Biblical
The Truth About Exorcism
I have been noticing a rise in the number of articles about exorcisms and today a psychiatrist
came out and said there are devil spirits and there is a need for exorcisms. Well it is time that I
deal with this subject.
.
It is no secret that there are devil spirits in the World. The Bible has told us this for thousands of
years,, but, the reason that people don’t want to believe there are evil spirits is they want to
belittle the Bible and Christians. Then they think it’s ok to talk about these things when
psychiatrists come out in the news about it.
God does not want us ignorant of Satan’s devices (II Corinthians 2;11.) God gives us clear
instruction and examples so that we aren’t ignorant. so, I am going to share with you the Truth of
God’s Word regarding exorcism. To do that we are going to start in Acts chapter 19.
Acts 19:8-20 (KJV)
8 And he (Paul) went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months,
disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
9 But when divers (many people) were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way
before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the
school of one Tyrannus.
10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the
word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases
departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
So, what caused the people to get great deliverance? It was the Word of God being taught and
people believing that Word. How do I know this? Because, the Bible tells me so. You have to
hear the Word and you have to believe.
Hebrews 4:2 (KJV)
2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them,
not being mixed with believing in them that heard it.
Matthew 13:53-58 (KJV)
53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.
54 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?
55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and
Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
57 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.
58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.Paul is teaching the Word of God and people are believing it and great miracles are happening.
Then some Jews proclaiming themselves to be exorcists decide to do by exorcism, which is black
arts, what Paul is accomplishing by preaching the Word. Let’s see what happens.
13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil
spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed
against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
What a contrast between the results Paul had and the consequences of the exorcists.
17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on
them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
19 Many of them also which used curious arts 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.
20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
Do you know what “curious arts” are? Amulets, Ouija boards, tarot cards, books on witch craft,
the I Ching, Harry Potter and the like. When they saw the great deliverance available from God
verses the black arts they took all the curious arts and burned them. When that happened the
Word of God prevailed.
Let’s look at how Jesus Christ and Paul dealt with devil spirits.
Luke 4:31-35 (KJV)
31 And , Jesus Christ, came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.
32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a
loud voice,
34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy
us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.
35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown
him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.
Do you see anything about Jesus Christ having a special meeting with low lights, pentagrams,
candles and chants? No! A thousand times No. Jesus Christ happened to be in a synagogue and
he didn’t hesitate he spoke to the spirit and said you have to go! Jesus Christ had the authority
over all devil spirits. You know who has it now? The Christian believer! That’s right those born
again of God’s spirit. (Rom. 10:9,10)
1 John 4:4 (KJV)
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he
that is in the world.2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Jesus Christ acted immediately let’s see if Paul did anything different.
Acts 16:16-18 (KJV)
16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of
divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most
high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
Even though what she said was true, how she said it was derogatory and belittling.
18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command
thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
Right there on the city street, in broad daylight! Paul didn’t mess around either. Paul acted immediately.
The one thing that he did different than Jesus Christ is that he didn’t use his own name, but, that name
which has all authority, the name of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:10-11 (KJV)
10 That at the name of Jesus (Christ) every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and
things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Don’t be fooled by these modern day charlatans. Christian believers are the ones with the power! They
are the ones with the authority to use the name of Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:37 (KJV)
37 In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us
THE DESIRES OF THE HEART
I have, over the past few years expounded on our rewards in Heaven, Matthew 6:19, 20. I have talked
about what we can believe for, now. But, I haven’t shown you or talked to you about what God has in
store for those who commit their lives to God. So, tonight I want to expand on Earthly Rewards .
The greatest reward that a person can have is to be given the desires of his/her heart. Now when I talk
about the desires of your heart I am not talking about a new car, a new boat or a new house. I t could be
for some people, but, I am talking about the deepest inner most desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4 (KJV)
4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
I would like to show you a couple of people that put God first in their lives and how God gave them the
desires of their hearts.
The first is Job. Job was a man that walked with God and loved his family. But, fear crept into Jobs life
and you cannot believe God when you are fearful.
Job 1:1-5 (KJV)
1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and
upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.
3 His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred
yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the
greatest of all the men of the east.
4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their
three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified
them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of
them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus
did Job continually.
As you will see, Job did this out of fear.
Job 1:13-22 (KJV)
13 And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their
eldest brother’s house:
14 And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses
feeding beside them:
15 And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with
the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
16 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen fromheaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am
escaped alone to tell thee.
