Author: petebeck3

Pete Beck III ministered as a pastor and Bible teacher in Burlington for over 34 years. He is married to Martha, with whom he has four children, ten beautiful grandchildren, and four amazing great grandchildren. He ministers in his local church as a Bible teacher and counselor. He has published two books - Seeing God's Smile and Promise of the Father - as well as a wide variety of Bible-related articles which he has compiled into books in PDF form.

Basic Doctrines of Christ: The Resurrection from the Dead – Jesus Is Lord

 

 

 

 

 

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2  which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3  concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4  and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, Romans 1:1-4 (ESV)

Christ’s resurrection was the most important event in human history. He died for our sins on the cross as the sacrificial Lamb of God, but he rose from the dead in glory and power as the indisputable Lord of Lords, the promised Messianic King of Israel to whom every knee will bow and who one day will judge the entire earth.

The proper response to discovering that Jesus died as God’s Lamb is to humbly and gratefully receive the provision of God’s mercy and grace it provides.

The necessary and fitting response to hearing that Jesus is the risen Lord is to make a declaration of faith and allegiance to him, which is the central meaning of water baptism.

...if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (ESV)

In the West we have reduced Christ’s ministry in many cases to that of the Lamb of God, instructing those who hear our message to receive him into their hearts.

The gospel of the apostles declared the lordship of the risen Christ and called hearers to acknowledge and submit to him.

The gospel is not simply a “get out of jail free” card that allows us to live free from any commitment to God. Rather it is an offer of forgiveness, justification, redemption, reconciliation, and sonship with the express purpose of making us fit subjects and obedient servants of the King.

Prayer

Jesus, I never realized my need to acknowledge you as my Lord and King. I do that now and pledge my allegiance to you. I depend on your grace and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to enable me to be faithful to you all my days. Thank you for dying for me. Help me now to live for you. Amen.

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Basic Doctrines of Christ: The Resurrection from the Dead – Jesus Is the Resurrection

 

 

 

 

 

The apostle Paul wrote that the resurrection from the dead is the cornerstone of the Christian faith.

But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; 14  and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. 15  Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. 16  For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; 17  and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19  If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. 20  But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:13-20 (NASB)

Jesus offered himself as an offering for our sin by dying on the cross. Without the resurrection from the dead, he would be just another tragic and delusional historical figure who thought he was something special, when he was only a man, just like everyone else.

However, Jesus’ glorious resurrection was proof positive that his sacrifice had been accepted by his Father in heaven, who vindicated him in the eyes of his disciples.

His Second Coming at the culmination of time will glorify and vindicate him in the eyes of everyone else.

Jesus foretold his own resurrection on multiple times. He told his disciples that he would be put to death on a cross and rise again.

And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. Mark 8:31 (ESV)

He told them that he would be raised from the dead as a sign prefigured in the book of Jonah.

But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40  For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matthew 12:39-40 (ESV)

He told his enemies that if they destroyed the temple of his body, God would raise him up again.

The Jews then said to Him, "What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?" 19  Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." 20  The Jews then said, "It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?" 21  But He was speaking of the temple of His body. 22  So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken. John 2:18-22 (NASB)

Jesus told Martha that he would raise Lazarus from the dead because he was and is the embodiment of the resurrection.

Martha then said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22  "Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You." 23  Jesus *said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24  Martha *said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." 25  Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26  and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:21-26 (NASB)

He promised his disciples that one day he would raise each of us from the dead.

And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40  For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:39-40 (ESV)

Not only did Jesus rise from the tomb after dying for our sins, he is the Resurrection. Those who put their faith and allegiance in him will participate in his resurrection both now, in a spiritual sense, and physically at the Second Coming. Jesus is the resurrection and the life!

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Basic Doctrines of Christ: The Laying on of Hands – Ordination

 

 

 

 

 

Ordination is the third use or aspect of the laying on of hands. It combines everything we have already learned about this important principle and practice. It is used to identify the ordained person with the ones doing the ordaining, and through the laying on of hands blessings, grace, and gifts are imparted to the person being ordained to enable him or her to fulfill their ministry and commission from God.

Moses spoke to the LORD, saying, 16  “Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation 17  who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the LORD may not be as sheep that have no shepherd.” 18  So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. 19  Make him stand before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, and you shall commission him in their sight. 20  You shall invest him with some of your authority, that all the congregation of the people of Israel may obey. 21  And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the LORD. At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he and all the people of Israel with him, the whole congregation.” 22  And Moses did as the LORD commanded him. He took Joshua and made him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, 23  and he laid his hands on him and commissioned him as the LORD directed through Moses. Numbers 27:15-23 (ESV)

Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. 1 Timothy 4:14 (NASB)

Ordination should always confirm what God has already done or is doing. It is more of a recognition of God’s hand upon a person than it is anything else. That being said, an actual impartation does take place through the laying on of hand in ordination.

Identification also is at work. The ordained one becomes a representative of the one who ordains him or her.

This is why Paul warned Timothy to avoid identifying with people we do not know well.

Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin. 1 Timothy 5:22 (NASB)

Damage is done to the gospel and our ministry when we are poorly represented by ordaining people who are not truly called or ready. It is better to wait until we are sure than to hastily ordain someone. It is far easier to ordain than to decommission.

"Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the sons of Israel, and the Levites shall be Mine. 15  "Then after that the Levites may go in to serve the tent of meeting. But you shall cleanse them and present them as a wave offering; 16  for they are wholly given to Me from among the sons of Israel. I have taken them for Myself instead of every first issue of the womb, the firstborn of all the sons of Israel. Numbers 8:14-16 (NASB)

Identification contains in it the idea of representative service.

The commissioned one serves on behalf of those doing the commissioning. The Levites served the Lord in place of the first born sons. This was God’s choice. In a sense, whatever the Levites did in the way of service was a credit to all the first born. In modern times, when missionaries are sent out by a local church, they represent that local church wherever they go.

