Bowing to Satan

 

Matthew 4:3

"And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

Matthew 4:6

“If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written,

‘He will command His angels concerning You’;

and ‘On their hands they will bear You up, So that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’”

Matthew 4:9

“All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.”

 

Throughout the world, many "professing Christians" are bowing the knee to Satan via "doctrines of devils," and the great deception which has crept in among God's own elect today.  Jesus warned us this day would come upon us.  It's upon us now, and growing at an alarming rate throughout the world, having consumed many with a deadly spiritual virus.  Note the tempter, the one whom the Father used to test His only begotten Son, came to Jesus in an attempt to bring Him down and capture Him by seductive measures.  Seduction, via "seducing spirits" has seduced millions into a false movement today that claims to be worshiping Christ, when in reality they are worshiping Satan by bowing down to his temptations.

 

In the first test that Satan throws at Jesus, found in verse 3 above, Satan is tempting Jesus to speak His own provision into existence.  How closely does this align with the many false teachers in pulpits, teaching people they can control their own destiny by speaking into existence the desire of their hearts?  You can have what you will by speaking the positive, and believing by faith that what you have spoken will manifest itself in your life; you simply must "name it and claim it."  You can "right your own ticket!"  Such false teachings negate the sovereignty of God in an attempt to define one's own destiny.  It's a powerful appeal to fallen human nature. 

 

In the second test that Satan throws at Jesus, found in verse 6 above, Satan appeals to the sensational, to the miraculous powers of God.  He tempts the Christ to display His magical powers by jumping off the pinnacle of the temple, and thereby prove His claim of deity.  How applicable this is to those in the charismatic and pentecostal arenas today who have fallen for the temptation that suggest they are "little gods."  Day by day they seek after signs, wonders, dreams, visions, new revelation, miracles and healings; seduced by the seductress of deception.  They are seekers of the sensational, longing to satisfy their mystical cravings.  The word of God is apparently unable to satisfy their continual cravings for the supernatural elements of the spirit world.  They have fallen to the temptation of Satan, worshiping another Jesus, "another gospel," in reality, they have unwittingly fell before Satan, worshiped him, and are under his demonic spell.

 

In the third test that Satan throws at Jesus, found in verse 9 above, Satan offers Jesus the world, via the things of the world.  "All these THINGS," he promises, seeking to lure Jesus away from the kingdom of God, away from the eternal, and the mission set before Him.  Here my friends is some valuable insight into the false teachers who have "crept into the church unawares."  What they are offering that is so appealing to the fallen, sinful nature of man, is the same thing Satan offerered to Jesus.  Note how these modern day false teachers have an luxurious supply of the "THINGS" of this world.  Mansions in the millions, excessive and exhorbatant material wealth, fat bank accounts, all gained by offering people the promise of "health, wealth, and prosperity."  Those who follow these false doctrines and teachers of "greedy gain," have in reality bowed before Satan, having been seduced into his trap. 

 

Those following after these seductive lies of Satan are claiming to be worshipers of Christ; while in essence they worship Satan, who has presented himself to them with another Christ, "another gospel" (a false gospel).  Once they have taken the bait, it can be likened to a virus that begins to consume them, making them spiritually sick, blind, and deaf.  They are like addicts in denial, who live in denial of the reality that surrounds them.  They are apt to believe one lie after another, based solely on emotions, feelings, false signs, wonders, and supernatural promises.  They become angry when someone suggest they are following after lies, chasing after "seducing spirits," and "doctrines of devils."  Eventually they become actors, just as those they follow after in reality are!  The pride within them will not allow them to admit they have been duped, deceived, and misled by the "father of lies."  The "wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived."  You can't reason with them; you cannot convince them of their error and heretical beliefs, of their false worship methods.  Their attitudes are similar to those bound up in cults; they have blinders on, and can see only what they have determined to believe and fall prey too.  It's like talking to a wall, or better yet someone who is deaf.  The spiritual virus that has consumed them has blinded and deafened them to the truth that evades them.