17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three
bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with
the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
18 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters
were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:
19 And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the
house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell
thee.
20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and
worshipped,
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.
22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
Job 3:25 (KJV)
25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.
You SEE?? Job had fear in his life. Fear always causes us to be less than we can be. Fear opens
an avenue for our adversary, the Devil, to attack us. So, this fear that Job had caused him to lose
so much. The rest of the book of Job is about how Job justified himself and how his three
friends, “miserable comforters,” accused him of sin. It isn’t until chapter thirty-two that Elihu
talks to Job and starts to straighten out Job’s thinking from self-righteousness to the
righteousness of God.
Chapters thirty-two through thirty seven are wonderful chapters of instruction as to God and
chapters thirty eight through forty one shows anyone who thinks themselves somebody who
GOD is. Then in chapter forty-two Job finally gets to the place of giving God the respect and the
place in his heart that God deserved. God deserves the same respect and position in each and
every one of our lives.
Job 42:1-6 (KJV)
1 Then Job answered the LORD, and said,
2 I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
3 Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood
not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
4 Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
5 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.
6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Job 42:7-16 (KJV)
7 And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz
the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not
spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.
8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and
offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will Iaccept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is
right, like my servant Job.
9 So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did
according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.
10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD
gave Job twice as much as he had before.
11 Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his
acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and
comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a
piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.
12 So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen
thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she
asses.
13 He had also seven sons and three daughters.
14 And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name
of the third, Kerenhappuch.
15 And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave
them inheritance among their brethren.
16 After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons’ sons, even four
generations.
Job finally put God first in his life and God gave Job the desires of his heart! No more fear just an
absolute reverence and love for God.
The other man I want to show you tonight is the Apostle Paul. Paul was a man much like Job in his
attitude of self-righteousness.
Paul (Saul is his Hebrew name) wanted to be the best for God. He did everything that he could to be
God’s best! His schooling was the best. He moved up through the ranks of Judaism to one of the top
positions of the time, a member of the Sanhedrin. But, what he was doing was contrary to God’s will.
Paul was a very zealous person and he thought getting rid of the Christians was doing God a favor.
In Acts chapter seven Stephen, a Christian full of the holy spirit is confronting a crowd of Jews. But, what
he had to say didn’t go over very well with the crowd. So, in verse fifty-seven they had enough.
Acts 7:57-60 (KJV)
57 Then they (the crowd) cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one
accord,
58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young
man’s feet, whose name was Saul.
59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
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.Acts 8:1 (KJV)
1 And Saul was consenting unto his (Stephen’s) death. And at that time there was a great
persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem;
Paul continued his rampage against the Christians.
Acts 8:3 (KJV)
3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and
women committed them to prison.
Acts 9:1-2 (KJV)
1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went
unto the high priest,
2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way,
whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
Paul was a murderer, yet, one day he learned that the righteousness of God is greater than his
own righteousness.
Acts 9:3-9 (KJV)
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from
heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for
thee to kick against the pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him,
Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by
the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
Acts 9:17-22 (KJV)
17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him (Paul) said,
Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me,
that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and
arose, and was baptized.
19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples
which were at Damascus.
20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this
name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief
priests?
22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving
that this is very Christ.Paul went on and became one of the greatest believers that ever walked the Earth. Paul who once
was a murderer and worked to destroy the Christians every chance he got ended up receiving the
great revelation regarding the mystery of the body!
Paul’s heart’s desire was different than Job’s, but, God honored them both and gave them the
desires of their hearts when they changed their thinking and put God first in their lives.
God is no respecter of men or women. He does, however, stands by His promises and He
promises that when you put Him first He WILL give you the desires of your heart.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN “TO PUT GOD FIRST”
God has given us specific rules and guidelines to live our lives by. Those are in the Epistles. He
gave the Old Testament for our learning but He gave the Epistles for us to walk by. When we
apply those principles, rules and guidelines in our lives instead of what we think, our friends
think or the world thinks then we are putting God first
The Hope Revisited
Hope is anticipation. Hope is waiting for something that you can’t have now. In other words, it is not
available, yet. There is one thing that all Christian believers cannot have, but, will, in time, receive it. This
thing that is so tremendous that if you keep this in your thoughts it helps you stand-now, it roots us so
that we are like a great oaks that are not bothered by the howling storms that surround us. What I am
talking about is “THE HOPE” and it is found in I Thessalonians chapter four.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (KJV)
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep (dead),
that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep (are born
again, but, have died) in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the
coming (for his church) of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep (have
died.)
