Schemes of the devil

Believers must put on the full armor of God. Eph.6. Christians are to Stand Firm in the faith and heed to the word of God. As we persevere in the Faith, we must stand firm and not be duped or discouraged by the schemes of the devil and those who act as his agents in disguise.

But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven if I have forgiven anything, I did it for the sakes in the presence of Christ, so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan for we are not ignorant of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:10, 11

1 Peter 5:8  Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Satan opposes everything Christ does, including those who serve Him. Christ revealed the truth in John 1:17, but Satan conceals the truth.

Those who belong to Satan replicate his ways. In John 8:44, Jesus said; Satan, “ does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

True Believers imitate Christ and are obedient to His will and His ways. Christ produces spiritual fruit in our lives…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Gal. 5: 22-23

But Satan loves the fleshly fruit of “immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outburst of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these.”

Betrayal

Judas had been with Christ for 3 years, observing his works, and listening to his words. He was aware of Christ’s perfection and power, but Judas refused to repent and believe in Christ for salvation. God therefore turned him over to Satan. Luke 22:3-5 “Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve. And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them. They were glad and agreed to give him money.

Judas sold out Christ

Satan made Judas his tool by filling his mind with traitorous thoughts and moving his will to act on them. This is mental possession, giving Satan control of the mind, heart, and will. “Satan entered into Judas” by no compulsion but as a welcome master who is received by a willing slave.

You know when someone belongs to the devil when their behavior is always attacking your faith in Christ and disrupting your fruitful work for the lord. The bible tells us to resist the devil.

James 4:7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Remembering what the scripture says in Romans 12:18,19 “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.

7 LESSONS THE CHURCH MUST LEARN FROM NAZI GERMANY

Pastor Erwin Lutzer  book: When A Nation Forgets God. Dr. Erwin Lutzer has been senior Pastor of Moody Church since 1980.

Pastor Erwin Luzer's Book is available at Amazon .
  Available at Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/When-Nation-Forgets-God-Lessons/dp/0802446566/ref=cm_aya_orig_subj

SEE VIDEO HERE: http://youtu.be/F2NBjHtpu5M

Erwin Lutzer reminds the reader: "That before Hitler moved to destroy the church, he decided to go make peace with it and use it for his own ends." (Chp. 1 pg.18). The author goes on to give a brief history of the church and the people in these events and gives the reasons for why they conceded to do what they did.

Erwin Lutzer gives "Seven Lessons" in this book we can learn from:

1. When God is separated from Government, Judgment follows

2. It's always the economy

3. That which is legal might also be evil

4. Propaganda can change a Nation

5. Parents - not the State - are responsible for a child's training

6. Ordinary heroes can make a difference

7. We must exalt the cross in the gathering darkness

In the final chapter titled: when a Nation forgets God - "We must exalt the cross in the gathering darkness", what the Author writes is so amazingly accurate that it is worth quoting: "Here in America we have what many believe is a new phenomenon in the history of the church. In previous eras we have seen the gospel neglected or even mocked by religious liberals and nominal Christians - that is to be expected. What is different today is that the Message of the Cross is being ignored even by those who claim to be saved by it's message. At the very time when the gospel must be proclaimed most clearly, we are hearing muffled voices even from some of the great evengelical pulpits of our land. Christian books flood our markets that have little to do with the heart of the Christian message." (pg. 136-37).

The Author explains further, "In the evangelical community psychology is substituted for theology and cheap grace has replaced what Bonhoeffer describes as "costly grace." In short we have lost our intellectual and spiritual center and replaced it with consumerism, self-help, and the quest for personal advantage. We are self-aborbed rather then God-absorbed. And we can see the results."

Stand Firm in the evil day

Stand Firm in the evil day

Eph 6:11 and 13

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil… 13). Take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, stand firm.

Christians are soldiers in a spiritual battle. The armor for the Christian is listed in Ephesians 6:10-17. There are 6 pieces of this armor. They are:

1. The belt of Truth - enables us to be prepared, ready and committed to Christ
2. The breastplate of Righteousness - protects the heart and the mind
3. The shoes of the gospel of peace - peace with God, sharing the gospel
4. The shield of Faith - protects us from the arrows of the enemy
5. The Helmet of Salvation - enable us to endure trials
6. The sword of the Spirit - The truth of God’s authoritative word.

These are the divine weapons every Christian is to put on. They are effective in the tearing down of satanic strongholds. 2 Cor. 10: 3-5   All parts of the armor are absolutely essential in the daily life of every Christian.

Spiritual warfare is not a matter of technique or performance but is of spiritual character. Our obedience to Christ comes from having our minds controlled by the truth of God’s Word. The more we stand for Christ in this world, the greater the hardship and struggles we will face.

When a person follows Christ through the narrow gate Matthew 7:13,14 he is still left in this world as he is challenged daily by those who walk the broad road -- that is the road that leads to destruction. Jesus tells us to:

Matthew 7:13,14

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14). For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few that find it.

As you stand firm in the faith, endure hardship, and fight the good fight, God will give us great joy, peace, and victory as we proclaim the Gospel. God has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness, we have everything we need and lack nothing. As we continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, we will fulfill God’s calling and stand firm in the Faith.  

GAY AWAKENING FOR MAINSTREAM EVANGELICALISM GROWS CLOSER

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  1 Cor. 16:13.  Below are quotes from the Article.

"Evangelicalism, by embracing the postmodern liberalism spreading through the Emerging Church and using these warped and toxic teachings in their Young adult and Youth ministries, is now on the very same path as the mainline denominations who sold-out to liberalism."

Please see link for full article below:

GAY AWAKENING FOR MAINSTREAM EVANGELICALISM GROWS CLOSER

Special Report:Rick Warren’s New Health and Wellness Initiative Could Have Profound Repercussions on Many

Special Report:Rick Warren’s New Health and Wellness Initiative Could Have Profound Repercussions on Many    

2 Timothy 4:3,4

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

Dr. Amen promotes Kirtan Kriya Meditation.  Kirtan Kriya is a meditation  chant originating from Kundalini Yoga.  (see his blog links below:
http://www.amenclinics.com/blog/tag/larry-king-live/
http://www.amenclinics.com/blog/3894/i%e2%80%99m-taking-a-time-out-to-focus-and-re-energize/
http://healing.about.com/od/chanting/ht/kirtan_kriya.htm  - About.com Kirtan Kriya