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2  While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3  Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13:1-3 (ESV)

The local church participates through sending and supporting workers whom God has called and commissioned and will share in the reward for their labors.

This is built into the principle of identification. Not everyone is called to go to a foreign mission field, to pastor a church, or to serve as an elder or deacon, but we all share the responsibility for that work and the reward of those whom we commission and ordain.

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Basic Doctrines of Christ: The Laying on of Hands – Impartation

 

 

 

 

 

When hands were laid on the Old Covenant animal sacrifices a transfer or impartation took place symbolically. The sins of the offerer were imparted to the animal, causing the animal to carry or bear those sins and suffer the penalty of death for them. That is what actually  happened at Calvary. The Lamb of God became sin on our behalf. Our sins and the penalty for those transgressions were transferred to the innocent One who had never committed or even known sin before that moment.

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB)

The transfer and carrying of our sins is mentioned in Isaiah 53.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him. Isaiah 53:6 (NASB) 

As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, As He will bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:11 (NASB)

The physical laying on of hands in the Old Covenant was spiritually fulfilled in the New.

The laying on of hands also imparts blessings. Even in the Old Covenant blessings were imparted in this way.

But Joseph was upset when he saw that his father placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head. So Joseph lifted it to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. 18  “No, my father,” he said. “This one is the firstborn. Put your right hand on his head.” 19  But his father refused. “I know, my son; I know,” he replied. “Manasseh will also become a great people, but his younger brother will become even greater. And his descendants will become a multitude of nations.” 20  So Jacob blessed the boys that day with this blessing: “The people of Israel will use your names when they give a blessing. They will say, ‘May God make you as prosperous as Ephraim and Manasseh.’” In this way, Jacob put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh. Genesis 48:17-20 (NLT)

In the New, Jesus laid his hands on children to bless them.

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. 14  When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15  I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16  Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16 (NLT)

He laid hands on the sick to heal them and set them free from demons.

Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 41  And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. Luke 4:40-41 (ESV)

We are instructed to do the same.

And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18  they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:17-18 (ESV) 

It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him healed him. Acts 28:8 (ESV)

The baptism in the Spirit and spiritual gifts are also imparted in this way.

Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:17 (ESV) 

Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. 1 Timothy 4:14 (NASB)

God often uses physical touch to communicate spiritual blessings.

We are human beings made up of a spirit, soul, and a body. Each part is important. Obviously God can impart spiritually without the laying on of hands, as when he healed from a distance by simply speaking a word. (Matthew 8:5-13) Nevertheless, God in his wisdom uses the laying on of hands to impart blessings. This why it is a good thing to lay hands on people when we pray for them. Sometimes people feel a tangible “touch” of the Spirit when we do that. Why not give it a try?

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Basic Doctrines of Christ: The Laying on of Hands – Identification

 

 

 

 

 

The laying on of hands is a foundational doctrine of Christ that is not often taught. Since it is listed in Hebrews 6:1-2, we can assume that it is very important. Why then do we have a disconnect between what is important and what is taught? The answer lies in the fact that today many do not understand its meaning or importance. This doctrine can be broken down into three aspects: identification, impartation, and ordination. The three are part of the whole, and each category easily crosses over into the others. I break this doctrine into three sections more for teaching purposes than for any real separation. In that respect, it is similar to the gifts of the Spirit.

Under the Old Covenant, when sacrifices were offered to the Lord, hands were laid on the sacrifice to make an identification between the offerer and the sacrifice. The animal “became” the offerer in a sense. It is probably obvious that impartation is also at work, but I will save that for the next article.

'He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, that it may be accepted for him to make atonement on his behalf. Leviticus 1:4 (NASB) 

"Then Aaron shall lay both of his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over it all the iniquities of the sons of Israel and all their transgressions in regard to all their sins; and he shall lay them on the head of the goat and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man who stands in readiness. 22  "The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to a solitary land; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness. Leviticus 16:21-22 (NASB)

The Old Covenant pointed to what Christ would accomplish in the New Covenant. All the old sacrifices pointed to the one Christ would make on our behalf on the cross as God’s Lamb. When Jesus went to the cross, he was identified with our sins and us completely.

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB)

Identification is one of the most important and consequential truths found in the Bible. It is the basis of our salvation.

For those who put their faith and allegiance in Christ the following truths are real and should become our experience. We would do well to meditate on them.

  • When Jesus died, we died. His death to sin defeated the power of sin to rule over us. (Romans 6:14) He paid the price for our sin, and, since we were in him and died with him, we have already paid the ultimate price of death for our sins. There is no double jeopardy. A bill only has to be paid once. That is why the Bible says that  Jesus died “once for all.” (Hebrews 7:27)
  • When Jesus rose from the dead, we rose with him. In John 5:24, Jesus said that those who believe in him have already passed from death to life. This is not mere poetry. It is the truth. Just as we died with him and in him, we also rose with him and in him. (Romans 6:10-11, John 11:25) Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. If we are in him, we are resurrected beings already. We are now alive to God through the new birth, which is another allusion to the newness of life that comes through spiritual resurrection. Obviously, at present, this resurrection is only spiritual. One day it will include our bodies, but for now it is a real resurrection in the spirit. (Colossians 3:1-3)
  • We are united with Christ in the Spirit, and He lives through us. This is the “secret” of the Christian life of which many are unaware. God never expects people to live in their own strength. Those who believe and are born again have Christ’s Spirit living inside. The glorious unity between our spirits and God’s gives us the life, power, and inclination or desire to love and serve God effectively.
But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him. 1 Corinthians 6:17 (NASB) 

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20 (NASB)

We were identified with Adam in his sin. Now we are identified with Christ in his victory over sin, death, sickness, and Satan. Hallelujah!

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Overcoming Common Obstacles to Receiving the Baptism in the Spirit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this lesson we will look at some of the more common obstacles to receiving the baptism in the Spirit that we may encounter and how to overcome them.