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel,
and with the trump (trumpet) of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
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.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
I keep telling you that this world and all you see will pass away, it is not our home we are just sojourners
here. Our home is in Heaven!
Death is a sting, it is painful to lose a loved one, but, we will see them again, so, God tells us not sorrow
don’t grieve like the unbelievers for in their minds death is the end all. They can’t see anything past
someone’s last breath. But, we know that this is not the end this is just the beginning.
In verse fourteen it says “even so them also which sleep (are born again, but, have died) in Jesus
will God bring with him.” There are two parts to Jesus Christ’s second coming. The first is
Christ coming for his church and the second is Christ coming with his Church, which is called
the Day of the Lord.
When Jesus Christ comes for his Church not all of the believers will be dead so the progression is the
born again believers who have died rise first THEN we that are still alive are caught up together with
them in the clouds and together, as one group we go to Heaven.
These words should be a comfort to every Christian.
There is another record in I Corinthians that, also, describes the gathering together.
1 Corinthians 15:35-58 (KJV)
35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?
36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may
chance of wheat, or of some other grain:38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.
39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts,
another of fishes, and another of birds.
40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and
the glory of the terrestrial is another.
41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars:
for one star differeth from another star in glory.
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a
spiritual body.
45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a
quickening spirit.
46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that
which is spiritual.
47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also
that are heavenly.
49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth
corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 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.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on
immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in
victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of
the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
The more the hope of Christ’s return resonates in your soul and life the more you steadfast and
unmovable like the mighty oak, standing for God and abounding in the work of the Lord
The Family of God
I am writing this article for all of you who’s heart longs for a family. I am, also writing this article for
those who are born again so you know how to act in the body of believers.
Nobody could pick the family they were born into, but, you did choose the family you were born again
into! You chose to be a member of the family of God.
Romans 10:9-10 (KJV)
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath
raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto
salvation.
Ephesians 3:14-21 (KJV)
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might
by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Ephesians 2:19-22 (KJV)
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the
household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief
corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Just to be in a family is not enough. It is to have people who love you, who are concerned with your
wellbeing. It is having someone to talk to. It is having people to share with and enjoy life with.
As a member of the Household of God we have certain responsibilities just like when I was a child I had
rules to run by. Things like “ don’t hit your sister,” “play nice,” “be home for dinner.” The responsibilities
that we have as members of the family of God make for the sweetest fellowship this side of heaven. Let
me share some of these responsibilities.
Galatians 6:9-10 (KJV)
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the
household of faith.
1 John 3:16-18 (KJV)
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.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?
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
Are you starting to get an idea of the walk of a Christian in the body of believers? It is a walk of love. It is
a walk of tenderness. It is a walk free of selfishness.
1 Peter 3:8-9 (KJV)
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful,
be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye
are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 1:22 (KJV)
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:
If only the Christians would do what God commands us! When you happen upon a fellowship that is
really operating these principles it will feel like cool water on a hot day. It will bless you right down to
your socks because the love of God is manifest in that group.
James 4:11 (KJV)
11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren.
2 Thessalonians 3:13 (KJV)
13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11-15 (KJV)
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord,
and admonish you;
13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the
weak, be patient toward all men.
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among
yourselves, and to all men.
Galatians 6:1 (KJV)
1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the
spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.1 Corinthians 8:7-13 (KJV)
7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto
this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat
not, are we the worse.
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are
weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the
conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against
Christ.
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest
I make my brother to offend.
1 Corinthians 1:10 (KJV)
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same
thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the
same mind and in the same judgment.
When you are born of God’s spirit you ARE a member of the family of God! Jesus Christ is our
brother! The only way that we can see the greatness of that family while we are here on Earth is
to, by our own free will, start acting the part. Love, exhort, give expecting nothing in return.
When you do this it WILL be contagious and soon your whole congregation will be enjoying the
sweetest fellowship this side of Heaven
HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO GOD?
I am always telling people how close God is, but, there is one question that each soul must answer “how
close are you to God?”
For all of you who don’t know or are new to my articles, when you are born again of God’s spirit
(Romans 10:9,10) God is closer than your very breath for it is God in Christ in you the hope of glory.