 

Buzzard Mouth Disease

Ephesians 5:4

 

"And there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks."

 

We recently attended a Major League Baseball Game at Tropicana Field for a playoff game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox.  The loss of the Rays to the Red Sox proved to be a somewhat expected disappointment, which we were able to deal with (after all, it's only a ballgame).  Beyond disappointing, and to the extent of being brazenly reprehensible, sickening, and digusting were several of the male species sitting behind us with cases "Buzzard-Mouth Disease."  Undoubtedly, if you have spent enough time in society, you are familiar with this disease that produces gross, corrupt, filthy trash and communication protruding from the tongue and lips.  This disease could care less that ladies and children may be present an within hearing distance.  By the way, their are no ladies with cases of Buzzard Mouth Disease, only brute beasts speak with such wicked tongues. Of course this disease is not only found at sports events, but those with Buzzard-Mouth Disease can be found at any event today, even a family outting to a local restaurant for dinner. Forty years ago, such talk was apt to cause one to be busted in the mouth!  The mouths of many among the world clearly demonstrate the vile and corrupt nature of the heart that possesses them.  Jesus said, "out of the abundance of athe heart, the mouth speaks."  Your speech reveals the condition of your heart!  Sometimes I am tempted to record conversations I have with others, and then present them with a quick replay to reveal the Buzzard-Mouth Disease that has captivated their hearts.  Perhaps it's time for you to clean it up, especially if you profess to represent the name of Christ by professing to be a Christian.  Christians don't talk that way my friends! 

 

Think before you speak, consider your words before you spew out your rank smelling and disgusting communication.  Such vile communication is not pleasing to God and is an offense to any true child of God.  If it doesn't bother you, then perhaps you need to "examine yourself to be sure you're in the faith."   Sheep should never be comfortable wallowing in a hog pen.  We have attended our last playoff game, and will not attend games where certain teams are playing.  We will also refrain from purchasing tickets in the Walmart sections where all the drunks with Buzzard-Mouth Disease tend to congregate.  Do us all a favor, clean up your mouth, or keep it shut.  The smell is beyond the capacity of any God-fearing human to tolerate.  

1 Timothy 4:1

 

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."

 

Who can deny that we are living in the "latter times" as described by Scripture?  Jesus said we may not know "the day nor the hour," yet we are given throughout the Scriptures certain signs that would define us as living in these "latter times."  The "Spirit of God" has given us a sure word regarding the infiltration of "seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (or demons), into the latter day church; and fales teachers who will slip in unawares.  Much of modern day Christianity, the emerging church, as well as movements which  once led the way historically in "the faith that was once delivered to the saints," have currently descended in apostasy.  They have departed from genuine biblical faith, fallen prey to these "seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."  I find myself daily, appalled by the number of professing Christians who have fallen into demonic traps of deception, mesmerized by false teachers, much of it coming from the national pulpits of false teachers whom the demonic realm is using to distribute "doctrines of devils," most of them dominating the airwaves of so-called "Christian televison."  Spiritual poison via these false teachings have infected many professing Christians, which should not surprise us when we consider and meditate upon the words of Jesus with regards to the deception He said would "deceive even the very elect," in the "last days."  The one main characteristic I have found which dominates the attitude of those drinking spiritual poison, is an attitude of superiority, as well as a spirit of rebellion and accusation against those whom God has truly called to proclaim the truth.  They are like adolescent teenagers who believe they know everything, and yet know nothing, determionjed to reject the wise counsel of their parents.  A wise man once quoted the words of Paul to me while I was guilty of feasting on spiritual poison.  I had the same attitude of which was spoken above, when he said to me; "If any man thinks that he stands, let him take heed, lest he fall."  Many would be wise to re-consider their postions and attitudes in these "latter days."  Pride stands at the forefront of dismissing the possibility that we have been deceived and led astray by "seducing spirits and doctrines of devils."  I determined many years ago; if what I believe cannot withstand the critical scrutiny and analysis of the Scriptures, then I must put it behind me as unworhty of my attention.  If what others are teaching is clearly contrary to "sound doctrine," regardless of how popular they may be, or how many of the multitudes are flocking after them, they can only be defined as "wolves in sheeps clothing." These false teachers are damning themselves to hell; as well as leading thousands astray and away from "the faith once delievered to the saints."  A false gospel proclaimed by a false messenger who is "disguised as an angel of light," and promoted as a "messenger of righteousness," will not and cannot save anyone.  