For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back? Isaiah 14:27 (ESV)

Satan is not in the least comparable to God in power or authority. From the beginning of his rebellion, our adversary’s cause has been doomed, but his activities are not without consequence to us. Satan has influenced countless millions to join his revolt against God, increasing the population of hell and the misery of humankind. He works incessantly to block people from receiving the new birth, to hinder followers of Christ from experiencing all that Christ died to give them, and to prevent them from becoming witnesses and disciplemakers.

While Satan cannot block God’s blessings, he does deceive us into erecting our own obstacles, which must be overcome or removed.

Just as Balaam, the false prophet, could not curse those whom God had blessed (Numbers 23:8), neither can Satan.

God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? 20 “Behold, I have received a command to bless; When He has blessed, then I cannot revoke it.  Numbers 23:19–20 (NASB95) —

However, Balaam slyly and indirectly cursed Israel by influencing them to sin against God, bringing the Lord’s judgment upon the nation.

Behold, these caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the Lord in the matter of Peor, so the plague was among the congregation of the Lord.  Numbers 31:16 (NASB95) —

In like manner Satan tempts us to sin and doubt God’s promises to hinder us from experiencing God’s blessings to their fullest. Below are some of the more common obstacles or hindrances to receiving God’s blessings and how to overcome them.

Ignorance

People often resist what they do not know or understand.

The devil sows his lies into the fertile soil of our ignorance where they can germinate into resistance against God and his promises.

Hosea 4:6 states that God’s people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Ignorance is never a good thing, except when it comes to evil. Overcoming ignorance requires work. God wants us to be like those in Berea when they first heard Paul preach the gospel. Even though Paul’s words were contrary to some of their Jewish traditions, the Berean audience carefully considered what he said in light of the Bible’s teachings.

Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. 12  Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. Acts 17:11-12 (NASB)

To overcome the obstacle of ignorance, we must apply ourselves to study the scriptures and believe what they tell us, regardless of what we may have been taught previously.

We cannot afford to remain ignorant of God’s truth!

With regard to spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 1 Corinthians 12:1 (NET)

If we want to know the truth about the baptism in the Spirit, it is up to us to search for it in the Bible rather than simply rely upon what others say. We can safely trust the Holy Spirit to be our guide. If this doctrine is truly of God, he will make it plain to us.

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. John 16:13 (NASB)
 
Fear

Fear is often a subset of ignorance. We often fear and reject what is new, different, or we do not understand. Truth wins in the end. Today many are afraid of the baptism and gifts of the Spirit because they are unfamiliar and strange to them. Their church leaders may have never taught them about these things or, even more sadly, may have taught error based on man-made theology and church traditions.

Often following Jesus requires us to confront our fears. We can trust him to guide us into a place of safety if we follow him with simplicity and faith.

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.  Luke 12:32 (NASB95) —

Jesus threatened the Pharisees’ iron grip on the people by teaching them how to connect with a loving Abba Father who did not require them to adhere to dead religion. The Pharisees’ expectation of the role of the Messiah did not mesh with who Jesus really was and is. Rather than adjust their beliefs to Jesus’ explanation of the meaning of scripture, they dug more deeply into their doctrinal position. They feared, rejected, and hated him, eventually putting him to death to preserve their position of power. Satan had effectively united them to his cause. They became Christ’s worst enemies by steadfastly resisting truth and the Spirit of God’s testimony.

But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.”  John 11:49–50 (NASB95) —

Satan always resists the advancement of truth and God’s Spirit because it threatens his tyrannical grip on people. He instills that fear into those whom he can influence.

Satan cannot stop God from blessing you, but our fear and unbelief can restrict our experience of him.

Legalism

Legalism is a man-made attempt to gain or maintain a right standing with God through our own efforts instead of believing and receiving what Jesus did for us. We can begin our spiritual journey by relying on grace but slide into legalism along the way.

How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?  Galatians 3:3 (NLT) —

Regarding the baptism of the Spirit, legalism reveals itself when we think that we are not yet good or holy enough to receive this remarkable gift.

We may think that we must clean up our lives or overcome some sin first. It may be that we do need to repent of a sin prior to receiving from God, but that can be done instantly. Legalism wants us to delay things until we feel that we are good enough. That will never happen. We will never be good enough on our own to deserve God’s blessings.

Jesus made us worthy to receive all of God’s blessings.

The baptism in the Spirit is designed to be one of the first experiences a new believer has with God. The Holy Spirit comes into our lives to make us more like Jesus. He will take care of remaking us in Christ’s image, which is a lifelong endeavor. First things first! Now simply receive God’s blessings. Later we can cooperate with the Spirit in the transformation process. Now we simply need to open our hearts to God and receive his blessings by faith.

The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? Galatians 3:2 (NET)
 
Traditions of Men

Most, if not all, religious groups tend to form their own culture and traditions over time. Non-denominational churches often begin as a protest against dead formality and ritual, but over the years such churches develop their own set ways of doing things. This is part of what it means to be human and is not necessarily a bad thing.

However, if our traditions stand between us and the apprehension of the truth and our reception of God’s promises, they are evil and must be set aside.

Jesus confronted dead religious traditions quite often, thereby incurring the wrath of the establishment. Once traditions are set, they tend to assume a stature as if God himself set them up. Some churches, such as Roman Catholicism, are upfront about it by officially elevating church tradition to the status of scripture. Evangelical churches would never openly say such a thing, but we sometimes put our traditional interpretation of Scripture over truth.

Those steeped in the traditions of men prefer the old and established way of doing things over any new revelation from the Spirit.

That is one reason it is often easier to disciple an unbeliever than a long-time church goer. There is less to unlearn.

Jesus warned against following any traditions that nullify the clear intent of God’s Word.