(Colossians 1:27)
In an instant you become a child of God. You have all the authority and benefits that anyone who is born
again of God’s spirit has. You are a Christian! But, that is not the question is it? We know God is faithful
honest and true.
1 Corinthians 1:9 (KJV)
9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Titus 1:1-2 (KJV)
1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect,
and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Romans 3:4 (KJV)
4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in
thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
2 Corinthians 1:18-22 (KJV)
18 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and
Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
God is not only faithful, honest and true He sealed us with that holy spirit of promise.
Ephesians 1:13 (KJV)
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom
also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy spirit of promise,
God is more willing to grant you your hearts desires than you are to pray for them.
Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
So, again, the question is NOT how close God is to you, but, how close are YOU to God?
The two are totally different! What I mean when I ask “how close are you to God” is what is
your relationship with God like? Yes, I used the right word, relationship! God designed thisworld for the believer, not for the God rejecter or agnostic. Christ accomplished man’s eternal
salvation and gave him all the spiritual blessings available, but, God is a God of free will. He
cannot over step the freedom of your will. So, He waits for you, the God of all patience and
comfort has to wait for you to start a conversation and a relationship with Him!
Let’s look at Luke chapter fifteen for an example of what I am trying to get across.
Luke 15:11-32 (KJV)
11 And he ( Jesus Christ) said, A certain man had two sons:
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to
me. And he divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far
country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in
want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to
feed swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave
unto him.
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread
enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven,
and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him,
and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no
more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring
on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be
merry.
25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard
musick and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because
he hath received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither
transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might
make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast
killed for him the fatted calf.
31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is
alive again; and was lost, and is found.
When the son was in the distant land did his father love him? Yes, of course he did.
When the son was in the far away land eating the food for the pigs, could he have just as easily eaten
from his father’s table? Yes, of course he could have.
Did the son have all the rights and privileges as a son of his father in the far away land as he would have
and did in his own country? Yes! He may not have been able to use them, but, he still had them. It
wasn’t until the son came to the realization that he had those rights that things started to change and
his relationship with his father came into full fruition.
In God’s Word, the Bible, God tells you HOW to have a relationship with Him. That’s right all you have to
do is read what is addressed or written to you i.e. The Pauline Epistles and a few other New Testament
books and do what it says and you will start having a conversation and relationship with God.
When God says “cast your cares on Him because He cares for you” do you?
1 Peter 5:6-7 (KJV)
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
When God’s Word says to seek God first, not riches, not glory, but, God first are you?
Matthew 6:25-34 (KJV)
25 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?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet
your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil
not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into
the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or,
Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye
have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be
added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of
itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
When God’s Word says to be anxious for nothing, but, tell God what you need, do you?Philippians 4:4-7 (KJV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests
be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus.
You will find that when you start a conversation and a relationship with God you will start manifesting a
life which is more than abundant
Victim or Victor
How we think determines who we are! That’s right you are where you are because of what you think! Or
another way of putting it is you are today what you are because of what you choose to believe about
yourself. You will be tomorrow where your believing takes you!
Now you are telling yourself that that is silliness and he doesn’t know what he am talking about. But, the
truth is the truth whether you believe it or not. I was there at one time in my life. I was at a crossroads
and I didn’t have God’s Word like I am teaching you. But, there I was anyway. I happened to be reading a
book by Dale Carnegie where he said that we cause 70% of our problems. I read that and I did what you
just did. I said to myself he’s nuts, he doesn’t know what he is talking about. But, the more I thought
about it the more I realized that he was right. Well, mostly right. I figured out that I caused about 90% of
my own problems. That was an epiphany for me and I started to change so I didn’t cause my own
problems. Then, after I got into the Bible I again had to confront the fact that I was not who I wanted to
be, not because of what others did or didn’t do around me, but, because of what I thought, what I
believed.
The world tries to and does an excellent job of telling us what it wants us to be. For the most part
people accept what the world tells them and muddles along through life wishing something would
change so they could be in a better situation, so that they could live a better life, so that they could get
deliverance from the situations they are in. All the time the better life is just a thought away.
As Christians we have a greater opportunity not to be a victim, but, to be a VICTOR because we have a
direct connection with God.
Romans 8:16 (KJV)
16 The Spirit itself (God) beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
So, when you read the Bible and it says things such as:
1 John 5:4 (KJV)
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world,
even our faith.