"He the has ears to hear, let him hear" what the "Spirit speaks expressly."   

"An Abomination Worthy Of Death"

Romans 1:26-32

An Abomination Worthy Of Death

 

Romans 1:26-32

 1. The courts, the president, have set themselves up as gods in this land.

          A. Two SCOTUS rulings this past week.

          B. Ruling on what was defined as DOMA.

                   a. Defense of Marriage Act.

                   c. DOMA denied federal benefits same sex marriage

                   c. SCOTUS ruled law unconstitutional.

                   d. In essence sanctioning homosexual marriage.

          C. Ruling on California Proposition 8.

                   a. Dealing with same sex marriage in California.

                   b. SCOTUS ruling in essence sanctioned same sex marriage there.

 2. Christians and churches all across this nation have a decision to make.

          A. I made my decision when I made vow to God and this Book.

          B. I’m going to do like Joshua: “as for me and my house, we will…..”

          C. Christian and churches are confronted with two choices.

                   a. Can believe God and this book.

                   b. Buy into the lie of world, its philosophies,  bow government.

3. A few statistics of enlightenment:

          A. 1987 – 75% Americans believed same sex always wrong.

          B. 2010 – 44% Americans believed same sex relations always wrong.

          C. 2012 Gallup Poll – 50% Supported same sex relations.

          D. 2013

                   a. 58% Americans support same sex relations.

                   b. 72% Dems / 62% Ind / 34% Rep

4. Read an article the other day suggesting America has struck out on 3 strike rule:

          A. Strike 1 was banning prayer in public schools years ago.

          B. Strike 2 was legalization of murdering babies in mother’s womb.

          C. Strike 3 was recent SCOTUS decision to sanction same sex marriage.

5. America has been plummeting downhill morally and spiritually for years.

          A. Have become a land of perversion, sinking in immoral quicksand.

          B. Have become an abomination to God.

          C. This nation has spit in God’s face.

          D. Could be compared to ancient Israel.

                   a. Went out chasing after other gods, spiritual adulterers.

                   b. They perverted the morals, standards, and mandates of God.

          E. Homosexuality not only problem and moral decline in our nation today:

                   a. Living together outside marriage acceptable – (NOT TO GOD).

                   b. Sex outside of marriage acceptable – (NOT TO GOD).

                   c. Having children outside of marriage acceptable (NOT TO GOD).

                   d. 50 years ago these things were shameful, not praised, exalted.

                   e. Today we boast on it, praise it, promote it, sanction it, condone it.

                   f. America also guilty murdering millions of its own in the womb.

          F. America’s leaders, her populace, her judges could be defined by Isaiah.

                   “How the faithful city has become a harlot, She who was full of                          justice! Righteousness once lodged in her, But now murderers.

                                Your silver has become dross, Your drink diluted with water.
                                 Your rulers are rebels And companions of thieves;
                   Everyone loves a bribe, And chases after rewards. They do not defend               the orphan, Nor does the widow’s plea come before them.”

6. Israel did not escape the judgment of God; neither shall America.

7. Hear me this morning young people:

          A. Not going hear this in school, teachers, textbooks,  politicians,                            government, judges, priests, even some of your own family.

          B. Anybody tells you homosexuality acceptable behavior is clueless about                      the truth (same living together, sex outside marriage, babies out wedlock).