And He answered and said to them, "Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? 4  "For God said, 'HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER,' and, 'HE WHO SPEAKS EVIL OF FATHER OR MOTHER IS TO BE PUT TO DEATH.' 5  "But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever I have that would help you has been given to God," 6  he is not to honor his father or his mother.' And by this you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7  "You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you: 8  'THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. 9  'BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.'" Matthew 15:3-9 (NASB)  

When it comes to the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the only thing that matters is what the scriptures say, not what our church traditions may teach. Just as in Jesus’ day, sometimes it requires great courage on our part to resist and overcome time honored traditions to serve the Lord.

Passivity

There is a time for “waiting upon God,” which describes our having the attitude of being surrendered to God’s will for our lives and waiting for him to clarify what he wants us to do. Waiting on God shows that we grasp the danger of operating independently from the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

However, once we know what his will for us is and are confident that now is the time for us to act, passivity becomes a sin.

Nothing substitutes for acting in faith, not even prayer or worship. If our mothers asked us to clean our rooms when we were young children, they would not be happy to find out we never did it because we were praying instead. There is a time for every purpose under heaven.

Jesus instructed his first disciples to wait for the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Spirit, but this was because their first experience of this extraordinary gift from God had to take place on the exact day of Pentecost, perfectly fulfilling God’s eternal purpose for that Old Covenant feast.

“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”  Luke 24:49 (NLT) —

They waited and prayed for days in the upper room, but when the day of Pentecost finally arrived, the Spirit was powerfully poured out on them.

Since then, every day is Pentecost. There is no longer any need to wait. We can receive the baptism in the Spirit instantly by faith.

In addition, we should not expect the Holy Spirit to somehow take control of us, as if God superimposes himself over our desires and will. In his goodness and love, God expects and encourages us to partner with him. The Spirit, who dwells within us, also comes alongside us allowing us to participate with him in ministry. He lets us know the things that God has freely given to us, which includes the baptism in the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 2:12)

Our role is to ask for and receive God’s blessings.

If we do not ask, why should we expect to receive? If we have asked, what is stopping us from actively receiving?

It is true that sometimes God blesses those who do not seek or ask, but almost always he wants our participation, especially when we know the truth. Therefore, we should not be passive when it comes to the baptism in the Spirit. Faith acts as if God’s Word is true… because it is.

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8  "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 (NASB)
 
The Occult

If we have ever been an occult practitioner of any sort, consulted such a person, or even dabbled in occult activities that we thought were harmless, such as a Ouija board, we should take the necessary steps to extricate ourselves from the devil’s trap.

… I do not want you to be partners with demons. 1 Corinthians 10:20b  (NET)

In his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul warned those early disciples not to participate with demons in any way. In the modern world many do not even believe that such malevolent beings exist, but anyone who takes the Bible seriously cannot dismiss them. The Bible does not tell us much about their origin, but we do know that they are evil spirits which desire to inhabit human bodies and oppress anyone they can.

The Greek word that describes the activity of demons is “daimonidzomai,” which simply means to demonize. Some translators of the Bible unfortunately used the English word “possess,” which carries all altogether different meaning of ownership and complete control. Using this poor translation as their basis, some argue that it is impossible for Christians, who belong to God and in whom dwells the Holy Spirit, to be possessed, owned, or completely taken over by an evil spirit. I agree wholeheartedly with that logic, but I insist that it is possible for believers in Christ to be demonized or oppressed by evil spirits. I have seen too many examples to think otherwise. Believers in Christ belong to God but can be oppressed by the devil.

Oppression can take many forms, ranging from mild to severe.

While demons, or anything or anyone else for that matter, cannot block the Holy Spirit, in his kindness and wisdom God may require us to properly distance ourselves from the demonic before he allows us to move forward with him.

God is properly “jealous” in the sense that he refuses to “cohabit” with evil.

You unfaithful people! Don't you know that love for this {evil} world is hatred toward God? Whoever wants to be a friend of this world is an enemy of God. 5  Do you think this passage means nothing? It says, “The Spirit that lives in us wants us to be his own.” James 4:4-5 (GW)  

Demons do not care how they gain access to people. They will take advantage of any doors we open to them, even when we do it unknowingly. In fact, innocent people are often exposed to demonization by the actions of others, as in the case when adults introduce young children to sin, especially sexual sin and occult practices, such as witchcraft.

Why is occult involvement such a hindrance? I suppose it is because through it we open ourselves up to Satan’s power when we involve ourselves in his world. God will not tolerate demons to inhabit our bodies, which were created to house the Holy Spirit.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.  1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NASB95) —

It is an affront to God when we turn to demons for knowledge or help, instead of relying upon him.

This is one reason God expressly forbids any attempt to contact the dead or Satan’s realm to gain knowledge or power. Not only does it expose us to demonic oppression, but it opens a door for lies to control us.

Martha and I were once ministering to a young woman who was not able to get a breakthrough when it came to speaking in tongues, even though she had repeatedly asked to receive the baptism in the Spirit. I asked her if she had ever been involved in the occult. She replied that she formerly had practiced witchcraft. I then inquired if she had ever renounced that, and she said, no. She did not know that she even needed to do so. The Bible says that…

He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. Proverbs 28:13 (NASB)

We led her in a prayer of repentance in which she renounced her past involvement with witchcraft. Immediately she told us that she felt as if an anvil were pressing down upon her chest. Suddenly the pressure lifted, and she began speaking in tongues. God waited for her to confess the sin and get rid of the demon, which had been oppressing her for years without her knowledge, before he gave her his marvelous gift.

What a blessing that God withheld something good until she took steps to rid herself of something bad!

Some of the occult activities we may need to renounce include the following: seances, Ouija board, fortune telling, tarot cards, witchcraft, astrology, etc. If we have in any way dabbled or immersed ourselves in anything connected with the kingdom of darkness, we should repent and verbally renounce those things and ask for and receive God’s forgiveness through Christ’s blood. Then we can command any attached spirits of darkness to depart in Jesus’ name. They must obey that command. We carry Christ’s authority which is backed up by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. We speak the words of authority and faith, and the Spirit of God enforces them.