John 14:12-14 (KJV)
12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater
works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
1 Peter 2:24 (KJV)
24 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.
It is our opportunity and privilege to say “YES!” Yes, this is true! Yes, I am going to believe and act upon
the truths and promises in God’s Word.There are hundreds of promises to the Christian along with rights we have if we would only use
them. So, how with a capital H-O-W do we appropriate these things to ourselves? By our
thoughts!
Romans 12:2 (KJV)
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.
It is a matter of believing. What you think is what you believe! You have to get away from what the
world is telling you and immerse yourself in what God is telling you.
There is another problem which really isn’t a different problem, but the same one in a different
form. This is mental assent! Mental assent says “yes, but…” Yes I believe that but that’s for
them not for me. Yes, I am a Christian, but…
Mental assent keeps you sitting on the sidelines. Mental assent stops you from getting your
deliverance and mental assent stops you from changing your life!
All the promises of God are there for the taking and as sons of God we have to shed the mental
cloak of the victim and with boldness declare who you are and what you have in Christ Jesus.
Shout it from the roof tops and from the mountain tops! Shout it until your ears ring with it and it
permeates every fiber of your being.
It is your choice to b a victim or a victor. God is waiting for you to make a decision.
Mark 9:23 (KJV)
23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
Ephesians 1:19 (KJV)
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of
his mighty power,
Matthew 8:5-13 (KJV)
5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching
him,
6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my
roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he
goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I
have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with
Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping
and gnashing of teeth.
13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto
thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.Mark 11:23-24 (KJV)
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou
cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall
come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them,
and ye shall have them
The Benefits of Speaking in Tongues
I have been writing articles about 1speaking in tongues, the manifestation of the holy spirit, what we
receive when we confess with our mouths that Jesus is lord and believe in our hearts that God raised
him from the dead (Rom. 10:9,10.) Speaking in tongues has been in the Bible all this time, but, it is
almost entirely missed by the Christian community or, as some denominations do, they mix it with
practices unbecoming of the Christian Church and its members. So, tonight I would like to share with
you what speaking in tongues does for the believer.
First, let’s look at Acts chapter two.
Acts 2:1-11 (KJV)
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they, the apostles, were all with one accord in
one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the
house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the
Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because
that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these
which speak Galilaeans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and
Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of
Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
So, speaking in tongues IS speaking the wonderful works of God.
Acts 10:44-46 (KJV)
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 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.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.
Speaking in tongues MAGNIFIES God.
When God gives us holy spirit it comes with nine manifestations. One of those manifestations is
speaking in tongues. When we operate a manifestation, such as speaking in tongues or any other
1 You can find all of my articles at www.truthandtheamericanway.comof the nine, it is our freewill decision to operate that manifestation, but, it is God that supplies the
information, power, words. So it is God, who is The Holy Spirit, energizing, in each believer,
His gift in us, which is holy spirit. That is why in Romans 8:16 it says:
Romans 8:16 (KJV)
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
God is bearing witness with us when we speak in tongues that we are His children!
Romans 8:17 (KJV)
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him,
that we may be also glorified together.
Not only does He bear witness, with us, that we are His children, but also, that we are heirs of
God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ.
It sounds to good, but, it is true!
Now knowing how God energizes the spirit within a Christian let’s look at Romans 8:26-28.
Romans 8:26-28 (KJV)
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:
but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 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.
28 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.
People for centuries have misunderstood verse 28 and they take it out of context and say
“whatever is going on in your life is ok because everything works for good. So, if you love God
and your sick that’s ok because it all works for good.” “If you are having financial troubles it’s
ok because it all works for good.” Well that is absolutely wrong. If this were the case then we
would not have needed a Savior, the Bible wouldn’t be filled with God beseeching us to claim
His help and deliverance.
Context, you have to understand this verse in light of the context.
So, knowing that God energizes the spirit within let’s reread these three verses.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:
but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Likewise the holy spirit which God gives when we do Romans 10:9,10 helps our infirmity (singular) and
that infirmity is that sometimes we don’t know what we should pray for. We see a situation or we hear
about someone’s need, but aren’t sure what to pray for, so, we can pray in tongues for that situation
and our spirit makes intercession for us. It is perfect prayer.
1 Corinthians 14:15 (KJV)
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with
the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.So, there is prayer with the understanding and perfect prayer by means of speaking in tongues.