          C. They are liars and the truth is not in them.

          D. World calls it OK, God calls it SIN.

8. Let me give you some more numbers:

          A. Studies show homosexuals have greater risk psychiatric problems.

          B. Studies show homosexuals have higher rate suicide attempts, higher rates

               depression, anti-social disorders and substance abuse.

                   a. You can’t violate this book, deny God’s way, and get away with it.

                   b. The way of sin produces guilt and shame, going to reap what sow.

                   c. Anxiety is produced by sin.

9. Scripture references homosexuality.

          A. “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an                           abomination.”   Leviticus 18:22

          B. “If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman,                        both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to                          death. Their blood guiltiness is upon them.”  Leviticus 20:13

          C. “Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in                      the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after                                                         strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment                of eternal fire.”  Jude 7

          D. “The homosexual will not inherit the kingdom of God.”  1 Cor. 6:9-10

MI. God defines homosexuality as an abomination worthy of death.

    I. America is already under the judgment of God.

          A. The rise of homosexuality in our nation is a sign of God’s judgment.

                   1. The nation has been turned over to sin and consequences.

                   2. God is permitting it, allowing the nation to have its way.

          B. What happens when a nation, a people are turned over to sin?

                   1. Their sin will progress and grow greater.

                   2. Their rebellion will become evident.

                   3. They will turn from things which are natural and normal.

                   4. They will become perverted, wicked, wretched, and rebellious.

                   5. They will parade their sin, boast of it, promote it, invent more, and

                       demand that others accept immoral ways and attitudes.

                   6. Will call that which is good evil, and that which is evil good.

          C. America is now drowning in the judgment of God, cesspool of sin.

                   1. Women are burning towards other women in lusts.

                   2. Men are burning towards other men in lusts.

                   3. Our judges, our politicians, our leaders, this president condones

                         it, promotes it, sanctions it.

                   4. Those who oppose it have literally  become enemies of the state.

                   5. Read interesting thought the other day.

                             a. What’s going to happen when the government says to                                                  church, if you don’t allow homosexuals to be members, if                                            your pastor will not perform marriage ceremonies for same                                          sex couples, we will cut off your tax-exempt status.

                             b. Have president who said 5 years ago he would fundamentally

                                   change America – he is doing it.

                   6. This preacher will go to jail before he performs a same sex

                         marriage ceremony, and will go to jail for hate speech when he is

                         forbidden to declare homosexuality a SIN.

    I. America is now under the judgment of God.

MI. God says homosexuality is an abomination worthy of death.

 

  II. This nation has been turned over to a depraved mind.

          A. Sin has become the norm, defined as acceptable behavior.

                   1. Individuals and the nation have lost its moral compass.

                   2. The government is now defining right and wrong.

                   3. The government is now determining moral standards.

                   4. The government is beginning to demand we do it their way.

          B. Individuals and the nation are turning against God, His people, and

               the true church.

                   1. Two weeks ago in Germany, POTUS said, “we need to do away

                         with religious schools, they only serve to cause division.

                   2. Why would he suggest such a thing?

                             a. Because he is opposed to the truth.

                             b. He has set the government up as god.

                             c. His demand is that we bow Caesar, accept Caesar as God.

          C. God’s people and the church are seen as elements of division.

                   1. And that we are, at least we should be.

                   2. Jesus said He “came to bring a sword, not peace.”

                   3. We divide truth from error, righteousness from un-righteousness,

                       sin from holiness, godliness from ungodliness, light from darkness.

                   4. Word of God defines right and wrong, morality and immorality.

          D. Our nation and individuals have turned from truth.

                   1. Not interested,  they rather detest it, loath it, mock it.

                   2. They will decide for themselves what is right and wrong.

                   3. Immorality has saturated the nation.

                   4. The sports world filled with thugs and murderers.

                   5. Hollywood filled with ever kind of wickedness.

                   6. Those who espouse truth have been defined as filled with hate.

  II. The nation has been turned over to a depraved mind.

MI. God defines homosexuality as an abomination worthy of death.