It is vital that we understand and believe that evil spirits have no option but to obey a command to leave when we properly repent and use Christ’s authority. We need never find ourselves in a power struggle with a demon. It is always a truth and authority issue. Their power was destroyed at Calvary when Jesus rose from the dead.

In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Colossians 2:15 (NLT)

Once we remove any “platform” or “hook” a demon may have used to oppress us through repentance and renouncing, it is an easy matter to break their grip using the authority of Christ. The Holy Spirit is the Enforcer of Christ’s victory and his authority. He comes to our aid when we do our part.

Once we properly distance ourselves from the occult, we will be ready to receive the baptism and fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Bitterness

Nothing undercuts our life of grace and faith more than bitterness. The only way any of us can stand before God is because Abba Father forgave our sins based on Jesus’ taking the rap for us by paying the ultimate penalty of death. When we refuse to forgive others, in effect we reject what God did for us, showing that we believe that our standard of righteousness is even higher than God’s. He may be able to forgive, but we cannot. This is the height of pride and deception and grieves God’s heart.

When we nurse offenses, we are bound in a prison of our own making until we liberate ourselves by choosing to forgive those who have hurt us.

Jesus taught that when we refuse to forgive, God will turn us over to “tormentors,” so that we can learn to forgive. In his parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus said:

"Then summoning him, his lord *said to him, 'You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33  'Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?' 34  "And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. 35  "My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart." Matthew 18:32-35 (NASB)

Once we suffer for a while, hopefully we will decide that holding onto our bitterness is not worth the price.

I have found that when we are bitter, we have a difficult time receiving anything from God.

We usually cannot hear his voice because our hearts are hard. Hardness of heart is the scariest thing that happen to anyone, and bitterness is a sure sign that we have that condition. Only tenderhearted people can forgive and receive from God.

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32  Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32 (NASB)

If we harbor bitterness of any kind, it is paramount that we release those who have offended us, so that we can be free to receive all that God has given to us.

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anyone we need to forgive. If anyone comes to mind, we should say out loud that we release them from owing us anything and ask God to wash us clean from all traces of unforgiveness. We let go of the debt. Now they are accountable only to God and we are free. If appropriate, we may need to meet with them later to reconcile.

Wrong Motives

The last obstacle we may need to overcome has to do with wrong motives, such as ambition, pride, and the love of money. James wrote the following warning.

You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4:3 (NASB)

God blesses us with the baptism in the Spirit to equip and empower us to be his witnesses. If we are seeking this gift for a less than honorable reason, he may withhold this amazing blessing for our own good until we repent. God gave us an example of this in the book of Acts.

Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19  saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20  But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21  You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Acts 8:18-21 (ESV)

I have occasionally encountered people with issues that God insisted they get right before receiving the baptism in the Spirit, but it is not the norm.

If the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart that you need to get something right with him, please listen and do what he says.

Conclusion

Now that we have identified and hopefully overcome some of the major obstacles to receiving God’s blessings, we are ready to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, which will be the topic of the next chapters.

Questions for Further Study and Discussion
  • Which obstacle seems to be the most significant to you?
  • Has this teaching helped you regarding any particular obstacle?

 

Want to know more? I have written a book on this very topic, which is available on Amazon. Click here to find out more.
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Can you perceive the new thing God is doing?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)

Some wise person once said that the enemy of the new thing God is doing is the beneficiary of the last move of God. Jesus said the same thing using the analogy of wineskins.

And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. 38  But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39  And no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’” Luke 5:37-39 (ESV)

Human pride is at the root of this phenomenon. We cannot imagine God doing something different than what we have experienced. We tend to limit God by what we have known. May God’s Spirit open our hearts to new possibilities.

God is doing something new on the earth and in our nation. We have watched Satan and his servants unfold their plot to destroy America using deception, intimidation, and the familiar trio of stealing, killing, and destroying. Many in the Body of Christ cannot imagine something different, being convinced that we are under God’s judgment for our many sins. But what if the time of reaping judgment is ending? What if God is about to do something new and altogether different? What if God is preparing to bring down the strongholds of darkness in this nation and globally, bringing evil to justice? Would we perceive it? Would we believe it? Could we receive it?

After three years of no rain, Elijah the prophet informed the wicked King Ahab that judgment was ending and rain was on the way. It had not rained in so long that many could not believe that it would. Elijah prayed fervently until he saw the first puff of a cloud. That was all it took for him because he believed what he perceived. He expected the blessing. He knew that rain was on the way.

Many in this country have been praying fervently for God to save our nation from the evil that currently holds sway. Help is on the way. God is doing something new. Now it is appearing, even if faintly at this point. Can you see it? Can you believe it? Will you receive it?

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Are We Open to the Holy Spirit Showing Us the Truth?

One of the most basic problems with humanity is our propensity to believe lies.

This was first manifest in the Garden of Eden when Eve readily fell for the serpent’s lies that God is untrustworthy, sin will go unpunished, and disobedience will not produce death. (Genesis 3:4-6) After this calamitous event, Satan gained an advantage over us. Our minds, which were already capable of quickly being deceived, became darkened through sin, making it even easier for us to be deceived. 

So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18  being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; Ephesians 4:17-18 (NASB)

This horrible condition is the result of sin’s effect upon the heart.

A hardened heart is incapable of perceiving truth and engaging in faith without the help of the Holy Spirit.

At that time Jesus said, "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. 26  "Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. 27  "All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Matthew 11:25-27 (NASB)

Jesus made it perfectly clear that it is impossible to know who he is without the revelation that comes from the Spirit of God.

One of the earmarks of hardness of heart is a refusal to acknowledge our helplessness to know God without the Spirit’s help.

It is downright humbling and unnerving to grasp that we are unable to save ourselves. We do not like being dependent on someone we cannot control. In addition, we fear that God may not be willing to help us. We may come to him asking him to reveal Christ to us, but he may refuse. This is another lie from the Father of Lies in whom dwells no truth at all. Jesus told us plainly that all who come to him will find him. Period.

