God and hate those qualities that are part and parcel of the old nature. We are to confess these things to God; for if we judge ourselves, we would not be judged by Him (1 Corinthians 11). It is the lost man that sees these sinful qualities as natural and human. Natural and human these sinful qualities are; but that is not how it should be. A Person will always see these qualities as natural and human, unless God confronts them and shows them the Way, the Truth, and the Life and said person follows Him into this Way, believes His Word as Truth, and enters into this Life.

There are some things that I hate and when I think of these things, I allow myself to feel anger. One should not be controlled by anger. Anger, when used properly, prompts us to right what is wrong. We often confuse anger with frustration over not getting our way. We might even confuse anger with embarrassment. The point is, since the fall, our emotions have become confusing.

One of the things that I hate is racism and race-baters. While racism is part of this nations history, it is, I believe, for the most part...history.  Some may say, “How can a white man say something like that!?” Allow me to answer. Many black people admit that it has gotten better. This younger generation seems to be less racist. Let’s think about this. Where did this younger generation learn to evaluate a person based on actions and not skin color? From their parents, of course. Therefore, racism has been getting better for at least (2) two generations and if my logic is right and followed backward, maybe more. Having said that, let me say this, racism is still alive. Racism is the very basest quality in man…Me before you! Racism was born from pride…the bad kind.

We have raised our children to be blind to skin color. I can say that……. skin color is not the first thing I ……notice on a ……..person……….. The bent of my mind causes me to (1st) first look at the little things on a person because i attempt to develop a mini biography and to learn what kind of person I am about to engage.

Sometimes I frighten others when I do this. Once, I was in a doctors office and I over heard a patient say, “When I’m finished, I’ll turn it in.” As this patient walked to her chair, I noticed her purse strap was over her head and shoulder and not just her shoulder. What did these two observations tell me? She was a teacher. I asked her, “Miss, are you or were you a teacher?”  She answered, “Yes” and asked if I were a former pupil; I answered in the negative. She then asked me if I was C.I.A.? I laughed and told her that I would have to kill her, if I answered that question. I know, I know I am mean. I explained to her that the purse over the head and shoulder reminded me of a teacher on a field trip and when she said, “I’ll turn it in….” is something a teacher tells her students, “When you are finished, turn in your work.”

We have approached persons while they were dining and told them things about themselves to their amazement. Once we told a woman that she was a reader and her favourite genre is mystery, she almost dropped what she was holding. Do I sound like I’m bragging? I’m not. To do this anyone can study and learn. Believe me, when I say, “If I can do it, anyone can do it.”  This is the trick psychics use to tell someone about themselves. An example, a woman is wearing a wedding ring and an engagement band on her pointer finger. This could mean many things and if you are training you need not be right. You need to make sense only. We see a woman, who has lost her husband sometime ago. She still wears her rings and she wears them on the wrong finger. This woman is saying, “I still love my husband; am open to a new relationship.

WAIT!!! what does any of that have to do with racism?……… Object lesson…if you stop talking about it, it might just go away.

Paul teaches us that there is no more Jew or Greek; there is no more man or woman; we are all one in Christ. By extension, there is no more black or white, or yellow. There is no more red or brown………for those of us, that have been chosen, in Christ, there is no racism, there is no color. We are (1) one. Our hearts have been knitted together by God. We all have, and we all fight, the same singular enemy, sin.

Racism is a monster that must be fed. Race-baters take this monster to the all you can eat buffet. Without racism many of the race-baters, like Sharpton, Jackson, and Farra-conman would be out of work. In truth, many a person lives and dies by racism. Some are even defined by racism and they like it.

RACISM is not. (r)acism is. By that, I mean, racism is not the Monster that the media makes it out to be. There are the small or puny and even weak minded persons that pre-judge another based on color. This stripe of racism will never go away. And I mean never. Even in Hell there will be racism. For some, racism is ingrained; for some, racism is who a person is.

If a black man or a black woman is denied a position based upon color, they should know that they have encountered a puny, and weak mind.