27 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.
And He that searcheth the hearts ( who searches the heart? God) knows what is the purpose, the intent,
of the spirit in the man because when the man speaks in tongues for a situation the spirit makes
intercession for the Christians according to the will of God.
We know that when we speak in tongues we are speaking God’s will because he is the one doing the
energizing!
28 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.
Therefore, because of our ability to pray for a situation by speaking in tongues, we know that God is in
the situation and He will provide. Note, also, the use of the word “saints.” Saint are not dead people
from centuries gone by, they are the set apart ones, the Christians.
Speaking in Tongues is perfect prayer.
1 Corinthians 14:2 (KJV)
2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man
understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
When you speak in tongues your are speaking the mysteries, divine secrets of God.
1 Corinthians 14:4 (KJV)
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself
When you speak in tongues you edify, you build yourself up spiritually.
1 Corinthians 14:17 (KJV)
17 For thou verily givest thanks well
When you speak in tongues you give thanks well. To whom are you giving thanks well to? God!
1 Corinthians 14:21 (KJV)
21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet
for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
It is written in Isaiah.
Isaiah 28:11-12 (KJV)
11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing:
yet they would not hear.When you speak in tongues it is rest to your soul.
1 Corinthians 14:22 (KJV)
22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but
prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
In the Church, when someone speaks in tongues and interprets, it is a sign to the uninitiated ones that
there IS power in the Church. Power to heal, power to deliver, power to bless people’s lives!
Ephesians 3:16 (KJV)
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his
Spirit in the inner man;
What is the inner man? It is the spiritual part of a Christian, it is the Christ within. How do you
strengthen and build this spiritual side of a Christian up? You can’t feed it hamburgers and French fries
and the Bible is in the senses world. By studying it you build yourself of mentally. There is only one way
to strengthen the spirit and it is by spirit, it is by speaking in tongues.
Jude 1:19-20 (KJV)
19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
You don’t pray so much that you can pray God into a room. How silly! Look at the context! Verse
nineteen says they didn’t have the spirit. They weren’t born again of God’s spirit. They were not
Christians. BUT, but, but, but, but you build yourselves up, you strengthen yourselves by praying in the
holy spirit which is speaking in tongues.
Let me remind you in closing that no one curses Jesus Christ when they speak in tongues and no man
can truly say Jesus is lord, but, by speaking in tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:3 (KJV)
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed:
and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost
Climb Back Into Daddy’s Arms
I had a particularly trying two days last week and after they were done I thought about the people in the
World, the Christians and especially YOU! Everybody has trying times, once in a while, but, what
happens during and after is what this article is about.
You see, as Christians, we have an adversary. He is called the prince of the World, Satan and the Devil
just to name a few and he doesn’t want the Christian to prosper. So, he goes about to make inroads into
your mind so you will not/cannot believe the Bible and more specifically the promises of God and what
He says about you!
Have you ever thought about how the Brain works? How it gathers information, processes it and acts on
it? Our brains work exactly like a computer. What you allow into your mind is what you will become. It
will be how you think of yourself, how you see the World and how you will interact and ultimately
succeed or fail. All of this lies within your ability to control what goes into your mind.
What you watch on TV, what you read, what you listen to, who you hang around and who you are
friends with.
The Bible calls the positive programming of the mind by studying God Word the renewing of your mind.
Romans 12:2 (KJV)
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.
WHY and what does that mean?
When you are born of God’s spirit (Rom. 10:9,10) God creates spirit in you. You are now, spiritually, a
new man or woman. What is funny about this is that you cannot see, smell, hear, taste or touch spirit.
The only tools that we have to learn with. What we have to do is go to the fountainhead from which you
learned how to be born again to find out everything you have, who you are and how to operate what
you have. Not only that, but, how to interact with the World and other Christians. This process is called
the renewing of the mind.
There is another aspect to this renewing of the mind and that is unlike a computer. We sometimes can’t
stop the information coming to our minds. So, the World is trying to program your mind to think it’s way
and God calls you to program your brain to what He says about you. That is where I was for two days. I
had programmed my mind on who I am in Christ and I knew that God was with me and talks with me,
but, after two wearying days of confrontation I was tired and felt beat up. Have you ever felt this way?
Usually, the average person when in a situation like this will just go on with life and wait for time to blur
the memories of the event/programing. But, there is a much faster way to cleanse your mind and heal
up and that is to renew your mind.