 

 III. America has invited the grim reaper of death into her homeland.

          A. Verses 29-31 describe our nation as it stands today.

                   1. Filled with unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, envy, murder.

                   2. Filled with strife, deceit, malice, slander, hatred for God.

                   3. Filled with the insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventers of evil.

                   4. Filled with disobedient children.

                   5. Filled with those who have rejected the truth and approve of evil.

                   6. Those who swallow a lie while hissing, mocking, ridiculing truth.

          B. Paul says they are worthy of death.

          C. Death has descended upon this nation.

                   1. The smell of death is all around us.

                   2. And the funeral has only just begun.

                   3. The stench is beginning to rise, the smoke beginning billow,

                       and the rot will grow more pronounced as decay continues.

                   4. America like a piece of rotting flesh, the vultures will appear soon.

 III. America has invited the grim reaper of death into her homeland.

MI. God defines homosexuality as an abomination worthy of death.

 

Conclusion

A FAULTY FOUNDATION


Colossians 2:8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

One of the great modern day tragedies is the fact that much of the professing church has gone out after the world.  Pulpits are inhabited by those who are preaching psychology and practicing psychiatry, rather than proclaiming the word of God.  There is no spiritual power in psychiatry and psychology; they essentially serve as enemy weapons of vain deceit.  When the world rejects the truth, it creates and fabricates its own truth for lack of any other answer.

 

We see this same mindset in the theory of evolution.  The madmen of the world have rejected God's explanation, having created their own version, teaching and proclaiming it as truth, when in reality it's a lie.

 

The philosophies and theories of this world are built on "vain deceit, the traditions of men, and the rudiments of this world," rather than upon the truth.  Psychiatry and psychology do not understand the realities of sin.  When a system, a theory, or philosophy does not understand and base its foundation upon truth; it will prove itself to be built upon a faulty foundation. Man finds himself sinking today because he has built upon sinking sand, rather than upon the Rock of Truth.  Truth defines man's basic problem as that of having a sinful nature, a spiritual problem which can only be dealth with by the Spirit of Christ.  When that basic nature is neglected, ignored, and even denied, there is no adequate source for remedy. 

 

Man is internally plagued by a sin-sick soul, and Jesus Christ is the only sufficient remedy.  He alone is the Great Physician who can heal the sin-sick soul of man.  Psychology essentially teaches that man needs to love himself more, he needs more self-esteem.  Truth teaches that man is full of himself, he has too much self-esteem; he needs to humble himself, deny himself, and recognize himself as lost in sin, undone and under the sentence of death.  Until he recognizes his sin, and turns to Christ as the healer of his sin-sick soul, he will continue to stagger like a drunkard, full of himself and the philosophies of the world. 

THE SWORD

Psalm 52:1-4

Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually. The tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.


As a minister of the gospel I often find myself being chastised by those within the church and the world.  Over and over again however, God has confirmed my stand as biblical.  Here we have David, a man of God, "after God's own heart," speaking out against Saul's right hand man.  Doeg is guilty of handling Saul's dirty work, murdering and assaulting those who oppose him; those he has defined as his enemies.  Oh yes, like some today, Saul has an enemies list. 

Doeg is a government leader in Saul's administration and is guilty of crimes against David and society.  David does not mince his words in speaking about Doeg.  He is one who boast of himself, his tongue is one of mischief, full of lying and deceit.  He loves evil rather than what is good.  He is full of lies and deceitfulness -- and in his wickedness, he loves it.

You can find it in the word of God my friends.  Yes indeed, "there is nothing new under the sun," as the preacher rightly proclaimed.  Here in Psalm 52 we have an excellent parallel to what is happeing in the government of our nation.  The king, one Barack Obama, and his mighty men are corrupt to the core, spreading their corruption throughout the government and opposing their enemies.  Read on verses 5-7 and you will see that David goes on to pronounce judgment upon those who practice and participate in such wickedness.

THE SWORD
2 Chronicles 18:6-7,17,26

 

^"But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him? And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil...."

And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil.........

And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace."