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. John 6:37 (ESV)

Let us use some logic. If a person comes to Christ and asks him to reveal himself to him or her, that means, according the verse above, that the Father gave that person to Christ. Are you tracking with me? If not, reread the verse.

Therefore, if we ask God to reveal Christ to us, he will do it. Jesus will never cast away any honest seeker.

The following verse confirms this marvelous truth.

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8  "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 (NASB)

As Jesus walked this earth during the years of his public ministry, he engaged in a process of discipling his followers to know him. He taught them the true meaning of God’s Word, demonstrated God’s character, and showed them how to operate in the power of God’s Spirit through healings, miracles, and deliverance from demonic oppression. All the while, he depended and waited upon the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to his disciples.

At times he expressed amazement at their inability to grasp God’s truth with hearts filled with faith.

When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. 24  And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. 25  And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing!" 26  He *said to them, "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. 27  The men were amazed, and said, "What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?" Matthew 8:23-27 (NASB)

At other times, he praised them for being open to the Spirit.

Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17  And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 16:16-17 (NASB)

Our initial coming to Christ and acknowledgment of his lordship requires the work of God’s Spirit in our lives.

Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus is accursed"; and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:3 (NASB)

Every successive unfolding of truth also requires the Holy Spirit’s work.

The Spirit’s interpretation of the Scriptures is often at odds with ours, and we will find ourselves resisting God and his truth, unless we bow the knee to the Spirit.

Early on in church history, those Jewish followers of Christ who refused to bow to the Spirit found themselves opposing the fundamental truth of justification by faith. In Christ, those who believe no longer must fulfill the outward Old Covenant rite of circumcision to be counted among the righteous. Faith alone in Christ’s finished work is all that is required now because Christ fulfilled the Law on our behalf. When we put our faith and allegiance in him, the righteousness associated with his perfect obedience unto death is transferred to us. There is nothing undone. We are complete in Christ.

For Peter to begin to grasp this truth required the Holy Spirit to repeat a vision three times, which meaning he did not immediately grasp. It was only when Cornelius’ servants arrived requesting his presence in their Gentile home that Peter’s understanding began to be opened. The revelation was complete when he watched Jesus baptize Cornelius and his family in the Spirit, proving they were indeed God’s children and justified in his sight without ever being circumcised. Some people, whom history calls the Judaizers, never understood justification  by faith because their hearts were hardened against the Spirit of truth.

Stephen, the first martyr, laid this judgment on his murderers just before they stoned him.

You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. Acts 7:51 (NASB)

In the Last Days in which we live, we need the Holy Spirit and his gifts more than ever. If we do not learn to appreciate and listen to his voice, we are going to miss out on so much. The first coming of Christ was so fundamentally different from what the Bible scholars of that day expected that they found themselves opposing and ultimately murdering the promised Messiah.

Is it not reasonable to assume that Christ’s Second Coming and everything that will immediately precede it may be contrary the expectations of today’s Bible scholars?

God never ceases to amaze and surprise, and I feel confident that he will continue to do so right up to the end.

Do not be among those who think we have their doctrine and theology so finely tuned that we are incapable of being corrected. That would put us in the camp of the Pharisees. There is nothing much that is more dangerous than a smug student of the Bible who is closed to receiving new insight from the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is able to open our eyes to wondrous things in God’s Word that far exceed our narrow expectations and interpretations. Be assured that he will never contradict God’s truth, but he will unfold its depths and breadth causing us to worship our Lord all the more!

Prayer

Lord God, I acknowledge my ongoing dependence upon you for revelation, understanding, and the ability to believe and obey. I welcome you into my life afresh. Open my heart, eyes, and ears to see, hear, understand, and obey all that you have for me. I do not want to miss out on anything you are doing in these last days because my heart was hard. Allow me to walk with you without hindrance. Amen.

But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:27 (NLT)

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Spiritual Authority in Times of Crisis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Times of crisis reveal who people truly are and what they believe and value.

Crises are God-given times for the promotion of those who have faith in Christ and revelation from the Spirit and the exposure of those who operate by human reasoning alone or from previously disguised corrupt motives. The American Revolution had such an effect upon the people of who lived in the colonies, and we are in such a crisis. It is estimated that only 3% of the American populace actually fought to win our liberties. More broadly, those who identified themselves as Patriots were likely 40-55% of the population. Loyalists comprised another 15-25%; while 30-45% remained uncommitted. In my own family, my 5th great grandfather, Jeffrey Beck Jr., fought with patriot militia in NC, but my 6th GGF, his Dad, Jeffrey Beck Sr., remained a loyalist, who supported the Crown by allowing Tory military leader David Fanning to use his ford over Deep River. We cannot know people’s hearts or motives. Perhaps he had no choice in the matter. To his credit, my 6th GGF fought with the Regulators at the Battle of Alamance in 1771 against government corruption; so, he was not a coward. He took an oath of allegiance to King George in the aftermath of that failed cause and remained loyal to his oath for the rest of his life. He raised his minor children, who were still living in the home during the Revolution, to be loyalists, which caused further family discord over the years. My point is that the American Revolution was a type of civil war that pitted neighbors and family members against one another, depending on where they came down on the issues according to their convictions. Everyone had to choose where they stood on the matter, and it was costly, sometimes fatal. When the war ended, patriots were rewarded with undying appreciation and honor for their willingness to put everything on the line for the fledgling nation. Loyalists suffered the consequences of their choice, too, and the uncommitted were likely held in some measure of contempt by those who risked everything in the courage of their convictions. The uncommitted hedged their bets, hoping to come out well, no matter which side won.

Jesus had something to say about such an uncommitted position.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. 25  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. Matthew 16:24-25 (NLT)

Peter Block, in his book The Answer to How Is Yes, makes the point that we should not do things based on being able to figure out ahead of time if we are able to accomplish them. Rather, we should do the right thing, no matter what the cost, trusting that God will show us how to proceed once we start.

Faith launches out in seemingly impossible circumstances because it is the right thing to do, regardless of the potential pitfalls or dangers.