Now that you know how the mind works and you know the fountainhead of all truth you can reprogram
your mind to think the positive thoughts of God’s Word.
The World will tell you that you are no good, that you won’t amount to anything and that you won’t win.
On the contrary God tells us that He loves us, that we are more than conquerors and that we will bevictorious! He tells us that we are His and He comforts us by His words. When you start seeing and
believing these words it is like a small child climbing into his daddy’s arms for comfort and love.
1 John 4:10 (KJV)
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for
our sins.
1 Corinthians 1:5 (KJV)
5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (KJV)
3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all
comfort;
4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any
trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Galatians 1:3-5 (KJV)
3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
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:
5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1 John 5:4 (KJV)
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world,
even our faith.
Romans 8:35-39 (KJV)
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the
slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things
present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which
is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Now in this programming of the mind there are two ways to program the mind and neither one will due
by itself. The first is to study to show yourself approved unto God.
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing
the word of truth.
I liken this to having a pitcher of muddy water. The only way you can clear the mud out is to keep
pouring clear water into the pitcher until it flushes out the mud.
By the way, part “B” of this is to stop listening to the World. Stop the negatives that bombard you every
day!Part two is to keep your mind focused on one verse of scripture until your mind changes. Salesmen the
world over know this and practice this. They will stand in front of the mirror and keep repeating that
they are strong and great salesmen. They will do this until their mind changes and they start believing it.
How much more you can do with the greatness of the power of God when you change your mind and
start to believe!
Ephesians 1:19 (KJV)
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of
his mighty power.
Here is one verse that is great for this purpose.
I confess that I have been delivered from the power of darkness by my lord and savior Jesus Christ.
(paraphrased from Col. 1:13.)
Another is:
1 John 4:4 (KJV)
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them (all the evil wicked things of this World:) because
greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Look, the World and the things of the World will always vote against you. God will always vote for you.
How you vote will determine the outcome.
So study God’s Word to know who you are and then when the World gets you down just climb into the
loving arms of God by coming back to His word and seeing how important you are and how much He
cares for you.
BUT FIRST THE RESURRECTION
Most of Christendom espouses I Corinthians 2:2 “For I determined not to know anything among you
except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Everywhere you look you see the cross, on steeples, on necklaces
on the covers of Bibles etc.. It is always about Jesus Christ and him crucified. However, by only going as
far as Jesus Christ’s crucifixion the unsaved stays in the state of sin and iniquity.
Why? Because there is no power there. If all Jesus Christ did was to accomplish miracles while he walked
the earth and then died then all hope and all power to and for the believer would have been lost.
Ephesians 2:12
That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers
from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
Neither does the sinners prayer get you any closer to salvation because that is a work of the flesh.
According to Ephesians 2:9 we are not saved by works. You don’t confess your sins. You confess the
savior from sin the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ was declared to be the Son of God by his works while he was on earth. But, now he has
been declared to be the Son of God by power never before seen on earth.
Romans 1:4 4And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the
resurrection from the dead.
Now, because Christ rose from the dead God has called to YOU!
Romans 1:5&6 5By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all
nations, for his name: 6Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
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.
We see, now, that the doctrine of the modern church is lacking the key ingredient in the road to
salvation. Many good intentioned ministers have led their followers down a dead end road and many
good intentioned people will wake up in the last day to find themselves outside the pail of Christianity.
However it is so easy to be assured of heaven and salvation, but, first you must understand the
resurrection! It is in the resurrection that we find our salvation!
In I Corithinians 2:6-9 it says the devil would not have crucified Jesus Christ if he knew what was coming
after the crucifixion.I Corinthinians 2:6-9
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the
princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the
hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this
world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written,
Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath
prepared for them that love him.
So something great was coming and it was kept secret from before the world began and that something
was the resurrection of Christ and all that that encompasses.
Let’s look at some of the verses dealing with the resurrection.
John 11:25
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet
shall he live.
When the apostles were choosing someone to take Judas’s place the one criteria that they had was that
that person had to be a witness of the resurrection.
Acts 1:22,23
Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out
among us, 22Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must
one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
Acts 4:33
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace
was upon them all.