 

 

Much of the same spirit is prevalent among the professing church spectrum today.  The false prophets and preachers are many, the man of God is a minority among so many professing to know God today.  He often finds himself having to stand alone, yet He knows God is with him and stands upon the word when it declares, "if God be for me, who can be against me."  The king and his yes men would rather choose to listen to false prophets and die, than listen to the man of God and live.  What was their attitude when the man of God confronted them with the truth?  They hated him, despised him, turned on him, and threw him in jail.  Lying spirits have infected much of the church, even standing in many pulpits across America.  The true men of God are scoffed at, ridiculed, and referred to as judgmental, harsh, non-loving, irrelevant, and out of touch.  Like the great apostle Paul, they have become the scourge of the earth to a people who would rather listen to lies than the truth.  They detest the man of God who loves them and is determined to obey God by proclaiming "what thus says the Lord."  The result is death, the judgment of God, and the negative consequences of opting for a false message rather than the true word of God. 

 

THE SWORD

Romans 13:1

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."

 

Many in Christedom today fail to understand there is a vast difference between being subject to government and the speaking out against unrighteousness (which we are called to do), regardless from whence it may come.  Consider this scenerio!  You are aware that your neighbor is kidnapping and killing infant babies, and you refuse to contact the authorities to inform them; you simply choose to remain silent and mind your own business.  What kind of a Christian would do such a thing?  Would it be an act of love to remain silent?  At the same time, you would not kick down your neighbors door and kill him because you know what he's doing (you would then be guilty of a crime).  Let's now turn to the government.  Why is it that we think it's somehow different when we remain silent about the government's sanctioning, promotion, and financing the the wholesale slaughter of babies via abortion?  Simply because it is the government, are we are to remain silent because we are commanded to be subject to them.? Being subject to government does not mean we must agree with everything it does and remain silent about it.  The Bible clearly indicates that we are to denounce and expose wickedness.  On the same token; as a Christian I have not been called to start an insurrection against the government, and take it upon myself to murder government officials because they are violating God's law.  Peter and John refused to remain silent when they were advised to speak no more in the name of Christ.  John the Baptist lost his head for not remaining silent about the adulterous sin of Herod.  David was rebuked by Nathan the prophet for adultery and murder.  Ahab and Jezebel were denounced by Elijah, who called for a showdown against the prophets of Baal, of whom Ahab and Jezebel worshipped.  Saul was rebuked by Samuel for his blantant disobedience and rebellion against God. To remain silent on certain issues is a sin within itself!  There is far too much misunderstanding and wrangling of Scripture among God's people today.

THE SWORD

 Samuel 15:10-11; 22-23

 

Then came the word of the Lord unto Samuel, saying, It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all night.

 

And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

 

I recently concluded a personal study in Samuel.  If Samuel were a modern day preacher, in most circles he would be deemed judgmental, inconsiderate, mean spirited, hateful, bigotted, and even condemnatory.  Here was the man of God, the prophet of God speaking too and rebuking Saul (God's anointed king), imagine that.  He dares to advise Saul that he has become a "foolish man," points out his specific sins, and proclaims God's judgment.  Just who does this Samuel think he is?  Doesn't he understand God's word forbids him from such hate speech (sarcasm of course), not to mention speaking in regards to a government official (the king).  Samuel had received his instructions from God, not from the various religious philosophies, false teachings, and theories abounding in the world and the church.  What went on behind the scenes with Samuel was not seen by the populace and those who heard, rejected, and received his message.  They did not see the tears he shed on his face before God in private.  They did not see the grief and suffering he bore within, due to the sins of Saul and the people's rebellion.  They did not seek the sleepness nights he had because of the message of God which churned  and burned within his belly.  They did not understand that God does not always provide the man of God with a soft-spoken message;  and so it is with many today.  Many are quick to pronounce judgment on preachers who dare to proclaim "the whole counsel of God."  They fail to see the tears a preacher may shed on his face before God because of what God has shown him.  They do not see the suffering and anguish within the preacher who grieves over what he sees sin accomplishing in individuals, nations, and oh yes, even the church. They fail to understand the man of God is under compulsion to proclaim what God shows him, and commands of him.  No preacher enjoys being maligned and misunderstood because he has determined to obey God, no matter what the cost may be.  Saul could have taken off Samuel's head, and Samuel knew it.  But Samuel, like any true man of God was here to appease only One, and that was the Lord his God.