Those who fought as patriots took on impossible odds because they believed it was the right thing to do. Those who remained loyal to Britain probably also believed it was the right thing to do, and those who were the odds makers back then would have bet on Britain being the victor. Those who refused to commit to either side either had conscientious objections, did not understand what was at stake, or were simply afraid to pay the cost of making a stand.

The current election crisis is producing just such a scenario. We are in the midst of an attempted takeover of our nation by communist / globalist forces, and it is time for patriots to take a stand. Many are already standing with our president against seemingly insurmountable odds. Sadly others are avowed supporters of the coup attempt, either as knowledgeable Leftists or what the Communists call “useful idiots,” who have no idea what they are doing. A far greater number of people are either apathetic, confused, misinformed, or afraid to make a stand. Once this crisis has been resolved, there will be a reckoning and a reward, depending on who wins. God is revealing hearts in politics, families, and the church. Nothing will be the same after this is over.

I have friends who justify having a neutral attitude toward this conflict by proposing that it is more important to focus on the Lordship of Christ and the priority of the gospel. They seem to be overly concerned that any involvement in politics is putting a false hope in a human being, instead of trusting in God. This translates into refusing to publicly support Donald Trump and passively accepting whatever happens in the election, even if it is a fraudulent steal.

In my opinion, this is may be a misguided form of Pietism, which thinks that politics is dirty and anti-God and should be avoided. By holding this position, it reveals that they have accepted the Left’s doctrine of the separation of church and state and have become irrelevant in practical matters. Another less likely possibility is that this is nothing but well-articulated cowardice. If I knew an evil man had determined to kidnap, rape, and enslave my wife, you would think me a coward if I did not defend her with my life. If I told you that I was not going to get involved because I wanted to make sure that I kept my eyes on Jesus, rather than place my hopes on keeping my wife, you would rightly lose respect for me. Although this is an imperfect analogy, in a similar way forces are at work in our nation right now that are making a determined attempt to capture America and transform her into a socialist / globalist hell hole, stripping her citizens of their God-given rights and freedoms and destroying what our forefathers fought to create and preserve.

Those who maintain neutrality in such a time as this either do not understand what is happening, do not care, are too proud to admit they were wrong, or are afraid to make a stand. That is harsh, but I think it is accurate.

When Paul traveled to Rome in Acts 27 to appear before Caesar, the Roman Centurion who was in charge of the expedition made a poor choice to set sail too late in the year, even though Paul warned him that it would lead to disaster. Paul had no authority to make decisions. He was a prisoner who could only appeal to the person who did. His appeal was denied. Interestingly, the only person who had heard God speak regarding the matter was Paul. Everyone else was operating merely by their human reasoning, not knowing that a crisis in the form of a storm would soon expose their poverty of understanding. When the storm enveloped the ship which carried over 200 people, the Bible says that over time everyone abandoned hope of surviving, everyone, that is, except Paul. Here is what Acts records.

No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss. 22  But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. 23  For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, 24  and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ 25  So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. 26  But we will be shipwrecked on an island.” Acts 27:21-26 (NLT)

God told Paul what would happen, which gave him insight and authority to know what to do in the crisis. In their hopelessness, confusion, and fear, the Centurion, crew, and passengers put their hope in Paul’s words and the revelation God had given him.

In times of crisis, those who hear God and operate in wisdom and faith are elevated into leadership.

Because the Centurion had the wisdom and humility to listen to Paul, everyone on the ship was saved. The crisis elevated Paul to a position of authority because in that moment his faith and ability to hear God provided everyone with hope and direction. He alone had something worthwhile to say. It is no different today.

Lots of people are saying lots of things about our current election crisis. Most of it is mindless blather and worthless to those who need to know what God says and wants us to do. We should be listening to those who have heard God and have faith. They are the only ones who have spiritual authority and something to say.

When King Jehoshaphat led the army of Israel into battle against seemingly insurmountable odds, here is what he told to them.

...“Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.” 2 Chronicles 20:20 (NLT)

We are in just such a time now. It is vital for us to believe the prophets, and the ones that I trust are saying that we should keep believing that God will pull this out for President Trump because much bigger things are at stake here than who is our next president. It is not a Republican – Democrat thing. It is a kingdom of God matter. Our Constitutional form or government may not survive under a Democratic presidency. Our freedoms may become a thing of the past. America’s call and destiny to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations could be thwarted. I believe that God still has plans for our nation, despite our many sins. If we will turn to him in repentance and faith, he will forgive us, save us, and give us a glorious restart as a nation. If we lose this battle, we will enter a very dark time.

Jesus said:

And He said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Luke 24:25 (NASB)

I issue a call to the Body of Christ today: step out of the gray shadow land of neutrality. Be either “hot” or “cold,” not “lukewarm.” If God has not spoken to your heart about the election, listen to those who have heard God. God is raising up prophetic leaders to help us through this crisis. Let us not miss this opportunity to be more than “sunshine” patriots. Let us be those who risk it all because it is the right thing to do. May God help us and grant us mercy.

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Prayer Asking God to Lift the Fog of Deception about Abortion

Jesus rightly described Satan as the Father of lies in whom there is no truth.

Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44  You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45  But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46  Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47  Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” John 8:43-47 (ESV)

From the beginning of human history, we have shown a disturbing propensity for believing lies instead of God’s truth.

Satan convinced Eve that the simple command not to eat from the forbidden tree was overridden by several nice sounding arguments, the first being that it would not result in her death. The second was that it would make her like God, knowing good and evil for herself, and the third was that it looked appealing to her senses. Pride fueled her desire to be like God. The lust for that and wanting to “know” for herself what the fruit tasted like overcame any fear of God’s punishment she might have had. The rest is our sad history.

Today when I hear or read arguments supporting abortion, I am reminded of Eve’s folly. God’s simple command prohibits the shedding of innocent blood, or we will die.