Philippians 3:4-10
4Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof
he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of
Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6Concerning zeal, persecuting the
church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7But what things were gain to me,
those I counted loss for Christ. 8Yea 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,
9And 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: 10That I may know him, and the
power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings. The great apostle Paul, the one to whom the great mystery was revealed to, gave up all that he
had, his position as a Pharisee and all of his wealth for one thing; that is he could know Christ Jesus and
the power of his, Jesus Christ’s, resurrection.
Now we must ask ourselves why the resurrection, what is so important about the resurrection?
Romans 10:9,10
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath
raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and
with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
The word saved is the Greek word sozo. Sozo means completely whole. Whole in every aspect.
Physically, mentally, spiritually, financially whole.
I Peter 1:23
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and
abideth for ever.
This is the beginning of the Christian walk! It is being born again of God’s spirit. Beloved now are we the
sons of God (I John 3:2.)
All of God’s goodness to the Christian is available to you when you understand the resurrection and
confess, the savior from sin, Jesus as Lord in and of your life
Christianity Is Not a Religion
I tell people this all the time “Christianity is not a religion!” But, a lot of times it falls on deaf ears. I think,
perhaps, it it because people don’t know what a religion is or they have been taught, all their lives, that
“Christianity is one of the major religions.” People see in Christian Churches similar practices as the
major religions, so, it is hard to see the difference. Frankly, the leaders of the so called “Christian
Churches” don’t know any better. Tonight I want to explain, to you, the difference between a religion
and Christianity.
First, let me give you a definition of “religion.”
Dictionary.com says that reliion is “a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed
upon by a number of persons or sects:”
The 1828 version of the American Dictionary of the English Language defines religion as “consisting in
the belief of a superior power or powers governing the World and in the worship of such power or
powers.”
If you look at these two definitions, closely, you will see that the underlying basis of religion is Man
chooses, man decides and then the worshipers are obligated to rules and regulations of that religion.
All religions are manmade.
In Contrast Christianity is God made, God chosen, and God implemented! It is what God wrought in
Christ Jesus when He raised Christ from the dead and set him at his own right hand.
God chose you before the foundation of the World.
Ephesians 1:3-4 (KJV)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual
blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be
holy and without blame before him in love:
God paid for you.
John 3:16 (KJV)
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.
Romans 3:23-25 (KJV)
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 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;1 John 2:2 (KJV)
2 And he, Jesus Christ, is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the
whole world.
Propitiation means payment. God paid for our sins with the blood of His only begotten son. Have
you ever asked yourself “why” He did it. We weren’t worthy. We were dead in trespasses and
sins. We were without God and we were without hope. So, why did he allow His only begotten
son to die for us?
1 John 4:10 (KJV)
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for
our sins.
1 John 4:8 (KJV)
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
He did it because we needed it.
God is not a God of fire and brimstone. God does not want strike you down with lightning. God loves
you and wants to give you the best and the best part of this is that you didn’t have to be good to get it
because you could never be good enough. Israel tried it for centuries and never got it right. So, all we
have to do is believe.
Religion is a system of have to. Religion is a system of do’s and don’ts. Do this, don’t do that.
Christianity is wrapped up in the word “done!” It has all been done for you by God and Jesus Christ.
Because of what they accomplished we bask in the glory of what we have been given. We have been
made righteous.
Romans 10:9-10 (KJV)
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath
raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto
salvation.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)
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.
We have peace.
Romans 5:1 (KJV)
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:Ephesians 2:14 (KJV)
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition
between us;
God has set us for heaven and nothing can stop us from going. (Eph. 2:6)
We have sanctification, redemption, justification. We have the holy spirit of promise. We have been
given the right and privilege of being a super conqueror in this World by believing what we in Christ
Jesus.
We also, have the privilege of walking with and talking with God! You see Christianity is not a religion it
is the way of a father with His children.
1 John 3:1-3 (KJV)
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the
sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know
that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
1 John 4:4 (KJV)
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he
that is in the world.
I am reminded that God hides us under the shadow of His wings. This is a figure of speech showing us
how much God loves us and cares for us. The pictures that I have included show the tenderness, the
warmth and the love that God has for His children and how He wants to protect you.
Psalm 17:6-8 (KJV)
6 I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my
speech.
7 Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their
trust in thee from those that rise up against them.
8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,We don’t have to “do” to be righteous, he made us righteous. Because we have been given so
much, when we see it, really see it we want to give to others, we want to walk the Christ walk.
We walk through this life rejoicing and having a Father/son, Father/daughter relationship with
the One, True God