The Sword

1 Samuel 13:13

"And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever."

 

Wow, who does this man Samuel think he is?  Does he not understand he is speaking against "the Lord's anointed king?"  What is wrong with Samuel, does he not know he is forbidden to speak out against God's government?  Of course, I'm being sarcastic with these questions, yet this is the mentality of many, if not most in the professing church today.  Many have somehow bought into the lie that government and its elected officials are off limits when it comes to the church speaking out against sin and disobedience.  Saul, the king of Israel was violationg the word of God, he had sinned against God, and he had sinned against the people of whom God put him in charge of.  Samuel, the prophet, the man of God loved Saul, and yet did not hesitate to proclaim, "you have done foolishly."  Yes Saul, "you have not kept the commands of God."  If Samuel, the man of God was permitted to point out the sins of Israel, why is the man of God in America or anywhere else in the world not permitted to speak today without being accused of being hateful, judgmental, and in violation of the word of God?  This is the foolish thinking of many in the church, and they, like Saul, act foolish when they forbid the true men of God to speak out and proclaim "what thus says the word of God."  They have no idea what they are talking about, because they have simply not spent enough time in God's word to know what it truly says.  All they know is how to quote a Scripture here and there (often out of context), and are ignorant of the character of God.  Samuel was not the only prophet, not the only man of God to speak out against those in charge of government.  Nathah the prophet spoke out against David when he sinned, Elijah spoke out against Ahab and 
Jezebel.  Jeremiah, the man of God spoke out against king Zedekiah and the entire nation for their sins, and pronounced judgment upon them.  God still calls men of God to speak out against sin in all elements of society, in marriage, in the church, and yes, in the government.  No one is exempt from the chastisment and warnings of God's word.   

THE 1010 TRUMPET

Jude 3-4

 

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ."

 

 

Please notice the word "ONCE" as used by Jude in this critical text of Scripture.  The "FAITH" was "ONCE" (and for all) delivered.  Herein lies the danger of those who declare that revelatory gifts are still in existence among God's people today.  These revelatory gifts were given unto men for the precise purpose of revealing and delivering "the faith ONCE delivered to the saints."  Those who would espouse the revelatory gifts as being active and in use today by men gifted of God, would suggest that revelation is still being given, that "ONCE" was not sufficient, and that God has not finished delivering the "ONCE" delivered.  John gives stern warning in Revelation that those who dare to add too, or take away from that which was "ONCE" delivered, are walking on dangerous ground.  I made a decision many years ago to reject doctrines and gifts which dared to promote "NEW REVELATION" as an improvement to that which was "ONCE DELIVERED."  Many are guilty by ignorance, and fortunately God knows the heart.  Many are guilty via a spirit of greed and avarice; of whom God will not look lightly upon in the judgment. 

 

YIELDING THE SWORD

Matthew 28:19-20

 

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

 

 

Salvation is the most important message regarding the word of God. Yes, it's of necessity that we focus upon the purpose of reaching men and women with this all important message.  Salvation is indeed the heart of the gospel!.  However, we make a serious mistake in the church when we stop with verse nineteen and refuse to do the remainder of what Jesus commands us here in verse twenty.  He states that we are to also be "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you."  This command would include "the whole counsel of God," the entirety of God's word from Genesis to Revelation.  The demand of obedience is as important as the demand for repentance.  Much of the modern day church in America is guilty on focusing upon God's forgiveness in salvation, while rejecting, negating, and simply ignoring the demand for obedience.  If you have truly been saved, there should be some evidence in your life via acts of obedience.