And I will require the blood of anyone who takes another person’s life. If a wild animal kills a person, it must die. And anyone who murders a fellow human must die. 6  If anyone takes a human life, that person’s life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings in his own image. Genesis 9:5-6 (NLT)

I believe the sin of legalized abortion poses the most serious threat of our encountering God’s judgment upon the nation. Racism is indeed a very terrible evil, but our government does not sanction it. When it rears its ugly head, it is because of the sin and wickedness in human beings, which no law on the books can nullify. However, abortion has been enshrined in our legal code by lawless Supreme Court justices. Not only does our government now condone abortion, it pays for women to kill their own babies. Truly this is a national horror of the greatest magnitude.

The arguments supporting abortion are manifold, but I have tried to reduce them to four. I have to warn you ahead of time that I am not going to nuance things to death, as the devil does.

  • The mother has the right to do with her body as she chooses. This argument is based on the presumption that the child in the womb is not really a child, but a “fetus,” an inconsequential, unfeeling, and inhuman blob of tissue. This is reminiscent of the argument used by slave owners to oppress their “property,” which was regarded as sub-human. It is a clever round-about way to sidestep God’s clear command. It’s a lie from the pit of hell, which any honest person knows. The basic right of the mother to “do as she chooses” does not include murdering another human being.
  • It is more humane to kill a baby in the womb than to allow it to be born into an unloving environment. This clever argument justifies murder on the basis that it might prevent suffering down the road. It believes that a certain atrocity is better than the possibility of one.
  • Babies in the womb who are the result of rape or incest or have physical abnormalities should not be allowed to live. I have known people whose lives began because of sexual abuse, and they were not less human or valuable than I. I know families who love and care for Down Syndrome babies, claiming that those children were or are an amazing gift from God. This lie from the devil devalues life based on our preconception of its relative worth, without considering that all life is a gift from God and inherently valuable. Usually the abortion argument starts here and moves toward absolute freedom to kill babies inside and out of the womb. That is why the lie must be stopped here.

And here is the one that I heard most recently. It was supposedly promulgated by “Christian” thinkers, which makes it even more abominable.

“WE BELIEVE A BIBLICALLY SHAPED COMMITMENT TO THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE COMPELS US TO A CONSISTENT ETHIC OF LIFE THAT AFFIRMS THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE FROM BEGINNING TO END…Poverty kills millions every year. So does lack of healthcare and smoking. Racism kills. Unless we quickly make major changes, devastating climate change will kill tens of millions. Poverty, lack of accessible health care services, smoking, racism and climate change are all pro-life issues…For these reasons, we believe that on balance, Joe Biden’s policies are more consistent with the biblically shaped ethic of life than those of Donald Trump.” (From article by Samuel Sey, “Pro-Life Evangelicals for Abortion?“)

Let me see if I can simplify this satanic argument.

  • It is okay to overlook killing babies in the womb if it will result in our government adopting policies that might benefit people who are still alive. This is merely a re-issue of the lie in the garden. It first denies, by refusing to address, God’s warning that killing babies will bring his judgment down on our heads.  Just because God has delayed judgment upon our sins does not mean his warning is groundless. (Matthew 23:35) The article gives some really “good” reasons to give abortionists a pass. It proposes that the party of abortion will relieve the following ills of society: poverty, poor healthcare, smoking, racism, and climate change. Folks, you cannot make this stuff up. It reminds me of a story my mother told me about a woman who had appendicitis and was bleeding from her womb after childbirth. The doctor told his nurse to apply pressure to stop the bleeding, but she protested that it might burst the appendix. The doctor calmly told her that the possibility of bursting the appendix did not overcome the certainly of her bleeding to death if no pressure were applied. The certainty of God’s judging our nation because we kill babies is a much stronger rationale than the possibility of climate change killing us. Sadly, all the arguments made above are purely political, the assumption being that the Democratic Party has the best solution for poverty, healthcare, smoking, racism, and climate change. There is no proof that any of that is true, but there is 100% proof that abortion is evil and God will judge the shedding of innocent blood.

When we justify a known evil by trying to avoid possible evils, we have entered the fog of deception.

That is where our nation is right now, even the church, and unless God blows away the fog, the judgment that is already upon us will consume us. That is why we must pray.

Prayer

As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 14  He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 (NLT)

Father in heaven, we come to you on the basis of Jesus’ shed blood (Hebrews 12:24), which cries out to you for mercy. We recognize that the innocent blood of over sixty million aborted babies cries out to you for judgment. We stand in the gap for our nation, asking you to once again have mercy upon us. Forgive our many sins, especially that of being ashamed of you. Our nation has removed prayer and the teaching of the Bible from our schools in an effort to be more enlightened, but it was a descent into darkness. Forgive us for legalizing pornography and abortion, but criminalizing going to church during a pandemic. Forgive us for loving money more than you, for thinking we are smarter than the Bible, and even more moral than you. Forgive us for ramming homosexuality, transgenderism, and other forms of perversion down the throats of American youth, many of whom have never known a time when it was not okay for a man to use a woman’s bathroom. Truth has fallen in the streets (Isaiah 59:14) and in the halls of Congress and the Supreme Court. Professing ourselves to be wise, we have become fools of the worst sort (Romans 1:22). In America, because of our heritage, we should know better. Lord, we are a nation birthed on the ideals of Scripture, but we have sadly strayed far, far away. We ask you to blow away the fog of deception. Restore to America a love for the truth, the truth of God, the truth of the Bible, the truth of the everlasting gospel. Our hope, Lord, is that you loved us even when we were your enemies (Romans 5:8). Jesus, you died for us when we did not love you at all. You first loved us, that we might eventually love you back (1 John 4:19). Today, in many ways, America acts like your enemy, Lord. Thank you for loving us anyway. Keep us from utter destruction. Pour out your Spirit upon us. Turn us back to you. Let there be a sweeping revival across our land that brings millions to Christ. Do it, Lord, quickly, before mercy comes to an end for us. Amen.

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